<p>Bunsen Burner: who pays $195 for a blouse? How many $195 sales does it take to make it the “best-selling blouse”? I am pretty well off and I wouldn’t consider paying that much.</p>
<p>dmd: compared to the cheap-looking, frumpy $100-120 shirts I saw at the major chain stores this week, it is not a bad price for a well-made shirt that is not sewn in China, fits like a custom-tailored piece and does not need dry cleaning or ironing. Of course, I do not pay the full price for my clothes - my shirts come from sales and outlets, but I’d rather get one quality piece than 3-4 cheap ones that will be trashed after a couple of visits with the washing machine.
Somehow, someone does pay the full price for these shirts: certain sizes are sold out on the Nordstrom’s website, and yesterday there were only 2 light blue shirts on the rack at the downtown store that was pretty full last week (I estimate that my chances of scooping one of these shirts on sale are pretty slim).</p>
<p>Totally agree with BB about undergarments. Nothing drives me crazier than seeing a well dressed women with an ill fitting bra. I had a bra fitting at Nordstrom and found I was wearing the wrong bra, by alot. I bought two bras from them and then went to Nordstrom Rack and pretty much bought the same bras for half the price. </p>
<p>I like Soma also for bras and panties. They have a bra that I can’t remember the name which is suppose to hide back fat. They also have panties that I think are called vanishing edge and they are great at hiding panty lines.</p>
<p>I like black pants too in a nice crepe fabric that hangs nice. Just looks dressy. I like cardigans also, I think a nice cardigan looks very professional without being too dressy. That’s what my D bought for her internship this summer. She bought a couple of cardigans from J Crew with matching shells that she could mix and match. I thought she looked very nice. She bought a pair of comfortable flats but she was working in an office with a bunch of men and I’m sure they never noticed what she had on her feet. </p>
<p>I have noticed in the fashion magazines that Clarks have a nice pump for fall that looks so comfortable.</p>
<p>Wow…so many great ideas. THANK YOU!!!
I’ve wanted to do a bra fitting for years, all these comments are nudging me to do it now. I have a friend that did this and with her new bras, it looked like she had lost weight and just looked better overall. So, going to do that.</p>
<p>I do think that having some basic pants and then mixing it up with different jackets/tops is a good way to go. I don’t think almost $200 for a blouse is possible for me right now, but does give me the idea to see if Nordstrom rack has anything along those lines for a more reasonable price. </p>
<p>Shoes: Will check Ann Taylor and also like the boot idea with skirts. I do wear - and like - short mid-height heel boots with pants and jeans. I have a couple of pairs that I really like, so I’m good there.</p>
<p>Again, thank you all. I think I have my work cut out for me this weekend :)</p>
<p>I agree that properly fitting undergarments are a MUST. Nordstrom’s does free fittings & has a decent selection. I bought some there & then went & bought more at Nordstrom’s Rack for a HUGE savings. </p>
<p>Basic pants and some nice dressy knit tops with a few good jackets will be fine. That’s pretty much most of what I’ve been wearing over the past few decades and appear in many national and international settings & conferences; fortunately they pack well and are ready for most events. Long-sleeved blouses depend on where you will need to wear them. I purchased several but don’t wear them as much as I had expected; bought them also at Nordstrom’s Rack (NR) for about 25% of the marked price. Foxcroft makes very nice 100% cotton blouses that DO NOT wrinkle and look crisp and professional all the time. Mine at NR were about $20 apiece instead of $80+.</p>
<p>Take your time acquiring your wardrobe and make it fun & fit your new lifestyle. Nothing worse than filling up your closet & drawers with things you later decide aren’t quite “right” for your new image. Buy a few basic pieces & see what works for you.</p>
<p>Nordstrom Rack is a great place to look for business casual clothes. It is a treasure hunt, for sure, and there are no guarantees that you can find what you want, but the prices are great. My first Bashina blouse was from Nordstrom Rack, $70 or so. It still looks great after many years of wear. Nordstrom’s “house brands” Halogen and Classiques Entier are reasonably priced alternatives to “designer brands”. CE makes great tropical wool slacks that rival Boss pants. Oher good, quality brands that often can be found at NR are Lafayette and Theory.</p>
<p>One big caveat: shopping at NR can be a waste of time and money if you do not have an idea what you are looking for. It is very easy to end up with a bunch of clothing (oooh, bargains!) that does not work for mixing and matching. When Im trying things on at NR, I often grab a few pieces that I have no interest in buying because I already own something similar, like black slacks or pencil skirts, and take them into the dressing room to see how well a certain top or a cardigan would fit into my existing wardrobe.</p>
<p>I hate, hate, hate my bras. I don’t think my shoulders slump, but the straps are constantly falling onto my arms. I finally stitched them so they don’t slide and get too loose. It’s better, but I should def. go to Nordstroms. Anyone else have suggestions for someone with 34AA like me?</p>
<p>BB, I liked your shoe links, but do you really wear them that tall? I’d think they’d make me feel like I was on stilts.</p>
<p>Anyone have some good suggestions on moving a wardrobe from looking too basic to looking very pulled together, using basics of course. Seems like eveything in my closet has solid colors.</p>
<p>Limabeans,</p>
<p>Several bra manufacturers make a “petite” bra line - I know Wacoal makes a few nice styles that are proportioned for narrow shoulders. You may also want to try the Spanx bras - the wide, stretchy straps do not slip at all.</p>
<p>To perk up a wardrobe of basics, I would suggest a few patterned knit tops to wear under jackets and cardigans. Look for a longer, draped, or bias cut style in complementary colors. You can add a loose, thin leather or metal chain belt slightly below the waist. This will give you a more modern look.</p>
<p>[Classiques</a> Entier® Silk Georgette Blouse | Nordstrom](<a href=“http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/classiques-entier-silk-georgette-blouse/3172557?origin=category&resultback=293]Classiques”>http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/classiques-entier-silk-georgette-blouse/3172557?origin=category&resultback=293)</p>
<p>[Classiques</a> Entier® Tie Neck Print Top | Nordstrom](<a href=“http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/classiques-entier-tie-neck-print-top/3172599?origin=category&resultback=1308]Classiques”>http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/classiques-entier-tie-neck-print-top/3172599?origin=category&resultback=1308)</p>
<p>This would look nice with a chain belt, with charcoal pants, and with or without a cardigan:</p>
<p>[Halogen®</a> Ruched Side Drape Neck Top | Nordstrom](<a href=“http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/halogen-ruched-side-drape-neck-top/3167951?origin=category&resultback=1304]Halogen®”>http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/halogen-ruched-side-drape-neck-top/3167951?origin=category&resultback=1304)</p>
<p>I have noticed lots of inexpensive long chains mixed with various beads everywhere. A few very long chains can be used as belts, or several can be layered as a necklace to add interest. Look for complementary and unexpected colors. I recently bought a few with black and clear faceted beads and dark silvered metal at Henri Bendel. They really go with everything and look quite unique, even though they were cheap.</p>
<p>This is too expensive, but you can find a similar look at Claire’s or another accessory shop for under $20:</p>
<p>[Ippolita</a> ‘Scultura’ Wavy Link Long Necklace | Nordstrom](<a href=“http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/ippolita-scultura-wavy-link-long-necklace/3178935?origin=category&resultback=4928]Ippolita”>http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/ippolita-scultura-wavy-link-long-necklace/3178935?origin=category&resultback=4928)</p>
<p>[Dabby</a> Reid Ltd. Long Strand Semiprecious & Crystal Necklace | Nordstrom](<a href=“http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/dabby-reid-ltd-long-strand-semiprecious-crystal-necklace/3225867?origin=category&resultback=0]Dabby”>http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/dabby-reid-ltd-long-strand-semiprecious-crystal-necklace/3225867?origin=category&resultback=0)</p>
<p>[Givenchy</a> Crystal Station Long Necklace | Nordstrom](<a href=“http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/givenchy-crystal-station-long-necklace/3172821?origin=category&resultback=3269]Givenchy”>http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/givenchy-crystal-station-long-necklace/3172821?origin=category&resultback=3269)</p>
<p>[Argento</a> Vivo Twist Station Long Strand Necklace | Nordstrom](<a href=“http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/argento-vivo-twist-station-long-strand-necklace/3102461?origin=category&resultback=4432]Argento”>http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/argento-vivo-twist-station-long-strand-necklace/3102461?origin=category&resultback=4432)</p>
<p>Limabeans: How about racerback bras? Straps on decollete style bras often end up falling on my arms because my shoulders just aren’t broad enough. </p>
<p>Wacoal bras (found at Nordstrom’s) IMHO are absolutely the best, but (cough, cough, cough) they co$t about 3X what any sane person would pay. I am a very, very weird size, and it is really the only brand that is comfortable, gives great, flattering support, is not scratchy, holds up well, and one of the precious few that makes my size. I can sometimes find them for great prices at Marshalls/Ross/Nordstrom Outlet/department store clearance rack or for a discount online.</p>
<p>Question about pants cut:</p>
<p>Maybe it is just me, but I find most pants cut too straight for me; they gape at the top and are snug through the thighs. I need a curvier cut with a flat booty, like Target now carries in a total of one or two styles. I also need a Petite 4.</p>
<p>Do Ann Taylor and Banana Republic carry curvy cut pants (so maybe it was just bad luck with the ones I tried on)? What about Express? I had no luck at Nordstrom’s. I think Talbot’s has worked for me in the past. I have a long torso, so low cut pants make me look like I’m walking on my knees. . .and it is especially important that they don’t gape. I’ve been looking for years for the right tan/putty pants, so your suggestions would be welcome!</p>
<p>Gourmetmom - You are good at this! :)</p>
<p>I am all about material and fit. I think people of our age, a nice blouse (they do run around $200, unless you buy them on sale), tailored slacks, with nice pair ballerina shoes or loafers, that’s very appropriate business casual dressing. </p>
<p>I would get silk blouse (heavy kind, not skimpy, Nordstrom has its own brand), or shirts from Faconnable (at Nordstrom too) or Brooks Brother for a cheaper version. I also like black, grey or pinstriped pants, no bright colors. My favorite past time is to go to Loehmann’s to see what I could find at a discount.</p>
<p>Since you live around DC area, I would get a nice (name brand) mid weight jacket, and Burberry comes to mind.</p>
<p>I think if you were to get few nice pair of pants, with few blouses, you could have a lot of different variation in looks. I would rather have few nice pieces and build the wadrobe over time.</p>
<p>limabeans, this “vanishing back” bra from Soma (an affiliate of Chicos) has straps that cannot slip off your shoulders, no matter what. It also eliminates the issue of back fat for others who deal with that. It’s not the most attractive bra, but it is very lightweight and I swear that it <em>is</em> the most comfortable bra available. Honestly, you can hardly tell you’re wearing it. I first learned of it here on CC.</p>
<p><a href=“http://www.soma.com/store/browse/product.jsp?maxRec=8&pageId=1&viewAll=&productId=560000135&prd=Vanishing+Back+Full+Coverage+Front+Close+Nadia+Bra&subCatId=&color=001&fromSearch=true&inSeam=&posId=1&catId=&cat=&onSale=&colorFamily=&maxPg=1&size=[/url]”>http://www.soma.com/store/browse/product.jsp?maxRec=8&pageId=1&viewAll=&productId=560000135&prd=Vanishing+Back+Full+Coverage+Front+Close+Nadia+Bra&subCatId=&color=001&fromSearch=true&inSeam=&posId=1&catId=&cat=&onSale=&colorFamily=&maxPg=1&size=</a></p>
<p>Lands End mail order catalogs/website has some less-casual styles (sometimes in coordinating sets). You can do returns at Sears. </p>
<p>Kohl’s has good selection of decently priced clothes, including petite dept for shorter ladies. I’ve always found that a nice pair of dark grey pants gets good use. I also have black and tans and navy… but grey seems to span seasons and match many colors.</p>
<p>I like the idea of starting with purchase of comfortable, nice looking shoes. Then wear them when shopping for pants.</p>
<p>I second the Soma bras and panties. I also asked specifically at Nordstrom for straps that don’t slide down - you have to find ones that are angled towards the closure. They found a few styles that work well for me. The right size and style make a huge difference in how my clothes look.</p>
<p>Both Nordstrom and BR have pants that fit a curvier body. I have short legs and have varying luck with petites - it all depends on the rise. Nordstrom does alterations in-store.</p>
<p>It is very easy to get sucked into a wardrobe of black pants. Charcoal, brown & tan are great neutral options.</p>
<p>limabeans, I was thinking of ordering a couple of new bras and I now see that the Soma bra I linked comes in a limited range of sizes that wouldn’t work for you. It might be worth a call to Soma to see whether they offer another style in your size that has the straps-won’t-fall-down feature. The fabric and styling are really comfortable.</p>
<p>$200 for a blouse? Seriously?</p>
<p>Am I the only one here that finds the idea of a blouse costing this much incomprehensible?</p>
<p>
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<p>I agree, but most of the pants I try on have a 1-inch seam allowance; even if let out all the way, it’s not enough. (Every store has a Petite department; why no Tall department??) Where can I find pants that run L-O-N-G?</p>
<p>^ I have wondered about this for years. It’s very hard to find pants if you are tall (and I’m only 5’7’’ which is not that unusual). I have had some luck with Banana Republic and also Loft.</p>
<p>SamuraiLandshark, no, you’re not the only one who finds $200 for a blouse a foreign concept. I came across CC when I was discovered that there are schools that meet full financial need, so needless to say a $200 blouse is not in the budget!</p>
<p>So, for those of us who don’t have lots of $ to spend on blouses, college, utilities, groceries, etc. I recommend Kohls and Penneys for clothing. I have recently lost a lot of weight and literally have had to replace my entire wardrobe. I have been shopping clearance and sales. Also, I have some wonderful slacks from Goodwill. Obviously it depends on what you happen to find, but I have purchased Ann Taylor, Talbots, Dockers, etc. at Goodwill for $4 and under.</p>
<p>I did splurge this summer on a very nice Ralph Lauren tailored blouse at Dillards. It was somewhat unintentional - it was marked down, but on a rack with a higher clearance marked. I spent around $32 for it, which is a LOT more than I usually spend on clothing.</p>