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Outfits Ensembles Trends Advice

Shopping Help Needed.

AM

Veteran

I'm trying to take a lot of what I have learned on YLF and put it into practice. Refining/reflecting on personal style, looking at my real life needs, and planning outfits that will bring me comfort and joy.

You'll see the below images (this is how I use Powerpoint) of concept outfits.
It is now time to shop. I could use some help as I am not a big shopper.

Based on my boards,

What brands would you look for?
What stores would you shop? (I am open to high and low end)
And extra points if you help me articulate this style.

Please know that I am new at this and these may or may not be current looks. I'm trying to balance classic with contemporary. Be kind but critical if you have additional observations. My boards are: Apres Swim (my mornings before going for midday swim), Cargo Chic, Coastal Living, Denim on Denim, Minimal Sundress, and Rainy Day.

Many, many thanks for any help you might be able to provide.

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Shopping

28 replies

Latest reply was from AM

rachylou

Veteran

Wow, great looks, tough question. I think I could do these looks pulling from Ross, Kohls, Target, Steve Alan, Macy's and/or Nordstrom. I know that's a crazy range, but I think you have a lot of options.

Marilyn

Veteran

Really nice looks! What a great use for Powerpoint. Good luck with the shopping!

I probably can't be of much help sourcing items since I'm in Canada (less options than US) and I shop for petite friendly styles.

Dee

Veteran

For the maxis, chambray and cargos, I think Gap or Loft usually has good options come spring.

Daria

Great looks, AM! I wish I was as organized as you.
I'm thinking JCrew for chambray (and for your coastal living board in general).
Zappos and 6pm for footware.
You can also try flash sales (like ruelala and myhabit) for specific items, like those stylish rainboots.

Deborah

Veteran

Brilliant way to categorize what you are looking for. AM I am in Australia so not much help, but this is what springs to mind.

Apres Swim : Our target has a great range of the pants in your pics, along with some lovely soft jresey type activewear tops.

Minimal Sundress : Eillen Fisher, maybe Urban Outfitters.

For all else Gap comes to mind, Sometimes a search on Amazon can be helpful.

AM

Veteran

All: Thanks for the compliments regarding my organization and the looks I've pulled.

rachylou: Your list is intriguing. It makes me feel that this will be easy but I am so particular (and want some of the pieces to have some subtle interest/something special). I'm think I'm going to start at Target because I've never shopped there for Clothes.

Marilyn: Yes, Powerpoint is really my tool for concept boards.

Dee: I must say that I don't shop Gap and only recently stopped in Loft after seeing someone post a voluminous white shirt. This makes me think that I really need to broaden my horizons. Thanks.

Daria: It's been years since I've been in a J Crew -- I'm feeling more open to this but I thought this was for younger folks. Goes to show you that I am totally out of the loop. I'll have to explore!

Deborah: Never shopped at Target for clothes but as I stated above in my comments to rachylou - this might be my first stop. I also might identify a couple of these piece that I want to have more modern styling -- and splurge on a couple pieces. I have definitely found some select EF pieces to work for me. But based on your everyone's comments it looks like the basics can be found at lower end. And then, I can put my dollars to great shoes, and again, some special pieces. Like a fab trench!

UmmLila (Lisa)

Veteran

I recognize some of those looks as being from Emerson Fry and thus sold directly through her website.

AM

Veteran

UmmaLila: Thanks. I'll have to go back. I get so focused on pulling images that I must have not realized that Emerson Fry is a retailer. Thanks! I love learning about new brands.

annabelle

Veteran

Ooh, AM, I hope to see more of these inspiration boards from you. You have a good eye. From all my online shopping, I predict you'd find a lot of these looks and quality that you're looking for on my favorite site, shopbop.com Free shipping both ways! Shopbop also is a member of the Lucky Rewards program, so if you sign up through luckymag.com, you can get 3% rebates.

More lookbooks, please!

Sal

Veteran

I like all these looks- the rainy day one would be great for me in our winter!! Can i steal it?

I see a love for neutrals, and simple minimalistic looks - but they are not at all boring, very subtle with interesting details.

I am not the best person for advice on retailers being in NZ sorry.

Daria

Definitely check out JCrew (and JCrew factory online).
Oh and another idea - seach in polyvore will give you tons of options to purchase items. For example, skinny cargo pants
http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/shop?.search_src=masthead_search&query=skinny%20cargo%20pants
or chambray shirt
http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/shop?.search_src=masthead_search&query=chambray%20shirt

AM

Veteran

annabelle: I've never shopped shopbop.com and I had no idea about Lucky Magazine -- I don't buy magazine. Can't wait to explore these. And please let me know more of your tricks. You sound like you are a pro. And thanks for the boost on my boards.

Kiwigal: Absolutely steal but promise to report back. I'm still contemplating color of boots/jacket combo -- more urban (with blacks and gray) more classic (navy but I'd have to pair with black because it can't be too classic for me) -- and somehow the olive might be a happy medium. I digress. But color is difficult for me. Can't wait to see where you take this look. AND a big THANK YOU for saying it isn't boring.

Daria: Ok. Need to go JCrew (and JCrew factory online). And a big thanks for tips on using polyvore -- and your links!!

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

(website)

Veteran

First one reminds me of Lou & Grey (@ Loft) as well as Gap/Gap Body.
2nd, White House Black Market? Everlane for tees?
3rd, Chico's (I know, it's the store that ladies here love to hate, but as long as you stick with the classics and don't do the bling they make solid stuff with a boho vibe).
4th, Uniqlo maybe? Also Zara.
5th, Eileen Fisher definitely (or Chico's again if you go flowy and limit your colors).
6th, most anywhere department-store, honestly: Nordstrom would be a good one-stop option.

AM

Veteran

Laura (rhubargirl): Many thanks for actually directing me to stores per my concept looks. Very helpful. I've never heard of Everlane. I've only just begun to hear about Uniqlo and Zara. I will definitely consider all of your suggestions. But I'm eager to explore new brands. You also sound like such a pro. Again, thank you!

Helena

Veteran

Great boards! Off the top of my head, Target seems like a good place to try, and the ON/Gap/BR is always a classic trifecta. Happy shopping!

shiny

Veteran

Very nice! I echo what Deb said.. Eileen Fisher comes immediately to mind. I'd also try GAP for interesting denim at lower price point to experiment. Urban outfitters, check. While you are at it, H&M or even Forever 21. Also try LOFT - not ann taylor, but LOFT.

Inge

(website)

These boards are brilliant, AM, and you already have a very good grasp on your style.

These were my first thought for stores:
- Après Swim: Zara, ASOS, loungewear (and casual wear) at Gap (GapBody section too), Old Navy and Nordstrom.
- Cargo Chic, Coastal Living and Denim on Denim: Massimo Dutti, Banana Republic, J.Crew (definitely not just for a younger audience these days), J.Crew Factory, Madewell, Zara, Gap, Nordstrom, Ann Taylor, LOFT.
- Minimal Sundress: Eileen Fisher, Karen Kane, Shopbop, casual dresses at Nordstrom and Macy's.
- Rainy Day: Boden, Zara, Gap, Uniqlo, ASOS.

Have fun shopping, and do keep us posted?

AM

Veteran

All: I really appreciate the positive reactions to my boards. I'm realizing that these are a really important tool for me and if I had done this earlier in life I would have made so many mistakes. It also helps me focus on which looks/particular items are most important ABOVE other looks -- which ultimately helps me plan my spending.

And this is big one -- I always feel like my style is not as cohesive as I would like but doing these recent boards and seeing it as a collection is helping me see the big picture. And then asking myself, is this a cohesive style?

torontogirl: I really struggled to figure out what ON was -- had to go to the Gap website. I'm so not a shopper. I figured it out Old Navy (really, I couldn't figure that out) -- just don't have any experience with that store. Made me laugh. Thanks.

shiny: H&M or even Forever 21are new stores to me. I have been in each twice. But I'll try these out again. And I have only recently made my first purchase from Urban Outfitters (comfy joggers for pre swim)-- so I'll go back and see what else I can find. And yes, EF sounds right. Many thanks!

Inge: Hey thanks for your help and your comments regarding the boards. You have also included many new brands that I am not familiar with Zara, ASOS, Massimo Dutti, Madewell, Karen Kane, Shopbop, Boden, Uniqlo. Is there a place on this site that give quicks descriptions of these stores and how they are valuable in putting together an outfit (country of origin, basic vs. statement, items that they do well, price point, description of style, customer service policies on returns)? I could really use a road map.

Liz

Veteran

For some quick help on which stores have which feel, go to the finds area and use the filters over on the right side of the screen to pull up finds people have collected from the different stores. You'll soon start to see the visual differences between the types of clothes they carry.

AM

Veteran

Liz: Great suggestion! I just cruised a few and this really helped. Thanks. I'm feeling kind of overwhelmed about where to start but I'll figure it out. Again, very helpful.

jackiec

Veteran

Lots of great suggestions already. I just wanted to say how much I like your very organized PowerPoint boards. You are off to a great, focused start for your shopping.

Inge

(website)

AM, we currently don't have a feature like that (would be very handy though!-), but I was going to suggest the same thing Liz did. The visuals will give you an idea of the store's or brand's vibe, and for some stores, prices are mentioned when you hover over the item photo (it's a feature we are continuing to develop, so more stores will follow).

Another thing that might help is looking at the ensemble posts Angie does each Friday morning. If you like the vibe of an ensemble (or specific pieces), you can click through on the large photo. This brings you to a Polyvore page with a store/brand source list for all the items used in the blog post.

ETA: most online stores also have a lookbook with their new collections on their websites. Browsing those usually gives you an idea of the styles they are doing each season.

And, of course, don't hesitate to ask on the forum. We're always happy to help.

AM

Veteran

jackiec: Thanks for your comments about my boards. I'm hoping organization will help reduce my shopping mistakes.

Inge: Thanks for the suggestions on how to dig deeper into Angie's post to ultimately start understanding the vibe of various retailers. I'm just getting the hang of things and clicking to get to the Polyvore page makes a lot of sense. And, I absolutely need to be reviewing lookbooks (I kind of forgot that they existed, ugh.) I need to broaden my tools beyond my powerpoint concept boards especially as I have been living under a rock for the past few years. There are so many new retailers.

And, I will absolutely not hesitate to ask for help on the forum.

Thanks again, Inge! Great suggestions.

CocoLion

(website)

Veteran

I just got a maxi sundress off eBay, similar to your one on the right. It has a lining which makes it look kind of layered. From the brand DKNY Pure, for $40 including shipping (new with tags). If I know exactly what I want, I can get good prices shopping a bit off season, as there will be fewer people bidding.

However this is advanced shopping for people like me who love to shop.

I live in a rural area and do more on line than retail shopping. But I have seen items similar to what you've pictured at some of my favorite places including:
- Shopbop
- Saks Fifth Off
- (eBay)

AM

Veteran

CocoLion: Saks Off Fifth is a favorite of mine but I have a retail store not too far from my house. It felt like I spent hours buying online and returning -- so may things just don't work. I'd love to be able to score a sundress off Ebay (so jealous of your find). I can't decide how I am going to proceed when it comes to online vs. bricks/mortar. Still thinking this over. Thanks for your suggestions!

Carla

Veteran

My post swim look tends more towards the ubiquitous yoga pant in winter and yoga capri in summer, and a mariner T over top with flip flops. As soon as I get home, I change out of gear.

Being mainly a B&M (bricks and mortar) shopper, and a budget fashionista, I shop either true 'gear' stores, or Winners and TJMaxx (where I actually found Sugoi. ) I do LLBean and Land's End for catalogue.

For the jeans heavy looks, Gap and JCrew. For lines, or designers, check out Tommy Hilfiger, Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein. They have the aesthetic.

AM

Veteran

Runcaria: And I definitely need flip flops. Thanks you for the other suggestions. I'm really trying to decide how much online shopping I want to do -- I get really tired of returns.

AM

Veteran

I started to shop my own closet before venturing out into the world (or the Internet)! Need to have some sort of priority. Thanks again.