HELP! First serious shopping trip ._.

carol3012

So.. just a quick intro..

Hi, my name is Carol and I've been a tomboy for the past 20 or so odd years of my life. I've never done any sort of shopping trip in which I've actually *looked* for something I'm remotely interested in, either fashionable or *fit.* Heck, the only montage I've ever run by was if it fits over my head, then it works. But now that I'm trying to clean up both my looks and my body issues..well might as well start somewhere right?

I'm going out shopping with my best friend who insists on teaching me on how to shop in a few days, but I'd like to at least have an idea of what I should be trying to accomplish with this trip. Sure, I know more or less my body type; I'm a curvy, petite hourglass with probably pear tendencies; I have rather round thighs and a bottom (I'm 115 lbs and only about 5') and I'm short waisted. But despite all the information that I research on what looks good on me, and what to avoid, it feels like it doesn't help when I'm there, actually looking. And I live in NYC!

So.. I don't know what I'm looking for here in particular; probably just some tips here and there on what I should probably look for, or *how* to even start. Should I be looking at magazines or something before I go to get an idea on what I inherently enjoy?

Thanks for the help in advance ._. Sorry for the long read as well.

13 years ago

Dressing

11 replies

Latest reply was from carol3012

fern

Veteran

Welcome -
Are you two shopping for work or casual?
A great concept which Angie has detailed in several posts is the capsule. It can really help you focus your shopping trip, since it narrows down colors and items.
Here is an older post: http://youlookfab.com/2009/06/.....lifestyle/
And a recent one: http://youlookfab.com/2012/03/.....t-capsule/
If you are pear-ish, you might look for tops with detail at the neck and waist and attention getting fabric (as a tomboy, this is still hard for me).

13 years ago

cheryle (Dianthus)

(website)

Veteran

My best advice is to have a list. I find it much easier to focus on the items I want/need if I write them down and keep looking for the items on the list.

Fit is very important.

Don't settle for good enough. If you don't love it and feel great in it, it doesn't deserve space in your closet.

And last but not least, Have fun.

13 years ago

(website)

Veteran

I would keep outfits in mind, and not just shop piece by piece. I did that for years before I figured out I need to be planning how, and with what, I am going to wear something before buying it. Will I wear it out to lunch with the girls? To work? Walking 12 city blocks sightseeing? That kind of thing. It's easy to buy for a 'fantasy life' instead of what you really need to wear your clothes for. I don't go to black tie cocktail parties, for instance
Also watch for fit and of course, have fun!

13 years ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Welcome!! You've come to a great place! And you're going to have so much fun.

First, if you haven't already, read up on the blog about Angie's various "capsules." Try to figure out what occasions you need clothing for, so you can decide your true needs. Do you work in an office? If so, you'll need one kind of clothing. Are you a Mom on the Go? Then you'll need another. Do you walk a lot? (You may need low heels, platforms or flats). Do you live in a hot climate, or a cold one? (Your choices should reflect the kinds of weather you'll often face.)

Fit is crucial, as everyone has already says. You will probably do best in the petites section at least for tops, but beware with pants; they may not fit from petites, depending on your rise and the length of your legs in relation to your body.

Also, Angie always advises, before going shopping in a serious way:

Get a bra fitting (even if you think you know your size, go get a professional fitting.)
Check your hairstyle and maybe make a change; hair affects your look enormously.
If you wear glasses, make sure the frames are flattering.

And enjoy!

13 years ago

DonnaF

Veteran

Hi and welcome! We are about the same size and shape, except that I am long-waisted. I have yet to tackle the photo-posting thing; my excuse is that my house is so dark that it is easy to wear mismatched socks, plus I have yet to master taking pix, tho' probably need a tripod.

If I were you, I would start shopping slowly so as not to get overwhelmed and discouraged. Think about the life you actually lead (vs. your fantasy life) and your dominant climate. That may lead you to the most critical holes in your wardrobe. Some on this forum have noticed that they tend to buy a fair amount of dressy clothes, whereas they are basically a MOTG (mom on the go), or they buy for the climate they used to live in vs. the hot sticky one they currently live in.

Another thing: If you need dress pants (vs. jeans), you may not want to start there. It seems like almost all women have a heck of a time finding slacks that fit, flatter, and that they like, and the search can be discouraging and long. (Study up on PPL -- Perfect Pants Length -- and the search can be longer!) For some of us, finding comfortable, appropriate, and affordable shoes can be a tremendous challenge.

I love this forum because it is populated by wise women with a variety of shapes, sizes, styles, and ages. I rarely look at the many blogs written by petite women because they all seem to weigh around 85 - 90 lb., are probably three decades younger than I, and always wear high heels, whereas I have the world's fussiest feet. I don't relate to fashion mags either. Just read Angie's blog!

13 years ago

carol3012

Active Member

Wow thanks for all the replies everyone!

Actually I'm only 21 right now *twiddles* Hardly the mom on the go, but I do work in a rather casual professional occupation as a side job, so I do need dress pants.. Actually one of the few things that's been on my list to buy as of late was a pair of decent slacks that I could use.. The one I have doesn't fit me much anymore since I've started working out. I guess I won't be expecting to get a good pair when I go out, rather to make repeated trips looking for a pair of good ones >.< That and probably take a trip to a tailor..

I've read through the capsules blog posts (how did I miss those??) and they make much more organized sense of my perceived chaos lol. The only thing I can say is that I always end up wearing sneakers in every casual outfit..sure it's a no no, but flats never worked out for me (pinched everywhere, uncomfortable, and I have a small heel, so they NEVER stay on) and I hit the gym every day that I possibly can. Lugging a pair of sneakers in your backpack isn't exactly the easiest thing to do everyday so they end up staying on my feet :/

But it's a good idea, I'll keep looking around here for things..some things do feel a bit matronly to me (sorry if it offends anyone!), and I'd like to have some fun with myself before I get too old to XD

13 years ago

ManidipaM

Veteran

Hi and welcome! You've already got a great start in all the fabulously practical advice up there. So I'm going to address the inspiration side of things you brought up at the end of your post.

I'm sure looking at mags or even this blog and the ones listed on the blogroll, to the right of the page, lower down, will be a great start for ideas. Also worth doing is checking the sites of the stores you plan to shop at --- and checking out their seasonal lookbooks and trend features. In addition, if your shopping trip is imminent and you are short on time, you might like to start here with some of Angie's recommendations for the season: http://youlookfab.com/2012/03/.....ust-haves/

Have fun! And if you like, you could take photos of your new finds and possible purchases in the dressing room, and post here for real-time help. A lot of ladies on the forum do that, and get great, quick feedback I've noticed, that can decide them to pounce at once, put it on hold to have a think, or decide they can do better after all if they cast the net a little wider.

13 years ago

(website)

Veteran

Just wanted to add that I totally get how some outfits that are great for 40-something gals on the go might seem matronly to you. You're barely in your 20's - have fun with whatever you want to wear!! I am technically double your age, but don't act (or I think dress) like it. Anyway, I would only add that you might look into some shoes that aren't sneakers, but are fit to walk the city in. It ups your style factor in a big way. Maybe ankle booties? Or wedges? Good luck!

13 years ago

anne

Veteran

Carol,

Just wanted to say hi. You have received some great advice and hopefully someone will chime in with some recommendations for younger looks.
Hope it all goes well. I am not keen on shopping either, but the forum has helped a LOT.

13 years ago

christieanne

Veteran

Glad you found YLF and decided to post! Welcome

Set a goal that is realistic and will steer your shopping buddy toward what you want (and not what she thinks you need) and be honest with her about what your intentions are.

Mo is right about buying outfit that works together - even if you only come up with one do the whole thing from shoe to bottom to top to third layer (jacket or cardigan). That way you will have a fantastic start and no "orphans".

Read up on the fit suggestions for pears and make a few notes about that plus your capsule needs. I think it helps to be open but also organized.

What colors do you like or do think will work on you? Brights or pastels? Spice tones or vivid neons?

And even though you are going with a friend, don't be shy about asking sales people for help too. Good luck and let us know what you are thinking ahead of time and how it goes.

13 years ago

carol3012

Active Member

Thanks for the tips! And sorry for the late reply. Turns out that the plans were cancelled for today, but I'll be using the downtime to do more research.

Thanks again!

13 years ago

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