Posts: 1,902
9/14/12 11:59 A

I personally hate online shopping (nothing ever fits right since I'm very short and busty).

I have to do the grunt work for what I like! I end up making sure I ONLY look at the sale racks (or I'll love something and it will go on sale). Then I go to all the regular stores, like Dillard's or boutiques, and browse. I find that it's important to buy stuff that is high quality because it lasts longer and the fabrics stay nice. I do go to some discount places but I watch the brand and look at the seams and fabric mix. Make sure it has at lease SOME natural fiber (wool, silk, cotton). If it's a big name store you can often go online and get a coupon for signing up for a mailing list or just looking at whatever is on their site. This can save you a lot if you end up buying shoes or other higher priced items.

I don't go into a store committed to buying something. I have a list in my head of what I want and I watch for it. I really enjoy shopping so I enjoy taking the extra time to find the perfect thing. I had been looking a skirt for work for over a year and then I found two for under $25 each. I've worn them both several times a month since I got them and I feel great (both TJ Maxx finds from good brands).

My next items are:
Shorts
Black flats
cream silk blouse for tucking into high wasted skirts
infinity scarf
riding boots
snow boots

Stores I like:
Century 21 (only in NYC and surrounding area I think)
TJ Maxx
Dillards
Banana Republic (stick to the sales rack, especially for suits!)
Tommy Hilfiger (outlet)
Armani Exchange (outlet)
Jones New York (outlet) --AMAZING dress sales! I got two for under $75 each originally over $300. Also good work clothing.
Any sidewalk sale by a local boutique
Under Armor (outlet)
Nike (outlet)

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SparkPoints: (390)
Fitness Minutes: (230)
Posts: 7
9/13/12 9:50 P

Seconding Modcloth! They have a lot of cute, classic styles for (I think) good prices. I've gotten a few dresses from there (ranging from $35-$55), and I've worn them all a lot, so I think the value is fantastic. Plus, they almost always have nice things in their sale section. (Every single time I wear the Coach Tour or Soda Fountain dress, I get compliments, so hooray for that!)
If you're looking to spend a moderate amount on one or two pieces ($65-$100), Pin Up Girl Clothing would be great, too. (pinupgirlclothing.com) They have TONS of vintage-inspired dresses named after bombshell actresses, and the quality is really good, too. They've got some really beautiful dresses.
Also, picking and choosing separates from "big box" clothing stores can work really well - cardigans and blouses from Old Navy and Target, skirts from the Gap, etc. I basically haunt the sales racks and scoop up last season's stuff. Are you close to any outlet malls? My favorite pair of jeans (ever) I got for dirt cheap from an outlet.
(Also also - Hot Topic has some cute retro-inspired dresses, and JC Penney had some classic-looking blouses for a good price).
So excited for you, happy shopping!

SparkPoints: (123)
Fitness Minutes: (45)
Posts: 11
9/10/12 9:10 P

I also love that kind of style and have had issues in the past finding things that I felt were "me"

I make a lot of my own clothes in order to get the look right (if you sew you can find vintage patterns on etsy or ebay, or even vintage tribute patterns new at JoAnns) If you aren't wanting to DIY, I'd still recommend Etsy and Ebay as places to get cheap, retro fashions that you wont find anywhere else. There's a lot of really cute, inexpensive stuff at Victoria's Secret's website or Macys as well.

Posts: 24
4/2/12 3:01 P

www.modcloth.com Love this site! You will definitely find the style you are describing.

Posts: 207
4/2/12 10:00 A

I love Marispil's advice on focusing on purchasing the essential pieces, then getting accessories. I would suggest checking out etsy.com for both areas. You can find some really neat vintage pieces, as well as "upcycled" pieces and custom work.

SparkPoints: (1,111)
Fitness Minutes: (1,622)
Posts: 17
3/30/12 3:18 P

Researching, researching, and more researching! When you talk about certain style, any place can have great garments, you just have to dig for it, which can be a very pleasant activity. From Target (yes, Target!), to Zara (they have amazingly affordable articles, you just have to look for them), going through H&M, Forever21, Burlington, Macy's, JC Penny... just don't buy more than 3 pieces in the same store! Plan ahead on some key garments that you want: ex. a red trench coat, a brown pencil skirt, a black corset... and leave other interchangeable pieces to the store's finds. Take pics of what you already bought and keep them in your cell phone, so when you are at the store, you can see the pictures and decide whether that shirt that you just loved will be a good match for your other stuff. Oh and don't forget to accessorize! Look for hats, scarves, jewelry, belts, purses... those will help you to compose the style you want. For a nice brooch, a clutch, or a special garment, you can look for thrift shops. They usually have beautiful unique pieces that will turn your look special.
Just remember: anything that you wear close to your face should match you skin tone, whether it is yellowish or pinkish. You can wear any color that you have in your eyes and hair too.
Good shopping!

SparkPoints: (1,218)
Fitness Minutes: (566)
Posts: 164
3/30/12 11:53 A

As I say this I am grinning ear to ear. I received some money for back payment due to veterans disbality. That means I can finally go out and get some new clothes! I haven't changed my wardrobe since about 10 yrs ago.

here is what I need help with. I know that my style sense and likes fall into retro chic. Think Dita Von Teese, Betty Page and a more updated Mad Men thrown in with some Suicide Girls. I just don't know where I can go to find these types of clothes for an affordable price. Does any one here have good fashion sense and can help me incorporate my personal tastes with the current style?

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