Watch out for the Limited. I stopped in there after a ten year hiatus and bought some cute pants and two knit shirts. The shirts pilled terribly after the first wash. Pilled to the point of unwearability and I'm a SAHM. The pants seam to be doing ok.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Talbots

Really?

Talbots is very expensive. Period.

In the same boat as OP, except 44. I recently bought things at J. Crew and Banana Republic.

Anonymous wrote:OP:

Enjoy Norstrom. I did that a few years ago and while I did spend $600, I was shopping for a suit so it totally made sense.

What I learned, though, was a lot about fitting my body and the different labels that they carried. I also flat out told the sales person that I wanted sale/clearance items. The suit wasn't but the rest was.

Also, try on a bra. I own one expensive bra, from Nordstrom, but knowing how a bra was supposed to fit really helped me find better bras when shopping alone. nice tits really help the drape of everything...even that stretched out tee-shirt you are wearing right now.

Totally agree! I just spent a small fortune on three well made bras. I look marvelous!

Hi everyone, OP here. I chickened out and canceled the Nordstrom appt. I did, however, sign up for stitch fix so I'll give it a try. Thanks for the tips.

Anonymous wrote:J Crew or Banana Republic. You need two pairs of good straight/skinny jeans, spend the money on a good fit (try nordstoms). Some cute stylish balzers, boots for fall or cute flats for now. Invest in some long necklaces too. Its really not complicated.

If it wasn't complicated I would see a lot more fashionable people on a daily basis, and that's far from the case.

J Crew or Banana Republic. You need two pairs of good straight/skinny jeans, spend the money on a good fit (try nordstoms). Some cute stylish balzers, boots for fall or cute flats for now. Invest in some long necklaces too. Its really not complicated.

OP:

Enjoy Norstrom. I did that a few years ago and while I did spend $600, I was shopping for a suit so it totally made sense.

What I learned, though, was a lot about fitting my body and the different labels that they carried. I also flat out told the sales person that I wanted sale/clearance items. The suit wasn't but the rest was.

Also, try on a bra. I own one expensive bra, from Nordstrom, but knowing how a bra was supposed to fit really helped me find better bras when shopping alone. nice tits really help the drape of everything...even that stretched out tee-shirt you are wearing right now.

At 34, you are still young and don't want to shop at stores that are too matronly. For the Fall, I would get:

1 dark washed skinny jeans: http://www.shopbop.com/high-rise-skinny-jean-rag/vp/v=1/845524441892049.htm?fm=search-viewall-shopbysize

1 trouser jean: http://www.7forallmankind.com/dojo-original-trouser-in-midnight-new-york-dark/d/6296

cowl neck sweater: http://www.shopbop.com/lulu-rugby-stripe-cowl-sweater/vp/v=1/1591693392.htm?fm=search-viewall-shopbysize

Cashmere sweater in fun color: https://www.jcrew.com/womens_category/sweaters/jcrewcashmere/PRDOVR~53268/53268.jsp

Classic white button down shirt, lots of fun accessories like colorful scarves, skinny jeweled belts, and statement necklaces. The accessories can completely change the look of a very neutral outfit.

For shoes, I would get a pair of black booties, one pair of knee length boots, and ballet slippers in a fun pattern

It is a lot to revamp a wardrobe at once but once you have the basics you can add to it. I did this a few years ago and started with the above items and then slowly added pencil skirt, A line skirt, sweater dress, trench coat, and some fun novelty shirts. Zara and H&M are great for trendy items.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:So, i'm going to suggest you don't shop online, and that you hire a baby sitter/have DH take over, and schedule an appt with a Nordstrom personal shopper. Have someone help you figure out a handful of pieces that fit, and that you will wear. Go to the makeup counter and have someone help you figure out a 5-min makeup routine.

I understand you don't want to spend a lot of money. But I think just shopping online for some pieces that might be on sale that don't fit into an overall 'wardrobe upgrade' plan might end up being wasted dollars. Once someone else helps you figure out what fits/looks good/etc, it will be easier to buy pieces online that work.

This was genius advice. I literally just went online and booked the appt. Normally I would have consulted with my DH about it, blah blah blah, but this time I thought WHY? I need to get better about making decisions for myself, and just DOING IT. And, I totally agree about the hodge podge of clearance pieces that I would have purchased. So, thank you, PP. Next week I'll be spending an evening at Nordstrom.

They are good. just remember you don't have to buy everything. Just get some ideas.

I like some of what Talbots has, too. I think you have to be careful what you pick there. But I've gotten some great tops that I think are super cute - but I wear them with skinny jeans and cool shoes so keep the frump factor as low as possible. (Ya know, as you do.)

Anonymous wrote:try stitchfix.com if you haven't heard of it already. you pay $20 fee that goes towards your items, you get a personal shopper to pick everything out and return whatever you don't want with a pre-paid label. sounds like this will be perfect for you

great suggestion. do this!!

Sign up for Stitch Fix. I got 4 dresses and a cardigan for $277 this month, and the items came to my house!