iMSN Dressing Room aka What NOT To Wear

[planet]

Any more advice to offer?

Vishenka,
Are you still offering shopping diva services? I could use some help. I’ve decided to take the kids to some plays and a ballet in December. The problem is that I have a great outdoor wardrobe and a few super fancy dresses, but nothing in between. I’m dreaming of something cheap, feminine, cheap, versatile, cheap, and a bit grown up. If you’re willing to give it a shot I can give you some physical parameters.

I’m sick and have plenty of time to go online and look at clothes right now.
Janet

[Vishenka69]

Janet, of course my services are still available. Every retailer in the country is having great sales right now. I'm sure we'll be able to find you something in no time.

[Meenah]

This is fun!!! I have been on a diet since Labor Day, my BP was high and cholesterol even higher. I was wearing a size 14 jeans, but went shopping with my daughter last week and bought a "10"!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I was really happy and I feel better. I need to get tops that aren't like t-shirts. I wear scrubs to work so that is no problem, just tie them tighter, but I have nothing that is even halfway dressy.
Luanne

[Vishenka69]

Luanne, you should definitely show off the new slimmer you! Here are some ideas that can be either dressed up or down (working double duty and saving $$$).

These are from the sale section of Ann Taylor Loft:

Luanne, that is awesome! Definitely something to celebrate with some new stuff!

[Vishenka69]

Sorry, but the stupid AT pics are not posting again (they can be copied and pasted into another browser window though).

Here are some bottom suggestions. These can easily be dressed down with a sweater or twin set or dressed up with some lacy/sequened number. While dresses instantly make an outfit, separates are more multi-functioned and can be recycled easier.




Both are from http://www.SmartBargains.com

[planet]

What to work with

Vishenka,

See, I never even heard of smartbargains.com! I am thumbing through in another window now.

My mil will be buying me the clothes, but I have learned to ask for a receipt in case the clothes don’t fit because of how she works. If I ask her to go and find a pair of black pants she will call me and say, “I saw the black pants, but I found this fuchsia skirt that would look fantastic on you. I put it in the mail today.” As long as I have a receipt I can just go exchange for the pants. So – that means looking for stores with many options.

Now, mil offered to buy me the clothes when she saw me still wearing the same jeans I had when I started dating her son. Eeek. I’m short, wear size 0-2 depending on maker. I prefer muted earth tones, but have gotten any compliments when wearing bright colors. Any suggestions on where to look and what to get for nice day wear. Also what about things to make daily jeans wear more feminine and/or sophisticated looking.

Hey, pretty nice of you to do.

[planet]

One more thing

I should add that the biggest mistake I would make is to buy something that I can only wear one way. I need a couple of items that can be dressed up or down. No clue as to whether it is better to go with tops or bottoms or both for that.

[Vishenka69]

Janet, ultimately every single piece of clothing or accessory in your closet should be versatile. As you're learning how to do this, start with neutral colors that can be paired with anything and look either relaxed or sophisticated depending on the occassion. Black is great for this purpose, but you can also do chocolate brown, navy, burgundy or even ivory.

Next find stores that carry petite sizes and stick to those. It will make your life easier by eliminating the need for alterations. I like JCrew and Banana Republic for modern more hip clothes (and jeans) and Ann Taylor (and Loft) for work clothes. But there are tons of other designers who have petite collection that are available through your local department store. Many online retailers such as http://www.Bluefly.com or http://www.SmartBargains.com have search features that allow you to look only at petite selections.

To make jeans more sophisticated looking, wear them with boots or shoes that have a bit of a heel, add a belt and a form fitting sweater on top and you're done. Also look into getting jeans with a bit of stretch (these have 2% spandex). That way, you may even be able to go a size smaller and they'll be more form fitting and comfortable to wear throughout the day.

For basic daily wear, you can hit any local store. Try on some colored tops and once you find a style that's most flattering, get a few in different colors. A bright color will instantly transform a drab t-shirt or sweater into a stylish piece. A great color that look flattering on you will often mask the fact that you bought that t-shirt/sweater at Old Navy or Target because all the attention will be on the color and not the seams. Another thing to remember is to stay away from busy patterns. A thin pin stripe or some argyle is great, but anything larger will overwhelm your small frame.

[Vishenka69]

Here are some more budget ideas for versatile outfits.

Currently on sale in Target:

[Vishenka69]

And to take these outfits from office to party, are some accessories from BR:

[planet]

Details

Okay, so let's say I have a black turtleneck and jeans. It's NE winter. Would you invest in nice boots, a nice sweater, a fashionable underjacket (I don't know if there's a name for it), or a noticeable belt (or some combination or something else) to complete a look with minimal shopping?

Light brown cords...what kind of warm, feminine, pretty top would go well?

Thanks soooooo much.

(jewelry is just not in my future)

[Meenah]

This is such a cool thread!!!

[Vishenka69]

What about a funkier kind of warm and practical boots and a colorful v-neck or cardigan? For boots, it makes sense to invest into quality that will eventually last for years and be cheaper than buying a new pair every winter. That said I'd limit the budget to about $200 (these should last at least 4-5 years with proper care).

From JCrew:

[Vishenka69]

For those of you who have rather severe budget constrains, here are some bargain options.

Old Navy, these are only $19.50:



Gap:
This is technically a scarf but would look great as a $5 belt.