My Biannual Clothing Crisis Shout-Out

[Aquajock]

A-jock, I think we're about the same size, and I'm utterly addicted to Elie Tahari suits. They cost a little more. Okay, maybe a lot more, but these days you never have to pay full price anymore. Everything is 30-40% off. The fabrics are so comfy and stretchy and the cut is so flattering, I'd rather save my money and just buy 2 Elie Tahari suits than own a closet full of typical cheap "petite" suits. And the little tank tops and t-shirts he makes to wear under the suits are probably his best invention. They are simple, super soft, stretchy and as thin as tissue paper so they don't add any bulk, and the suit jackets just slide on over them. If you find a good sale, pounce! And there are good sales going on all the time.

Nancy, thanks so much for the info! Do you know what big-box stores (if any) carry Elie Tahari? I've never seen that line here in the Twin Cities but that doesn't mean anything, since I'm very shopaphobic. We have most of the majors here in terms of department stores and brand stores like those mentioned on this thread. Or is it better to find her stuff online? I do prefer to shop in brick-and-mortar stores but I'm willing to branch out if it's beneficial.

TIA!

A-Jock

 

[JeanneMarie]

We have a Tahari store in our outlet mall nearby. They always have beautiful things, but I have to say most of them are extremely pricey! I fell in love with a leather jacket not too long back... perfect size, just gorgeous... it was $800!! And this is in the outlet store! Needless to say I did not purchase.

Another pricey line that does fit me well is BCBGeneration and BCBMaxazria. Nordstrom carries them, as does Macy's. I've found some really nice dresses on sale in both of these lines. BCBG is the younger styles, BCBMax is the higher end. They have XS and it fits me well.

 

[Aquajock]

We have a Tahari store in our outlet mall nearby. They always have beautiful things, but I have to say most of them are extremely pricey! I fell in love with a leather jacket not too long back... perfect size, just gorgeous... it was $800!! And this is in the outlet store! Needless to say I did not purchase.

Another pricey line that does fit me well is BCBGeneration and BCBMaxaria. Nordstrom carries them, as does Macy's. I've found some really nice dresses on sale in both of these lines. BCBG is the younger styles, BCBMax is the higher end. They have XS and it fits me well.

Thanks again, JeanneMarie! We do have Macy's and Nordstrom's here in the Twin Cities area; the BCBMaxaria line sounds interesting.

A-Jock

 

[nancy324]

Most of the big department stores carry Elie Tahari, but around here Bloomingdale's has the biggest selection.

And just so you know, I wouldn't buy a leather jacket for $800 either. But I would buy a pair of work trousers reduced from $248 to $148 if they made me feel more confident and put together when meeting with clients. I need the confidence factor, (and I work too hard on my body not to show it off a bit, as you do A-jock!). Even my DH, who is very frugal, will tell you that my only financial indulgence is clothes. They give me an edge in my career. It's almost measurable the difference looking sharp and acting confident makes.

 

[Aquajock]

Most of the big department stores carry Elie Tahari, but around here Bloomingdale's has the biggest selection.

And just so you know, I wouldn't buy a leather jacket for $800 either. But I would buy a pair of work trousers reduced from $248 to $148 if they made me feel more confident and put together when meeting with clients. I need the confidence factor, and I work too hard on my body not to show it off a bit. Even my DH, who is very frugal, will tell you that my only financial indulgence is clothes. They give me an edge in my career. It's almost measurable the difference looking sharp and acting confident makes.

Nancy, considering the fact that you're an attorney by profession and I'm a paralegal by occupation, I know we're on the exact same page regarding appropriate work attire especially in the legal field! The two days I've spent on the witness stand testifying have all been direct examination, and on Tuesday the defense gets its first at-bat with me and the lead attorney is a two-legged Rottweiler. Like you, I need all the aces I can get in the confidence factor.

Thanks so much again for your info!

A-Jock

 

[nancy324]

Nancy, considering the fact that you're an attorney by profession and I'm a paralegal by occupation, I know we're on the exact same page regarding appropriate work attire especially in the legal field! The two days I've spent on the witness stand testifying have all been direct examination, and on Tuesday the defense gets its first at-bat with me and the lead attorney is a two-legged Rottweiler. Like you, I need all the aces I can get in the confidence factor.

Thanks so much again for your info!

A-Jock

I know about those two-legged Rottweilers. Looking sharp and confident can go a long way towards helping you feel sharp and confident, and you've got the body to look sharp effortlessly.

It's funny about the whole size "0" thing. For the longest time, I would go to stores and ask for a size 4, and the salesperson would have to talk me into the size 2, and then I would think it fit well, and she would have to tell me to "just try" the 0, and then I would realize it looked best. Nowadays I start by asking for a size 2, so they only have to talk me down one size. I am always very surprised. I just don't see myself as being that tiny. I'm not sure if it's the vanity sizing or a body image issue.

Good luck A-jock! You reminded me of some annual and bi-annual posts I need to do.

 

[Aquajock]

I know about those two-legged Rottweilers. Looking sharp and confident can go a long way towards helping you feel sharp and confident, and you've got the body to look sharp effortlessly.

It's funny about the whole size "0" thing. . . . I just don't see myself as being that tiny. I'm not sure if it's the vanity sizing or a body image issue.

Nance, I think it's a vanity sizing and common sense issue. Back in 1988, when I was only about 5 lbs less than I am now, I could walk into any store and find a whole host of skirts and dresses in a size 4 that looked fine. Now, 20 years, 1,000 strength training sessions and 5 lbs later, often I'm swimming even in a size 0 depending on the designer (you know how mind-blowing it was when they trotted out the "00" sizes). The one size 4 skirt I've retained from those earlier years still fits me just fine, if a little snug around the waistline.

Trust me, you place a smaller-size tag on a larger-size clothing article and women will automatically define themselves by that smaller tag. A cheesy gimmick but it works.

And now . . . WHERE'S MY CREDIT CARD???

Thanks again for all your info!

A-J

 

[WRITER]

Oh, I shouldn't have opened this thread! I'm a 00 or a 00P, and Ann Taylor never has this size in the store -- so I order online, but the colors and styles are often disappointing when they arrive. And returns have become a hassle. This has kept my clothes buying in check.

Now I see that there's a White House Black Market not too far from me.

Oh dear.

 

[GMonkey]

I would make friends with a local tailor rather than rely upon a store for any alterations besides a simple hem. A local tailor is far less expensive than store alterations when you need clothing taken in.

 

[JeanneMarie]

I would make friends with a local tailor rather than rely upon a store for any alterations besides a simple hem. A local tailor is far less expensive than store alterations when you need clothing taken in.

Good advice!

My alterations lady is one of my best friends! I love her! She can make almost anything fit me, and she knows how I like things to look on me. I spend as much $$ on alterations as I do on clothing. I don't know what I would do without her!

I wouldn't say that she is cheaper than the store alterations, probably the opposite in fact, but she is SO much better. She does excellent work. I am fortunate to have found her.

 

[complik8td]

Another Fan

Just popping in to say that, I too, am a big fan of WHBM!! I love that store! Enjoy your shopping!