YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Budget Evaluation

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Budget Evaluation https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/budget-evaluation Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Fri, 22 May 2026 04:02:13 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Anonymous on "Budget Evaluation" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/budget-evaluation/page/3#post-1926896 Fri, 08 Jun 2018 18:00:56 +0000 Anonymous 1926896@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hi 3Style.  Nice to see you.  I think new threads are a good idea.  I'll start them over the weekend.  We should both learn a lot.   3style on "Budget Evaluation" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/budget-evaluation/page/3#post-1926885 Fri, 08 Jun 2018 17:01:20 +0000 3style 1926885@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hi again Sterling, Sorry about the radio silence. Past few days have been crazy. My husband was the one who mentioned to me the news about Kate Spade yesterday. I’v been so overwhelmed that I hadn’t even seen the headlines. So very sad. You had brought up discussion about both the sleeveless shirt topic and about the black versus navy and “is it necessary to choose.?” I think that it would be interesting to start each of those topics as a new thread. I’m mostly on my mobile phone when I’m on YLF and my cut and paste selected text skills on mobile are fairly limited. I’d appreciate it if you started those threads fresh, with some background quotations. Maybe best to pick one at a time. I think that will be less confusing for everyone. Thanks. As an aside, I totally relate to the whole thing about correct bras seeming hugely constricting. I’ve got two tips. One is that a few washings with something like Fashion Care Laundry Detergent powder will help soften it up without stretching it out. I recommend only using about 1/4 of the very small amount specified on the label, otherwise the bras kind of come out feeling starched. The other recommended about tighter bras pertains to the details of the style. I find that if the middle of the chest underwires come up to low or high or lace on one edge versus another digs in, it can mean the difference between comfort or not. And I’ve found that I cannot generalize across brands too much. So I like a plunge bra in Natori but higher underwires in the middle in most other brands. Anonymous on "Budget Evaluation" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/budget-evaluation/page/3#post-1926393 Thu, 07 Jun 2018 09:42:58 +0000 Anonymous 1926393@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thank you, Sal.  I am going to wear it a bit on Saturday and try it on with a variety of my sleeveless tops.  I want to see if the spillage is visible and how it feel as I move around.  I want to say one more time, the shock I felt when I walked out of the store with a 34 band.  I cannot remember ever having bought a 34 band (maybe as teenage girl).  I hate foam and sculptured bras.   I hadn't thought about the "pretty straps" though.  That is a good idea.   Hi RunCarla -- The sales assistant was exceptionally GOOD.  I honestly did not think I could go thorough it, but she made it seamlessly easy.  I don't question whether I am a 34D or not, I question my comfort level and whether I can adjust to a properly fit bra.  Evidently, I haven't worn the correct size for all my of my adult life.  There are three hooks and the band itself can easily hold up the breasts, no straps necessary.   Toban -- I was thinking that "I could own a proper fitting bra, but if it was torture to wear it, I would avoid it at all costs."   Here is the new plan.  Wear this bra for a couple of hours, see how it feels, try it on with various sleeveless garments on Saturday.  I have to go to the mall over the weekend.  Go to Nordstorms, SOMA, and another one that was recently recommended to me, get a second fitting for comparison and try on several more bras.  The first fitting was at Belks. I thought she was fabulous and I don't doubt her sizing, I doubt my ability to wear it.  And yes, it is likely I have been wearing incorrect band sizes for most of my adult life.   Thank you, Jane.  I have a plan now.  That plan is all about little steps that I can accomplish without too much stress.  This process will NEVER be fun and I envy RunCarla having her SA at the Toronto Nordstroms.   If you ladies do not mind, I thought I would start a second thread about bras fittings.  I would copy your comments to the second thread.   Finally, I have new underwear!  I am pretty excited about them.  New brand to me (Wacoal).   Jane on "Budget Evaluation" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/budget-evaluation/page/3#post-1926358 Thu, 07 Jun 2018 05:36:11 +0000 Jane 1926358@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I’m not sure the comments on the spillage bit by the SA are right. I’m small on top (not meant in a boastful way - just reality - tiny even) and I can get spillage with same bras. I’m thinking it is actually about skin elasticity and getting older. I like a deep band at the side as that helps but really it’s to do with the cut of the bra I think. Well done with fully embracing the bra fitting process. I don’t find it easy but i find it does lead to better purchases. Toban on "Budget Evaluation" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/budget-evaluation/page/3#post-1926354 Thu, 07 Jun 2018 05:17:12 +0000 Toban 1926354@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I’m not sure I agree with the bra fitter about the spillage over the band (a little, may be, but not much) and your description of wanting to tear it off your body is concerning (unless it’s because you were always in too big of band and aren’t familiar with the feel of a supportive band?). I wear very supportive bras and found them comfortable from the start at the loosest hook level. As the band stretches over time you then go to the next set of hooks. You may want to try a second store or other bra brands for a comparison point. Very glad you felt comfortable with the help. Carla on "Budget Evaluation" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/budget-evaluation/page/3#post-1926270 Thu, 07 Jun 2018 00:41:40 +0000 Carla 1926270@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Glad to learn you were with a pro who approached the process respectfully. Nothing to fear! Over time it becomes old hat! One thing I remember from my first fitting is that the SA said the bra should stay up and provide support with the straps hanging down off my shoulders, as if it was a strapless bra. In other words, the straps weren't intended to hold up you breasts - the band is. Also, you start at the farthest hooks and over time snug in. Like Sal, I look for a wide band with 3 hooks - something you see with the C and D cups, but not the smaller sizes (which usually feature 2 hooks). Sal on "Budget Evaluation" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/budget-evaluation/page/3#post-1926241 Wed, 06 Jun 2018 22:40:03 +0000 Sal 1926241@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I think we can all get that loose skin/fat with a fitting bra....  But pinching tight is horrible although they do ease a bit. Comfort means different things to different people - my sons find any sort of jeans uncomfortable for example.  And how you like your bra to fit is also a degree of personal choice.  Some people prefer to push up and others to minimise for example - neither is wrong.  But yes you should prefer the shape of the tops with the new bra:) I am a similar size (34DD or 36D) and I like a broad band at the back - ideally with three clasps.  I have a mix of cups from full to balconette - I tend to prefer ones with seams.  I don't like foam.  I like pretty straps because I know they sometimes show and I don't worry about it.   I hope you like how the tops fit now. Anonymous on "Budget Evaluation" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/budget-evaluation/page/3#post-1926236 Wed, 06 Jun 2018 22:19:20 +0000 Anonymous 1926236@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hi RunCarla.  Deep breath.  Ok.  Here it goes.  I went to the mall today, was fit for a bra, and tried on a myriad of different iterations (all Wacoal) in slightly different sizes.   I went in wearing a 38C.  She fit me into a 34D.  I told her she was wasting her time, but she insisted I at least try it on.  It was everything you said.  It fit (I couldn't believe it).  It look smooth.   Two problems.  One, it felt so tight!  She said it would "loosen up, but you don't want it too loose."  I agree you don't want it too loose.  But do I want to wear a bra that I want to tear off my body?  Two, excess fat/skin squished out over the bra band.  This was a new look.  I kept pointing at it, telling her that this can't be right.  She said that the squishiness happens to everyone.  Everyone.   I bought it (and three matching underwear).  I am going to wear the new bra for a couple of hours (with the tags on) and try it on with different sleeveless tops.  The bra should make me look better in the tops.  Don't you think that if the bra makes me look worse, it can't be the right size?   On the positive side, I didn't think I would be comfortable doing this.  The woman was a professional.  In no time at all, I honestly forget that I was standing there in my underwear with a stranger.  It got easier and easier with each bra try-on.  I don't think I'm ready yet to buy a bra wardrobe.  I understand the concept though.  Your comment on bra minimizer for button downs was interesting though.   Carla on "Budget Evaluation" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/budget-evaluation/page/3#post-1926178 Wed, 06 Jun 2018 19:59:34 +0000 Carla 1926178@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ FWIW, a well fitting bra shouldn't have any 'air' behind! I'm not big busted, and I HATE foam and padding. A good fitting bra doesn't necessarily make you look bigger, but it does 'lift' the girls up off the rib cage! The result is a higher bust line and a cleaner, more defined waist. Even 'little girls' can be 'locked and loaded'! Clothes fit better. Knits in particular look wonderfully better. The whole is a trimmer look that is honestly slimming and more youthful. I was in 36A, until I got professionally fit into a 32C. It was shocking how much more comfortable and supported I felt. Part of the problem is that most stores in my little community didn't carry a band size smaller than 34! Once I got a proper fit and a couple of great but spendy bras, I kept my eyes open for sales on the same makes and models. A wonderful SA at the Toronto Nordstroms gets most of my business these days and I check in from time to time for a fitting since weight loss and a change in my fitness regime has changed my upper body physique and thus my bra requirements. Furthermore, you need a bra wardrobe. Different bras do different things! I actually prefer a minimizing bra under button downs and when I'm doing chores. My shoulders take up the shirt realestate and the buttons don't pull with the lower profile and everything is held firm. I have full coverage for under t-shirts and sweaters, and Demi's for tops with some exposed decoltage. Currently I'm liking Wacoal, Wonderbra, and Bali. Chanterelle is great, however my favourite has been discontinued and a Wacoal style fit the bill. Stepping off my soapbox.... Anonymous on "Budget Evaluation" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/budget-evaluation/page/3#post-1926096 Wed, 06 Jun 2018 15:03:00 +0000 Anonymous 1926096@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hi Karen13 -- There is a Soma and Nordstorms in the same shopping mall so your advice is timely.  I knew about Soma's smaller size selection, but was unaware of the "vanishing back bras."   I am certainly willing to stop by their store though and hear what they have to say.    To be honest, I thought I would start with the brand I am currently wearing (I can't think of the brand name right now, but it is an excellent bra that I stock up on during NAS).   Using that as my starting point, I can branch out as needed.  I am committed to buying one new bra and three coordinated underpants.  I have discovered that nude, light pink, and navy-colored bras are the most useful to me.  The navy was a surprise, but I reach for it all the time. I don't think I want to go long without a well-fitting navy bra in my wardrobe.   karen13 on "Budget Evaluation" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/budget-evaluation/page/3#post-1926093 Wed, 06 Jun 2018 14:36:21 +0000 karen13 1926093@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I’m also late to this thread, but as always find your posts thoughtful and full of insight. My own weight loss led me to YLF over 2 years ago, After20 plus years at the same size, I had no idea why I kept buying thing things I ended up not wearing. You are so much further on that path than I was, and yet still there is some great advice here. I wholeheartedly agree with the new u derthings advice. Is there a Nordstrom near you? I bought a SOMA bra right after my weight loss and found the SA had put me in the wrong size after about a month when it stretched out. They don’t have a great selection of small band sizes, if you fall into that category. She sold me what they had, a 34B. Turns out I’m actually now a 32D in most brands. The Nordstrom’s SA found multiple shapes and sizes that fit me perfectly. In particular beware of the Vanishing Back Bras at SOMA - I love the concept but found out later from another SA they grow like crazy in band size even with hand washing. Anonymous on "Budget Evaluation" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/budget-evaluation/page/2#post-1926091 Wed, 06 Jun 2018 14:14:39 +0000 Anonymous 1926091@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Anne -- I've done exactly what you have done wrt to bras.  About half of my day bras and sports bras have a fair bit of "air."  I've been using pads for day-bras.  I genuinely don't know if this affects how I look or not.  But I am committed to shopping for a new bra this weekend at Soma.  I'll let you know how the overall process goes.   Jussie -- I fully endorse anything in life it just a little easier.  For me that is food.  For you, art.  I consider clothing to be wearable works of art.  I couldn't imagine life without little indulgences. Jussie and Anne -- I too love porridge, but I call it oatmeal!!  I eat breakfast at work so on weekends I cook up a huge batch and freeze it with assorted berries.  I grab a frozen oatmeal and lunch entree as I leave the house each morning.  You are never late, Sal.  Thank you for the encouragement.  It helps more than you can imagine.  AND YES.  I have broken two very bad shopping habits (over duplication and sales shopping).  I would never have thought I could make so much progress addressing my bad shopping habits.  I admit it happened gradually, but I am thrilled when I walk away from a sales rack without even looking.  ME! Joy -- It is so nice to hear from you.  I am so sorry to hear about your latest bone density results.  I had always been told that walking was a weigh-bearing exercise and it strengthened bone density.  Now I am realizing that might be incorrect.  Find a gym and let us know how you are doing.   I am trying to make my brain/heart understand that spending money on multiple not-quite perfect jackets is not a win when I could have bought one great jacket instead.  I fully agree that the one great piece is far better than a half dozen mediocre ones taking up closet space.  My brain hears you.  My heart just left the room.  Shevia --  Thank you for the positive re-enforcement.  I do pay for a gym membership, but I can't say I use it as often as I should.  I go more in the summer months than the winter months.  anne on "Budget Evaluation" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/budget-evaluation/page/2#post-1926020 Wed, 06 Jun 2018 09:52:10 +0000 anne 1926020@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Jussie, I love porridge too. It's a treat for me though, as wheat free oats are pricy, though my mum does buy them for me. I try for no more than three times a week. Sal on "Budget Evaluation" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/budget-evaluation/page/2#post-1925997 Wed, 06 Jun 2018 06:38:24 +0000 Sal 1925997@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I got to this post late and then so much wisdom had already been imparted I did not know what to add..... Firstly well done on maintaining your weight loss and living a healthy life!! Secondly for breaking some of your shopping patterns and operating on a small capsule wardrobe. I think that a slow rebuild is in order given your feelings around this - there will always be more clothes so there is no panic to buy quickly and restock.  At some point it will be enjoyable!! I think it is fine to wear tops that are a oversized....most of us compromise in some way in our lives as has been discussed.  I choose to keep a pretty lean jeans collection because I like variety in summer dresses, I own one puffer which is five years old because I prioritised a other essentials over a second puffer.  And in other aspects of my life as well (I drive an oldish car because I prefer holidays and don't like debt and am uninterested in cars). So we all have different paths and that is what makes life interesting. jussie on "Budget Evaluation" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/budget-evaluation/page/2#post-1925992 Wed, 06 Jun 2018 05:13:38 +0000 jussie 1925992@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sterling: interesting to hear your reasoning behind your budget allocations. When you wrote that cafes and fine meals fill you with joy, well, then it’s right and perfect that that’s where your spare budget goes. I’m a firm believer that we need to do what makes us joyful as often as possible! We only live once right? I enjoy eating but don’t need very much variety. Breakfast and lunch today were both porridge, dinner will be tomato soup (tinned) and garlic bread. Snacking on leftover Easter chocolates. However I love clothes, and painting. I’ve spent quite a lot on art classes, because it brings me joy. And of course clothes. Best of luck with your dreaded underwear shopping. anne on "Budget Evaluation" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/budget-evaluation/page/2#post-1925988 Wed, 06 Jun 2018 04:46:20 +0000 anne 1925988@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Joy, I hope your day is going ok - I saw you mention hospital on another thread. I did get a bra fitting about 6 years ago, and have had the same style since when I've bought them.But every one bar the strapless is a little empty on the top because I am very flat there - I don't mind it though, as I can do with all the padding I can get! Anonymous on "Budget Evaluation" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/budget-evaluation/page/2#post-1925965 Wed, 06 Jun 2018 02:56:35 +0000 Anonymous 1925965@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Anne, please get a good bra fitting ASAP. I am very small and it does make a big difference. Agreement with what Shevia said. My latest bone density tests show that I need to get busy and find a gym I like in my new location. Walking is not enough. Sterling, you are right. Those 4 red jackets taught me to ask that question, because I kept looking. The money I was spending on several almosts could have gone to buy one great jacket that would have satisfied the need. In the end, one great piece is better than a half dozen mediocre ones taking up closet space. Jaime on "Budget Evaluation" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/budget-evaluation/page/2#post-1925964 Wed, 06 Jun 2018 02:37:03 +0000 Jaime 1925964@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sterling, I have thoroughly enjoyed this thread. Congratulations on all of your achievements and discipline. (And your new love for shoes !) Not really the main point, but gym membership, assuming you go is probably the best investment in your future health there is. Thank you for sharing and also your thoughtful and insightful comments! anne on "Budget Evaluation" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/budget-evaluation/page/2#post-1925963 Wed, 06 Jun 2018 02:32:15 +0000 anne 1925963@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sterling, just wanted to pop in and say that yet again, your thread has been extremely interesting, along with your progress in general! I'll be interested in how your bra fitting goes. As someone who is very small busted and who has quite a range in sizes - AA to B cup, (many hand me downs)  I do find that almost all of them contain a fair bit of "air" behind varying amounts of padding, but I don't really feel that the ill fittingness makes much (any?) difference to how I look. Anonymous on "Budget Evaluation" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/budget-evaluation/page/2#post-1925848 Tue, 05 Jun 2018 16:47:57 +0000 Anonymous 1925848@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I found two Somas in driving distance.  That should help a lot.     Toban on "Budget Evaluation" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/budget-evaluation/page/2#post-1925792 Tue, 05 Jun 2018 13:54:14 +0000 Toban 1925792@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Try to find somewhere that does bra fittings. With weight changes getting help with this makes the process easier. I like Soma because of this, and because it has a more manageable selection compared to department stores. Anonymous on "Budget Evaluation" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/budget-evaluation/page/2#post-1925788 Tue, 05 Jun 2018 13:30:53 +0000 Anonymous 1925788@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thank you, RunCarla.  My plan is to buy one really good bra and three coordinating underwear.  It is HARD making myself do this for so many reasons.  Bra fittings, ick.  Bra selections, oh so many!   Carla on "Budget Evaluation" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/budget-evaluation/page/2#post-1925773 Tue, 05 Jun 2018 12:52:04 +0000 Carla 1925773@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I was going to advise you to get new foundation garments, even if you had to take out a loan - then I read that you will be shopping for them this weekend. A proper bra is so, so, so very important, and good undies too. Transformative, really. Anonymous on "Budget Evaluation" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/budget-evaluation/page/2#post-1925749 Tue, 05 Jun 2018 10:46:42 +0000 Anonymous 1925749@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ 3Style -- this is the approach I want to explore still more with you .... if you have time.   The only category that I have a large number is sleeves tops, because nowadays I only buy multifunctional ones. At this point I only buy Talbots or jjill sleeveless tops because they have a lot of non-sheer bra-straps covered options. I wear them for by themselves, or for layering and don’t buy camisoles. Then they get downgraded to gear and then eventually sleepwear. The quality is so much better than most items actually sold as sleepwear. Very efficient. Learned that trick from a book. Closet Confidential: Style Secrets Learned the Hard Way by Winona Dimeo-Ediger. Do you think we should start another thread or explore it here?  I'm willing either way.   Anonymous on "Budget Evaluation" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/budget-evaluation/page/2#post-1925747 Tue, 05 Jun 2018 10:34:45 +0000 Anonymous 1925747@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thank you, Efbgen!  You made my day. Aida -- thank you for the positive reinforcement.  It is an adjustment and I feel compelled to make some of my larger sized items work for me at this phase of my journey.  I am glad I am not the only one.   Aida on "Budget Evaluation" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/budget-evaluation/page/2#post-1925650 Tue, 05 Jun 2018 01:10:28 +0000 Aida 1925650@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Enjoyed reading this thread. Sterling you are doing a great job rebuilding both wardrobe and confidence; I understand your feelings on the topic completely. I'm much, much further down the road (talking years, here) than you are and still finding myself trying to adjust. It's a strange feeling every time!! There are still plenty of too-large pieces in my wardrobe waiting to be replaced that I am "working with" because I still love them and it takes more time and resources to update than I can give them. A little at a time is fine Anonymous on "Budget Evaluation" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/budget-evaluation/page/2#post-1925601 Mon, 04 Jun 2018 22:57:07 +0000 Anonymous 1925601@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ The depth and breadth of this thread is fascinating and a learning experience-thank you STERLING Anonymous on "Budget Evaluation" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/budget-evaluation/page/2#post-1925589 Mon, 04 Jun 2018 22:16:07 +0000 Anonymous 1925589@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hi Jussie -- Fascinating that we have such different indulgences.  Perhaps I can explain my thinking.   If I gave free rein to my love of clothes and fashion, there really is no telling how much money I would spend on this budget item.  I guessed early in life that this was (or could be) a problem for me and took steps to prevent spending on clothing from getting out of hand.  Thus, a strict budget was implemented.   In contrast, I worry less about expenses related to dining.  I see them less as a budget item and more as a social activity.  I have a budget allotment for entertainment.  I can spend that money however I choose, I usually choose to spend it dining out with friends.  The gym and food are "health related."  I tell myself that by spending money on these categories I am possibly deferring expensive medical bills.  Rationalization?  Perhaps.   The truth is I love to eat.  I derive incredible enjoyment out of cooking, dining out with friends, and eating in.  There is a rare food that I haven't tried at least once.  There are few recipes I have not attempted at home.  That does not mean I am a good cook.  It means I love the process and the experimentation and that I am willing to eat what I cook most of the time.  A gorgeous grocery store or coffee shop fills me with happiness.   Now the gym is harder to rationalize ... so I won't even go there.   You need your indulgences too.  Saving on tissue might mean the difference between buying the perfect sweater for you versus one that is sub par.  We have similar pots of money.  We distribute it differently.       Anonymous on "Budget Evaluation" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/budget-evaluation/page/2#post-1925564 Mon, 04 Jun 2018 21:07:08 +0000 Anonymous 1925564@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I will be shopping for good foundation garments this Saturday, Toban.   Anonymous on "Budget Evaluation" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/budget-evaluation/page/2#post-1925563 Mon, 04 Jun 2018 21:05:47 +0000 Anonymous 1925563@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ TexStyle -- That idea about shoes was revolutionary to me.  I genuinely thought they were the absolute last thing someone thought about as they ran out the door.  Then, in 2018, I started seeing these posts that had statements like "first you start with the shoes ...."  I don't remember who wore that statement, but it turned me on my heels.  Then Angie's Blog about shoes followed closely thereafter.  I was smitten.  For the first time in my life, I get it.