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Fashion-Related (because I'm bored)
I recently stumbled across this blog: Wardrobe Oxygen.
I like her style for work; basic, solid colors, polished. I was reading one of her articles last night about how to look "polished," and at some point, she said something about not purchasing or wearing cardigans whose sleeves are saggy by the end of the day from pushing them up, or pencil skirts that wind up looking like venetian blinds. My question is, where does one find such pieces?
Do any of you have recommendations for a great pencil skirt? I'd like to invest in three or four different colors, but the two I have don't really hold their shape. Any recs for a great cardigan? I'd also like to buy several colors, but the ones I've purchased from Gap aren't great quality. They shrink after washing, or stretch out in the arms. What about belts? I've never been a big belt-over-cardigan wearer, but maybe it works? I have no idea where to find a good, wide belt.
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Re: Fashion-Related (because I'm bored)
I have two pencil skirts that I've had for YEARS that still look fabulous. I think the reason is that because both have at least some wool in them as opposed to all stretch (I haven't been in Express in years but they used to use this kind of slick mostly stretchy fabric a lot and I had the problem of not holding their shape.) My skirts are Anne Klein, but I'm pretty sure I got them at TJ Maxx. For cardigans, I'd try the brand Theory or, again, Anne Klein. I think Dillards carries both.
My trick is that when I find something beautifully made and very basic, I buy almost all of the colors they have. I went on a tanktop binge this summer at Target because of that. I bought one, it was (thankfully!) long enough (even I don't want to see my belly showing) and held up great through 3 washings. I went back and bought every color they had left in my size and have lived in those suckers this summer.
I'm also bottom heavy, so I tend to buy solid color bottoms and more fun print tops.
These days I buy cardigans almost exclusively at Banana Republic. They always hold up very well, and they have frequent enough sales and promotions that I can usually score them pretty cheap.
My BR cardigans are usually wool or wool blend though, so I never wash them (the exception being when DH does laundry and doesn't pay attention). I always wear them several times and then dry clean them. They stay nice that way!
my bookshelf!
Bloggy
I have a couple of cardigans from AT and NY&C and they have held up for the 2 years that I've had them. I haven't worn the belts over cardigans yet, but I have seen some really cute outfits put together using a small thin belt instead of a wide one. I think I might try it out this fall.
One option you can do if you are wanting to use a wide belt is to put it with a simple top and a skirt. I have found that if you have the belt at your natural waist line instead of down by your hips it creats a more flattering figure.
Most of my skirts are from dillard's - Antonio Melani - the fit is great, and the quality is fantastic. Ann Taylor also has a really great selection but I feel like the price does not match the quality.
As far as belts - I just bought two new belts from Nordstrom - they are super cute, can transition easy from day to night, and weren't expensive.
As far as cardigans - I used to get all of mine at Harold's. Sadly, Harold's is no longer and I haven't purchased a cardigan since.
I'll have to try Anne Klein and Theory. I don't think I've ever tried either.
ITA that if you find something "beautifully made," buying more than one is a great idea. I don't know if I'm just that dumb where clothing is concerned, but I can't tell you how many times I've bought something thinking it was well-made and awesome, only to find out after one or two wears that it sucks. I guess that just means I should wait until I've owned it longer to buy more.
This would probably solve many of my problems. I'm just so lazy when it comes to dry-cleaning.
This is what I failed to communicate in my OP, and want to try. My stomach is my biggest problem area though, so I've always felt like belts weren't a good idea. I think if I find a wide one that'll hold its shape, even after sitting at a desk, it could be good.
I frequently drool over Antonio Melani shoes, but haven't purchased any clothing. I'll have to check it out.
You can get some really, really good deals on the Melani clothing.
Also, i agree with the belt - place the belt at your natural waistline, not sure hips area. This is my favorite way to give the appearance that I have curves.
Hahaha. Just to clarify, the quotation marks in my reply weren't sarcastic! I can definitely appreciate a Target tank top!
I bought two awesome pencil skirts at the Ann Taylor outlet (not factory store). They were only $10 each and look awesome on all day long. I have bought suits by Antonio Melani, Banana Republic, and Ann Taylor Loft (it was on the sale rack - I don't think it was carried in the store). BR fits me the best, but I like the AM suit as well.
I don't wear cardigans since they don't seem to hang right on me.
Was this at the outlet in OKC? I've been trying to wait for the new to wear off before I go, but I might have to brave it for a deal like this!
Oh, I know you weren't
I just realized it was silly to describe my Target tanktops the same was as my Badgley Mischka dresses, but it's true!
In random other news, BM shoes were on Ruelala on Monday night for $50!!!!!!!!
Grapevine Mills. It was the Loft Outlet. I got a lot of good deals there.
I went to the outlet mall is OKC and didn't find a lot of deals. Last year, I went to a Banana Republic Factory Store in TX the day before Thanksgiving. I didn't realize they had a Black Friday sale so I went back with my receipt and they adjusted the prices for me. It was really easy and I didn't have to deal with the crowds.