the FASHION thread

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  • EWB
    EWB Member Posts: 2,927
    edited February 2009

    Well, any time. At home folding laundry, reading, on the phone arguing w/ billing offices etc as well as shopping, volunteering at a health service office, doc appointments, going to post office, cleaners, lunch with the girls etc.  Instead of wearing jeans (or the dreaded sweatpants). I don't have a very exciting life at the moment, but would like to look nicer. 

    Over the 9-10 months I have lost a little weight, got a bra fitting (boy was I off on size) and have the time (and willingness) to put in some effort finding clothes that fit and flatter. Because it makes ME feel better. I am even putting on makeup when I am hanging out at home and have no plans to go anywhere.  Big improvement.

    Any way- thats my story at the moment

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  • barbe1958
    barbe1958 Member Posts: 19,757
    edited February 2009

    I also feel more "done up" when I'm wearing a dress. You can get away with pretty sandals and feel like you've made an effort.

    I never wore jeans on a regular basis, I hate how confining they are. Now I have no choice, as I'm certainly not going to wear my work/dress pants to the grocery store (sorry Clinton and Stacy). 

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  • EWB
    EWB Member Posts: 2,927
    edited February 2009

    In my younger days, while working, always dressed nicely, once children came went more causal mommy look w/chinos/jeans/sundresses in summer.  Once I went back to work after children were in jr and sr high school, I worked at food pantry where I was always getiing messy/dirty- jars of spaghetti sauce jumping off the shelves as I walked by.  As some point I gave up dressing really nice and went to practical attire for the setting. Retired 9 months ago, so I figure its time.

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  • abbadoodles
    abbadoodles Member Posts: 2,618
    edited February 2009

    Have you tried nordstrom's, macy's, etc.?  You can search for daytime dresses, as opposed to evening or formal.

    I like dresses, too, but not long ones.  They make me look like an orphan or just plain dowdy.  Very OL.  Short dresses, knee length, are more flattering.

    In the summer, when it is hot and humid, you can wear the "new" muu muu.  I bought one last year from that cheapie store, cannot remember its name but I think it was some initials, and it was cheap ($11), cool (thin cotton) and cute (pink and orange print).  Let the breezes waft up where needed. LOL

    However, I do love my jeans.  ALWAYS with stretch, so they are very, very comfortable.  And, in this cold climate, I wouldn't dream of wearing a dress around the house.  Brrrrrrr.  The problem is that when you are always in jeans, it's too easy to go out in the same "look."  Not a good thing.

    And, yes, I do wear makeup every day, but not foundation.  Blush, do my eyes and brows, lip gloss.  You really do feel better when you look presentable. 

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  • Raye99
    Raye99 Member Posts: 1,350
    edited February 2009

    Dresses. I love them. INC at Macy's has some very cute dresses that are not too dressy. I also like sweater dresses, as they can be somewhat casual and can be worn with tall boots (flat or healed) and look really cute. I love to wear a knee length sweater dress with a somewhat flowing skirt with flat boots and funky necklace (and no tights, hee).  

    How casual are we talking here? Title 9 has some "sporty" dresses, which are very cute and not dressy at all. So does Athleta.  You can look at these online. www.athleta.com - www.titlenine.com. I remember in the mid 90's, I had these cute dresses, with a tight bodice and flowing skirt-loved them.

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  • EWB
    EWB Member Posts: 2,927
    edited February 2009

    Thanks-

    They both have some nice things.

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  • tami48
    tami48 Member Posts: 533
    edited February 2009

    Where is a good store to find size 4 dresses?  And size 1 slacks?  My nieces wedding will be in May.  I was thinking of wearing slacks to the rehearsal dinner and I need a dress for the wedding.  I have no style, just mainly wear jeans.  I haven't worn a dress in 5 years!  I hate my legs....my Mom calls me chicken legs!  She's funny!

    I do have trouble finding sizes, so I wear juniors.  Not sure what size dress I'd wear in ladies, but I tried on a couple of size 6 yesterday...too big.  So, I'm thinking I might could wear a 4. 

    Thanks

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  • tami48
    tami48 Member Posts: 533
    edited February 2009

    I wonder, would it be okay to wear a dressy slack outfit to a Wedding?

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  • abbadoodles
    abbadoodles Member Posts: 2,618
    edited February 2009

    Hi, 2New,  welcome here.

    You sure are little.  I think Ann Taylor carries those small sizes.  Don't forget that sizing is VERY unstandard in women's clothing, so try more lines.  You may find a good fit in who-only-knows what size.  Generally, though, I have found that the less expensive the clothes, the narrower the cut, particularly in the hips.  Maybe that's because so much is made in Asia these days and women are slighter there in general. 

    Dressy slacks would be fine to all but a formal evening wedding, IMO.  Maybe others have different opinions.

    Now, girls, I know these are a little pricey, not toooooo bad, but aren't these jackets gorgeous?  I think I will have to save up and have one.

    http://www.teresacrowninshield.com/

    I love the Chrysanthemum jacket, among others.  The fabrics are so beautiful.  These are truly my style of preference.

    As spring is coming but I want to be able to wear the black and white separates I bought in the fall, I need suggestions.  How can I update the look of a black and white houndstooth skirt?  The scale of it is quite large.  Do you think a white on black printed silk top of some sort would be too much or should I stick with a solid color?

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  • Raye99
    Raye99 Member Posts: 1,350
    edited February 2009

    You could try Express, although the styles can be (not always) somewhat youngish (way low waisted pants, for example), but they definitely have small sizes in there. A more classic store, as Tina mentioned, would be Ann Taylor; where from the sounds of things, you would probably be a size 2. Another thought, if you are on a budget, is a high end 2nd hand store. They typically carry a lot of smaller sizes because many women cannot fit into say, a size 1. Also, a dressy pant suit would be fine in my opinion as well.

    The blue jacket is cute, Tina. I was just in there a can't remember the name of it. This brain. It is not shiny and looks to be a bit longer, fitted jacket. I would go solid with your houndstooth skirt. What material is this skirt? I am thinking perhaps a solid deep red top.

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  • tami48
    tami48 Member Posts: 533
    edited February 2009

    We have an Express in the mall, not sure about Ann Taylor but I'll check.  I'm going to Orlando soon and remembered that they have Ann Taylor Outlet Store.

    Thanks alot ladies!

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  • abbadoodles
    abbadoodles Member Posts: 2,618
    edited February 2009

    Raye, I've been wearing a fuschia top with the skirt and under the black jacket.  Looks good.  Want another look.  Do you think I can make it look a little more spring-ish? or do I have to go back to the mall???? LOL

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  • Raye99
    Raye99 Member Posts: 1,350
    edited February 2009

    What material is this skirt, Luv?

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  • barbe1958
    barbe1958 Member Posts: 19,757
    edited February 2009

    Why not the new yellow? It would look stunning with the black and white. Or, if you're really brave, the orange.  

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  • BethNY
    BethNY Member Posts: 2,710
    edited February 2009

    you can shop at Ann Taylor on line... they carry petite sizes too.  How tall are you?

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  • LisaSDCA
    LisaSDCA Member Posts: 2,230
    edited February 2009

    Tina - Orange makes me look like puke, and I'm guessing with your fair skin and blue eyes, it doesn't do a whole lot for you, either.

    But let me second what barbe suggested: a pure chrome yellow. I own only one piece in that color and I never fail to get compliments on it. I wear it with black dress slacks, skirt suits, etc. It's a simple linen/cotton  'shell' with a back keyhole one-button closure and 1/2" wide flat white piping 1" in from neckline and armholes. Hits at high-hip so there's no bulk. It's even worth the ironing!

     IDEA: It's a Talbots sz10 Petite (at 5'10 I ain'tpetite) so it fit me when I was about an 8. My decadron habit has put me waaaay out of reach of a sz8, so I'll be happy to send it to you. I was going to donate it to the ACS Upscale Resale store , but this would just keep you from going out in the awful weather. If you don't like it you can donate it.

    But dang, it looks awesome with black and white.

    Lisa

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  • Raye99
    Raye99 Member Posts: 1,350
    edited February 2009

    Nice. Never thought of yellow. Most women look lovely in the color, I am not one of them.

    Interesting link:

    http://shopping.yahoo.com/articles/yshoppingarticles/203/essential-items-for-a-perfect-wardrobe

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  • Daffodil
    Daffodil Member Posts: 829
    edited February 2009

    As a self-appointed wedding expert, I would need to know more details about the wedding. Time of day, place of ceremony/reception, what you know of the formality. This is the biggest party most people ever throw, and it's nice to show your enthusiasm by looking the part!

    Kiss

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  • tami48
    tami48 Member Posts: 533
    edited February 2009

    BethNY,

    I'm 5'4, 105 lbs so I don't wear petites.  I've tried petites, but the clothes seem to be just as wide as regular only shorter in length.  I wear Juniors.

    I just want to start being able to find clothes that don't look too young for me.  I hardly ever buy anything, the juniors clothes are just too young looking yet they fit good.  I'll check out Ann Taylor.  Hope I find something for my nieces wedding!

    Thanks,

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  • barbe1958
    barbe1958 Member Posts: 19,757
    edited February 2009

    Beth, blue and orange are opposite on the colour wheel so the orange would really bring out your eyes! There is a wonderful burnt orange out.... 

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  • Daffodil
    Daffodil Member Posts: 829
    edited February 2009

    Size 2's, XS and some close-fitting dresses at reasonable prices:

    http://www.bostonproper.com/

    http://www.chadwicks.com/

    http://www2.victoriassecret.com/landing/?cgnbr=OSCLOZZZZZZ

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  • sushanna1
    sushanna1 Member Posts: 764
    edited February 2009

    2NewBoobs--I used to be 5'4" and 108 pounds and not a "petite."  (Post cancer--118-126 pounds.)  However, for some mysterious reason, I can wear Ann Klein petites and still have one nice jacket that I bought almost 20 years ago. (Theory:  the more expensive the clothes, the more likely that "petites" will fit.)   As a former size 2, I still swear by Ann Taylor.  When I was thinner, I also bought pants and dresses at J.Crew.  It carries some really nice clothes that are appropriate for "older" women.  I am not (and never was) a "junior"--too long-waisted, but you can also check the measurements for clothing sold by Garnet Hill (avoid Eileen Fisher clothes), Territory Ahead and Isabella Bird.  You can pull up the catalogs on line.  Some, but not all of their clothes come in small sizes. 

    Try to find a good seamstress for minor alterations.  Good luck. 

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  • abbadoodles
    abbadoodles Member Posts: 2,618
    edited February 2009

    Hmmmmm Yellow.  Now, I have never looked good in that color but there are so many shades out there and if it is piped or something in another color it might do the trick.  I will have to shop.

    I am ga-ga over orange these days, but mostly in home dec.  I doubt I can wear it but, again, there are oranges and oranges.  You girls have given me reason to go out shopping rather than do the online/catalog thing.  Good job.

    Lisa, love, that is so nice of you to offer the shirt off your back! but, alas, I wear a 6 or sometimes a 4 on top.  Make it a size bigger on the bottom.  Laughing

    Raye, the skirt is a wool blend.  Something I would not have bought if I hadn't tried it on and it looked good on me.  It's just so out of my "ordinary."  It does us good to stretch, no?

    The only things I wear petite are some long sleeve tops.  I am so long-waisted that I buy long torso bathing suits and I am only 5'2".  If I had long legs, I'd be a tall person.  Junior sizes are also short-waisted so NG.  Petite pants would be great if they only had shorter legs but the rise on most is too short and you know how THAT feels/looks.  Ugh.  All this makes shopping complicated.  Dresses, in particular.

    Question:  What is the difference between a straight/slim skirt and a pencil skirt?  I've read in a few places that they are different but I don't quite get it.

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  • barbe1958
    barbe1958 Member Posts: 19,757
    edited February 2009

    One of them kind of begins to tuck in at the hem end. Kind of like two brackets.   ( )

    I don't know which is which. Do you want to call them by name when you meet them, or is just Hey you! good enough?  

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  • abbadoodles
    abbadoodles Member Posts: 2,618
    edited February 2009

    HeeHee, nobody likes a smart a--.  ROFL

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  • barbe1958
    barbe1958 Member Posts: 19,757
    edited February 2009

    True, but everybody loves a twisted sense of humour! 

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  • Raye99
    Raye99 Member Posts: 1,350
    edited February 2009

    LOL. Me too Tina - very long torsoed? here as well. I am 5'6", if I had long legs, I'd be maybe 5'8".

    I love the burnt orange. A girlfriend bought me a scarf in the color last fall and I just love that thing.

    Now how springish do you want to make this wool skirt? You mean Feb March springish? I guess I am confused about the Springing of a wool skirt. It does sound adorable.

    Pencil skirt to me means tight and high waisted. Just my opinion. Where a straight slim skirt is straight, not A-line (how is that for a technical explanation?). I have on a straight/slim skirt today. It is straight, a bit lower waisted. I have two pencil skirts, they are high waisted and very fitted.

    TwoNewBoobs - good luck. let us know how you make out! 

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  • abbadoodles
    abbadoodles Member Posts: 2,618
    edited February 2009

    Yeah, Raye, spring in cold New England springish.  March and even April.  We do get those nor'easters, you know!

    My new furniture just came.  I love it!  except for the broken glass in one of the pieces.  Oh, well.  Gotta be something, right?

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  • abbadoodles
    abbadoodles Member Posts: 2,618
    edited February 2009

    My new thong is not all it's cracked up to be.  Embarassed

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  • barbe1958
    barbe1958 Member Posts: 19,757
    edited February 2009

    Oh, is it up cracked instead?

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