We need a fashion forum

[Amiens]

I saw the guy from clean sweep last night on Oprah...didn't watch the whole show, but I heard him say that we wear 20% of our clothes 80% of the time. He had a tip: hang all garments in the same direction and then after removing and wearing, when it's time to put them back in the closet, you hang it in the opposite direction, if after a few months there are items that haven't been touched, then get rid of them.

Obviously if I did this I'd have nothing but maternity clothes!

I saw this too, and I am going to do the same thing in our home, specifically the kitchen and our toy room. Clothes he said after 6 months, and definitely any thing that has been hanging up for a year should be donated.

Did you see the thing where he said to empty your drawers, and place all utensils in a box, and after one month what is remaining in the box can be given away or thrown out?

[SuzySunshine]

I saw the guy from clean sweep last night on Oprah...didn't watch the whole show, but I heard him say that we wear 20% of our clothes 80% of the time. He had a tip: hang all garments in the same direction and then after removing and wearing, when it's time to put them back in the closet, you hang it in the opposite direction, if after a few months there are items that haven't been touched, then get rid of them.

Obviously if I did this I'd have nothing but maternity clothes!

I SO need to do this - my closest is bursting at the seams and I bet I haven't worn 1/2 of it in the last year! Good idea!

Since my immediate area is limited and I have to drive into Columbus, I do a lot of online shopping. I have been loving J Marco and Soft Surroundings. Not anything really frou frou, just comfy and easy to run around town in. I also love Modern Soul line from QVC.

I have a hard time finding my size and usually end up having to shop at what DH calls the teeny bopper stores. Yes, that was me at Hollister yesterday shopping with all the 14 year olds.

Sounds like you need smaller sizes? Have you looked at Anthropologie? They have a lot more on-line than in the catalog. They carry a good range as does American Apparel.

Nordstrom- you *always* find something there and it *always* just happens to fit perfectly! I am very, very weak in Nordstrom (the kids department is great, too!)

J.Crew- LOVE their style. I was drooling over the spring catalog the other night. I would say that I am dressed in some kind of jeans/khakis/shirt combo from J.Crew most of the time with either my flip-flops, Keens, or ballet flats (if I want to look fancy!)

REI- love their shirts.

Anthropologie- I adore nearly everything in their store. I just don't have the $$ yet to support that kind of shopping.

Can I just mention that I wore a "fancy" sweater and velvet skirt to church this weekend and my 3.5yo DD's face lit up like fireworks when she saw me. She has been on my case for me to dress more "fancy." She said "WWWWWWOW, Mommy! You look beautiful!" It made me feel really bummed, though - I guess she doesn't think I look too hot in my jeans and tshirts.

[Vishenka69]

I have to do business casual for work, but on weekends I'm usually in jeans. My most favorite store is Bloomingdales. I can never leave empty handed. Although currently I'm limited to going a few times a year during the 15% on top of the 40% off sales. I also regularly stop by JCrew, Anthropologie and Loehmanns (they're nearby and easy to pop in and see if anything interesting is on sale). I recently discovered that occassionally Anthropologie will have a 40% off the sale price and then I pounce.

I also do a lot of off-seasonal shopping. A few weeks ago I got some capris and a summer dress at JCrew ($30 for both). I generally dress up, and unless it's 6am on a Saturday and I'm driving DH to work, I also have make up and jewerly on. But I think most have an idea of my style from the articles (I do follow my own advice).

And I would love a Fashion Forum. Oh, and when we're finally rolling in dough, I'll be doing a national make-over tour.

[Rapunzel]

Oh, Anthropologie sales and clearance are GREAT! I bought a coat there a couple of years ago 50% off (putting it just at the high end of my price range) and I get SO many compliments on it now. It's also very warm and soft - like wearing a stylish blankie! VERY good buy. I swear I was talking to Glenn Close in Boston on our trip (or she has a doppleganger - gorgeous skin - with a very nice assistant!) and the way we started talking is she complimented this coat. It's an awesome piece of clothing.

[Rapunzel]

For cords and jeans - Old Navy all the way. Their chocolate brown cords from this last season and some of their tall, low slung, bootcut jeans were great (and cheap!). I buy yoga pants there as well.

T-shirts - J.Crew

Nicer casual clothes and church stuff - Ann Taylor Loft, Ann Taylor

Wardrobe staples - Banana Republic, The Limited, J.Crew

Great stylish items (to punch things up) - Anthropologie, Eli Tahari

Not a fan of the Gap (their clothes seem to be poorly made and ill-fitting on me).

My Boston hairstylist (who moved to Australia last year ) is from Scotland (her uncle started the Rusk hair styling line and she was REALLY good - an artist with hair!) and she told me that I dress "European" not like the average American. I *think* it was a compliment....

[Rapunzel]

I found that, as far as maternity clothes go, Eddie Bauer dresses are ideal for that time period when you don't quite fit into your regular clothes but you're really not in maternity clothes yet. I have a bunch of their summer and winter rayon dresses for that purpose (and, if you buy them at their clearance site they are very, very cheap). Their winter dresses go well with boots and the summer ones with sandals.

[Rapunzel]

Oh, and, yes I am a clothing horse.

My vices are vanity and shopping....

[Stella]

My vices are vanity and shopping....

Oh, if we just add wine, then you, Vishenka, and I would make a great trio.

[Momo]

Did you see the thing where he said to empty your drawers, and place all utensils in a box, and after one month what is remaining in the box can be given away or thrown out?

I am sooo doing this!

I love the sale rack at Anthropologie. I found my favorite pair of dress pants there. They fit perfectly, even the hem length.

I've checked back there and on-line and can't find the brand anymore -- nanna & gracie. By any chance have you fashion mavens come across that line somewhere else?

[Momo]

I love nanna & gracie

I have something in my clothes collection from that lable...I purchased it when i used to be a Mgr for a store called Jacobsons(no longer exists)
was it nanna or hanna?

You know, I checked the label a minute ago and it is hard to tell. The first "n" has a slightly taller line on it but it doesn't stand out as an "h".