STYLETHREAD -- LET'S TALK SHOP!

Metric · Gucci

Wardrobe dilemma

XtinaStyles · Marc Jacobs

Whenever I'm broke and in need of many items, I would go for buying several basics at cheaper spots then when I'm more comfortable financially, I go for the things I love. This winter I had the same problem, gained weight, nothing fit. I ended up going to Loehmann's and buying lots of basics, then used a coupon and got already on sale items for 40% off. The werent phenomenal but they did the job at the time.

travelgirl · Kate Spade

Ah...I've been down this road so many times too!

I would get organized. Map out exactly what you NEED first. Then make a list and carry it with you. The good news is that even the higher end places are having some great sales so you may be able to stretch your dollar. I like to make a "wish list" in a word document-I just copy and paste ideas and images from my favorite websites of things I want to buy that month. Right now I'm working on my June "wishlist". This helps me visualize what I really need and want. I have also become really picky lately. I won't buy something unless I really love it whether it is from Target or Anthro or Saks.

I try to buy my work basics on sale. I look for perfect fit at a perfect price. Banana and Ann Taylor and ATLoft seem to have a ton of work pants, pencil skirts, and cute tops on sale right now. Save your receipts...get adjustments if things go on sale. Find a good tailor to make everything fit just right-I can't stress this enough! This can save you money in the long run!

I splurge on shoes, jewelry and handbags and try to save up for these items. I think a great bag and shoes really make or break an outfit. I have, however, adopted a more classic look lately and have been staying away from trendy items which also makes my money go further because things don't go out of style so quickly...

Kelly · Hermes

I would go for 5 f21 tops over 1 anthro top. I know the old "quality over quantity" thing, but honestly, do you want to wear the same 2 shirts all the time, even if they are awesome, or would you rather have some variety and have 10 or 15 options every morning? If I only got a couple Anthro tops, the shopping itch would come again much sooner.

atlgirl · Gucci

ttara123 wrote:

honestly, do you want to wear the same 2 shirts all the time, even if they are awesome, or would you rather have some variety and have 10 or 15 options every morning?

Personally, I'd rather not have 10-15 top options every morning. I like my wardrobe better when I have fewer clothes, but ones I love, that fit me well, and that I know I can easily mix and match. I don't think it has to be a question of 2 shirts vs. 10-15.

Metric, I don't know your personal style, but if you buy more classically styled clothes, they will be more versatile. I'd go for basics like black / brown skirts and pants - if you have to, you can wear them more than once a week and no one will really know the difference. I know some of the girls are cringing at this idea, but it's really not necessary to have enough clothes so that you can go a month without repeating outfits...also get some simple tops and change things up with accessories. Accessories always fit, and are really (IMO) where one gets to put one's own stamp on an outfit. If it helps, think of it as European dressing - most Europeans have far less clothes than we Americans do; they're more creative with what they own.

ITA about finding a good tailor. Mine works wonders and she's worth every penny. I recently bought a dress (inexpensive) in the Macy's juniors dept. It didn't have enough support on top for me, but I thought it would make a great skirt. So I took it to Marie, and now I have a perfect summer skirt for about $20 extra. I wore it last weekend and got tons of compliments. That's a little more extreme than what she normally does for me, but you get the idea. A great tailor can do lots of little nips and tucks to basic clothes that make them look much more expensive than they are, because they fit you so well.

I'd say look at places like BR, Gap, AT, ATL, Limited, etc for some basic pieces at good prices. AT and ATL are having F&F for the next couple of days - 30% off everything in the store - if you want, I'll forward you my coupon. Think of your (new) wardrobe in terms of mostly supporting items that you can wear a lot without looking like you're repeating, and some "star" pieces that really show your personal style, whether those star pieces are shoes, jewelry, or tops that you (occasionally) buy from Anthro. It'll be more cost-effective and efficient for you in the long run.

Good luck! Can't wait to see your new items in a shopping post!

cc · Marc Jacobs

Normally I'd say get 1 top from Anthro instead of 5 from Forever 21, but if you literally mean that your budget only allows 1 vs. 5 then I think you should get more things from cheaper stores.
It sounds like you have a bit of a short-term hump and you really need to expand your wardrobe quickly. Personally, I hate having to repeat the same items over and over in an office setting. It makes me self conscious and also makes me bored. Things from Anthro tend to be so unusual that I wonder if you would get sick of wearing something from there over and over. Also I have to say that I've found some things there to be of poor quality, whereas I've sometimes been pleasantly surprised by H&M and Forever 21. You really just need to look at the fabrics, the stitching, and the fit. If I were in your position I'd go to some better mall stores and get a few office basics like sweaters and then go somewhere cheap like Forever 21 and get some cute blouses or other "different" pieces for layering. Once you feel like you have enough work clothes to get you through the season then you can start saving up to invest in Anthro clothes after the wedding.

member · Hermes

F21 has a lot of cute stuff, and they knockoff Anthro a lot, so definitely look for pieces there. As for Anthro, I am addicted to that place, so I stalk the sale section - one thing I've learned about Anthro: pretty much everything goes on sale there for 40-50% off. Also, start checking ebay - there are a ton of Anthro pieces on Ebay.

Collette · Chanel

I'd also check out the TJ Maxx, Filene's basement type places and check out their clearance racks. I've scoured some amazing deals there.

Kitty · Hermes

cc wrote:

Normally I'd say get 1 top from Anthro instead of 5 from Forever 21, but if you literally mean that your budget only allows 1 vs. 5 then I think you should get more things from cheaper stores.
It sounds like you have a bit of a short-term hump and you really need to expand your wardrobe quickly. Personally, I hate having to repeat the same items over and over in an office setting. It makes me self conscious and also makes me bored. Things from Anthro tend to be so unusual that I wonder if you would get sick of wearing something from there over and over. Also I have to say that I've found some things there to be of poor quality, whereas I've sometimes been pleasantly surprised by H&M and Forever 21. You really just need to look at the fabrics, the stitching, and the fit. If I were in your position I'd go to some better mall stores and get a few office basics like sweaters and then go somewhere cheap like Forever 21 and get some cute blouses or other "different" pieces for layering. Once you feel like you have enough work clothes to get you through the season then you can start saving up to invest in Anthro clothes after the wedding.

I agree with this. Maybe you could try to get a couple things from anthro on sale and then fill in with stuff from f21 or H&M. I HATE repeating outfits, so I need to have options so that I feel like my wardrobe is fun and I can mix/match things.

Do you already have the very bare bones of a wardrobe? Slacks? Cardigans? Button down shirts? etc? If so, then I would definitely just do F21 to spice things up. If not, then maybe try to get a few of the basic pieces and less stuff from cheapy places.

Suasoria · Chanel

I'd go the cheap route but not F21 cheap - more like Marshall's, TJ Maxx, that sort of place, or Macy's clearance. I'm a big fan of buying only what I love also, but I think it's OK to get some classic/basic "interim" pieces if you need them for work now. (I don't think of F21 or Anthro when it comes to business wear.)

If I can only spend $20 on a top, I'd want it to be something good that's marked down to $20, or else I'd go to a thrift store and get four tops for that money.