The skirt is cute, i have one somewhat similar.

The shirt is cute, but it would make anyone with boobs look like a hooker.

I have a very similar skirt that you clicked on-- from Talbots-- as a matter of fact-- and it is much shorter. Being so short in stature, I look like a munchkin in longer skirts and dresses, and don't buy that length.

I can understand your problem with the rise. I have a friend who can't buy pants there either for the same reason.


I do agree with you on Ann Taylor and J Crew. They both have some beautiful clothes, and I do shop there too. J Crew is generally a bit more casual though-- although I did get a gorgeous blazer from them which I wear to work.

To Kddani: I personally would never recommend "The Limited" because it seems to be "Polyester City". Many of their clothes scream "cheap." I've found many have threads hanging from them because they're not finished properly.

And, remember, I recommended the OP shop at Talbots during their twice a year sale. You can get some very good bargains. I picked up some gorgeous skirts for $39!

And as for frumpy--- you haven't the black leather zip jacket I bought from them last winter!

And yeah-- pleats are bad, bad, bad, bad! (But, did you also click on "flat front pants?"

Thanks for all the advice guys!

And I am on a tight budget. I tend to spend 50-75 dollars at a time on clothes, if that. So hence my concern at expensive stores, even at sale time!

If that's your budget I would seriously check out Target and Old Navy....the other stores mentioned won't get you much for 50-75 bucks. However, online sales are the BEST at J.Crew and others.

It's really cute on the model. My mama always told me that if you don't
want something to look wider, you don't put horizontal stripes on it. Therefore, I'm one of many who should not be wearing that skirt.:p

Edited to add: This weekend could be the best time of year to get some bargains. Between coupons in the paper and clearance sales, department stores practically give clothes away. Go find yourself some nice new stuff!

I don't mind buying bits and pieces at a time, but I'm definately limited. Only making 8 an hour and saving up for graduate school. Thank God I'm not paying rent yet.

/Parents are driving me crazy though

the ann taylor loft jacket and skirt are lovely-but at $139 for the jacket alone, is probably out of our op's price range. i think the suggestion given to go look at more expensive clothing and really give it the once over, is a great idea. then go to less expensive stores and try to find something comparable, but be careful-there is nothing more unfortunate than a cheap suit!!

i don't know if i would send someone to gap or old navy-old navy's stuff, while often cute, looks cheap, and the merchandise i have seen lately in gap isn't much better. at least that is how it is here in the naples stores.

it may be better to save up until you can buy a good suit-jacket, skirt and slacks.and try to buy them on sale. then add a few nice v-neck sweaters-always flattering on bustier ladies-you can get away with 3/4 length sleeves year round. then you can mix and match so that it seems that you have more outfits than you really do.

If you have any birthdays/graduation parties or any other occasions coming up for family to get you gifts, ask for gift cards to stores like Ann Taylor and you can use them towards building a nice work wardrobe.

Maybe a July graduation party, but I am sadly a January baby.... :(

/Need to make up a giftgiving holiday in August.

Not to mention that you should never buy clothes from a store that has the word "barn" in it!

HAHAHAHAHAHA you've already met one that does. (Not me) I have a cute pair of khakis from there, but everything else that I own from there is basically "I am so freaking bloated this is all I can fit into and I wasn't about to pay lots of $$$ for bloat-clothes."

Talbots - I have one blouse from there that is one of the sexiest things I own. Then again, that's in the way I wear it. It could also be a frumpy work blouse, if I chose it to be. I would probably wear some of that stuff on the site, but then again 1) I'm 5'8" 2) I'm curvy below the waist. So I need something that's not going to cling to my butt like Saran Wrap.

Go to the Gap OUTLET and the Banana OUTLET. They are the bestest things that have ever been invented. I got a great dress at Banana for $30 (it was probably $130 in the regular BR store).

You used to be able to go to the juniors dept and get the cute suits from XOXO, Rampage etc, which I think were suitable for 20somethings at work, but I never see anything like those anymore. It's all jeans and lameass message t-shirts or going-out clothes.

Ok... I didnt read through this whole thread, but I grew up outside of Decatur so I know what you are up against.

There is a Maurices in Hickory Point Mall so you could check that out. Last time I was home I'm pretty sure they are still there. The NY&CO that was at Hickory Point Mall closed a couple years ago as did the Gap.

There is a Talbots in the downtown area. The name of the street escapes me but it's by Merchant Street, in that area. Within a block or so of Catz and Pastabilities. Talbots has helped a lot of my friends out with business type wear.

The TJ Maxx actually has some pretty decent business type clothing but it's one of those places where you have to dig and you have to hit it at the right time. That's in Brettwood Village right off 55. There is also a Dots there (at least there was last time I went there). They used to have stuff like that but I'm told they are going more towards younger fashions ie jeans and bar clothes.

Also there is a Cato by the Walmart in Mt. Zion. They have a good selection and aren't massively expensive. I bought a suit through them one time that has lasted me about 2-3 years and it was under 100 dollars. It is classy yet still youngish looking.

Let me know if you need anymore help and I can hit up some of my friends that still live there to see if they have any suggestions.

I'm in about the same boat as you. I just bought a lovely suit from the Limited. It was a bit pricey for me ($170 for the jacket, and I can't remember how much I spent on pants), but it fits me really nicely. I have the same body issues as you (big boobs and little everywhere else), and the Limited works pretty well for me. I'd second AT Loft and J Crew for young looking but professional clothes. J Crew actually has the best fitting button down shirts I've found for my shape.

Express has crappy dress clothes, so I'd stay away. I also typically wouldn't wear anything from Talbot, but I'm pretty stylish. ;)

Never shopped at Cato or Dots and I haven't been the mall much recently but I thought we lost our Maurice's.. I'll have to double check.

I'm not super tiny elsewhere, like I said, I'm average. 8-10 depending on where I shop, though I could range further than that depending on stupid sizing. I just have no defining hips or butt. Every pair of jeans I own can be pulled straight down without unbuttoning. (Keep those minds clean boys) The only time my dresspants can't is when they're so high waisted that I actually HAVE a waist.

I really appreciate all the suggestions! I'm going to try and hit the outlet mall this weekend. It's a start at least.

I <3 outlets. Sigh...

Happy Shopping!