I need help getting my wardrobe updated, and I'm at a total loss. For the last 10+ years I've either worked in an office that required a business suit or in a job that required a uniform. My non-work clothes for the last 3 years have been maternity clothes. I recently left my job and now only work 10 hours a week. My wardrobe is totally lacking, now that I have time to spend outside of work. Prior to having my girls, my non-work clothes were nothing to brag about. Now that I'm done having kids and within 10 pounds of my pre-baby weight, I am starting to think about shopping! Yea! Unfortunately, I've always struggled to find a "style" that I feel fits me, personality-wise. So, where do you shop?
Here are a few details about me: 35 years old, size 6, 5 ft 9 in. I would like to be Carrie from Sex in the City, but I'm really probably more Miranda or Charlotte. I'm fairly reserved, but I have two girls who I can be goofy with. Grace, from Will and Grace, is about the only TV character I can think of right now whose style I like. J Crew, and Banana Republic are styles that I used to like, but I feel a bit old for them now. I also wouldn't mind something a bit more interesting, style-wise.
This group is always full of helpful info, so I can't wait to hear people's suggestions. I'm in the Portland, Oregon area, in case someone has a specific store to recommend.
Thanks in advance.
Ann Taylor Loft, White House Black Market, and Banana Republic. I can't find anything at J. Crew that fits well. I am 34 and think they are perfectly appropriate for the 25-45 age group.
Banana Republic, Ann Taylor Loft, and White House Black Market are my go-to places. And, since you're tall, they all have tall sizes online (WHBM less so than the other two, but their stuff tends to be sized a little longer anyhow). We are not too old for Banana Republic! :)
Nordstrom - you can find anything there, cute summer dresses, a pair of great jeans, some tops and a blazer you can dress up a simple tank top with. Also check out H&M so what if you're in mid 30s you can find great stuff there and it's not expensive! Happy shopping!
What about Anthropologie? That's a great store and totally fits the style of Portland, Oregon! You can mix and match some pieces from there; maybe get help from someone who works at the store?
I also like Ann Taylor Loft as well!
Just get, whatever your style is or what floats your boat.
That is what I do.
And add creative touches/accessories to it.
Some people dress very 'plain'/monochromatic... but by adding personal touches/accessories that reflect THEIR style/personality... they are very interesting and becomingly dressed.
And let me tell you... you are NOT too 'old' for J Crew or Banana Republic. C'mon. You are Young!
Think young, you are young, be young, it is not a numeric age.
Dress as you wish.
Of course not like a skank. But I know you won't.
:)
LOL
Anthroplogie has cute trendy but also age appropriate clothes. I shop there, Gap, Banana Republic and J Crew. Oh and of course target.
First of all, you are NOT too old for J Crew and Banana Republic!!!
You are as young as you feel... depends on the attitude and how you rock it!!
I like Nordstrom's, Anthropologie, some Ann Taylor. I like fitted things that show my tiny waist and nice figure without being too dramatic. We have a few small boutiques in the Dallas area where i like to shop as well. I like unique classy things that you don't see on everyone.
Have fun!
I get a ton of my weekend clothes at Ann Taylor LOFT. They have some really cute accessories that can make clothes 'fun' but not juvenile.
Have fun shopping!!
I like western clothing by Marlboro Classics.I don't exaggerate the look in any way. I'm 41 and wear my cowboy boots a lot in the fall-winter with pants, skirts and turtleneck. Then I can go completely preppy with the straight leg fiting chinos and a pair of cute loafers. Skinny jeans will most probably look great on you since your tall. Even straight leg jeans, but fitting on the top. I don't like things that sag. I have had bad luck with Banana Republic and The Gap. Anthropology, is a nice store. Haven't been there in a long time. You should also look at stock Tommy Hilfiger stores and Ralph Lauren. You can put an expensive look at a fraction of the cost. You should see what the prices for these name brands are like here in Europe. A real killer. I hope this helps. Portland sounds wet and beautiful. Hope to visit it one day. Oh, one more thing get a trench coat. It goes with everything.
Ann Taylor (the real store is my fave but pricey - LOFT is good for trendy clothes that you only want a couple of seasons out of - the quality is hit or miss) and Talbots. I know a lot of people think Talbots is stuffy but I've gotten some great stuff there in the past couple of years and they are the pieces I get compliments on all the time. They're expensive too but always have stuff on sale/clearance and the clothes wear like iron. I have some pants, tops, a sweater and a jacket that are at least 4 years old and they still look new.
Kohl's is where I like to go! If you get a Kohl's card they send you great discount cards a few times a month!!!
Nordstrom and their half yearly sale is on now.. then they have another sale in july with tons of fall clothes and back to school clothes.. I only shop their sales.. check out the department TBD.. for jeans.. also I really like their store brand zella products in womans active wear.. super cute clothes try their booty fit pants in black love their jackets.. wash like a dream and I feel put together! Zella brand is nice for our weather in the pacific northwest.. breathable warm but not too warm.. I am from seattle. Also u can always order online sometimes more selection.. and if it doesn't work out return to the store.. happy shopping!
I agree with J Crew, Banana, and Anthropolgie. If you want to spend less and get a feel for what you like to wear, there are some good consignment shops near/on NW 23rd, What's Upstairs, and Seams to Fit. They have stylish things that aren't overly trendy, and good quality.
I love Maurice's -- and their sales are fantastic too!
I love kohls I can get any style, and any price there.
I'm in my forties and I still shop at J. Crew and Banana Republic (and Old Navy and the Gap). I even dress my mom in their clothes. You aren't too old to buy there! I just shop more carefully, knowing that everything won't work for me, but then again, everything doesn't work for me in any store! I get basics like jeans and chinos at J. Crew, Banana and the Gap. I get funky jeans at Old Navy (trying skinny jeans again? Old Navy). I almost always get trendy stuff that I won't wear more than a year at Old Navy. I think Banana is amazing for sweaters and for nicer quality, slightly trendy, slightly classic stuff. I love Ann Taylor Loft for cute tee shirts and their great washable dress pants and pencil skirts. They also often have very cute jackets. I also love Anthropologie for an occasional fun, funky print or top. And don't forget H&M if you want to go on a serious hunt for treasure. I don't find much there, but when I do, it is cheap and fun. I guess the real gold nugget in this is that you will need to keep in mind that no one, absolutely no one, no matter how well dressed, ever goes into one shop and walks out with the perfect wardrobe for the next five years. I dress very well, but I try on a ton of things and know that when it doesn't work, it just isn't for me.
