WIW 2/15 Trying to figure things out - YouLookFab Forum

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WIW 2/15 Trying to figure things out

annagybe

(website)

Veteran

Yesterday at Club Monaco (see other post) I did get this cropped dolman sleeve sweatshirt. It has an inverted pleat detail in the back which I didn't get a pic of.
Worn with Apiece Apart cropped flares, Stuart Weitzman burgundy flatform oxfords and Pendleton jacket.
Both the jeans and jacket are a bit on the small side.
I stopped mid photo shoot to change my bra. After seeing the profile shot, I was boobtastic in a 50's B movie way (DD movie? Ok I'll skip the puns). To be determined whether I burn the bra.
The rest of this post is shopping stuff, not related to the outfit feel free to skip. It's a bit of a whinge.
I'm looking in my closet and what's in the stores and can't quite figure out what I'm going to do. Currently I'm too big for most of the lines I used to like, especially the smaller designers. Yesterday I went to Express because they were having a big sale. Tried on a pile of jeans, decided that I really like high rise now, the mid rise just didn't look right. They had almost no high rise in the store. Barneys had almost nothing in my size. Tried some things at Gap. Their high rise jeans didn't work. Also do NOT get their white high rise jeans, fabric is so sheer the label on the inside hip shows through. I also tried on a tan mancoat in an XL. It sorta fit, but didn't look right. Also in disbelief that an XL fit. So I went to Banana Republic, also having a big sale. Saw the cropped flare jeans, but the wash I liked wasn't in my size. Tried some miscellaneous coats that were on clearance. XL's were way too big, not enough stock in the larges to compare. At this point I was tired and hungry and went home.
I've also decide I'm returning the Filson field jacket. It's treated with oil, and it's way too oily, even sitting in the paper shopping bag for two days there are oil stains on the inside of the bag. so I'm still looking for a coat.
So right now I have no idea where to buy clothes. ASOS has a decent collection in the inbetween sizes, but mail order is a pain for me. I don't dare go into Zara, because I pretty sure I'm completely sized out, even a few skinnier years ago I had trouble there. I looked at Kit & Ace, which has been mentioned here, not my size.
Thanks for reading if you got this far.

Bonus pics of a very wet hike I did yesterday

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Dressing

22 replies

Latest reply was from Karie

Anonymous

Anna, you look very pretty. The shoes make you outfit special .
The rainforest photos take me to a peaceful place. What a wonderful place for a hike.

unfrumped

Veteran

Commiserating, though not much wisdom.
Had to put some things in holding zone and also toss due to size creep.

One thing that you are doing already is to think outside the box. Leave no retail stone unturned!
Maybe you will be able to find some "basics" (tops and jeans and pants) that might seem more ordinary, but with good fits and hopefully quality fabrications, to be more of a blank canvas, and focus on footwear and accessories, and also continue to look for fun coats and jackets. I think it gets back to, you have to be comfortable (meaning at ease, not sloppy) and feel good in whatever it is you wear. You are right to be picky and send things back when they don't fit well or are not up to par. But, I hear you on needing to have a core of things to wear. Then you will have some mental space to look for some things that are more fashion-forward.

I had to re-evaluate some pants and skirts and just stop wearing any ones that made me feel bad, and realize, hey, no one notices my black pants or navy skirt once I add tights and fun shoes, so if I have just enough basics that do fit well, I can mix it up with other items. I am still keeping an eye out for other items, but have really resisted buying new pants that are not 10's, and most pants are.... not.... 10's! I was settling a lot, so wearing more items but enjoying them less.

Anonymous

Well, I feel like I'm in the same boat, and can only offer up a nod of commiseration too. I honestly have no idea where to buy clothes, and in much of Canada, our selection of stores to shop from is so limited. I too wonder where I can find the things I like at a price that isn't high-end.

BR leaves me cold now - everything looks cheap and cranked out with little attention to design. CM - I haven't found much there this year at all, and it used to be one of my most reliable sources. Kit & Ace - hit and miss. GAP - more crap that doesn't fit well. I took home what I thought would be a cute dress and it was too tight in the arms in a M and too big everywhere else. I no longer know what size I am, and the whole trying on process is demoralizing at best. I think the economy is wreaking havoc with retail and clothing prices are rising pretty quickly too . I don't know - I am feeling really uninspired and a little depressed about it too.

Sorry - guess this caught me at the wrong moment - didn't intend to hijack your post with my moaning and groaning.

I am interested that you are liking high rise jeans now - I have to admit I have never even tried a pair on and maybe I should.

btw - I really like your Apiece Apart flares - good length on you. I"ve never heard of this label.....

catgirl

Veteran

I looked around a bit today and felt utterly meh. H&M runs so small I felt like screaming. I am really liking the fit of the Mother jeans I got at consignment and their sizing seems kind. Do you shop at consignment stores? I bet Seattle has some good ones.

Missey

Veteran

I'm only too happy to jump on the whinging bandwagon myself...20 lb up in the past year, my weight settling in weird places, flabby middle, big breasts ( that's the one I hate the most). Menopause has started kickin in and it decided to start with my butt! Oh well, moving on, doing some yoga, trying to love myself because why the hell shouldn't I? You should too ( I mean love yourself, not me, but I'm flattered ).

Going for the high waisted myself, I like the locked and loaded look and feel. I did grab a couple of pairs from the Express online, we will see. I've grabbed a pair of Market flares from Madewell...pretty cute.

You're still lookin pretty fine Anna :). Loving your hair!

Sal

Veteran

I love your looks here and the walk looks very pretty. I have only touched down in Washington ever so briefly after a boat trip from Vancouver Island on my way to Portland.

I commiserate on your fashion frustrations. You are hiding your extra weight well because I struggle to see it.

I have a few fit issues too...I find my best successes in either local boutiques with a range of brands or two chain stores/mall stores that seem to suit my shape. I think your picky approach is the right one though.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Killer

Fun fashion forward proportions! The cropped top makes those pant lengths work really well. So does the heel of the flatform. Nicely done.

Looking very pretty, Anna. Love the bookending of shoe and lippie. I'm sure you'll figure out what you want to do next in due time. Online shopping is really your best bet, but I know it's a problem with your apartment block. Hopefully you can sort that out somehow. You should also head over to Belle Square. Many more shops there that might tickle your fancy.

rebekahphoto

Veteran

I'm not sure what you are looking for in a coat, if you want a heritage/rugged style you might check the outfitters. Cabelas has a simple waxed cotton jacket on sale
http://www.cabelas.com/product.....ight-outer

I ended up with a hunting jacket from Beretta last year. I wanted a waterproof olive jacket & had a hard time finding one in my size that was not cheap cotton. the quality is fantastic & their winter sale is good

http://www.berettausa.com/en-u.....9.50423883

JAileen

Veteran

I bought a couple of Barbour jackets this summer. One of them fit wonderfully, and the quality was great. I returned them for the same reason. The wax was kind of gross. I had to wash my hands after touching them, and there was also some question as to how they would be on car upholstery. I use my seat heater all winter.

rachylou

Veteran

Well, you look good. I love your outfit, it's fresh and interesting even while being simple. The details are great.

I have one pair of high waisted jeans which I really really love. I got them at Burlington Coat factory of all places. However, I've not found another pair since, so I've put them on rationing. A lot of stores have, in fact, closed down in my area... so resources have gotten slim and I much prefer brick and mortar. Online stretches hours into weeks...

Anyways, I don't know Seattle. Maybe there's a new neighborhood that's up and coming...

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

Your outfit looks terrific - love the shoes and the matching lips. Don't have anything helpful to say about the shopping problem. I wish I did.

Lucy

Veteran

This is a beautiful outfit, so balanced and yet interesting. I really like it a lot.
No ideas on where to shop in the US - *waves from Australia* - and I am hoping others will have some good ideas. Frankly it seems ridiculous to be having trouble finding clothes when you have the income and interest. No wonder so many retailers are struggling - they are not going where the money is....

Archer

Veteran

I really like the whole outfit. I tried that CM top too but couldn't justify on any need whatsoever. Nice to see it on you.

K. Period.

Veteran

If you are willing to stick with it, the Filson jacket will improve quickly. I just bought hubby one for his birthday this autumn. It bothered him for a few weeks, but then it was fine. I think they oil them extra heavily pre-sale, maybe to counter the neglect they know they'll get over the years to come.

Anonymous

Anna I love the jacket and your hair. Are you letting your bangs grow to sweep to the side? It's very pretty!
They're all good but of the outdoor shots, number two is my favorite. Please keep taking pictures.

lyn67

Veteran

Commiserating with you Anna, think it happened to us all, somewhere in our lives. BUT I think this is a great outft, as per Angie said, very fashion forward! Love the pants and the lippie matching those gorgeous flatforms!!!! So be sure YLF!

Do you need to shop in a hurry? Having some patience till all the shops will fullfill themselves up with new season's merchandies can help!

Glory

Veteran

I think you look stunning.

Muffin

Veteran

You have such a unique fashion forward look! Do you have a Steven Alan close by or how about some local designers? Maybe some custom work? More expensive for certain but maybe less pieces that really define you may be a good option.

gradfashionista

(website)

Veteran

Awedome shoes and great outfits.

I hope you find something that works for you in your area. Not sure if this is helpful, but I usually wear 30/31 jeans, and tried on a pair of Tibi white trousers today in size 6, expecting them to be too small (they were the only ones on the rack). Imagine my surprise when they turned out to be too big. Not sure if that was a fluke, or if they use more generous sizing than other designers.

Style Fan

Veteran

Your hair looks great and I love your shoes Anna. Your outfit looks very FAB.
I also like high rise jeans and trousers (rarely wear trousers). I spent a day shopping in Jacksonsville, Florida and bought absolutely nothing. I tried on almost every pair of jeans available and came home empty handed. Who do they make jeans for? Stick people. That's who.

Marley

Veteran

Well, this is a great outfit and you look really pretty Anna!

I don't think it's "you" when it comes to shopping woes. It seems that a lot of people (including me) are experiencing less than positive attempts at finding new and fresh items! Don't know what's the reason for that - for me, I think part of it is I've already got a lot of everything and so I really need to purge my closet before I go out looking for new things - and I'm just not in the mood to take the time to do that - so . . .

Karie

(website)

Veteran

You look terrific in #1-#3, I love the color of your shoes and those cropped flares look really good on you. The scenery from your hike is gorgeous.