Comments on: Frump Is Not My Friend

By: marci

marci — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 11:27:28 +0000

I recently found myself with the same problem – a closet full of nothing to wear. I discovered some amazing (and cheap – they have sales all the time) dresses at JCPenney that are absolutely great. They hide the tummy without being billowy and are perfect for going out – and they morph from casual to dressy depending on where I’m going, so I never have to worry about whether they’re nice enough for the evening.

Stuff like this, only it was much cheaper in the store – they often have an extra 20-60% off of the sale price:
http://www4.jcpenney.com/jcp/X6.aspx?DeptID=50434&CatID=51366&GrpTyp=SIZ&ItemID=13d6abf&attrtype=&attrvalue=&CmCatId=50434|50444|51366

By: Stephanie

Stephanie — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 02:01:18 +0000

I LOVE Nordstrom Rack in Chandler. Great prices, Stylish clothes.

Other “stand-bys” are NY & Company and Old Navy (for pants and jeans).

If I were in Cali, I’d probably also shop at H & M and Zara.

And I find cute things occasionally at JCPenney too, but that’s hit and miss.

By: Soliloquy

Soliloquy — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 22:12:32 +0000

I am all about cute skirts and t-shirts. You can probably wear those year-round in AZ. Grab a cute cardigan or two.

PAY for the right jeans. You won’t regret it. Do you have a Buckle? Hands down, best jeans. Cute clothes too.

I WISH you had an H&M. When’s your next trip to CA? It’s a jackpot on style and price.

Just DO NOT get too matronly on us…. you can do this. Just remember – if you LOVE it at the store, but it’s more than you want to pay- it’s better than buying two of something that’s just so-so.

So many cute empire cut tops now should make it easy to find something to cover the tummy, well.

If you forget everything else I’ve said – don’t skimp on the jeans….

By: Michelle@Life with Three

Michelle@Life with Three — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 20:23:25 +0000

You’ve got some great suggestions going. I would second Banana Republic, Ann Taylor Loft, Anthropologie (although a lot of their stuff is not machine washable, and when you have a two year old, I’m sorry, you need machine washable), Gap, and J. Crew. I have come to the realization as I approach my mid 30s that it is worth spending a little more on mid-range clothing. What I mean by that is, although Target is cute (and I’ll occassionally find something I like there), I spend a little more up front for something that fits better and will last over time. Also, you can find some great deals at the end of season sales at outlet stores.

As far as wardrobe pieces: I have a dark wash denim pencil skirt that I love. I wear it with everything. I’m also a huge jeans fan — at least one or two pairs of dark wash jeans (trouser style is nice). I’m addicted to casual, fitted jackets that I can throw over a tee shirt with jeans or khakis and look relatively “put together.” I know you live in the desert, so if you can find some casual cotton skirts that you can pair with a tee shirt or even a cotton wrap dress, you might find those very comfortable (I like wearing them better than shorts or capris). I have a cotton wrap dress from Banana Republic that is so soft it is like wearing pajamas — LOVE it!

By: TRACEY

TRACEY — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 17:37:48 +0000

I am 40 and I still shop at Target, Kohls, Walmart (occasionally), Old Navy, and the clearance racks at the MALL:
JC Penny, Christopher and Banks, The Limited, Gap, Banana Republic, Payless (shoes)

Wrap dresses are great. I wear a lot of capri pants (I don’t wear shorts that much anymore.), I wear v neck tees,
sleaveless tops ( I live in NM.).

Let us know how it goes. Good luck and have fun! Invite one of us the next time would you!?

By: Heather

Heather — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 15:01:01 +0000

Oh, I forgot about them but I totally second the White House Black Market suggestion. I LOVE that shop!

By: jaime

jaime — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 14:17:35 +0000

just a small suggestion from a fashion non-expert, I’ve always been told a wrap top or dress helps hide the “spare tire” a bit. Maybe I’m out of the loop here, but I think they are nice…form fitting but not clingy in the wrong places. My wedding dress had the wrap thing happening, and it made me feel so comfortable with my body.

Oh by the way, the age thing, you’ll always be a kid to me ;p

By: kristenkj

kristenkj — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 13:24:41 +0000

A few years ago I wouldn’t believe I am saying this, but Target really has some cute non-frump things. In fact, the last few things I’ve bought have been from Target. Also Ann Taylor. I like Banana Republic, too, and I really like Polo stuff. Good luck!

By: Tara B

Tara B — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 13:22:58 +0000

Anthropologie. Someone already mentioned it, but I hear that’s where the well-dressed women around the age of 30 (and beyond, in my case) go. Now, the regular prices are absolutely ridiculous, but the sales aren’t too pricey (and the have one right now, lucky girl!).

I’d love to go there if I didn’t have a growing belly…then again, some of their tops are very maternity-friendly (for me).

Good luck and buy cute stuff for you!

By: Erin

Erin — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 12:41:36 +0000

Delurking to say that I’m 26 and have the same clothes problem as you, coupled with needing cute work clothes. I do most of my shopping at Kohl’s and Banana Republic (love the outlet stores!). They have “adult” clothes that are stylish and not at all frumpy. I also love Anthropologie, but I’d have to get a second job if I wanted to build a wardrobe on their clothes! Sometimes I can find good styles at Old Navy, but it’s pretty hit or miss.