View Full Version : In a complete clothing rut
lmintzer
03-14-2016, 11:44 AM
This will sound more like a entry for the BP than anything else . . . I have twice been to the mall and left without anything for myself. I just can't find anything out there this year that fits and looks good on me. I am short (5'2"), curvy, and wear anywhere between a size 4 and 8. I walked through Nordstrom's Point of View section, Ann Taylor, Loft, the Gap, and Athleta (found one cute dress there--but it was a simple dress and cost $98) and am just hating the tops. They are all loose and billowy. Even the XS looks bad on me. I just don't look good in loose fitting tops. The only exception is a longer, tunic-styled top over skinny (skinnier) jeans or leggings. I like a mix of classic styling and some slightly funkier pieces. Maybe I should try Anthropology?
And pants/shorts/skirts? Pants are impossible. I used to wear Gap years ago, but they tend not to fit anymore. I can often wear Ann Taylor, but they don't have much that is casual enough. I would love to find a really nice fitting pair of jeans, but that's tough too. I have one pair of Lucky's that I now hate--they are all stretched out. I used to love Banana Republic's "urban boot cut" jean--they looked great on me and were comfortable, but they discontinued them a few years ago. The pairs I have are basically falling apart and can't be worn anymore. I've been wearing Loft's "curvy skinny" which are an okay fit, but I fear they might look a little "mom jeans-like" in the back. And honestly, skinny doesn't look all that good on me, because my thighs are not my best feature. They are okay on me with long boots to balance things out, but not so much with flats.
I feel like I keep re-wearing a few cute things, which is fine, but nothing looks new anymore. I need a wardrobe refresher! I have a few Athleta skorts that I pair with more fitted tees (I like embellished or interesting t's--I'm not a plain t-shirt girl). That's a good look. And I have some Banana Republic bermuda length shorts that I wear in the warm weather--not sure how fashionable they look, but they are cooler than pants. I have some cute sundresses from Ann Taylor--their dresses are by the far the best fit I've found (usually their petites). My sandals are old--tried and tried to find new comfy ones the previous years, and pretty much failed. Am wearing two reasonably okay-enough pairs of Eccos but they are far from really fashionable. Everything seems to hurt my feet (I am a 6.5 and not wide but have a spot on the side of one foot that hurts if things press on it). I struggle because many sandals have too prominent arch support which seems to hurt my feet as well. What about cute, stylish canvas sneakers? What is popular?
Ugh. I just need help. And suggestions. I feel like my clothing rut is exaccerbating my life rut. And my house rut. It's a little too complicated that everything needs an overhaul at once!
SnuggleBuggles
03-14-2016, 11:53 AM
This is a tough time of year, if you have seasons. It's easy to be sick of what's in your closet. Before you overhaul things, wait for warmer weather and see how your summer stuff goes. Next fall, the trends could be different and you could find some pieces that are a better match to your style and shape. Do invest in one great pair of sandals though. Set that as your goal vs the whole wardrobe. :)
lovin2shop
03-14-2016, 01:31 PM
I can totally empathize! Unfortunately, I don't have any great suggestions for you. I am also curvy, short and need to lose a few pounds around the middle and thighs. I don't like loose fitting blouses unless they are at least fitted at the top and sleeve. I'm never a fan of a full tuck, but a loose half tuck (front only, draped at back) can help reign in the volume on loose blouses and give the outfit some structure.
The trend that is really awful for me right now is the cuffed jean, and I definitely cannot pull off the new flared crop styles. The last thing that I need is another horizontal line on my body!
Will follow this thread and hopefully we can find some nice options!
candaceb
03-14-2016, 01:39 PM
Have you thought about doing Stitch Fix? I am in a fb group where several of the women have signed up and they post pictures of the stuff in their boxes. Some of the things are total misses, but all of them have come away with some nice wardrobe upgrades.
Kindra178
03-14-2016, 01:57 PM
Agree with the Stitch Fix rec. Be very specific in what you want or even describe the events for the outfits you are looking for. For example, "I am meeting mom friends for lunch - need a casual outfit." Or "looking for cute outfits to wear out to dinner." If you have the budget, Trend Send is similar to Stitch but decidedly more expensive.
Sorel (yes the boots maker) came out with the more adorable line of sandals this year. I would definitely check into - all the bloggers have been going crazy about them.
mikala
03-14-2016, 02:59 PM
I'm a similar size and have struggled to find cute and flattering clothes. Most of my recent wins have come from Nordstrom/nordstrom rack for pants and shirts, Limited for shirts, and a few items from Kohl's of all places. I just discovered Lucky Brand shirts and they are a new favorite,casual with some nice details.
These sandals are really comfortable and don't have a high arch:
http://www.zappos.com/born-mai-panna-cotta-silver-metallic
I can try to link to a few specific clothing items later if you're interested.
lovin2shop
03-14-2016, 04:19 PM
I wanted to love Stitch Fix, but it just didn't work for me because of sizing issues, especially in tops. When I ordered the stylist tended to send a lot of the more oversized billowy tops. I can run anywhere from a Small to a Large in a top and it just depends on how it is cut. I'm small framed but chesty and do not like anything that clings on the waist. I had an epiphany last year that ordering Mediums was actually the worst thing, because then the oversized loose tops are too big, and the more body conscious styles are too tight. So basically, I really need to try stuff on and really couldn't get anywhere with Stitch Fix.
echoesofspring
03-17-2016, 01:38 AM
I can so sympathize! I'm petite and curvy as well and I find the unstructured top styles just overwhelm me. If I wear a tunic sweater it still has to be fitted a bit at the waist, or it's just a sack. I've been struggling to find reasonable tops ever since I stopped wearing maternity clothes, and spent way too much time on the hunt when I went back to work and needed just a couple tops for casual interviews and my occasional trips to the office. Not sure what I'd do if I had to go in every day.
I think I'm a little too busty right now for them, but if I was your size I would try Boden, their clothes seem more tailored to me, and they occasionally have free s&r, which is about the only way I'll shop online, since I have such poor luck.
For my bday my mom and I had a girls day, and drove 2 hours to go to a mall. She really wanted to buy me something, we both came home really annoyed on the shopping front (had a fun time other than that). I ended up buying some work out clothes much nicer than I usually wear, with the intent of just wearing them everyday and hopefully getting an occasional brief workout in. They are not billowy ;)
FWIW I heard the tail end of a piece on NPR over the weekend that I think was attributing poor retail sales to the fact that we've been doing skinny jeans/billowy tops for close to 10 years now, and if you're going to do that style, you've got plenty in your closet. So hang on, the tide is turning :)
Melaine
03-17-2016, 06:32 AM
I so shouldn't be commenting because I am far from fashionable but I would suggest checking places like TJ Maxx and Marshalls because they tend to have such a mix of brands and trends. (Even more items from previous seasons, which can be a good thing). And Nordstrom Rack has been my go-to for the last couple years. Now that I have found Not Your Daughter's Jeans, I don't even bother trying on anything else.
wendibird22
03-17-2016, 09:10 AM
I'm like you. 5'2" and curvy. I'm usually a 4 or 6 in pants and a xs or petite small in tops. My go to lately has been The Limited for work pants. I have their Exact Stretch and the Lexie cut in their dressier style. My jeans are Lucky Brand Sofia cut. I agree with the billowy and the high low tops. Just look like tents on me. I have a few shirred utility blouses (in PS) from Loft that I really like. The buttons are toward the top so you don't get the pulling at the breasts and the split hem makes it not get hung up on my hips, but in the petite it is tailored enough to have a slimmer silhouette. I have two and I'd consider buying more. Plus they have the roll sleeve that I can wear buttoned up or down to my wrist. http://www.loft.com/petite-shirred-henley-shirt/391283?skuId=20075538&defaultColor=2552&colorExplode=false&catid=catl000034
For casual sneakers I have a pair of grey converse that go with everything from shorts to cotton skirts to capris.
lovin2shop
03-17-2016, 02:40 PM
Got in a bit of shopping, and here are a couple of things that I found:
Tops, casual & work appropriate:
http://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?vid=1&pid=185284002
I really like both the Blue and the White Stripe colorways. I had to size up in these quite a bit to avoid the button gaping, but it still looks flatteringly tailored since they offer Petites. I tried on the regular size in store, and then ordered in the Petites.
Sneakers:
I bought a pair similar to these:
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/excel-slip-on-sneaker/4261797?origin=related-4261797-0-1-PP_4-Data_Lab_Recommendo_V2-fbt_similar_items&recs_type=related&recs_productId=4261797&recs_categoryId=0&recs_productOrder=1&recs_placementId=PP_4&recs_source=Data_Lab_Recommendo_V2&recs_strategy=fbt_similar_items&recs_referringPageType=item_page
The actual pair that bought were BP brand, but I can't find them online at Nordies. They are grey and have more of crocodile embossing and are a good knock off of the ones by Joie and also Vince. A fun and trendy, but still comfortable look. I also have a pair of the Converse in the Shoreline slip on that I like as well.
Twin Mom
03-17-2016, 11:03 PM
My friend bought those exact sneakers today in black at DSW. I have the quilted version.
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/steve-madden-ecentrcq-sneaker-women/4355760?origin=category-personalizedsort&fashioncolor=BLACK%20FAUX%20LEATHER
Got in a bit of shopping, and here are a couple of things that I found:
Tops, casual & work appropriate:
http://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?vid=1&pid=185284002
I really like both the Blue and the White Stripe colorways. I had to size up in these quite a bit to avoid the button gaping, but it still looks flatteringly tailored since they offer Petites. I tried on the regular size in store, and then ordered in the Petites.
Sneakers:
I bought a pair similar to these:
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/excel-slip-on-sneaker/4261797?origin=related-4261797-0-1-PP_4-Data_Lab_Recommendo_V2-fbt_similar_items&recs_type=related&recs_productId=4261797&recs_categoryId=0&recs_productOrder=1&recs_placementId=PP_4&recs_source=Data_Lab_Recommendo_V2&recs_strategy=fbt_similar_items&recs_referringPageType=item_page
The actual pair that bought were BP brand, but I can't find them online at Nordies. They are grey and have more of crocodile embossing and are a good knock off of the ones by Joie and also Vince. A fun and trendy, but still comfortable look. I also have a pair of the Converse in the Shoreline slip on that I like as well.
acmom
03-20-2016, 03:47 PM
I'm like you. 5'2" and curvy. I'm usually a 4 or 6 in pants and a xs or petite small in tops. My go to lately has been The Limited for work pants. I have their Exact Stretch and the Lexie cut in their dressier style. My jeans are Lucky Brand Sofia cut. I agree with the billowy and the high low tops. Just look like tents on me. I have a few shirred utility blouses (in PS) from Loft that I really like. The buttons are toward the top so you don't get the pulling at the breasts and the split hem makes it not get hung up on my hips, but in the petite it is tailored enough to have a slimmer silhouette. I have two and I'd consider buying more. Plus they have the roll sleeve that I can wear buttoned up or down to my wrist. http://www.loft.com/petite-shirred-henley-shirt/391283?skuId=20075538&defaultColor=2552&colorExplode=false&catid=catl000034
For casual sneakers I have a pair of grey converse that go with everything from shorts to cotton skirts to capris.
Thanks for recommending those utility blouses from Loft! I tried them after reading that and really liked them especially since I can wear them now even pregnant but they will work afterwards too! They are on sale online right now too if anyone else was considering them. I snagged 2 colors- one was under $20.
Sent from my iPhone using Baby Bargains mobile app
baymom
03-20-2016, 05:59 PM
Thanks for recommending those utility blouses from Loft! I tried them after reading that and really liked them especially since I can wear them now even pregnant but they will work afterwards too! They are on sale online right now too if anyone else was considering them. I snagged 2 colors- one was under $20.
Sent from my iPhone using Baby Bargains mobile app
Can you explain where the 'add to cart' option is on the Loft website? I've tried and tried, but just can't find how to input my size/color choice from that link. What am I missing?
acmom
03-21-2016, 12:51 PM
Can you explain where the 'add to cart' option is on the Loft website? I've tried and tried, but just can't find how to input my size/color choice from that link. What am I missing?
I'm not sure from that link but I just went to their website and typed in utility blouse and found them with the size/color/prices and add to cart button.
Sent from my iPhone using Baby Bargains mobile app
robinsmommy
03-27-2016, 01:19 PM
My budget runs to thrift stores, so that is where I shop. They are not what they used to be - in a lot of ways, it is easier to shop a thrift store than at the mall - they tend to sort by color within a size, so I browse by colors I like - saves a lot of time. I buy most of my cashmere there, for under $10.
Might be worth a go, esp if you find a piece or two to tide you over until trends change in your favor. I find most of my jeans there,too (either Loft curvy petite or Gap petite). You never know - you may find a pair of your old favorites.
ETA - I was out thrifting yesterday, and while looking for jeans for DD1, I did see a pair of Urban Boot Cut Jeans in great shape. Though they were a 00P, so not an option for me, or I would have tried them based on your recommendation....
lmintzer
04-28-2016, 02:10 PM
Sorry I never replied to this. I appreciate all of your suggestions! So far, I've purchased a pair of jeans at Lucky--I believe I got the "sweet straight." I bought a size down from my usual, because they stretch. Even in the short length, they are a little too long, and I need to cuff up (or get hemmed). Fit is pretty good--they do tend to fall down a little, so I wear them with a belt. Still not "the ideal" jean, but not bad looking. I got a few cute tops at Lucky, too, including an adorable navy blue, ¾ sleeve tunic style top with orange embroidery. It is somewhere between a shirt and a tunic--not too long and has plenty of shape. I can see shopping there for many summer tops, so thanks for that rec. Still struggling with pants/jeans--not easy to find something that fits well!
Katigre
04-28-2016, 04:52 PM
So clothing styles have shifted over the past decade and it sounds like updating your mindset of what looks current/on trend might help. When you wear leggings or tighter bottoms then looser tops balance the look - there are different styles and one will flatter your body (ex. I can't do dolman sleeves, but I can do a somewhat structured looser top).
lmintzer
04-28-2016, 04:56 PM
I am fine with leggings and tighter bottoms and looser tops--but the tops just can't be too oversized or billowy (sp?). As long as they have a little bit of shape, they work--but hard to find!
Powered by vBulletin® Version 4.2.5 Copyright © 2024 vBulletin Solutions Inc. All rights reserved.