<p>Exhausting, annoying, frustrating, and eventually got into it and it became a challenging game. I wasn’t going to buy, just look, try on, and get some inspiration.</p>
<p>Found many of the brands that were mentioned here. Found Joe Fresh at JCP, tried on a couple of items, but wasn’t thrilled with the fit. Found really cute raw silk Rocket Dog flats at Nordstrom Rack (cute but cut wrong for my “dogs”). WOW! Has that placed changed in the 10 years since I last visited. Much more youthful and that was a pleasant surprise. Went to the Limited. The name fits. So few items in the store it was hard to like the experience. NY Company was a little stoic for me.</p>
<p>What I learned…Cowl necks are my friend. Fitted. Anything from pants to sweaters. Anything even remotely “loose fitting” added pounds to my frame and anything fitted made me look taller and more slender. Petite clothing is an interesting dichotomy…they work perfectly for sleeve and leg length, but are really cut quite tiny in the bust. Some items worked well. Others I was trying on XL or larger. Crazy. I wear a 10/12 sometimes (depending on the manufacturer) an 8.</p>
<p>I found 2 items at Rack I had to have, so I now have them. First is a jersey knit grey pinstripe blazer (single button, but will never be buttoned) that has a distressed look and feel, but is fitted and is really kind of fun. It was marked down from $70 to $15, perfect! Can definitely be worn dressed up or down, and it may end up being my favorite jacket. D says push or roll up the sleeves and when I e-mailed a picture she gave me a thumbs up! The second was a find even the cashier said was a steal. A pair of black “skinny” trousers that fit like a glove. Marked down from $118 to $17.99. I got a thumbs up on them as well. </p>
<p>Sounds like a good start! The way you described yourself and your fashion in your original post - don’t lose that!!! You sound very comfortable with that YOU. Just look for pieces that might step up that v-neck tshirt and those espadrilles a bit.</p>
<p>I second Gap for some of those same favorite fabrics with a little more structure. Regular GAP or GAP Outlet if you have one available.</p>
<p>Yes, I definitely agree abasket, about remaining true to “me” - Maybe that’s why the cowl necks worked. I’ll check the Gap, never thought of it as a place for me, but hey, I thought the same about Nordstrom Rack, so who knows!</p>
<p>They are actually trousers that have the same “bones” as jeans, but are made from ponte fabric (mixed with cotton according to the label, 90 cotton 10 ponte), super smooth, soft and flexible, but very fitted (and upon closer look, they are deep chocolate brown, not black) - the brand is “Not Your Daughter’s Jeans” (I think I’ve heard of them before, but maybe not) - the name makes me laugh.</p>
<p>I LOVE Not Your Daughters Jeans…and yes, at the specialty shops where they are sold, they can be $100 or so. Fit is good for me too! I got two pair at goodwill…tags on…$5 each. Don’t forget to check those resale shops. You can get great things there!</p>
<p>I’m actually going thrift storing today to play around and try stuff for inspiration. I took a ton of photos yesterday of labels. (shhhh, don’t tell)</p>
<p>Don’t worry as much about the labels as finding things you like. I’ve gotten some “no name” things at my resale shops that I really like. I’ve also gotten some no name things that turned out to be expensive brands I knew nothing about!</p>
<p>No happy dance today. What a bust. Was looking more for inspiration and trying different looks. No dice. No problem. Was emotionally spent after yesterday. 2 days in a row is overkill for me!</p>
<p>If you have the energy, there are different inventory at each Nordstrom’s Rack. I also prefer tailored garments. Sounds like you made a great start. Indeed shopping for a new look at good prices takes considerable stamina. Be gentle with yourself.</p>
<p>Does anyone else buy clothes at Target? I can find basics, business casual, as well as more trendy stuff as well. I like Bannana Republic when I can afford it.</p>
<p>You have to be persistent at resale stores…return on a regular basis. And hers is a tip…if you find one or two things in “your” style and size…keep looking in the place. It is likely that someone your size dropped a load of clothes off! </p>
<p>I’ve gotten a few basics at Target. But ours really has a VERY small and limited clothing section. Actually, come to think of it, every Target I’ve been in has a small section. Their exercise clothes, however, are plentiful and good.</p>
<p>Target is excellent for active wear, but for other stuff (for me) it just doesn’t work. Although I did buy a cardigan that was originally $27 for $6.88 not long ago. But even it doesn’t quite “fit” properly - but it’s a cardigan, so what the heck!</p>
<p>Jones NY is my go-to for work basics and I’m in a somewhat creative field. Try their online store [Jones</a> New York](<a href=“http://www.jny.com/]Jones”>http://www.jny.com/) and sign-up for email – seems like there’s a sale every week. I think there is plenty that isn’t “stuffy” but that’s just me.</p>
<p>I also use J.Jill, Chicos and Cold Water Creek – again for basics and jackets. I have also had excellent luck at JC Penneys lately, mostly their Liz Claiborne line. I find that I can construct creative looks mixing and matching separates. Cool shoes help immensely (try [6pm.com](<a href=“http://www.6pm.com%5D6pm.com%5B/url%5D”>www.6pm.com)</a>). Today I’m wearing lime green pumps with a basic black and white sheath.</p>
The second was a find even the cashier said was a steal. A pair of black “skinny” trousers that fit like a glove. Marked down from $118 to $17.99. I got a thumbs up on them as well. </p>