LasMa - you now have me stressed about ankle boots. I know they are really really cute and a must have for this fall, but I have spent the morning googling how to wear them. It appears that shorter than midi dresses and pants that are either super tight at the ankle or can be rolled up above the ankle are the popular options.
I must now go in search of a pair with a small opening or I fear my ankles will look like little toothpicks in Shaquille O’Neal’s high tops!
Well, at least partly inspired by this thread, I finally bought myself a pair of medium grey slacks that are wool and machine washable! At the suggestion of customer service, bought them in two sizes and am returning the one that is too large. They were both too long (33" inseam, I believe), so I hemmed up the one I am keeping 3.5" and now it fits perfectly. I have always wanted a pair of wool slacks, as I get cold and prefer not to have to wear too many layers when traveling to cold places. They were $63 (normally $179).
I have a good wardrobe, but that was definitely a gap. I have also replaced all my old bras and have new ones that fit better. Have also recently purchased some new dresses and donated some that were never “quite right,” but served their purpose while I had them.
@LasMa, how wonderful that you have a basic wardrobe and now have a better idea of what you like and what coordinates and are able to shop with confidence! It’s so nice that you can go anywhere now and feel new assurance that you look “pulled together” and polished. That feeling comes across and will carry you through and perhaps your H will notice that change in you and consider updating his look as well. It seems like the money and time you invested were well spent!
LOL that is not a good look. I was thinking strictly of my bootcut jeans, so I wouldn’t think it would be a problem. But you see how I am? It hadn’t even occurred to me to think about opening width! I will definitely wear the Levi’s when I go shopping, then.
My problem is I still love my old suits. Don’t need that level for the work I do nowand they’re at the back of my closet. But this thread reminds me I can (and used to) match the jackets, mostly double breasted, with good pants. It’s still more than my work needs, but it would work in other situations.
Himom, what kind of wool? Here, in summer, if we’re not outside for long, we can get away with wool gabardine.
I think black ankle boots look good with black pants or slacks of all types – straight-legged trousers where the legs go over the openings; skinny jeans where the outside of the boots go over the bottom of the pants; leggings, etc. They give a long lean look because there is no break visually between pants and shoes. They are especially helpful for extremely tall women like me because you can get away with pants that are slightly too short. They look especially good with a moderate (2-3") heel, but even flat ankle boots look great. They also look good in the winter with heavier skirts and tights.
LasMa- glad it worked for you. My D was shocked at how easy those tops were to care for.
I think it’s great that you are willing to share the experience with us. I am taking notes. I have changed up my wardrobe in the last few years but I have no master plan and I find I have ended up with a lot of things that I like but with no plan as to where they fit with what I already own.
My aha moment this past year is that I want to have better looking skin and that it is possible. I’m not going to look 35 nor do I want to but I can look a healthier 55. This week I had my eyebrows waxed and trimmed. I’m so thrilled with the results. Why did I wait so long.
You can also get your eyebrows darkened a little for just a few dollars more. I’ve read that as our eyebrows thin and lighten, we read older.
Lookingforward- I talked about tinting them next time. She put a small amount of a dark brow powder and said I could use dark brown or black eye shadow.
And you can use an eyebrow pencil, but the tint lasts weeks.
I have a mascara that is made for eyebrows, bought at sephora. When I get my hair dyed, I have eyebrows dyed too. It doesn’t last like I suspect a tint would, but it helps.
My friend has encouraged me to professionally shape eyebrows. Since I’ve been single a while, I’ve neglected such things. (& not looking).
LasMa, sounds like you are doing great. I wear black or gray pants to work many days, with occasional navy or dresses thrown in. You may want to try some different sweaters, instead of ordering th same one in too many different colors.
I believe it is a light to medium weight wool garbardine, mixed with virgin cotton. It is a very nice fabric and free shipping both ways, as long as you purchase $100 or more. If you get 2 slacks @ $63 apiece, you are over $100 and then you have free shipping to return the item that didn’t fit (or both if you don’t like them or they don’t suit you).
I still have a few suits, but rarely wear them. They are appropriate for when I give testimony or formal occasions, but not so much on a regular basis. They still hold a place in my closet and I don’t wear the jackets much either, as sweaters & wraps fit more with my current lifestyle.
It is good to figure out which looks we enjoy and have easy-care outfits. I especially like to be able to throw things into the wash and dryer, tho I’m OK with drip drying a few things. I also will handwash lingerie, to help them last longer (I’m not a fan of shopping for them).
I realized that I am in need of a couple of lightweight, long sleeve shirts. My lucky day - I did not have to shop too long for a perfect one! It goes well with my black slacks and skirts - and! - coordinates with my avatar so well!!!
BB, once again you found something perfect for you! A little pricey for work, as I’m one to drip coffee.
bookworm, it is bookmarked. I am tempted to try Shopstyle’s sale notification feature. 
I ran through the flagship Nordstrom last night. The new fall workwear collections are coming in, and some of the things looks gorgeous. So keep your eyes on December sales!
A point about the sales, something I noticed recently. Not all sales items stay on the floor. Lots gets shipped back to a central location for online sale pricing. So, keep looking online.
Okay - I was just cruising through this thread, not really paying attention, clicking on a few links now and then - and BAM! I found the dress I think I’m going to order for my brother’s wedding.
@LasMa, Thanks! I’m going to steal your dress form post 272. It’s gorgeous!
I’d like to see a few examples of ankle boots that you all have liked - mine price range though would be quite moderate. I have a pair that I have worn the past 3 years (fall/winter season) - it’s time to replace them. I prefer something with a heel no higher than an inch or so.
I got these ones below for my trip to Europe this fall when they were 30% off a couple of weeks ago:
http://www.luckybrand.com/boom-bootie/LKBOOM.html?cgid=shoes-women&dwvar_LKBOOM_dimension=*N&start=4&dwvar_LKBOOM_color=001
I love Paul Green shoes. They are truly amazingly comfy for my feet. I have a version of his bootie that looks almost like this:
http://m.6pm.com/paul-green-barnes-black
And now I’m tempted to by these!!!
http://www.6pm.com/paul-green-ashly-black-nubuck?nomobile=true