<p>…a youthful mid-fifty year old, who preferred v-neck t-shirts, jeans and colorful Tom’s (espadrilles) VS skirts, dresses and heels…and were in the market for business clothes for a creative environment (think modern art gallery - not stuffy museum), and were needing to be budget conscious where would you shop, what would you buy, and what would it look like?</p>
<p>I’m in the process of changing jobs after 7 years (firm is closing our location permanently) and will likely be in a more “business” environment than where I am currently. I am lost. The last I worked in a more “business” environment was more than 10 years ago, I have changed, and the “business” world has as well.</p>
<p>Any hints and clues? (What I really need is a stylist, but haven’t got the $ for that!)</p>
<p>My H gave me a session with a stylist at Bloomingdales for my birthday last year. I had a blast. It was a free service and I believe the stylist made a commission on the clothes she sold me. She told me that she dressed people all the time for specific events so you could get a stylists perspective and then use the ideas at different stores. I guess major stores all have stylists you can use. Maybe look into that.</p>
<p>This probably isn’t what you had in mind, but a link to this company’s site was posted on CC a while back, and I thought some of what was on there was so pretty and unique.</p>
<p>I’d consider hanging out where you hope to work and get a feel for what folks are wearing around the area. If you see some amazingly dressed females, you might ask them where their favorite store is and most would probably be flattered and OK with sharing. Seeing if you can get a free appointment with a stylist sounds like another interesting option, just to see what is out there and perhaps buy one or more outfits.</p>
<p>I like the clothes at Lord and Taylor. They have a lot of Ellen Tracey and Ralph Loren clothes, which have nice lines and great colors. They have sales and coupon discounts so I have found some good deals.</p>
<p>Once you find the brand you like, check out ebay for budget buys.</p>
<p>A friend with a gallery always wears black pants, cynthia ashby tops in a color (always bought on sale at deep discount) and cydwoq flats… a very nice uniform for her lifestyle.</p>
<p>A couple of just above knee classic solid skirts and some to die for blouses with large necklaces/scarves and a 2 -3 inch neutral shoe to bring all the attention up top!</p>
<p>I like [ANN</a> TAYLOR: Women’s Clothing, Suits, Dresses, Cashmere, Sweaters, Petites](<a href=“http://www.anntaylor.com/ann/home/index.jsp]ANN”>http://www.anntaylor.com/ann/home/index.jsp) because they don’t assume that you’re 25 and looking for club clothes. It’s age-appropriate professional wear, and ranges from conservative suits to dresses and separates which would work in just about any office.</p>
<p>Seconding Ann Taylor and adding in White House Black Market. Chico’s can be a little “Miami Beach in January”, but there are occasional “finds”, such a an amazing blouse or pair of pants to be found there.</p>
<p>I’ve posted on many threads that most of my clothes are from eBay (and lots of them from Neiman’s). If you can find a designer you like and know your size, there just is no beating it (although be aware there are more retailers selling so prices have gone up over the years). Not everything you buy works, but I’ve kept probably 90% of what I’ve bought and either donate or re-sell anything that doesn’t fit.</p>
<p>I have lost over 50 lbs over the past couple of years and have been shopping at Goodwill a lot. Since I’ve had to replace my wardrobe a few times, it’s been an affordable way to do it. I have been purchasing clothes originally from Ann Taylor, Talbots, Anne Klein, Jones New York, Ralph Lauren, etc. I usually go with slacks/trousers in black, brown, grey, etc. then vary the look with a variety of tops and blazers/sweaters. Lately I have been purchasing some basic “shells” in black, white or ecru to wear under things for more versatility. Have a few pieces from JCP’s Worthington label as well.</p>
<p>With the weight loss, I have been attempting to dress a little nicer/look more presentable. I am somewhat challenged in this area, so have been paying more attention to looks I like to see what makes them attractive and how I can replicate them on my budget. I’ve also sought help from friends who have a good eye for advice/feedback.</p>
<p>c-q…I also lost 50 lbs. and would guess at least 3/4 of my “new” wardrobe has come from Goodwill. I have had great luck finding very nice clothes. My best find ever was a $2.99 purse I bought at GW and later found a pr. of quarter carat diamond earrings inside one of the little zipper pockets!</p>
<p>I love Chico’s for business wear that’s not all suits - I love their jackets. I hate dresses, so I have a lot of black and brown pants that I can pair with all sorts of tops, sweaters in jackets. I think those styles would fit a creative environment.</p>
<p>The OP said she had to be budget conscious. Some of these excellent suggestions are pretty pricey. </p>
<p>That being said, find a place where the clothes fit you (e.g. Ann Taylor doesn’t fit me well) and get a few basics. You can then add to them as time goes on and you know what types of clothes are worn at your new job (where likely there will be some variety in clothing choices!).</p>
<p>JMom, I haven’t been down there in ages, and I don’t know who has what for how much where, but it seems like it could be a lot of fun checking out boutiques somewhere like Laguna Beach, Fashion Island, or Balboa Island. What do you think?</p>