STYLETHREAD -- LET'S TALK SHOP!

Elle · Hermes

The Balancing Act

small fry · Chanel

Iam not sure if I can help but my brown and rose cords I got at dillards they were 30.00 I believe but I got them in the jr dept, they may have some in ladies dept though. On your long sleeve tops do you like prints or a solid colors?

relrel · Marc Jacobs

are you near a urban outfitters or h&m? neither of these have what im thinking of online so you'd have to go into a store.

urban outfitters carries nice layering l/s pieces, ive gotten very nice stuff there under the damsel logo. there are two different styles that i adore, both are crew neck. the one version is thinner and plain plain plain with thicker stitching at hems, i have it in navy and olive green. the other version is ribbed and i have it in plum and orange. both versions are thin enough to wear as layering pieces and the ribbed version is actually thick enough to wear just by itself (with a tank top underneath of course). both are also long enough in the waist that i don't feel like my belly fat is hanging out all over the place. they were each about $25 or so. if you do have an urban near you, just go in and there should be a large round table of shirts (if they are the same in other places like mine is) of different styles and different colors. i usually get my pieces off of there.

here is the plum ribbed one with me:

these might be similar but ive become leary about buying stuff from the urban website after getting a couple yucky sweaters and haven't seen these in the store:

damsel fine rib henley:

damsel winterlite henley:

and i have this in both colors, but it's not as stretchy or as long as the other two from above so not as nice but still okay.

damsel winterlite thermal:

im thinking becase the last two versions are both damsel winterlite then they are both similar in the not stretchy not comfortable aspect. but again, go into the store (if possible) and try them on.

on to h&m...

ive had pretty good luck with getting sweaters and l/s pieces from them, but they are definitely more hit and miss. sometimes i can go in and find tons of stuff and other times nothing at all catches my eye. but buy big in h&m, there stuff always shrinks and fits really small.

pants...? not a freaking clue. sorry! i can't find pants either, im a woman and definitely have hips like one so can't find pants anywhere that i love. i would say try express (because they are cut a little kinder and are stretchier).

sweaters...? try jcrew for sweaters, ive had prtty good luck with them. and right now you should find some decent sales. somes old navy works for sweaters, but i wouldn't pay more than $20 for a old navy sweater. and again, ive found stuff at h&m but it's hit and miss.

hope that helps a little!!!

member · Hermes

I totally agree w/relrel about Urban Outfitters for your basic, casual longsleeve tops - they have a ton. I have a bunch from there.

For sweaters, I love Banana Republic. I think they look nice and are good quality:

Also try Express for sweaters, I have a bunch that I really like and all of them are on sale right now.

I've bought cords at Gap in the past and been happy w/them:

I don't know how much money you are willing to spend, but these are the best cords I've ever owned:

Maddie · Coach

Not sure if there's an Anthro in Denver (Boulder? I forget where you are!) but I was there the other day and in store they have a ton of that kind of stuff on sale.

Elle · Hermes

Thank you! Keep 'em coming!

Kaykay - What brand are the cords you got at Dillards? I remember seeing them in your threadstyle posts and thinking they were really cute.

Relrel - I do have an UO near me. I will def. check them out for cute cas. tops. As for H&M, I don't live near one at all. I got a few things there when I visited NYC a couple years ago, and I still have, love, and wear the pieces. I hope they start selling online eventually .

Shopchicago - I will check out both Express and BR for sweaters - neither are stores I usually go into so I haven't seen their selection. And my Gap sucks ass - didn't see any cords in there at all last week. I might either have to find a different one or order online and hope for the best. Where are those last pair of cords from btw? Can't tell from the properties ... are they narrow in the knee?

Thank for the start girls - I'm so much more of a browser than a buyer usually, so when I actually have to plan to buy things I get that deer-in-the-headlights feeling .

-- Edited by Elle at 14:44, 2006-01-08

member · Hermes

Elle - sorry, those last cords are True Religion Joey's - they are sort of narrow around the knee.

Elle · Hermes

Maddie wrote:

Not sure if there's an Anthro in Denver (Boulder? I forget where you are!) but I was there the other day and in store they have a ton of that kind of stuff on sale.

We do indeed have an Anthro here (3 of them actually). Even the sale prices are usually to much for my wallet to handle, unfortunately, and they don't carry any of the petite sizes in the store. Is that a universal thing or is it just my Anthro that doesn't like short people?

small fry · Chanel

Elle the cords I got are like this the brand is copper key

on sale for 19.99

they have this color as well

elle you sound like you are in the same boat Iam have to shop at cheaper places, walmart, targart, jcpenny if they have good sales. I dont have alot of selections where I live

I only shop at dillards when they are having sales

I will look around and see what I can find

-- Edited by kaykay at 15:21, 2006-01-08

Tashina · Kate Spade

i have this top in every color and i love them. they are so flattering and they are casual with a very pretty very feminine feel. they are $22.

this is my favorite sweater. i wear it all the time and it is only $30.

$32 these start at a 30" inseam and they are $29.

and they come in these colors.

these are 2 or more for $22 each. they are thermals.

these are 2 or more for $20 each.

2 or more for $17 each.

$29 $34 $29

lsubatgirl · Gucci

Oh Elle your closet sounds just like mine!!

Cords- I got the best pair at BR and they are on sale right now!

$45.99. they come in creme, khaki, and chocolate. I have the khaki and I love them. I have hips and thighs and they work really well on me. I know you said BR pants don't always work on you but at least give them a try.

I got this in a raspberry color in the BR sale and it is really cute in real life. I haven't worn it yet but I know I will be wearing it a lot.

French Connection was having a sale on their sweaters last week. $39.99. I had one from earlier this year so I got another one and they hold up really well. I wear the 2 I have constantly for work but they'd do well with jeans/cords/skirts. They are v neck acryllic,nylon, spandex blend.

Also ann taylor loft has all their winter sweater type things on sale. They have a lot of really cute ones. I'll take a pic this week when I wear one to work and post it for you.

One more thought: do you have a decent outlet mall near you in denver? I have been scoring lately at BR outlet, gap outlet, saks, and neimans outlet with some really great casual type clothes and some work clothes. There are always things on sale in those stores too. Oh and I find that the American Eagles that are in outlet malls (they aren't outlets though) always mark their clothes down better than the mall locations and their internet site.

-- Edited by lsubatgirl at 15:44, 2006-01-08

small fry · Chanel

not sure if these are what you are looking for , but they are 18.92 at good old wally word(online)

I like the cords Tasina posted from delias ,

I also have some thin l/s from the gap and I love them, I think they are called the perfect tee

NCshopper · Hermes

I'm all about Banana Republic for quality basics that you'll be able to wear for years. Seriously, my closet is about 1/2 BR stuff and it's great. The best part is that pretty much everything goes on sale eventually, so you can always hold out for sale items (they're having a huge sale right now).

JCrew is also a good place for khakis and basic pants. I try to steer away from their tees because I feel like the quality doesn't justify the price point generally. That's just my opinion though. I like their tissue tees particularly, but they're expensive for what they are.

Also, I don't know how much of an online shopper you are, but I love www.sunwalters.com. They have great things at a big mix of price points. I've heard wonderful things about their LA Made shirts. These are 2 for $20 each.

SunWalters is also having a big sale right now, so you should check them out.

I think you're off to a good start already because you have a list going. That will help keep you on track. Also, if it helps, I've started developing a list of colors that are flattering on me that coordinate well with each other. For example, my list includes: black, brown, grey, pink, red, dark purple, teal, navy, olive green. I'm not sure what colors work best for you, but it's helped me to focus on pieces that I can really work with. Most of my colors work well with each other and so having that palette to start from has really helped me begin to have a much more workable and creative wardrobe.

Hope this helps! I definitely know how you feel. It's frustrating sometimes, but you'll be able to start fresh again with a whole new wardrobe that you'll really enjoy.

laken1 · Hermes

Hey, I know you said that you didn't want to buy cheapy things that you'd have to get rid of soon, but I got a ton (literally about 6 or so) long sleeve tees at Target on the clearance rack for about $6 - a few of them were $3 for whatever reason, but they are all the same brand & style (Merino). They have a little stretch in them like the ones that I love from the Gap & they have heald up well after washing /drying so far - I've washed some of them 5 or 6 times. Just FYI

lsubatgirl · Gucci

kaykay wrote:

elle you sound like you are in the same boat Iam have to shop at cheaper places, walmart, targart, jcpenny if they have good sales. I dont have alot of selections where I live I only shop at dillards when they are having sales I will look around and see what I can find -- Edited by kaykay at 15:21, 2006-01-08

Oh kaykay! There is nothing wrong about Target/Dillards/JCPenny!! I love Target clothes and JCPennys carries the Nicole Miller and Paralell (BCBG) lines which have some really cute clothes

Cortney1982 · Chanel

I rarely buy clothes that aren't 100% cotton, since I know cotton lasts a long time and washes easy too. Also I mostly buy basic items and keep the fun stuff to accessories. This way my clothes lasts for years and the accessories are easy to change.

If your shopping right now, winter stuff may be cheap but keep Spring/Summer in mind. You don't want to buy something and wear it for a couple weeks and have to go shopping again.

What keeps in my closet...

Corduroy jackets. I like the ones at American Eagle, such a good fit. Gap has some good ones too.

Gap, on sale $39.99

Button up shirts. I usually wear them with a tee underneath.

American Eagle on sale $29.95

Cute cami for wearing under cardigans. I know they say dry clean, but I just toss them in a lingerie bag and wash them with everything else and hang dry.

Gap, on sale $19.99

Cords. I like colored ones.

American Eagle on sale $14.95

Basic khaki pants.

Amerian Eagle on sale $39.95

Cotton sweater. Have the one below, love it and it washes fabulously.

American Eagle on sale $14.95

Shoes. I always wear a comfy leather shoe. I especially love Born.

Zappos $85.95

Lilykind · Hermes

If you have a J. Crew nearby, I'd suggest stopping in. They have a ton of basic stuff like that for so dirt cheap (considering that J. Crew IMO is generally high quality materials/construction). In LA everything is terribly picked over, but they had 100% cashmere sweaters for $40 and I know there were $40 sweaters in wool and their wool blends as well.

ViViDogWear · Kate Spade

Since I wear these casual stuff almost daily as layering pieces, here's my 2cents.

Love 3/4 and L/S tees from:

C&C California - check out Nordstrom Rack for deals.

Rebecca Beeson, 3 dots, Hard Tail, Velvet, and James Pearse for T's, Tanks, Hoodies, etc. - Check out Loehmann's for lots of these basics!

Cordorouys:

Faves include Hollister, GAP, and believe it or not - Forever 21! So cheap - you can get different colors, and they have stretch in them! Also think A.E. does great stuff at affordable prices and last long.

Sweaters:

Agreeing w/ all the ST girls - BR is great and has some great sales right now! Also love Theory & DKNY for classic styles you can wear for years. Marshall's/TJMaxx and B.P.(Nord) have some great trendier sweaters for less. I do love the nice stuff at Savvy (Nord) and Bloomingdales - but you can usually find the look for less at Jr. stores/depts.

Oh and Forever 21 - I tend to get staples there year after year on L/S thermals and layering tank tops! So cheap I can get all the colors!

Seashells · Dooney & Bourke

I don't know if you have outlets near you, but I did really well this weekend.

Gap Outlet: I got 2 pairs of work pants, which are casual enough for weekends too for $25. They had black, brown and khaki colors. They are the modern fit and stretch.

Banana Outlet: I got some great basic sweaters that were $30, then 30% off. They are cotton and lite so they are great for layering and the springtime too. They also had their seamless camis $15 and 30% off! I stocked up.

Elle · Hermes

Thanks for the push in the right direction girls! I've got some shopping to do!

I'm hoping I'll be able to find things that fit - I'd be willing to pay a little more for things that fit really well. Alot of BR things feel really overscale on me, so crossing my fingers there.

And I just cannot buy bottoms or cotton tops at F21 to save my life! I've always found that their cotton items shrink alot and they bleach really easily. The pants just never fit so I don't try them on anymore.

Occasionally pants fit at AE, so I'll have to try their cords. Why does everything have to be sooooooo narrow in the thigh and knee and then soooo flared at the bottom though? I'm not sure I understand .... do you guys find that their cords gap less at the waist then their jeans do?

Anyway, shopping I go