Wardrobe refresh help requested - YouLookFab Forum

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Outfits Ensembles Trends Advice

Wardrobe refresh help requested

shiny

Veteran

Hi all, I have been avoiding YLF for a long time due to budget constraints with two kids in college, and job uncertainty. The good news is I have two job offers under consideration, and will certainly accept one or the other by end of this week, so it looks like I can now relax and spend some money again!

I am in desperate need of a wardrobe refresh, and feel out of the loop on what is in fashion these days and what y'all are buying and loving and craving and what fits and flatters. This forum has always been my primary go-to source to try out new fashions and discover clothes that will work for my body type and lifestyle.

So bring it on... post below any recent find (pic or link) and why you love it and recommend it. Also summarize for me any "must haves" right now that you would recommend to someone who doesn't follow this group religiously and hasn't been on a major shopping trip in a year or more.

This can be work-related fashion or not. I am leaning towards taking the job that will enable me to continue WFH as I have been doing, with occasional in-office days. Either job will require a LOT of travel, so bonus points for travel-related inspiration...

Shopping

27 replies

Latest reply was from Laura

CK

I'm afraid I don't have any advice as I've been out of the loop for too long, too - and for similar reasons. I am really looking forward to the replies though!

Tanya

Veteran

Hi Shiny, nice to see you back here! I am in a hurry now so will be back in the evening and write more. In general, looser fits are the thing these days. Angie calls them fluid fits. So looser sweaters, blouses, pants etc.
Hopefully people get on posting things for you. Here is a pair of pants that many loved:
http://bananarepublic.gap.com/.....=686096002
and a sweater:
http://bananarepublic.gap.com/.....=686370022

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

Hey Shiny! I missed your always fun posts. Glad to hear things are back on track for you and your fashion journey.

I agree with the looser fits - esp. in tops. I don't know that I have a ton of new things to suggest but I have seen some really great outfits here lately. Lots of new members too it seems.

I've been sizing up on some of my basic tee's and tops (on purpose) to get a more fluid fit. I've also enjoyed some BR purchases, the navy quilted moto, the metallic tees (not sure if they still have them).

Leopard and animal print in general seems to be still quite popular and I love my Munroe leopard print flats - originally I spotted them on Diana and had to try them - so glad I did. I ordered a snake print tee as well (from Loft) but haven't received it yet. I have one "on hold" in my closet from Piperlime but I don't like the synthetic material and the Loft ones are cotton so I'm waiting to compare.

That's about it for me - Oh wait, sweatshirt styles are very "in" right now. Jcrew has some lovely ones (though a bit pricey). I bought two very soft inexpensive sweaters from ON that have a sort of sweatshirt look with the "v" sewn in at the front.

shiny

Veteran

Thanks Tanya!

I stocked up on that exact sweater last winter. Bought it in two colors (cream and red), wore them both to death. That is on my shopping list this year too! I do like the fit!

I will check out the Sloan's as well. I have some older Sloan's in my closet that have a different leg silhouette. I do like how those fit me in the waist/hips/rear... the window pane pattern is sweet!! I can see that fitting right into my closet of basics...

CockatooQueen

Shiny, I appreciate your predicament as I was in the same situation after resigning from my FT job and taking college classes for a few years. Needed to update my look when reentering another workplace as a PT professional.

You could take a few exploratory trips to brick-and-mortar major retailers, to observe and try on a variety of fashion trends. Decide which looks you like, and among those, which are most flattering on you. My best experiences were at Kohls because there were many stylish vignettes (Dana Buchman, Chaps, Vera Wang, Jennifer Lopez) among several departments. They carry many petite items which I require, so do find a store that caters to your size. Kohls has ample dressing rooms, and a liberal return policy if some "experiments" don't work out.

I also visited Cato, Macys, Chico's, and Victoria's Secret with less exploratory success. Although I basically hate to spend a long time in clothing retail shops, my "update project" was time well spent. It was a revelation for new things I have come to love, such as longer pointelle sweaters, wrap dresses, no-wrinkle pants sets, cowl tunics, chunky jewelry, trapeze tops, and updated peasant blouses. Now that I know what I like, I do almost all of my shopping online.

Another suggestion is to find the most comfortable footwear, since you will be commuting and traveling. Don't sacrifice comfort for style there. I like Zappos.com for their huge variety of business-casual footwear and no-hassle returns.

Happy hunting, and let us know how it goes!

shiny

Veteran

Thanks Cockatoo, I like your list! What is Cato?

Shoes... I am in dire need of major shoe overhaul... comfortable stylish shoes are always difficult to find. My feet have only gotten more particular over the years. I did invest in booties but everything else needs an upgrade. Particularly warm weather shoes. But at least there's still some time for that.

Jackets/blazers is another weak area in my closet right now. I feel like all of mine are outdated. Well, except the two business suits I bought for interviewing, but both of those are very classic and kind of boring for anything but funerals and interviewing.

Makrame

Veteran

Several forum members picked up this Theory blazer. http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/th.....n=wishlist It had some fit issues on me and a few others (little wrinkles around the bust) but I discovered that I have the same problem with every blazer so it was not a deal breaker. I liked that it was not a standard boring blazer, and it is very lightweight.

qfbrenda

Veteran

What about pairing the suit pieces with other pieces that aren't boring? I bet you could spice them up with cute tops, etc.

merwoman

Veteran

Nodding my head in agreement with qfbrenda. Boring can be very good to travel with - stick to basic neutral colours and interchange with blouses/sweaters. That will reduce your luggage load.

So nice to 'see' you again Shiny, you've been missed.

shiny

Veteran

Ooh.. i am totally adding that theory blazer to my list...

When shopping for interview suits I swung by Theory department several times, but never spotted this one...

And on SALE!

shiny

Veteran

Is that the same as Una's Lanai blazer?? Cuz if it is, YEAH! Because I think she and I have similar shoulders... this could work... excited!

Suz

(website)

Veteran

The Lanai should work great on you, Shiny. It's lovely. I got it but am sending it back due to fit issues (but we are opposite -- I have a small bust.)

As the others have said, fluid fits are favourites here now (well, with me, anyway). Have you checked through Angie's ensemble posts for the season? I'd say...something mixed media. A fluid "sassy" sweatshirt or sweater -- maybe with sequins or in mixed media. Some bootcut trousers (although I know your weather will make those difficult to wear a great deal for some months.) Leopard and snake print are still going strong. A one button blazer with a low stance. If you need a coat, a "man" coat. All good places to start.

And nice to see you back!

shiny

Veteran

Thanks Suz - I have been reading along with the blog, but not really keeping track - trying not to suck myself into wanting stuff I couldn't afford, if you know what i mean! Also I find the forums are invaluable because then I can see how Angie's recommendations fit on similar body shapes, and/or are adapted in real life.

I don't start my new job until January so I will be around the forums and catching up!

Alassë

Veteran

Congratulations on the (upcoming) job, and I look forward to your spending time on the forum again! (New member but multi-year lurker, so I remember when you were active and was excited to see a Shiny post.)

Caro in Oz

Veteran

Great to see you back & congratulations
I was going to suggest Theory & a roomier coat too.

gryffin

Veteran

Hi Shiny - I posted about the Helmut Lang cropped gala tux blazer. It works with pretty much everything and is on sale all sizes right now at saks. FYI, I sized up. http://www.saksfifthavenue.com.....38;PRODUCT
It's simliar to the pic below (the smoking tux but with long sleeves. I can't get thegala to print. This is my latest must have. Good luck and congrats on the new position!! Happy shopping!

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Aida

Veteran

Pointy shoes and daytime clutches

anne

Veteran

Just wanted to say welcome back to what is practically YLF Royalty! Guys - she ever wrote a blog post!!!

Hope you enjoy yourself - I don't have much to add, having been more preoccupied with a back to work wardrobe than the latest fashions, Congratulations on the job offers

Are both your girls finished with College now?

Anonymous

Shiny! So good to see you here. As Aida said, pointy toed footwear, also more refined. Vince Camuto tube skirts have been popular and everyone seems to look fab in one, although they may not be warm enough now.
Sweaters are more cropped. The semi tuck is an easy update and camouflages the jiggly bits. Jackets are low stance and one or two button. Angie seems to be wearing more knit tops, fewer buttondowns and blouses.
Suits and matching seem more acceptable.

shiny

Veteran

You guys are awesome. I'm taking copious notes. Hoping to hit the mall tomorrow, in fact. After I pick up my new frames. Yeah, I was thinking of all of you when I picked them out a couple weeks ago. I think YLF would approve - will post pictures later once I get them.

Anne - DD#1 is halfway through her junior year; may be on the 5 year plan, with plans for grad school for sure. DD#2 is halfway through her sophomore year. So losing my job this year was a major freak out for me, since I have been helping with their tuition. Big sigh of relief none of us will have to stress.

Pointy toe shoes and daytime clutches are definitely on my list!

The lower stance is interesting - my interview suit was lower stance, though more "classic" cut. I dunno if I like the lower stance. Hmmm. Any links so I can get an idea of what works/doesn't work? That would be awesome, so I can adjust my eye accordingly.

At end of summer I was shopping with my daughter at ATL and picked up some boyfriend jeans. I was SO excited to finally find some, and on sale too! I have been wearing them to death, mostly they are my "Sunday" jeans. I winterized the look with booties. The ones I found are particularly slouchy/baggy/totally not flattering in the rear view... but ohhhh so comfortable. I hope that will still be in style in the spring!

Even if I haven't posted, you all have been very much on my mind... every time I get dressed!

Ariadne

Veteran

I can't think of anything that hasn't been covered, but congratulations on the job offers, and WELCOME BACK!

Tanya

Veteran

I was going to post some more, but you already got all the important updates.
Welcome back once again!

shiny

Veteran

Hey there, hit the mall today. I got the check board Sloans - so cute!! But not much else. Did not have any of the fun colors for the sweater, probably have to order online for that.

I am thinking of trying the Lanai jacket since it's so nicely priced and I love the pinstripe. I am debating between the size 2 and size 4. My one favorite theory jacket is a 4, it is many years old, so sizing may be different. Today at the mall I tried on other theory jackets (not the Lanai because they didn't have it) and the size 2 blazers seemed to fit better. I had a sales associate helping me (this was at Nordie's). She thought the size 4 was too big in the shoulders, and too long. The size 2 fit in the shoulders and length, but was a tad tight when I buttoned it (but the button was where it should have been). So yoo-hoo Una and others-- what do you think? Try the 2 or size up?

I also fell in love with a Vince leather jacket... total splurge if I decide to get it. I have it on hold to think about overnight. Pictures may be forthcoming if they aren't too horrible.

CockatooQueen

@Shiny, Cato is a chain of smaller-sized retail clothing stores all over TX. Just learned from their website that they are now selling online, and have stores in 32 states. Sizes range among juniors, misses, and plus.

Their clothes are mainstream on-trend, neither novelty nor wear-like-iron, and very reasonably priced. Some cute cropped blazers are under $30. (Personally, I wouldn't shell out ten times as much for a new look that may feel mehhh in a few months.)

Here is their website: http://www.catofashions.com

Anonymous

Shiny, here is a link to a one button blazer on Angie's client, Karen.
http://youlookfab.com/2012/07/.....en-blazer/
Here is an Angie pick knit blazer:
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/ol.....XXmHU9bPKA
Angie's blog on fall jacket trends. Scroll down to blazers :
http://youlookfab.com/2013/07/.....fall-2013/

shiny

Veteran

Thanks Joy! Those first two blazers may be just the ticket... going to check those out... love that green!

Laura

(website)

Veteran

Hi Shiny!

I had to add in a dress recommendation -- a lot of us have liked the KamaliKulture dresses Angie's been wearing. And, I happen to love this mod-ish Eliza J shift dress. Happy wardrobe refreshing!

http://www.zappos.com/kamaliku.....e-herringb

(there is also a fab turtleneck style -- all on Zappos)

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/el.....search-per