Post # 1
Member
331 posts
Helper bee
Hello Lovelies,
So I’ve worked in corporate offices since I began working when I was 17. And over the years I’ve had a good sense of style if I say so myself but lately I feel as if that’s gone down hill. With wedding planning and the hecticness of getting our lives in order I seem to have lowered my standards for attire. I haven’t cared as much regarding what I wear. It seems like all I ever wear are leggings and jeans on occasion. My everyday attire consists of leggings, boots and a baggy sweater or long sleeved shirt with a scarf. Being a US size 18-20 I do deal with body issues and I’ve been working really hard to come to terms with it. but the more I think about it the more I realize that I just tend to hide in clothes. TBH I feel like I’ve let myself go. I still get up everyday and do my hair and makeup, but normally my hair just stays straight and my makeup has become alot more simple than I used to do it. I don’t care how I look even though I know I should, so it’s time to kick my ass into gear. I touched on this topic in an older post of mine but I’d really love to discuss it again. I’d really love to know how you handle or have over come your body issues and where you love to shop. I’d love to go shopping this weekend and revamp my wardrobe but since me and my Fiance are paying for the majority of the wedding dropping $100-200 on clothes right now just isnt possible. I’d also love to know where you get great deals. Call me cheap but dropping $30 or more on a single shirt is crazy to me. Any advice is welcome!!!
Post # 2
Member
964 posts
Busy bee
I recently relocated from South Florida to NYC, so a major climate shift. My old office was really casual, and I wore jeans everyday. My new office is a more conservative environment in Manhattan, so I really had to upgrade.
If you’ve never used ThredUp, the online resale store, I really, really recommend it. I pretty much replaced my whole wardrobe when we moved, and it saved me a fortune. I also love New York & Company. They run sales constantly and I can get whole suits for like $75 if I time it right.
Post # 3
Member
331 posts
Helper bee
raliel : wow! congrats on the new job, hope you’re loving it. Looking into Threadup now and will look into new york and company. thanks so much!!!
Post # 4
Member
1939 posts
Buzzing bee
When budget is tight I shop from Asos as they have so many cheaper brands nicely curated, order and return is easy.
Now, if money were no object two of the most stylish brands for work clothes that aren’t strict (and it sounds like you don’t need to wear suits exactly):
Pleats Please / Issey Miyake
Eskandar
You can just look at the brands and if you like that style search for cheap versions elsewhere (like Asos).
Post # 5
Member
331 posts
Helper bee
annelise210516 : i’ve never shopped at asos but I’ll get it a try. i have seen they’re clothes before and they were really cute. thank you!
Post # 6
Member
480 posts
Helper bee
I normally shop at thrift stores, go through every rack and look out for hidden gems. For items like work pants I do get them from express, but tops and jeans are almost all from Godwill. If thrifting isn’t your thing I would slowly purchase staple items of good quality that will last.
Post # 7
Member
331 posts
Helper bee
lostinparadise : i totally love shopping at thrift stores, love all the cool stuff you can find. I sometimes lack patience but it’s worth it. lately though i havent been finding that much stuff. i’ll stop by some this weekend and see what i can find. thank you!
Post # 8
Member
2315 posts
Buzzing bee
Before you go on a shopping spree take an honest look at your current wardrobe. Is everything in good shape? Does it all fit well? If so, I would look up capsule wardrobes on pinterest. They have many combos of great pieces that make up the foundation of your wardrobe. I often find that my old jeans and t’s just need to be combined in a new way, add a new accessory, or blazer to freshen it up, and BOOM! Done! also a new hair cut will work wonders too.
Post # 9
Member
331 posts
Helper bee
Lokie85 : I guess i could go through it this weekend. lol it’s a mess and i have a ton of clothes that i dont wear. i’ll do that friday before shopping to see if i have anything good and if not ill get rid of it. time to declutter!!! thanks!
Post # 10
Hostess
4829 posts
Honey bee
Lokie85 : I agree that a really well tailored blazer can make all the difference!
For work clothes, I almost always go to Lord and Taylor. They can be pricey, but if you catch a good sale, you can get high quality items reasonably that last years. About body issues – wearing clothes that fit properly are definitely more flattering than drowning in big clothes. Structured pieces may help you appreciate your body more 🙂
Post # 11
Member
198 posts
Blushing bee
Have you ever tried using Poshmark? It is a resale site where you can filter by brand, size, etc so once you know of a brand or item that you like you can search for clothes at a really good price. I’m like you too, I hate to spend more than $20 on a shirt, but have found great deals that would have been much more in store. It’s also a good site to use if you are looking to sell some of your old clothing if you like.
Post # 12
Member
3131 posts
Sugar bee
General January sales advice.
If you normally spend $30 on a shirt don’t buy the shirt in the sales for $15. Instead buy a $60 dollar shirt in the sales for $30.
This way you spend a normal amount of money on a shirt that is usually twice the price that will last three times as long and give you four times the pleasure.
General advice
You need one or two really good outfits but you might have to pay a little bit more for them. You can vary things with accessories – jewellery, belts, bags. Different jumpers, jackets and cardigans also help. And boots. Autumn and winter fashion = leather boots.
Specific advice
If you don’t like your body shape avoid belts, wear the same colour top and bottom (elongates your shape) and wear pretty earrings and necklaces. Flaunt something. Neck, elbow, ears, knees. You want to flatter but draw the line at disguise. You also need to express your own personality. So how about a black dress with black boots (small heel), brightly coloured cardigan or jacket, brightly coloured scarf tastefully tied around your neck, dangly earrings.
Post # 13
Member
2315 posts
Buzzing bee
I second missinthecity suggestion on making sure your clothes are fit properly. Find a good taylor that has good prices and take the time to get your clothes fitted correcly. I like to shop at the outlets and then spend the extra $8-15 I saved to get the clothes fit to my body….it makes all the difference in the world.
I also second
compassrose suggestion about Poshmark. It’s amazing what you find when you clean out your closet and I always list items I think others would enjoy up there. It is a great way to make some cash on things you do not need to hold on to. I havent done much buying from Poshmark, I have to try things on but every now and then I do find something I like and have had good experiencces.
I Find great deals at JCP and recently I found Dress Barn has some stylish outfits!