Anne_in_VA
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Post by Anne_in_VA on Jul 21, 2017 15:21:13 GMT -5
I wish I could too because anything would be better than what she wears now. They've cut our travel budget and even though I was supposed to go out there next week, I'll be attending meetings virtually or via webinar.
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raeoflyte
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Post by raeoflyte on Jul 28, 2017 19:22:51 GMT -5
Funny that this thread was revived just today! Yesterday a coworker I'm friendly with asked me about how to move up in the company and up her image. She's not a BFF, but we do chit chat from time to time and get along well. She's about 50 or so and a little overweight but not fat by any means. She works in our IN office, so I don't see her much except when we attend meetings or I have to go there for meetings. What I've seen her wear are maxi skirts in black or brown, oversize long sweaters over a shell or tank of some kind with scuffed flats. Her hair is skinned back in a bun and she doesn't wear any makeup. Just kind of dowdy. She doesn't wear makiup because she doesn't know how. We talked for a while to define what she meant and I then said, well, you asked so I'm going to be honest. If you don't want honesty, then stop me now. She said OK, go ahead, I really need to know what to do differently. My advice was to go to a Macy's, Dillards, Nordstrom or other fairly upscale department store and ask to see one of their stylists or someone who can help you pick out a couple of outfits. Then follow their advice. You don't necessarily have to buy everything at that store, but you do need someone to guide you in getting a new look. Once you know what kind of clothing to get, you can branch out to TJ Maxx, Marshalls, Kohl's or Ross. I also told her to visit a cosmetics counter and ask them to help her choose makeup for a natural look, not like a 30 or 40 yo person going on a date. Told her to also upgrade her shoes. If she doesn't like heels, then get some cute flats, but ideally, she should get some pumps or other low heeled shoes in addition to the flats. So what do you think? She was really OK with what I told her. I know she's got two kids, one in HS and one already launched. I don't think money is much of an issue, but did say that if it was, then talk to the department store, buy one or two pieces but go to the cheaper places for more. Buy one or two outfits now while summer stuff is on heavily discounted sale and buy more later on as you can afford to. I think the advice to go to a stylist at a department store is good advice. A previous boss of my did that, and while I didn't like all of her choices, she definitely put together a more polished look that was WAY more professional than what she'd had. I really need to do this...
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Knee Deep in Water Chloe
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Post by Knee Deep in Water Chloe on Aug 1, 2017 13:35:33 GMT -5
Hello! So here's a question:
I have a necklace like this
The circles are metal. When I purchased the necklace five or six years ago, the circles were all silver colored. I think the word I want is patina. If not, I'm sorry I'm noob.
The patina on the circles has worn off, and now many of them are brown and have a bit of a rusty look. Should I wear it anymore? It doesn't look right. But if it's supposed to be that way, then okay... What do you think? (I'd post a picture of it, but, yanno, photobucket is having a tantrum.
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Anne_in_VA
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Post by Anne_in_VA on Aug 1, 2017 16:31:30 GMT -5
Have you tried cleaning it? If not, try cleaning it and see what happens. Is it real silver or just silvertone? Was it expensive? If it's not real silver and not very expensive, if it doesn't clean up, then I would toss it.
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Knee Deep in Water Chloe
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Post by Knee Deep in Water Chloe on Aug 4, 2017 23:55:48 GMT -5
Thanks! I'll clean it and see what happens. It's not real and was less than $20.
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plugginaway22
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Post by plugginaway22 on Aug 9, 2017 19:35:49 GMT -5
I hit the jackpot at TJ Maxx tonight. They are freshly stocked with some Fall items. I got 2 pair of work pants, one Anne Klein and one Michael Kors, $25 each and they fit perfectly. One black cardigan, very lightweight knit can wear all year, $20. One burgundy print blouse, $20. One pair of dark denim jeans, $25. A pair of black leather flats, $40. A pack of sport socks for $7. And my first Christmas gift, a black back-pack style purse for DS's girlfriend. And I LOVE everything I purchased!
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Sept 3, 2017 18:35:31 GMT -5
Thanks! I'll clean it and see what happens. It's not real and was less than $20. If it's not real, try some spray paint. I'm not kidding. It's a necklace, not something that you put in your ears.
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finnime
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Post by finnime on Sept 16, 2017 7:01:57 GMT -5
A very good friend has asked me to help her put together a new wardrobe. She recently lost over 80 pounds. She has also been quite overweight most of her life, and had been wearing clothes that fit and are cheap rather than clothes that flatter. She isn't certain of her size either. I guesstimate she's now a 10.
Where would you suggest starting? I was thinking very basics - a good pair of black pants, more dressy and less so, and a cardigan/light jacket. Then some tops? Jeans? We're in our 50's. She can wear more casual clothes to work, but not jeans. I would want to help her look less frumpy than she has been. Suggestions?
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swasat
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Post by swasat on Sept 16, 2017 7:32:59 GMT -5
A very good friend has asked me to help her put together a new wardrobe. She recently lost over 80 pounds. She has also been quite overweight most of her life, and had been wearing clothes that fit and are cheap rather than clothes that flatter. She isn't certain of her size either. I guesstimate she's now a 10. Where would you suggest starting? I was thinking very basics - a good pair of black pants, more dressy and less so, and a cardigan/light jacket. Then some tops? Jeans? We're in our 50's. She can wear more casual clothes to work, but not jeans. I would want to help her look less frumpy than she has been. Suggestions? I think that's a good plan. If she has the following she should be good to go. And then she can add on pieces as she gets more comfortable with her style. - Black/navy/brown pants - some shells for layering (both printed and basic colors) - cardigans for layering (both printed and basic colors) - A few dresses if she is inclined. They look great with or without cardigans - I would totally stress she also gets some good fitted bras. Nothing ruins an outfit like ill fitted underwear. If you have a Dress Batn nearby, I have found their clothes to be quite cute and reasonably priced. I haven't bought from it, but my friend swears by modcloth.com and stichfix as well.
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andi9899
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Post by andi9899 on Sept 16, 2017 8:52:05 GMT -5
A very good friend has asked me to help her put together a new wardrobe. She recently lost over 80 pounds. She has also been quite overweight most of her life, and had been wearing clothes that fit and are cheap rather than clothes that flatter. She isn't certain of her size either. I guesstimate she's now a 10. Where would you suggest starting? I was thinking very basics - a good pair of black pants, more dressy and less so, and a cardigan/light jacket. Then some tops? Jeans? We're in our 50's. She can wear more casual clothes to work, but not jeans. I would want to help her look less frumpy than she has been. Suggestions? I think that's a good plan. If she has the following she should be good to go. And then she can add on pieces as she gets more comfortable with her style. - Black/navy/brown pants - some shells for layering (both printed and basic colors) - cardigans for layering (both printed and basic colors) - A few dresses if she is inclined. They look great with or without cardigans - I would totally stress she also gets some good fitted bras. Nothing ruins an outfit like ill fitted underwear. If you have a Dress Batn nearby, I have found their clothes to be quite cute and reasonably priced. I haven't bought from it, but my friend swears by modcloth.com and stichfix as well. This. Plus scarves and grey and white pants. Solid colors can easily be dressed up with the right accessories and paired with lots of stuff. If she likes dresses, a few solid color sheath dresses can be dressed up with blazers, cardigans, scarves, belts, necklaces, etc.
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Pants
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Post by Pants on Sept 16, 2017 11:51:07 GMT -5
A very good friend has asked me to help her put together a new wardrobe. She recently lost over 80 pounds. She has also been quite overweight most of her life, and had been wearing clothes that fit and are cheap rather than clothes that flatter. She isn't certain of her size either. I guesstimate she's now a 10. Where would you suggest starting? I was thinking very basics - a good pair of black pants, more dressy and less so, and a cardigan/light jacket. Then some tops? Jeans? We're in our 50's. She can wear more casual clothes to work, but not jeans. I would want to help her look less frumpy than she has been. Suggestions? What is her budget like?
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finnime
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Post by finnime on Sept 17, 2017 0:38:46 GMT -5
She's ready to spend about $750. She doesn't really like dresses or skirts, and has already gotten bras that fit her now.
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zibazinski
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Post by zibazinski on Sept 17, 2017 6:50:01 GMT -5
She needs to make sure those pants fit. Makes a lot of difference.
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Blonde Granny
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Post by Blonde Granny on Sept 17, 2017 6:59:37 GMT -5
I would start with a basic of 3 colors...red/white/black or grey/pink/burgundy or khaki color in anything. I once took a class that taught us how to dress using 13 pieces to make 63 work day combos. Good shoes in black/ navy/brown. I would especially stay away from pieces that can only be worn with 1 thing, and also pieces that are not in anyway flashy or trendy...Let flash a trends belong to a younger mind set.
Look at pinterest and search for wardrobe capsules. Print off a few of them and see what she likes.....then just take that paper to the store and start shopping.
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finnime
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Post by finnime on Sept 17, 2017 7:10:13 GMT -5
I've never heard of wardrobe capsules. That is a great idea to plan this.
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zibazinski
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Post by zibazinski on Sept 17, 2017 7:17:17 GMT -5
I've never heard of wardrobe capsules. That is a great idea to plan this. I did one for my trip to Italy that I never went on. It's a great concept. Google it.
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Blonde Granny
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Post by Blonde Granny on Sept 17, 2017 7:25:59 GMT -5
I still try to shop that way. It eliminates buying pieces that don't go with anything in your closet.
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zibazinski
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Post by zibazinski on Sept 17, 2017 7:28:33 GMT -5
I seriously need to go through my closet again. Now that I don't have DH, I don't do anything or go anywhere that needs a wardrobe like I have.
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Anne_in_VA
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Post by Anne_in_VA on Sept 17, 2017 12:18:27 GMT -5
Since my workplace went to business casual and I've stopped traveling for work, I no longer need the dresses and suits that used to be the staples of my wardrobe. We can even wear jeans to work now!
I need to go through my closets and weed out the dressier clothes that I won't wear again
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Pants
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Post by Pants on Sept 17, 2017 13:23:31 GMT -5
Ok, so she needs some work and some casual clothes, seemingly a bit on the conservative side? She likes pants, so thats easy. For $750 and a whole new wardrobe, I would do:
Work clothes: 1 pair black pants, one gray. Probably a trouser. Classic. I'd hit Ann Taylor and try to do their sale rack. Same with 2-3 shells, and a couple light sweaters. Maybe a blazer.
Casual clothes: tshirts etc., old navy. Loft for a couple dressier casual shirts. Maurice's has some cute stuff for both work and casual, and it's cheap.
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zibazinski
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Post by zibazinski on Sept 17, 2017 15:09:59 GMT -5
Get a really good pair of black jeans and dark blue ones. Good ones are spendy but every time I put them on, I feel like a million bucks. Make sure the pants she buys fit her well. Nothing worse for looks or how you feel about yourself than pants that bag in the rear. Black, navy, and nude flats. Get a good purse even if it's used. Better if it's used!! I love to dress people.
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zibazinski
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Post by zibazinski on Sept 17, 2017 15:10:50 GMT -5
She definitely should hit consignment shops with someone that will be honest with her.
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Anne_in_VA
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Post by Anne_in_VA on Sept 17, 2017 15:30:36 GMT -5
She definitely should hit consignment shops with someone that will be honest with her. I second that! It's really helpful to take someone with you who will tell you if something looks good or not.
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NomoreDramaQ1015
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Post by NomoreDramaQ1015 on Sept 17, 2017 15:35:09 GMT -5
Put the "pop" in her outfits with accessories. You don't have to spend a ton there to add polish to an outfit and make a statement. You can wear the same outfit twice but still look completely different just by changing the accessories.
What kind she can and can't wear will be determined by work conditions, her personality and her body shape. '
I can't wear bangles because I could easily get hurt if it got caught on something. I can't wear a lot of those gigantic statement necklaces that are all the rage because they overpower my small frame.
Right now I am having a love affair with brooches. I find them all over from Etsy to Goodwill to antique stores
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Pants
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Post by Pants on Sept 17, 2017 18:19:59 GMT -5
Most important of all, be honest with her when you go shopping. It takes time to learn what suits you, and if she's recently lost a ton of weight she may not have ANY sense of her shape and proportions. Its taken me most of my life to realize that due to my chest size, turtlenecks and crew necks make me look like the prow of a ship. However despite landing the same place a crew does, boat necks make my shoulders look wider and changes the proportion of how my bust looks. For similar reason, sheath dresses work but shift dresses do not - I really need a defined waist or a dress that falls straight from my chest will make me look 30lbs heavier. Tunics are great but they have to nip in at the waist or I look pregnant. shirts that stop at my hips or mid-thigh are fine, but shirts that stop at my crotch make me look v. stumpy.
Fabrics are important. A lot of the current shells out the fabric doesn't sit right unless you're built slim, despite the actual size of the garment. She should be mindful of her body, age and taste but don't let her drown herself in fabric. Clothes that have a little stretch and are cut closer may be more flattering, so make sure she tries a couple of pieces in each type so she can see what she likes and wants.
Make sure that she is comfortable in the clothes both mentally and physically. Nothing ensures you won't wear something more than wearing it once to find that it gapes or pulls or creeps up your ass, or you have to keep adjusting it to keep it in the right place. Move around the store and the fitting room and if you have to adjust something don't buy it unless you plan to have it tailored.
Most of all - have fun! It's rare that you get to decide to recreate the way you present yourself to the world.
Also, amazon has a lot of cute, cheap clothes. Some of it is pretty poorly made, but for a transitional period if she needs something that will tide her over you can find some good stuff. I tend to buy trendier pieces from amazon, knowing that it's only going to wear well for 6 months.
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raeoflyte
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Post by raeoflyte on Sept 18, 2017 10:39:28 GMT -5
I would start with a basic of 3 colors...red/white/black or grey/pink/burgundy or khaki color in anything. I once took a class that taught us how to dress using 13 pieces to make 63 work day combos. Good shoes in black/ navy/brown. I would especially stay away from pieces that can only be worn with 1 thing, and also pieces that are not in anyway flashy or trendy...Let flash a trends belong to a younger mind set. Look at pinterest and search for wardrobe capsules. Print off a few of them and see what she likes.....then just take that paper to the store and start shopping. I second this. I still stick with black/gray slacks, dresses, and shoes to cut down on expenses and reduce how much stuff I have in my closets.
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Artemis Windsong
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Post by Artemis Windsong on Sept 18, 2017 10:55:39 GMT -5
Hello! So here's a question:
I have a necklace like this
The circles are metal. When I purchased the necklace five or six years ago, the circles were all silver colored. I think the word I want is patina. If not, I'm sorry I'm noob.
The patina on the circles has worn off, and now many of them are brown and have a bit of a rusty look. Should I wear it anymore? It doesn't look right. But if it's supposed to be that way, then okay... What do you think? (I'd post a picture of it, but, yanno, photobucket is having a tantrum. A cheap fix would be metallic colored markers. I used them on a washer necklace I made rather than spray paint.
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flutterby
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Post by flutterby on Dec 24, 2017 11:13:29 GMT -5
Hi all,
Do any of you have a recommendation for good leggings? Leggings, not tights, not workout gear. Ones that don't need a long top to cover your tush and are "cottony" not shiny? Basically non-see-through, non-shiny, non-baggy-after-two-hours, non-capri length leggings?
Thanks!
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MJ2.0
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Post by MJ2.0 on Dec 24, 2017 14:26:55 GMT -5
chiver78 I know she had bought some LLR leggings and really liked them.
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Opti
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Post by Opti on Dec 24, 2017 14:36:15 GMT -5
She's ready to spend about $750. She doesn't really like dresses or skirts, and has already gotten bras that fit her now. I unfortunately missed this discussion when it was happening. I'm also in my 50s and don't wear dresses or skirts much, especially to work. I prefer them for special occasions.
What's her preferred style? Classic? Trendy? Sporty? Romantic? Dramatic? IMO what you want to buy is somewhat predicated on style. I like classic/sporty but my boss and one of the female administrators are more into trendy/romantic/dramatic. They like to purchase current pieces more than I do, so they'd be happier spending less on a long term wardrobe for tops and instead planning more on what a budget per year for tops and trendy pieces would be, where to shop, etc.
What was the net result of her new wardrobe? Happy, unhappy, work in progress?
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