YouLookFab Forum » Forum: Where to Shop - Recent Topics

stringy on "Australian shopping resources"

stringy — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:09:32 +0000

In another thread some of us Aussie gals were thinking that it'd be nice to pool our shopping resources. We don't have the huge range of choices that are available overseas, but there's definitely good stuff out there. If you've found a good website or blog or heard about something nifty that works Down Under, please feel free to jump in and share!

I like to look at clothing ranges online to narrow down my choices before trying stuff on. Here's my favourites:

http://www.witchery.com.au - excellent quality

https://shop.sportsgirl.com.au/index.html - great for up-to-the-minute accessories, but the styles are often a bit extreme for my tastes (if only I were 19 again!)

http://www.frenchconnection.com.au/ - sale items are often down to 60% of original price

http://www.jeanswest.com.au/Womens.html - for denim and fashion tees

For shoes I like:
http://wittner.com.au/

http://www.zomp.com.au/ - website has been 'coming soon' for a year now. And their shoes are super-expensive. But when stuff goes on sale, it really goes on sale. I've bought sandals that were $145 down to $40.

OK - your turn now!

karlie on "Skinny jeans shopping"

karlie — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 12:28:41 +0000

Since my last attempt at buying skinny jeans was an Epic Fail, I need to start again from square one. Any suggestions on where to start looking? What brands and styles have worked for you?

My requirments:

My (new) budget is $150. I'd prefer a higher rise in a dark denim. The size of the leg opening doesn't seem to be an issue for my body type (or at least that's my impression from the forum feedback I've received from posting pics). I'm an hourglass, so these jeans need to fit some curves. Oh, and I'd prefer brick and mortar stores, at least for trying on. I don't mind buying online, but I hate the process of buying something, sending it back for another size, etc, etc.

Thanks for pointing me in the right direction!

Sarah on "Thick Calves and Knee High Boots?"

Sarah — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 22:24:36 +0000

Hey everyone! I'm new here, and I did run a quick search on this topic and came up short, but point me to an existing thread if you know of one...

I have discovered that I have thick calves. So thick that I can't manage to zip up most dress boots. So think that even most rubber boots are tight around the calf. After an afternoon at the mall with my husband and attempting to try on at least thirty different pair of boots, I left with my self-image nearly shredded.

Last night I took a deep breath and measured the circumference of my calves. They are about 15" around.

Any hints?
Thanks.

Marlene1 on "Tulle's Black Friday Sale"

Marlene1 — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 07:59:53 +0000

There's been some conversation on the forum about Tulle. There's a Black Friday sale- 50% off sitewide, with free shipping. Here's a link to the details:
http://www.tulle4us.com/promotion/blackfriday/

Be sure to read the details - there's a $7 return fee for this sale. And be aware that sizes run SMALL.

speedracer2002 on "Tulle?"

speedracer2002 — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 13:02:08 +0000

Hi! I'm new to this site, but am loving the advice and all. I'm wondering if anyone has purchased anything from tulle4us.com and about the quality. They have a cute sweater dress on sale but I'm wondering about the quality. Thanks!

cyan45 on "help for a SAHM"

cyan45 — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 11:20:26 +0000

hi ladies,

at a family dinner party last night, my bf's sister-in-law was lamenting how few nice clothes she has. granted, she is on a very tight budget, and with 2 small kids, shopping is a luxury.

her sister-in-law, a young childless professional with designer tastes, pushed for the BR outlets after thanksgiving to get basics. while her eye for quality is good (especially in her profession), i am unsure if this is the best route for a woman who deals with runny noses, thrown food and spilled juice cups. and, who also can't drop cash to buy another one if the clothes get stained, torn, etc...

so, my questions are:

1) what are the staple garments for a SAHM with 2 small kids? btw, she prefers pants (jeans, khakis) over dresses/skirts. she likes pants, but only has one pair.

2) what stores provide these staple garments at an economical (yet flattering) price? aside from pants, she wants 'cute jackets to wear to church,' tops other than t-shirts, and a nice pair of flats that aren't sneakers.

3) would it be most helpful to provide measurements and photos of her for your assessment?

her stats:
--petite (i think ~5' 2")
--curvy pear shape (according to the sister-in-law, but when i did her measurements a while ago, they came out more hourglass)
--natural, comfortable, cute are words she used during the conversation

thanks so much for all your help!

Joy on "Question on Laundry sateen military trench coat from bluefly"

Joy — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 08:41:59 +0000

Although I probably won't buy it, I love the trench you posted on the weekend blog, the Laundry sateen military trench coat from bluefly, and have a couple of questions in case I can't resist this coat or find another similar style.
1. Is this coat age appropriate for over 60?
2. Will the shoulder details work with wide shoulders? Usually I avoid this, but these look like they take up less space and don't extend to the edge of the shoulder seam. Could that actually visually narrow the shoulder line?

shiny on "Question for Bitsofpieces"

shiny — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 17:56:11 +0000

You mention on another thread that you are 5'2" and have luck at Victoria's Secret. I would LOVE to hear what you have had luck with, and would love any pics if you don't mind sharing!

Ages ago (when my kids were preschool, so easily 12-13 years now) we used to have a VS outlet that sold their clothes. It was only very occasionally anything worked for me: more often, the clothes would fit in the body but the arms would be many inches too long, or the neckline would be way too low... I remember thinking that VS was for really super-tall people!!

I love a lot of things on their site, but haven't ever ordered because of that experience. So I am very interested in hearing what has worked for you! (I am 5'0")

Michelle on "Do plus-size microchecks exist?"

Michelle — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 09:57:59 +0000

I've been coveting a pair of comfortable microcheck pants since hearing about them on this forum (I have a wool-blend pair, but they won't do for casual occasions). Has anyone ever encountered a pair along the lines of the ubiquitous Club Monaco pants that could fit someone like me? I know Marianna is interested in finding some too.
Khris, am I crazy to think that the JCPenny pair you bought some time ago might come in plus sizes?

chewyspaghetti on "Get Thee to the World Market"

chewyspaghetti — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 22:19:27 +0000

If you're an afficionado of ethnic accoutrements, or have been wanting to check out World Market- it's a great time to go. I was at my store today, and they had two of their accessory collections Buy One Get One Free, plus if you sign up online for their email list- you will get a coupon. I got two gorgeous bead necklaces for $11.
This is why World Market is my favorite jewelery store!

Mochaccino on "What is Nordstrom's black friday sale like?"

Mochaccino — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 17:14:46 +0000

Other than insanely crowded, disorganized, and hot, just like almost every other department store on that day :) So...how big is the typical discount? What kinds of items do they typically discount? Are their any extra discounts on sale and clearance items? Do any of the discounts spill over to their site? Are they willing to set things aside for you in advance? Finally, and most importantly, will they be discounting joe's jeans? (My Nordstrom has a huge selection of Joe's honey jeans for some reason) I HATE crowds, but I'm weighing the pros and cons of actually braving black friday this year. Have any tips and suggestions?

agrace on "I want a giant necklace like this..."

agrace — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 13:57:29 +0000

Well, you can tell where I spent some time this past weekend....anthropologie! Anyways, I'm really intrigued by this 'stormy seas' necklace, only in the original sky blue. It is really stunning in person. I saw it on a lady at dinner at a restaurant the other night with an otherwise completely plain outfit and it just really looked great. I wear a lot of non-patterned, fairly plain jeans and tee shirts and plain dresses so I think this would be a great accessory.

I like it and might get this one but just wondered if anyone has seen anything similar out and about at other places (including etsy?)

Anthropologie statement necklace: http://tinyurl.com/ygo35y2

RoseandJoan on "Heat-Tech - Too good to be true?"

RoseandJoan — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 06:33:03 +0000

Here is a write up from Graziadaily about Uniqlo's Heat Tech range
http://www.graziadaily.co.uk/f.....attech.htm
and here are the products
http://www.uniqlo.co.uk/catalogue/women/heattech

Does anybody have any experience of these products?

I'm a big Uniqlo fan so will probably give a couple of the items a try. Are you sceptical of the claims? does this product seem to good to be true?

judy on "Biker jacket XS low price on ebay ending soon"

judy — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 21:50:39 +0000

I noticed a really good deal on ebay and it ends in eleven hours! It was featured in Angie's post last year. It is the one on the lower left corner : http://youlookfab.com/2008/09/04/biker-jacket-101/

This jacket was about 800 full price at Nordstrom's last year: http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/29.....F.cQvJ6GVg

I bought an XS at 70 percent off from Nordie's, but on ebay right now, there's one that is $39.00! http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISA.....K:MEWAX:IT

Of course, I can't vouch for or endorse this seller. Check it out for yourself, their ratings and make your own decision. But this is a very beautiful leather jacket, if it is what it is claimed to be. It's very tight and thin, there's a lovely paisely lining inside that is on the leather, I've never seen anything like it. It's probably not for anyone busty or broad shouldered, however. It has stretched a tiny bit, and only gotten more comfortable. It is one of my favorite things I own, so I'm hoping someone else can have one if they want!

Happy bidding. I have only bought a few things on eBay. I only use Paypal FWIW.

Patience on "Online maternity shopping"

Patience — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 15:01:27 +0000

Hi, I wanted to give a heads up to all the pregnant or nursing moms. I just came across this site:

http://www.mothersboutique.com/dresses.html

which has Isabella Oliver-esque dresses at half the price. Plus, they have a coupon "holiday09" for 20% off dresses through 12-31. I haven't tried these brands before but I ordered a couple and will post when I receive them about quality, fit, etc. I have never been able to find good dress options for nursing so I figured I was justified in at least giving these a try for the end of my pregnancy and beyond.

elpgal on "Me Toos - lots of questions"

elpgal — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 20:00:26 +0000

I am tired of wearing sporty Mary Janes and want some nicer shoes. I have a wide forefoot that is kind of high. I am considering these two styles:

Lanai - http://tinyurl.com/ydvz4e3
Nadia - http://tinyurl.com/yj999pc

Which of these are comfier? Or should I scrap both and look for a different brand or style. Any sizing issues I should be aware of? I think I want to put some kind of supportive insole into them for some extra support so I am looking for recommendations for those as well.

LeeHovey on "an attractive croc??"

LeeHovey — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 12:38:25 +0000

I have always detested crocs, despite people claims that they are "comfortable"..... as if there are no attractive comfortable shoes on the planet?

Anyway, I am on the hunt for fun and edgy flats (due to my recent back injury), and came acrossed these.
http://piperlime.gap.com/brows.....=682401022

My initial reaction was that I liked the simple design, the pretty rose colors, and the sole looks like it would be a good wet weather sole. But then I saw they were crocs! Wha what??

Could I actually LIKE a croc??

Brianna on "Show me your favourite cross-body bags?"

Brianna — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 20:42:51 +0000

It's Christmas-list-making time, and the #1 item I want to request is a great cross-body bag that will also function as a diaper bag. Can you indulge me and show me what you've seen online (or purchased) recently? Under $250 would be great. Here are my personal requirements, although I'm happy to see any cross-body bags you've loved lately!

- Leather or faux leather--not fabric or vinyl or suede (love patent though)
- Must have a reasonably wide cross-body strap so that the bag will be comfortable even when full of cloth diapering supplies, baby bottles, toys, extra clothes, wallet, makeup bag, etc.
- Must have lots of pockets (ideally interior and exterior, zippered and open) to help me stay organized
- Must have long enough short straps that it can be worn comfortably on the shoulder as well as cross-body
- In black or a versatile color like cobalt, cyan, olive, grass green, charcoal, etc. (no red or white or brown unless it's bitter chocolate brown--Mike says brown bags make him think of the '80s in a bad way).
- Has interesting shape, detail, or texture
- Large but not luggage-sized!
- Relatvely lightweight
- a nice long opening at the top so that it is easy to access contents
- Preferably a zipper closure to keep out rain here in rainy rainy Vancouver
- No patchwork, bows, big ruffles, or other fussy/overtly girly detailing
- pewter, brass, or silver hardware (not gold)

I don't ask for much, do I?

Joy on "Plaid for the older woman"

Joy — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 19:11:37 +0000

I found this jacket at Nordstroms today and have my size on order. It seems like an age-appropriate piece for an older woman who would like to wear plaid. I hope to wear the jacket under another coat as an indoor top over a shell. What do you think? Could this work? The fabric is taffeta-like.
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/30.....1&P=11

cyan45 on "warm wool coat advice?"

cyan45 — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 12:06:17 +0000

i've been drooling over j.crew's double-cloth lady day coat, and even purchased it
a few weeks ago. however, it was too small so i returned it.

i've re-read posts that the thinsulate coat isn't THAT warm. since i get cold easily (even in CA), i want something worth the money.

any 3/4 length heavy wool coats you recommend? what brands and stores do you prefer?

thanks so much for your help...

marianne on "Crossbody bag saga, new candidate"

marianne — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 12:45:23 +0000

I received Laura's bag yesterday, and it's lovely. However, I also went off track and found this cream bag at Macy's. What do you think about it? It's leather, and I really like the cream against darker coats. Would it be an all-season bag? Or should I go with the blue? I took a couple of quick pictures with what I am wearing today.
http://i293.photobucket.com/al.....G_8206.jpg
http://i293.photobucket.com/al.....G_8205.jpg
There is also one more bag I am considering, but I don't have my hands on it yet.

elpgal on "sweater jacket"

elpgal — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 16:41:45 +0000

I like this blazer. How does the sizing of Kimchi items run in the chest area? Will it work for a busty apple?

http://www.urbanoutfitters.com.....prepushId=

kimlee on "Hunting for a Curved Hem Cardigan"

kimlee — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 11:48:49 +0000

Ladies, I am in need of your help. Ever since Angie wrote her blog post on 10 casual outfit formulas for Mom on the go for Autumn, I have been searching/seeking/yearning to find a curved hem cardi. However, the ones that Angie linked too in her post here are not available.

I am limited in the physical stores I have to shop in, so I have tried to search similar pieces out online, but have not been successful. Do any of you shopping mavens have advice?

chelle on "Ideas for cold weather work shoes?"

chelle — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 18:20:15 +0000

Help! I am having trouble with work shoes. My usual work uniform consists of dress pants and cardigans or jackets. I don't have to be super dressy, but no jeans. I have a very modern classic style and very fussy feet. Angie, you saved me with the ballet style Hushpuppies that you included in your summer shoe blog. They came in narrow and were very comfy.

Any ideas for relatively flat and extremely comfortable shoes that can be worn with socks? Has anyone tried the Mephisto wedge loafers? I'm having a hard time with the price and haven't even tried them on!

rosemerin on "Nordies 1/2 yearly sale?"

rosemerin — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 15:17:21 +0000

Hi all, in browsing Nordstrom's website, I notice that in my area there is a "1/2 yearly" sale starting tomorrow. Is this national, or local? is it worth going to?

velvetychocolate on "Marianna - Large size shoe event this Saturday at the Rack"

velvetychocolate — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 12:18:57 +0000

Not sure if you already knew about this, but just in case:

http://shop.nordstrom.com/c/60.....16~6025779

Not sure if the locations are right, but figured I'd better post this in here just in case you're still looking for boots and stuff.

shiny on "Favorite micro-fishnets - Missing!!"

shiny — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 13:04:24 +0000

I can't find them anywhere. Been tearing the house apart, since I wanted to wear them tonight as a part of my costume. Wondering if I left them in HK or if one of my DD's borrowed them for spirit day... Very sad, because I've had this pair for years, and it's held up so beautifully! And I've had them so long, I forgot the brand ages ago. :-(

Guess I'll need to replace them. Please send me your suggestions. I can't wear Wolford or Oroblu - both brands' smallest size is way too big on me. Thanks!

Cedar on "Looking for tights online"

Cedar — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 13:36:27 +0000

(Is "tights" the right word? There's something kind of juveile about it, but "nylons" isn't appropriate, since I'm not looking for something made out of nylon)

I'm wondering if anyone has a recommendation for good quality tights/legwear online. I'm on a bit of a budget, so price is a consideration ($25 is probably the most I'd pay for wool, and even that's a bit high. For cotton, I hope to pay $15 or less). I'm not too concerned about having a huge variety of colors, patterns, etc.

Any good places?

P Gunderson on "Shirtmaker Collars"

P Gunderson — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 02:09:27 +0000

In the past 10 years I have grown into size 2x and 3x tops, but wear misses XL or size 16 (if the waist is stretchy) pants. I am 5'8" tall.

I would like to find cotton/poly blend blouses that are tunic length and have shirtmaker collars. (If they had a little stretch or were a bit fitted under and/or beside the bust I'd really be thrilled.) Most large sizes are cut for "Pears" and, being an "Apple" I look like an umbrella in them. AND -- most large size tops have no collars AT ALL! I can't understand why designers believe that large women want so much of themselves exposed. The scoop-necks they insist on are usually repulsive on older women of any size but especially if they are large.

I have found that Foxcroft's older, basic style blouses work pretty well for me but they are an inch or so too short. I purchase and wear men's shirts that are made from bright, attractive, non-masculine fabrics but, while they are long, they still aren't really cut just right.

Often when I find a ladies blouse in the right size that has a collar it will not be a shirtmaker collar. It will not have a button at the top but will leave the collar spread wide open then "V" down to a button just above the bust.... not cute! Am I the only old gal that wants that stand-up collar to sorta disguise my "not-to-firm-anymore" second chin?

Any ideas where I could get a shirt/blouse (and/or short dress) that is as I described above? I'd even have them custom made if I could get a pattern.

Thanks -- pam

Christine on "Talbots coupon"

Christine — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 05:25:19 +0000

Hi, i'm new to the board, although i've been reading Angie's site for a while now. i love the first class presentation and content of the youlookfab community. Anyhow, what prompted me to finally sign up is that i saw Talbots has a special 20% off coupon for select customers only for this weekend. I just started browsing talbots around six months ago, (i'm 28, so it was never on my radar) . I love to project a style of conservative sophistication (think Rachael bilson). So i've been eying a few select jackets and a dress (the one Vanessa Williams wore) at the store for few weeks hoping for a slight discount since their all fairly expensive items. Unfortunately, i guess i haven't bought enough stuff their yet to qualify for the discount. so i was hoping maybe someone on the board whom wasn't planning on utilizing the coupon wouldn't mine passing it along.

shux, as i write this post i realize the dress is on back order until november and one of the jacket's i covet is already sold out. (here are the items that are in my purview)

http://www1.talbots.com/online.....e=cat70008

http://www1.talbots.com/online.....e=cat90030

thanks in advance for any response
Christine