Looking Good, Feeling Great Plus to Petite Shopping, the Home Spa, and Beauty Tips for Beautiful Chicks

Reply
 
Thread Tools
Old 02-16-2013, 09:47 AM   #1  
Stubborn.
Thread Starter
 
Hotaruchan's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: New England
Posts: 743

S/C/G: 197/See ticker/135

Height: 5'6''

Default Work essentials?

Hi guys,

I figured this would be a good place to look for advice...I moved to Japan a year ago, and knowing that I was a rather unfortunately-shaped nearly 200 lb 5'6'' girl who'd have trouble finding clothes, I bought a bunch of dowdy suits to wear to work just to cover myself up. Well...they don't fit even remotely any more. The size 12 jackets that I brought with me make me look like a little kid playing dress up, and I've resigned myself to the fact that I'm going to have to re-do my work wardrobe when I get back to the US in a little over a month.

Unfortunately I won't have a lot of cash on hand (need to buy a car, setup a phone, and find an apartment when I get back), so while I'll be browsing clearance racks and Goodwill, I was hoping that you lovely ladies might have some tips for go-to items to build a wardrobe in as few pieces as possible. I've been applying mainly to administrative and marketing jobs, so the vibe is business/business-casual.

If you have a similar shape and have hints, that would be even more super helpful, so my current stats:
C:35''/W:25''/H:34.5'', 5'6'' and somewhere in the high 140s/low 150s for weight (sorry, no scale ATM). I'm apple-ish shaped, carrying most of my weight in the stomach and upper thighs, and I'm broadest in the shoulders thanks to years of competitive swimming. I'll try to remember to update with a picture in the morning...

In any case, please and thank you for any suggestions you might be able to provide. I tend to either dress like a high school kid or like I'm 40, so style tips would be WONDERFUL.

Thankyouthankyouthankyou in advance.
Hotaruchan is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-16-2013, 10:07 AM   #2  
Senior Member
 
summerkate83's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2013
Posts: 102

S/C/G: 140/137/125

Height: 5'5

Default

If the place where you'll be living in the US is anywhere near a Tanger Outlet Center, (or any outlet center I guess), I'd recommend doing some shopping there. I LOVE Gap and Banana Republic, but there's no way I have that kind of money to shell out for clothes! Especially if you need work attire, BR outlets often have 50% off sales-if you have one around I'd do some shopping there
summerkate83 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-16-2013, 10:11 AM   #3  
Stubborn.
Thread Starter
 
Hotaruchan's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: New England
Posts: 743

S/C/G: 197/See ticker/135

Height: 5'6''

Default

I'll have to see if the outlets near me have Banana Republic...there's two outlet malls within about half an hour of my house, so I'll need to check it out. Thanks!
Hotaruchan is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-16-2013, 01:01 PM   #4  
Shrinking Chick
 
Riddy's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Upstate NY
Posts: 1,431

S/C/G: 288/ticker/160

Height: 5'8"

Default

Maybe you can get your current jackets taken in? It may not work if they're way too big, but it can't hurt to take them to the dry cleaners and ask.

As far as the new wardrobe, if you're willing to put in some time, it can be done for cheap. I'd suggest black pants, gray pants, and maybe a pair of brown or khaki pants. Have your color come from your tops. If you can wear those jackets, colorful camis are cheaper than shirts. Clearance racks and consignment stores have been my friends along the way - I'm on my third new wardrobe.

If you think you can wear trouser jeans to work, Old Navy's are around $35 regular price, but they go on sale a lot. Wash them about 6 times before you wear them, unless you like having blue legs. :-P

Try Kohls and JC Penney if you have them - I find their cheap basics (tees, cardigans, etc) are better quality than Old Navy, and about the same price.

Good luck!

Last edited by Riddy; 02-16-2013 at 01:08 PM.
Riddy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-16-2013, 01:55 PM   #5  
I'm bringing sexy back!
 
Mozzy's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2012
Posts: 4,228

S/C/G: 242/234.5/167

Height: 5'5"

Default

I'm a big fan of black basics. Slacks, pencil skirts, blazers. Add color through tops and accessories.

Also browse Pinterest for "business casual"
Mozzy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-18-2013, 05:41 PM   #6  
Senior Member
 
Jennifer1966's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Ohio
Posts: 854

S/C/G: 204/166/145

Height: 5'4"

Default

I agree with Mozzy, but I'd also suggest hitting sale racks at Loft when you get back. I honestly got 9 pieces of clothes (3 pants, 2 LS tees, 2 shirts and 2 sweaters) for under $100 this weekend!! Outlet malls are great, but don't forget clearance!
Jennifer1966 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-20-2013, 09:40 AM   #7  
Senior Member
 
dstalksalot's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Cali
Posts: 538

S/C/G: SW 228/CW 138/GW 130-150

Height: 5'3.5

Default

This blogger has sone great ideas for building a new wardrobe from scratch.

http://www.puttingmetogether.com/?m=1

Concentrate on a capsule wardrobe.... Things that can all be interchangeable.

I am building a new wardrobe and have found that I am becoming very specific and picky when it comes to fit. Goodwill is good if the quality can be found. Loft clearance is great!

Go slow and good luck!
dstalksalot is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-22-2013, 07:23 AM   #8  
Stubborn.
Thread Starter
 
Hotaruchan's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: New England
Posts: 743

S/C/G: 197/See ticker/135

Height: 5'6''

Default

I've never been to a Loft...I'll have to look it up and see where the closest one is. Luckily I live in CT, and relatively close to the shore...that means a lot of wealthier people that like to buy clothes, wear them once, and dump them in Goodwill. I've gotten name brand things with tags still on them, but unfortunately it always seemed like the really nice things were always in 4s and 6s...maybe I'll have better luck now that online measurement charts seem to be indicating that's about what I would fit into. Thanks for all of the suggestions and the link!
Hotaruchan is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-06-2013, 11:45 AM   #9  
Senior Member
 
Mountain Mamma's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Hiding in an Undisclosed Location
Posts: 823

S/C/G: 165/132/125 or 115? not sure

Height: 5'4" (on a good-hair day!)

Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Riddy View Post
Try Kohls and JC Penney if you have them - I find their cheap basics (tees, cardigans, etc) are better quality than Old Navy, and about the same price.
If there's a Kohl's in your area, and you don't already have a card, apply for one. They will send out % off offers (15 to 30%) that can be used for ANYTHING - sale, clearance as well as regular priced stuff (nothing is ever the inflated "regular" price, but that's another story.) They let you combine offers, too. You can also ask at the cash register if they have any coupons they can let you use. Sometimes I get a funny look, other times I've had cashiers bend over backwards to find a good one for me.

IF (big IF) they have what you need, you can often get it at a great price. And their return policy is good.

Last edited by Mountain Mamma; 03-06-2013 at 11:46 AM.
Mountain Mamma is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-08-2013, 04:28 PM   #10  
Senior Member
 
ArtyKay's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2011
Posts: 425

S/C/G: 202/195/140

Height: 5'3"

Default

I love Target. They always have stuff on sale and you can get some good stuff there. Get a pair of slacks that fit. Key word there, FIT! Wrap style shirts and dresses are good.

Mainly, get a few staples that you feel great about wearing. You can add pieces together later when you have more cash.

Anyway, when I first started my job I got a couple pairs of slacks, a couple dresses, some sweaters, camis, a pair of flats and a pair of boots. You can mix and match until you stock up on your wardrobe.
ArtyKay is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-14-2013, 11:22 PM   #11  
Member
 
LadyP2013's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2013
Posts: 58

S/C/G: 275/209/190

Height: 6'1

Default

I agree with the Tanger Outlets. They always have great sales. Coupons too.
LadyP2013 is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Related Topics
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Alternative Products that work in PHASE 1 showgirlaz Ideal Protein Diet 506 06-29-2012 09:15 PM
G2009 We Gotta Work! Labor Day Challenge JasonsLea Chicks up for a Challenge 285 09-07-2009 09:49 PM
Does Body for Life work? gea Weight and Resistance Training 82 09-05-2009 01:09 AM
Cutting out the "non essentials" doIlookfat? Weight Loss Support 29 07-19-2009 01:49 PM


Thread Tools

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off



All times are GMT -4. The time now is 11:34 AM.


We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.