After sizing up my closet and dresser, I realized that my current wardrobe is woefully inadequate. I am sure my plight is similar to many other runners– I have way more running/workout clothes than I could ever need and not enough “regular” clothes.
I know this transition was not sudden, but it does make me realize that I need to go shopping ASAP! My two favorite pairs of jeans are starting to show their age (not unlike their owner!) and are in need of replacement. I have to hand it to Joe’s Jeans and Citizens for Humanity–these jeans are still kicking it after 6 years!
I also realized after yesterday’s inventory, that I have about three shirts that I wear regularly. Maybe I just need to go on What Not to Wear – assistance with a whole new wardrobe would be a godsend. Although, I don’t think I could handle being secretly taped wearing my workout gear–gasp–everyday!
I am sure the desperate need for a wardrobe overhaul has also been influenced by two pregnancies. Now that Collin is almost two years old, I am ready to get out of my standard mom uniform and experiment a little more. The problem is that I really have no idea where to start.
Truth be told, I really don’t like shopping for clothes. Maybe that’s part of the problem. In fact, I am really not that much of a shopper in general– except when it comes to running gear! I see pictures in magazines that I like and people who’s style I admire, but I have no clue how to recreate that for myself.
I am going to pencil in some solo shopping time this weekend and try to just start with some basics. Any good sales out there or places I should check out?
Alas I’m not the one to ask…I’m here for the tips too 🙂
Yeah, I need an overhaul as well so don’t have any suggestions. I hate clothes shopping for myself, hate it hate it!
I like to generally splurge on classic, staple pieces that are going to last longer. If you don’t feel like you are a good shopper, go into a store and ask someone who works there for help. My favorite store is JCrew and while they can be pricey, they have decent sales, their clothes last & people who work there are super helpful.
do you have any outlets near you? my favorite stores are banana republic and ann taylor loft. The outlets of those usually have good stuff!
You sound so much like me! I’m content wearing the same things over and over, or my comfy workout gear… but I’m feeling the need to branch out too!
If you need new jeans (I LOVE Seven’s!), find a Nordstrom Off the Rack, I get ALL my jeans there for half the price and they’re all designer. I LOVE THAT! I’m also a big fan of the Limited and Banana, as you know 🙂
I am a huge fan of shopping at outlets. I stick to the gap, banana republic, JCrew and Club Monacco most often. I love fashion and worked as a retail manager for years.
Stick with basics: white/black/grey tee’s, a white blouse, blk khakis or dress pants and one great fitting pair of jeans. The gap has redone theirs and they are amazing at about $60 a great price. Of you don’t like the skinny jean showing off awesome runner legs, go with a boot cut. Still slimming and sexy in a dark wash.
I would add in a black or khaki blazer you can ‘wear anywhere’.
Once you have basics add colours that suit your complexion or a few printed tops. If you pick up an item and you can’t think of 3 ways to wear it (or 3 places you can wear it to) its probably just going to hang in your closet.
Look for inspiration on pinterest, save the image to your phone and take them with you when you shop. Be thrifty and positive.
Get yourself a latte and enjoy, you will look fabulous!!
Happy shopping!!!!
Hope this helped!
I agree – outlets, focus on staples (with some fun and colorful pieces thrown in). Favorite stores are Banana, Ann Taylor Loft, Boden. I also like J. Crew and Madewell but those can be a little pricey. My sister has also used personal shoppers at Nordstrom and Bloomingdales which can be helpful to narrow down the huge selection of clothes. You aren’t obligated to buy anything and you do tell them your style, what you’re looking for, budget, etc. Might be a good way to try on some different styles and see what suits you?
Go to Wrentham!!!! Trust me – they have outlets for EVERYTHING there!
My fave stores are Ann Taylor Loft, Banana Republic, Gap, Calvin Klein, and Eddie Bauer. They carry a lot of staples as well as funky fun pieces!
I go through my clothes every year. With the exception of maternity and “fat” clothes, if I didn’t wear it in a year, it’s gone. Then I make a list of what I want and just keep an eye out. I also occasionally get fashion magazines. I rip out the pages with outfits I like (because I forget how to put things together!) put them in sleeves and in a 1″ binder. When I’m at a loss (which is often) I pull out the book to put the looks together. I realized I have most of the elements of outfits, just not the creativity to put them together. I like going to Old Navy because it’s inexpensive. I’ll pay more for jeans because it’s hard to find the ones that fit well.
I would start with the basics and find a good pair of jeans (or 2 or 3). Then from the basics you can add in some fun pieces. You don’t have to spend a lot of money on clothes if you shop sales. For example, Old Navy is having a big stock up sale for the next 2 weeks and would be perfect for getting some basic tees and shirts into your wardrobe.
I like Kohl’s for basics. I’m also a fan of Gap and Old Navy for day to day wear. For a bit nicer, I hit up VanHeusen and Anne Taylor at the outlet. But I’m not exactly known for my fashion sense…
I need clothes too, but I hate the ordeal of trying things on. I’d rather spend my money at the race expo next week. I’m pretty sure the arm sleeves will fit ….
My top 5 places to shop are Nordstrom (or Nordstrom Rack), Target, Old Navy, Kohls, and Downeast Basics!