https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-woman-who-doesnt-know-how-to-shop-went-shopping Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Mon, 11 May 2026 21:26:01 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-woman-who-doesnt-know-how-to-shop-went-shopping#post-565851 Tue, 13 Mar 2012 12:59:45 +0000 Suz 565851@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Alicia, I think a stylist is a great idea. </p> <p>Another trick I used during and even immediately after weight loss: I only bought a VERY FEW items at full retail price. I also bought at thrift stores. I will continue to do this a bit this year as I refine my style. I'm at my goal weight/shape, but I still need help in learning to shop and dress myself, and so to economize I try to figure out what my core wardrobe items should be (for me, because I live in a predominantly fall/winter climate, that means jackets, outerwear, jeans) and spend money there, while getting the "extras" and "fun" purchases (some tops, funky items I might not otherwise buy—stuff to jazz up the look a bit, accessories etc.) at the thrift stores. </p> <p>Another trick: if you can find any skirts with elastic waists, these can probably be altered quite easily for you later. So in those styles you might be able to buy at full cost, knowing it will last you. However, once again, your shape may change a bit as you lose so you may not suit the same silhouettes. </p> <p>Good luck! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-woman-who-doesnt-know-how-to-shop-went-shopping#post-565772 Tue, 13 Mar 2012 08:24:24 +0000 Alicia 565772@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you everyone! I exchanged some sizes( have to run to a diff store for some) and I'll get pics as soon as I can. I'm thinking about getting a stylist at nordstroms to help me. They have alterations too. The clothes might be more pricey but at least they will fit. </p> <p>I got the white capris a size bigger. But I think if I bend over my assets will hang out. Might be worth hitting nordstroms and trying not your daughters jeans. I hate spending that much while losing weight but I guess they can be altered. </p> <p>What do you think of the stylist idea? Would be able to try Bermuda shorts (tried some on at old navy and yuck! Will post pic later) and def want some cute skirts and sundresses </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-woman-who-doesnt-know-how-to-shop-went-shopping#post-565707 Tue, 13 Mar 2012 05:24:36 +0000 Amy 565707@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like all your pretty new clothes! You look great. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-woman-who-doesnt-know-how-to-shop-went-shopping#post-565680 Tue, 13 Mar 2012 04:55:55 +0000 ManidipaM 565680@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>As others have already said, Alicia, don't worry --- you're off to a great start!</p> <p>That gingham top is fabulous on you! Worn with the top open and the cami showing, because it instantly elongates even as it emphasizes your curves. I also think it is the right size because of the shoulder fit --- any larger and it would look sloppy in the shoulder and make you look generally 'bagged out', if you know what I mean? </p> <p>I also LOVE the butterfly top on you! Looks very nice and cool, skimming over the belly area and yet coming back in to remind us that you have a nice waist too. If you feel it's too billowy for you, try adding a large, low pendant that creates a V-shape over the chest and acts as weight over your belly to hold the volume down there. You could also try untucking the top and using a thin belt over it.</p> <p>And the third stripey top seems very versatile and breezy for summer too---daytime sparkle is such a happy-making trend when you need to refresh and push your everyday style to the next level! </p> <p>Not as sure of the striped top or the red one. I think you could find better fit, as these look a little droopy and maybe a bit too big to me. That red is a great colour though, and I love the pattern on those printed shorts, though am not sure of the fit and proportions (more on that below).</p> <p>I *would* see what a size up looks like with those pants, though, especially the whites --- all of them are beautiful colours to go with your tops, by the way! -- and then see if they can be rolled up towards the knee. I know you say you don't think clamdiggers work for you, but I think with your shapely lower legs, showing them off makes for a very pretty line. I LIKE the scrunched length you showed with the green/turquoise ones! </p> <p>I'm also going to second the suggestions to try a pair of shorts that skim the leg and stop at the top of the knee --- longer length than you have here, not too tight, but with a bit of taper to it. </p> <p>You could also look at getting a shorter boxier blouse (maybe in that red or the orange of the shorts?) to go with your cropped pants, perhaps. That way you can change up the silhouette a little so that you're not always tucked in. Just make sure it's not too long, and you will be able to show off your shape just under the waist with a pencil skirt or one of those pants you chose. The girdling effect of a higher-waisted skirt or pants is very flattering on curvy bodies, because it plays down the tummy and boosts the rest of your assets. (It even works on me, and I'm an apple-bellied rectangle with not much of a waist!)</p> <p>Looking forward to more of your posts! And remember, you are *not* frumpy; some clothes are just not good enough for *your* closet. Find some that are worthy of your fabulousness! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-woman-who-doesnt-know-how-to-shop-went-shopping#post-565479 Tue, 13 Mar 2012 02:04:24 +0000 Sarah A 565479@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I really like the yellow gigham shirt as well, and pair with the turquoise pants it is fab to my eye. I too have lost weight recently,about 25 pounds in this last year. I would get a few things now but you may be surprised that they are too large sooner than expected so the good news is you get to practice! Each time you hone your eye shopping it will get easier... At least that is my experience. I almost liked it the other day and didn't get overwhelmed! Hone your eye looking at everyone's posts here helps A LOT too! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-woman-who-doesnt-know-how-to-shop-went-shopping#post-565475 Tue, 13 Mar 2012 02:00:57 +0000 shoppingisfun 565475@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Here's what I see when I look at the photos...</p> <p>I see you have kind of an Adorable Apple shape. What part of your body are you trying to emphasize with your outfits? It seems to me that the shapes you're going for (wide tops, horizontally striped tops, and short, tapered pants) emphasize the top half of your body. </p> <p>If you are trying to look more balanced, you may want to try a wide-leg bottom, and tops that make the viewer's eyes move up and down, rather than side-to side...maybe tops in drapey fabrics (which create vertical folds as they drape) with some kind of detail at the neckline? I'm not sure about the pants situation. Like I said, I'd try some wide-legs, trousers, or flares, but if you're dressing for hot weather, you might try something like an a-line skirt. Have you tried shorts in a knee length? </p> <p>Also, it's important to try on outfits with shoes (even if they're not your favorite shoes, try to wear some that are kind of similar to what you're looking to buy), because adding shoes adds height and can change the whole look of an outfit. </p> <p>Here are some ideas from the LOFT website:<br /> A shirt like this has vertical detailing and draws the eye up and down rather than side to side:<br /> <a href="http://www.loft.com/loft/product/product%3A274627/LOFT-blouses/Ruffle-Button-Down-Short-Sleeve-Top/274627?colorExplode=false&#038;skuId=11155393&#038;catid=catl000011&#038;productPageType=fullPriceProducts&#038;defaultColor=9000" rel="nofollow">http://www.loft.com/loft/produ.....Color=9000</a> </p> <p>A top like this offers some volume but doesn't look wide:<br /> <a href="http://www.loft.com/loft/product/product%3A274635/LOFT-shells-and-camis/Tiny-Dot-Print-Bubble-Hem-Shell/274635?colorExplode=false&#038;skuId=10796801&#038;catid=catl000011&#038;productPageType=fullPriceProducts&#038;defaultColor=3995" rel="nofollow">http://www.loft.com/loft/produ.....Color=3995</a></p> <p>I'd like to see you try some mid-length shorts!<br /> <a href="http://www.loft.com/loft/product/product%3A278834/LOFT-perfect-pair/Marisa-Ripstop-Cargo-Shorts/278834?colorExplode=false&#038;skuId=10923573&#038;catid=catl000014&#038;productPageType=fullPriceProducts&#038;defaultColor=2714" rel="nofollow">http://www.loft.com/loft/produ.....Color=2714</a></p> <p>I wonder how this would look on you?<br /> <a href="http://www.loft.com/loft/product/LOFT-Apparel/LOFT-Skirts/Yarn-Dye-Striped-Full-Skirt/271580?colorExplode=false&#038;skuId=10959541&#038;catid=catl000017&#038;productPageType=fullPriceProducts&#038;defaultColor=6821" rel="nofollow">http://www.loft.com/loft/produ.....Color=6821</a></p> <p>Just some ideas. I do like your gingham top. </p> <p>ETA; I also like the butterfly top (untucked), but not with the short-shorts. I actually think your pants look good rolled up to closer to knee length....the longer lengths look kind of awkward to me, although I'm sure adding shoes (something with a heel) would help a lot. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-woman-who-doesnt-know-how-to-shop-went-shopping#post-565462 Tue, 13 Mar 2012 01:53:04 +0000 KikiG 565462@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have a similar shape, and I struggle with my bust making me look chunky. I really love that yellow top on you. I have found that wearing a thin cami (I like the ones from Ann Taylor) under things, and then opening up the buttons on the outer woven top that skims (instead of sticks, like a knit can) can be very flattering. I also really, really loved the butterfly top. I loved the way it skimmed over your tummy. You are totally not as heavy as you think!!!</p> <p>You also might want to try rolling up the cuffs on those capri pants to just below or just above your knee and see what you think. I got some white capri jeans last year (cheap!) and they were ~meh~ (sort of matronly) the length they came from the store, but somehow got a lot cuter when I rolled them up. I am so glad I learned that trick last year! </p> <p>Also, I got a single pair of black Bermuda shorts last year, and I was surpised that they were as flattering as they were--I was convinced I was too round for that style, but I was wrong. (And good job to the sales person who sort of bullied me into them! Thanks!) That might be a good short shape to try next time you shop. My other excellent summer bottom was a very simple, just above knee length denim pencil skirt. Mine came from Ann Taylor, and whatever I paid, it wasn't enough--it was a total work horse for me. Again, a cute and flattering look for me with a skimming-not-sticking summer top. </p> <p>If I had to pick one thing that I have learned from YLFit is the value of picture. I now almost always do a reality outfit check with my cell phone before I leave the house. I'm still trying to get my photos to the point where I can post them, but even a bad cell phone photo that is too dark is good enough for me to compare top A vs. top B or to belt or not to belt. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-woman-who-doesnt-know-how-to-shop-went-shopping#post-565400 Tue, 13 Mar 2012 01:07:06 +0000 Suz 565400@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Congratulations on your weight loss goal! I lost about 35 pounds a year and a half ago and found that my entire shape changed, not just my size. Which is one reason I'm here on YLF! So you have come to the right place. </p> <p>And you're off to a good start. You focused on one store, and found some needed basics. And we have a better sense of your body type. From the pics I actually wonder if you are not an IT with secondary apple/ hourglass tendencies rather than an hourglass? But it is tough to say from the angle. </p> <p>In any case, the gingham shirt is a keeper! I think the white pants (in whatever size you find fits best) are also great. You might experiment a bit with footwear and rolling the pants to different lengths. I have legs that are on the short side and like you, I do not find the clamdigger length works for me. But Angie and many YLF SWEAR by clams and far prefer them to capris, which they find generally leg-shortening and very tough to wear. So I never say never. I think, on me, wearing clams successfully would require a little wedge heel, and I can't really wear heels on my active MOTG days, so that knocks the whole idea off the rails! But it's definitely worth trying. </p> <p>What I do instead is wear shorts tapered (very tapered, like skinnies) and cropped to the knee. Sort of like denim biking shorts, LOL. With untucked tops, it's breezy and looks quite nice. </p> <p>My other fall back is skirts and dresses, even worn VERY casually. Unless I'm going to turn cartwheels or something, there is no reason I can't wear a dress, as long as it is washable and comfortable. And it is almost always cooler than trousers. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-woman-who-doesnt-know-how-to-shop-went-shopping#post-565123 Mon, 12 Mar 2012 19:54:26 +0000 Makrame 565123@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I would suggest trying the next size up in the gingham shirt just to see what it looks like. I often end up with gapping or pulling shirts after washing them. So if the next size up is not too big, I would go for it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-woman-who-doesnt-know-how-to-shop-went-shopping#post-565115 Mon, 12 Mar 2012 19:45:07 +0000 harmonica 565115@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>i really like the colour of the gingham shirt, also paired with the blue colour as in #9. the combo made me think of hitchcocks 1950's movies and the colour palette of techicolour movies. i don't thnik the gingham shirt looks too small, but i hope you can get some more advise on the size matter from others. i support the idea of getting a skirt which is nice in hot weather and it might be easier to adjust as you loose weight. good luck to you. the gingham shirt and the butterfly are good and fresh starting points </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-woman-who-doesnt-know-how-to-shop-went-shopping#post-565093 Mon, 12 Mar 2012 19:19:44 +0000 Alicia 565093@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yeah, I'm going to go exchange sizes. Too tight pants are not fun </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-woman-who-doesnt-know-how-to-shop-went-shopping#post-565092 Mon, 12 Mar 2012 19:18:17 +0000 Alicia 565092@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Another quick question. Should I get the gingham shirt a size bigger? It pulls a tiny bit at the boob level. But it's thin so I'd prob have to wear a cami under it anyway so if it's unbuttoned it's not pulling. Argh! I need a stylist! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-woman-who-doesnt-know-how-to-shop-went-shopping#post-565082 Mon, 12 Mar 2012 19:12:51 +0000 jayne 565082@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree about not tying the shirt at the waist. I really like that shirt as shown in 1! so use it tucked. And the white looked great but seemed a bit tight! Else the butterfly was perfectly soft for causal summer. I would keep it too </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-woman-who-doesnt-know-how-to-shop-went-shopping#post-565077 Mon, 12 Mar 2012 19:06:22 +0000 Alicia 565077@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hard to see from pics but the striped taupe and cream shirt is actually gold with a tiny bit of sparkle super cute </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-woman-who-doesnt-know-how-to-shop-went-shopping#post-565073 Mon, 12 Mar 2012 19:02:18 +0000 Alicia 565073@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So the gingham shirt is ok? i felt weird in it a little. It is so flowy and I thought it might look shapeless on me. It's very thin too. I think I might have to wear a cami under it. I also don't usually tie my shirts because it seems to bring too much extra bulk to my waist. </p> <p>The rolled capris are pic 10. pic 11 is regular length. </p> <p>Do all the combos look ok together? They had the turquoise pant and gingham shirt together at the store. </p> <p> I think I will go up in size. It will be more comfy and the shorts will hang a bit looser and lower. </p> <p>I loved the butterfly top but again worried it was too flowy. I'm kinda busty and sleek lines look better on me but sometimes you want airy and breezy!</p> <p>So keep? Returns? would i be better finding ankle length skinnies rather than capris? Capris are huge in florida. Or have them cut down? </p> <p>Skirts and sundresses are my next goal after I get these down. I need some casual shorts/ pants combos. plus the accessories and shoes </p> <p>Thank you!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-woman-who-doesnt-know-how-to-shop-went-shopping#post-565015 Mon, 12 Mar 2012 18:21:57 +0000 christieanne 565015@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Smart strategy picking one place to focus shopping. Sometimes the trek and comparing between shops is too much for anyone.<br /> Looks like you are off to a smashing (and unfrumpy start). </p> <p>Love the yellow gingham - great color and looks lightweight.<br /> I also really like the butterfly print top - you could pair that with a dark denim bootcut and nude sandals and have a fun going out outfit. Or with a denim pencil skirt as well. </p> <p>Do the bottoms feel tight? They may have some stretch built in (and may bag out a bit as you wear) . Look a little small and i hope others chime in. The next size up might be too big on the thighs though - did you try some 10's on?<br /> While you are on your weight loss journey, you could start with these and have them taken in later. 30 lbs goal is two-three sizes down I think? You will probably want new things when you hit that mark so I would buy what fits now - otherwise you may be frustrated off the bat.<br /> At least that is how I would feel Hope that helps. </p> <p>Color choices are fun and fresh! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-woman-who-doesnt-know-how-to-shop-went-shopping#post-565012 Mon, 12 Mar 2012 18:20:37 +0000 Meredith1953 565012@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>First I LOVE the yellow gingham! So fresh and I now want one. I also love the white capris with it and I think it will look great but honestly I would size up. White always makes me feel bigger and I really like white to skim. See Angie's post on wearing white pants.</p> <p><a href="http://youlookfab.com/2010/03/24/seven-steps-to-wearing-white-bottoms/" rel="nofollow">http://youlookfab.com/2010/03/.....e-bottoms/</a></p> <p>I also like the blue capris and green capris and the yellow shirt will nice with those. I think you will be able to wear them a lot. If they feel a little tight, I would size up and get the waist adjusted if necessary.</p> <p>Not crazy about the different styles of shorts but I don't wear shorts much myself! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-woman-who-doesnt-know-how-to-shop-went-shopping#post-565001 Mon, 12 Mar 2012 18:13:26 +0000 kellygirl 565001@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi, Alicia! Colorful haul! I love the colors that you’ve chosen--so fun! Love the check button down--I think that is a great top. I also really like the white bottoms but I might try them with an untucked top. I think the clam length (rolled up) is a great look for you--I much prefer them to the mid-calf (pic 11) by about a mile! I think 6 and 7 are great as well--perhaps add a wedge heel to lengthen the leg line. Regarding the shorts, I think they are fine for casual MOTG but I’d prefer them a bit longer--perhaps right about the knee. I’m short and have big thighs and I find that a short with a slight taper that hits right above the knee (where my leg is thinner) is more flattering. Just my 2 cents. You are off to a great start!</p> <p>ETA: I love Makrame' s idea of a skirt--it might be especially helpful while losing weight. My knee length denim skirt is a real work horse! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-woman-who-doesnt-know-how-to-shop-went-shopping#post-564981 Mon, 12 Mar 2012 17:57:35 +0000 Makrame 564981@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Alicia, don't be so hard on yourself! I don't see frumpy in these pictures at all!</p> <p>One thing that really jumped out at me was how nice and fresh that yellow gingham shirt looks on you. Can you wear it tied at the waist? I really like it with a cami and white jeans. I think the idea of the white jeans is also good, and the fact they are tapered is good. Which pic is with the folded/shorter length?</p> <p>Have you tried looking at skirts, too? I know that it is hard to find good length skirts (all of the cotton skirts I ever bought from the Loft ended up turning into minis after the first wash). I am wondering whether a lightweight pencil or a-line skirt might also be a nice addition to your wardrobe. My favorite place for skirts (denim or cotton) is Talbots (on sale). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-woman-who-doesnt-know-how-to-shop-went-shopping#post-564970 Mon, 12 Mar 2012 17:42:27 +0000 Alicia 564970@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>i'm trying to build a new wardrobe for my new life. I'm getting divorced after 17 years and want a fresh start. I want to look hot and feel good about myself. No more frumpy housewife/mom sweats! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-woman-who-doesnt-know-how-to-shop-went-shopping#post-564968 Mon, 12 Mar 2012 17:39:09 +0000 Alicia 564968@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I hate everything I bought! Ok first few pics are me and my body type. Curvy hourglass with a mommy apple thing going on. I am working on losing 30 lbs. So a lot will be changing. I live in Florida so what I buy during the spring and summer is what I wear most of the year. The sales lady talked me into buying an 8 instead of a 10 But now it all looks tight and frumpy! Should I go up a size and have them altered as I lose? This is the length short I usually wear because of my short legs. I'm not sure the capri length is working here either. I rolled up the capris in one pic so you can see the clamdigger length does not work for me. The gingham shirt is plain in one pic and with a cami underneath in another. I look boring and frumpy! I know I don't have any accessories or shoes on but I wanted to get the outfits and fit just right first. What should I do? Are these looks doing anything for my body type? What do I keep/exchange/return?? Please help! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-woman-who-doesnt-know-how-to-shop-went-shopping#post-564917 Mon, 12 Mar 2012 16:46:25 +0000 harmonica 564917@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Congrats to you Alicia! You should be really proud of taking one step at a time. I know the feeling of beeing overwhelmed in shops. What has helps me is to limit the shopping stops (like you did :-)) and to have a shopping plan. Look forward to see your pics </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-woman-who-doesnt-know-how-to-shop-went-shopping#post-564894 Mon, 12 Mar 2012 16:18:42 +0000 Sunita 564894@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Good for you! Loft has pretty nice basics...looking forward to seeing the goodies! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-woman-who-doesnt-know-how-to-shop-went-shopping#post-564884 Mon, 12 Mar 2012 16:08:27 +0000 Makrame 564884@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sounds great! Looking forward to your pictures.</p> <p>What I usually do for the phone pictures (since I don't have a "smart phone") is send pictures to myself (to my e-mail via picture messaging) and then save and edit them on my computer. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-woman-who-doesnt-know-how-to-shop-went-shopping#post-564802 Mon, 12 Mar 2012 14:55:26 +0000 Beth Ann 564802@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Look forward to seeing your pics! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-woman-who-doesnt-know-how-to-shop-went-shopping#post-564788 Mon, 12 Mar 2012 14:42:44 +0000 Meredith1953 564788@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Good for you! I always do better when I only deal with one or two stores (preferably small) at a time. I get overwhelmed easily also. Can't wait to see what you nabbed! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-woman-who-doesnt-know-how-to-shop-went-shopping#post-564783 Mon, 12 Mar 2012 14:40:30 +0000 Angie 564783@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That's great, Alicia! I look forward to seeing your loot shortly </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-woman-who-doesnt-know-how-to-shop-went-shopping#post-564780 Mon, 12 Mar 2012 14:37:06 +0000 Alicia 564780@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi! Im new to YLF. You may remember me. I was the one who doesn't know how to shop. Needs to build a wardrobe, get rid of frump, gets overwhelmed in stores, etc. Ok, I went shopping. One store only, Loft. And got a bunch of stuff. I need feedback desperately! I will get all the pics posted as soon as possible. I need help on whether they are keepers or returns, and shoes and accessories( didn't even get close to that) I can't wait to hear your advice! Gotta figure out how to get pics from phone to web site. hmmm </p>