New wardrobe or alter my clothes?

[Anonymous]

I was just at the Gap in Chevy Chase last week and they had tons of at least half a dozen styles of jeans on crazy sale - every one of them were nice and under $30.

Also check out consignnment shops - I went to Sunflowers in Kensington and got a pair of Michael Kors (about $100 at Macy's, I think) for under $30 to transition me until I lost my baby weight.

[Anonymous]

I picked up a pair of Michael Korrs at Lord and Taylor for around $40.

I am so glad I spent the money as they look great on me.

Another place to shop is Loehmans - but reality is that the main line retail stores are hurting and having tons of sales. Not sure how tight the budget is - but I am from the point of view of having a few items that I look really great in as opposed to something not so flattering - but it was $10 less.

[zumbamama]

I guess I will shop, I just wasn't sure if it would cost less to alter. But it looks like it would cost the same for an old pair of jeans. ~zm

[Anonymous]

Oh honey, it will cost you a good $30 to alter those jeans.

[Anonymous]

I second the target or old navy for jeans rec. Gap does have some nice ones on sale now too. Buy 1 pair this month if you can and another in a month or two. Target is also great for long sleeve tee shirts and nice fitting slim ones in the summer/spring. pair with ballet flats and you are good go. Can you consign any of your old clothes? Enjoy, things will look great on you!

[Anonymous]

Why not try the outlets in Leesburg?

[Anonymous]

Macy's has great jeans for $20 on clearance.

[Anonymous]

I got a pair of Seven jeans at Marshalls for $35. Buy a new pair -- you deserve it!

[zumbamama]

Get this, I went to ROSS and it looked like they were having a going-out-of-business sale, although it wasn't advertised. Anyway, I found a cute pair of boot-cut jeans in the junior section for $10, so I bought 2.

[Anonymous]

Clothes are very cheap now. I was trying to save money by barely buying clothes and only buying them at Target and GoodWill when needed (you have to have SOME that fit).

One day I cracked and went to Macys and was shocked to see how cheap some were on sale. Seriously, Target look expensive! So just keep your eyes open for sales, and buy a little at a time. Go for quality (this is where Target lacks).

You also might want to keep an eye on Freecycle because sometimes people give clothes away. I only mention this because with a 50 pound weight loss you may be desperate for clothes that fit.

GoodWill is great for blazers. I have found the best-fitting blazers (probably because they are a brand I'd never buy if I paid full price).

[Anonymous]

Congratulations!! Definitely buy a new pair or two. Taking in regular pants can be done if they have a good construction to begin with but jeans were never meant to be altered in width, the seams don't rip out easily and any good tailor would charge you an arm and a leg to do this. Not to mention the jeans are several years old now anyway, how much more life is left in them?

I have noticed that many of the higher end stores (Banana Republic, J Jill, Talbots) have been having a very hard time getting rid of stock, especially on the web. I know I have gotten ridiculous offers for 25% off sale price from each of these stores in the last week or two. This makes their jeans sometimes cheaper than Levis. (I will say that I have a very hard time finding jeans that fit so I often buy at a higher end store just so I will be happy wearing them. I don't feel so guilty when I can get them for a really good deal).

Most everything else can be taken in, even bras if the cup size has stayed the same. (Some private lingerie stores can recommend someone who is skilled in doing this, no need to buy from them just call to get a recommendation).

Also, another trick for finding a good tailor... most high end department stores send peoples purchases out for alterations locally. You can go to one of these stores, like Nordstrom, and ask in the ladies dress department for a recommedation. I have found that this is the best way to find a local tailor. Almost anyone can hem something but taking in clothing is a real skill that can be hard to find. Either way, I would take one piece to the tailor to see how it turns out before you take everything you need taken in.

[Anonymous]

I lost 50 lbs as well and needed a new wardrobe, I got my stuff from JcPenney. They have great deals, I just got 2 pairs of pants and 3 tops for 65 bucks! I call that a deal

[Anonymous]

Congratz Zummie!

You strike me as a frugal gal like me...I just lost a ton of weight. I like to go to the Goodwill, there's a really good one off Rockville Pike. I just bought 5 new pairs of jeans there, $6 each. I got some Lucky Jeans, some Abercrombie & Fitch, and some 7 for all Mankind, and some Gap. They are all in great shape. I just can't stand to pay top dollar esp. when I'm still dieting.

[Anonymous]

Also ebay has tons of free shipping auctions right now...

[zumbamama]

Hey! I bought another pair at Marshall's today for $17. Yay! Tried on a skinny black dress...but that will have to wait. Now I have to get my rings resized, a new jacket, a new belt... etc. etc.