iMSN Dressing Room aka What NOT To Wear

[Vishenka69]

Ok, girls (and guys) tell me your woes and I'll try to help. My services include:

-recommending designs for your body type (and color for your complection)
-recommending specific outfits/accessories based on event & budget
-giving general advice on where/how to shop
-giving general advice on wardrobe building

I promise to try my best to come out to Cincinnati and take you all shopping.

[spotty_dog]

Re: iMSN Dressing Room aka What NOT To Wear

Man, I'm so clueless I don't even know where to begin. Let me think about this for a few.

Okay, can I start by being really vague? I basically need to replace/upgrade my entire wardrobe. For reasons varying from the garments being 4 sizes too big, or falling apart, or stained, or just plain scrubby and ill fitting. I also own no shoes. My "work shoes" are Land's End mocs that I bought online on clearance.

Now, as I mentioned before I'm feeling extraordinarily cheap. The upcoming holidays don't help with that. But the real reason I'm not doing anything about this woeful situation is that the expense and hassle of buying an ENTIRE wardrobe is overwhelming. So my question to you is: where would you start? What are an essential few garments, and how can I stretch my dollar so that it's A) not so intimidating and B) possible to really make a change on a moderately limited budget?

Sorry, I know I'm a challenge.

(I should point out that last Christmas my mom sent me several really cute things, but most of it didn't fit and I returned it all -- and never spent the money to buy new things. So technically I have a few hundred dollars of wardrobe "coming to me".)

I am a member of the cult of WNTW.
I no longer wear round necked sweaters because I am chesty, I wear the tummy tucker long line panties, demi cup bras, wear pants about an inch below my belly button, wear straight or boot cut jeans, tailored shirts, avoid big and baggy and wear slimline stacked heels to give me a bit of height. :football:

[rainbabies]

ohhhhh...I LOVE WHAT NOT TO WEAR!!! Every Friday night my hubby just groans and says "do we have to watch this!" Of course!!!!
Okay, my delima. I have had three babies in 2.5 years. I have been wearing maternity clothes FOREVER!!!I did invest in a pair of jeans that work great for my body type (do I really even have a body type anymore!?) I learned what to buy from watching WNTW. Okay.... I have one pair of jeans and several long sleve tops. I cant wear anything to terribly nice...spit up, poop, dog hair....any type of food or stains seem to find their way to my shirt. Im curvy but not terribly overweight. I am working on it though! I found an outfit online that I really like from Lane Bryant that I would love to purchase. I need something to wear to an interview dinner with my husband.(let me add that im super excited because this is like a date to us. My mom is flying in to babysit the kids overnight!!!!!! ) Im just not sure about a jean material. I'll put the links in and maybe you can give me your thoughts. Or better yet...maybe you can just meet me in Baltimore and take me shopping!!
http://lanebryant.charmingshoppes.com/s ... LOFIT00577
http://lanebryant.charmingshoppes.com/s ... LOFIT00575
http://lanebryant.charmingshoppes.com/s ... LOFIT00572
Any input is greatly appreciated! Thanks

[Vishenka69]

Ok, first everyone take a deep breath. It is possible to look good without spending too much. If you live in (or near) a big city, check out if there's one of these stores nearby (all national chains) - http://www.loehmanns.com, http://www.daffys.com, Filene's Basement. Also, outlets have to become your best friends. Find the nearest location of an outlet mall and engrave into memory. Third, if you have a favorite store (VS, AT, etc.) sign up for their email updates, you'll be receiving great coupon offers that are good both in store and online.

Now, for the specific questions.
Alison, I need to know a little more specifically if you need work or play clothes, what kind of office you work at, any color/material/heel preferences you have. The more specific you can be about anything, the better.


Mom2three, I like the 2nd and 3rd outfits better. 3rd would work best for a pear shape and 2nd for an hourglass. Are these the outfits you're thinking of for an interview dinner? They're great for a trip to the mall or the movies but I would dress up more for an interview dinner.[/url]

Can I just say that Loehmens is FANTASTIC!? I got some Harve Bernard wool trousers there for around $30, and an Oleg Cassini Jackie O style suit dress for like $40. You can also tell who the moms are there because its a communal dressing room and the mommies just whip it all off LOL.

Also I have found some really nice stuff at Goodwill and SA in the wealthier parts of town...a Guess jeans jacket for $15, almost new, and Express jeans that fit like a glove for $9, also almost new. Steinmart has decent deals too.

[Vishenka69]

Tracy, great job with those bargains! DH often jokes that the cashiers in Loehmann's see me more than he does.

For those unlucky souls who don't have Loehmann's nearby check out http://www.SmartBargains.com. Although the actual store does have better deals and more selection.

[rainbabies]

Allison, I got a beautiful fine guage cableknit v neck sweater in turqoise at Target for like $12. It fits fine under a blazer. I usually wear it with a pair of brown Old Navy streach dress pants and brown stacked heels.

http://www.target.com/gp/detail.html/re ... B0009N4OEG

Gah, I wish they had the 3/4 sleeve ones when I was there. That sleeve is great if you have bigger upper arms because it shows more skin and detracts from the bulk.

http://www.oldnavy.com/browse/product.d ... =315533012

http://www4.jcpenney.com/jcp/Products.a ... eptID=9452


http://www4.jcpenney.com/jcp/Products.a ... eptID=9452

[Vishenka69]

Alison,

First I'd invest into several pairs of nice and fitting wool pants and a skirt or two in neutral colors (black, chocolate brown, pinstripe, navy, camel, etc.). Any color that will easily be paired with many others. Dark colors with bright tops will also be great in the evening or for a dressier occassion. Then two fitted button downs and several cardigans and v-necks. Also a cute tweed blazer can be worn with jeans/chinos or wool pants. Any clothes that fit well will show off your figure.

Here are some suggestions from J.Crew sale page:

[Vishenka69]

For boots, how about something like this?

[Vishenka69]

Mom2three, what size are you? Can you do 12/14 in places like Ann Taylor?

Here are some dinner suggestions:





I'm not sure why the pictures don't post but if you copy and paste the URL into another window, it'll work.

oooh, where are those ribbon trimmed shoes from!

[DCJenn]

You know what I need-

a workout wardrobe that can take me from cold to hot and back again (you know, as a fellow citygirl that the public transportation world is not exactly the place to shine but I hate looking hideous)

I teach exercise classes 4 days a week- now they're outside but we'll be moving inside shortly- but I'll still be commuting via bus and Metro.

I'm actually wearing sweatpants today. In public. God help me, I hate, hate, hate looking frumpy in public. Not that I need to do my hair- (I have a lovely collection of various kinds of hats to exercise in ) but I do try to not look like I stepped out of a Jane Fonda class from 1984.

I need pants, shirts, bras, socks, and a vest. I have purchased stuff from Title 9 and also from Terry, but it's not an inexpensive prospect. (my income from this adventure does not justify 150 dollars exercise pants. Any suggestions? Loehmans and Filenes have either Jucy couture type ensembles that one does not actually expect to work up a sweat while wearing, or they have the ugliest crap that will fall apart even in a gentle wash.

So, there you go- all suggestions are welcome.

Jenn

[Vishenka69]

Tracy, the shoes are from J.Crew and these come in a number of variations.

Jenn, what about Polo or DKNY activewear (in Loehmann's & Filene's)? Their pieces seem more practical and durable without looking glitzy or frumpy. They're usually with other Ralph Lauren/DKNY merchandise, not in the activewear section. I think in this weather a fitted fleece ansemble (jacket&pants) in a kick-ass color will look very stylish and keep you warm. For underneath tops and bottoms that are labeled "yoga" are great for holding shape and yet being stretchable and breathable. They can also be rolled in a ball and stuffed in a pocket.

Another option is Old Navy/Gap/Target or if you have time to go to the outlets, Nike, Addidas, Reebok, etc.

From Old Navy sale section: