tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36124766.post2978661548935494681..comments2024-03-22T17:14:03.969-04:00Comments on The Cottage Nest: Wardrobe Basics- A Plea for HelpJen Kershnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16128661586028201160noreply@blogger.comBlogger52125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36124766.post-79232286347698368342007-07-28T12:21:00.000-04:002007-07-28T12:21:00.000-04:00A kindred soul! I just found your blog and this p...A kindred soul! I just found your blog and this post spoke to me! I checked out modernest.blogspot.com and I think that's my favorite idea blog now! I'm off to go buy the Reese Witherspoon outfit!Aninahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09091917715539875575noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36124766.post-49568894621074600402007-07-28T10:44:00.000-04:002007-07-28T10:44:00.000-04:00This comment has been removed by the author.sunflower_dayshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17382911573929472249noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36124766.post-60025625240475728932007-07-25T17:04:00.000-04:002007-07-25T17:04:00.000-04:00Seems I spell as well as I dress: Brooch...is wha...Seems I spell as well as I dress: <BR/><BR/>Brooch...is what I meant!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36124766.post-84569349000427367982007-07-25T17:03:00.000-04:002007-07-25T17:03:00.000-04:00Run out and buy the nicest white t-shirt to wear u...Run out and buy the nicest white t-shirt to wear under that jean jacket, then pin on the cutest fabric broohe you can find on Etsy (made by other bloggers) and then... we'd be twins!!! Good luck! I think I'm in the same boat you are!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36124766.post-14786149493159343732007-07-24T01:54:00.000-04:002007-07-24T01:54:00.000-04:00I've had the same dilemma!!! I am so glad you post...I've had the same dilemma!!! I am so glad you posted this. What made it hard for me is that I work in the fashion industry and there are soooo many totally fab girls running around in outfits I can't shimmy my size 10 butt into. <BR/><BR/>On thing that works for me is classics. Not Ann Taylor classics, but cool classics. Here's what I think you should consider doing:<BR/><BR/>1) Spend whatever it takes to buy some killer jeans. If that means $100 - $180, DO IT. You won't regret it. The cost-per-wear for denim is cheaper than anything else you will buy because you will get so much wear from those jeans. Avoid buying denim at the Gap. Their washes are not really current and the fit is notoriously bad. Spend a little extra to get cool jeans. <BR/><BR/>I have about 8 pairs of denim in my closet that I never wear because they are just kind of "off." And I used to think it was criminal to pay more than $60 for jeans. Guess what? I spent way more than that on all those jeans I never wear. I am not on a 3-pair policy. I always make sure I have 2 pair I love and are good for work (since we can wear fashionable jeans to work) and one pair that's just a grungy around the house pair for weekend work. No more. I don't need 5 pair. I only need 2 and I wear them to death. No one notices how much I wear them at work because I mix them up with different jackets and tops. <BR/><BR/><BR/>2) Invest in great basic white & black tees... all kinds. Boatneck, 3/4 sleeve, etc etc. Solid shirts in interesting cuts are always smart. Patterns are really tricky, and I just say avoid them altogether. You didn't see Jackie Kennedy in prints, right? A clean look is a cool look. <BR/><BR/>3) Get a great black pencil skirt, a good fitted lightweight sweater to go on top (Banana Republic is a good resource...think audrey hepburn-ish, even if you aren't rail thin... it's a good look for nearly everyone) and get chic peep toe pumps or slingbacks (as high as is comfortable for you. This is a great go-to outfit for parent-teacher conferences, dinners with the husband, etc etc. Flaunt your curves. Size 12 is hot. Rock it!<BR/><BR/>4) Wear your denim jacket with khakis or black pants, but never with denim bottoms. You probably totally know this, but, you know, some people rock the denim-on-denim look and that's a little risky. <BR/><BR/>5) COOL EARRINGS. Serously. I am known for wearing black, black, black all the time but I throw in great silver hoops, gold disc-shaped earrings, and dangly-earrings with multiple delicate hoops interlocked and the accessories can really make an outfit look artful even if the clothes are just basic black. <BR/><BR/>6) Chic flats. Splurge on metallic flats that you can run around in. And if you are a sneaker mom, get cool ones you will love like Puma, Gola, or other low-profile (flat sole) versions like Diesel. <BR/><BR/>7) Wrap dresses. They can be tricky if you are more than a B-cup, but just put a matching cami underneath to keep that cleavage under wraps. Wrap dresses are so chic, they define your waist and you can be really active in them (read: comfy). Don't be afraid to spend a little extra to get ones you really love. Nothing is really a good deal if you never wear it, so spend a little more on fewer things and have a wardrobe you love and really wear a lot. <BR/><BR/>8) Don't be afraid to call your mid- to upscale stores and have them shop for you. Seriously! Good stores do this for free (and the personal shoppers love it... it's their job and a fun job at that). You don't need to hire a style consultant when you can get these sassy girls to put your outfits together for you. You also don't need to spend a lot to have a good store do this for you.<BR/><BR/>9) Buy the Lucky style book (from amazon.com). It's a really good guide to help you figure out what works for your body type and what things are timeless. <BR/><BR/>10) Low-heel wedges are your friend! Adds height to you while easy to run around in. <BR/><BR/><BR/>It's hard to spend time on yourself when you are a busy mom, but it's worth it and you totally deserve it. Good luck! Tell us how it goes!Decornohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07570133328738420493noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36124766.post-82626469484042962672007-07-18T18:44:00.000-04:002007-07-18T18:44:00.000-04:00J Jill is an artsy type of catalog & Store. Someti...J Jill is an artsy type of catalog & Store. Sometimes pricey but with good sales and often to be found on eBay. There used to be a great catalog called Tweeds. I don't know what happened to them but J Jill is that sort of sytle. Good luck and keep us posted - many of us share your dilemna.gracehoperhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01437688011666856512noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36124766.post-20072715677467175572007-07-17T21:36:00.000-04:002007-07-17T21:36:00.000-04:00I don't think you can go wrong with the GAP. I bu...I don't think you can go wrong with the GAP. I buy pants in the men's section, and have since I was a skinny college girl. :<) LL Bean might offer some clothes you'd like. JJill is a hit with some women. I've bought some capris and sweaters from them and have been very happy. As far as a budget goes, I'd rather have a few really good, long lasting clothes than many cheap, short lasting clothes. One of my favorite, favorite stores is Woolrich. I love your jacket!Nanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15547916206007733970noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36124766.post-19985673189007398892007-07-16T17:59:00.000-04:002007-07-16T17:59:00.000-04:00I see lots my favorites listed here, but usually o...I see lots my favorites listed here, but usually one of my first stops is New York & Co or The Limited. They have classic styles along with things that are slightly trendy, but not too young for us 30-somethings. They both have good sales, but NY & Co's sales are a little better.Pennyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07634796286892321194noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36124766.post-38919728188445475592007-07-14T02:37:00.000-04:002007-07-14T02:37:00.000-04:00Hi again! I can't wait to read your comments on t...Hi again! I can't wait to read your comments on this post! But I also wanted to tell you that I have been conciously TRYING (that being the key word, lol) to put more thought into my wardrobe. Since becoming a mom I have seemed to forget that I once knew how to dress. Although I do my hair and makeup everyday, I was wearing rags basically. Yet my kids always look nice and I was buying "home" stuff before clothes!!! I have discovered that I love brown on myself. And instead of a sea of black shirts in my closet I actually have COLORS now. I still love black and denim. It works all the time! I mostly shop at TJ's, Marshall's and loving Gap outlet lately. I never really liked the regular store, but the outlet is more appealing and seems to have a better selection. Also their prices are great. And I still shop my thrift and consignment shops. It's in my blood! I always find some great stuff there! :) Good luck and happy shopping!<BR/>KristiKristihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13142694706893565452noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36124766.post-27190939542197304222007-07-13T12:44:00.000-04:002007-07-13T12:44:00.000-04:00I have that exact ON jacket and wear it all the ti...I have that exact ON jacket and wear it all the time! With black capris, khaki capris, casual skirts. I'm 27 and work full-time, but in a relatively casual environment. My problem is trying to find things that can work for home, work, and church. Everyone has pretty much said what I would: Target, ON, Gap, Ann Taylor Loft, etc. You'll do great!<BR/><BR/>I love your blog!Serahhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12517052802687019802noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36124766.post-84543136777757813392007-07-12T23:43:00.000-04:002007-07-12T23:43:00.000-04:00hey there! i have a fashion blog (in addition to ...hey there! i have a fashion blog (in addition to my lifestyle/food blog TCL)...I show lots of my outfits, but lots of them lately have been for work at a bank (so pretty formal), but you may like some of the others.<BR/><BR/>As for stores, I think you'd like Gap or Ann Taylor Loft. Both have awesome sales, so be sure to hit them off after a new season has been released. ATL tends to go on sale a few weeks after it first goes up (at least that seems to be the pattern). They also have really good coupons - either if you sign up for their email list or credit card (can't remember which).<BR/><BR/>I also like J Crew and Banana Republic, but to me, they're a bit on the expensive side. BR has good sales too though with classic items you could get lots of good use out of.<BR/><BR/>Maybe try Chico's too? There are probably also some local places, but since I don't know where you live, I can't recommend those...haha. I know around my city, there are a couple boutiques that have affordable clothes, but they only have 3 locations in this one city (to my knowledge).<BR/><BR/>TJ Maxx, Marshalls, and those type stores have awesome deals and really cute stuff.<BR/><BR/>You may want to also check out a local consignment shop - you can find great stuff there. <BR/><BR/>I've also found really nice stuff at thrift stores before, especially if they're close to a really nice neighborhood. One time, I found 3 Brooks Brothers shirts for my SO with the tags still on them! one of my best finds clothing-wise to date!<BR/><BR/>Happy shopping!<BR/><BR/>:) DShopaholic Dhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01836647714616095389noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36124766.post-65036297557987887942007-07-12T20:17:00.000-04:002007-07-12T20:17:00.000-04:00Jen, first - the jean jacket was a great purchase....Jen, first - the jean jacket was a great purchase. You'll wear that 3 if not 4 seasons (there's always that balmy weekend in February!)<BR/><BR/>You've gotten a lot of good advice, but I'll throw in one other suggestion that I don't think I've seen yet. L.L.Bean makes very good quality clothes for reasonable prices. If nothing else, you can get staples (khakis, t-shirts, polos) and use them with pricer or trendier clothes that you'd get at a place like Banana or J.Crew. They have a no hassle return thing where you can return an item YEARS later with no receipt and it's not a problem. <BR/><BR/>Land's End (at Sears) is also a good choice for preppier clothes without the prices. I think their strategy is to look like J.Crew as much as possible. Have not tried them personally, but everyone swears by their beach towels, so I'm assuming the rest of the clothing line is good, too.<BR/><BR/>Good luck, Jen! A little practice and you'll get the swing of it. It's like riding a bike. You're just out of practice and haven't devoted as much time to yourself as you have to your darling girls.Meghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17060737799317963067noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36124766.post-64119881963678926112007-07-12T15:11:00.000-04:002007-07-12T15:11:00.000-04:00oh and i forgot:Marshalls and TJ Maxxand you can g...oh and i forgot:<BR/>Marshalls and TJ Maxx<BR/><BR/>and you can go look at things at JCrew, BR and Ann Taylor and then search for them on ebay! sometimes with staples jeans and pants they are easy to find...Holly Mathis Interiorshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06566941282059403990noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36124766.post-71345725608844275892007-07-12T15:00:00.000-04:002007-07-12T15:00:00.000-04:00I say TARGET and ON if you really want cheap..i fe...I say TARGET and ON if you really want cheap..i feel the same way..i can dress my son adorable and my house look great but sometimes when i look in the mirror it is scary. and i am much larger than a size 12 so it is really a challenge...i try to keep a cute well kept haircut and buy essentials often (like white tees and black comfy pants)...my philosophy is buy cheap for everyday stuff that gets stained or whatever otherwise i wont wear it..i just "save" it..my denim jacket is a fave too...and cool funky jewelry and shoes...i feel better spending more on those things..<BR/><BR/>GOOD LUCK..you deserve it!<BR/><BR/>oh and I have been trying to find Sarah White's photos on Great Expressions..no luck;( tell her to email me;;ha!<BR/><BR/>Love, HollyHolly Mathis Interiorshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06566941282059403990noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36124766.post-36093688219394832007-07-12T10:17:00.000-04:002007-07-12T10:17:00.000-04:00Gaah! Boden! Summer sale!! Go NOW! Bodenusa dot co...Gaah! Boden! Summer sale!! Go NOW! Bodenusa dot com. Pleaase note, they have UK sizing. Classic, some fun elements. I live in their clothes and J.Crew (which I always buy on sale.) Gap got all weird and trendy on me, and J.Crew's jeans fit me better, so I've all but abandoned Gap entirely. I completely relate with you on this, though. Have fun building your wardrobe!Amanda, Tony, Rosie and Anthonyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14273723565537014751noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36124766.post-165431561200894922007-07-12T06:53:00.000-04:002007-07-12T06:53:00.000-04:00I'm finding the sale rack at J.Jill to be all of t...I'm finding the sale rack at J.Jill to be all of the style you're seeking out...plenty of grace, elgegance but not stuffy apparel....fit for todays, hip Mom...size 12...it's the most common size in the universesavvycityfarmerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01123857662106999560noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36124766.post-24087856991714195242007-07-12T00:31:00.000-04:002007-07-12T00:31:00.000-04:00I love Coldwater Creek and they have an online out...I love Coldwater Creek and they have an online outlet store where you can pick up some great buys. I also like to browse the Spiegel catalog for ideas. The last one I picked up had ideas for 20, 30, 40 and 50 yos and all of them were stylish. I have had great luck with Liz Claiburne for cuts that work for a "real body" and yet are stylish. Joneswear is another good brand, though her body cut runs a bit on the petite side and are nto always long enough for my 5'9" frame. <BR/><BR/>I agree with the poster who suggested expressing your artistic side in your accessories. It's especially fun to have a "signature" look that people recognize as being your own definitive style. I'm known for my funky flats, cowboy boots, charm bracelets and vintage southwestern/turquoise jewelry.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36124766.post-54150807620292443882007-07-11T22:21:00.000-04:002007-07-11T22:21:00.000-04:00HiI'm not going to be much help telling you which ...Hi<BR/><BR/>I'm not going to be much help telling you which shops to go to as I live in Australia but for excellent stylish advice check out the site below. She also has a free weekly ezine that offers fashion advice as well as dos and don'ts. It may look like it is specifically for business attire but it covers everything from casual to formal and at home to business<BR/><BR/>http://www.fashionforrealwomen.com/Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36124766.post-13160616518256803032007-07-11T21:17:00.000-04:002007-07-11T21:17:00.000-04:00Jen, I just noticed that you are a size 12. 12 is ...Jen, I just noticed that you are a size 12. 12 is my "skinny size" due to my bone structure, and I have some things I've barely worn...some haven't been worn. Email me the types of clothing you like and I will be happy to see if I have anything you could be enjoying. I would love to be able to adopt some of my favorite things out :) If I get that skinny again, I will just buy new stuff to celebrate!<BR/><BR/>xo,<BR/><BR/>Andrea<BR/><BR/>truesouthernheart at yahoo dot comSouthern Hearthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14672687626606973967noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36124766.post-52946343888618608682007-07-11T21:13:00.000-04:002007-07-11T21:13:00.000-04:00I love that jacket!Have you tried eBay? You can fi...I love that jacket!<BR/><BR/>Have you tried eBay? You can find a lot of Ann Taylor and Talbot's (and other brand) items on there, many new-with-tags. I second the Christopher & Banks recommendation...very tailored and classic, but with updated motifs and colors (great sweaters!).<BR/><BR/>The "stuck in your favorite era" thing is probably quite true. I still dress quite a bit like I did in the early 80s...thank goodness things were pretty preppy/classic then (I'm seeing a lot of the same things now). I guess the style that I gravitate toward is the "Kathryn Hepburn" look.Southern Hearthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14672687626606973967noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36124766.post-61581299239598247802007-07-11T19:19:00.000-04:002007-07-11T19:19:00.000-04:00Start TIVO'g TLC's What Not To Wear. Great tips fo...Start TIVO'g TLC's What Not To Wear. Great tips for EVERYONE on how to dress for YOU and look FABULOUS. Great entertainment, but honestly alot of really good advice. Seriously. Also, I think Talbots and Chico's have great clothes and sales people who are really helpful. And doesn't Nordstroms even have personal shoppers? You might try that, but seriosly-Clinton and Stacy-that's all I'm sayin'.Pattihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01316357028217599873noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36124766.post-7564815617474832602007-07-11T14:17:00.000-04:002007-07-11T14:17:00.000-04:00I hear ya girlfriend!! I pretty much exclusively ...I hear ya girlfriend!! I pretty much exclusively shop at JCrew. I will sometimes find things at Banana Republic. I can't shop at department stores....just too overwhelming for me.<BR/>Good Luck!cammyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00784661576792933812noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36124766.post-69046950199930945932007-07-11T10:58:00.000-04:002007-07-11T10:58:00.000-04:00Love your style girl!!!Added you to my "Fav's"Fash...Love your style girl!!!Added you to my "Fav's"<BR/>Fashion tip...Think classic...Darling demin jacket mixed with a target tee shirt,jeans or skirt...whimsy vintage jewels & bag...Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36124766.post-72359268051721788882007-07-11T09:43:00.000-04:002007-07-11T09:43:00.000-04:00I agree with those who have mentioned Ann Taylor &...I agree with those who have mentioned Ann Taylor & Ann Taylor Loft. <BR/><BR/>I've found that Lucky magazine shows the new trends in a more wearable way than many other fashion magazines. Though, I still have to adapt many of the styles to my age (34) & lifestyle. Another *great* resource is the Lucky shopping guide. Its really a guide to building a great wardrobe to fit your lifestyle & its so practical.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36124766.post-57690442961065205432007-07-11T09:26:00.000-04:002007-07-11T09:26:00.000-04:00I am so excited to see this post. I too bought my...I am so excited to see this post. I too bought my first jean jacket this summer (after seeing my cousin wear hers with a lot of different clothing..she looked great!). I'm in the same boat as you looking for inspiration. Thank you for talking about this!mymoskhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04585669385982166564noreply@blogger.com