I need some input. I generally dress in jeans and a t-shirt or warm-up pants and a t-shirt. My husband and I gave each other a few coupons for the other person to redeem. One of his coupons for me to use for him was for me to go out and buy a new Saturday night outfit. I was in Old Navy for over an hour and walked out empty handed after two trips to the dressing room. At Kohl's I found a few things that were'nt bad but I can't justify spending $25 on a pair of jeans. So my dilema is that I hate shopping and trying on stuff and I'm on a tight budget and don't want to spend too much. And when I do find stuff at stores, my husband says, and he's right, don't you already have a shirt just like that? I buy the same kind of stuff I already have, I don't step out and buy something more stylish. And modesty is a big deal to me too, if it's not modest, I won't wear it.
Oh, I did see some sweatpants at Old Navy I liked, ahhh!
Try the thrift stores. You have to look through a lot of clothes (which isn't fun if you hate shopping) but I have found some really nice items that would cost 10 times as much at a regular store. I guess you have to choose the lesser of two evils, spending extra time looking or spending more money- unless you head for clearance items at regular stores, and I haven't had a lot of luck there with finding stylish things I like. Good luck!
Try Plato's closet - Plano or Frisco location. They have a ton of gently used name brand or designer clothes and jeans for cheap!
I highly suggest the Banana Republic outlet in Allen They have classy, modest clothes that can easily be dressed up with some fun jewelry. They are at outlet prices with additional sales on that.
You have a huge roll as a SAH mom. You deserve to spend more than $25 on some jeans!
I am kind of in the same situation in that I work from home therefore I am in jeans and sweats all day. So my advise is DON'T BUY more jeans for your Saturday night outfit. Buy some nice black slacks and a colorful, modest shirt. Get some different earrings or a neckless. Basically, spice it up for Saturday night to the degree you are comfortable. Remember, your husband is out in the work world all where women are wearing professional clothes, make up and hight heals. Your husband WILL appreciate the effort you make for him on your Saturday night!
Take a friend shopping with you....someone that has a good sense for style/fashion. do you have a friend/sister/mom/neighbor that can help? you just need a friend that can encourage you in the right direction. it's easy to get stuck in a rut...so deep that anything doesn't look right...you just need a nudge in the right direction. you'll be fine. also, go to clothes circuit in dallas. it's a high-end resale and you'll get great fashion/high quality for low price. Old navy is cheap but poor quality most of the time.
You might want to sign up for www.missussmartypants.com There is a fee to join, but, she will give you good tips weekly on how to dress stylishly for your own body type. She advises you on classic wardrobe items that will withstand the test of time, suggest accessories, and tell you how to do it all on a budget. I think it is great! Good luck!
A.
Have you been to Dots? It's in the Super Target shopping center at 380 and 75 in Mckinney. They have GREAT prices and dressier clothes, too. A pair of jeans are about $18 and they have misses sizes, too. Check out their website for coupons and ideas. www.dots.com Hope this helps!
A couple of years ago I used Dawn Moon at Macy's in Frisco. She is a personal shopper that works for Macy's. Call the store and ask for Macy's by Appointment. The service is free. I do not like shopping and whet for special occasions or spending birthday money. Tell her your budget and she will work with that. Good Luck.
Dear M. M:
I dislike shopping, too. What my husband and I do is we pick out one store that I like (I'm petite and have trouble finding anything that fits), then we both shop. He picks out the outfits for me to try on. I come out and model and he picks out what we buy. He gets something he likes seeing me in, I get someone helping pull clothes and making fashion decisions. Otherwise I walk out with nothing, or the same brand of jeans I've been wearing for the last decade!
L. F., married to my best friend for 22 years, and have a 13-year-old daughter
Hi M. M!!!
My name is Robbin, and I love to shop!!! I love to shop for myself and I love to shop for other people. I would love to help you with your frustration. Where are you located? There is always someplace to find something nice and modest at a low cost. Let me know if you would like my help.
Taking a friend is a good idea. Also, $25 for jeans is a steal.
I'll be honest, I am not modest and I love nice clothes. As for Saturday night wear....maybe some nice black pants with a top you like. I have some really nice black pants with leather trim from Bebe that I love. I love them so much that I went back and bought another pair for back up. I do that often if I find a piece of clothing I love.
You can be modest with pants and a nice top. You can dress jeans up nicely as well. Add some pretty footwear to your ensemble and you will be fine. Try, just try....to step out of the box just a little and see how you feel with a new outfit!
Happy shopping!
I just wanted to say I'm in the same boat and enjoying reading your answers.
Good luck!
go to salvation army on the corner of spring creek/hwy five in east plano on wednesdays. wednesdays is half price on clothing. also goodwill (spring creek/alma), thrift store (hwy. 5/18th st.) never know what you might find at either of these places. i have purchased NEW ralph lauren pants for $6, anne taylor clothing, armani (spelling) jeans for $7, old navy, banana republic, kenneth cole, calvin cline, etc... never know. you cannot try on anything at the thrift store but you can try on stuff at salvation army/goodwill. you have to be prepared to look so go with a full stomach, time, and an empty bladder, and no little ones... good luck.
Start watching "What not to Wear" on tv. Same channel as John and Kate+8. Very common problem what you are describing. Don't let yourself go. Your husband will appreciate your efforts! Everything is on sale now everywhere. You can find some things if you have some guidelines :-) Good Luck
OMGosh! I'm a real bargain shopper. I encourage you to watch what not to wear. Go on line and look at magazines for a new hair style, colors that flatter your skin tone and face shape. Get him involved. ASK him what he really likes and try to fit his requests. Get him to go with you you'll both love it and it will be less frustrating! You can find everything you need from undergarments to coats (Shoes too)! Go to ROSS!I get everything from there for my entire family. You and your husband should be about to come out of there looking brand new! There's a new Ross @ Custer and 121, one on the outside of Stonebriar Mall. You can also try Stein Mart, and Marshall's.
this is way out, and i totally understand your position and thought process...i am right there!
HOWEVER...Nordstrom's has free personal shoppers...you could maybe make an appt with one of them (I am not 100% sure how to do it, but surely you can call them up)...go in try on a few things and then go look for similar things at OTHER STORES that are not expensive. But it may give you a "look" to look for?
Not sure. I too couldn't justify that price, so i am not too sure if you would just not buy anything, but would be willing to tip them for the time spent with you??? I will be in the same boat when i lose this baby weight! Good luck.
Also, you may be able to find something at the banana republic outlet in allen...if you like old navy, they are the same parent company?? just a thought.
I laughed out loud when I read this.
Okay, are you sure that he wants you to buy another pair of jeans for Sat nite? I have lots of ideas here.
Well, you didn't say that you hate shopping, so - do what has been suggested - take a friend or your hubby (if he doesn't hate shopping). I often take my teenage daughter. It is always more fun to have a friend along.
We go to thrift stores to get the most for our money. The cheapest prices I have found are at The Thrift Store at 18th St and Ave K in Plano. (Drawback: no changing rooms there, but I wear tight clothes and just try stuff on top in front of the mirror). Sometimes the tags are still on the items. Amazing. You can find name brand stuff there. (I've seen people try on pants by wearing skirts. They pull on the pants, fasten them, then drop the skirt to check out the fit of the seat,etc.)
The nice thing about the Salvation Army places is that they rack their clothing by color, so it is easier to find something if you are looking for a specific color. Plus, they have dressing rooms.
Another idea: make a list of what's in your closet and figure out where the "gaps" are. I've recently realized that I need a dark blue long sleeve t-shirt. But it has to have a looser neckline than the traditional t-shirt. It will take a little while, but I'll eventually find just what I'm looking for - and maybe get it for 3 bucks or less!
Two years ago, nothing looked nice until I got a haircut and suddenly I could wear anything and people said I looked 10 years younger.
I have found some very nice items at my local consignment shop (Peggy Sue's) in Wylie on FM 544.
Good luck to you, and take a friend! Go out to lunch, then have a shopping day!
A.
I had to come back and add a PS
I used to be a major frump. I wore baggy t-shirts and sweat clothes. I have stopped doing that. If I wear a t-shirt now, it is fashionably snug and nowadays, I always wear earrings and maybe a short necklace. It's amazing how jewelry helps! I try to kiss my husband every morning when he leaves and every night when he gets home - even if we're upset at each other. I have always tried to look nice when he gets home - as per typical advice - but nowadays I try to look nice FOR ME -- I start out my day by choosing a nice (t-shirt material, but nicely fitting) blouse and earrings to coordinate and that encourages my heart!
Bad habits are hard to break! I have been in the fashion business for 20 years! You are in the stay at home mommy rut! It is up to you to change! One of the first pieces of advice my grandmother and mother gave about marriage, was always look good when your husband comes home! I thought how out of date!!! Well they were right! I know, it is not comfortable to run around in cute clothes! So dress later! I never dress before 1p if I do have to! My clothes stay nicer, and I get more done!
You need to find your look! It is always better to buy three tops and two bottoms you love, than 20 outfits, because they were cheap! I will also add always go online to see if stores have coupons before heading out! I will also tell you a secret! I always go to Sears and JC Penneys for my basics, and nobody has ever known! Oh yes, Talbots has great bottoms and a huge sale right now!
PS. You also know $25 dollars is not expensive today! I have a feeling this more about your confidence! I bet you would spend it your husband or child in a heart beat! You might even think it was a good deal!
$25 is not a lot to spend on jeans, especially "hot" jeans for your husband. Do it for him. I too am cheap, but looking good for my husband is a marital priority, especially if he asks you to. I've found some great inexpensive things at Kohl's in the department where the Daisy Fuentes stuff is.
I only wear jeans myself. I have a dark blue pair of jeans that I love. I throw on a nice pair of heels, or when the weather is nice, strappy sandals, which you can get great looks and prices as DSW. I have a couple of nice tops that I got Banana Republic or NY & Co. I'm like you when it comes to spending money on clothes. I hate to do it. However, when it comes to a nice pair of jeans, I would spend the money and save money on tops. I usually spend about $50 on jeans, but my tops I usually get on clearance anywhere from $9.99 to $24.99. I usually prefer NY & Co because I find the clothes to be more age appropriate than some other stores and their prices are great. Now's the time to shop. Stores are making room for spring/summer styles and with the holiday sales as bad as they were there are some pretty good sales out there.
Go shopping with a friend or your husband without children. Hit the sales racks and try on things that you normally would not. You would be suprised how different things look from the body to the hanger. Make sure you fix your hair and makeup. Try stores like Dillards, Gap and Macy's as well. While there regular prices are high they have great sales and clearance. I just got a top that was originally $60 for $14. Try on the expensive stuff you can't afford. That way you can get an idea of what you think looks new and good. Then wait for it to come to your price range or find that style at a second hand store. I have been through this and know. It is hard at first but can be really fun. It is nice to have atleast one outfit that you feel great and look great in, especially for our guys. I am a dance teacher and before that coach. My life was workout clothes and ponytails. I went through this transition. It spiced up my marriage and made me fell really good when I put on my new stuff for my man. It is fun for a laugh when you pick up and try on things that are not you. It really can turn into a good time. go to have fun and laugh not to stress about what you want to buy. You will find that perfect thing at just the right price. It is all in the attitude. Good luck.
Call me! I have had the same problem! I might be able to give you some advice, and maybe we can run out shopping together if you like. I've checked out books from the library that were great and I get a newsletter that is also fabulous--main problem is--I don't know your body type, coloring, and style, so I can't advise you off the cuff, so to speak. If you just want to email me, I'll give you the links to my resources and you can figure it out yourself--(I don't know how personal you want to be!) Have fun with your hubby in your Saturday night outfit!
P.S. Why are you worried about the price of jeans when you already have some? I noticed that! :)
Old navy and Kohls are the wrong stores!
Why are all the pretty shirts low cut?!! Why are dresses either frumpy or trashy? I know where you're coming from! Email me and we'll chat! :D
M. M-
Hi! I understand. I love to wear my t-shirt and jeans. Like the other Mamas I suggest Marshall's, TJ Maxx or Ross. They have lots of clothes for reduced prices. I often shopped at Harold's because they have nice fitted professional cotton shirts and pants. They have a Harolds Clean Sweep Outlet at the Tollway and Beltline. Everything is 75-80% off. It requires some looking, but you can get a nice shirt for $8-$20. Call in advance if you want to check it out. Good Luck!
If I found jeans I liked for $25 I would buy 3 pairs! Go with something black, very classic. I love the take a friend idea. I wear sweats everyday too and it is hard for me to step out of the box. Your husband will love it though. Try Target too. It is inexpensive.
Try SteinMart. There is one in the SuperTarget plaza at Warren & Preston in Frisco.
You and me both! And with having small kids, it's so hard to even find time to get out and shop! $25 is good for a pair of jeans. If you love them, buy them! You might also try looking as resale stores. You can sometimes get some nice classy things for a reasonable price.
