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Shopping spree, need some feedback

Kristen

(website)

Veteran

Hilariously, I went shopping at two different malls this weekend both far away from my house, went through all kinds of stores, and ended up buying from only two places: Ann Taylor Factory and Nordstrom. ATF is a regular stop for me, but it was a big rush to finally go upstairs at Nordstrom and be able to try on clothes! Not just shoes and makeup! *g*

I also took the plunge and bought my first post-weight loss suit. I still have 20 pounds to go so I haven't wanted to buy anything that expensive quite yet, but I have high-level meetings every day this week and I wasn't going to be able to skate through on cute dresses and old knit blazers. The good news is the jacket is still a little small (there's no buttoning yet LOL), and the pants can be replaced if they can't be altered because they are too big. (And the price wasn't nearly as bad as it could have been: $118 for the jacket and $78 for the pants.)

It really was quite a spree. There's a lot of new clothes to evaluate. Sorry! I put them all into a Flickr set with my comments under each photo; linking to each shot would take an eternity. But I do have specific questions about several of the items, and I am willing to keep anything that would be ranked from 7-10.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/k.....65/detail/

1. The new turquoise bag. Love? There is only one answer to that question. *g*

2. Are the short-sleeved sweaters from ATF too small? (My gut says no.)

3. Are the long-sleeved sweaters from Nordstrom too small? (My gut says yes.)

4. Do you love the suit as much as I do? How does the banded top work?

5. What about the green-and-blue Nordtsrom knit top? Keep or return?

6. The purple ATF top, keep or return?

7. What about the Target snakeskin gladiator wedges? (Ha, say that three times fast!)

8. The orange-and-raspberry patterned ATF top, too small or will I "grow" into it?

9. The two short-sleeved patterned ATF button-downs. I know they're too snug right now, but I think they will be fine in a month when I need them. Should I keep or return and see if they're still available when I am ready to wear them?

10. The striped t-shirt: too much?

One last question if you clicked all the way through: how horrible WERE those red-plaid wedge sandals? LOL!

Oh, and in all my shopping I wasn't even able to get the green crossbody! I am hoping the teal bag assuages that itch. For now. *g*

Shopping

22 replies

Latest reply was from Kristen

medusa

Veteran

I'm not sure about cardigan fit, I'll let others comment on that.

I like the suit, although it's a bit hard to see in the photos. The banded top looks GORGEOUS on you. I really like it.

The purple ATF top looks good to me. I say keep.

The short-sleeved patterned button downs look just a wee bit tight. I think they'll fit you soon. The fabric on both is beautiful.

JewelryGirl

Kristen, I will have to comment on clothes later (DH wants to go to bed). However, I just had to say - you look FANTASTIC! What a skinny minny you are looking like - especially that side profile shot! Way to go!!

Alecia

Veteran

You did get quite a lot! How fun. I hope it helps you shake the frustration you've been having with your clothes lately.

That bag is to die for. Wow! I love it. It's going to look great with so much of your stuff. And that banded top is incredible, too. I love the colors. I've been thinking for a patterned top like that for myself, too. And your suit is smashing.

I don't think the short sleeve cardigans look small. I'm not sure about the long-sleeve cardigans. They don't look too small but how they feel can be very important, too.

I like the blue and green nordstrom top. I'm thrown on the purple top because of the line created by the pants. If that happens with other pants, I say pass.

The gadiator wedges are so fun. I got something similar this weekend that I want to post for review. You have amazing legs. You can rock those.

I don't think the raspberry and orange top is too small. I think the striped shirt is so fun and you can totally pull it off, especially with the yellow cardi. I think that outfit would really rock with dark jeans. Button downs are too small. The patterns are so you. It's a tough call. I'm all for only having things in your closet that fit but you've been changing so quickly... Well, if you don't keep these, I'm certain there would be something else fun to get even if these weren't available.

I didn't think the plaid shoes were awful. What am I missing?

marianne

Kristen, you look unbelievable! Great way to treat yourself for all the hard work

Everything looks great, and I agree with your assessment of the fit. Bag is beautiful. Love the banded top. The button downs will probably fit more comfortable in a little while. The purple top and green/blue top look good, so it depends on your needs whether to keep them. Striped tee looks awesome. So does orange/raspberry top.

Sorry I don't have time for an extensive write-up, but I tried to address the main issues.

crwilson

Veteran

Kristen - You look amazing! I love all the combinations you put together.

1) Love the turquoise bag, of course.
2) No, not too small.
3) They did look a little tight, but may not be in a few weeks. If they feel tight through the shoulder, I would get a different size. I hate to be uncomfortable, though.
4) Love the suit - and it looks fantastic with the banded top. I wasn't in love with the banded top on its own, but under the suit, it's eye-catching. (In a good way)
5) I would say keep - it will be versatile and the colors are good on you.
6) I'm not a huge fan of the purple top. It looks too much like a maternity top that I used to have, so that could be creating unfair bias on my part.
7) Very cute!
8) Love this top - keep
9) I think they'll look great. Definitely keep them
10) I'm going to disagree with Marianne. I don't love the stripes. I think they look better under the cardigan, though. I think that might just be personal preference because, as usual, you look great.

All in all, you look awesome, and you've found some great stuff.
Christine

LoP

Veteran

You've got great items. I love the yellow and polka dots. I think the cardigans are a good fit especially if you keep them unbuttoned. I do most of the time. Also, they will be the right fit soon since you plan on losing more weight. I think you look fantastic in all the combos! I wish I was in US to get those Target gladiators. The bag is the cutest bag I've seen in a while.

ChristineB

You look fantastic. Look at that waist of yours!

The turquoise bag is awesome.

I don't think the cardi's look too small, but if they feel too small, then you should exchange.

The suit looks great, and I love the banded top & the blue & green top under it.

I really like the purple top - I think it's very flattering on you.

The orange & raspberry top is a little much for me on it's own, but looks good layered. Of course, that's my personal preference, but if the color combo/pattern fits your style, then great.

The striped T looks really good under both cardis.

Looks like you had a great time shopping!!

greenglove

(website)

Veteran

Kristen,
I am giving you a quick response, sorry but I liked everything! Love the shoes! I never thought Target shoes were comfortable. The bag is beautiful. You are really developing a fun and lively stley that really speaks to the season change. None of the cardigans look too small. I agree about the orange and raspberry top looking better with the cardigan. Love the striped T

Chris

I think you already answered your own questions.

The bag, the black suit, the pencil skirt, the gladiator sandal, banded top = Love

The cardis do look a bit small but it seems to depend on what you put under them - I would try size up or a different brand and see if you can get better fit. It may because of angled cut on sweater? Can't tell.

I didn't think the taupe pants in first picture were as flattering on you as the skirt or black pants. Again, could be the angle or hemline?

You are looking great - very inspiring

Ariadne

Veteran

Okay, WHERE did you get the bag and what brand is it? I NEED ONE RIGHT NOW!!!

Ahem. OK. On to the rest!

I mostly agree with the other assesments. You're looking great and the pencil skirt especially loves you.

For the red and yellow cardis, I'd actually suggest you return them and look for something a bit shorter with maybe a V-neck instead. I think these aren't eh most flattering cut for you.

The suit outfit looks great--the pattern on the banded top adds a wonderfully stylish and funky touch. You know, I bet you could wear button-downs with that suit. Maybe give it a try?

I'd return the green and blue floral top, but I'm not a fan of that print in general, so that's mostly why. I far prefer the purple ATL top. I like the orange and raspberry top too, and the striped T. I don't care for the button-downs--they look stuffy to me.

LOVE the Target snakeskin gladiators. When I'm in Washington next month I'm going to have to check out Target for shoes. Love the black peeptoes too, and I actually liked the plaid shoes! Heh.

What a trip! Way to go.

bella

(website)

Veteran

What a great haul! Pieces that caught my eye are the turquoise bag, ATL knit blouse and the banded top. the last one is especially gorgeous! You have lost so much weight, you really deserve all of this. Well done Kristen!

lwc

Wow! You got a lot done!!! Love the bag and shoes - even the plaid ones...and I'm not necessarily a "plaid person."

The comments that I'd offer would be repetitive, and my kids are sick. But great shopping, and kudos on your weightloss!

JewelryGirl

Yes, LOVE the bag – very cool color!

Love love love the teal blouse & gray pencil skirt on you! TEAL is GORGEOUS!

Same with white blouse & salmon cardi. Very springy!

White cardi & teal cami don’t do much for me on their own. They might be good mixed up with other things though.

Print shirt is fun! LOVE the next Teal one w/ circles or flowers even more though!!

Shorts-sleeved white cardi is good!

Nice wine colored wrap top, I still prefer the teal one with circles/flowers though.

Sandals are fun, plaid one’s are my FAVORITE!!

LOVE the empire waist large flower print top (red/pink/white maybe).

Next one is ok. I really like it with the salmon cardi though!

2 button downs are ok. I think I prefer the black one (2nd).

Stripes, not a big fan.

FANTASTIC Shopping day!

Kari

Veteran

Wow, what great finds! I especially LOVE your bag, banded top, pencil skirt, and suit. They seem the most "you" out of the pieces you bought and fit you the best.

The colors in the green/blue top are great on you, but in the close-up shot it looks like the top may be too small/short in the bust - the bust seam looks like it's hitting you too far up. (I probably noticed this because I run into this problem so often.) The purple blouse fits you much better in the bust.

I also think the cardigans don't look too small. They ARE knits and will probably stretch.

Never would have guessed in a million years that the gladiator sandals are from Target! They look great!

Kristen

(website)

Veteran

Wow, thank you all so much for such detailed responses! I've never asked for shopping feedback before, and you guys really came through. Gave me a lot to think about, and confirmed a couple of hunches I had about some of the so-so items.

1. The turquoise bag is from handbagheaven.com. I saw it on a blog post from Real Simple Real Style (I think), and I knew it was the spring statement purse I'd been craving. I ordered a yellow hobo too, but it's too disproportionately large and is being sent back. There was a 15% off sale going on so the turquoise was $71, then I found another 10% off coupon online. Good deal!

2. I did exchange the long-sleeve sweaters for larges last night; what wasn't coming across in the photos was that I couldn't layer anything under them because all the sleeves were too tight and were showing every bump of the shirt underneath no matter how much I tried to smooth it. I really like the length and rounded neck of these, which are a departure from the neckline of my other cardis; the length gives them a nice drape when they're unbuttoned and gives me that loose, elongated look for my torso like the open ATL teal cardigan does. The short-sleeve ones are going to be workhorses in my wardrobe this summer, I can tell. Definite keepers.

And actually, I returned the red ls sweater and got a bright blue (and a large yellow) instead -- because I also found a great Michael Kors red shell/t-shirt on sale (in small, THUD) that is perfect for under the suit jackets or alone.

3. The green-blue and the wine ATL tops are going to be put aside as "maybes" for now. That's what I do when I am on the fence about an item; I leave the tags on, try them out in outfits from time to time, but lean toward choosing something else that works better until I make a final decision. I've ended up returning a lot of "maybes" with this method, which has saved me a lot of money! The problems for me are in the bust: as Kari noted, the seam of the green/blue one is sitting a little high, and the wine one is very low, maybe too low for the Nun Shop. But it could have other usages off-hours, so...

4. The orange-raspberry t-shirt is another "maybe". It fits funny right now around my waist (shows my remaining love handles, I think) so I'm not in love. A couple of weeks may change that opinion. The camp shirts, too. I am in love with those but the fit issues worry me. So they'll all hang together with their tags intact until they either fit or get returned.

5. For those who are doubtful about Target shoes, I do recommend trying them on in stores because not all of their shoes there are the same quality. But I do order a lot of them from the website (LOVE the Target website -- they have a HUGE selection of everything that puts all the stores to shame). You can return to the store easily, and if you order $50 or more, shipping is free. It's the easiest online ordering there is, next to Zappos. I actually picked the gladiators on a whim after a post from the Budget Babe; the Target shoes I usually get are some knockoff of a trendy shoe, and nothing meant to be an 8-hour or a city-walking shoes. Target is surprisingly ahead of the curve when it comes to trendy knockoffs; they had floral print sweaters in spring and summer 2008, well before it hit big-time. I'm always amazed when I see the next big thing hit because I frequently think, "I saw that at Target last month! How did they know?"

I know some of you liked the red plaids, and honestly, they were pretty cute in some ways. But they looked like little kid shoes on, especially next to all the other shoes in my collection. They were definitely not "me".

6. Everything else I'm keeping. The pencil skirt already got worn yesterday, and the suit comes out today for my meeting with the Chief Nursing Executives. Those women know their suits so I need to be polished!

Phew. I can't believe I can finally say this, but I think I am done shopping for work clothes for the spring and perhaps even early summer. I'm already dreaming of all the ways I can mix and match what's in my closet. Hallelujah!

Sihaya

Veteran

Kristen - great job. You look wonderful and congrats again on the weight loss. You look stunning in pencil skirts. Wonderful suit. Love your bag. I like the sense you have of color and the different styles that suit you.

Ellen

Looking good, Kristen! You found some great pieces and your self-editing is really good. Glad you got everything in the best sizes.

I love the Target flats and I NEED TO GET TO A TARGET SOON! So many things I want to stock up on.

Also, the turquoise bag is beautiful... such an eye-catching piece!

Ellen

By Target flats I meant Target wedges.

sinead

Kristen- I love love your suit. Isn't it nice to find a jacket with a slightly different cut than the typical blazer? And the banded blouse is beautiful with it.

The green-blue print top- I feel like you could find something better. And here's my two cents about stripes- stripes in general aren't bad, but they need to be narrower. It's one of those recurring themes you see with stylish french women- narrow stripes. I think wide stripes are hard for anyone to pull off.

Love your wedges and purse. I've never thought about Target for shoes but you've convinced me to give it a try.
What a great shopping spree you had!

Anonymous

I don't have time to go through all of this right now but just have to comment on how successful your shopping trip was. You look so good and polished.
I don't see that the Nordstrom's cardigans are too small in the pictures.
Your suit is awesome and the tops and shoes you got to mix it up are awesome too.
The turquoise bag is KILLER!
I never find this many good things when I go shopping.

Vani

Veteran

Kristen, I don't have much to add to what everybody else have covered so exhaustively here. Except that those are some amazing pieces you picked up. The bag is super awesome! And I positively love teal and turquoise on you. Your gams look fab in the pencil skirt. Love the polka dot lining in the cardigan. In short, FAB, FAB!

Kristen

(website)

Veteran

Thanks everyone! I think I did pretty well for my first foray to Nordstroms. I think I'm going to like shopping there.

Sinead, point taken on the width of the stripes. But I am ex-Connecticut boater preppie from way back, and those wide navy-and-white stripes call me like a siren luring me home.