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Post by its me mg on Feb 10, 2017 18:38:21 GMT
Wow, thanks you guys! All really valid feedback. I hate hate hate hate hate clothes shopping - I'd love to go on What Not to Wear. I dress "alright" - I mean, I am presentable, but I often blend in with the younger kids because I dress down a little "too" much. I was told I can operate the shit out of a restaurant, I just need to look like it. Basically. Which is fine. If that's the only thing holding me back, then I'm happy because that's an easy fix. I do keep up with the basics (my brows will require their own zip code if I don't) ... but I think you guys nailed it ... the fabrics matter. I don't mind mascara, I'm too lazy to bother most days. Someone mentioned the chick that looks flawless in jeans in a tee ... I wish I was that girl. I often feel like this ... I just feel so BLAH! I am also on a weird cusp ... I carry all my weight in my tummy, and I'm only 5'2" .... but I can wear a 10/12 pant .... and require an XL/XXL top. Such a bizarre shape! I'm not quite plus size, but I am? I don't even bother trying because it's so damn frustrating, and I'm at the point where I've worn all my clothes ragged. It sounds like it's possible, I just have to do it.
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Post by its me mg on Feb 10, 2017 18:41:09 GMT
As far as shoes .. I have to stick to black non-slips .... they do make them in heels and what not, but they are all FUGLY. Which is another challenge .. I can find a cute dress, but then I have these clog looking non-slips.
My non-slips have to cover the tops of my feet so no Mary Jane types. No flats. If I broke the dress code there, they wouldn't say much, but I'm a very hands on manager, and my shoes would have beer dripped into them and god knows what else in about 10 minutes flat.
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Post by its me mg on Feb 10, 2017 18:43:33 GMT
LeaP - The Vivienne Files is a really cool blog!! Wow!
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Grom Pea
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,944
Jun 27, 2014 0:21:07 GMT
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Post by Grom Pea on Feb 10, 2017 19:43:19 GMT
For corporate my mentor told me to get a good blazer and keep in in my office and wear it to meetings. That blazer saved me on days when it was wear jeans to the office day and I had a suit jacket and foot to the meeting early and sat down first so I looked more put together than my peers. I believe I was also surprised by an interview and threw that blazer on to look more professional and my mentor was one of the interviewers. I didn't get the position but I was surprised I was even considered because I was a junior manager and this was a very senior position. I like to think the big smile she had on her face indicated that she was pleased I followed her advice. :-)
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Post by darkangel090260 on Feb 10, 2017 19:48:14 GMT
a tailor, I am a odd build and there is nothing that fits right. Whenever i need to look good a have a few things i had tailored to fit me just right. I stay away from trendy stuff do more classic looks.
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Post by monicad on Feb 10, 2017 20:20:06 GMT
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used2scrap
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,036
Jan 29, 2016 3:02:55 GMT
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Post by used2scrap on Feb 10, 2017 20:33:19 GMT
Does anyone use stylebook? (I think that is what is called?) I would think that could help immensely in being "put together".
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Post by busy on Feb 10, 2017 20:42:21 GMT
Does anyone use stylebook? (I think that is what is called?) I would think that could help immensely in being "put together". I have tried - and gave up. I had too much stuff to catalog and it was more frustration than it was worth for me. But if someone was starting a new wardrobe, whether due to a career change, significant weight loss or something else... I think it would be awesome.
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Post by scrapcat on Feb 10, 2017 20:47:59 GMT
Try building a Pinterest board or using Polyvore to get some inspiration of outfits you would like.
Traveling for work helped me figure out my best styles bcz I needed to be efficient when packing. For me it's always easier to start with what I do not like or do not want to do/wear. So start there, and eliminate styles and cuts you just don't like. If you Pin outfits you do like, you will start to see patterns emerge.
And same, there are things I may sort of like, but I know it doesn't really look good on me. So I stick to certain silhouettes and neutral colors. I used to have an array of colors in my closet then I realized trying to coordinate those colors made me anxious, so I eliminated the choices.
I also always edit my look by eliminating one thing at the end. I'm very basic with accessories, but I generally only wear either a bracelet or necklace. If I have a busy pattern or design, or more interesting shoes on, then no extra jewelry (except wedding ring!).
I think you should be comfortable with makeup and not over do it. As far as blush, I really like Tarte cheek stain and I always get the natural looking ones which just give u that hint of peachy color.
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Post by mcscrapper on Feb 11, 2017 14:36:29 GMT
I didn't read all of the replies but I am not a girly-girl myself. I wear scrubs every day so finding corporate clothes is a challenge to me. I'm interviewing for NP jobs right now and really struggle. I used to work a corporate job in my late 20s, early 30s but I can't dress like that after kids, etc.
Loft is my go-to place for dressier clothes. I find their clothes to be great for me and are pretty decent quality and the fit is usually just right for me as a petite. I am anti-suit and they have lots of great mix and match separates. To me, a put together look doesn't mean all done up. I've seen so many women that are just way over done! Start with a great pair of trousers in a black or grey color and look for several tops that will go with those and get a few necklaces and earrings that go with the tops. My favorite interview outfit is a pair of black pants that have a grey stripe in them (makes me look taller) and a muted cranberry colored blazer. Under that I wear a cute shell that has that same cranberry and grey color in it. I have a very simple necklace and earrings that go with that. I can easily transition that blazer for spring too.
Have you ever seen Bernie Mev shoes? They aren't too dressy but the soles are rubber and may be great for your job. I have two pairs I wear quite a bit to church and I love them. I have wide feet and these stretch a bit giving me the room I need. Otherwise, a simple ankle boot works great for me, too. Scrubs and comfy shoes have had me spoiled for years!
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Post by anxiousmom on Feb 11, 2017 14:58:11 GMT
I appreciate that you asked the question.
I have been a stay at home mom forever and went back to work recently. My previous job was about 5 years ago and since then I have lost a bunch of weight and don't have anything that really fits well and pretty much all of my previous work wardrobe had to go as it was too big. Additionally, it is a much more casual office than where I was previously. I prefer a very classic look, but the skirt/top/dress and heels thing is a bit out of place where I am now. I am struggling to dress professionally, but casually so.
I asked a while ago about what people would buy if they were starting over and got a lot of similar advice. I was going to go shopping with my mom to get things started, but decided to put it off while getting used to the culture of my new job. I am really glad I did because what I would have bought then is likely not what I would buy now that I have been there for a while.
I think this idea of polished and put together is what I am going to go with along with business casual. I don't want to wear jeans and tees every day like the other people in my position. It may be okay for the office, but it isn't for me. I want to try to balance between where I am and where I want to go.
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Post by mikklynn on Feb 11, 2017 15:06:44 GMT
its me mg Talbots carries a size X in their plus size. It's cut a little different than say an XL in the misses size. They also carry petite plus, so I would go into a store, if I could and try things on. Then, I mostly shop the online store. Place things in your cart, sign up for emails, and wait for the coupon code. I agree with other who suggest starting a Pinterest board. It's helped me mix things I already have. For example, I used a blue patterned top under a kelly green sweater. It looks great, but I would never have thought to wear those two pieces together.
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Post by birukitty on Feb 12, 2017 1:00:01 GMT
I love Talbot's for their "look" and their wide variety of sizes. I recently went into their local store and shopped their end of the season sale (which had huge savings) and acquainted myself with their stock and sizing. I also lost a lot of weight recently so I was in need of a lot of clothes but am on a tight budget.
What worked for me was shopping on Ebay once I found what I wanted in the better stores and then looking for that particular item in the size I knew fit me. Even better than that was that I am lucky to have a great Goodwill store in my small city that has lots of items in my size in Talbot's brand, Ann Taylor, and so far I've found 3 pairs of "Not Your Daughter's Jeans" that would have cost $139.00 at my local Nordstrom. I've found several Ann Taylor blouses, and a silk cardigan sweater. It is true how much better one can look in higher quality clothing-the fabric and styling of the Ann Taylor items (these are not Ann Taylor Loft items) are superior to clothing I am used to purchasing (before this I bought most of my clothing from L.L. Bean).
I'm not shopping for a job, but for a trip I'm preparing for to Europe in the Spring. If you are on a budget or even just to save money these two options may work for you.
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YooHoot
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,418
Jun 26, 2014 3:11:50 GMT
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Post by YooHoot on Feb 12, 2017 1:56:54 GMT
Fit of course, like others have said. Attention to details (no panty lines, no bra straps showing, pants the correct length for shoes, shapewear if needed). I think the number one thing that came to mind for me is a third "completer" piece -- jacket or scarf or strong jewelry piece, etc. Takes outfit to next level and makes it interesting. This. I can throw on a t-shirt and jeans, but if I add a vest or a scarf it gives it a put together looks. i agree on staying away from prints. I prefer solids.
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ComplicatedLady
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,037
Location: Valley of the Sun
Jul 26, 2014 21:02:07 GMT
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Post by ComplicatedLady on Feb 12, 2017 18:52:46 GMT
All great advice, but I want to second the idea to make sure you're comfortable. You can have the most professional polished looking outfit with the greatest fit, but if you aren't comfortable in it, it'll show.
Many of the recommendations I've seen (here and elsewhere) include a basic white button down collared dress shirt. I've tried to force it so many times and finally learned to give up. I have broad shoulders so button down shirts always fit weird. I hate them so I would never make them a wardrobe staple of mine. I've seen nice ones and have seen people wear them and look great, but I've learned that it's not for me.
Get basic colors first and then you can add trendy pieces or pops of color. My "uniform" for a while was black or gray pants, a patterned shell top, and a solid cardigan, sweater, or jacket. I've since branched out with patterned skirts and dresses. I mix heels and flats but I always make sure the heels are comfortable. I wear 1-2 inch heels and rarely higher. In the winter, I wear dressy boots too--with skirts/dresses.
Try a few things on and figure out what your style and comfort level is. Once you know that, it's easier to add things that you know will fit and look good. One other thing I've been trying to do is only buy something if I know when and how I'll wear it. For example, I may find a skirt I really like, but I have to know what top and shoes I'll wear with it (or buy a top to wear with it.) I had a stretch where I had several cute things, but I couldn't wear them because nothing coordinated.
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Post by silverlining on Feb 12, 2017 20:35:03 GMT
In my field, what seems to distinguish the upper managers from other female employees is the jacket or blazer. I would recommend buying 2-3 blazers in colors you like but which are fairly neutral such as navy, black, gray and beige/camel. If you have trousers that fit well and a couple great-fitting jackets, you're off to a great start! I don't care for the pantsuit look, but usually wear navy or black pants with camel or gray jackets, and vice versa. In the summer, a white or light beige jacket is useful.
I have found great jackets at Loft, Ann Taylor, and Banana Republic on clearance and then buy them when the clearance items go on sale.
Best of luck to you!
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Deleted
Posts: 0
Jun 5, 2024 0:50:48 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Feb 12, 2017 23:48:00 GMT
As long as it fits well , you can buy from anywhere.
Black slacks are classic.
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Post by birukitty on Feb 13, 2017 0:39:10 GMT
All great advice, but I want to second the idea to make sure you're comfortable. You can have the most professional polished looking outfit with the greatest fit, but if you aren't comfortable in it, it'll show. Many of the recommendations I've seen (here and elsewhere) include a basic white button down collared dress shirt. I've tried to force it so many times and finally learned to give up. I have broad shoulders so button down shirts always fit weird. I hate them so I would never make them a wardrobe staple of mine. I've seen nice ones and have seen people wear them and look great, but I've learned that it's not for me. I agree with this 100% and have to say this is so me with the white collared dress shirt. I too have tried it so many times thinking it would look on me like it does on other women who have I have seen it on who look so professionally pulled together if I could just find the right shirt-but every time I try, disaster. I have narrow shoulders and a petite frame, but I also wear a 36DD bra size and I have a very short waisted top frame, although my legs are normal length. When I try to tuck in shirts it makes my top half look even shorter. I've just also realized the white collared dress shirt (especially tucked in) doesn't work for me either.
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