Starting over...aka be careful what you wish for - YouLookFab Forum

Category

Shopping

Welcome! Read about what to wear and how to wear it on the YLF Blog. Join the YLF Forum to ask specific questions or just chat about fashion and personal style. Or check out the curated list of things we love in YLF Finds.

Outfits Ensembles Trends Advice

Starting over...aka be careful what you wish for

Shauntelle

(website)

So you know how I was complaining about having nothing to wear?

This past tuesday my home burned down! A fire started in the condo at the bottom of our 3 story building and several odd circumstances led to the whole building burning down. We were on the top floor and the fire completely destroyed everything.

So now I feel sorta guilty about all the complaining I did about having nothing to wear! And I regret all the times I didn't wear things because they were too nice to just wear for no reason.

I keep telling myself well here's my chance to build a great new wardrobe but it's overwhelming to start from scratch completely. It's not about having nothing I want to wear, it's having nothing to wear at all! The red cross gave us 500.00 to buy things for my family of 5 and I was very grateful for that because unfortunately we didn't have rental insurance. I feel guilty buying for myself though and have mostly been focused on the kids. I go back to work tomorrow though, so I need to pick up trousers, a few shirts and some type of dressier shoe today.

Anyway just needed to reach out for some good vibes please. And advice on the best things to buy immediately. I have a sundress I've worn the last couple of days and 2 pr of jeans, a sweater, and a layering tank top. Where should I start with clothes for the work week?

Shopping

53 replies

Latest reply was from Aunty

Anonymous

Oh my goodness, reaching out with big hugs for you! I'm so glad you and your family are safe.

Forum, is there some way we could help?

Queen Mum

Veteran

oh my! I'm so sorry Shauntelle. I can't imagine how devastating this must be. Hugs to you and your family.
Gosh, I wouldn't even know where to start looking for clothes. I think I've heard though that the Salvation Army lets those in your situation shop for free in their stores.... something you might want to check into. Also contact churches in your area for assistance.

Queen Mum

Veteran

Also, I'll bet if you let us know sizes for you and your family, those with things to pass on would be more than willing to ship them your way.

nicoleb

(website)

Veteran

Omgosh Shauntelle I am so sorry to hear this! PLEASE let me know if there is anyway we can help! What sizes of clothing are you looking for? I too, would be more than willing to pass some things your way if you would like. Or maybe even like a care package while your family goes through this transitional time? I'm a couponer so i have a bit of a stockpile of some toiletry things and such....just let us know how we can help, please!

Louise

Veteran

OMG!!! Glad you and your family are safe.
Perhaps get things you can mix and match so that everything will go with everything else to start with x

lynne

Veteran

How awful for you and your family! Sending big hugs, positive vibes and good wishes. Is there a resale or consignment store where you could find professional wear?

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

OH NO. I feel devastated for you. I am so so so sorry, Shauntelle. The Salvation Army is a good place to start. Are you close to a Dress for Success? I'd call them too, and hopefully they will give you a few outfits.

Please tell us your sizes, Shauntelle. The forum wants to help you.

Shauntelle

(website)

Thanks for that tip on the salvation army. I will have to see if we have a local one. I think it's just really starting to sink in because I'm going back to work, ya know? I wear a 6 or a small to medium if anyone has orphans looking for a home. We are currently staying in a hotel this week while looking for a new place to live so I don't have an address yet. I guess my office...

This is when it would be nice to be a kid again! We bought t-shirts, shorts, and jeans for them on clearance at walmart and they have a decent foundation to move forward at least.

Claudia

Veteran

Yes, please post what you and your family needs, the sizes, and we can see what items we have and PM you with a place to ship.

Hugs.

Cilleena

Veteran

Oh, Shauntelle! How horrible! I'm so sorry! Hugs and positive vibes to you and your family! Yes, please let us know your family's sizes and your needs, would love to help!

kitty400

Yes please let us know what you need and sizes.

Mo

(website)

Veteran

I feel so badly for you! So sorry. Good news that the kids were easy to get started with their wardrobes. I'm sure many of us have some clothing or accessories to help you.
I am a xs to s on top but a 4/6 on bottom. I have a white pencil skirt I've never worn you could possibly use for the office.It has a matching vest as well. I could also donate the wrap dress that Una so kindly gave to me. These the few more professional things in my casual wardrobe.
Please list an address if you would like me to send either of these. I'd be more than happy to.
Big hugs.

This post has 2 photos. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.

If you aren't a member, but would like to participate, please consider signing up. It only takes a minute and we'd love to have you.

anne

Veteran

Very sorry to hear about this

rosee

Veteran

Prayers for you and your family during this challenging time. Thankfully you are all safe and well.

I know this won't be the focus of your thoughts lately, so I will just quickly add my wish to help when you are ready. When you give us your and your family members' sizes (both clothes and shoes) and color preferences, we can send you things that might be helpful. I have plenty of size 4 and 6 clothes that I am not currently wearing. I also have size 8 and 8.5 shoes if needed.

As Angie said, check out Dress for Success or Walk-In Closet for career clothes if you have one in your area. Also, not only the Salvation Army, but other similar charities will often allow you to shop for free when a crisis has occurred. Just speak to a representative in your area to help set you up.

God bless you all!

Shauntelle

(website)

Thank you all for your kindness and thoughts. Angie I have never heard of dress for success. I will look them up as well. Mo please pm me and I will send you my office address. I can wear a 6 or 8 bottom and normally a small shirt and small dresses. Please pm me for my address.

Keep your fingers crossed for us please. We are going to look at a condo for rent...if it works for us, it would be awesome so we can get the kids settled again.

bella

(website)

Veteran

I am so sorry to hear about this.
What size shoes do you wear? I have two size 7 pumps that would work well for business casual.

rosee

Veteran

I hope you all don't find this inappropriate, but I thought I'd link one of Shauntelle's older posts about her style preferences, to better help us find things that will suit her.

http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....an-longish

I know a little of what it's like to start over and to have to rely on the help of others. It sometimes helps when particular items are identified.
I hope you all take this in the spirit in which it was offered.

I am editing to include this post: Shauntelle is a small framed pretty pear.

http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....ype-photos

MsMaven

Veteran

I am so sorry this happened to you, but grateful you and your family are safe. The best of luck to you in your search for a new place to live.

tarzy

Veteran

I'm so sorry to hear about this. How awful! I'm afraid I don't have any clothes to pass along right now (I'm bigger than you, and just donated a bunch of stuff.)

Do you think you could reach out somehow through your blog? I've found many of the blog communities to be incredibly generous, and word can spread quickly. It might be a good way to reach people near and around your community who might be a good position to help you more quickly.

I know I'd be in shock if that happened to me. Please let us know what we can do to help you.

HeleenH

Veteran

Oh no. I am so sorry for you. From what you wrote I think everyone in your family survived, that is a blessing in the situation. Hope you get a new place soon so everyone can settle again. If you need a good googler just pm me and I will try to help.

RoseandJoan

Veteran

Firstly, I am thankful you and yours are safe, secondly I think the forum can really help to establish some semblance of a wardrobe for you.

I will be thinking of your family.

Anonymous

Shauntelle, I have a bright yellow dress that might have your name on it. I am pm-ing you with details.

nancylee

Veteran

I am so sorry this happened to you and your family! I may have some tops and dresses that fit you, so I'll PM you for the address.

catgirl

Veteran

Shauntelle, I can't even imagine... I am so sorry to hear this news. Thankfully you and your family are safe.

I am leaving in a couple of days for vacation, but when I get back I will check in with you and see what you need as I may have some professional clothes that would fit you. How tall are you?

Kristine

Veteran

Oh my gosh!! I'm so sorry to hear your news. Thank God everyone is safe.

It must be overwhelming. I'm sure everyone at work will more than understand if your work wardrobe isn't quite up to par. I think I'd hit some thrift or discount stores and find a few basics, two pairs of dress pants, a few blouses.

Angie has a good article on a work capsule for less. Ideally you'd buy only good quality things as you can afford them, but reality may be that you have to compromise because you really are building from scratch.

My thoughts and prayers are with you!

Lynne

Veteran

Oh, Shauntelle, what an awful shock....how are your children coping? Do take care and accept any offers of help....sending hugs, Lynne xo

Jonesy

Veteran

How shocking and truly terrible. I am sad to say that I am much larger than you, otherwise I might have some stuff for you :(. Seconding the recommendation to check the Salvation Army, and Dress for Success.

I hope you and your family can regain your footing very soon!

lynn

Veteran

I'm so sorry! I'm about your size I think so I would love to help. What is pm-ing to get your address?

CK

I am so sorry, Shauntelle! I wish I had not just given a whole bunch of clothes to Goodwill. However, that is actually another place to look for clothes if you have one in your town. They often have brand name items at very good prices. Many cities also have consignment stores with great items as well. My heart goes out to you and your family. I'm so glad you're all safe.

12