Retail Therapy - Part 1 of Many, LOL :) (Keep or Returns) - YouLookFab Forum

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Retail Therapy - Part 1 of Many, LOL :) (Keep or Returns)

Amy

(website)

Veteran

I did some online shopping last week while staying with my family in Montana last week. Some of it has begun to arrive on my doorstep.

The red pants are a sad mess, aren't they? I sooo wanted them to work out, but I think they're too tight over my wide derriere and hips. Ordinarily, I would alter them so the crotch depth goes farther down (they're also snug in that area), but I suspect these aren't worth messing with. What do you think?

They are Express Editors. I bought a bunch of Editors recently. I don't think all of them look this bad on me, but will come to you for feedback soon

I also bought two white jackets. Opnions?

Heed Striped Jacket, pictures 4-6

Eliza J jacket, pictures 7-9

P.S. Thanks for your sympathy about my father. He's been diagnosed with incurable multiple myeloma and also has an aggressive sarcoma and liver failure. His treatments have made him a lot better recently so he can speak and walk again. We're blessed with a little more time to enjoy his company--which is not what we expected last week. Very scary times.

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Shopping

32 replies

Latest reply was from

cheryle (Dianthus)

(website)

Veteran

Those pockets are death for anyone with hips. I forget once in a while and try a pair on and it is very sad.

I am not loving the striped jacket on you. It looks like it has a bit too much fabric from the shoulder to the waist so it doesn't sit quite right. I do like the second jacket though.

The facial expression in #3 says it all. I am quite sure I have worn that same face a few times. Argggg

Amy

(website)

Veteran

Oh, one more question. For those of you with relatively narrow shoulders and larger busts, do you buy jackets to fit your shoulders and give up on fit over your bust or vice versa?

I can see the shoulders look at bit too wide on these jackets, but especially with the Eliza J one, I'd like to be able to wear it closed.

fashionista

Veteran

Sorry to hear about your father's health.
The white blazers are lovely. Couldn't you alter those crotch areas? cuz the pant looks great on you.

cheryle (Dianthus)

(website)

Veteran

Hmmm...I went back and looked again and see what you mean. I like the jacket from the front and side but it looks too wide from the back.

I have the opposite problem - wide shoulders and a narrow ribcage so often have things taken in on the sides.

fashionista

Veteran

I have small hips so I try to find pants with pockets like those always.

Kiwichik

Veteran

I so like the idea of the red pants but there is a vpl thing going on - have you tried them with a thong. Not sure if the front looks odd because of how you're standing - can you sew the pockets shut? Hmm maybe tgat is too many things.

Amy

(website)

Veteran

Yeah, the VPL thing is another problem, and I seem to have that with all Express pants. I am wearing seamless undies which are supposed to be invisible underneath pants, but that's obviously not the case. I know some people like thongs, but they're not for me. Thanks for the suggestion!

christieanne

Veteran

I try to fit the shoulders in a jacket because if I fit the bust, the shoulder and side-bust leading into arm pit area (have no idea how to describe that!) is huge. I'd rather be on Team Unbutton and have rest of jacket fit (unless it is just a huge gaping opening in front of course.

The arms in striped jacket are pretty long - would you tailor or scrunch? Is that making it look like the shoulder is too big? We need Angie to look at the jackets!

Can you size up on the red pants? Great color for you -sorry these are wonky on fit.

Hang in there Amy and spend the time you feel you want to with your dad - vibes for your family.

Jenava

(website)

Veteran

I like the idea of these pants on you...have your tried the cafe capri from j. crew? Not sure if they have red, but they come in a lot of colors (just sew those pockets shut and cut them out).

I like the second white jacket - that one was on my wish list a while back, so it's nice to see it on someone normal (non-model). I think the first one is really cute but maybe size down. I prefer to fit at least my shoulders, the bust is nice but not a deal breaker, since I hardly ever wear my jacket closed.

cheryle (Dianthus)

(website)

Veteran

Amy Lands end has a red ponte knit pant that looks similar to the ones you tried but they have much better pockets and fit better too. I bought a pair but need to send them back. The fabric is nice and they might work well for you.

DonnaF

Veteran

I missed the original post about your dad; I've been wondering where you were. This must be so hard, but I'm glad you were able to spend some time with him.

As to the jacket issue: I would keep looking for stores and brands that carry jackets most likely to fit you. This would be ones that do NOT skew towards a more junior cut (broader shoulders, smaller bust). This may mean having to take in the waist so that it doesn't look too matronly, but that is an easier alteration. . . .I tend to have the same issue, so I have passed up a number of jackets. I doubt that I will ever get a fit at H&M other than in accessories.

goldenpig

(website)

Veteran

I'm so sorry about your father's illness. Glad he is feeling a little better and that you can spend some time with him though. That is such a gift, even if it's not forever it means a lot to have a little more time.

As for the pants, your expression in #3 made me giggle but it does say it all. Have you tried other red trousers? I have a pair of Gap Modern Boot pants and I think they may be a bit thicker. I think you look great in red pants so I wouldn't give up on them altogether, but I think these particular ones seem to have too many fit issues for you to keep.

I love the second white jacket on you--clean and simple and fits you very well. The striped one is a little busy in the back even for me! Definitely keep the second one though!

Amy

(website)

Veteran

You ladies are so helpful! Thank you!

Jem

Veteran

I'm sorry about your father, I missed the first post. I'm glad he is doing better right now and you are able to spend time with him.

Can you size up on the pants? It looks like if the waist was bigger, they would sit down a little lower and maybe fit better? I also love the 2nd white jacket. The shoulders look ok with me, but I'll be curious as to what Angie thinks.

Deborah

Veteran

Amy I am wondering if you size up on your pants and have the waist sitting more on your hips if they would work better. I think that is how Angie said she wears hers.

I actually like the striped jacket on you a lot. I am not seeing the fit issues the others are seeing. I think I prefer it to the plain white one.

Amy I have the shoulder / bust issue too and it really depends how much bigger in the shoulder as to the decision I make. Sometimes I just wait for the right fit to,come along but recently I thrifted a designer jacket that is my size. It's fits great across the bust,
can be worn open or closed but is just slightly big in the shoulders. In this instance I
have sewn in small shoulder pads to create better shoulder definition and I am hoping to get YLF approval. I think the shoulders now have a bit of that 80's power dressing about them but hey I'm just going to refer to it as my retro jacket and call it good.

And Amy your dad and your family have been in my prayers and it's good to hear your report. Clearly this is going to be a difficult time for you all bit know your not alone xxx

CocoLion

(website)

Veteran

Amy, this is the first I'm hearing about your Dad, I am so sorry!

As for the clothing -- the pants just don't fit right, do they? I frequently have the problem of pants not fitting around my hips and thighs, problem related to being an hourglass. But I do like the cropped length on you with your gorgeous long legs! Maybe try another size and have the waist taken in?

Your expression in the pants picture is hilarious, you win the YLF funniest picture of the week prize!

The striped jacket is a 10. The other white jacket I would pass on, as I have a poison eye for jackets of that length. I prefer them either short like the striped one or long.

sarah

Veteran

I'm so sorry about your dad, Amy. I missed your previous post about that. I hope you get to spend more time with him soon.

Regarding the pants, I, too, wonder about sizing up. That color is certainly fantastic on you. The first jacket looks a bit big, but I like the style. I also am narrower-shouldered with larger bust, and always fit my jackets to my shoulders, since I never button up my jackets. But it seems that the first jacket is sort of meant to be closed at the front. It might be worth sizing down. I like the second jacket.

Your expression in #3 is priceless!

Anonymous

Hi Amy,
I'm so sorry to hear about your dad's diagnosis. We have been going thru the same process with my grandmother, for about a year. She has incurable stomach cancer. Please feel free to PM'me if you ever want to chat or vent. It does get better, once you adjust to the new reality. I am glad that your dad responded so well to therapy. What a blessing.

About the pants, I agree with the issue on the pockets. Would you be able to sew them shut? Perhaps a size up might work. I like the last jacket, perhaps is a tad big. I am not too crazy about the striped jacket.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Amy, I'm so sorry to hear how things are going for your dad. I have been missing you and wondering about you. I'm glad he is doing better just now, but sad that the prognosis is so dim. Big hugs.

You look great in red crops! But alas....these are not your 10s. You've received some good suggestions.

I like both the jackets. Unlike Denise, I actually really LIKE jackets that hit where the white one does and find them versatile. But the striped one is great, too. So - up to you.

bj1111

Veteran

amy,

every minute we get with loved ones is precious. i'm glad you have a few more to spend with your dad. thinking of you and your family.

nicoleb

(website)

Veteran

It looks like you've gotten a lot of great advice about the clothes. I just wanted to add my hugs and sympathy to you and your father. Hang in there.

Beth Ann

Veteran

Amy: Ah, yes, I've seen that back view --- a lot -- in my mirror. It's the pants. It ain't the booty. Respect the booty! This is what I say in the dressing room (with an Aretha Franklin accent). "If you don't R-E-S-P-E-C-T the booty, you're aint gettin' all my money!"

Seriously, I think these might work if you size up and then take in the waist. I think it's more of a rise issue, though, so make sure you like where the pants are hitting you on the waist. You definitely have long enough legs to manage the ankle length, which is great.

I love the striped jacket, although I see that both are a little big. Occasionally, you can move over a button enough to bring in the back a bit -- particularly when the stance is high. You should have a white jacket for your wardrobe, definitely!

I'm so sorry to hear about your father. I pray the time your family spend together will be enriching for your sake, as well as your Dad's.

Anonymous

Sending you lots of supportive thoughts. I'm so sorry to hear about your dad. Big hugs.

Isis

Veteran

I am sorry to learn about your dad's illness, but am glad you get to spend a little more time with him. This sounds hard; hang in there.

The red pants are a great color for you! Maybe a size up would work? It's more than the pockets; it looks like they are pulling multiple places.

I love the design of the Heed jacket! Is it too big; would a size down fit better?

I'm sort of meh on the Eliza J....I think it's the length which is neither here nor there....

Parsley

Veteran

I love how you look in red pants! I think that style is great on you, and if you size up, and possibly sew the pockets shut, they will be 10s!

I also LOVE the striped jacket! I do not see any fit problems there.
The second white jacket isn't bad, but maybe just a little off. I wonder if shoulder pads, as Deborah suggested, might help.

Amy, I'm so sorry to hear about your dad's illness- I wish you and your family strength to get through this difficult time.

Amy

(website)

Veteran

Thanks everyone. You're probably right. I need to size up. *sigh* My metabolism isn't what it used to be.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Amy, I did not know that your father was so ill. I am so very sorry. I know what it's like to have a very sick parent and it's extremely stressful. We are here if you need us. (((HUGS))). One day at a time and wishing your family, especially Dad, strength. Where there is life there is hope - always.

Size up on the red trousers and shorten? I think they might work.

Love the white blazer! Looking forward to seeing the Editors.

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

Amy, your facial expressions are cracking me up here! I think sizing up in the red pants might resolve the problem and you can always sew the side pockets shut and remove the excess fabric. I love the striped blazer a lot!

I'm glad the treatments are helping your Dad feel a bit better and that you've been blessed with a bit more time. It is a very difficult thing to go through. Love and hugs to all of you.

ManidipaM

Veteran

Amy, so very sorry to hear of your dad's illness. It's a little relief I hope that he's at least feeling a bit better now. Hope your time with him is filled with closeness and as many heart-to-hearts and shared memories as you can possibly fit in. Wishing him strength and sunshine in every way. As Angie says, where there is life, there is hope. Keep strong, take care of yourself too, and any other near and dear ones there with you.

Now...Those red pants! I don't know whether to heave a sigh or nod vigorously! I *just* got in from trying a bunch of pants, and among them were these grey Esprits --- EXACT same fit issues. Like I told the helpful SA --- it's a GREAT fit, but entirely the wrong style for me. It was advertised as a deep rise, and on me it ended up as mid-rise at most, with the resultant pulling over my butt and yawning side pockets! If waistband alterations are easily done where you are, consider sizing up; be warned that they'll definitely gape at the waist though. (I tried; they wouldn't even stay on, they were that big!)

I too prefer the striped jacket, but I think the tribe has spoken!

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