OT: Fashion help needed

I teach an adult class at a local community college once a week. I've known all summer that I'd be starting this fall semester before I have reached my goal weight and would have to come up with a wardrobe that works for that. I know some of you are dealing with this daily and I can't imagine the expense! In this case, since I don't teach daily, I won't even get to wear these clothes very many times before they are history. I have a black blazer that fit me again, but it's fifteen years old and has padded shoulders. I'm going to have it tailored to fit better and have narrower shoulders, so that will help. I can wear it over jeans (with nice boots) or my black trousers (I'm waiting for QVC to deliver) with different tops.

I'm struggling with the desire to buy more than I need because for the first time in twenty years I am liking what I see in the mirror! But in the meantime, I can buy accessories and not outgrow them.

What is the trick of not having shoes and purse match? Somehow I wasn't paying attention when they sent out that memo, and now I see that warning everywhere and it's new to me. I have an artisan-made purple shoulderbag, embroidered in bright colors, from Honduras. So okay, I don't have to wear it with purple shoes. But what about leathers? What if I want to carry a leather bag with my brown leather boots. I assume it's now a no-no to have the bag match. Does that mean I could carry a black bag and wear brown boots? (WEIRD.)

And the belt! I thought belts (which I never wear) were supposed to match shoes. Has that changed? I am now thinking of getting a skinny belt with small buckle to wear with the jeans under the blazer to make it look a little more "finished" a look.



Because by looking at this picture I see that instead of calling attention to my thick waist (which is thick at any weight) most of it would be covered. But how do I choose the buckle. Whether it's silver-toned or gold-toned should match my other jewelry, I would think. Which in my case means I'd probably go with skinny brown leather belt with some bronze/not-shiny gold buckle. Because all my boots are brown and I wear gold-toned jewelry. But what do I know? I haven't paid attention to this kind of thing in years!

Or I can save money and wear the shirt out under the blazer.



I have to buy the blouse. Which is silly because honestly, a plain white t-shirt looks great under a black blazer with jeans, and is much cheaper.

Advice? Thanks!

Oh, another blouse. I love these standup collars!

I am shopping really cheap for now, because I know I am blowing through sizes. I would find a cheap retail store and find things with elastic waists and wider legs. Buy them a little snug in the waist so they can shrink with you, until you reach your next stage of purchasing. Find a couple of good versatile bottoms that you can rotate, then you can have more fun with the tops and blazers. I have never been one to care whether my shoes match my purse. I guess I am not too fashionable.

I've been doing the "buy snug wear until baggy" thing, too!

I haven't bothered much with purses matching because I rarely change purses!  Now it's kind of fun to play with fashion, and if I play with accessories I don't have to worry about whether they'll fit in November.

 Hi, I don't post much, but have been reading a lot. But I thought I'd chime in here. :)

Im down 134lbs in not quite a year so obviously needed some new things lol. I've had a blast going on my 'deal crusades'. I buy things on clearance, and in Winners (Ross in the states I think), I haven't paid more then 20.00 for pretty much anything. Even found some great stuff at thrift stores. 

I've found my skinny jeans are a staple and I can dress them up or down with a loose blouse and a funky belt. (found a silver Guess belt for 15.00 and ordered a blingy western style belt on eBay). Or a t-shirt, and now that we're going into fall, some sweaters I got on clearance from last years stock. Lots of stores are getting rid of that stuff to make room for the new coming in now. 

I also bought some staples, as far as shoes and boots that change the look of a outfit, again fairly cheaply (got 2 pairs of suede boots, one with heals, the other riding style.  190.00, on sale for 30.00 each!). And some suede moccasins that are super comfy, at Walmart for 20.00. 

Also Costco has been a staple in my closet, both for their reasonably priced shaping garments (flexee's) and their reasonably price clothes. Much of it suitable for business/professional. 

Ive gone from a size 24 to a 4-6 I less then a year, part of the payoff is finally going shopping for things I like rather then just what fits. And if I can do that at bargain prices all the better :)

You've done an amazing job losing.  You certainly earned the right to splurge if you decide to, but I understand the bargain hunting!  I've been doing that for the past few months, too.  I can't believe that I got bleach on my only pair of jeans that fit. Gah!!!!  Have to get another pair, and I am hard to fit.  At least I finally found some that stay up and don't fall off!  With my apple shape, that is an issue.

 I've been blowing through pant sizes about every 3 weeks. I've been going to Salvation Army, Goodwill and Value Village. I've found every thing from jeans to designer clothing. I spent $61 dollars last Friday on 3 pairs of Not You Daughters Jeans, a pair of Nordstrom dress pants, 2 cashmere sweaters, 2 merino wool sweaters ( one from Nieman's), an Eileen Fisher sweater, a Penelton wool skirt and a never worn pair of boots. Some of the clothes are in new condition. I'm a really picky shopper and a hard fit as I am tall. 

Everyday the Goodwill and Value Village have a special and my local SA has 50% off everything the last weekend of the month. All are having 50% off sales for Labor Day. Check your local stores and get there early.  Check out multiple stores as some have more higher end items than others. One VV I go to has lots of NYDJs and another has more designer items. The only things I won't buy are undergarments and pajamas at the thrift stores. If you look once or twice a month, you'll find some great things. 

Good luck!

Wow, the SA and Goodwill I've seen don't have any designer or upscale stuff.  I need to venture further and see if I can find that stuff.  Those are great buys!  Thank you!

Lol, I never had/have shoes & purse matching.. right now my purse is a green & burgundy woven thing, summery island feel. I may change purses 3x a year.. At least I finally got away from black leather all the time..

Belts & shoes I try to coordinate, not exactly match- but black shoes=black belt. 

As far as clothes- best advice, hunt around on your time off and find a really, really good consignment or thrift shop! Goodwills are great if you have a lot of time to hunt or for casual wear.. but if you can find a store that seems to have more higher-end stuff, professional clothes, it can save a lot of time!

I just went into my fav here in town and hunted for an interview outfit.. I had a top I knew I wanted to wear, but no bottoms that would work.. in an hour, came out with two really nice dress pants, one pair very sexy side-split palazzo pants (for dress up nights!), several really good tops, and two pairs of cute heels.. 10 items for $75. One dressy silk top from Nordstroms with tags on it still was $29.00 (tags $118!) the rest was cheap. I am hooked on clothes now, which is good since I need to get fall & winter purchased.. I have nothing for the next season.. not even a coat yet.

My big issue is that I hate shopping and hate having to go to stores, so end up buying online.  It costs me more.  Whenever I absolutely have to go shopping I get a friend to take me, because she'll drag me around and make sure I get what I need and not bail out early and go home.

As I said in a previous comment, I really do need to find a consignment store or thrift store location that has nicer things.  The only ones I've seen don't.  A new Goodwill opened up fairly close to me, though.  I saw it last weekend.  Maybe I can drag myself there!