Where to shop? - YouLookFab Forum

Hi,
I am usually just a lurker but I need some help shopping and you ladies seem like the right people to ask I am trying to build a wardrobe pretty much from scratch, however I am feeling really overwhelmed trying to decide where to shop. When I try to shop at various stores and online, I have trouble determining what I should be looking for that would be right for me. I have read the MOTG formulas and I love them, I just can't seem to find similar items. Here is some info about me if it will help you make suggestions.

I am a 27 year old SAH mom of 2 kids, 4 and 15 mo. I am still trying to lose about 20 pounds of pregnancy weight, but last time the bulk of my weight did not come off until I stopped breastfeeding. My daughter still nurses about 3 times a day, so I am not sure how much weight I will be losing any time soon. Currently I am 5'4" and weigh about 142. My measurements are 34, 35, 39. I need casual clothing for running errands, going to the park, etc. We live in FL so I need clothes for HOT weather. Also, I need some dressier items for church and the occasional date with DH. I would prefer dresses, but I am having trouble finding any I like. Shorts, jeans, and pants seem hard to find because they all seem to give me muffin top. Also, shirts are a problem, most seem too tight and show my mommy pooch.

I don't want to spend a lot of money since these will hopefully be temporary clothes as I continue to approach my pre pregnancy weight, around 125. Thrift stores around here are terrible though, so that isn't really an option.

Thank you for taking the time to read this and for any ideas you may have!

15 years ago

(website)

Veteran

Since you mentioned being in FL, I LOVE Beall's Outlet. You have to kind of keep an open mind and just hunt until things arrive but I've found so many great pieces there. From Guess jewelry to Michael Kors skirts. I've found stuff from Target (Merona and Mossimo) and also New York & Co and Banana Republic and American Eagle. I even found a Canadian only store brand, Jacob Connexion, (figured it out by searching online for more!) that ended up being my perfect skinny pants for only $10. Can you tell I love this store?
Other than that, I'd try Target and TJ Maxx or Ross.

Inge

Moderator

Hi there,

I know Angie often recommends Macy's for dresses, do you have one near you?
Gap has quite a good selection of tops at the moment, and H&M is always worth checking out too for affordable tops, trenches, cardis, sweaters etc.

I remember reading that some of the other lasses follow this strategy so as not to get too overwhelmed while out shopping: pick one style or item at a time and pick a few stores that you think might have this and then stick with that and don't look at anything else while out shopping. E.g. "Today I'm going to look for long sleeved cardis, I need a green one and a purple one and I think Gap, Target, BR and Macy's might have some". And off you go...

amyreh

Definitely check out Target! And don't get stuck doing too much browsing, you just have to try stuff on. So many things look much different on you instead of the hanger - try to step a little out of your comfort zone when choosing items to try and just go for it - you might be surprised!

laurad

Active Member

I absolutely agree with the Target, H&M, and TJ Maxx/Marshall's comments. I was just at Target and they had a million dresses, all lengths and styles. If you live near a Francesca's Boutique, you might find some dresses and looser tops there. I found that you have to try stuff on, because many of the dresses are not made for, ahem, motherly breasts (and I have 3 little one so I know exactly how you feel) but they are fairly cheap. Also, Old Navy always has cute dresses for the summer that you can dress up by wearing flats, scarves, belts, and jewelry you already own. And I so clearly remember the fleeing of not having anything to wear, but still wanting to lose some baby weight, because one does get sick of the same old things day after day! My advice is, buy yourself some accessories that you LOVE and they will help you change up your outfits so you still feel stylish! Good luck!

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