Only Clothes that fit and make me feel beautiful...

pkw58
pkw58 Posts: 2,038 Member
in Goal: Maintaining Weight
So i am gradually building my wardrobe after having been 2 to 3 sizes bigger for most of my adult life. I can tell you for a working woman. In corporate america, this is not easy. Age appropriate yet classic pieces are in scarce supply - oh in my size and in my price range. Did I mention i refuae to buy anything that is not cotton or wool?

So i joined project 333 and try to follow the rules. I have exactly five outfits for work that are "meet new client" worthy, and five business casual outfits (imperative in hot and humid houston).

My five favotite places to shop for work clothes are:

Tj max: Ralph Lauren wool suits,
Haines outlet: socks hosiery
Nordstorms and nordstorms rack: bras and NYDJ pants
NYC: cotton blouses - button downs,, very good fit
Dillards: rRalph Lauren cotton skirts , and a couple of very nice dresses


I have bought a few things at costco, but have found they run out of my size before i can get there, and now i have all of fall/ winterr ready under my new wardrobe rules.

Anyone else keeping the new clothes buying unde control? I find it motivating to maintaining my lifestyle.
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Replies

  • summertime_girl
    summertime_girl Posts: 3,945 Member
    I get a lot of stuff at Express. I don't have to wear a suit often though.
  • HIITMe
    HIITMe Posts: 921 Member
    I love the fit of Jones Ney York suits...
    The Loft ( Ann Taylor) "Marisa" cut for work pants....


    I dont have a dress code for my office so I only wear a suit once a week and dress casual 2 days, jeans the other 2 days...
  • rachseby
    rachseby Posts: 285 Member
    I just spent about $300 at White House Black Market...their stuff is very flattering. It is also stretchy, so I know that it will fit even once I lose a little more weight...A lot of their items don't look great on the hanger, but fabulous on!
  • futuresize8
    futuresize8 Posts: 476 Member
    I love Macy's and especially the INC brand when it's on sale.

    However, I gotta admit it is time to purge the closets again. Lots of size 14 and 16 ghosts lurking in there, and stuff I just don't like any longer because it's not flattering.
  • Athena53
    Athena53 Posts: 717 Member
    I've got an even more demanding criterion: not made in China. (And I'm starting to wonder about some of the other places like Bangladesh.) Fortunately, over the years I've had a good tailor make 2 suits and a lot of separates, and I fill in with things from Chico's. My size hasn't fluctuated over the last 30 years by more than a couple of sizes (I'm now at the low end and hope to stay there), so if I buy good things I just keep wearing them till they fall apart. As a result, I have a full closet but don't buy very much new in a given year.
  • tapdance66
    tapdance66 Posts: 29
    I love the boutique section at SteinMart - has a lot of great pieces that are work ready. You can get suits, but I like to buy the blazer separates and pair them with mix & match blouses and bottoms - I can create business suits, casual business wear, and even pair with jeans for casual Friday. I get almost everything I wear there. Prices are comparable to Dillards. GREAT clearance section and if you get their rewards (not credit card, just their loyalty program), they'll email you coupons worth up to 40% off clearance. I can't tell you how often I've bought close to $2K of clothing for well under $200, Unfortunately, SteinMart isn't everywhere but if you have one close - check it out!
  • xLoveLikeWinterx
    xLoveLikeWinterx Posts: 408 Member
    If you have a Younkers near you, I always have a lot of luck finding work clothes. I also like Express a lot but with coupons and I hit up their sales (I'm cheap). I like TJ Maxx for some stuff, but not much.
  • amymt10
    amymt10 Posts: 271 Member
    I love The Loft and Ann Taylor, and New York and Co. For The Loft and AT I pretty much only shop at the outlets and can get some amazing deals!!!!
  • nxd10
    nxd10 Posts: 4,570 Member
    I completely agree with your rules!

    I slimmed down my wardrobe the other day and threw out anything I didn't love wearing and/or didn't fit. I never throw clothes out, so that was a lot of stuff.

    I buy most clothes at either Goodwill (look for those good fabrics and tags!) or staples and sweaters at LLBeans.

    Most importantly, though, I bought a good sewing machine last spring. I took in all my favorite pants and learned to re-tailor blouses.

    Also - did anybody find that 'fit' went in phases? When I had lost 20 pounds, it looked like all my pants hung on me - even loose construction artsy ones. When I lost 28, all of a sudden they fit again and looked good because they sat completely differently on my hips. And they looked great - especially with a little tweaking.
  • happysherri
    happysherri Posts: 1,360 Member
    I like Kohls, JCPenny and Shoe Carnival (-shoes always fit lol)

    I need to go shopping, my pants are getting baggy! Yay
  • mommy3457
    mommy3457 Posts: 361 Member
    Macy's has a lot of good options, and their clothes are usually on sale.
  • tinavflynn
    tinavflynn Posts: 80 Member
    I love Dressbarn!! Granted it helps that I work there on the weekends, but seriously they have a great selection! They have everything from casual, dresses (obviously), to work wear. Some of their stuff can bee a little pricey, but their pants are usually very reasonable, about $29.50 to $34.50. They also always have 30% to 70% off racks that are great for finding separates.
  • JennyThompson180
    JennyThompson180 Posts: 17 Member
    Thank you for the list of sources for professional clothing! Very useful and timely for me. I have been scouring online, I will stop in TJ Maxx soon.
  • stephenson2012
    stephenson2012 Posts: 94 Member
    I only buy mostly sale. So I keep an eye on the basics that I need and when they go on sale, II see what is available. I have picked up some good deals for work. I am altering some things that I have bought last spring.. I am down from a size 16 regular to an 8 petite in pants. Also I found that I could get some of my belts shortened at a shoe repair place. One of my big expense has been shoes because I lost half a shoe size. I have a difficult time finding wide widths. I inherited my grandmother's bunions and don't want another foot surgery. Also my athletic shoes need to be replaced. I also had to buy exercise clothes have become way too big.
  • pkw58
    pkw58 Posts: 2,038 Member
    I only buy mostly sale. So I keep an eye on the basics that I need and when they go on sale, II see what is available. I have picked up some good deals for work. I am altering some things that I have bought last spring.. I am down from a size 16 regular to an 8 petite in pants. Also I found that I could get some of my belts shortened at a shoe repair place. One of my big expense has been shoes because I lost half a shoe size. I have a difficult time finding wide widths. I inherited my grandmother's bunions and don't want another foot surgery. Also my athletic shoes need to be replaced. I also had to buy exercise clothes have become way too big.

    I lost 1/2 a shoe size as well!!! crazy!!
  • pkw58
    pkw58 Posts: 2,038 Member
    Wow, lots of great ideas! I am seriously considering buying a sewing machine.
  • zichab
    zichab Posts: 1,494 Member
    I'm a college professor and am having the same issues. I can't wear jeans, tee shirts and workout gear to class! Suit jackets and good slacks are pricey, so I have begun to LIVE at Khols. They run incredible sales here and because i gave them my email address, I get 20% off cards all the time. They take the 20% off the sale price, bless them! I just bought 2 fitted jackets, 4 pair of slacks, 3 blouses and a shell and 3 cardigans for less than $250.00 and by mixing and matching, they should take me through the winter (with the sweaters I already have) and next Spring. I am hoping that the last 20 pounds I have to lose will only take me down 1 or 2 sizes so I can "make do" until next summer, since the odds that I am going to get a raise to buy new clothes is not too good! :noway: I should have done this when I was a stay at home MOM! :wink:
  • nxd10
    nxd10 Posts: 4,570 Member
    I'm a college professor and am having the same issues. I can't wear jeans, tee shirts and workout gear to class!

    I'm also a professor. With some one color fitted tee shirts or shells and Oxford shirts (Marikmakos are $12 at Targets, Oxfords you can get lovely at Goodwill if you go regularly) you can look very stylish with two or three pairs of great slacks and a lot of scarves, necklaces, and pins. They can completely change a look. Add two sweaters and a jacket into the mix and you've got the semester covered.

    Scarves and jewelry always fit. Although I have noticed with the weight loss that my little dangly earrings look great again and my big studded ones look too large!
  • zichab
    zichab Posts: 1,494 Member
    My daughter-in law actually bought me some scarfs to change the look of my shirts that I bought. Since I was heavy for so long, i had an extensive wardrobe and never really learned these "extend the look" tricks! She is trying to teach me! We have a Target here so i will check out the Marikmakos as $12.00 is definitely a good price. I have some solid fitted tees from summer that could work that I never considered. Thank you for making that suggestion. If I can get through fall and spring semesters, summer should be a piece of cake because I can buy clothes in my new permanent size and not worry about them being to big in a few months! :smile:
  • pkw58
    pkw58 Posts: 2,038 Member
    I'm a college professor and am having the same issues. I can't wear jeans, tee shirts and workout gear to class!

    I'm also a professor. With some one color fitted tee shirts or shells and Oxford shirts (Marikmakos are $12 at Targets, Oxfords you can get lovely at Goodwill if you go regularly) you can look very stylish with two or three pairs of great slacks and a lot of scarves, necklaces, and pins. They can completely change a look. Add two sweaters and a jacket into the mix and you've got the semester covered.

    Scarves and jewelry always fit. Although I have noticed with the weight loss that my little dangly earrings look great again and my big studded ones look too large!

    Awesome! I have found that black jeans with a long blazer or nice sweater work for business...

    I have to say - scarves save my life as far as mixing it up. My daughter in law gave me my favorite one to wear - she got it at Charming Charlie's....
  • tntgal2
    tntgal2 Posts: 26
    I have loved buying new clothes I feel good in! Loft and Ann Taylor have become favorites. The AT modern fit pants work well for me and have colors that work for my professional office. Uniqlo has well-made and well-priced cardigans. JCP always has stuff on sale these days. I just discovered Banana Republic, where I hadn't shopped for years. Got some tops that were unique but not outlandish (for someone over 50), and the quality is good.

    You'll need to do a lot more shopping and research if you want to purchase "ethical" clothing. The location isn't a guarantee - LA has a huge garment district, often (mostly) employing undocumented workers, and many (most) working at piece rate prices in poor conditions. Google "fair trade" or ethical clothing for suggestions, but be aware that the "price" of low priced clothing (those $19 great deals) is generally fabric manufactured in a third world country (Bangladesh, Thailand, Vietnam, India, Sri Lanka) and sewn in one.
  • kimmymayhall
    kimmymayhall Posts: 419 Member
    I'm also trying rebuild my wardrobe and only buy clothes that really look good and are quality pieces that will last. I've gotten rid of a lot of my clothes partly because of the weight loss and partly because I recently realized I was a grownass woman and needed to dress like it. I'm an architect so my wardrobe needs to work from dirty construction sites to professional clients meetings. I've slowly been building it up from Loft, JCrew, local shops, internet stores like ideeli, Ross/TJ Maxx type places, and I really agree with the suggestion to shop Goodwill/thrift shops. You'll see the high quality clothes because they've held up so well from their previous owner. And if something is well made, even if it doesn't fit you quite right you can get it tailored and its still a great deal. Knowing how to sew is great for smaller alterations.
  • zailynprada
    zailynprada Posts: 4
    Oh how fun! The idea of new clothes is starting to overwhelm me! I am a pretty good master of professional dress, and had been holding steady, following a similar rule, 3 new clients suits, and 5 average weekday ones that mix match. I am now wondering how to look young/hip or at least energetic! Which I am, but at 50 with the extra weight, I don't think I looked as competitive and confident. But now, I am going to look for a Sales/Marketing job in the Houston area and want to look fantastic, and you've brought up a good point (humidity). I live in the desert area of Southern California and most of the time we get dry breezy conditions (which makes any suit a good choice)...I am heading out today to celebrate with a new pair of size 8 jeans! Yay! Anyhow, I would love to know more about the fabrics you recommend for that weather, and any tips you might have on the Houston job market. Thanks!
  • EmilyJackCO
    EmilyJackCO Posts: 621 Member
    I'm a huge clothes horse... two full wall closets full - though I'm weaning a lot of it out and donating it to a women's shelter. When I was really thin, I had to buy everything brand new because it was impossible to find size 2/4 in thrift stores. But since I've gotten back to the size 6/8 range, I shop almost exclusively at thrift stores. It's still not very easy, especially because all of my slacks have to be longs - but I have found some amazing professional clothes. I have a couple of short cut wool suits that are really wonderful for winter. I have to be really picky, but most of my most favorite pieces came from either Goodwill or Savers. I have a pair of Brooks Brothers cashmere slacks that I got for $3, and they've never been worn. Find the thrift or consignment stores in the upscale part of town, and you'll be shocked what you can find. :d
  • lithezebra
    lithezebra Posts: 3,670 Member
    Consider silk. It's light and drapes beautifully. Also, if you've only lost 2 or 3 sizes, and there's a piece you love, you might be able to have it altered to fit your new size.
  • nxd10
    nxd10 Posts: 4,570 Member
    Consider silk. It's light and drapes beautifully. Also, if you've only lost 2 or 3 sizes, and there's a piece you love, you might be able to have it altered to fit your new size.

    I really love silk or tencel shells in solid colors. You can buy a few of them and they will mix with and dress up anything else. (The black jeans idea above is terrific to go with them!)

    Years ago, my sister recommended buying one new piece a month (scarf, blouse, pants, whatever). That means that you're not spending a lot of money at one time and also that all your clothes aren't in the same style. You don't want to buy a bunch of clothes at once that can all be dated Fall 2013 five years from now.
  • ashandstuff
    ashandstuff Posts: 442 Member
    I go with Gap and Banana Republic for my work stuff. It’s good for casual wear as well if you “dress it down” so it’s perfect for me. Plus I just really like how Gap tends to carry various sizes and clothing that fits all shapes. :]
  • anemoneprose
    anemoneprose Posts: 1,805 Member
    Did I mention i refuae to buy anything that is not cotton or wool?

    Yeah, I'm like you, this is why I hardly have anything. Almost nothing made of these materials can be found at a reasonable price. Even at $100 + for a top at your middle-end mall stores (in Canada anyway), you're getting modal and rayon.

    Silk is great, tencel is GREAT.

    I actually have bought some fabric and 'easy' (ha!) sewing patterns to get around mall clothes, most of which are hideous. (I mean I don't know how to sew properly yet.)

    But I would say, if you're rebuilding a wardrobe & want to make your life easy, maybe think about relaxing your standards. Some of the blends are easier to wash anyway.
  • pkw58
    pkw58 Posts: 2,038 Member
    Consider silk. It's light and drapes beautifully. Also, if you've only lost 2 or 3 sizes, and there's a piece you love, you might be able to have it altered to fit your new size.

    I have a silk suit is size 14 that is the only clothes I didn't donate. I am taking it into the tailor next week to make it fit me now. It is an austin reed I bought incredibly cheap on sale.
  • harleygroomer
    harleygroomer Posts: 373 Member
    EBAY CHICKIEEEEE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You would not believe how much gets dumped on there, and is easy for me to go a piece here and there to supplement. Even got my goal weight outfit on EBAY!! Where I get discouraged I go into the closet and pet it and then I go back to my workouts. LOVE ME SOME EBAY--althought TJ MAXX is a great place to pick up the extras as well.

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