Monday, April 4, 2011

Hypothetically Speaking, What Would You Buy With $500? Summer Wardrobe Edition.

I haven't worn my staple summer wardobe since 2009. It was then that I was a size four and spent the summer in cute bermudas and slim fit capris. All dolled up in lot's of JCrew ruffles and sweet, flirty sundresses. It goes without saying that I won't be wearing many of those items this summer, the majority of which were purchased that season and worn only a handful of times. I forsee some lucky friends and well-dressed strangers in my future, as many of those items will be going up for sale on eBay.  

I've learned many a lesson in becoming a mother, one of the most important being the way that I shop. Choosing to stay at home has prompted many lifestyle changes here in the M household and I've definitely needed to make some changes when it came to buying clothes. As it was, I used to shop purely out of frivolity. It didn't help that I lived less than ten minutes from one of the country's largest shopping malls! The difference now? I shop only out of necessity. And even then, it's a bit of a stretch and requires a lot of planning.


Here's my conundrum. I have about $500 just begging to be spent on a new summer wardobe. Under any other circumstance, I would have jumped at the chance to spend that cash but because I'm literally building a new summer wardobe from the ground up, I'm feeling a little, shall we say, overwhelmed. As in, I don't know where to start and am actually satisified by just staring at the money rather than spending it.

I most definitely need a bathing mom-suit or two and am positive this purchase alone will set me back roughly $100. I have a couple pairs of capris, both black and salmon (holla, Vineyard Vines) that I can still rock but past that? I'm a blank canvas. SOS. Send fashion ideas.  

Help a Mama out. What are some of your staple summer favorites that you can't possibly live without? What are some key transition pieces that I'll be able wear again and again? It's rare that I ask for fashion help but it seems that a certain 23lb. towhead has sucked all the fashion sense out of me!    

Happy Monday, Loyals!

 
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35 comments :

  1. I've found that I invest less in my summer pieces than my winter pieces- probably because after a few seasons of sweating & what not I'm ready to replace things, conversely I'll hang onto a cashmere sweater for years and years.

    My "go-to"s are LandsEnd Canvas, the Gap & Target. Target is where I'd get any trendy pieces you want to try, or inexpensive casual jersey dresses. GAP is my favorite for good chinos and skirts, LEC is great for "nice" summer dresses, cute polos, blousy tops & a few lightweight cardigans to toss over things.

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  2. You got me! I rock running shorts and tank tops/t shirts daily. I have decent shorts from Gap that I just need cute tops to go with. Can't wait to see the response! I love Target for their summer stuff. Check it out!

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  3. 23lbs??? he's already hit the 20lb mark??? Sign that kid up for toddler sports

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  4. I'm in the same boat. I have nothing. Well, that's not true. I tried on my capris/shorts and most of them still fit. But tops? None. Zero. I got rid of almost all of them last summer when I was pregnant because I knew I'd never wear them again. Some because of size, some because of style, and some because I knew they would not be functional as a mom. This summer, I'll likely still be nursing so that adds another dimension into my shopping. It was easy to find things to nurse in in the winter but not sure about the summer?

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  5. Oh, I wish I had some advice, but I don't really. Except maybe a few tops that match all your pants so you can mix and match to your heart's content. And a cute cover up for the mom-suit. I'm needing that, trust me. :)

    But also, I love that you called C a towhead because we call our C that too. :) hehe

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  6. cutest summer skirts on sale this week at Old Navy. yeah, I know.. ON. BUT, hear me out. They are super cute and el cheapo!

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  7. I just got some super cute ruffled tanks from Old Navy--they are flowy and look great with cardigans, or you can wear them bare armed too. I am in love with them. Perfect with capris, jeans or skirts--and, of course, Old Navy, reasonably priced.

    Capris, bermudas and tanks are my summer essentials, hands down!

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  8. I wish I could help but sadly I'm in the same boat

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  9. I will be rocking maternity clothes this summer, so I'm not much help. I second the LEC suggestion though. I love their stuff & it's mom-friendly, but still very stylish. LL Bean is good for quality basics & their signature line is really cute (a little pricey though). Good luck!

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  10. I recommend you shop the Gap and Lands End Canvas. They have classic pieces, and when you have the coupon codes and sales - the prices are really unbeatable. Plus, they are better quality than somewhere like Old Navy.

    Get a mix of some cute but not too trendy dresses that you can add cardigans or belts to change things up. Get khaki/navy capris for versatile bottoms. And I love pairing solid colored t-shirts with cardis, bold trendy jewelry or light scarves. The LEC boyfriend scoopneck t-shirt is AMAZING.

    Good luck girl - you're going to look awesome. :)

    (Oh, and don't forget a few pairs of cute sandals!)

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  11. This is the WORST.

    I went for a ton of sundresses and ruffly tops from Old Navy that would downplay the chest (I'm slowly shrinking after nursing) and the remaining pooch on my tumtum.

    The stuff isn't the best quality, and probably won't make it past the summer, but it's how I got the MOST number of pieces with about $300. I don't want to spend more than that or get better quality because I won't be this size much longer.

    So, yeah. Long story short - sundresses! Feels like you're in your nightgown all day :)

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  12. Have you checked out Target's swimsuit selection? I know, I know - clothes from Target. I posted about needing a mom-suit a couple of months ago and EVERYONE suggested Target. I was super skeptical, but after making a trip to the store and trying them out - they fit me better than ANY high-priced swimsuit I've ever owned! Plus - they are like $20 per piece and are sold as separates!

    As for clothes, I am on the same page as you! I would love if you would do a post compiling what every suggests so I would know what to buy as well! Haha! I've been slowly trying to build my summer wardrobe back - I have to purchase casual AND work clothes, so my money doesn't stretch very far! Good luck! :)

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  13. You and me both! I cant seem to fund anything I like that is motherly like now, not that im trying to dress like a 40yo just appropriate to being a mom, and at 19 thats hard haha


    LUCY MARIE: I havent bought a single nursing item,i simply wear a cami tank under my shirt every day whenits time to nurse i pull the cami down (make sure the straps are lose) under my boob unsnap my bra latch my son and then i pull my shirt down no one can see anything =]] it works great and a cami can be worn inder just about anything! =]

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  14. I, and my 11 week post baby body, can't help much right now, but I can't wait to see what you get! :) I'm sure it'll all be cute!

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  15. I feel your pain.. Do you ever play the online shopping cart game? I play on the websites (esp. jcrew..) and go on imaginary shopping sprees. I put EVERYTHING in my cart that I want and would buy if I had unlimited cash flow, then laugh when I rack up 2-3k. Sigh...

    One time, the hubs was doing something on my laptop and saw my jcrew shopping cart and was like "WHAT THE &#%$ ARE YOU BUYING?!?" It scared the bejeezus out of him and was SOOOO funny to me (after I talked him down.. ;)

    Anyway- I did really well at the jcrew factory store a week ago. I looked at a few factory things online, but going to the actual store, things were WAY cheaper. They have a lot more items, that I consider "staples," than regular jcrew does right now. Plus, their sale section was an additional something % off and had some cute things.

    Good luck, girl! I'd love to see what you end up getting!

    Dannielle

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  16. I love Target. Get some cute summer dresses and a couple of lightweight cardigans / jackets to cover your arms. Definitely get some denim capris / bermuda shorts. And maybe the nicer looking denim shorts. Go to stores like TJ Maxx, Ross, Marshall's, etc to get some cute tank tops (the ones with ruffles are really "in" right now).

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  17. I feel your pain! I think a pair of khaki shorts are a must. Also, I have become a fan of basic shirts (I normally get them from Target b/c they are so cheap) that you can wear with anything. Happy shopping :)

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  18. You should ask Glamorous Newlywed (who just had a baby). She will totally scope it out for you on Polyvore and then you just have to click to purchase! If you aren't following her blog you should, it's awesome for stuff like this.
    http://www.glamorousnewlywed.com/

    -Lauren (not Glam Newlywed ha ha, my blog is private but if youwant an invite just let me know! lauren8171{at}gmail{dot}com

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  19. I hear you! I had no choice but to buy 2 new bathing suits recently (swim lessons for the little boy - the old ones were not cutting it anymore), and found both at Marshall's for only $30 a piece - a Ralph Lauren that was originally $114 and a Kenneth Cole Reaction that was originally $60. I also found some cute dresses there for the summer that I only paid $40 a piece for, and am hoping to get lucky with shorts and tops for the summer on my next trip there.

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  20. New York and Company!!

    They have so many cute things from trendy to classic and they are ALWAYS running a good sale of some sort. They just finished a 50% off everything but I know they will do it again soon!

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  21. I could have written this post myself. I feel like I have no idea where to even begin. I literally own NO spring/summer clothes that fit.

    I love forever 21 because you get so much for your money & you can still look good without trying to look 15!

    But, there's SOO many options! Like I said, no clue where to begin...let's hire stylists! sigh.

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  22. Hmm.. Well, I'd say buy "classic" pieces instead of trendy ones if you don't have much to spend. Because you're right - just one good bathing suit could cost $100!

    I can actually fit into some of the clothes I bought at the loft 6 years ago and they're things that actually still look like I can wear them (style-wise)! SO definitely non-trendy things! Good luck!

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  23. I am right there with you... I just keep looking at my closet in disgust at how tiny I was...

    I am working up the motivation to pull it all out of the closet and sell it..but then I know that means I have to start all over again...hoo hum!

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  24. I think you need to have a blog sale. Offer your stuff up to your loyals before putting it on eBay. Or at least post the link.

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  25. I love Target bathing suits. For real. They hold up well and WON'T set you back too much. The solid color ones are great b/c you can pick a style top and bottom that suits you (pun intended - ha!) and even get 2 tops with 1 bottom for a different look.

    I think white jeans are a must.

    Do you live near an outlet mall? I think Banana Republic outlets have great staples like white jeans, colored t shirts, etc.

    I think a black jersey dress is great b/c you can accessorize with different sandals, jewelry, etc.

    I would shop the sale racks at places like Banana, Gap, etc and then look at Target. Their clothes really are cute and decent quality. Also, Nordstrom has a great lower end brand (I can't think of the name right now but it's Nordstrom's brand...like $18 t-shirts, etc)

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  26. I've collected many pairs of chino type shorts from Old Navy over the past few years. They seem to wear quite well and are all in good condition these years later. Classic styles too that pair with ruffly tanks or plain old tees. Good thing, since my summer budget is going towards new running shoes to get my booty in gear to fit into them!

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  27. I am totally in the same boat as you. I find myself shopping for comfort and function rather than style.

    I typically get my swimsuits from the Gap or JCrew. I still have a pair of bottoms from JCrew that are at least 4 years old and still in great condition.

    As for everything else..with a lower body that still hasn't gotten back to pre-baby form, I will probably just stick with maxi dresses and cotton dresses from Old Navy. I also like the Bermuda shorts from JCrew. Again, I have a pair that are probably 3 years old.

    Other staples, flip flops. Tee-Shirts from Gap. Anything from Target :)

    Have fun!!!

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  28. I am in the same boat as you! I find myself shopping for function and comfort and not necessarily what is in style. Gone are the days of wearing fancy sandals, too tough to wear while carrying a 23lb baby.

    Swimsuits: I love GAP and JCrew. Might be a little pricier, but it's worth it. I still have a suit from JCrew that I wear that is at least 4 years old.

    Shoes: Flips from ON. Enough said. I have gotten some nicer sandals from Target. Often replicas from Steve Madden.

    Dresses: ON. Cute, cheap. Nice for errands and with accessories, can be dressed up.

    Shorts: I hate them. I have two pairs, both from JCrew.

    Have fun!!!!!!!

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  29. I have no advice to offer, as I will be working on shedding some pounds after the babes are born in June. I will probably still be rocking some maternity clothes and may hit up Ross or TJ Maxx for a few shirts. Now that I am a SAHM I shop at lot at Target and Old Navy. Or anywhere else that is having sales. I have to try to get the most for my money now.

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  30. For me? My summer staples are tank tops and flip flops. Seems pretty "duh" of me to say that, right? But I LIVE in them. Also, I LIVE in sundresses. I find most of my tank tops at Victoria's Secret. I love how they fit and they have great prices, usually something like 2 tops for $25. And I ALWAYS get my flip flops at Old Navy, they are super cheap and in every color imaginable. Some of the cutest sundresses I have found also have came from V.S., along with bikinis. Good luck! Let us know what you

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  31. VS is having some great suit sales! As far as clothes go, I'm a loyal to the cheap, and not so high quality because I like to switch it up. I am NOT the one to give advice on staple clothing items! Good luck & have fun shopping!

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  32. Hey Ash! I was just in Target today (of course I call it tar-jay) to make me feel like I am shopping somewhere fancy, but I have two mom-suits from there that I adore from after Julianna was born and I just got a new one for like $30! they have great deals on cute tanks and tees and have the perfect length not too short because we are moms, not too long because we are still young moms, length :) I have the same issue too- it's tough because your hips expand to a whole new size but for the most part most of your bod has returned to a somewhat normal state! I did get one of those skirt/dress/top cutsie things from JCrew last weekend which is ideal! It camoflouges the not so perfectly toned abd area but accentuates the fab biceps we get from lugging our 20lb + kids :) hope that helps a smidge!

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  33. Hey Ash! I was just in Target today (of course I call it tar-jay) to make me feel like I am shopping somewhere fancy, but I have two mom-suits from there that I adore from after Julianna was born and I just got a new one for like $30! they have great deals on cute tanks and tees and have the perfect length not too short because we are moms, not too long because we are still young moms, length :) I have the same issue too- it's tough because your hips expand to a whole new size but for the most part most of your bod has returned to a somewhat normal state! I did get one of those skirt/dress/top cutsie things from JCrew last weekend which is ideal! It camoflouges the not so perfectly toned abd area but accentuates the fab biceps we get from lugging our 20lb + kids :) hope that helps a smidge!

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  34. Hey Ash! I was just in Target today (of course I call it tar-jay) to make me feel like I am shopping somewhere fancy, but I have two mom-suits from there that I adore from after Julianna was born and I just got a new one for like $30! they have great deals on cute tanks and tees and have the perfect length not too short because we are moms, not too long because we are still young moms, length :) I have the same issue too- it's tough because your hips expand to a whole new size but for the most part most of your bod has returned to a somewhat normal state! I did get one of those skirt/dress/top cutsie things from JCrew last weekend which is ideal! It camoflouges the not so perfectly toned abd area but accentuates the fab biceps we get from lugging our 20lb + kids :) hope that helps a smidge!

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