Uggghhh.... I need to shop for new clothes!!

[sewhappyrtr]

Ha Ha Ha... I know I will catch flack for this one!!! But I don't want so sew any... You all know I have lost weight, I have kept it off by walking on my treadmill, for about 3-4 years and I need new clothes,, I have tried to alter my clothes and it just doesn't pay to take my time and energy to do that when I can shop for ready to wear!! But when I have tried in the past to shop at Kohl's.. all the pants are hip hugger type that are tight at the thighs and then flair out at the knee or something similar. I am too old for that style of pant IMHO!!! So... were does everyone go to shop for RTW that doesn't break the bank? I don't want to spend a ton of money, in fact I don't have a ton of money to spend... I am still big on top.. that just doesn't seem to go down in size no matter what I do.. and with my herniated discs.. I am limited on what kind of exercise I can do.. My belly still is flabby no matter what even though my pant size has gone down 2 sizes... go figure!!!
It seems I only wear jeans, capris, or something along those lines... I want something different... we go to church and I want something different to wear!!!.... I seem to only wear t-shirts.. or that type of shirt.. very rarely do I wear button up shirts even though I have quite a few that I really like...

[LeapFrog Libby]

Karen,
As I live in the south, I don't know how many of my favorite shops would be available to you, but Here is where I find the best buys. Everyday low priced clothes that are very good quality. Bon Worth.. I'm not talking wally world prices here , but good quality for what I consider bargain prices. Then there is Hamricks. They have name brands and their own brands also. But I am afraid with names like 'Southern Lady' they may not be available in your part of the country. That is where I buy names like Alfred Dunner and other well known names that excape me at the moment. This last month I bought 2 pair of Alfred Dunner pants for less than 15 bucks each at Hamricks. What a steal and I onlyhave to cut and re-hem them. (Koret) is another name I find at bargain prices. But we have several outlet stores that have wonderful clearance sales and that is where I shop. Then, for everyday year round, my favorite store is Stein Mart. They have the very best petite Dept. I have ever found anywhere. They are reasonable in thewir prices and have great sales frequently, with coupons most every week in the paper. I love being able to buy a pretty jacket on Saturday and wearing it to church on Sunday without having to alter any part of it.A lot of stores have junior petites but they do not fit me. Stein Mart Petites fit me, and the pants are sixzed right also. No gaps in the back when I sit down, etc..

[sewhappyrtr]

Alfred Dunner and Koret brands are around here but usually not sale priced, I have heard of Stein Mart but not around me.. Bergners is here and JC Penneys along with Sears... with other individual stores that aren't huge markets....
Isn't there something else like Stein Mart... can't think of the name right now... I have shopped there before but its usually hit or miss they seem to be a season or 2 behind esp. in clothes...dang it.. can't think of the name of it right now...

[sewhappyrtr]

T J Maxx.. I remembered.... and the sister store to that one... what ever it is...

[MartySews2]

Karen, I shop at Dillard's for my clothes when I purchase RTW. They carry a line of slacks called Essentials and they are $30 a pair. They fit at the waist with a waistband and zipper front. I have 7 pairs. I did find something similar at Macy's last year for $24.95 a pair that are elastic waist pants. They are very nice and go thru the washer & dryer with no problems. I buy Tan Jay tops, skirts and jackets at Dillard's. Most of the pieces are around $30 with the jackets being a little higher. Again, they go thru the washer & dryer easily. You can go to http://www.Dillards.com and order online. They have good sales. I only shop for clothes about once every 3 yrs. I tend to buy mix and match separate pieces so I get a lot of wear out of all of them.
Marty

[sewhappyrtr]

Marty, I went to their website and never did find the slack Essentials.. everything else was pricey though...

[MartySews2]

Karen, I apologize, I had the name wrong ... it's Investment ... here's the link http://www.dillards.com/product/Investm ... ilver_grey. These are great pants. Here is the link for some of the tops that I wear http://www.dillards.com/product/TanJay- ... 0_zi_black. And another top that I wear http://www.dillards.com/product/TanJay- ... _roseberry. Here is one of the jackets that I have http://www.dillards.com/product/TanJay- ... _roseberry. And another one that I like http://www.dillards.com/product/TanJay- ... ight_stone. This jacket is great too http://www.dillards.com/product/TanJay- ... lack_white. All of these pieces are under $50 each which is very reasonable for quality clothing. Hope this helps.
Marty

[sewhappyrtr]

Ahhh... ok.. I like those pants and those tops... the jackets look nice but not too sure I would ever wear them.. I just may have to look into that name brand around here... Thanks for the heads up Marty!!

[MartySews2]

Karen, I normally wear the slacks with a cap sleeve top & jacket for doctor appts, guild meetings, church, sewing classes, etc. Occasionally for church, I'll swap the slacks for a skirt especially if it's a dressy event. In the winter, I wear a pullover sweater with my slacks. It's a nice pulled together look with minimal fuss that goes for almost any occasion. I like the TanJay line of clothing as the sleeves are larger than other brands which fit my fluffy upper arms. Macy's also has a line of pants called the JM Collection. They are under $30 and wear great. I have a few pair in black and navy which is basically the only colors that I wear in pants besides chocolate brown and charcoal gray. I seldom find any tops at Macy's that I like. Good luck on your search.
Marty

[LeapFrog Libby]

I do not shop at Dillards. My family has a lifetime boycott of their stores. They used to be the J B Ivey stores. When My Mother was pregnant with me, she went there and bought a cotton maternity dress. The first time she washed it (by hand) all the color came out of it. She took it back and Iveys just laughed at her and said no refunds after wearing. That was 79 years ago and no one in our family or even friends of ours ever shopped at that chain again. Specially with Belk just a block away and the employees there were always welcoming and helpful to anyone, rich or poor.. I still go to Belk Stores when I need the best and have the money. I buy classic items so I don't care if they are this years or last years. I do not believe in buying faddish items. Sometimes they are out of style before you get home with them. I look better in classic ready to wear, so I stick with that. When laces and ruffles are in, I just add a pretty scarf or hanky to my jacket. I only buy clothes when I need to. MY ex DIL used to make me so mad buying the kids new clothes every fall regardless of whether they needed them or not. Such a waste of money...I never pay full price for any of my clothes. They have to be on sale and that is when I get the big names in my closet. I was taught from the age of 5 to live strictly within my budget and I always do. I cannot stand the thought of being head over heels in debt and I sleep well at night with the way I spend my money. I live pretty well also.