https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/nordies-recon-and-strategic-dressing Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Tue, 07 Apr 2026 18:05:15 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/nordies-recon-and-strategic-dressing/page/2#post-1580395 Thu, 05 Nov 2015 02:25:17 +0000 Beth Ann 1580395@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Smittie:&nbsp; I need all the help I can get to make good purchases that improve my wardrobe!</p> <p>E:&nbsp; That's a good tip for when I really don't want to purchase anything!&nbsp; And I keep having an urge to sew, but can't seem to dedicate the time (and make the mess).</p> <p>Marianna:&nbsp; The work party is one of the hardest dressing events of the year!&nbsp; To look stunning, but not <i>too</i> alluring!&nbsp; I haven't had a work party in decades, so I'd be horribly out of practice!</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/nordies-recon-and-strategic-dressing/page/2#post-1580389 Thu, 05 Nov 2015 01:52:15 +0000 marianna 1580389@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks! I love the dress and it would be perfect for my work holiday party but it's sooo exposed for me! lol </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/nordies-recon-and-strategic-dressing/page/2#post-1580383 Thu, 05 Nov 2015 01:43:58 +0000 E 1580383@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love hearing your tips &amp; just adore that lace dress! I might try your 2nd one when I'm home for Christmas, since I've been reading lots about sewing lately but would love to see/feel some examples in person.</p> <p>I tend to wear a fussy outfit when I'm shopping, because if I'm not willing to deal with the fuss to try something on (and when I thrift, I try it on 3 separate times before committing), I don't love it enough to consider buying it. ;D </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/nordies-recon-and-strategic-dressing/page/2#post-1580363 Thu, 05 Nov 2015 01:09:27 +0000 Anonymous 1580363@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>SUCH a great tip to go shopping in your best outfit! I'll try that the next time. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/nordies-recon-and-strategic-dressing/page/2#post-1580338 Thu, 05 Nov 2015 00:14:08 +0000 Beth Ann 1580338@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Marianna:&nbsp; It is sheer lace on the back bodice.&nbsp; I think you could wear a cami and make it work well, unless you need absolutely no bra.&nbsp; In which case, woohoo!&nbsp; go for it!&nbsp; It's not nearly as "come hither" a look as on the model.&nbsp; </p> <p>Jenn:&nbsp; Isn't it sad that these lines don't have us for customers -- that they leave great women out and money on the table?&nbsp; I know how you feel, and I sometimes struggle with this, too.&nbsp; I think I can enjoy these departments because I came from a family of seamstresses and love garments as wearable art.&nbsp; I take what I see and use it to guide my "eye" when I'm at Kohls or Loft.</p> <p>Jenava: I've done a few YLF meetups -- best shopping partners ever!</p> <p>UF:&nbsp; I'm at a complete loss when shopping online.&nbsp; You have me beat there, I'm sure.&nbsp; I suspect that shopping IRL would help guide your online purchases, though. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/nordies-recon-and-strategic-dressing/page/2#post-1580334 Thu, 05 Nov 2015 00:09:24 +0000 Beth Ann 1580334@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Una: Great idea! I never think to bring items from my current wardrobe with me -- I'd probably leave them in the dressing room, lol!&nbsp; I think I might try bringing pics of these items, though!</p> <p>Banoffi:&nbsp; Thanks so much!</p> <p>Aliona:&nbsp; I would not be amused by a pill-y bum!&nbsp; Glad to know that about Vince, since they generally size me out and outprice me!&nbsp; That will make it easier to not pout when I see something I love!</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/nordies-recon-and-strategic-dressing/page/2#post-1580329 Wed, 04 Nov 2015 23:54:52 +0000 unfrumped 1580329@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Those are great tips and nicely outlined to help stay focused!</p> <p>I do think it is very helpful to wear something "smart" and in a great color. That has helped remind me of where "the bar" is and that the grass may not be greener.</p> <p>I like the wildcard idea too, in that sometimes there is a need NOT to just get more of the same, or at least to see what something actually looks like that I might not&nbsp; have considered.</p> <p>I recently was in our local large dept store, not Nordie's, alas, but was reminded of its extensive amount and variety of clothing, along many price points, and including Theory, Nicole, EF, and others. I've been frustrated by online shopping busts and my preference for being able to try things on before buying, so may need to schedule a dept store day to just wander through the many areas for inspiration without commitment. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/nordies-recon-and-strategic-dressing/page/2#post-1580317 Wed, 04 Nov 2015 23:38:51 +0000 Jenava 1580317@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You look great, and have excellent tips. &nbsp;Sounds like it would be fun to go shopping with you!! &nbsp;Love that tunic, and I see it comes in a pretty pale purple... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/nordies-recon-and-strategic-dressing#post-1580316 Wed, 04 Nov 2015 23:38:34 +0000 J.J. 1580316@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great tips! &nbsp;Thanks for the lesson! &nbsp;:) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/nordies-recon-and-strategic-dressing#post-1580298 Wed, 04 Nov 2015 23:22:36 +0000 marianna 1580298@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great post! I usually go shopping with no strategy but I think I should use some of your pointers.</p> <p>That VC dress is stunning. I can't tell, is the back actually sheer or is that nude fabric? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/nordies-recon-and-strategic-dressing#post-1580288 Wed, 04 Nov 2015 23:03:07 +0000 Jenn 1580288@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What great strategies, Beth Ann. Thank you for sharing. I'm intrigued by #2, because I find it really frustrating to look at lines I'm sized out of. It brings up a lot of insecurities and makes the shopping a lot less fun. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/nordies-recon-and-strategic-dressing#post-1580260 Wed, 04 Nov 2015 22:05:42 +0000 Anonymous 1580260@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love your tip 5 and am definitely going to use it on future shopping trips. Like you, I really focus on quality. Unfortunately, Vince is one of the lines that falls firmly on my 'avoid' list. Because their construction is so good, I was excited to discover the brand about 3 years ago. But while the pieces are well sewn and designed, the brand really skimps on fabric quality. (Something I didn't discover until i'd spent a fair amount on dry cleaning.) Everything knitted from this line -- from viscose to wool and cashmere -- pills horribly. I have a sleeveless version of that sheath dress from a couple of years ago and it's developed a fair number of pills in the bum area. OK, I sit at a desk much of the day. But a dress that's been worn maybe 8 or 10 times should hold up longer. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/nordies-recon-and-strategic-dressing#post-1580232 Wed, 04 Nov 2015 20:40:05 +0000 Banoffi 1580232@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great advice. Thank you for sharing. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/nordies-recon-and-strategic-dressing#post-1580184 Wed, 04 Nov 2015 17:39:42 +0000 Beth Ann 1580184@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Kim:&nbsp; Ask my husband, I have a name for everything.&nbsp; Not to be cute, but because it helps me organize ideas in my head (and believe me, organization is needed in there)!</p> <p>Alasse:&nbsp; I learn from YLF every day, glad you found something useful for you!</p> <p>Suz: I thought of you immediately when I saw the dress.&nbsp; It has your neckline!&nbsp; But I hear you -- I'm not buying another dress right now, either.&nbsp; Priorities!</p> <p>ABC:&nbsp; The tunic is in "Point of View," and my store also had it in black.&nbsp; It comes in a purple that wasn't in the store.&nbsp; Hope you have good luck shopping! </p> <p>Laurinda:&nbsp; That fabric sounds like an awesome find!&nbsp; It's much harder to actually have easy access to great fabrics.&nbsp; I've been wanting to sew more again for the past two years.&nbsp; I'm hopeful I'll be able to do a couple of projects this winter!</p> <p>Colette:&nbsp; I'll bring the cake!</p> <p>Peri:&nbsp; I'm enjoying investigating a little bit at a time.&nbsp; My last trip was when I visited J. Jill.&nbsp; I noted the silhouettes, colors, prices, and tried a few things on.&nbsp; I do this for Christmas gifts, too, which means I'll be visiting Aeropostale and Urban Outfitters soon!</p> <p>Summer:&nbsp; My husband needs to hear you say that, lol!</p> <p>Celia:&nbsp; It is so easy to get into the mindset that we have to make the clothes look good.&nbsp; Nope.&nbsp; That's what models get paid for!&nbsp; </p> <p>Bonnie:&nbsp; I may order the tunic in black too, although the purple also looks pretty!&nbsp; I've gotten lots of amazing ideas from forum members.&nbsp; I'm getting ready to post a jacket I found through Angie and Sveta.</p> <p>Sarah:&nbsp; I have so done that!&nbsp; I also have to try on every pair in the store, which is why I'm working on my shopping strategies!</p> <p>Cerinda: I always make a list. And then I promptly lose it!</p> <p>Ginger:&nbsp; Yes, I know.&nbsp; The dress looks kind of "Victoria's Secret" as styled.&nbsp; It did not look like that on me at all.&nbsp; The skirt is a gentle A-line that floats from the waist.&nbsp; I'm a 14, and the XL didn't grab the booty at all (and believe me, that's rare).&nbsp; You might be fine in the small, although based upon the way they've styled it, they clearly think it should be bodycon.</p> <p>Grad:&nbsp; Great point!&nbsp; Sometimes I find myself trying on versions of items I already have in my closet.&nbsp; Sometimes shopping gives me new ideas of how to wear my current items --- that's a great money saving way to shop!</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/nordies-recon-and-strategic-dressing#post-1580180 Wed, 04 Nov 2015 17:26:35 +0000 catgirl 1580180@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I was just thinking about this! Mine are: bring or wear what I'm looking to pair with something, and don't wear lipstick because I always end up trying some new shade and scrubbing my lips raw to get my old color off. Also easy shoes and clothes to change in and out of, and I also do a lot of "paper dolls" as well as bringing my wish list. And I go when my SA is there as she gives me honest feedback.</p> <p>Thanks for posting! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/nordies-recon-and-strategic-dressing#post-1580171 Wed, 04 Nov 2015 16:43:31 +0000 gradfashionista 1580171@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>These tips are great for shopping in real life, especially the strategy about dressing up. I always ask myself, "What would you rather wear? This or [choose nice or comfortable garment] in your closet?" If I'm shopping my closet while shopping in real life, I leave the item.</p> <p>Most of my shopping is done online, though, so there aren't as many barriers. A few are: adding items to your shopping cart, even if you don't intend on purchasing them; avoid shopping late at night, or whatever part of the day you find yourself less inhibited; let items that you order "sit" before wearing them--are you still as enthusiastic about them? If not, back they go!</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/nordies-recon-and-strategic-dressing#post-1580170 Wed, 04 Nov 2015 16:43:28 +0000 Ginger 1580170@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Such a great post! I really like how you break down the strategies and give them titles. Wearing a *favorite* outfit - not just an easy-to-change outfit - is a particularly useful tip.</p> <p>And I would never have looked at that lace back dress without your review. True Fit puts me in a small, which is really interesting, since the hips don't look that full. Hmm! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/nordies-recon-and-strategic-dressing#post-1580165 Wed, 04 Nov 2015 16:32:55 +0000 Cerinda 1580165@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Brilliant tactics! &nbsp;The tunic looks like a workhorse. &nbsp; I'm so list-driven that I need really need to try your tactics 2 &amp; 3. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/nordies-recon-and-strategic-dressing#post-1580159 Wed, 04 Nov 2015 15:54:21 +0000 Meow 1580159@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>These are great shopping weapons! I need to deploy "Go to School" and "Try on a Wildcard" more often. My stratigic shopping tends to be too focused - last week I went from store to store looking for black boots that I invented in my head and don't exist. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/nordies-recon-and-strategic-dressing#post-1580157 Wed, 04 Nov 2015 15:38:52 +0000 Bonnie 1580157@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>These are great shopping guidelines and thank you so much for sharing them. I particularly like #5 Always wear a favorite outfit to shop. I like all of your picks but was particularly interested in the tunic as I need a couple more in neutral colors. I have not tried on the Caslon tunic and will have to try it now that you liked it. I'm learning so much from forum members. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/nordies-recon-and-strategic-dressing#post-1580153 Wed, 04 Nov 2015 15:26:19 +0000 celia 1580153@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That coat is amazing on you. And I also love the outfit you took to shopping.<br /> It made me smile the way you said you were taking clothes to an interview because they have to convince you not the other way around.<br /> Most of the time I shop with an ongoing list on my mind, but I guess I also do a little bit of what you do. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/nordies-recon-and-strategic-dressing#post-1580149 Wed, 04 Nov 2015 15:17:41 +0000 Summer 1580149@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>These are excellent strategies, Beth Ann. &nbsp;You are a wise and focused shopper.<br />Now, every time I hold something up to myself in the mirror I shall think of paper dolls and smile! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/nordies-recon-and-strategic-dressing#post-1580137 Wed, 04 Nov 2015 15:08:45 +0000 Peri 1580137@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I do #1 all the time, but I thought it was just me being hard to please. Now I have a new name for it...paper dolls.&nbsp;</p> <p>I love the idea of #2. I get overwhelmed easily and give up, and that would be a great way to contain it. One department per trip. Narrow but deep. That is brilliant! Why didn't I think of that!</p> <p>And I need to do #3 more often, as a way to make shopping more fun. Thanks for posting this! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/nordies-recon-and-strategic-dressing#post-1580115 Wed, 04 Nov 2015 14:17:24 +0000 Colette 1580115@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Really enjoyed your post. I play paper dolls all the time, LOL. I find that my shopping trips need to be organized or I get off track and don't accomplish any of my goals. So I force myself to do what I HAVE to do first and then I can go back and play if there is time.</p> <p>The Ellen Tracy Coat in blue is beyond fabulous on you! And that Vince Camuto Lace Sweater Dress has me swooning! Perhaps I could join you for the Evening News. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/nordies-recon-and-strategic-dressing#post-1580112 Wed, 04 Nov 2015 13:54:31 +0000 Laurinda 1580112@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you for a brilliant post, and congratulations on your new tunic.</p> <p>As an amateur seamster I've found a couple SAs in the designer sections who were eager to chat about garment construction and current trends. I would only approach them if there is no one else there, but the most expensive sections do seem to have the fewest customers. I was shocked on one visit to find a fabric I'd picked up in a warehouse sale for $7/yard just because it was <i>so pretty</i> was used in the current Missoni collection.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/nordies-recon-and-strategic-dressing#post-1580105 Wed, 04 Nov 2015 13:30:43 +0000 abc 1580105@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi Beth Ann! I loved this post and how timely as I am in the USA now and we all know that means a lot of shopping in a short amount of time :)</p> <p>I use most of the same tactics but never thought much about it much less put a clever name to them! </p> <p>Fun post and I may copycat that tunic too. Now if you could just start showing coats with set in shoulders, lol, the two you showed (the camel vs jewel tone one and now this one) both lack the structured shoulder I need. I suspect you have a stronger shoulder line than me. </p> <p>Thanks for a fun post!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/nordies-recon-and-strategic-dressing#post-1580101 Wed, 04 Nov 2015 13:15:16 +0000 Suz 1580101@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>These are such fabulous tips, <b>Beth Ann</b>. I hope some of our newer members read these because they could be so helpful. I only learned these after some time on YLF! I always do the "paper dolls" trick, esp. if in a hurry; it saves me obsessing about something just glimpsed on the rack.&nbsp;</p> <p>I had been curious about that Vince dress when it was part of the NAS sale, but held back because I absolutely don't need another dress in my oh-so-casual life. I do love it, though. And the coat is fab on you!!&nbsp;</p> <p>Glad to hear you purchased the tunic; it looks smooth and graceful.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/nordies-recon-and-strategic-dressing#post-1580097 Wed, 04 Nov 2015 13:08:27 +0000 Alassë 1580097@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Excellent shopping tricks, Beth Ann. Thanks for letting us learn from you! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/nordies-recon-and-strategic-dressing#post-1580085 Wed, 04 Nov 2015 12:22:20 +0000 Kim 1580085@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I do some of these things already but never had good names for them, so thank you for that!&nbsp;&nbsp; </p> <p>I am, however, going to implement "Going to School" and trying on one new silhouette the next time I shop, since that's not really in my arsenal, and it seems like a great idea to me!</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/nordies-recon-and-strategic-dressing#post-1580082 Wed, 04 Nov 2015 12:04:55 +0000 Beth Ann 1580082@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sharan: &nbsp;#1 is the outfit I wore at our gathering -- it's in the 70s this week! &nbsp;I also used to hold bolts of fabric up in the mirror. &nbsp;That's a bit trickier!</p> <p>Plonkee: &nbsp;Yes, indeed! &nbsp;Recently, I told a friend I was taking a dress in the changing room for an "inteview." &nbsp;I have to remind myself I don't have to flatter the clothes, but it's their job to fit and flatter me.</p> <p>Lyn: &nbsp;I notice fewer and fewer mirrors, too! &nbsp;So maddening. &nbsp;I'm one of those that needs to see even shoes and bags in a full length mirror, and going into a changing room requires a lot more time.</p> <p>Helen: &nbsp;I've learned so much from YLF! &nbsp;I suspect many of us do variations of these tricks.</p> <p> </p>