Forum Index
»
Beauty and Fashion
where do sophisticated 40 yo moms buy clothes?
![[Post New]](/jforum/templates/default/images/icon_minipost_new.gif){kind=icon}
Anonymous
|
I need to upgrade from the JCrew, BR, Target, Zara stuff in my closet. I have a decent clothing budget and would like to start investing in pieces. I am not the type to spend 700 on a pair of shoes, no matter what my budget, however. But I need some ideas of where to buy, chic and sophisticated, yet casual (I am not working) clothes. I know how to put together a good work wardrobe, just not the more dressy casual side of things at my age. Thanks for your advice!
In terms of build, I am a size 6, tall and somewhat curvy. So Ralph Lauren, as much as I love that look, does not work very well for me. I like classic with a twist. I do not want to look frumpy or "middle aged" Thanks again! |
Anonymous
| I think you can find nice stuff at Saks or Nordstrom, but it takes some time (and either a good non-busy saleperson, or use the personal shopper service). I've had pretty good luck with the Nordstrom people -- especially if you can take off a day mid-week when they can give you some attention. It also depends on how conservative your workplace is. I like Betsy Fisher in Dupont, but sometimes it's too fashionable for my office at least. I can always go in and find one thing I love, but if you want to try to rehaul your whole wardrobe you might be better off at a big store. |
Anonymous
|
If you have the funds, and think it could be helpful, perhaps you would consider investing a consultant? or maybe at least hte pseronall shopper in nodrstroms. My friend did this (consultant) and it was transformative. She is by no means rich, but she basically never knew how to dress herself, esp once she lost some weight (she is an enviable 5'11" blond size 6 or 8 but had dressed in such a way as to downplay all her assets). Her consultant (who was an acquaintance) went through EVERYTHING in her wardrobe, figured out what worked and what didn't, WHY, told her about fit, quality, what worked on her body, and then shopped with her to supplement her current wardrobe. She didn't buy a lot but everything she bought really looked great and served as a foundation for future purchases.
I think most of the shopping was at nordstroms and bloomies but a few boutiques as well. |
Anonymous
do you know what consulting practice she used? |
Anonymous
| Consultants are not one size fits all. There needs to be a fit - personality, communication style, consultant's tools and training and common goals. I'd check out www.AICI.org and call 2 or 3 to determine who would help me best. |
Anonymous
I hate their website. It gives you no information on their different stylists. |
Anonymous
| PP, the AICI website lists all members according to the amount of experience and certification they have. If you go to your state (in this case, DC, VA and MD) and see the names, there is a direct link to each stylist's website - gives you much more information. |
Anonymous
| there was an article in the post a while ago. apparently stacey london (from what not to wear) has a stylist consulting company and it's based in dc. i don't know the name, or if it's good, but it could be worth exploring. i'm sure if you go to her website you could find it. i remember thinking it sounded like fun. |
Anonymous
|
I am a professional stylist and attended a meeting in which Stacey's group spoke. It is more about tiered marketing for her group than anything else.
They spend less than 2 days "training" people on her book for which they have to buy and then also pay a 4-figure sum to be trained. These "consultants' then split any earnings with the company from clients. They take clients to stores in which commissions have been arranged. They could not answer any questions coming from professional stylists. There is no color training or wardrobe building theory. If you remember from the article, the group was skewered. They did not fare well with us either. Being a professional stylist takes years of training and certification. These are the people who achieve real results for their clients. |
Anonymous
Good heavens -- chill out. OP is a SAHM looking for some nice clothes -- it's not rocket science, PP. |
Anonymous
Actually, I liked 19:06's post, and I get it. It is not rocket science, but paying thousands to study Stacey London's book doesn't sound like training to me. |
Anonymous
|
Please - Stacey London is hideous - the stupid skunk streak is so annoying.
And that show is worse because they dress people in outfits that you know they are uncomfortable in and will likely not wear. She might make an entertaining tv show but I wouldn't label her a "sylist" |
Anonymous
|
I've not used her yet - but read a WP article where she was mentioned. Lani Rosenstock Inlander (no I am not her, but I need to hire her or someone like her...too much poor fitting Merona in this 31 year old's closet.
http://www.real-life-style.com/ |
Anonymous
| Here's what I did: I got together 3 friends, dinner, wine, etc. I admired all 3's style. We went through my wardrobe, what I liked, what they liked, what was 'fashionable' what was worth keeping, everything. At the end of it, I knew which clothes looked good on me - color, style, fit, etc., what to upgrade and what to toss. No store names: a far away or expensive store is not helpful to me. But it really helped me w/ style. Oh - and this is like that scene in SATC whatever, getting rid of her wardrobe! Very fun. |
Anonymous
| The woman who writes Capitol Hill Style has a service where she will come and go through your closet with you. It sounded pretty affordable. I keep thinking about hiring her. |