I know there's someone else here who enjoys shopping for clothing as much as I do--we've joked that if we didn't live so far apart, we could get together and really do some damage! Anyone else into fashion--it's a great escape from caregiving.
So dish Marilyn. Your favorite shops? Fav labels? Boutiques, dept. stores, what's your style? Funky, traditional? What does the typical clothes horse caregiver wear these days?
ok Terry (typical clothes horse caregiver--isn't that an oxymoron?) Used to really love to shop when having free time was a normal thing in life. I try to strike a balance between classic and trendy--for instance, like some of the St. John Knits pieces mixed with other labels. We are fortunate to have a Nordstrom Rack here and a killer Saks salvage store, so it's possible to find some great bargains. But this summer I made a great discovery for everyday clothes--the Chicos Zenergy line. I like my casual clothes to have some style, and that line does. Plus, it doesn't wrinkle and is machine washable (a huge plus now that going to the dry cleaner is something I'd rather not spend time doing). I had never been a Chicos fan--their color palette is kind of strong for me, and I'm not a big fan of prints, which they seem to feature tons of. But I started buying their belts first, and then continued onto the Zenergy. I did have to learn how to shop that store--wait for coupons and sales to occur. Right now my challenge is finding decent looking workout wear. Oh yeah, like everyone else, I love shoes and bags, jewelry. I don't do much Internet shopping, which would be a great timesaver, but I still like to see and touch the goods. How about you?
Back in 2006, (?) I was going to buy a property to flip, just before the real estate market tanked. H & I went into a bookstore, I was looking in the real estate section, & he told me to forget about those books, get this one. It was called "What Not to Wear" and it was great at helping me cull my clothes. It's packed up now with another great one, but I learned things like v necks elongate you, colors I should NOT wear with my fair skin, etc. So after that, shopping took on a whole new meaning. Took the confusion away, invested in some pricey bras, & now my shopping is much easier, because I know what I am looking for. The Chicos Zenergy line sounds interesting. I'll google it. Thanks. My favorite shops are TJMaxx & Marshalls. I figure the quality of the brands at such low prices is a good deal. Also like Ann Taylor, seems to fit my body (petites.)
Kitty--a nice thing about Zenergy, some of their pants come in a short length. I can also wear petites, so it's fabulous for me to find slacks that don't need to be hemmed. There seem to be more short lengths on their website vs. the stores.
I used to watch WNTW on cable, the British version with Trinny and Susannah who wrote the books. I loved the show and have the books as well. Hated the American copycat version with Stacey London. I agree that you can get some good tips from them.
Marilyn, I checked out the zenergy, all the wrong colors for me. Must have a tan brunette designer. Plus, I can find the same stuff for less than half their sale prices at Marshalls, in the right colors. I was excited about the no wrinkles, no dry clean. But now I know my colors. Oh well, it was fun while it lasted. Bought a pair of Ann Taylor Loft jeans shorts at Marshalls last week for $9. Perfect fit. (Who cares if they are last season?)
I sold men's ties when I was in college. I was amazed at how many men were color blind. It was fun helping them select. I then got a pattern & sewed all my (then) husband's ties myself. Oh youth.
In the days where men were slaying dragons, the fair maidens gave them their scarfs to wear to remind them of their love.....men stupidly have been wearing these for years, and now call them "ties", which I guess is very appropriate....they serve no purpose other than preventing a nice shirt from getting stains....but I guess it is "fashionable", and very symbolic....and they are a lot of fun, especially if they get caught in the office shredder....
Well, ladies, in preparation for my move, I am going to clean out my closet. My closet in this house is bigger than the master bathroom in the new villa :( I have actually done shopping in my own closet. It is amazing what I have found with tags still on them. I opened up a box one day, and found a pair of shoes I didn't even recognize.
I still remember 13 years ago, when my cousin was moving to Florida, we sat on the floor in her bedroom, and swapped costume jewelry. I loved some of the stuff she never wore and vise versa. Unfortunately, she wasn't into giving me the real jewelry - the diamonds, emeralds, rubies. I didn't have any of that to swap.
Funny story - absolutely true - a few months ago, she saw me wearing a ring, and complimented me on it. She loved it and wanted to know where I got it. It was one of the rings she had given me in a swap!
Kitty, don't give up on the zenergy line...they change colors constantly, and it truly is a fabulous fabric. Like Marilyn, I have many outfits in a wide variety of colors. Just ignore the jungle prints etc. and go for the basics. With their coupons and sales, it can be very reasonable. I just bought a great red pants and jacket this week....a fun change from my black and blue.
I finally have a smile on my face.......This is right up my alley....I LOVE SHOPPING! Not for myself, but for others......especially kids. My poor son had to deal with my addiction. How I loved to shop for my mother, however, I was the one who had to clean out her closets when she died. EVERYTHING she owned was something I had purchased for her. Hundreds of outfits WITH the tags still attached where given to friends, nursing homes and the Salvation Army.
It is well known that I can stiff out a mall from hundreds of miles away....
So, Frank, or any of the guys......I will be your personal shopper. It gives me a high that I can't explain!
I like the Zenery line, too. In fact, I really enjoy Chico's. What can I say? I love a store that allows me to wear a size 2! Of course, my favorite is Nordstroms. The closet one to us is in CT, so it isn't often that I can visit my fav. The Orlando Mall has the best Nordstroms. I used to love Filenes, too, but not as nice since the Macy's takeover.
Kathi--I bought the red vest yesterday--bet it's the same group. I'm going to wear it with a white tee, casual navy skirt, silver belt and bag, white sandals. I like to mix some of the Zenergy pieces with my casual skirts for a change from the slacks and capris. Have some linen ones that work well with the Zenergy vests and a tee too. With the extra 15 percent off sale they are running, I was able to get most of what I need for our cruise.
Kitty--I agree with what Kathi said. What colors do you wear? Online they probably look like stuff from other stores, but the fabric is the secret. Looks more like real clothing than any other warmups or leisurewear I've seen. And as far as the prices, the retail seems high but they are always emailing coupons, having sales and sometimes you can use both discounts. I sound like an ad for them!
Ann--Once you buy a certain amount at Chico's (Could be about $100 or $200?) they put you in the Passport Program. Are you in it? If so, you should be getting almost daily emails, some with coupon codes. Also, in the store the codes are available in their computer system, and Passport member get an extra 5 percent off.
i hardly wear anythign but travelers from chicos anymore -they have outlet stores in tx too =i never buy in the retail chicos but only at the outlets now -so much less. and they have all the brands of chicos there. you may want to ask in your area where they have the outlets. ours gets new truck loads every WED! prices are super discounted from the orig store pricing. and they even have the Soma bras which are incredible. much less. with such a casual lifestyle now i rarely have occasions to dressup anymore. it used to be such a treat. thats why we loved cruising so much and vegas. we dressed every nite cocktail and suits. loved it. still love shoes though. but back cant take the stilettos like i used to. now i love Onyx and Walking cradles for dayware. if you havent a pair of walking cradles oh boy you dont know what you are in for! esp if you have BACK issues. check out their site prices are reasonable. best walking shoes around and nice selections of casuals. divvi
Divvi--haven't been to the Chicos outlet yet, but I heard they are great. Steve's sister is coming in from Texas this week--hopefully, we can all go to the outlet--it's a couple of hours from here, so I wouldn't normally go. I do miss the dressup occasions.
If you click on this site, the Zenergy section should pop up. I bought the jacket on the upper right corner, wear it with a chocolate brown Zenergy tank - and light beige slacks. It's really pretty. Chico's also had a brilliant blue jac/shirt I bought..(it was in the picture with my great granddaughter) I wear it with a white tank and white slacks. I love Chico's. Haven't been to their outlet...a bit far to take DH.
I order from catalogs on the internet mostly, but there is a Talbot's and Chico's nearby. I use to be told I had a "black belt" in shopping. I was an expert in "power shopping". I have lost most of that "fire" because I never go anywhere, but I do think I need to get back into updating my wardrobe. I have lots of St.John Knit suits - which are timeless. Love them. Still have a closet full of Jones of New York and Tahini suits, too. Can't begin to tell you how many shoes I have, mostly Stuart Wizeman, with 2.5 + heels. Last week, I opened an Eric Javits shoebox and found a pair of shoes I don't remember buying,... Really cute ones too!! :-)
But as usual, I sit here barefooted, wearing a t shirt and shorts. Maybe I should "dress for work" every day. Why not?
Yep, Marilyn, I love shopping. AND, I love frangrances and bath stuff. That's my escape. My current favorite is Prada's Infusion d'Iris. The fragrance is so clean and very light... Absolutely wonderful!
Don't believe all the hype about things on sale....I went to Victoria's Secret because they advertised that ladies' clothing were half off...... Completely not true.....
Texas Joe - My heart goes out to you not liking to buy shoes............... What do you like to shop for
Everyone else - I love this site - my wardrobe is almost all Chico or synergy and J Jill now for summer - great washable linens that I DON"T iron. Took me a while to be able to wear linen without ironing it. But I figure being 71 and having AD in our house gives me permission :-).....
I live in South Florida and our only dress up times are weekly for church. I have been gradually going more to the very casual and comfortable and with Zenergy, it fits the bill. I have a problem getting overheated very easily and their fabric doesn't bother me. I am close to a store and to an outlet. I find that I have to go in as the things don't look near the same online. I also like their panties.
For bras - at this age and size - I find that Nordstrom has really worked for me. They are expensive, but last a long time - but they fit me so I can tolerate them all day. Would not wear them, but for me - that just isn't pretty. I have tried Dillards and Penneys and WalMart for bras, but they don't have the fitting expertise for me of Nordstrom.
I wear a size 11 shoe.
I LOVE Zappos -- online shopping. They cost a little more, but again, I am a big "girl" and need well constructed and comfortable shoes and don't have much choice in stores. I can find some in Payless, but they aren't comfortable and made well. Zappos has free shipping and free return. Return is easy, they send you a label to print and I put it on the same box it came in and drop it off at the UPS store. I don't even have to wait - just put it on the counter and leave. I guess they see the Zappos label.
I have looked at Walking Cradles, but haven't gotten any yet - but will check them out again.
This is SO exciting. I really miss having events to shop for...
I also like bed and bath sheets and towels. Love the sales of Garnet Hill and Company Store Online.
Joe......I hate shopping for shoes, too....I have these little tiny feet.....They are the only little thing on my body. My mother wore an 11. I still wear a lot of Berks and have found a nice collection from QVC....and less expensive.......AND some are even pretty!
Marilyn---Yes, I do have the Passport discount...:) I love the fact that you don't have to take your coupons with you at Chicos..They just look up your account and they are applied. I love the comfort of their dresses, too.......
CHICOS OUTLETS?????? Where? Can the ship dock there?
Nancy--I should have known you would like Stuart Weitzman--they are my favorite shoes. I have to be careful with fragrance because I have allergies--usually I stick to bubble bath and body lotion in certain scents, and I'm ok.
One thing Chicos introduced me to are sunglass readers. Other places must sell them, but I hadn't seen them before. Has anyone found them in other stores?
yes on the NYDJ--love them. Sunglass readers are readymade bifocal sunglasses--stylish looking--no prescription at the top, small area of reading glasses prescription at the bottom. They come in different strengths.
try on one of the soma bras then we talk. i have a zillion brands, they 'fit' like they should and hold you where you want to be and straps are so perfect:)just reorganized my 'loungere?SP? drawer. the soma bras-some have support yet no underwire which i usually need. for everyday COMFORT they have a stretchyone with no wires. i live in them. i will buy more. they also have wired ones and they are super if you need 'support'. panties by soma are incredible as well. sorry guys. girl talk! the outlet stores carry them too. i got mine for 9dol!!!! each reg like 45dol in the catalogue. divvi
Essence/Helena/wireless underlined bra... this is the SUPER comfy one. i live in these ps just received 2 pair of walking cradles i ordered of their website last week-. holymoly. comfy isnt the word! ..did i say love them?
I head out to Chicos 3-4 times a year and stock up. Used to do the same thing when I worked. I'd go to Dillards or Foleys and buy 5-6 suits and be set for awhile. I really have to be in the mood to shop and I loathe trying on clothes. I'm a small size and usually hard to fit. Where is a central tx Chicos outlet? I shop their Arboretum store.
Some time ago, Marsh mentioned that his wife was gaining weight and he had trouble fitting her into clothes. I suggested that, for the summer at least, he get her mumuus. Sent him to National. When we met, there she was in one. That's all she wears now. It's all I wear for nighttimes, and I stretch it into loungewear.. as long as I can!
Weejun, go to San Marcos Tanger Outlet Stores and/or San Marcos Prime Outlet Stores (on line) and there is a list of all the stores that are in each section. Imagine almost a mile of outlet stores!!! wheeeeee!
I adore NYDJ (Not your daughter's jeans). They fit me to a tee. Marilyn & I shared our love for these earlier this summer. She found some in a Marshall's, I think...for a huge discount! No such luck for me. They are so comfortable!
Okay Marilyn you've got me thinking as it's been awhile since I've thought a lot about clothes. Before DX I used to like Eileen Fisher, some Flax, CP Shades. I used to have a lot of Donna Jessica I would buy on ebay and then resell later often getting more than I paid originally. I like wearable art, natural fabrics, linen, and rayon, drapey stuff. I've recently bought a brand called Dairi I think it is on ebay. They're new and not cheap but certainly less on ebay than in a boutique. I can't stand dept. stores or malls, but really like little boutiques. I like funky clothes I guess for the most part. Oh is it max azria bcbg - a label I used to like but would never pay full price. I like upscale consignment stores especially when the season is nearly over and the prices have been dropped as those places can be pricey. Way back I used to have some Blue Fish but sold all those on ebay. AGE APPROPRIATE? Whazat? I have some women friends in their 70s who wear the most gorgeous funky wearable art type clothes. I wouldn't wear a mini skirt or short shorts or ridiculously teeny bopper clothes, but other than that, I think the type of clothes I'm attracted to would appeal to many ages. But then I'm pretty out of touch with the fashion pulse of America right now.
I used to have several friends who shopped at Chicos. I never have much. Oh, JJill, that's a shop I like - at least some of their stuff.
I've got to tell you, my favorite shopping is in the thrift stores around here. I get Talbot's, Chico's, Nordstrom's and all sorts of name brands for $3.00. Shopping without any guilt, and I don't put it on my credit card. I began to do this several years ago, when I lost some weight and was buying intermediate sizes. Well, after donating my big clothes, I gained back the weight and since I'm an up and down person, I decided that buying slightly preowned for $3.00 even if I only wear it a few times, then redonate it beats $50 for the same item. I've also bought wonderful stuff for the house, seasonal decor, all kinds of stuff, and when I tire of it, just redonate.
I'm with you,Chris, I do the same thing. And I seem to find the better brands that fit me well at the consignment shops. Sometimes I even take some of them back to the consignment shop if I don't wear them for awhile - and get most of my money back!
I also like the thrift shops. I think mostly because the clothes are not current styles and I like something different. Not to say I don't also like to shop in the nicer stores.
O.K. I'm going to go to Chico's & try something on. You all have convinced me the fabric is great. I need to do that before I can order something, need to know about fit. I mostly wear yellow, lime green, deep green in velvet, pink, hot pink, coral, OFF white, ivory, turquoise, medium blue, some gold & violet. Sometimes white, sometimes black, brown, bottoms. No navy or red. Got rid of all my cropped pants (have forgotten what they're called haha) ala What Not To Wear. I could see they were no good for me. I also like Talbots, seems to have my colors.
Like Joan, I was amazed to discover "new things" when I went through my move. I have some great shoes that don't even look familiar, so it was like shopping. Same for some small stuff that I had put away, because I couldn't fit into it before. I was going to cull them, which I did a lot of, but the "new" things I couldn't let go of.
Terry--reading your post brought back a lot of memories. I used to wear Donna Jessica, Blue Fish, still wear and love Eileen Fisher. How about Canvasbacks? Around here, lots of the boutiques that sold those lines have closed over the years, so I have gotten away from that type of clothing. You are right, it's good for any age.
Kitty--Zenergy has black, brown and white groups right now, among others. You'll find the other colors you wear in the tops--tees, camis, tanks, etc. I think you will do fine there.
The only problem with Thrift store shopping is that it ruins the joy of shopping in good stores. Love those brand name clothes for $3.00. It's like a treasure hunt and so much fun. Beats drinking or tranquilizers any day. And yes, What Not to Wear would trash most of my clothes.
Capris, that's the word I couldn't think of! At least it came to me. Whew. Yeah, Marilyn, all I saw when I went on the site were things in white, black, brown, a touch of blue, coral. And prints. But I'll try the store & see what's up.
Kitty, Keep in mind that each Chicos has 40 percent basics and the other 60 percent vary from store to store. There is a really small one near me that I hardly go to, the larger stores, obviously, have more variety.