Dress me for a vacation.

[niccig]

I hate shopping for clothes. Seriously, it makes me feel like this :banghead: :31: :crying:

In 4 weeks we're going on vacation. 5 days in Columbus, Ohio hanging out with friends and their 3 kids, 4 days in Detroit with Ils, 7 days in Italy for our wedding anniversary/DH's 40th - 3 nights at fancy hotel/restaurant. I need to get some new clothes as I haven't bought anything this summer.

I have:
pair of shorts (dark green, brown)
1 pair cutoffs -denim
2 pairs cargos - brown, beige
1 denim skirt
mish mash of t-shirts and shirts.

I want to make an effort and not be my normal dawdy look. DH is encouraging me to spend what I want, as I normally spend very little on clothes - but at the same time, it has to be reasonable for frugal me.

I'm size 8, pear shaped.

Please PLEASE PLEASE shop for me....

[vludmilla]

How about Boden's summer sale? Nicely made quality clothes at a greatly reduced price. $10 flat rate shipping.
Here are a couple of ideas...
Pretty tank $16
http://www.bodenusa.com/sale/col.asp?styid=WA177&segname=Women&segid=6&gpname=Shirts+%26+Woven+Tops&desname=Pretty+Petal+Top&gpid=28&gen=1&col=WHT

http://www.bodenusa.com/sale/col.asp?segname=Women&styid=WA187&segid=6&gpname=Shirts+%26+Woven+Tops&desname=Embellished+Kaftan&gpid=28&gen=1#img

http://www.bodenusa.com/sale/col.asp?segname=Women&styid=WA184&segid=6&gpname=Shirts+%26+Woven+Tops&desname=Scallop+Applique+Top&gpid=28&gen=1#img

http://www.bodenusa.com/sale/s.asp?segid=6&gpid=23&segname=Women&gpname=Trousers+%26+Jeans&gen=1

They also have cute skirts, dresses, capris, and pants.

Good luck!

[mommyp]

I am similar size, also pear. I really like A-line skirts, if you need something a little dressy. I've had good luck usually with Ann Taylor, or Ann Taylor loft. I was at AT a couple weeks ago and they had a very good sale on as well. Not sure about Loft, haven't been there since DD, but I also need to do some shopping soon and will be giving them a try again. Good luck, I'm sure you will find some things you like, and be comfy in!

[kozachka]

I am similar shape and size, maybe a bit smaller. I would encourage you to buy a pair of really good dark jeans (Classic Rider from Lucky Jeans works for me) and possibly a pair of white jeans as well as nice but comfortable heels. In my opinion shoes can real pull together an outfit.

I look my best in dresses with slightly flared skirts. I also enjoy wearing nicer tops from high-end department stores (Splendid, Three Dots, Lacoste, Vince), which I buy on sale. Also make sure you have good undergarments so that things fit nicely over them. And a pair of nice sunglasses.

At my age and with my lifestyle (casual wear on week-ends only), I prefer to buy fewer items but of better quality. Enjoy your trip and most importantly be sure to have fun. Smile makes any outfit!

[vludmilla]

Another thought...
I think you are going to need some very, very lightweight stuff for the Italian leg of your vacation. Much of Italy is very hot during the summer. I would avoid pants or jeans in Italy except for at night. Also, in the Vatican, Venice, or many other religious sites, it is considered inappropriate to wear shorts when visiting so some lightweight, cool skirts or dresses would be a good idea. If you really don't like skirts, capris would be fine too. I would also select items that can look good if they are slightly wrinkled, nice and pretty but casual too so that you don't spend your vacation ironing (Eww!) or carrying around tons of luggage (more eew).

[CiderLogan]

Wow, that's a long trip!

Personally I tend to avoid shorts unless I'm exercising. They always make me feel underdressed and make my bottom half look too big, plus I feel like my look just screams 'mom.' A casual skirt with a plain, nice t-shirt and some sandals makes me feel SO much more put-together and is no less comfortable and is equally cool for hot days.

I'd pack:
-one pair of wonderful jeans (go to Nordstrom's or a high-end place and have them find one that fits you perfectly) that can be dressed up for night if needed
-a pair of white jeans (can be dressed up or down really easily!)
-several skirts (I have some from Boden, REI, ATL, & Gap that I like)
-one dress or dressy pants outfit
-several nicer t-shirts
-a couple pairs of really comfortable but not-too-casual sandals (I love Merrells and Clarks)

Have fun shopping! Can you find a time to go to the mall and browse without your kids? For me, that's the key to finding well-fitting stuff. :) Oh, and I suggest you tell the salespeople what you're looking for. I used to never do that and now I always do....they can really help me find stuff I may have overlooked in the store.

[MontrealMum]

Sounds like you've got a great trip planned!

I am also pear-shaped and used to be a size 8, and I agree with all the advice you've been given so far; A-line, straight-leg is the way to go. My go-tos stores are: AT, BR, JCrew and Gap, then Nordstrom's for fancier/nicer pieces.

On any given trip I like to pack: jeans, khakis, shorts (weather-dependant), skirt/dress, lots of tees (white is great for mix-and-match and getting out stains!), maybe one "dress" shirt, and either a blazer or twinset-like cardigan. I would also want at least 2 pairs of walking shoes (for switching off when your feet are sore) and sandals. Although I normally chose bright colors/fancy textures, on a trip I would stick to neutrals so that it's all mix-and-match.

From what I remember from my trip to the Vatican in the 80's women are asked to wear skirts/dresses, and maybe cover up a bit on top? So, you'll want a more comfortable skirt/dress option if you go there since it can be lots of walking, than your fancy dinner out option.

I like A-line skirts like this: http://www.anntaylor.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId=14186&N=1200011&pCategoryId=101&categoryId=185&Ns=CATEGORY_SEQ_185&showAll=Y&defaultColorNameFromCategory=Cerise&defaultSizeTypeFromCategory=Misses
and I might pack a dress like this: http://www.anntaylor.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId=16049&N=1200003&pCategoryId=101&categoryId=180&Ns=CATEGORY_SEQ_180&defaultColorNameFromCategory=Ink&defaultSizeTypeFromCategory=Misses

and polos like this: http://www.jcrew.com/AST/Browse/WomenBrowse/Women_Shop_By_Category/knitstees/polos/PRDOVR~93161/93161.jsp

or basic v-necks: http://www.eddiebauer.com/EB/Women/Tees--Knit-Tops/index.cat?viewAll=y#ppl=%7Btype%3A%22transition%22 %2CensembleId%3A%2230093%22%2CformatStr%3A%22produ ct%22%2CpassedIdObj%3A%7B%22ensembleId%22%3A%22300 93%22%7D%2CcategoryId%3A%2293%22%2CpathInfo%3A%22C 1C3C93%22%2CcolorId%3A%22244%22%2CsizeIdSelected%3 A%22-1%22%2CquantitySelected%3A%22-1%22%2CimageName%3A%22EB08IC_0092872_244B1%22%2Cim ageTypeCode%3A%22B%22%2CcatPath%3A%22lineId%3D-1%7E%7EcategoryId%3D3%7E%7EpCategoryId%3D1%7E%7Eca tegoryName%3DEBpCategoryName%3Dnull%7E%7E%22%2Ccs% 3A%220%22%7D
Gap, BR are also good for tees.

Linen tops are good for doing either casual or dressy. I'm linking all the AT shirts because they're all pretty cute http://www.anntaylor.com/catalog/category.jsp?N=1200004&pCategoryId=101&categoryId=183&Ns=CATEGORY_SEQ_183&showAll=Y

I should probably say this for a sweater: http://www.anntaylor.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId=14582&N=1200006&pCategoryId=101&categoryId=181&Ns=CATEGORY_SEQ_181&showAll=Y&defaultColorNameFromCategory=Lemonade&defaultSizeTypeFromCategory=Misses, but I am also drawn to this: http://www.anntaylor.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId=14143&N=1200006&pCategoryId=101&categoryId=181&Ns=CATEGORY_SEQ_181&showAll=Y&defaultColorNameFromCategory=Black&defaultSizeTypeFromCategory=Misses

BR is my favorite store, and I like their "curvy" pants (Jackson cut) and dress shirts.
http://www.bananarepublic.com/browse/product.do?cid=5039&pid=587825&scid=587825032
http://www.bananarepublic.com/browse/product.do?cid=6867&pid=583180&scid=583180002

I also love Lucky Jeans, and BR has some nice wide-leg and flared options too. I'd definitely take your shorts for Italy, and maybe some tanks for the rest of the trip too. They're good under things or alone.

And always bring a swimsuit, umbrella, and Gore-tex!

[niccig]

Ohhh, I like everyone's suggestions. I can only go to the mall without DS for 90 mins between opening time and when I have to leave to get DS from preschool. I've got a few weeks before we leave, and I could go to one store at a time. I think I'm fine for the domestic part of our trip, but last time we were in Italy, everyone was so polished I felt very dowdy. I would like to be a little dressier this time. I'll post back as I have more questions.

[boilermakermom]

check out rei.com fantastic clothes! i love mountain hardwear and prana stuff! the rei brand is great too! rei has fantastic customer service!!! and the clothes hold up!

very comfortable clothes that look super cute! plus alot of it would be good for car rides and for Italy if you are doing alot of walking/sightseeing.

[firsttimemama]

I am about your size. I quit wearing shorts a couple of years ago because I never felt comfortable in them. Basically my entire summer wardrobe (except dresses & jeans) is A line knee length-ish skirts. This looks casual-dressy even if you just wear a nice t-shirt with it. (By nice I mean.. clean, simple - you can get them for $8 at target etc)

I wear capri pants occasionally/rarely.. but I just feel prettier in skirts.