I know new year's resolutions are so eleven days ago, but I have one that's been sort of percolating under the surface (picture a bog here with a little hiccupy bubble) that I keep squashing back down (with a rubber mallet, maybe?) because--well--I'm a little embarrassed. It's not as important as my goals to write more fiction/music or get in shape or focus more on spirituality or even to have more fun, but it might help a bit in the confidence-to-make-things-happen department.
You see, I want to be more stylish. Yet, I still want to maintain a very reasonable budget. I'll be honest: I want to spend very, very little but get away with it by making good, classic choices and using interesting but versatile accessories.
There, I said it. The shame. Anyway, pointers are much appreciated if anyone stylish happens to be reading this. I'm not above garage sales, thrift stores, and the like. I've just had a hard time finding much in my size in the past.
7 comments:
Have you ever thought of hosting a clothing/accessory swap at your place? You can get all sorts of new(ish) updated clothing for free and you save the environment. It helped when my ward was doing it, but I know you have a hard time finding things your size. I still wear many of the clothes I got at that clothing swap. The extra clothes can go to Good Will.
I'm sure Amanda has much more creative ideas about how to be stylish since she's got great style (and you do too).
I also follow this blog http://thesartorialist.blogspot.com/
He photographs stylish people he finds on the street of major cities. Not all of them are in the fashion world but they have awesome ideas on how to wear stuff. I especially love surprising color and pattern combinations that he finds.
I'll be there in a week. We'll talk. (I am not an expert, but I have ideas). Can't wait to see you!
Thanks Abbs for the compliment. I do have some ideas. If you want to go the yard sale route, don't expect much. Personally I'd be causious about buying clothes at a yard sale. In fact I usually don't even bother looking at the clothes they might have, but I would pay attention to jewelery or accessories they might have. I used to be big on the thrift store buying, but that was mostly in high school. I haven't completly given up on it though. I would just be more picky about what thrift stores I'd go to. I know first hand that DC has a great number of vintage thrift stores. I one time did a search and located a handfull of them and made a saturday of visitng them all. And honestly - Any store I go to - mall or whatnot, I go straight to the sales rack. I can't remember the last time I bought something at regular price. Also, if you really want to make a trip of it, Lancaster, PA has some of the biggest outlet stores on the east coast. Just make sure to go at the end of seasons. They have more sales. (any store would) Like, the end of Feb. would have all the winter stuff on sale.
Other tips - be realistic in the dressing room. Ask yourslef if it is something you would wear. Come up with a whole outfit for the item you are trying. Be able to match it with what you already have at home. If you can't, or you aren't sure you would wear it, don't buy it. It would be a waste.
And - Number one rule. If you don't want to pay for alterations or if you aren't willing to make the alterations yourself (like shortening a hem) Or you won't actually get the alterations done - I'm getting at... If it doesn't fit don't get it.
Keep in mind that different brands will not fit the same. Now a days I do most of my clothes buying at Old Navy. But I can't wear their jeans. I have to go else where for those. I never use to do department store shoing, like Sears or JcPenny, but I've started to cruise their sales racks and they aren't that bad. I've also learned that quality matters. I'm more willing to pay a little more for a quality items theses days.
On the style end. A little goes a long way. Make the effort to de-wrinkle a shirt. Throw on a necklace or earings, which ever you prefer. I don't do full make up everyday but if I'm going out I will at least put some powder on my face.
That's all I have for now...and I'm really sorry if this isn't what you were looking to get advice on.
DC is a little tricky to do this, but now that you live in teh 'burbs, it is a lot easier. I love places like Marhsall's, TJ Maxx, or Ross. Especially outside the hipper areas, good stuff gets passed by. In a related note, visit these stores in smaller towns. Often, what is hip in DC gets passed over or they have a lot of in a place like Richmond, Pittsburgh, Roanoke, etc.
Like Amanda said, a little can go a long way. I'm always amazed at how dirt cheap women's cothing is at places like GAP and other mid level stores. You can mix a $5 shirt with some cool jeans, fun shoes, and a reasonable pullover/layer and it looks way more expensive than the true cost.
Amanda -- Thanks for helping me think practical. Now I'm realizing step one is taking clothes I ALREADY HAVE to the dry cleaners (it's been a couple years). And step two is hemming the pants I have that are too long. D-U-H. After that I can get into your other suggestions.
Muse -- Awesome. I was wondering when you three would be out here. Chris will be super-excited when I tell him.
Abby and Steve -- You guys are cool, too. I just can't think of anything specific to say right now.
You might want to check out H&M. Their stuff is more petite. It's the only place my husband and his tiny sisters can find clothes that fit them.
They aren't top notch quality but it's a good place to find some cheap stylish items to go with the quality basics you an find elsewhere.
Pretty much that and Old Navy are the only places I shop (esp now that I'm exclusively in the maternity dept, although I've promised myself not to buy anymore maternity clothes). I haven't been able to transition to the quality stuff yet, but I totally see the benefit of doing so.
mj - Yes, that's the best place to start!
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