Where to shop for Grandma? - YouLookFab Forum

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Where to shop for Grandma?

Carole

Veteran

I am off in a bit to take my elderly mother shopping for her outfit to wear to my son's wedding...HELP! I guess I should have been scoping things out before we go but I didn't:(

Mom is disabled and can walk just a few steps with a walker, needs sturdy shoes and has an expanded waist that will make dresses next to impossible. I'm thinking more of a nice pants outfit with an elastic waist and a nice topper. The wedding is in August so temperatures will be warm. I'm thinking of Chico's and perhaps Coldwater Creek. Am I headed in the right direction? Any other ideas would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

Shopping

38 replies

Latest reply was from velvetychocolate

Thistle

Veteran

I think both of those would be good places to start!

JJill might also be good as they have looser "flowy" silhouttes.

Carole

Veteran

oh, good idea, Thistle! Thanks. There is one right in the vicinity of where we are going.

MsMary

Veteran

My 89-year-old mom loves Damon & Draper. They don't have a store near you but they do have an online catalog: http://www.drapers.com/jump.js.....=HOME_PAGE

MsMary

Veteran

BTW, it's Draper's & Damon's. LOL Anyway, this looks like it might work: http://www.drapers.com/jump.js.....ctID=22242

Carole

Veteran

Never heard of the store, Mary, but going to check it out...online might be the ticket! Thank you.

Carole

Veteran

oh, thanks for the correction, Mary:)

Carole

Veteran

Ok, Mary, that's a great outfit. Can't wait to show Mom today.

MsMary

Veteran

Yay! I know that I would do almost anything to avoid actually going to an actual store with my mom and her walker. I'd much prefer to order a bunch of stuff for her to try on at home!

annagybe

(website)

Veteran

I was going to suggest Coldwater Creek too.

Carole

Veteran

Mary- shopping with Mom is so exhausting and frustrating, and even more so for her. It's likely we will make it to only one store and then she'll be too worn out to go to another-and want to go home for her nap! I'm happy to know it's not just me!

Annagybe-Thanks!

MsMary

Veteran

Who knows? Maybe lightning will strike and you'll find the perfect thing at the first store!

Carole

Veteran

Mary, that would be a miracle. I'll follow up with a shopping report!

rachylou

Veteran

Ooh, that's a great outfit, Mary K!

Eliza

Veteran

I shop for my similarly situated MiL at Appleseeds on occasion. They have petites, as well as women's sizes and do a whole lot of pull on pants and many jackets in a variety of colors, some patterned. Some scream polyester, but others have a bit of nice detailing and a lot of comfort. They are online, though I am blessed with an outlet store nearby. Not sure of their shipping/return policy, but it can be so hard to navigate retail stores as people face challenges. Good luck.

Glory

Veteran

No suggestions as I am not in the US but want to say I am hoping you find a few good options straight away. I also love the idea of doing online shopping together - much more restful. Do let us know how it turns out.

Mia

Veteran

I often buy things at stores with good return policies and do a "shop at home" session. I also visit the store ahead and pick out a "capsule" and then return with my mom so all we have to do is try on. If you find a store where the sizing etc works for you mom this can be the way to go.

Talbots here in Canada has been good for my mom (late 70's) as the petite sizing fits her and the changing rooms are nice, big and well lit. Very little in way of easy on, easy off styles however.

Carole

Veteran

Ok, most frustrating shopping day EVER. Poor Mom:( We ended up with an outfit from Coldwater Creek that I don't like but it was the best we could do with what they had to offer. Scoped things out at Chico's and seemed like some great options until we tried it all on. The Travelers pants there usually work great but the lighter colors show her deformed knees and that is just not acceptable. They had such beautiful toppers but no bottoms that will work. Mom left feeling so disappointed. I checked out Mary's recommended website but now that I can see what will and wont work I am doubtful anything there will be suitable. AACCCKKK. Thanks for your encouragement. I think I will peruse Nordstoms and Macy's and see what I can come up with. Taking her around is next to impossible.

Christie

Would she be able to wear an elastic-waisted skirt? Maybe a skirt would be easier to fit. Something mid-calf to cover the knees (she sounds self-conscious)?

On the other hand, a skirt probably brings up new issues with shoes!

Glory

Veteran

It might be worth getting one of the lovely tops and having a pant made for her from a seamstress. If she has a pair now that fits well it could be used as a pattern.

Anonymous

My thoughts were similar to Glory's. If you can find pants that work, maybe one of the pretty tops you found could be worn with it. Chances are she will be seated most of the time and the top will show more than the pants. My mother, when she was alive, liked heavy double knits for pants. I'm not sure they even make that fabric anymore. Wishing you luck.

velvetychocolate

Veteran

I highly recommend Talbot's. My 97 year old Grandma loves Talbots - and I like some of their stuff too.

If you get the right store, you might even be able to phone them in advance and have them pull stuff that might fit your Mom.

Get to Talbot's ASAP - a larger dept. store is going to be a bit overwhelming, imo.

Good luck, and let us know what ends up working - I'm curious and always looking for ideas for my elderly relatives too.

Here's a link to "Aisle Style" on the Talbots site:

http://www.talbots.com/online/.....tegory=cat=

Look carefully, there are some pants/suits outfits in there as well.

Any possibility of a shirtdress in a beautiful fabric (pic #1)? Dressed up with some chunky pearls and sturdy, but pretty flat shoes? Keep in mind Talbot's has misses, petites, plus sizes AND plus petites as well.

--> editing to add - can't get the link to the shirt dress to work, but you'll find it there in the Aisle Style section of the Talbot's site.

Just take a look, and don't worry if some of the pieces are overly tailored- looking, just remember that Talbot's has a whole lot of sizes available. Might have to order online though for plus or plus petites etc. Get to a store, look around and then order online if need be. Anything ordered online can be returned to a store nearby - I believe (but be sure to double check) the return policy is 90 days?

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Carole

Veteran

Eliza- Thanks so much for your suggestion, I'm going to check out Appleseeds. Sounds like there might be some possibilities.

Mia-Unfortunately, elastic and pull on is about the only option that will work for Mom. I did check out Talbots and they have a lovely selection especially the dupioni pieces, but sadly I didn't see anything that would work for her. Thanks, though.

Christie-Yes, in fact we bought a long skirt in our round of shopping. It has an elastic waist and covers her legs but pairing it with the toppers it just sort of overwhelms her and makes her look huge:( I'm hoping we can come up with something better.

Joy and Glory-I hadn't even thought about having something made, I even sew! That's a great idea and might be the route to go. Thanks so much for the great idea.

Velvety Choc- Thanks for the good information on Talbots..I did look through their site and they have lovely things. Mom's shape and issues are so limiting I don't see anything here that will work. She's a petite XL apple but her knees and arms need to be covered. She has had knee surgeries and her legs/knees are lumpy swollen and scarred and need to be covered. I'm hoping there is a more elegant pant out there with an elastic waist that might magically appear.

sarah

Veteran

Carole, I don't have anything to add except that you are a lovely daughter to so patiently help your mom with this difficult task. Best of luck - sounds like some online shopping will be the way to go, so she doesn't get to deal with getting around to stores.

Carole

Veteran

Sarah, thanks for your kind words:) I even dreamt about shopping for Mom last night and still came up with nothing. I will need all the luck I can muster!

Glory

Veteran

Carole I am wondering if Sears might have something?

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Late to the thread, but am wondering how you are getting on, Carole?

MsMary

Veteran

Hugs, Carole! You are a doll for taking on this project! I hope the perfect thing appears sooner rather than later!

Carole

Veteran

Glory-good idea, worth checking out for sure.

Mary-:) Thanks!

Angie-Things did not go well yesterday, we ended up bringing home an outft but I couldn't bear to tell my mother I didn't like it. It was a long skirt with a cardigan and tank from Colwater Creek. I couldn't sleep last night thinking we have got to do better- it totally overwhelmed her. She's a petite XL apple (if that's even possible) and we need to keep her legs covered because of scars, swelling and deformities. I know she can wear Chico's Travelers pants and am thinking of ordering the ink blue pant (the light colors show her scars and swelling) and tank then find a pretty topper. Do you think I am on the right track?

Hugs to you all!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Oh! Carole! Hang in there! (((HUGS))). It's all going to come right. Go ahead and order those travellers pants from Chicos. You are definitely on the right tack with your outfit idea. xo

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