So I am totally swamped and I need you guys . . . UPDATED w/results and additional problems AT BOTTO - YouLookFab Forum

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So I am totally swamped and I need you guys . . . UPDATED w/results and additional problems AT BOTTO

Elly

Veteran

This past week was my first week working on both ends of the week and going to class 3-4 days a week (not the field). It didn't take long for me to come to the conclusion that my wardrobe is not going to work for this. I have 3 pairs of jeans in rotation, which is barely enough, but I am majorly short on jackets, tops, and sweaters. Also, it is getting colder and I really need to invest in a pair of boots/booties to avoid being cold. My boss is great but I don't think she wants to see me show up for work in my hiking boots.

I don't have free time to plan a wardrobe or shop! I'm really crazy busy and have been stealing moments here and there to check in on YLF. I've already missed several of the things that I was interested in possibly buying because they sold out and I am concerned that I am not going to find appropriate things if I wait until I have time to shop again (near the holidays or early January) and it is really pushing it to get by with my current wardrobe . . . I've done laundry 2x-3x a week AND worn inappropriate things to get by these past weeks.

Basically, I need 5-6 days worth of long-sleeve tops, sweaters, and light jackets, or long sleeve tops and heavy sweaters and no jacket. Stuff that I can wash because it is likely to get dirty in the early stages of the new job. Casual MOTG stuff is fine, so long as I look put together. Most of you know my style-- casual, fairly classic but on the James Dean side rather than the Audrey Hepburn side. For most pieces (except boots) my budget is going to be under $100 dollars.

At this point, I want the minimum I can get by with because it may not be perfect since I need things NOW.

If you were me, what would you be doing? Theories and links would be great . . off to write a paper and do another load of laundry.

Shopping

19 replies

Latest reply was from Elly

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Elly! So glad that work has begun for you -- but wow, sounds as if you are snowed under.

It's not a bad time to need to get quick updates to the wardrobe. The sales are on. I would be ordering online from retailers with free delivery and returns. Right now, good bets might be the Nordstrom's half-yearly sale, and BR. BR has some good fluid knits this year that work on their own (under a jacket) or layered over a shirt. (They have shirts, too -- some on sale.) Not sure if their fit model works for you.

For boots/ booties, I'd go with Nordie's, assuming your size is not too difficult to find.

Gaylene

Veteran

J Crew is currently offering 40% off all sales items with the code STYLETIME. Some possibilities:

Warmish quilted jacket to layer over a lighter top
http://www.jcrew.com/AST/Navig.....+429496729

Merino wool Tippi sweaters (my staples for winter--wash on delicate cycle in machine and dry flat)
http://www.jcrew.com/womens_fe.....3+22+42949

More sweaters:
http://www.jcrew.com/womens_ca.....+2+3+22+42
http://www.jcrew.com/AST/Navig.....+429496729

Striped vest to layer for more warmth
http://www.jcrew.com/womens_ca.....ENE~1+2+3+

Cotton shirts to layer under a sweater
http://www.jcrew.com/womens_ca.....NE~1+2+3+2
http://www.jcrew.com/womens_ca.....NE~1+2+3+2

Layering turtlenecks
http://www.jcrew.com/womens_ca.....+3+22+4294

Embroidered sweatshirt (an Angie pick)
http://www.jcrew.com/AST/Navig.....+429496729

This is just to get you started. I find J Crew stuff pretty good value for the money when it is on sale. The additional 40% off makes it an even better value.

E

Veteran

Hi Elly!

I have a pair of knee high boots from Reiker that are super comfy and have a safe, durable rubber outsole and a wool lined shaft so are warm and are waterproof so good in all kinds of winter weather, but are also sleek enough for MOTG. They don't look like gear. They're on sale at Amazon right now: http://www.amazon.com/Rieker-W.....;qid=13844 (Mine are a different colour, but the leather is completely smooth, so I'm not sure why it looks wrinkly in those pictures.) In sandals and pumps, I wear a Euro 37, but in these I got a 38 and they fit perfectly with enough room for medium thickness socks. I'm not sure what your calves are like; mine are on the slim side but these don't leave a big gape and they have an elastic vent (covered by two triangles of the leather, very cleverly done), so they'd also stretch. If you're looking for boot suggestions that might help.

Honestly if I were you I'd also be looking at ebay (since I don't think you have thrift stores in your area?) to find wool sweaters in my size that would keep me warm and leave me full arm range movement but that were inexpensive enough for me not to worry about getting them messed up or discard when I find a perfect replacement. I'd prioritise ones with the 'buy it now' option or auctions ending soon to get them shipped more quickly. Here's an ebay search for wool and wool-blend sweaters; I don't know your size or colour or shape preferences, but you can refine all of that further via the lefthand column so that you don't have to spend time you don't have wading through things that don't work: http://www.ebay.com/sch/Sweate.....520Wool%7C And you can switch from seeing 'Buy it Now' or auctions or both via the tabs at the top. I'd probably be looking at darker neutral and colours just to minimise worry about staining.

If you don't want to use ebay like Suz I'd then turn to retail with free shipping both ways! Amazon & Zappos both do that with clothing as well as shoes, but I don't have any particular brands to recommend since I do most of shopping secondhand. And I don't think we have the same body type, since I'm small busted. Good luck!

Anonymous

Gap and BR -- get a bunch of Ts in different colours (I chose black, white, charcoal and navy and bought two of each). Then get a couple blazers or jackets, or a moto jacket, a pair of skinny and a pair of straight leg jeans. Then I recommend a pair of short boots/booties and a tall pair.

Your uniform is then t, topper, scarf if desired, skinny jeans tucked into tall boots or worn with short boots, straight legs with short boots or shoes.

As you get time, you can rotate in more tops and bottoms, but this core outfit is neat, easily washable, and allows you to move at work.

See: my entire work life up to this point I know some people have commented that 90% of what I wear is Gap. I seriously have almost no shopping in my city, and I refuse to pay for shipping and returns, so Gap (and to a lesser extent, BR and Old navy) it is. My job is often dirty and strenuous.

But I would argue that you can take those Gap basics and style them to suit you.

rachylou

Veteran

If it's pure panic, I'd hit Ross and Target in person.

viva

Veteran

Hi Elly,

Not sure what you're thinking bootwise, but Timberlands are also a great choice for outside/inside -- nice looking, waterproof, rugged, and they have comfort technology that's great if you are on your feet a lot. Here's a link to one pair: http://tinyurl.com/mb2h8kk. I have a pair of tall Timberlands that I have worn to death and still can't get rid of. When I want to look slightly more rugged I go that way. Here's a more refined Timberland pair that I just love -- buckle and mixed leathers. Really gorgeous: http://tinyurl.com/l9q855q.

As for clothing, JCrew Factory has 30% off the site right now and some good buys - just remember you cannot return to a regular JCrew store:
Grey colorblock sweater $82.50 - 30%: http://tinyurl.com/k9ocjb5
Waffle crewneck in a ton of colors $62.50 - 30% http://tinyurl.com/kemvz2p
Fun printed button-down $49.50 -30% http://tinyurl.com/kemvz2p
Plaid cotton button-down $54.50 -30% http://tinyurl.com/kjprosl
Red or deep pink puffer vest $98 -30% http://tinyurl.com/k4tm96a
Jeweled gray sweatshirt $98 - 30% http://tinyurl.com/lyj4d64
So, a few ideas...good luck!

Inge

(website)

Lots of sales going on right now, so it's not the worst time to have to go emergency shopping, but it's stressful nonetheless. Great suggestions from the other ladies.

How about a fab (faux) leather jacket, or a bomber or a fun blazer for starters? You can layer underneath, and it immediately makes you (well, that's how it works for me at least;-) feel more polished and stylish.
Then 1 button-down (great for layering under jackets and sweaters) or fluid fitting blouse. 1 heavier weight sweater (turtleneck or other neckline) to wear on its own. 2 lighter-weight sweaters for layering under or over. And a couple of layering tops.

I've had a look around too. (and boy, there are soooo many sweaters out there right now that can't be machine washed!). I'll add the links below.

And I hope you are enjoying the new job, despite the wardrobe stress.

Inge

(website)

Sweaters

http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/ti.....er&cm

http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/to.....;cm_pla=10

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/ru.....&cm_c

http://www.gap.com/browse/prod.....=918150042

http://www.zara.com/us/en/woma.....95958.html

http://www.zara.com/us/en/woma.....37053.html

http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/ha.....y-personal

http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/th.....-personali

Inge

(website)

Shirts and blouses

http://www.gap.com/browse/prod.....=918124012

http://www.gap.com/browse/prod.....=918130002

http://www.zara.com/us/en/woma.....94015.html

http://www.zara.com/us/en/woma.....99582.html

http://www.zara.com/us/en/woma.....94014.html

http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/le.....t&

Inge

(website)

Layering tops

http://www.gap.com/browse/prod.....=928924002

http://www.zara.com/us/en/woma.....87006.html

http://www.zara.com/us/en/woma.....36006.html

http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/ca.....5858?origi

http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/le.....alizedsort

http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/ch.....8;contextu

http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/vi.....ategory-pe

http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/vi.....sonalizeds

Inge

(website)

Jackets

http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/bl.....r&cm_

http://www.zara.com/us/en/woma.....36220.html

http://www.zara.com/us/en/woma.....36067.html

http://www.zara.com/us/en/woma.....18010.html

http://www.zara.com/us/en/woma.....14p1560023

http://www.zara.com/us/en/woma.....91010.html

http://www.zara.com/us/en/woma.....94979.html

http://www.zara.com/us/en/woma.....81065.html

http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/ca.....t&

http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/t-.....tegory-per

http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/sa.....personaliz

Mo

(website)

Veteran

wow, I see you have no shortage of links to follow. I'd also take an hour and do like Rachylou and hit up Ross and/or Target in person. Particularly if you are harder to fit.

Diana

Veteran

For the sweater to go under jackets, I recommend the BR merino v-neck in the YLF store. I just bought it in black, and it's a nice thicker fabric but still very streamlined and will definitely layer well under a jacket. It is hand wash only, is that OK for you? BR has sale codes all the time, if you sign up for their emails they often have 40% off flash sales.
http://bananarepublic.gap.com/.....=686370042

For thicker sweaters to wear on their own, I am no help. I knit all of mine.

I think a ponte blazer might be good for you. It will still have some structure but still be movable and easier to clean. I have a Gap Academy blazer from last year. Here is this year's version.
http://www.gap.com/browse/prod.....=604134012

For long sleeve tees to wear on their own, I'm still looking myself so I'm not sure what to recommend. I will let you know if I find good ones! For tees to layer under sweaters and such, I recommend Uniqlo heattech. It's silky and thin but warm. I do find them a little too clingy to wear on their own though (even though I do size up). There's other versions (turtleneck, short sleeve, etc) as well if you search the uniqlo site.
http://www.uniqlo.com/us/store.....045-66-002

For shoes, are Fryes out of your budget? I could definitely see them going with your style. Or how about some of the nicer Timberland styles, like these?
http://www.zappos.com/timberla.....ck-leather
Will you mostly be wearing skinnies? I'd go for tall boots then, but if you want to wear bootcuts or something like that with the boots underneath, then a shorter pair is probably preferable...

Elly

Veteran

So much help! I stole a couple of hours yesterday and stopped by the places mentioned that I have access to (ABQ has a JCrew, Banana, Gap, etc. but obviously no Nordstrom).

Conclusions:
1. Gap supersoft tees (crewneck) continue to be a favorite (I bought 3 last year) --- until I tried on the new ones I hadn't realized that while they still look great last year's have begun to stretch out and likely will need to be demoted by the end of the season -- I bought the weird tannish/taupe color, and a new navy, and two new blacks--- I have a navy, a grey and black stripe (which I don't love on me- linebacker problems), and a black from last year-- they were on sale for 8 bucks a pop--- I didn't care for the v-necks on me, and the turtlenecks were not in stock
2. I also got a comfy pair of running shorts which I needed on sale (I like the ones with the built in spandex-- gap's are expensive but great because they don't squeeze to hard) i don't care that they are orange and grey because they were a much better price, but I am gonna look funny with my pink/blue/yellow/black/orange and grey running kit.
3. I tried on sweaters at Gap and Banana republic -- I did not try on at Jcrew because the tippi was the only non-embellished in my price range and I can't do 3/4 sleeves in the winter! -- The Banana republic merino was awesome quality, the gap had some OK things --- I wasn't able to find a good fit/silhouette on anything--- I'm having a problem with v-necks pulling open width wise over my chest and shoulders and looking unflattering, but the next size up being oddly baggy over the torso--- plus, it has to have a fairly high neck to wear on it's own and most I tried on today would have been okay on someone else but showed cleavage on me. I think I am going to need to find some higher neck, thin close-fitting sweaters AND something that is loose but more of a trapeze shilloute. Any ideas? I also tried on a cardi from Banana (the shawl/foldover collar open job they've been doing)---- I liked the look on me, but the low percentage of cashmere was just a bit itchy (I don't find good cashmere always itchy, but those low percentages sometimes get me) and I would like something with a bit more collar to it (thicker?).
4. I also made the mistake of going into the Lucky in the shopping center and I really want a flannel shirt now . . . and renewed my enthusiasm for military jackets. http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/am.....hoppingbag -- this one looks alot like I had wanted, but IDK if it will fit.
5. LOFT was a complete bust--- I didn't make it to AnnTaylor, but their tops/blouses are often too short on me.
6. I tried on one of the GAP academy blazers--- they weren't right for me, but I am much more open to the idea of a ponte blazer. Olivia Moon looks good, but for the life of me I can't remember if the black is ok quality. I know the patterned ones were good--- I had originally pictured a black blazer to wear with a navy hoodie (since I want the hoodie to do double duty and my leather jacket is black) but would I be completely insane to order the red/black patterned number? http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/ol.....hoppingbag
7. I'm also considering ordering the http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/ru.....hoppingbag as a dressed up version of a fleece for days when I am moving historic furniture and the like. Opinions?
8. While I would LOVE a pair of frye's (I really have a crush on the Campus), I don't think they are in my budget right now, and since my jeans are bootcuts, short boots may be better. I don't know where to go on that one, since I need something sturdy and comfy--- these intrigue me, but I don't know about how they would play with others : http://www.zappos.com/miz-mooz-lissie-red-1

So now I have enough tees to get through a week without having to wash midweek. If I make a nordstrom order, I would have 4 choices of non-fleece toppers should the 3 I order fit. Is that overkill? I'm also concerned about not finding sweaters, as I sometimes need a third layer in my office (over a l/s tee or in replace of) and would love a trapeze or otherwise drapey number and a cardigan. Since as of yet I don't "do" much in the way of accesories, is the lack of variety in tops and accessories going to be boring? I know I can add in other pieces later, but I'm concerned that I might be going overboard. That said, it is gonna be so nice not to have to do laundry twice a week and have more than 3-4 days worth of work and school appropriate clothes at a time.

Jenava

(website)

Veteran

I am obsessed with the Everlane cashmere at the moment. It might not be in your budget at the moment, but it is looser fit and very high quality for the price.

https://www.everlane.com/colle.....s-cashmere

I love their teeshirts as well, but they are not long-sleeved.

Makrame

Veteran

Looks like you have a pretty good plan. I've had mixed success with Olivia Moon knit blazers - sometimes they are good quality, sometimes not, but they are definitely a good thing to try. I have also seen them at TJMax. If you order from Nordstrom, it's a good idea to keep an eye on the price by placing these items on the wishlist - many thing go on sale so you can ask for a price adjustment later.

Elly

Veteran

Jenava, thank you for the recommendation. I had seen that you liked their product on another thread . . . something to think about since they seem like a good company.

Makrame-- thank you for jumping in. I hear you with the mixed quality with Olivia Moon-- I think it may still be worth a try. I would love to find one at TJMaxx, but ours tend to be very picked over and rarely get name-brand clothing because of the area we are in. I will wishlist it if I decide to order.

VenusCow

(website)

This is exactly why I created the Venus Cow staple collection, perfect black leggings and staple black top as I needed an easy to wear, totally comfortable blank canvas that was affordable, well made and really good quality material and couldn't find it anywhere.

Elly

Veteran

Thanks for chiming in Shirley-- Unfortunately, black leggings don't get much mileage where I work. I spend too much time having to kneel, and they just don't provide enough protection to my knees for an average work day.