I think I'm benched for this season. - YouLookFab Forum

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Outfits Ensembles Trends Advice

I think I'm benched for this season.

Anonymous

This hasn't happened for a few years now, so I guess the inevitable hit with Spring 2017 fashion. I'm out. Everywhere I look, I see these micro-trends (as La Pedestrienne was talking about on the forum yesterday) and in store, after store, after store. If I see one more shirting-stripe off-the-shoulder top with tied sleeves, or one more pair of embroidered jeans, or one more ruffle, I am going to scream. Fashion sneakers? Brown's is crammed full of them. I already have about 6 pair. No more.

It's not that I dislike these pieces, but it's fast-fashion at it's best/worst. Every store, every price point (from mid to lower) and in every department in the same store. I've been out shopping over the past few days and I'm really thankful I'm not in dire need of anything , because there is nothing to buy. Where are the interesting, unique, sophisticated, flattering, up-scale looking clothes? Oh I know - they are all priced out of my range this year. I have slashed my clothing budget - both because I want to and because I have to, but I do have some room for a few new things. I can't find anything that speaks to me, is on my list of things I want this spring and summer , or that feels like me. Club Monaco - all high waist, pleats and cropped tops. BR - ruffle madness, and floral prints, crazy pant colours. Anthro - it's usual kooky self, and nothing to wear to work. Michael Kors - skinny rib knit tops.Boring. At least some things never change Smythe, Vince, Joie, Rag & Bone, Minkoff, etc - now all priced out of my range. The Cdn dollar has really hit those brands.

I've never noticed so much utter sameness and trendiness in stores before this season. Even at the indie boutique level, it's not much better. Maybe it's my age showing? I don't want to wear something that is so clearly the trend of the season because it's so in your face. I walked through Hudson Bay yesterday and again today, and they have this new little feature dept called "The Closet" - showing what they've determined as the picks of the season. Off the shoulder shirting tops. There had to be 4 different brands on that rack and they all looked the same. Colourful embroidered jeans . Same thing . Ugh.

I'm seriously turned off. And I wish I had the budget to shop the bridge labels still , because that's where the sophistication comes back in and where trends aren't forefront.

Rant over. Anyone else not feeling the love this season?

Shopping

85 replies

Latest reply was from LaPed

Suz

(website)

Veteran

ME!!!

I was just shopping today at the mall (where I rarely go) and I have also been online shopping, and you know what?

I'm buying essentials and little else. Meaning, your basic navy top. Your basic navy shorts. Just classic items to get me through the season and replace worn out classic items that were very similar.

Admittedly, I already have a few trend pieces. I got the little tweed jacket (which is both a trend and a classic, right?) and I have the cropped jeans.

It's not that I don't like some of this year's trends, but I agree they are feeling even more overdone than usual, somehow. To the point where they pall. Perhaps because those ones did not appeal to me at all?

Part of it is the preponderance of off shoulder and ruffles. I think off the shoulder tops are pretty and alluring, but they are useless to me. Ruffles are generally just fuss for me and make me look as if I'm in drag.

I guess I'm luckier than you in that high waists are appealing enough (if I can get a fit -- which seems dubious).

Anyway. Despite my griping, I seem to have bought a lot, after retiring at least 40 items this spring. And yet. I feel I'm just replacing the core wardrobe, not really dressing myself in any "fashionable" way. Below see items purchased or under consideration currently.

Rayner trouser jean in dark wash

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CAMPER Kobo Strappy Sandal

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Ecco 'Soft 7' Cap Toe Sneaker

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Western chambray shirt in vintage indigo

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Cotton Jackie shell

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Boy shirt in crinkle gingham

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The Luxe Drape Muscle Tank Dress

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The Silk Short-Sleeve Square Shirt

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The Silk Sleeveless Square Shirt

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Banana Republic

Rectangle Jacquard Scarf

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Emerson Rose Zip Front Tweed Jacket

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Rebecca Minkoff Isobel Leather Hobo Bag, White

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7" stretch chino short

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Linen boatneck T-shirt in metallic

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Short-sleeve popover

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Ecco Soft 8 Sneaker

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Irina

Veteran

Well, this is first year when I can't find anything I like in CM, BR or JCrew. I shop now in two stores almost exclusively- Oak and Fort or COS. I recently bought a light jacket from Zara, it's been a year since my last purchase there. Ruffles galore, flowers, crazy sleeves are everywhere.

Irina

Veteran

Suz, the black silk shirt is lovely. Does it bother you that it' "dry clean only"?

Meredith

Veteran

Same. I'm buying a lot on eBay.

Tina

Now I want those silver Eccos! I don't like shopping on a good day, and the mall has been known to make me cry, so I'm only doing what I need online this spring.

Anonymous

I really think it's ok not to jump on board all of these trends. Sorry you are feeling frustrated though.

Anonymous

I don't want every look to be so easy. So in-your-face, and so available. I like it when I find something that I don't see coming and going on every young person. Something I feel I found a bit ahead of the game, and not so mass-produced. CM used to be that resource for me.

Suz - I know exactly what you mean about replacing the basics and the classics. And I can't really even find those that are special enough to spend new money on . I am so confused. And I don't see tweed jackets and cropped flare jeans as trendy - I see them as classics. Maybe it means the core of our mutual aesthetics is built on something more than the trend of the moment, and I think of that as a good thing.

Anonymous

I bought all basics for my Summer capsule. Luckily those were the items I wanted above all else, but I understand your frustration. You express yourself so well.

What if my love of fashion is slowly dying because everything does look so fast-fashion-y?

MsMaven

Veteran

I know what you mean, Lisa. Two trips to two malls and I came home nearly empty handed. I did buy some new jeans and I found a few things for spring on Last Call. I've bought several pairs of shoes, not because I love them, but because my feet continue to degenerate and I am almost desperate.

A lot of stuff for sale looks like fashions from my past. Other things--the ruffly sleeved shirting tops--smell of desperation to me.

Marilyn

Veteran

Well......I'm glad to know it's not just me. I've been feeling very frustrated and just yesterday I was thinking "at least this is a short season....looks like I'll be repeating last summer".

I usually have a huge CM wish list but it seems their strategy this season was to put a ruffle on every damned thing. Oh, and lets make it off the shoulder too. I'm not finding much of anything at any of my go to stores.

Aziraphale

Veteran

I am sorry to hear that you are feeling super-frustrated. I can understand why. To be honest, I haven't seen the inside of a mall since January, when I came back from my Christmas holidays in need of jeans in a bigger size (overindulgence, anyone?) and knew I wouldn't have time to exercise for four months, so I have not yet seen firsthand what you are talking about. I'll be on the lookout for shirting-stripe off the shoulder tops, though, so I can nod knowingly and say, ah yes, Lisa warned us about this.

I did go into one local boutique shop, though, because my convocation ceremony is next week and I have no dresses that currently fit me. This is a local (well, Victoria, but close enough) boutique where I've had plenty of success before. They do small-batch runs, use the women who work in the shop as website models and are eco-friendly. Do you have anything like this in Winnipeg? Here's the link for our shop -- I doubt these clothes will be your style, but it can't hurt to show you: https://smokinglily.com

Anyway, I find that small local shops tend to have things you don't see in malls or with the bigger online companies. If you can find a few that float your boat, it might help with your fashion fatigue.

Anonymous

You're right, Az- about going the small-shop route. And I mean shop in terms of a manufacturer. There are a couple of designer owned/operated shops in our Exchange district which I have on my list to visit soon. I also want to get back into Kit & Ace , which delivers the sporty-clean-cut look I love. Malls are making me ill . The only reason I visit them is because I can kill a couple of birds with one stone; Sephora, Shoppers, a shoe store, The Bay for underwear or some other essential etc.
And if you want to wear a shirting -striped ruffled off the shoulder top, go for it!

anne

Veteran

Those shirts were everywhere in Australia too, in the summer that's just over. Which is interesting to me becauseit means we in the southern hemisphere were ahead of you.

Aziraphale

Veteran

Hey, I just discovered Kit&Ace here! Well, "just" as in last fall, but pretty recently. They have great stuff -- kind of in between sporty and not. Works well in Vancouver, for sure. Their quality seemed high, too.

As for the ruffled shirting tops -- nope, not my thing either. I am ruffle-allergic.

DonnaF

Veteran

At least at Nordstrom.com, those bare shouldered looks are EVERYWHERE. Same with ruffles, and they are sometimes combined. Or the ruffles look like an afterthought that was just tacked on because someone thought it made the item look 2017.

I must admit that my knee jerk resistance to all ruffles is starting to wear down, but the devil is in the details. I haven't actually tried any ON yet, but maybe if something goes on sale for a good price in the right color, I might consider. . .

Except for one pair, my cropped jeans and pants are all hacks of full length pants or jeans I already owned or bought at the thrift store so that was quite a savings.

Sal

Veteran

I agree Lisa, and find most of my regular mall/chain store brands quite unappealing at the moment. The colour range, the style range, the quality of construction and choice of fabrics... I think it is partly being safe - and I feel like the target customer is becoming the same for many stores (a slim 25-30 year old trendy woman who works in an office during the week, spends the weekend socialising). I was that woman almost 20 years ago but my budget was minimal as I had returned from overseas travel, was saving for my first home, then in my first home, then travelling overseas again, then preparing to drop to one income with a new baby at 31....

In saying that for the NZ autumn/winter I have made some purchases
- dark floral shirt with ruffles on the sleeves (Witchery)
- black cropped pants (Witchery)
- draped striped sweater in pink and orange(made by my friend)
- boxy tweed top in chocolate, coral, black with a metallic thread (made by my friend)
- three layering tops (navy, black, coral from Gap and Banana Republic online.

My approach is replace the essentials that you need to with good quality replacements, get some fab footwear (which there is for sure) and something will turn up when you least expect it.

LaPed

Veteran

Oof. Makes me glad I live in a backwater where the local mall's flagship is an LLBean.

My only exposure to deconstructed shirts is via the internet. Wonder how many years til they hit the local TJ Maxx racks...

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I'm in a kerfuffle about ruffles!!

The last time they were in style I succumbed. I bought a navy ruffled blouse from the Loft to try out the trend. Navy is great on me, and a bit more sober, than, say, a pink flowered ruffled blouse would be. Should be all right, right? Plus, the ruffles were over the bust area, which is supposed to help "fill me out." Then I saw a photo of myself in said blouse. GAH!!!!!!! I looked ridiculous!! The blouse did in fact make it appear as if I had more bust real estate than I do, but it also made it look like I was 6 years old and trying on Princess Diana's wedding gown.

I do like a little dandy lace along a sleeve or maybe a tuxedo style bib, but honestly. Frills? And teensy tiny ruffles are worst of all.

I will do a peplum. That's as ruffled as things get here.

Anyway...the Ecco sneakers fit a bit large but they are brilliant. Anyone who is interested should go for them.

The Minkoff bag came from Ebay. Ultra cheap -- won the auction, yay!

The silk shirts, Irina, are navy/ ink, not black -- although they come in black as well. I ignore "dry clean only" labels. That is nonsense. I wash in the washer on delicate and air dry/ iron. It is my first Everlane experience and for simple essentials, I am totally 100% on board with this brand. I got 4 silk pieces and one modal summer dress. All perfect for my needs.

Staysfit

Veteran

I think most of my S/S pirchases have been essentials and basics. I purchased some new fashion sneakers (3 pairs) because of my foot injury, and also 2 new sandals. I found one solid colored silk dress. I bought a seasonless wool dress, jacket and I'm still debating about the pants from Boss in a medium grey woven tweed, I purchased one bell sleeve blouse, one new pair of white high waisted crops, one pair of white button up crops, and one pair of high waist grey denim crops. I bought two new stripe tees from JCrew, one is pink and white, the other is light periwinkle and white. Also from JCrew I purchased two lightweight cashmere sweater sets, one in a light teal, and the other is a light silvery grey. I bought 3 plain grey crew neck rib lightweight merino tees which can be used in the summer, and I purchased two new scarves. I also found a replacement for a gortex Eddie Bauer raincoat that somehow got lost somewhere between home and work. My final purchase for the season was four pairs of running socks and two pairs of my favorite sneakers. I am still within budget. I would like to find another long Cardigan in an interesting color other than grey, blue or white.

Anonymous

Suz , I just clicked on your new Everlane pieces and I want that dress!!! What was shipping like ? I ordered a sweater from them two years ago but don't remember a thing about the ordering process . Do you have to pay shipping on returns ? I also like that denim top too . My arms are almost toned enough for full exposure this summer - another week or two and I should be good to go . If there is one thing I can't stand , it's a dead fleshy arm

Irina

Veteran

Thanks, Suz! I love the button down one. Any advice on sizing? I'm D cup and sometimes button down shirts are too tight in the chest. This one is boxy, caught my eye.

Anonymous

Staysfit - I'd call that a huge success ! That is more clothing than I buy in an entire year !

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I will do a post this weekend on Everlane for Canadians, if I can get up my gumption to do try on photos.

In brief -- the items I bought seemed TTS. I did read the reviews very carefully, looking at details of sizing, and bought the larger of my two usual sizes in tops. I am a D or DD cup (depending on brand) but don't be fooled. I'm very small busted because I'm only a 30 band. For me, there's no gaping on the bust on the shirts, but I almost never have that problem anyway with button fronts. So your mileage may vary.

The button front tops are boxy. The short sleeved one is slightly cropped and cut to hang very loose. The sleeveless is a kind of modified trapeze style -- not super wide but wider on the bottom than on the shoulders.

The silk shells are very simple and semi-fitted. The blue one is actually a tiny bit snug in the bust. But I'm not sending it back -- I'd have to pay for shipping and it's not worth it -- it's not so snug that it is noticeable. The red one fits perfectly.

The modal dress I ordered in S vs. XS because I wanted it to fit looser rather than tighter. It's rather thin (a minus) but I hope not truly see-through, and it will be super light for travel or as a cover up type item. It will work with a denim or other jacket over it.

The shipping was relatively quick. (A week?) It says returns only cost $6. Of course I paid more than the US price because duties and taxes but it was all rolled in at point of purchase and honestly, in comparison to what I've been able to find around here, it seemed like a good risk. I am partial to silk in summer and to the simple styles of these tops for around home. I will write more about it tomorrow.

Gigi

Veteran

I haven't read all of the above responses, but I've had a similar reaction to ruffles. I like ruffles, but they're on everything, and they're really large-scale ruffles. Everything looks the same with regard to the ruffles. No creativity. Cookie cutter.

I've also been getting tired of all the asymmetrical straps on tops. I don't know if these are in B&M stores or just online, but they seem to be everywhere.

I actually haven't seen that many pairs of embroidered jeans. I've been wanting a pair but just found one that suits my fancy a few days ago online. I'm hoping they fit.

I know that the off-the-shoulder trend has been around for a while, but I'm still looking for a top that works for me, so I'm glad the trend is still here. I have narrow shoulders, and most of the tops are too huge in the shoulders or else the excess fabric swamps my short frame. I finally found a cold shoulder top that works for me last week, and I'm hoping to find an off-the-shoulder one too.

Style Fan

Veteran

I have not had much luck at the B & M stores Lisa. I went to Hamilton for a few days and visited my favourite indie boutique. I was very excited to see what they had. I was very disappointed. Their entire denim collection was distressed skinnies and BFs. They had one pair of high rise jeans that were sold out in most sizes.
I was hoping to buy a pair of jeans, some shoes and maybe some tops. Nothing. Not one thing.
I did buy a bra in our local lingerie boutique which is very good. A Simone Pearle one that was very pricey. Of course.
So far this year for Spring and Summer I have bought a few items:
1/ Jesse Kamm Sailor Pants - Love
2/ J. Crew Chambray Denim Button Up - Constantly Wearing this
3/ Loft Army Green Jacket that is high hip length. I can't find the picture. I love it.
4/ Two graphic Ts of the Ramones.
5/ Joe Fresh Slouchy Joggers (to balance out the Kamm pants)
6/ Vintage Chocolate Brown Coach Bag

Essential Casual Pant

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AEO Band T-Shirt

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AEO Band T-Shirt

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Need Supply Co.

Jesse Kamm / Sailor Pant in Tobacco

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Pocket chambray shirt

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cindysmith

Veteran

I've basically given up shopping in bricks and mortar store. Everything in them has looked same-old-same-old to me for a couple of years now. Part of it is definitely my perceptions; part of it is definitely that almost all stores seem to be carrying versions of the same trends.

I've become a yoox junkie and an Etsy junkie. I've even gotten to a point where I do a lot of custom orders on Etsy. Like, if the seller doesn't offer custom orders I don't look at their stuff as hard. I just ordered an awesome mid calf length t-shirt with side and front splits that the seller is making for me with short sleeves instead of long so that I can get a ton of use out of it here in Texas, and I'm about to order Palazzo pants with pockets added in. I ordered my summer pants from yoox because they carry deconstructed and edgy stuff of a better quality than the usual fast fashion dreck (like, I love the aesthetic of h&m divided grey but there's almost always something just a bit off about the pieces, be it construction or fit or whatever).

I do think I'll take advantage of the fact that fashion sneakers are hit right now and stock up, but beyond that I'm with you. No shopping in a sea of sameness

kkards

Veteran

hmmmm....for whatever reason, i've found some great items at mass retailers this year, that are moving me slightly foward...and i say me and slightly because what i bought isn't ground breaking but i'm kind of a middle of the road adopter. the rest of what i've bought has been updating/replacing basics and workhorses.

White House Black Market

Side-Stripe Track Pants

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Flare Sailor Pants

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Banana Republic

Sloan-Fit Gingham Pant

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Levi's | Anthropologie Levi's 501 Ultra High-Rise Skinny Jeans

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Greenjeans

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lisap, in the face of slim pickings, would you ever redirect your budget toward one really nice thing from your covet/out-of-range list? Or would that feel too splurgy?

Anonymous

You are speaking my language. Ruffled by ruffles, cold-shouldered, bell-bottomed and sleeved out, cropped-pants out! It's like fashion designers are saying--we've tried everything else, let's give 'em a heavy dose of the past and spend it all! The up-side is it's very good for my budget and for inviting creative combining with what I already have in my closet. Boutiques do offer some choices, I've found, and they are a joy to shop in as the choices are often well considered, displayed beautifully and they promote a leisurely touch-and-feel experience. Plus you won't see yourself on the streets nearly as much.

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