Shopping

I see you're in the USA so us foreigners won't be able to tell you about how much your clothes cost but I'm intrigued by 'this will probably be the only big shopping trip I get.' Why is that? That and the 'my husband wants me' bit makes it sound like the two of you may not be sharing responsibility for finances. I do hope you have some money to spend each month that's 'yours' even if it's only a tiny amount and that you get an equal say in how your finances are arranged.

Personally I've never in my life done a 'buy all my clothes at once' type shopping trip. I make lists (on paper or mentally) of what I need and buy a few things each month when I find the right thing. And I keep an eye open for something excellent in the shops that I hadn't thought of but would use and enjoy.

With clothes, you can pretty much spend as much as you want. I buy on special as much as possible from mid-level stores, with the occasional good quality thrifted item. I try very hard to only buy something if it's just right - fits right, right colour, right fabric, will go with other clothes I have etc. (I don't always suceed!).

Another thought - did you get rid of all your pre-pregancy clothes? 'Cos if not, you can go through and have a good look to see what could be tidied up and used again i.e. dry cleaning, small repairs, hemming etc. and where the gaps are. Sometimes an accessory like a belt or a statement necklace can pep up a boring but otherwise useful piece of clothing.

I'd have a good hunt around online (there are excellent style blogs if you find the right ones) to find a tool to plan a new wardrobe that will be appropriate for the new you (and especially for moving from 'stay at home mom' to 'mature student'). For example, http://www.wardrobeoxygen.com/2009/09/how-to-be-stylish-mom.html (this is one of my favourite blogs and she's a working mother). And http://www.alreadypretty.com/greatest-hits this one has masses of ideas on styling, building a wardrobe, working with your body shape and loads more.

Best of luck and enjoy!

thriftshop - macklemore & ryan lewis *starts singing*

I agree with both the previous posters! I look at style blogs for ideas and then I go to thrift and consignment stores and find items similar!! I have no idea what your style is (mine is all over the place!) but the girlwithcurves site is a great place to start because her style is really easy, approachable, budget friendly. Also mom friendly (lots of casual ideas that still look really pulled together and you can personalize to your own individual style!) Congratulations on your weightloss!

Congrats!

Haven't hit any major weight loss goals yet, but I do buy new work clothes often.

For Dressier items, check out Ann Taylor loft sales. They usually have Great sales on shirts that can go dressy or jeans for lunch with friends. They wash great ( no iron necessary).
Believe it our not, Old navy jeans are fantastic and cheap. You can get most pairs for 20-25 bucks, and they are flattering because of the number of styles they have, or look for the $15 dollar sales.
I also buy a ton of stuff at Banana and GAP. I have a suit from Banana outlet and got it 40% off outlet price.
You can get nice long term pieces for cheap if you do a little check/digging and looking for coupons.

Retailmenot.com has coupon codes posted and there are some other great sites to, if you want to order stuff online vs in store shopping.

Zappos is great for shoes!