iMSN Dressing Room aka What NOT To Wear

[DCJenn]

Thanks!

I can't get online with Old Navy because they don't support the Apple Safari program. But, I think I'll head over to my friends this weekend and use her PC.

It's pathetic how fast I go through my exercise stuff these days- I'm constantly doing laundry. This weekend I'm GOING to go get some new pants. There are outlets near my parents so I'll head over there next week. Of course, usually outlet shopping requires that I drink a beer in the parking lot before facing the masses. It's when I do my "I'm NEVER going to drive an SUV, live in the 'burbs, eat at Chili's (et al) dance.

I promise I will be brave and I'll post what I get. Thanks for the inspiration!

Jenn

[rainbabies]

[Vishenka69]

Mom2three, it's a nice outfit but not for a 28 year-old. After having 3 kids in such a short span of time, size 16 is nothing to be embarassed about.

Here are some suggestions from http://www.SmartBargains.com in your size.





OR

Over a black or neutral colored shell and skinny black pants for a bit more festive look.

[Vishenka69]

I'm not in the fashion business, I'm just a professional shopper.
I have European background, so I was brought up to think that no self-respecting woman goes down to get the mail or take out the trash without make-up and heels. I had to abide by this while living with my parents but now just try to do when visiting. My mom would kill me if she saw how I look when shopping for groceries on a Sunday morning. I wear lipstick for special occassions and mom.

I also wanted to mention for all those shopping for interview clothes for DH, Brooks Brothers Outlets will be having a sale next weekend. I highly recommend trying to stop by at some point between Thanksgiving and end of January. Their suits can be snatched at 2 for $500 along with $20 shirts.

[PrincessFiona]

Can I get any of this at WalMart?

hahaha...just kidding guys!

This is a great thread!

kris

Funny that you mention that...WallyWorld is setting up a more trendy line of clothes. :!

[Sheherezade]

Ann Taylor and Ann Taylor Loft are great for size 12 stuff. I should know!! I've found my own fashion mecca. I usually shy away from fashionista stuff because I can only squeeeeeze into a 10. (And it always looks great to squeeze into something anyway, doesn't it? ) For those of us with a more "mommy" body, Ann Taylor rocks.

I love Title 9!! There is a retail store here and I could do some serious damage there.

I used to by most of my suits at Ann Taylor, I really liked how their clothes fit too. I haven't been to Ann Taylor Loft in a few years but they had nice stuff there. I'll have to find one here.

I need wardrobe help too for the department party coming up. I'm trying to figure out how to describe my questions.

I think I am going to wear the same pants as last year -- simple tuxedo pants with a velvet stripe down the side. Last year, I wore a 3/4 length mulberry color cashmere cardigan over a black camisole. This year, I think I am going to wear a short sleeve gunmetal grey cardigan (silk?) that has a bead flower design on one side and jewely buttons, sort of a retro look. Short sleeves ok in the winter? Over a black camisole? Over a lavender crinkle camisole?

So...what shoes? The pants are hemmed for about a 2" heel, I think. Should I go with the lavender camisole (brings out that shade a bit in the grey)?

Or completely scrap the pants and buy a skirt to go with the grey sweater. Which means I have to find a skirt and am still stumped on the shoes.

Thanks in advance for suggestions.

Annie, if you live near a Nordstroms and can wait a month, they have great prices on suits at the men's half yearly sale. I think it starts right after Christmas. DH bought a suit for weddings and interviews at the June sale a few years ago. (I think the same things are on sale at the December sale). Not as good a deal as the Brooks Brother outlet, though.

It's a Zenga suit and when DH wears it, :--- . I wondered at the time if it was mismarked because the price was *amazing*. A tip on the suits, I think the sale suits are what they have in stock at the store and so it's better to go sooner than later. Not like the pants and shirts where you could order on-line or in the store if they are out of his size. Another plus is that the tailors there, IMO, are excellent.

Happy shopping!

[Vishenka69]

Nellie, definitely go with your instinct and wear the lavender camisole. Short sleeves or even spaghetti straps are great any time of the year. You can always bring a shawl (or a fake pashmina) if you think you'll be chilly. Personally, I'd wear the pants and get a new pair of hot shoes (they can make or break an outfit). You have already brought attention to the top and need to keep bottom simple. If your DH will be in a Zegna suit, you'll need to look equally hot. Have you thought about accessories?

As for the shoes, a skinny heel is a must. You can wear any type of black shoes or even boots as long as they have skinny heel. Here are some ideas from http://www.Nordstrom.com if you want to be more adventurous with the shoes.

Thank you, Vishenka! You rock! Honestly, I would have probably gone for the trusty black (habit) but those are beautiful. By going with the pants, I can splurge on shoes, right?

Accessories...hmmm....I'll have to go dig through my closet and report back. I have a necklace and earrings sort of like this but I've had problems with earrings and my ears might have closed. It's like this, silver, but more an antique-y, marchasite look:


And now to take care of my hair. I'm growing it out and look like I'm trying to pass for the 5th Beatle. :disappointed:

[SueC]

I dig the necklace Nellie.
Getting a personal shopper is something I fantasize about. I am not good at pulling a good look together and am in need of professional help. My sister is a natural at looking trendy and pulled together and I always look like a slob next to her.

[Vishenka69]

Nellie, make sure to try on the top and necklace/earrings on before the event. Just in case something will need to be changed. Also depending on how much is going on with your top, you might want to stick to just earrings. If it's in your budget to buy new shoes, I say definitely go for it!

Sue, chances are a lot of what you already have can be paired together in a different way and you don't need to invest in a whole new wardrobe to look great. Let me know if I can help.

I will try on the outfit this weekend to see how it looks. I'm hoping I can get the earrings in my ears. Last year I borrowed shoes from my neighbor and I'm sure I could again...but it would be fun to have a pair like those you suggested. I'll let you know what I decide. Thanks for your help!