Outfit help

[alison]

Stella had some ideas for what to wear to a conference, but I'm thinking I should play it a bit more conservative. This is an academic conference setting (professors, grad students). I hijacked Lily's thread, so I thought I should start my own.

I'm Asian (I have dark hair and a fair complexion). I'm 28. 5'. Not skinny. I have broad shoulders and am somewhat busty for my frame (34B).

[alison]

Thanks, Lily. When I think gray, I think matronly. But if it's dark enough, I think I could swing it. I'm afraid I'm going to sweat like mad (I'm presenting), so I might need something that's layered. I'm sure I'll want to air out.

[Vishenka69]

Lily, great shoes but for a stocky short frame, they'll make legs look like stumps.

Alison, Bloomies has a great petite suit section. I would also encourage you to check out JCrew petites. I think pants are a better option for you than a skirt.

I like this

I know it's a bit on the conservative side but paired with a bright colored shirt and a funky bag will definitely bring it out of the boardroom.

I love those shoes. *drool*

[alison]

Lily, great shoes but for a stocky short frame, they'll make legs look like stumps.

Alison, Bloomies has a great petite suit section. I would also encourage you to check out JCrew petites. I think pants are a better option for you than a skirt.

I like this

I know it's a bit on the conservative side but paired with a bright colored shirt and a funky bag will definitely bring it out of the boardroom.

Love the suit. I need to error on the side of conservative. You're right, I need something that ends right around the waist.

Are you referring to my legs, with the pants rather than skirt comment? Just kidding. You're absolutely right. I need pants.

I like the red shoes. Linea Paolo at Nordy's, right? I will look like Petunia Pig in those.

[alison]

Is the suit JCrew or Bloomingdales?

[Vishenka69]

The suit is from JCrew, if you're going to shorten the pants, get rid of the cuff. A straigt line is more elongating. You'll also find something similar at Bloomies.

I think the general look should be similar to what Boston Legal female team wears. Fun conservative.

[alison]

I will go to JCrew to have a look at the suit. The JCrew here doesn't have petites, so I'd have to order the suit.

Oh man, Bloomingdales. It's so darn big - I don't like digging through all those racks...

[alison]

The price is killing me on that suit, Vishenka. But I don't want to look like I slapped something together. It's wool; is that ok for April? When will it go on sale?

[Vishenka69]

Alison, ask where the petite suit section is and stick to that corner. No need to wander the whole store. And they're having a sale this weekend.

The biggest, most central JCrew (is there one on Michigan Ave) should have petites (call any of the stores and ask to save a trip). They're only available in a few stores in NY too.

[alison]

Alison, ask where the petite suit section is and stick to that corner. No need to wander the whole store. And they're having a sale this weekend.

The biggest, most central JCrew (is there one on Michigan Ave) should have petites (call any of the stores and ask to save a trip). They're only available in a few stores in NY too.

Yeah, I'm a wanderer. If they're having a sale, do I really want to brave the crowds...? I know you're just trying to help!

The JCrew on Michigan Ave. doesn't have petites (the last I checked). We're big girls here, I guess. I'll call around, although when I was at the Michigan store last, they said I'd have to special order.

[Stella]

!!

Have you taken a look at the discount stores like Marshalls, etc.? I got three GREAT suits (totalling $1500 retail!!!) from GREAT brands for only $280. Three suits!!

[Vishenka69]

Alison, Bloomies had a great sale this weekend. Hope you found something. I was thinking of you as I was going through the racks.

Not sure when that suit will go on sale, sorry. You can get 15% off by opening a JCrew card. That's about all I can think of. Is there a Loehmann's in Chicago? They have a pretty good suit section.

[alison]

Hi! I tried on the JCrew suit, but... the stripes were pretty loud. I was surprised because they didn't seem so thick in the pictures I saw online. The cut is good though, so maybe it's just that I need to get used to the stripes... They make me look skinnier, so that was nice. I would just need to order a petite. Bloomingdales is in the same building as Jcrew, but I didn't go. It was too crowded!

[Vishenka69]

Alison, try SNTL code for 10% off at JCrew.com. Hopefully it still works. If you like the cut and feel comfortable in it, deal with the stripes.