I had a very fun time shopping in person this morning with a sales associate I've worked with for years. This post will focus on my winners and a few things in a bakeoff. I'll do another post with some info about things I tried but didn't buy for those who might find that helpful.
First the coats. This Barbour rain coat is sleek and a beautiful color and fabric. It's sized very generously - the 1X gives me plenty of room to layer. It will replace an old more casual navy blue rain coat.
I'm looking for a sleek good looking puffer as my current job will have me traveling to cold cities in the winter. They didn't have the teal Bernardo jacket I wanted to try so I ordered it. However, I found this black Barbour in a plus size (online only has straight sizes) and it's very nice though the sleeves are thinner so it's not as warm. When the Bernardo comes I'll do a bakeoff.
The Treasure and Bond mixed pattern coat was a wildcard. I'd thought was very silly online but tried it on a lark and it makes me smile. The shoulders are padded, it's long and has a 80's vibe. Too much fun and looks great with jeans.
Jeans These black Levi's are my single favorite thing in the sale. They're a current cut (hard to find in plus size), have a button fly, and are the perfect "shorter long" length on me. (I'm 5'6".) I found them TTS
The Wit and Wisdom are similarly a good modern cut. I wasn't sure about the raw hem but it's subtle and I think works to keep the dark wash from being too staid. I found them a bit tight in the waist in my normal size (I'm apple shaped) but the next size up didn't fit well in my thighs and knees so I went with my normal size as the waist is completely elastic and not uncomfortable.
The Vince black pants are good basics. That model is very tall! They hit me just above the ankle. I sized down a size. All three of these will replace older jeans that are getting long in the tooth.
Work tops and toppers
I only found one top but did find a great jacket and cardigan. Probably the first NAS I haven't bought some sort of pullover.
The Eileen Fisher blouse fit me in both XL and 1X but the 1X is longer and I have a long torso so I choose that. The EF coat I bought in the XL and I LOVE it. The waxed material and cut feel edgy but polished to me.
I'm pretty much over long cardigans but my SA brought me this to try in XL (not available in plus) and the cream imade it feel more modern to me and I could picture outfits with cream and black. I picked up this lovely cream, tan and burgundy handbag and I have a pair of cream oxfords from last year's sale so it looks like I've decided to copy Angie's cream complement!
Shoes
My only shoes this year were new walking shoes (trying a different brand as my feet have rebelled against my former brand) and a pair of neutral sandals to replace an old pair.
Wildcard #2
Wildcard #2 is a black faux leather pleated skirt I can't find online. The XL fit me and I think it will be fun with a tee shirt and boots or to dress up for the holidays.
Schwoo. That's a lot but it's coherent, fits my lifestyle, and a lot are replacements for things that are older. There's a great thrift store I donate to that uses the proceeds to support veterans so my old clothes will go there. Hope someone finds this helpful!
