Fix My Fashion Woe (FMFW) is a series I’ve mentally had in my head for a while. I’m not an overly girly girl, I don’t particularly enjoy shopping, but I often want to know things about clothes or style. But without having to spend time at the shops! I know, I don’t ask for much…
I love the travel capsule wardrobes that are all over Pinterest (especially if you look up travel clothes or packing a carry on or traveling light). I actually want my wardrobe to be like that. I don’t really like most clothes I have these days, for one reason or another. They don’t seem to suit me any more, I’ve put on weight so they don’t fit me very well…the reasons vary.
I came across a company called Chick On The Go yesterday while on Pinterest…naturally. I love simple, powerful and effective ideas like this. However, I can’t buy online. Clothes fit me strangely. I have to try on every single thing I buy. I’m usually between sizes, and depending on what item it is, I need to go up or down a size to make it work for me. I currently own & wear clothes in sizes 12-20. Go figure, right?
So I was wondering how to create this kind of capsule wardrobe for myself. The closest I have are a few Intimo pieces that work in a similar way. But, once again, not all of their pieces suit me, they’re usually out of my budget, and I have to guess sizes due to the party plan style of their business. It’s nothing against them, but it just doesn’t work that well for me.
I was wondering if the internet could help me. It seems that the common factors in creating these types of wardrobes are items which are:
- Wrinkle Free: they don’t need ironing, dry cleaning, or annoying washing. You can just handwash them and let them drip dry without worrying about losing their shape or shrinking.
- Stretchy Fabrics: Comfy for sitting down on a long flight. Also good for days when female hormones make you change sizes. But fabrics that keep their shape.
- Neutral Colours: Blacks and whites. Mostly blacks for me since I can’t keep white clean. Good pieces to add a coloured scarf or bright top to.
Additionally, these are the things I require in this type of clothing:
- Pockets: I don’t always want to carry a bag with me. I want to be able to put my keys, phone & wallet into a pocket. I have noticed that most of this type of flexible, stretchy clothing doesn’t have pockets. For some items, I can see why. But I think all basic dresses or trousers should have pockets.
- Range Of Sizes: Like I said before, I wear clothes from size 12-20. Most plus size clothing is a shapeless sack on me, yet most “normal” size clothing is too small. I need something flexible & with a range of sizes in the store.
- Budget: I need to work on my weight this year. I’m not a scales type of person, but I need to pick up my exercise and general health. I do need to lose weight as I would be over the healthy weight for my height. I don’t want to spend a lot of money on clothes I won’t be keeping for years. I get antsy if I have to spend over $20 on an item of clothing, though realistically I’d be ok with paying around $50 per piece, so long as I put it on and love it straight away.
So, Internet, can you help me? Do you know what stores carry this type of clothing?
They can be chain or independent, so long as they’re somewhere in Brisbane so I can try the clothes on.
Where is good to keep an eye out for sales? And how can I do this as easily as possible, given that I really don’t like clothes shopping?
Well gorgeous, I’d love to help you! Firstly, you need some good basics and I have read many fashion blogs bang on about Metalicus and I finally bought two dresses which were $100 each but I can wear them now through pregnancy and beyond. And i LOVE them. Im a 16 at the moment but after bub will be arounf a 14 and hoping to lose the flubber over 12 months or longer to get to a size 12. I know there is a Metalicus store at Robina. Their items are pricey but it is an Australan label and they are a one size fits all so they will stretch and give now and will be wearable as you lose weight if that is your goal. I add interest to my outfits with accessories and shoes. So scarves and necklaces are my best friends and they are cheap to collect over time. From reading your post it sounds like you need a stylist to go through your wardrobe and then take you shopping to get what you need. This is difficult though if you are on a tight budget. X
I have heard a lot about Metalicus and even dropped into their Brisbane store, but I think I’m just a bit too fat for them right now. Though I haven’t actually tried any on, so I can’t really say that for certain!!
I really would love to go shopping with a stylist! But yes, too hard on one budget for now 🙂
I keep hearing about Metalicus as well, they have a store at DFO Brisbane airport – the pieces seemed to be mainly “one size” and all looked too small to me so I didn’t try anything on. I know they stretch but that doesn’t mean they’re flattering … maybe next time I will be brave and try something on!
I have a feeling not much of it will suit me right now. I think it’s the kind of place you have to make sure the pieces you buy work with you rather than against you.
I know that Redcliffe Style is a big fan and she said you really have to try it on – some pieces don’t look big enough but may fit the plus-size lady
Oh, I wouldn’t have a clue but you know, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to let us know when you find those places that particularly sell wrinkle free! I despise ironing as it is and waste too much (maximum 5 mins a day) doing it!
Haha I have literally never ironed anything in my life! If I do find something good, I’ll let people know 🙂
I don’t know that I can help with this one … I find I buy bits and pieces from all different stores, as no one shop seems to be exactly “right”. So I have items from Rivers, Best & Less, Sussan, Target, Kmart, Katies … yep not a designer among them. One thing I have learned though: it is worth paying a little more for excellent fit, especially now I am usually wearing a size 16.
My clothes are from all over the place too! I just don’t really like shopping, so I wish I could get it all in one place.
So I’m like you and rarely buy clothes online because I’m not the classic size and don’t fit sizes I ‘should’ fit. You now I also don’t really like pockets unless they are well made or in jeans because they tend to make my hips etc look bigger, but that’s just me! Good luck and I hope someone comes up with the goods for you 🙂 Emily – also visiting as part of #teamIBOT
Pockets are a hard thing – I do find in cheaper clothes the pockets are more likely to stick out at strange angles and make hips look funny.
Good luck finding what you want. I wish I could help, but I am a bit of an online shopper. I don’t get out to the shops often, so usually stock up online. For work I quite like Tokito, sold at Myer, they rarely need ironing, so you might like to check that out.
Oh I haven’t heard of Tokito. I’ll have a look at them, thanks.
At the pricier end, I’m going to suggest Myer’s Basque label. On sale it’s not too painfully expensive. I have two tops of theirs I love and never a wrinkle.
On the cheap side have you looked at Best & Less’ plus size range? Can’t remember what it’s called right now but I know they have some nice pieces. Icurvy blogs about the line sometimes I think.
You know who you need to ask this – Suger!
Yes, I’ll have to dig through her blog and see if there’s anything that looks suitable! Thanks 🙂 I’ll look at Basque next time I’m in Myer.
I hear you on this post! Having moved to a completely different climate, I just have no idea how to dress, and no budget to buy anything really expensive. And clothes fit me weird too. Or maybe I’m just super fussy? I dunno, but it’s annoying
Ah yes, I imagine the fact that Adelaide gets a winter will be coming as a shock soon 🙂 I wonder if I’m just fussy as well…but then I figure hey, if I’m going to spend money on something, I want it to fit & I want to like it!
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