Clothes shopping rant

[LT Garrix]

So, I decided I could use some new tanktops and since I was at the mall getting a haircut, I decided to do some shopping. Sorry to say, after going to 7 or 8 different stores, I found nothing.

It seem this year's fashion is to have tanktops in the camisole style so it looks like you are wearing your lingiere on the outside. Seriously, I have PJs that look just like these tanktops being sold as outerwear. They are made out of the same flimsy material, too. For me, this is an issue since I really can't go braless and you can't really wear a bra under any of this stuff.

I did find one store that had styles I liked, but the colors were not to my liking. I flat out refuse to wear khaki and olive drab as they don't look good on me and those are the colors I'm surrounded with all day. Orange and lime green are other popular colors that look like crap on me.

Soooo...Another season with no new clothes. I think I can get by with what I have from years past.

I guess this is another "designers ignoring the 30 somethings". In the department stores it's either trashy ho or extremely conservative. There's nothing in the middle.

On a side not, I was looking for a dress for a formal event we have in about 6 weeks, but the only dress I found that I really liked was $308. Way too much. I have a couple in my closet that I will probably end up choosing from, but a part of me wanted a new dress. At least that isn't going to be an issue.

I had thought I had found a really great dress, not a formal, but a nice dress for wearing out to dinner. It was a great dress other than the fact they didn't have my size. A very common problem for me. Turns out a lot of people in SD are size 6, since more often than not, any article of clothing I like is not available in my size by the time I find it. I have NEVER been able to buy anything off a clearance rack. I actually don't check clearance racks anymore as it has been a waste of time.

[buggabboo]

did you try old navy and or sams club? around here they have some great, normal tanks...

[Milaya]

Seems someone is having the same problem as I do.But I like green, any green is good on me.But I can't find much green clothes.

[TheBladeRoden]

I think I've gotten maybe 1 new t-shirt this year.

[AgentSun]

my mom shops at coldwater creek and chicos.

try tj-maxx. my mom goes there a lot. i go for the shoes.

[LT Garrix]

I didn't try Old Navy, but that's where I got the tanks I have now. Problem is, since they are a discount retailer, their clothes really don't last that long and don't look that good after getting washed 12 times or so.

Chicos clothes are too conservative for me.

Now, I like nice dark emerald greens. I really look better in the brighter cool colors and sadly this is the summer of the warm colors, like orange and peach, that make me look washed out. Plus orange really clashes with my hair.

I may swing by Old Navy anyway, since it's so cheap does it really matter I don't get that much wear out of the clothes. Of course, the one around here never has my size in anything and it's a complete dump. Teens come in and look at stuff and place it anywhere when they don't want it. That's why I don't like shopping there.

[buggabboo]

see, as a thrift shop girl, i think old navy clothes look better after 12 or so washings. they fade right. walmart clothes? not so much. the only other thing i can suggest is online shopping. depending on what kind of tanks you want, check out some of the online sporting goods stores.

other than that i'm out of ideas.

[LT Garrix]

Yeah, I'm kinda giving up. I am so glad that I don't have to buy clothes for work. Everything I saw was either too casual, too dressy (ie suits) or too conservative. I was actually looking for stuff for the trip we are going on this weekend, but alas, it's not to be.

I'll give the Old Navy a courtesy trip, well, I'll check out the website first. And then I'll cross my fingers they have something in my size.

[JadedLegend3]

I was going to suggest Old Navy, too. :) I also love Lerner clothes (that's New York and Company to you newbies). I was in there on Tuesday and they had some really nice stuff. They also have a big sale going on right now. Both my mother (48) and I (23) can shop there and find great clothes. :D

Good luck, I know how you feel though. I went shopping the other day and came home with nothing. I went to Peebles and tried on 10 different things and came home with 2: a pair of jeans and a skirt. Then I went Tuesday and still found nothing. It's hard shopping when you're my age, too because if you don't want to look like a slut then there is nothing for you to wear. Although fortunately for me the hippie look is in this season and since I've got a hippie style I have found a lot of clothes I like (but none that fit right). *sigh*

Good luck! :hug:

[TalynLives]

I have the same problem clothes shopping. Can never find anything nice. The fact that there are so many chain stores these days each offering identical clothes doesn't help much.

[mgraylorn]

I checked out two malls one day and saw nothing I liked. Most of the stuff is too young and screams "one season wonder - next year no one will be caught dead in this!" I am too old and not skinny enough to dress like a slut - even if I wanted to. I normally find stuff I like at Kohls which runs constant sales, but not this year.

I've discovered the wonders of internet shopping. Some Land's End, but disappointed in a lot their selection this year, and lots of L.L.Bean. For dressier stuff, I agree with AgentSun's mother, Coldwater Creek baby! I've spent gobs of money there. I went to a wedding earlier this month and needed a new dress for it. I ordered 13 dresses from Coldwater Creek, with the hopes one would look good. Well, I kept 4 of them and sent the rest back. I've bought a LOT of stuff there since.

I've lost 33 pounds and dropped 2.5 dress sizes since last October and most of my old clothes are too big. I had to discard almost all of my skirts, pants, suit jackets, a lot of dresses and some shirts. So, damn, I have to buy new clothes.

[LT Garrix]

I had found a really great store on the east coast that I absolutely adored, B. Moss, but sadly, it's not out west. We don't have Lerner/NY&Co, at least not in the mall I go to. I wanted to try Gap, but it's closed for renovation and I don't feel like trucking to the other mall. Limited looked more like a lingiere store, only glanced in Express, saw the same thing, Bebe had clothes I liked in the wrong colors, the Dept Stores hit the demographics on either side of me.

Come to think of it, hubby probably wouldn't be that upset if I embraced the trashy ho fashion, but it really is one season wonder and I'm not spending that kind of money on clothes I'll only wear a couple months.

We dont' have Coldwater Creek and I can't do internet shopping because I have no clue what size I am. Anywhere from 4-8 depending on manufacturer, real pain in the eema.

mgray, congrats on the weight loss. You must feel much better having accomplished so much.

I made one trek to Kohl's last fall and didn't really care for anything there, so I don't make the trek out there. Actually, I was on the way home from the car dealership, so it wasn't out of the way. It's the only store in that area, other than an Office Depot.

I think this is why in the last year I've only bought 3 shirts.

[JadedLegend3]

Not sure about your body type, but it's been my experience that if you have hips, a butt, or boobs you can't wear GAP clothes. At least I can't.

If you try Lerner online they tend to run about a size big. Example: I'm a 5/6 most stores but at Lerner I'm a 4. That's in pants. In their shirts I usually wear an XS. I :love: stores where the sizes run big! :D

[Ka D'Argo]

I have it real easy. I love clothes and i do all my shopping at American Eagle Outfitters. Everything I want is there and i know all my sizes so i dont have to try things on.
________
ZOLOFT LAWYERS (http://www.classactionsettlements.org/lawsuit/zoloft/)

[SweetpeaAeryn]

Not sure about your body type, but it's been my experience that if you have hips, a butt, or boobs you can't wear GAP clothes. At least I can't.

If you try Lerner online they tend to run about a size big. Example: I'm a 5/6 most stores but at Lerner I'm a 4. That's in pants. In their shirts I usually wear an XS. I :love: stores where the sizes run big! :D

They do that to us so that we'll buy more!!! ;)

[Judith]

Come to think of it, hubby probably wouldn't be that upset if I embraced the trashy ho fashion, but it really is one season wonder and I'm not spending that kind of money on clothes I'll only wear a couple months.




Well, actually, the trendy ho thing has been around for quite a while now. ; p

[BrowderChick]

I hate shopping and only go when I really need to. I dont like to spend alot either.

[stlscape]

It won't help you for this weekend, but you may want to check out Lands' End clothes ( www.landsend.com ). The sizes are consistent from item to item, there's an online size chart, and Sears carries a small collection of Lands' End clothing that you could try on for size. Their prices are not super-cheap, but the clothes last a long time and look good.

[who45]

Coldwater Creek does have some really nice clothes, but it's a bit pricey for me. My Aunt shops there all the time. In fact she picked up some really nice tanks there.If I had lots of money, yeah I could do lots of damage in that store.

[AgentSun]

OUTLETS!

if you like Coldwater Creek but you don't like the prices, go to the outlets. my mom is soooo happy all the time now that she's found that coldwater creek has clothes that fit her and look good. my mom's a bit on the round side and she was so depressed that she couldn't find anything to fit her. think about it, she went from a size practically nothing (before me) to a size 12 while i was growing up...and on her, it was even smaller because she's tall and now she's about a 16. she's happy that she can go shopping now and get good clothes that fit well.

I like B.Moss too but none of their clothes fit me right...it might have to do with the sizing. I have one button down shirt from there and i like it a lot.

I guess it depends on your price range because places like Coldwater Creek, Chicos, Cache, (what's with all the C's?), Express, Gap, etc. are going to be pricier. I'd find an outlet if you generally can't or won't spend that much.

Is there an H&M where you are? I love H&M. Great prices and really really nice clothes. I have a trenchcoat I got there for 32 dollars that has lasted 3 years without anything falling off or coming loose. It's one of the best coats I have.

[JadedLegend3]

H&M is good and they have fabulous prices!

[fiona-maria]

I have problems with sizing, but the other way. I weigh 235 lbs, and when something does fit me in the thigh and hip, it gapes like the Grand Canyon in the back.*ack*

And the whole trashy slut/ho/cheap woman of negotiable affection thing? DETESTABLE. It's even worse when my daughters (14 & 12) want to dress like that.*ack*

Chico's has wonderful dress clothes sometimes. I found a fabulous shirt there a few years ago and still wear it. Dress Barn sometimes has stuff, but it is all polyester. Lane Bryant sometimes has stuff, again, it is mostly polyester. Land's End is for those without a bum of any sort, just a straight line down to the leg. I find the clothes at Gap, Limited, and American Eagle lacking in imagination. And the colors this year are yellow-base, which makes me look three days dead.*sigh*

So, I am reduced to making clothes if I want anything that fits and is the best color for me.*sigh*

[AgentSun]

My general rule is that if I'll still wear it in 2 years, it's worth spending more money on. If it's something that will go out of style in 3 months (like those freakin' ponchos--i refused to wear or buy one) then 10 or 20 dollars isn't going to be much damage.

The reason why I spend more on certain things is all about value. If I'm going to be wearing it for a while or if it's going to have a direct factor on my health (like shoes) then I'll spend more.

Though I'm great at hunting for sales. I got an Express belt for 15 dollars. It was originally 56.00. I love that belt.

i'm with you there, fiona-maria. I HATE YELLOW. no, no. i love yellow. i hate that it doesn't look good on me.

so to compensate, i bought a really fun yellow purse.

[mgraylorn]

JadedLegend, I am a year older than your mother - eek!

Coldwater Creek has outlet stores and an online outlet. I have picked up some really nice stuff there marked down to $19.99 and less that originally sold for $59 or more. Who45, you are right, the regular stuff is rather pricey. That put me off for several years until I got a decent job.

When I lost a fair bit of weight I had no idea what size I was, since I still wore my old clothes, just tightened the belt. In winter baggy isn't so noticable. But when I got close to my goal weight I decided to go out and get some better fitting stuff. I guessed at my size, and ordered the same thing in 2 different sizes. When they came I could try both to decide which fit better. Yea, I have to pay to send the unwanted item back, but the return postage doesn't run that much. Most online clothes stores have measurements for size. And some like L.L.Bean, if you call them to order, can give you actual garment measurements and are often familiar enough with the merchandise to tell you whether the item runs large or small. Alternatively, you can go to a clothing store and try stuff on to get an idea of your size, or several stores to get an average and then order from that information.

I am not well endowed, nor do I have particularly big hips. My problem area is my waist, which was never tiny but now has a layer of belly fat that doesn't seem to want to go away. That and fat calves. I have no idea how to get rid of calf fat, nor who I inherited that from. One of the things I really like about Coldwater Creek is that in most of the items the waist measurement is a little more forgiving than in the stuff for youngsters. If you have big loomas and a tiny waist, then Coldwater Creek might not have much to fit you, especially if you want to show off that tiny waist. But if you tend to be more straight up and down then the fit is pretty good.

Yea, I'm still in the thrilled to be smaller stage. I look better and feel better, and it is better for my health (bad knees and high blood pressure). I realize I am going to have to eat like this or even less for the rest of my life. No more sit down and eat half a bag of potato chips for me, sigh.

[AgentSun]

there are ways of hiding fat calves. my family has also been cursed with fat calf syndrome, only i am the only one in my family to not inherit so much of the fat calf syndrome and i wear heels which work the calves a little (it takes stretching to get so tall) and make the legs look longer.

if you wear heels, the thinner the heel, the thinner the calf.

if you don't wear heels, avoid clunky shoes with big thick soles.

[LT Garrix]

Sadly most of the stores mentioned aren't available out here. I guess I'm just not into California style. And to the best of my knowledge there is no outlet store nearby. I'm not normally hot on outlets because the last time I went I noticed they weren't selling clothes from the regular retail store, but ones manufactured (of a lower quality) just for the outlet. Granted this was only the Gap and American Eagle stores, as they were the only ones I went in.

I think this is one of the reason I dread having to get out of the Navy and find a job. I would actually have to decide what I would wear into work and have a nice selection of clothes that are outside the jeans/t-shirt category. It's so easy right now. :D

My problem with shirts in a lot of places is that I have broad shoulders and somewhat muscular biceps and most long sleeve and even short sleeved shirts that fit in the bust, don't fit on the arms. Even on my uniform shirt I had to buy up 2 sizes to fit my arms so I can raise them over my head. Needless to say the rest of the shirt doesn't look as good as it should. I've got enough excess that when I tuck it in, I can almost get my fingers to touch each other (think to how you see Marines tuck in the back of their shirts so that it's flat across the front and back) and you can almost fit two of me in the chest.

[who45]

H&M? I don't think I have ever heard of that store. There are not any Coldwater Creek outlets around here. The good thing that I have noticed in the store here is that they are now carrying smaller sizes than they used to. I have gotten a few outfits from there when they have a great sale, but again that is rare. I have found that Petite Sophisticate's clothes fit me better, but there too I wait for the sales. They do have an outlet store not too far from me so I hit that up when I can.

[AgentSun]

who, maybe your dancing bunny can get a hula skirt or something.

H&M (http://www.hm.com/corporate/language/language.jsp?aliasPath=null&popup=null)

[LT Garrix]

My biggest problem is tall and thin. Most pants look like flood pants on me. And then there is consistently finding pants that are long enough and don't shrink in the wash. That's always disappointing. I had great pants that after a dozen or so washes (in cold water) were too short for me to wear anymore.

I love how the push the tall/thin ideal, but then make no clothes to fit those people. And I'm not rail thin either. Just SOL for pants. And even better, at 32" inseam, I'm too tall for regulars and too short for talls most places. The clothing industry is against me. I know, I should wear more skirts, but I'm not big on heels or sandals you would wear with them. I think I only own 4 pairs of non-uniform, non-sneaker shoes.

[who45]

who, maybe your dancing bunny can get a hula skirt or something.

:rollin:

[Spedoinkel]

I'd give advice, but I'm somewhat confused as to your definition of the trashy ho look, and I'm not really up on trends in CA.

[AgentSun]

I'm kind of glad I'm shorter than my mother. I'm only 5'4 and if I were my mother's height (5'8/5'9) I wouldn't be able to wear 3 inch heels without feeling like a giant.

She doesn't wear heels either. For a long time we were mortal enemies because she didn't like me wearing heels (she felt that I would trip, fall, break my neck or die. and when i did trip, fall and break my foot, i wasn't wearing any shoes) and that's all i wanted to wear. in fact my mother doesn't own a pair of shoes that is not a sneaker, sandal or snow boot.

::shakes head:: she'd look nice in a kitten heel.

[AgentSun]

I don't think what she wants is trends. In fact, the anti-trend is what most of us like. Things that are classic and won't go out of style in 3 months. That's where her money is going to go because not very many people who have posted in this thread can identify with the "hip" fashion thats everywhere now. i can still wear it but these "old" people can't. apparenty much of the consumer clothing industry has ignored everyone 35 and up.

[Spedoinkel]

I'm pretty anti-trend myself. Most trends in recent years look utterly stupid, or pathetically hilarious to me. Of course I need to understand CA trends so that I can advice on the negative.

I still lean toward early-mid ninties fashion, with prodominantly dress-grunge infulence.

[AgentSun]

i'm a girl so to me, any girl who does the grungy look has to at least look like she's bathed. that said, I still wear my knee-high combat boots. I just make sure I look refined and polished. My taste has matured a lot. i wear more skirts, i wear heels pretty much all the time...makes me feel nice and i like that clack clack sound on the floor. most of my purses are shoulder bags. i am not carrying my entire life in a 10 year old muddy navy blue mini messenger bag...oh wait, that's my roommate. she had the worst taste in clothes. even the people who were bad at fashion said she was worse. she wore things that were much to small for her body. and there was a lot of her body to get into those tight spandexy clothes. uggh.

she borrowed a pair of my pants one time, despite me telling her that they would not fit, even though they were stretchy. she stretched them out. i no longer can wear those pants without a belt. they fall off.

[Spedoinkel]

See, the key is to not look like you've been on a construction site, or dumpster diving, but that you could a any moment. I prefer functional clothing. Somthing that will stand up to work.

Shoes are either sturdy boots, or comfortable flexible sneakers. Jeans with pockets you can fit both your hand and wallet in at the same time. Carpenters pants, and cargo pants are the way to go. Shorts are not more than above the knee. Jackets and coat get long sleeves that can easily hang over the hands, BIG pockets. I like pockets. Natural, or dark dyes in the hair. Add a quirky or witty image to the T-Shirt and I'm ready to go.

Of course that's just me, and I'm male. I differnt veiws for womens fashion, and it generaly requires being taliored to the individual.

[Spedoinkel]

For instance:
"everyday casual." But, not everyone can be the Slayer.
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/spedoinkel/weapon.jpg
So, "out on the town dress up".
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/spedoinkel/MiraSorvino-020.jpg
Basic stuff really.
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/spedoinkel/ginagershon.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/spedoinkel/mack.jpg

YMMV

[LT Garrix]

Well, they did have tanktops at Old Navy, so I picked up 3 new ones. Same style, different colors.

As for trashy ho, it's basically tops that look more like PJs or undergarments than tops, made out of the same polyester material and trimmed with tons of lace. No joke, I have a nightgown that looks exactly like one of the tops they were selling. As a B+ cup, there's no way I could wear something like this, since they are cut in a way that you can't reasonably wear a bra. Of course, a trashy ho wouldn't care if the world could see her bra. :rolleyes:

I'm pretty sure this trend is not just CA since I've seen the clothes at the national chain stores.

And as for the clothing industry ignoring 35+, I think it's more like 25-45 is ignored. No wonder so many women my age live in t-shirt and jeans, there's nothing else.

[trubador]

Trying to find men's jeans/slacks with an odd# sized waist (31, 33 or 35) is nearly impossible. I almost always ended up with these odd waistlines. Went looking for 35" waist jeans and shorts last week.... HAH! Only 34s (too tight) or 36s (too loose). And I'm not gonna spend $20 to tailor $15 shorts. :grr:

[Spedoinkel]

I have the hardest time finding 32", 33"s.

[AgentSun]

crap so you mean in 4 years i'll be hitting that 25-45 bracket? crap!

[LT Garrix]

Well, that would be for 25 year olds that want to look a little more mature and not like they are on the way to the nightclub.

[BrowderChick]

Now take those tops and add a few sizes to the chest area. Thats scary. That tosses it right into the trasy ho look.

[AgentSun]

Well, that would be for 25 year olds that want to look a little more mature and not like they are on the way to the nightclub.
oh. well, actually i don't think i'll run into that problem. i already have pants suits and jaackets and i haven't hit that mark yet...and most of the things i'm buying are geared towards the businessy 25-45 crowd.

now that i think of it, i don't think i have any nightclub wear....hmm.

[scrape_medic]

I feel your pain Lt G.....and green! no way, I wear that at work so no way am I going to wear that at home.

[Judith]

I still lean toward early-mid ninties fashion, with prodominantly dress-grunge infulence.


Yes! Me too! Sped, let's bring that back.

[AgentSun]

only if you bring kurt cobain back with you.

i really would like to see what he would've done had he not died. same with bradley nowell. someone bring back california ska style!

[Spedoinkel]

Will try.

[mgraylorn]

Boy am I feeling old. I think I'd have a great time shopping with AgentSun's mother. Sounds like we would be interested in the same types of clothes, and probably other stuff too.

I don't wear heels. I have some Rockport plain flats that I used to wear all the time, but more recently I've been wearing the Lands End mocs and clogs. Not this year's style, but those plain ones really popular 2 years ago. I have them in all the colors they had, both the summer and winter versions. Now if only I could find colored tights and solid colored socks to match my shoes and outfits, I'd be in heaven.

[Spedoinkel]

Now if only I could find colored tights and solid colored socks to match my shoes and outfits, I'd be in heaven.
Or you'd be a super hero.

[AgentSun]

yeah you'd be a superhero.

(real) pantyhose, as in acceptable for work, should only come in two colors: black and nude. that's it. no white, no opalescent. no. noooooo. especially not navy blue.

[Mrelia]

My biggest problem is tall and thin. Most pants look like flood pants on me. And then there is consistently finding pants that are long enough and don't shrink in the wash. That's always disappointing. I had great pants that after a dozen or so washes (in cold water) were too short for me to wear anymore.

I love how the push the tall/thin ideal, but then make no clothes to fit those people. And I'm not rail thin either. Just SOL for pants. And even better, at 32" inseam, I'm too tall for regulars and too short for talls most places. The clothing industry is against me. I know, I should wear more skirts, but I'm not big on heels or sandals you would wear with them. I think I only own 4 pairs of non-uniform, non-sneaker shoes.


If your hips and butt aren't too round, try going to a good men's wear place that does alterations. My Dad is like 28/33 and always has to get his good pants that way. If you go in and explain your problems in shopping retail, many tailors will be quite helpful. Actually, all my best-fitting khaki and suit pants are men's and I have a quite rounded figure.

Try a few thrift shops, you might be surprised at the selection.

My best advice, though, is to get someone to teach you or take a class in basic sewing and tailoring. I have large boobs on a small frame and so I CONSTANTLY have to buy tops and dresses a size too big and tailor them down a bit. I also buy pants a bit long so I can match my in-between inseam length. Sewing isn't just for grannies, ya know!

[Spedoinkel]

I'll take you shopping :lech:


And thus is expended my inappropriate comment for the thread.

[kymom5613]

Lt G, I've got similar problems...I've got these legs that start at my ears (33/34" inseam at 5'5"!!!) and ESPECIALLY now, I try finding a pair of pants that actually go all the way just to the TOP of my shoes, much less the middle...I got "talked to" at work about how my pants were not according to dress code. (maternity pants that hit above my ankle, so I rolled them up to look like pedal pushers, but not quite high enough to be capris...Go figure!) When not preggers, I always get talls, and they hit where they are supposed to, and EVERY now and then I can get a regular that fits OK. That's when I'm glad that longer pants are in style...then I have a better chance they'll actually fit me!!! I have the toughest time finding a 6/8 tall!!! When faced with that, I can opt for a 10 and run a seam to bring it closer to my actual size (yes, I sew as well...works wonders!). I used to have the same problem with blouses - broad shoulders and larger breasts. Made me have to get shirts bigger (to avoid aforementioned "trashy ho look" LOL) and thus, look sloppy a lot of the time. After nursing the kiddos, breasts went bye-bye and I've loved being able to actually WEAR a tank top without looking like I belonged on a streetcorner!!! (of course, they're b-a-c-k right now, but in about a year, they'll be gone again...Hooray!!!)
Anyway, I shop a lot at Sears & Kohls - I stay away from the teenager section, and most of the time, there is a happy medium...But I'm here in Kentucky, CA choices may be more extreme. Pretty conservative here, which fits my tastes...
Hope that you have more good luck finding what you want/need...Yeah, retiring is going to put wardrobe decisions on the forefront!!! Honestly, I liked NOT having to worry about what I'd wear - my choices...BDUs, ODs...Whoops, may need dress greens today!!!

[AgentSun]

Kymom, Express makes all their pants in short, regular and tall. I'm 5'3 and Regular is long enough (with heels) so you'll definitely be able to wear Regulars no matter what shoes you wear.

[AgentSun]

Oh, and I looked at Macy's today and Le Tigre sweater vests are on sale for 22 dollars. Not bad since they're originally 62.