the FASHION thread

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  • beth1225
    beth1225 Member Posts: 1,061
    edited February 2008

    Laura, just saw your post.  Try looking at Cold Water Creek.  You can get their catalogs, shop online or visit a store.  All sizes available.  They run coupons in a lot of women's magazines too.  I will save them for anyone who needs them, just PM me! 

    Also, I did a mystery shop at J. Jill who also has an online store and all sizes and in most malls.  Trendy at both stores but still with classic flair.  Let us know how you make out!

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  • lvtwoqlt
    lvtwoqlt Member Posts: 6,162
    edited February 2008

    Laura, about GMA, I think that if you go to ABCnews.com and find the GMA link, they usually have online replays available for the shows.

    I usually shop where ever there are sales but I have trouble finding things to fit, I am short stature (4 ft 9 in)both in legs and body but wide in the midsection (think size 12 top and 14/16 bottoms). and even the petite pants are an inch to 2 inches too long in the leg. Goodwill is usually out for me finding slacks, not many petite available.

    Sheila

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  • abbadoodles
    abbadoodles Member Posts: 2,618
    edited February 2008

    OMG, raye and Laura, too!  No Tina Turner, moi.  Raye, like you, when sitting down I am a tall person.  Now, I am 5,2 but when sitting down I am actually taller than my friend who is 5,10.  The first time her husband observed this he did a dbl take.  Thought it was so funny.....

    As for swim suits, I do like one piece and almost backless.  My back gets hot. Frown  It is CRITICAL to get the LONG TORSO version.  Land's End carries many styles in LT.  I used to buy a size larger than needed just to get the extra length.

    A long torso is also the reason I cannot wear most petite fashions.  However, long sleeve tops are okay in petite as the sleeve length is better.  Anyway, with a figure like mine, you have to wear separates unless you can afford custom.

    Zappos!  Yes!  I have bought from them and have never had a problem returning, etc.  I don't have the patience to go shopping for bargains as I live far away from good shopping areas and don't like the long (one+ hour drive).

    I wonder if any of those Izaak Mizrahi's will be at Target?

    Tina

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited February 2008

    Tina - OKAY - the DBL TAKE has me reeling with laughter! OMG....

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  • caaclark
    caaclark Member Posts: 936
    edited February 2008

    I am ridiculously short-five feet tall on a good day.  But...whenever I tell my height to people they are all shocked and say things like, "You can't be only 5 ft tall."  Then they get next to me and say, "Oh, you are really short."  I am not sure what it is about me but apparently I dress tall. 

    I love capris and wear them all spring/fall.  I try to wear them with a heel but will wear them with flats-especially when I am in mom mode and driving around my girls.  But last summer I opted to wear skirts.  I think I saw on some show, maybe "What not to Wear" (my favorite show by the way) that after a certain age women should not wear shorts.  Looking at my legs I think that is a good idea.  I hate that my knees are starting to look like my mother's!

    Also, I have become an expert in layering.  Just go into your closet and pick out stuff you would not normally try together and pretend that you are picking an outfit for a friend.

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  • caaclark
    caaclark Member Posts: 936
    edited February 2008

    Oh. One more thing...

    Wear long necklaces to elongate your body and make you look thinner.

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited February 2008

    Oh, I wants to second Beth's recommendation for Zappos, though I haven't allowed myself to go on the site unless it's an absolute emergency! The free shipping and free return are just too tempting and you can get your order the next day or the day after that...it's so quick! What I do is I go shopping at Nordie's or wherever (Cole Hahn?), try on what I like and then go home and order through Zappo's, often getting them in a color that the store didn't carry but I wanted. It's heaven, y'all!

    ~Marin

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited February 2008

    SurprisedThis thread RULES!  

    I am going to become addicted to this thread, just as I am with the mojo thread.   Between the two, I will make over myself completely!  

    After chemo, I lost tons of weight, and suddenly had this short and sassy spikey hair.   I was originally a teacher with a teacher's sense of style (nothing but the BASICS, I was a Casual Corner addict before they went out of business).  With my new figure and sassy new 'do, I went all trendy.  

    I became addicted to a store called B. Moss.  There aren't very many of them out there, but they are a totally full service store.  I walk in, and they all knew me by name, knew exactly what I wanted (did not want low cut shirts because of my port/port scar, no v-necks because my newly flattened chest couldn't hold them up, etc.).  I'd walk out with the cutest, flashiest outfits, and I wouldn't have even had to think about it!  I wore tons of the retro style flowy tops with camis underneath. 

    I LOVE butt flaps.  I feel like it shapes my butt so much better than my former "mom jeans."  I only have B. Moss pants in my wardrobe-they all have a bit of stretch, whether they are jeans or soft cords, or khakis.  They also all have great butt pockets. 

    My biggest issue is accessories.  I feel like a clown with earrings on, or costume jewelery.  It just doesn't feel right on me.  I am a person who wears the same cross necklace and same silver watch, and my wedding ring each and every day. 

    Hey Marin, I am going to order a VS thingy now-I'll post a pic of which one I pick later.  No pictures of me in it, though!!  Foot in mouthSurprised

    Love and prayers, Deb

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited February 2008

    Oh, I forgot, does anyone wear "Spanks?"  If so,do you like? 

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  • BethNY
    BethNY Member Posts: 2,710
    edited March 2008

    The maker of spanx makes a line for target called Bare assets or something like that.

    I love the footless stockings with thigh control, for under skirts.  But here's my problem, whenever I wear a pair of tights to smooth me out under a pair of fitted pants, I feel like the pants don't sit right and you can tell I have hose on... or I get so damn hot that in two minutes I rip them off anyway, and wear the pants without them.

    As far as accessories, less is more if you don't know what you're doing. All acccessories should accent the outfit, not over power it.  Or use them to draw attention to, or away from different parts on your body.

    Long necklaces do elongate the torso, but when you have breasts as large as mine, they accent my breast area, so I avoid them.

    My staple jewelery is my Michele watch that has different color croc bands, so I can change them with different outfits.  Yes, there are diamonds on it, but it's still not over the top for daily wear.  It's a large watch so there's no need for anything else on that arm (although hopefully soon there will be a ring on that hand that over powers it all Laughing)

    I have round diamond earrings.  And if you can't afford em, get a great pair of CZ's for $30.  Don't go too big that they look fake.  Diamonds brighten up the face, and go with any outfit.

    Long earrings take practice... if you don't like long earrings, and they bother your ear, then skip them.  However, if you are wearing your hair up, or have short hair, or are wearing a top that is a plain color, and not busy, long earrings can really draw attention to your face and add a new dimension to a plain top.

    Rings-again I keep it simple.  A right hand ring is a staple for me.  I never wear two rings on one hand at the same time.  A really big cocktail ring is a great thing to own.  I have several of them, that are so fun with the right dress or outfit.

    I have a few different bracelets, most of which I never wear.  My latest bracelet is the Pandora charm bracelet.  My friend bought it for me for my birthday with a few charms.  Adding the rest of the charms has taken me almost 6 months.  I just finished it last week.  It's definitely a conversation piece to say the least.

     Other accessories that I like are bags and sunglasses.  I let myself buy one to two designer bags per year.  One for the warm weather one for the cold.  Then any other bag I want has to come from Target, or a cheap mall store.  Any fabric bags like my dooney and bourke or coach can be dry cleaned, and worn the next year if money is tight.

    Again, Target has great accessories.  I'm bigger into accessories in the summer months.  I like colored bangles and big wood bangles, b/c they really help to dress up a tank top and jeans with opened toe heels, and are usually so inexpensive.

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  • Raye99
    Raye99 Member Posts: 1,350
    edited February 2008

    Oh this is heavenly! I am away for a bit and come back to more info!!!

    Laura - I get a lot of my dress pants at TJ Maxx or Express (careful, some are very very low wasted, which can wreak havoc on the muffin top situation). Since I am short legged as well, I try and wear long, boot cut pants with high heels to enlongate my stubs.

    Oh B Moss! I remember when I lived in upstate NY, we had Barbara Moss, which I believe is the same. ?

    For accessories I like funky necklaces. Beth, I pretty much wear the same earrings every day - my studs as well, which are princess cut. I rarely take them out and when I do - pphheewwwee, stinky earholes. My wedding ring pretty much completes my accessorizing. Some days, I will wear a couple silver toggle bracelets.

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  • Raye99
    Raye99 Member Posts: 1,350
    edited February 2008

    ooh ooh - I forgot to mention my pink purse I found today at TJ Maxx - very cute and springy and will go with my favorite color of black.

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited February 2008

    Did I mention that this thread RULES?!?!?  

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  • BethNY
    BethNY Member Posts: 2,710
    edited March 2008

    when you take the earrings out clean them with rubbing alcohol, and then put a dab or neosporin on the ends of the earring to kill any funky bacteria in your earring hole... I used to wear earrings that I never took out, and the jeweler told me to do that...

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  • BethNY
    BethNY Member Posts: 2,710
    edited March 2008

    OH OH!!! that reminded me, a GREAT tip for cleaning jewlery without a fancy cleaner.

    You take a cup, and fill it one part blue windex, and 2 parts water. Place the cup in the microwave for 15 seconds.

    Take the cup out, be careful it will be hot.  Take your diamond ring, or earrings, and drop them in the cup.  Let it sit in the hot cup for a minute, swishing it around.  You will see the nasty dirt coming out into the cup.  Take them out and rinse them off (REMEMBER TO PUT THE SINK DRAIN DOWN SO THEY DONT GO DOWN THE DRAIN)

    I swear you will be amazed... it's pretty much the same solution they use in the ultra sonic cleaner at the jeweler.

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  • Raye99
    Raye99 Member Posts: 1,350
    edited February 2008

    Thanks for the tip, Beth. I think i'll don a gas mask, unscrew these earrings and clean them and then reinsert with the Neosporin. Great tip.

    A shoe question: has anyone noticed shoes are getting bigger in size? I've ALWAYS worn 6.5, but now every pair I try on (even the same brands I've always worn) are too big and I need to get a 6. Not a bad thing, but I bought a pair of 6.5's and they feel like they are slipping up and down when I walk.

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  • BethNY
    BethNY Member Posts: 2,710
    edited March 2008

    I worked in shoes for 5 years... american shoes are getting bigger, b/c americans are fatter, and they have wider feet.

    European styles are always cut thin and small, so you might do better at a store like Aldo.

    I know everything about insoles, what to use to clean shoes-- I can't tell you how many customers I've had to cut out of a boot (i'm not kidding) and what to look for in different heels, and cuts... so if you have shoe questions, I'm your girl.

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited February 2008

    You were manager, right, Beth?  I remember reading about that in your article.  

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  • roseg
    roseg Member Posts: 3,133
    edited February 2008

    I had some book by Trini & Suzanne and they said -

    big breast delicate necklace, little breasts bigger necklace.

    I guess big necklaces and breasts overdo.   

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  • Fitztwins
    Fitztwins Member Posts: 7,969
    edited February 2008

    Hmmm. I have to jump in...

    I gained 30 lbs since chemo, hyster, blah blah (I am on WW right now)

    So I don't wear jeans. I refuse to go up a size. I love my LL beans yoga pants.

    I love empire/baby doll tops...

    I love long long cardigan sweaters.

    I love good jewlery, earings and long necklaces...

    I love shoes and purses. I realized one day that if you go for purses and shoes it means you are fat...well. I give FAT Tuesday a new meaning!!!

    I wear black, more black and black!! if it has a stretchie waist I am all over it!!

    I almost had to call in FAT the other day, nothing fit!! LMBFAO!~

    Janis.

    Hoping to be thinner and wear those skinny capris by summer.

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  • beth1225
    beth1225 Member Posts: 1,061
    edited February 2008

    Before I started selling Avon, I always wore the same pair of earrings every day, same watch, my wedding band and engagement ring.  I have lots of other jewelry, good and costume, but rarely wear it.  So I had gotten some pieces in from Avon and mix it up.  I have new necklaces, earrings and pins.  I say, if you like, then what the heck.  The jewelry police may not like it, but I even wear gold and silver at the same time (Oh MY!).  I was surprised how much better the jewelry looks in person than in the catalog too.

    One thing my grandmother told me you should always have one good pearl necklace and one good pair of studs.  If that is all you ever own, you will never go wrong.  JMHO. 

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  • Poppy
    Poppy Member Posts: 405
    edited February 2008

    Oh Beth, you had to go "there!!" LOL

    I am such a fashion victim since the BC dx.

    I get Elle, Vogue, Lucky among other mags now. I cut out pictures of things I like and keep them in a binder (yes, like we did when we were 14!). Then when I shop, I look for re-creations at an inexpensive price.

    My favorite store bar none, is Ross. I could live in there when the pickings are good. Name brand shoes and bags and t-shirts for only a few bucks.

    My close second is Charlotte Russe. Great prices and trendy clothes without the price. I've never tried on their shoes, but they are very inexpensive. If you're in the market for yellow or green... something wild, check there before you spend a fortune somewhere else!

    Online, www.bagaddiction.com is a great site with knockoff handbags that look very real.

    Rue 21 is a great store to find inexpensive tank tops - once you weed through the things no one over 16 should wear.

      

    I think though, that my favorite look is still nice jeans, thick belt, white t-shirt with swank shoes and handbag.

    I couldn't find skinny jeans so I made my own. Turn the jeans inside out and pin the excess. Take off and stitch along the seams where you've pinned. I bought Levi's with a little stretch to them and it worked really well. I love wearing them with boots and a babydoll sort of top... or anything that will cover my butt and thighs!

    OH and cocktail rings! I love big rings now. Cheap, fake, real... whatever! I found the cutest ring at Target the other day. It's little yellow flowers and it'll be so cute with a spring outfit. I bought a peridot colored cocktail ring at Macy's before Christmas (I think it was on sale for maybe $10) and so many people comment on it and ask what kind of stone it is!

    xoxo
    Erica

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  • iodine
    iodine Member Posts: 4,289
    edited February 2008

    Hello, My name is Dotti and I'm a handbag whore.  I have about 45 handbags, mostly designer, vintage, several from ebay, (back when you could depend on them being authentic) and many just "different" or wild.

    I change every other week so I can use them all, all the time.  I love handbags and earrings---they ALWAYS fit! no matter what size I am.

    I also love bracelets.  My greatest pain was when I gained so much weight after dx that my good bracelets didn't fit properly.  It took me 2 years before I could begin to wear them again last summer.  I don't know that they'll ever fit as well as they did in the past but at least I can wear them now.  Thank goodness! and the swimming pool at the gym!

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  • beth1225
    beth1225 Member Posts: 1,061
    edited February 2008

    Dottie, I will join on that handbag whore theme.  There is a flea market not too far from us in Pennsauken, NJ.  They have handbags for $5-$15 each.  I know they are knock-offs but they are good ones.  Two summers ago I got a fake Fendi that is a knapsack style.  I bought it for the multitude of pockets.  Walmart has a great selection right now of Fall and late Summer bags.  My friend Randee picked up one with so many pockets and zippers and flaps in denim for $5.  If I find a plain bag real cheap, I dress it up with gros grain ribbon or glue on decorations or patches from the crafts dept or just dip into my craft supply at home!

    I used to wear more bracelets on both wrists.  I broke my right wrist twice in one year (can we say klutz) and now it is not comfortable to wear them.  So if I wear a watch, the poor things sit in my drawer all alone.  Every now and then I splurge and just wear a string of them on my left!

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited February 2008

    It sounds like so many of you are so "crafty," when it comes to your fashion sense.  

    What about those of us who have no ability in the craft area, and have trouble completing even a craft project purchased for her 3 year old son?  I'd never be able to pimp out my purse-as much as I'd like to. 

    Craftiness is so stressful for me-I don't trust myself to make such descisions (ie: "I'll put this bead here, that bead there").  I'm worried I'm going to do it "wrong." 

    I need a good purse, you handbag whores!  Can you suggest a good one for people who carry their entire lives on their now arthritic backs?  My back is killing me!  Maybe it is time to stop carrying everything from bills to toys to snacks to water to carmex to lotion and everything in between.   I just never want to be without! 

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  • Poppy
    Poppy Member Posts: 405
    edited February 2008

    TBT, people think I'm crafty, but really I am just good at re-creating things I've seen. If you find pictures of things you like, it gives you some basis for what you'd need to create it! 

    Maybe you could get some sort of organizer to keep in the car. That could hold the big stuff you lug around. OH! This is a cute little thing I saw before Christmas but no one bought it for me...

     Purseket - The Purse Organizer

    With this, you could keep all of the "important stuff" together and just plop it into a small bag when you go into a store!

    I need to buy one of these things!
    :D
    Erica

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  • Raye99
    Raye99 Member Posts: 1,350
    edited February 2008

    Erica - I love that you cut out pics of clothes you like and put them in a binder!! One of my girlfriends bought me a short terry clothish robe from Charlotte Russe - this thing feels like you are incased in a cloude. I love to spray my favorite perfume on the robe, lay down and read abook and just wallow in the smell and feel of that robe. Pure delight.

    Haaaa! "Hello, My name is Dotti and I'm a handbag whore." Hilarious!

    Band Teacher - smaller bag girl.Wink I love big bags as well, but they can wear on your shoulders. Carry the other stuff in a different type of bag separate from your purse if you feel you might need it and maybe leave it in the car. I carry a small purse and then bring a tote to work with makeup, hair clips, a coat hanger, snacks, soda, etc.  

    Beth, my shoe dilemma, I bought these patent leather black pumps with a bit of a cut out toe at TJ Maxx, they are 6.5; of course, no 6 at TJ, you take what you can get. They are Anne Klein - very cute. Today, after my shower and subsequent fat feet from the heat, they fit fine, but I don't want them flipping up and down in Chicago, where I am sure it will be cold.My tights will only make things worse. Maybe I'll stick some paper in the back. I can be creative too. Embarassed

    Raye

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited February 2008

    OMG, I am TOTALLY BUYING one of those purseket thingys!   

    I actually do have a bigger tote that I lug around, too.  EmbarassedSurprisedEmbarassedInnocent

    I'm so embarrassed for myself!   I'll have to get two large pursekets!  

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  • Member_of_the_Club
    Member_of_the_Club Member Posts: 3,646
    edited February 2008

    I'm a Gap and J crew girl, even in middle age. Lots of layering on top with the various layers showing, khakis in different colors below.



    I love finding funky shoes on the interent. I only wear flats but I love campers and various designs of Chucks.

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  • abbadoodles
    abbadoodles Member Posts: 2,618
    edited February 2008

    What fun!  You girls are some serious fashion mavens.

    Did you see Oprah yesterday?  Some guys helped the wife choose what to throw out and what to keep from her wardrobe.  They have a book, "Nothing to Wear?" http://www.amazon.com/Nothing-Wear-Five-Step-Common-Closet/dp/B000NA1XWQ/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1202485462&sr=8-1

    I'm going to see if the local libraries have it. 

    I did read What You Wear Can Change Your Life by Trinny and Susannah but did not think it that helpful for me.  Also have read a book by some black guy fashion expert but cannot remember the name.  It was not helpful, either.  I wish there was something good out there...........Anyone know?

    Reading all these wonderful hints, I am just overwhelmed.  It's like my head is snapping back and forth trying to keep up and make mental notes.  I have to step back a bit, take a deep breath, and try to devise a plan.  Maybe I need to first decide just WHAT I need to dress for, besides being around the house, and go from there.  Like, I need clothes to meet a friend and go shopping and have lunch.  Something so I don't look like a hick from the sticks.  (Which I am, well, from the sticks, anyway.)

    Going away for a while, muttering to myself......  Tina

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