Thrifting Queen

A few musings

May 18, 2016

Been doing a little thinking the last week or so of where my style is at, what I'm enjoying wearing, what I'm buying.... yada yada yada.... Here are a few musings on what I've discovered:

1. FIT IS EVERYTHING. Over the last two years I have done a ton of experimenting with various silhouettes and voluminous pieces. And I've enjoyed the heck out of it. But I've come back to the realization that for me, fit is everything. If something doesn't fit well and provide some level of figure flattery, I no longer want to wear it. And I'm finding this even more important since I've gained some weight.

2. LOWER BODY SLIM FIT. I feel best in either a slim fit pencil skirt or slim leg (not skinny) pants/jeans. Because I have a tummy and larger hips, A-line skirts or fuller bottoms just make me look that much bigger on my lower half. You bring in that magical taper of a pencil skirt or slim legs and I automatically feel slimmer and less sloppy.

3. FAVORITE SILHOUETTE - AGAIN. I have come full circle to my favorite silhouette of pencil skirt with flowy untucked blouse topped with a jacket. Pencil skirt because of what I just pointed out in #2; flowy untucked blouse because it hides any mid section issues; jacket because it adds structure and hints at a waist. This silhouette I find the most flattering on my shape and has always been a favorite regardless of my size. As the saying goes "don't fix it if it ain't broke". However, I have added more current versions of these pieces so there is some modern in my modern classic look.

4. EILEEN FISHER IS STILL MY FAVE. So during my experimentation with various silhouettes and volume, I became enamored with Eileen Fisher and now have several of her pieces in my closet. What I'm finding interesting is that despite coming back to a more fitted silhouette, her pieces are still what I reach for the most. Why? 'cause they are clothes that are truly made to move in, are extremely comfortable and are fuss-free. I'm glad that the pieces I bought were not her extreme volume items and so I'm quite happy to pair them with other more fitted items in my closet. In fact I just purchased her fold-over waist band slim black jersey pencil skirt and couldn't be more pleased. I will continue to add her pieces to my closet as needed/budget allows. I can say with absolute assurance that I will always have some EF in my wardrobe.

5. BACK TO REITMAN'S. I stopped shopping at Reitman's (a Canadian lower end retailer) for a while due to a variety of reasons but I have come back to the store. There are only three local brick&mortar options in my city for petite clothing and Reitman's is one of them. They seemed to have really upped their game this spring with trendy fits and colors and although the quality is not stellar, I have had pieces that have lasted several seasons in the past and at their price point, if they only last the one season it's not a big deal. I particularly like their sleeveless blouses for popping on with a pencil skirt and jacket.

6. JEWELRY/HANDBAG/SHOES: Are back to being extremely important components of my outfit.

Well that's it for now and thanks for popping by  :)

Posted in the General category
This post is also published in the youlookfab forum. You can read and reply to it in either place. All replies will appear in both places.

25 Comments

  • Elizabeth P replied 7 years ago

    You're so lucky to be able to articulate what you like and don't like so clearly, for some reason I find it quite difficult.  Maybe I'm afraid to commit myself... I do feel all over the place most of the time.

    I was quite curious when I started reading this to see where EF fit in the picture, and am happy you still have room for her.  Because you have some gorgeous pieces, that look great on you.

    Great insight!

  • texstyle replied 7 years ago

    You have a great sense of your style Shannon and it shows in your outfits.  My own style sense is fairly narrow - I also prefer slim bottoms in jeans, shorts or other pants and looser more forgiving tops, typically v-necks, popovers and similar. I guess I like the structure of the bottom half too since I'm unwilling to wear anything overly tight up top - never have liked that feeling of exposure, even when I was very slim.

  • JAileen replied 7 years ago

    EF was never on my radar screen until I saw your outfits incorporating various pieces. Now, I have a few pieces myself, and enjoy them. Thanks!

  • Suz replied 7 years ago

    You. Are. The. Best. 

    Nice to read your musings here, Shannon, and I love that you have come full circle with some EF additions. 

  • Angie replied 7 years ago

    *APPLAUSE*

    Doesn't it feel GOOD to come full circle? Soon you will bring a little Retro back into your style too, Shannon. (Say I wearing tomato red flounce with pearls and pretty shoes. Outfit below. Off to see work with a client). 

  • rachylou replied 7 years ago

    So interesting, Shannon. Very incisive.

  • Sara L. replied 7 years ago

    Interesting analysis.  Like Elizabeth P, I'm not good at analyzing my own style so I always enjoy reading about other people's insights. 

  • replied 7 years ago

    Just noticed that Neiman-Marcus has quite a few Eileen Fisher pieces at 25% off right now, including an organic cotton dark-blue denim dress. 

    I enjoyed your insights! 

  • replied 7 years ago

    A fab round up of your thoughts about where you're at style-wise. So wise and insightful.

    Angie! I love seeing a peek of what you're wearing! How fab.

  • Gaylene replied 7 years ago

    Another Eileen Fisher fan here. Every piece of EF I've owned has become a closet favourite--quite a track record! Like in any clothing line, being selective is important, but when I find an item that works, it really works!

  • Alassë replied 7 years ago

    Thanks for posting your style musings; it was a fun read.

  • goldenpig replied 7 years ago

    So glad you've been posting more lately. Always love your style and thoughtful reflections. About the EF, if it works don't change! Love when our style comes together and we return to our roots.

  • replied 7 years ago

    Same.

    Well, except for the Reitman's part ;)  (good store, I agree though, but not for me)  And I was thinking about this post (I did read it earlier today) while driving and bemoaning the fact that I can't seem to wear a skirt anymore. But then - I have this EF jersey pencil from two years ago that I HAVE NEVER WORN!  Ugh - I'm actually ashamed of myself.  I really should get it out, steam it and organize an outfit around it. I like your idea of a pencil with flowy top and jacket = totally works for me too.  

  • Eliza replied 7 years ago

    Shannon- you are so articulate. Your outfits echo your words and your style priorities. So glad you are back, sharing your wisdom. Much of what you say resonates here. Sometimes, being able to take the time to gather ones thoughts is as appreciated as the thoughts themselves. You are rocking it.

  • Transcona Shannon replied 7 years ago

    Elizabeth - never fear...Eileen will always be part of my life :) I really sometimes feel like she's thinking of me and my shape when she designs something.

    textstyle - it's interesting you mention v-necks because I'm the same. It is definitely my preferred neckline as it helps to elongate my short torso.

    Angie - oh that retro need is starting to itch and pretty soon, I'm gonna scratch it! And your outfit looks positively sublime.

    Gaylene - yay for EF lovers!

    Lisa - dig out the skirt and wear it! And yes...that's me yelling at you :) Saturday we're doing some casual coffee-ing with friends and I'm already planning on wearing my EF jersey skirt (from my outfit post today), flat black sandals w/gold bling and my white Olsen tiger tee. That's the beauty - dress 'em up or dress 'em down.

    Eliza - "articulate"? I'll have to mention that to my writer husband :)

    Thanks all.

  • Runcarla replied 7 years ago

    Yeah Reitmans!  I found their spring work capsule look-book inspirational this year, even if I wasn't buying from them!  Right now I'm hemming and hawing over the floral-on-a-black ground ankle pant...and I do love their stripes heavy offerings for summer...

    Reitmans and Ann Taylor had the best spring 2016 work appropirate stuff this year, IMO.

    Addendum: just saw your other post!  I see you've discovered the floral print too!

  • RobinF replied 7 years ago

    Very interesting to read this. I am just starting to figure out what I want my style to be. I also like slimmer on the bottom and blousier on top, but because I have somewhat slim hips and am busty. I certainly agree on paying attention to fit. It's never a good sign if I am always tugging something into place, it means I really shouldn't have purchased that. Thanks for your insight.

  • celia replied 7 years ago

    I always enjoy reading your musings,especially because they are so open hearted. You seem always to have a plan and know yourself pretty well.
    Thanks for sharing.
    I agree that Reitmans seems to have great options , especially for workwear.

  • Ledonna N. replied 7 years ago

    To know what your style.is and to come back to those things that make you feel like yourself is pretty amazing.

  • Jaime replied 7 years ago

    Love your musings. I remember always being amazed with what you found at Reitman's (don't know the store except what you have said). Fit is key isn't it?

  • Joy replied 7 years ago

    I always love your musings and posts. I have been trying to add a few carefully chosen EF pieces this past year and currently have at home a couple of her dresses WITH SLEEVES to evaluate. My problem is not with the pieces but am I buying them for an imaginary life style. I need to ask for advice on the forum. I almost bought the jersey skirt that you have but already have an earlier EF black tube skirt that works extremely well.

  • Janet replied 7 years ago

    Doesn't it feel good to find some clarity on these things, even if it's as simple as what we prefer to wear? I can especially relate to 1 and 2.

  • lyn67 replied 7 years ago

    You took nr 1-3 out of my own mouth, welcome(back) to my world, Shannon!:-)

  • Maureen replied 7 years ago

    I bought my first EF peice at a consignment store two days ago. A long red dress. I love it. I would love more of her things although nothing too too flowy! Have to keep an eye out for deals-so pricey!

    Reitmans is very hit or miss and the quality is not good for the most part. I feel if I get two years out of anything from them I have come out ahead. Still this spring's offerings have been their best in a long while. Their Hybra athletic wear is cheap and okay quality.

  • Sal replied 7 years ago

    Great to know your own mind!!  I am getting there too and I particularly agree with 1....it is so wonderful to find a dress or pair of pants that fit, don't ride up, slide down, pull at the thigh, or constantly fall down exposing more bra than you want!!

    And I think you are right about the other musings for yourself!!

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I started playing dress up when I was 4 years old and haven't stopped since! My income doesn't match my tastes so it's all about figuring out how to thrift my way to a fashionable life while tossing in a few delectable items.