<p>TJ Maxx and Marshalls can be good for bargains, but I find I have to go every week so I don’t miss out on something…and those little excursions cost more than paying full price at Macys. :p</p>
<p>I realize the boutiques can be expensive, but I have a fond memory of finding two yummy sweaters on deep markdown (75% off) at one of those little shops years ago.</p>
<p>Are there any outlet malls in your area? The outlet stores for some of the chains discussed here have bargains you won’t see at the regular stores. I’m wearing an incredibly cheap sweater-jacket from a Chico’s outlet store right now.</p>
<p>Over the weekend I plan on walking into every shop and major department store at the mall and trying on everything. I will take notes and ask to speak with any available stylist or similar. The killer is my D is a fashion designer. She has “dressed” me in the past and done a brilliant job of it (without breaking the bank). Alas, she’s in London until mid-June and heading back to NYC (where she lives) but she said “get your butt to NY & I’ll revamp you for $1000!” It might be worth it (plus I haven’t seen her for a year!). </p>
<p>Laguna is a great suggestion for arty wear. </p>
<p>One issue I have with my shape is I’m short (5’2") and busty (36D) so some (otherwise fun and unique) draped fabrics just make me look overall huge. I need a more tailored fit, but without the buttoned up lawyer/stuffy museum look. Jones NY (the tailored items) tend to fit me like a glove and really flatter me, but I think they’re too stuffy for me. No elastic waistband/Golden Girls items for me!</p>
<p>I think Coldwater Creek and J Crew are great shopping options.</p>
<p>We have an outlet mall that has J. Crew, Ann Taylor and Banana Republic Outlets. (I even know where a White House Black Market is, but it’s too far to drive in one day.) I would start with pants…slim is apparently the thing now, even for dress pants. I would look for a few good pairs of tropical wool slim dress slacks…even if you have to pay full price at a place like Banana Repuublic. </p>
<p>[Get on the email and mailing lists for these stores. They send out coupons all the time.]</p>
<p>Then fill in with inexpensive/outliet tops and sweaters. Do you have an H&M near you? If you are relatively small (their size 12 [largest that isn’t in the plus dept.] is about our size 8), you can find really inexpensive/trendy tops and blazers.</p>
<p>Nordstrom has people who will shop for you. No cost to you and you can tell them what price point you are looking for.</p>
<p>I’m short also so I can sympathize. The good news is that if you go to the petite department it doesn’t overwhelm you since there isn’t usually a big selection. I find things that fit for me at J Jill, Talbots and I like Nik and Zoe at Nordstrom. Talbots is probably not your style but they carry everything in petite. I know I’ve said this before but lately I’ve had success at JC Penney, esp. for basics. I have trouble buying at consignment stores because if it’s not petite it usually doesn’t work for me. </p>
<p>I think a trip to NYC sounds wonderful if you can spare the time. To start you only need a couple pair of pants and a few shirts you can dress up or down. Then wait and go see the daughter.</p>
<p>Limited and Express are my favorites for work. They have suits, separates, pants, even jeans and are modern and not aging. In my opinion a lot of the stores already mentioned here are “old lady” stores.</p>
<p>I think it’s easy to pigeonhole a store that way when they carry clothing that is designed primarily for a figure type different than your own because it’s hard to see how flattering those styles and colors can be on the right person.</p>
<p>For So Cal, Eileen Fisher. Check out Nordstom Rack…they periodically get racks of Eileen Fisher and discounted up to 60%. Also available at Needless Markup (NeimanMarcus)
Also, the sales at their stores (mine is in Pasadena) can be fantastic. Sign up on their website to be notified.
<a href=“http://www.eileenfisher.com/EileenFisher/collection.jsp?bmLocale=en_US[/url]”>www.eileenfisher.com/EileenFisher/collection.jsp?bmLocale=en_US</a></p>
<p>I <3 Ann Taylor (but I’m in my thirties and dress in a more subdued manner).</p>
<p>Try a local consignment shop. They often have really interesting clothes for not much money (and many pieces are “new with tags”).</p>
<p>You may not find everything you need at one store, so try to find a ‘go to’ place for pants and another few for tops. </p>
<p>Given you are busty, I would look at Chico’s and layer their microfiber tank under a open shirt. (if you can find a Chico’s outlet near you, you can save big $$ - also sign up for coupon. It seems like I’m getting daily emails from them. THey also have Petites). I have these tanks in 6+ colors, as they are my wardrobe staple in spring/summer. </p>
<p>[Tees</a> & Tanks for Women - Women’s Tops - Chico’s](<a href=“http://www.chicos.com/store/browse/product.jsp?maxRec=97&pageId=1&viewAll=&productId=570026137&prd=Microfiber+Contemporary+Tank&subCatId=cat3660015&color=&fromSearch=true&inSeam=&posId=14&catId=cat40002&cat=&onSale=&colorFamily=&maxPg=7&size=]Tees”>http://www.chicos.com/store/browse/product.jsp?maxRec=97&pageId=1&viewAll=&productId=570026137&prd=Microfiber+Contemporary+Tank&subCatId=cat3660015&color=&fromSearch=true&inSeam=&posId=14&catId=cat40002&cat=&onSale=&colorFamily=&maxPg=7&size=)</p>
<p>Don’t overlook Gap. They have some cute, colorful things this spring. They are my ‘go to’ pant store. I’m a 5’9" size 10/12 and the pants are long enough. The ankle length may be great for you. </p>
<p>Loft could be good for trendy tops, although I find their sweaters are not designed for busty woman. (I feel the same about their parent- Ann Taylor). It’s hit/miss for me with their pants. </p>
<p>Talbots has a few interesting things, but is still appeal more to my mother than me.</p>
<p>Congrats to college_query and packmom on their weight loss! I’ve been slowly adding weight (coming out of hibernation, ya know) and could use some tips. I have an especially hard time getting motivated!</p>
<p>I’m petite too (5’) and have lucked out at Goodwill. Makes a fast trip when I’m looking for pants. I just find my size and then scan along the bottom looking for shorter lengths. Or maybe there are just lots of other petite women who donate clothes!</p>
<p>I knew one woman who wore a dark palette (pants and top) and then wore a different colorful scarf everyday. It was “her look.”</p>
<p>One important thing which often gets overlooked since it is not meant to be seen: make sure that your bras fit you properly, and you wear the right style (a bra fitter at Nordie’s or a reputable lingerie shop can help with that), then get a few bras in basic colors so they can be worn under all sorts of outfits. The right bra can make a world of difference!</p>
<p>^^^^^yep, I agree.</p>
<p>Oh yes. I’ve been professionally fitted. It makes all the difference!</p>
<p>Jmom, good luck!!</p>
<p>I too am a quirky dresser in the business world.</p>
<p>Don’t be afraid to wear bright colors and dress pants instead of skirts. Really, they are ok. I have a pair of orange and brown plaid dress pants and pair them with an orange shirt and brown flats… always get rave reviews. 
rocket dog makes very comfortable flats that just look adorable and aren’t over priced.</p>
<p>My wardrobe is mostly from kohls, new York and company (they have fabulous coupons that make things very reasonably priced), banana republic plus the tjmaxx, Ross and marshalls types places.</p>
<p>There is a store in NYC that I like called Joe fresh. They always have bright colored things for business wear.</p>
<p>Sent from my DROID BIONIC using CC</p>
<p>JustaMom, your “youthful” style sounds similar to mine. I’m 48 but usually wear fitted V-neck Tshirts, AE jeans, etc.</p>
<p>I’m starting a new job at the local high school (after being in the fitness industry and wearing yoga pants every day LOL) and have found much luck at NY&Company. One particular style of their work pants fit me very well. (I’m also short, only 5’3" and 36C, so I know what you mean about fabric that just drapes not looking the best. I always go for fitted or something that can be belted.) I also like some of Express clothing as well as Ann Taylor and Ann Taylor Loft. Right now (where I am) NY&Company is having a huge sale. In fact, they always seem to be having good sales. I just bought 2 pair of work pants and 2 fitted blouses for around $80 yesterday.</p>
<p>I’m off to go window shopping/trying on! Wish me luck. :)</p>