Huge SEARS order... please help me decide what to keep

I went back to work this past week after being a SAHM for about 2 years. I'm working as a receptionist for my neighbor who is an insurance agent out of his home. Currently, it is just himself and his wife and they both dress in jeans and T's or hoodies, so my work attire will likely be smart casual.

I ordered a ton of stuff from Sears recently when they had they're outlet stuff marked down an additional 40% off. Below is all the stuff I got. Please help me decide what I need to return. Keep in mind that I got everything really cheap, so I don't mind keeping things that'll just get me by till I can afford better quality. (I think the most expensive pants were $15 and the tops ranges in price from $5 - $15) Also, the pants all need to be hemmed, so they look rather ill-fitted.

#1 & 2- Satin tunic- Is this too boxy? I think I like it, but I have a few problems: I don't think I have anything to wear with it, right now I only have black leggings. I'm also wondering if its too dressy for work and I don't feel real comfortable in it 'cause I'm so worried about ruining it.
Jean leggings- I'm goingto see if I can exchange these for a smaller size. If not, they'll be returned.

#3- Black sleeveless top with white embroidery- My mom really likes this top, but I'm pretty sure I'll return it 'cause its too big and the neckline gaped.
Grey cords- These have actually already been washed and worn. I know I'll get a lot of use out of them, but I think that maybe I should've returned them for a smaller size.

#4- Black plaid button down- Nothing special, but I like it and think it'll work well in my work environment

#5, 6 & 7- Yellow knit top- I'm loving this colour and though its tighter then what I'm used to wearing, I think I'll wear it a lot... especially when I get used to my new body shape.
Denim wide leg trousers- I really like these from the thigh down, but I'm not sure they are tight enough in the butt and upper thigh. Also, I'm afraid the wide waist band adds too much to my middle section which is obviously my problem area. It'd look good with looser fitting tops, but that obviously won't look right with the volume in the legs.

#8- Pink gathered front top- I love this colour and I think the fit works for me
Black pin-stripe dress pants- These are super comfy and fit me great in the waist, but I'm not so sure about the legs. They may just be sitting funny 'cause they're so long. Do you think it would be difficult (or expensive) to have the legs taken in?

#9 & 10- Orange twist front top- My mom really likes this one, but I think the only party I'm really digging is the colour. It looks fine in this picture, but it doesn't lay right IRL and it's a little clingy. I'm thinking I'll return it.
Black pin-stripe dress pants- same as #8, but you can see the bagginess in #10

#11 & 12- Black cardi- I've been searching for a decent priced black cardi for a couple years.
Teal print sheer blouse- Loving this. It may be a little dressy/funky for work, but I'll still wear it.

#13, 14, 15 & 16- Black & white print blouse- I'm not so sure about the belt. When I tie it in front, it sits right on my problem area. Pics 15 or 16 I tried tying it in the back to see if it helped.
Black dress pants- These are a little small in the waist, but fit great every where else. I'm going to keep them and make them work for now, 'cause I'm hoping to slim down the belly a bit.

#17 & 18- Blue dress- I love this colour and loving this dress with leggings. I'm sure I'll be wearing it with cardis too, but do you think I could fit a long sleeve T under? Also, should I cut off the ties in the back? They don't really do anything and may 'cause bulk under cardis.

#19- Bordeaux knit tunic- Is it too big? I think I like it, but I don't want to appear larger.

#20- Blue knit- I actually wore this with the grey cords and a white long sleeve T the other day. Do you ladies like it belted or not? Oh and I wouldn't be wearing it with these pants.

Thank you if you've made it this far. I really appreciate your input. I think I may have a few more items coming too, but I'm not sure. I've had nothing but problems with this order and so many things were cancelled or back-ordered or put on the outlet site by mistake and therefore not 40% off, so I cancelled them.

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15 years ago

Queen Mum

Veteran

honestly, I don't see anything here I don't like. Are you wanting to narrow it down?

okay, took another pass through and I'd say my least faves are 1-7 and 19.

Vix

Hi Crystal --

I'm going to be a little picky because I think enough of your buys are good enough that I want them all to be as useful!

Of course my picks are different than QM's so grain of salt and all that....

I actually really love the colors and print of #1 on you. Not sure if the dark color is deep brown or black, but I'd try it with the new black cardigan for sure. And if you have a belt, you could try blousing it up a bit over the belt (to shorten it) and wearing it with a skirt or pants.

Speaking of #11-12, that looks really pulled together for your job. I know buying multiples can be boring, but if they have the cardigan in other colors that work for you I might snap one more up.

I'm a thinwale cord lover, so I vote keep...though have you tried the cardigan with #4? I would think it would polish it up a bit...adding a black belt over the shirt alone or over/under the cardigan could be nice too.

[I agree the cords look a tad big, but I've seen/owned worse! Depending on the price point, I seriously might buy a size down and keep the looser ones for home/errands. Because one thing I would recommend -- if possible -- is that you get in the habit of changing out of work clothes as soon as you can...amazing how stubborn stains WILL happen when I break this "rule."]

I vote keep for #13 etc; I actually prefer the B/W print tied in front when worn alone, but could see it working better tied in the back when worn with a cardigan or jacket.

#17 (blue dress) seems like a great color and shape on you.

I'm not fond of the orange or burgundy colors on you, and the orange seems like it would be better in a heavier knit (because the V and waist DO look great!) so I'd vote return.

The others I can take or leave, but you're in charge!

Jenava

(website)

I like all, but not 4, and 11-16 (too matronly to my eye). The rest I think is adorable.

Crystal

Active Member

QM- Though I do need a whole new wardrobe, I would like to narrow it down. I promised hubby that I wouldn't be keeping it all 'cause we just can't afford it. With the cost of daycare for my four daughters, this job definitely isn't going to be paying for these clothes. Haha.

If you really have to narrow, then I'd keep 8, 9-10, and 19, 20-21. Keep the cords (very comfy and great for fall). I can't really tell about the pants. I think I'd need to see pics of just the pants for that.

chewyspaghetti

9/10 is just fabulous- you have to keep that! I also like 4, 17 and 21 unbelted

cloud9

I think between 8 & 9, choose one. Although they are completely different, but they have the same vibe, so I'd recommend keep the one you like better.

I dno't think 3, 4, 5, 19 do you any justice. I like the concept of #4, you can do better with colors though.

Choose one of the #1 or 13, similar print & color scheme.

I think 17 projects a younger image, consider if that is what you want as a working professional? Really pretty color on you. It'd be a fun for weekends.

I love 21, a very fun look. #11 is my fave for work wear.

I think 19 is very modern and simple. Great with leggings.

Late Bloomer

A lot of pretty items but my absolute favorite is the black and white blouse. It really shows off your figure.

okay, then I'm going to vote for my top 6

8/9- I"m having a hard time assessing which color I prefer because of the color of the wall behind you. Not that there is anything wrong with that color, but it clashes with the pink so I can't tell how the pink is doing on you, and since it goes well with the orange, I also can't properly assess how that orange shirt is actually working on you.
11/12- that is a nice basic cardi and I love the detailing of the turquoise blouse
13- I really like this on you. It is a bit dressier and has a more conservative vibe than many of the other pieces, but it looks really nice on you.
17- LOVE
19- Okay, I know I nixed 19 last night but it had been a long emotional day and so I wasn't in my right frame of mind. I'm rested now This looks like a great casual comfy piece.

Scarlet

Based purely on fit and color, the pink top in 8 sings on you as well as the blue dress (17/18).

Angie

Fashion Stylist

You did really well! Good for you

I vote keep it all BUT return:
1
9
19 and 20

8 and 17 are KILLER.

LeahJanes

I was going to reply to return exactly what Angie said, but she said it for me.

Also I love that you went for bold colours. I <3 Colour!

(I also can't bring myself to spell "colour" in the Americanised fashion, even after living here for almost a year!)

taylor

I am going to piggyback on Angie's answer!<code></code> What a great haul!

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

I agree pretty much with Angie too on her picks to go back. The orange is a great shape but I don't think the color is great on you. I would add that the turquoise print sleeveless blouse is a great color, but I don't think the high-necked look is flattering. The more open necklines on the others look better.

Kristine

I'd say keep what you love and what fits you well. Even on sale, it's not worth buying clothes that you won't enjoy wearing. If your new bosses are in t-shirts and jeans you have a little time to build up a nice wardrobe.

Hmm, 20 is actually my favorite item of them all!

There's something off to me about 19. I think it's the sleeve length, but maybe it would work over long sleeved tops?

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