Shopping

[theatokos]

I've asked for advice before, but now I actually have some money to act on it. So, I want shopping spam. What are your favorite brands/boutiques/stores? Anything that you just love these days? If money was no object what would you purchase or what designers would try?

I'm really looking for some inspiration to break up my wardrobe rut. I'm open to blanket suggestions for brands, specific items, clothes, shoes, whatever.

My three shirts and two pants cannot cut it anymore.

Bonus points for cardigans.

Comments

[msmidge.livejournal.com]

I always find Ann Taylor stuff to look nice on me--it actually fits.

[jesamin.livejournal.com]

I'm running out the door but I will be back with specific links. Until then, etsy etsy etsy all the way. I basically wear only clothes from there with plain t shirts from like, the gap or american apparel thrown in.

[ewigweibliche.livejournal.com]

ETSY! Yes. Will scour.

ETA: Check out Sandmaiden (http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5160446&order=&section_id=&page=2)!

[introducingyael.livejournal.com]

BOLTONS! I don't know if you have it by you, but I love it.
My personal wardrobe philosophy involves a lot of pieces that I can mix and match (I wear mostly pink and purple) and some scarves. Never underestimate the power of a scarf. Around your neck, as a belt, it draws the attention away from the fact that you're really just wearing jeans and a t shirt. I love newport-news.com also.

[ewigweibliche.livejournal.com]

I LOVE scarves! I have many. They are such a great way to snazz up an otherwise simple wardrobe.

Will check out Boltons. Haven't heard of it, but maybe they are online?

[amyura.livejournal.com]

The Gap has some nice scarves now. I've been shying away from them because ALL the 11th and 12th grade girls in my school have been wearing them, but they do look nice and very Euro!

[snowcalla.livejournal.com]

I get basic pieces that will last for years. I find those (mostly) at outlet stores for designers. So if a pair of black, linen dress pants was $600 and I can get them for $150 or less I buy them. Because they will last me 10 years or more and look great.

Then I go to small boutique stores to find tops, wraps, etc that look just a bit different and aren't mass produced. I especially like boat neck shirts since they look good on me and you don't see them very often.

My suggestion: No Cardigan. Get some type of poncho(s). They are inexpensive and depending on the poncho can look fuzzy and casual or can dress up your outfit and look stunning. You can be wearing jeans and a t-shirt, throw on a poncho, and you are ready to go out for the evening.

This one is too expensive, but you get the idea
http://www.yourselegantly.com/trendy-poncho-sale-p-1797.html
http://www.needlenart.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/ponchos.jpg

https://shop.theanimalrescuesite.com/store/product/image/27454.gif

This one is from The Gap
http://blog.cleveland.com/shopaholic/2007/12/medium_poncho.jpg

Here is a belt with a poncho
http://wpmu_uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/myshopper/files/belted%20wrap%20sweater.jpg

http://style.blogs.com/photos/uncategorized/2008/08/14/aubele11.jpg

[wickedgroovy.livejournal.com]

I like the belt under the poncho idea! I'll have to try that!

[ewigweibliche.livejournal.com]

Hm. I adore the cardigan. Those ponchos are much nicer than what I was envisioning. Do you think they'd look good on a small woman with ginormous boobs? I'm afraid I'd look perpetually pregnant.

[snowcalla.livejournal.com]

They look good on anyone - that's the beauty. If you are short (like I am) don't get a circular poncho - get one that is square but put the points in the front and back so it is higher on the sides. better vertical line.

[msmidge.livejournal.com]

They were much nicer than anything I would have imagined too! Yay for the poncho revelation.

[snowcalla.livejournal.com]

check out this one...

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=25199659&ref=sr_gallery_10&&ga_search_query=women%27s+clothing&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_page=5&order=date_desc&includes[]=tags&includes[]=title

[eelsalad.livejournal.com]

I'm a sucker for Threadless (http://www.threadless.com), which has everything from beautiful art shirts (http://www.threadless.com/product/1864/Solar_Power) to goofy visual pun shirts (http://www.threadless.com/product/287/Heroes_In_An_Art_Shell).

I'm a big fan of Sock it to Me Socks (http://sockittomesocks.com/), I just got five pair on sale through Diesel Sweeties (http://www.dieselsweeties.com) and LOOOOVE them.

And I'll second the Etsy props, lots of awesome stuff there. :D

If money were no object, I'd be running out to Nordstrom for a spree immediately -- lots of great stuff there, but damn pricey. The most beautiful pieces of clothing I own nearly all come from there - including the dress I was married in. And they do great bra fittings (and have a great selection of bras at most stores).

Oooooh, and my favorite shoe designer is John Fluevog (http://www.fluevog.com). The lovely knee-high black boots I wear on special occasions are by him. I buy his stuff either via Zappos (http://www.zappos.com/search/brand/454/filter/brandNameFacet/%22John+Fluevog%22/) or at the Fluevog shop in San Francisco. He's one of few designers who can do low-heeled shoes that are beautiful rather than clunky.

[ewigweibliche.livejournal.com]

Are you familiar with Sock Dreams (http://www.sockdreams.com/_shop/edit/index.php)?

Fluevog. YES.

[amyura.livejournal.com]

I have a negative recommendation. I'm currently trying to upgrade my wardrobe after years of living at Old Navy. When I recently splurged at Bennetton, I couldn't believe how easily I'd gotten used to poor quality items. The stuff at the expensive places is generally WORTH it.