I am wearing some old Levi’s I haven’t worn in years and they are not stretch. It is nice to wear old school denim. So maybe shop vintage.

Never heard of sitting in a bathtub to shrink jeans??!! Ya’ll really did this? 😂

Definitely a thing. Levi's 501s are shrink to fit, and they even had a commercial about it.

Someone donated 6 prs of Under Armour solid black capri's with a side pocket. I purchased 3 prs, $5ea.

I have been following along semi regularly but not posting ... 1. I was on a shopping ban for 3 months, and 2. I am not just seeing much to spark joy/motivate shopping. I do want to pick up a few things for my trip in May .. and maybe my birthday in April but i dont especially need anything.

Because I am unlikely to buy much clothing-- I am entertaining a straw hat I shared with you all 3 yr ago. I loved it when I received it in my Nordstrom Trunk Club package (gosh, I miss trunk club!) but I balked at the price and decided I didnt need it. Now it is $50+ more than it was then but I still love it!

Why spend over $300 for a hat?? Yeah, I dont know .. it does seem like a lot for a straw hat and reviews say the quality has gone down in the last 20 yr. That said, I have a big ol' tomato head and I know it does fit me.

So, it is up to you all .. talk me into/out of it...

I just wanted to step in for a minute and say consider yourself lucky if you do not need to get things altered. I have been buying things lately because I was on a 1 yr. clothes buying freeze and since before Covid I had only bought a few things each year, and one big purchase was new scrubs, which kinda doesn't count.

It really wipes out any small sales discounts you get, so you really have to wait for major sales, or you are paying a fair amount even for relatively ordinary shirts, jackets and pants. My SO is a human coat hanger and can wear anything right off the rack, being technically on the underweight/barely normal weight borderline. but that's who clothes are really made to fit.

I can imagine what a pain it is, Pal .. and the expense! I know they have limited offerings but do any stores still offer free alterations?

Truth is, I suspect more of us *should* be getting alterations even if we do not need them.

@Funkyart, okay, I’ll talk you into it (P. S. My sister calls me the evil twin when I do this to her…all I can say is I’m not a twin)

Would you spend $300 for laser treatments to remove melasma from your face knowing that the treatment effects will only last 3 to 6 months? Just think of the hat as saving you from having those treatments!

P.S. I need a new sun hat. After I destroyed my favorite hat by getting caught in a rain storm, I bought one from J. Crew. I figured ”the bigger, the better.” You should have seen me in the tiny bathroom stall in Cartagena where the hat was bigger than the stall.

So, it is up to you all .. talk me into/out of it...

I’ll bite…you do not need a $300 hat. You already determined that months ago. Having a “big 🍅” does make it trickier but I think you can find one for less.

Have you looked at hats by Wallaroo? <link My sister wears one and it is very attractive, and packable.

Ohhhh Bbstx.. you are GOOD at this! A pro!

Hhireno .. thanks for the recommend but the only style I would consider from wallaroo comes in only one size and it is 2" smaller than the one i know fits.

One thing i am including in my consideration is that 3 years later, I will like the same style -- I havent moved on from it. I think that counts for something.

Worn once, Helen Kaminski Provence hat, one size, adjustable inner band, exactly the same as your photo, $149 on Poshmark.

Helen Kaminski | Accessories | Helen Kaminski Provence 2 Packable Raffia Hat | Poshmark

Thanks, Kswl ... I did see used hats on poshmark and ebay-- but I am very hesitant about buying used hats.

Thoughts?

Adding, I would buy a Helen Kaminski hat new or used in good condition. They are excellent quality and the styles are classic.

@Funkyart, if I were buying a used hat, I’d ask for a photo of the inner band. Does it need to be cleaned? Can it be washed? If the band looked acceptable, I’d seal it in a plastic bag for two weeks before wearing. Even with all of that, I’d buy a used hat that was in excellent condition.

This hat holder is great!! I bought one for me and one for a friend.

LINK

I bought one on ebay — new. i just received a sweet note from the seller which always makes a difference to me. thanks for the nudges!

Glad to be of service! 🥳

That looks very similar to a Scala hat that I bought years ago at Epcot. I have a big old noggin and it fits me great. Some of theres come in sized, some are one size fits most. Sold at dept stores, boutique type places, Amazon. Fraction of what that hat is selling for.

Scala Women's Crocheted Packable Raffia Hat,Natural,57cm

I'm an enabler....if I don't find what I want on sale....I just buy it! I like knowing if it's a designer name, if it's quality. I also remember when I worked, I needed motivation to keep working. I like spending money on myself! It was gratifying. THAT is a cute hat!

Quick question for the end of March… Boden dress in blue chambray, exactly what I was looking for, found by our own Texanjana. Fits well, love the color, is comfortable, but is it me? Does it need to be shortened an inch? Is this one of those , “nice but not you” styles?

As you can see I did not get around to steaming it… tonight decided not to go to that effort if it was a possible return. What say you, GW?

I like the dress in general. It’s cute on you! I think the length is what you’ve been looking for, isn’t it? I’m on the fence about the puffed sleeves. If you needed a sweater, would it fit over the sleeves? Am I being too practical?

I admire your bow-tying! You and my sister must have gone to the same class. I guess I ditched school that week!

I think it’s too big on you. or, maybe the sleeves are too long (overwhelming). You are a petite little thing 😄 Pictured is from the Boden site. I do like the brown leather belt.

Sorry KSWL but you look so lovely in everything you share on here and this dress does not. I think you said it well, it's not you. I agree that maybe it's just too big and it's too much dress.

I see LHOP Little House on the Prairie which is sweet but I don' thinkit's the look you're going for?

Jilly- that striped dress brought me back to one I had BK ( Before Kids) when I was working. It was navy with red stripes, and red buttons down the back. I was about 50 lbs lighter and it was just the most flattering and comfortable dress. It was also a miracle fabric that never wrinkled. Good stroll down memory lane.

Funky. I was on the fence about encouraging or discouraging the purchase but now since I read through, I 'll say enjoy your hat. If you've liked it for 3 years I say you've earned it. (though Hhreno, your words are usually what comes from my mouth ).

I enjoy seeing all the comments and fashions. What a treat this thread is.

Get ready K to start our April one....

Thanks for these perspectives. I am 99% sure that the dress in the picture from the Boden site has been clothespinned in the back to create that smooth look, as the dress is definitely gathered around the waist. I could probably take a smaller size and may send it back for an exchange. Of course that will not change the style, which may not be right for me regardless of fit…🤔 Exchange? Return?

I think it is too young/cute looking. IMHO there comes a time (age) when cute is not the look to go for. I think you could find a style more suited to you.

This is a tough one Kswl. I like the dress and agree you could go down a size. Puffed sleeves are everywhere and I struggle with them as a woman of a certain age. And it is outside my comfort zone (like the Sezane blouse I returned hours after purchasing in Austin!) The dress looks good on you but I also wonder if it is "you". I've been spending increasing time on the Ralph Lauren website and saw this which seems very you!

Also available in solid linens.

I agree that the dress seems too big, and I think you can do better.

Kswl, please return that dress. It is too LHOP or one of those Christian cults that dress their women in pioneer clothes. You are too hip and liberated and cute to wear something like that.

p.s. I know little of fashion so I don't usually participate in these threads, but I had to speak out. You cannot wear that thing.

You could clothespin the Boden dress and pin up the hem to see if that helps you decide. I also like the leather belt better than the self-tie. As is - it's not doing anything for you.

Don't beat around the bush, Bunny! :) We all need a shopping friend like you. I was shopping with a friend a few years ago and we had one of those very large dressing rooms and I was facing her and not the mirror. She says, "Don't turn around". Cracked me up and I wish I hadn't!!

I love Bunny's post, especially "You cannot wear that thing." I've been laughing for five minutes.

I don't care how popular puffed sleeves are. Remember a few years ago when cold shoulder was everywhere?

"Don't turn around". 🤣

One of the perils of living alone, and several come to mind, is that there is no one to say to me, "You're not going out in THAT, are you?!!"

I was not allowed to wear Birkenstocks anywhere near my daughter's school.

I have never posted on these threads but I saw this last comment and read it to my DH and we had a good laugh.

He’s legally blind with a 4” focal length. His glasses correct to 20/100 sort of. After 54 years of marriage I still ask him how something looks before we go out or he will spontaneously say something sweet about how I look. It never occurs to either of us that what he sees may or may not be reality …. it’s from his heart not his eyes. ❤️

Enjoying all of you this morning. c

LOL love the feedback and agree! I also wondered about the RL dress that is suddenly available in more colors. RL seems to work great for you too.

I abhor the puffed sleeves - I do still like "cute" at times but not that kind of cute ... partially because of my age but i dont think I ever liked them at any age. Also I have broad shoulders so it would be like putting a puff sleeve on a football player! LOL

For all those on the fence on my pricey hat-- i DID get it at a greatly reduced price and I am also looking at some of the less expensive options for more rustic outings ... but none of the less expensive options are raffia. I am not sure I want manmade fibers on my head but I havent written them off. I am just really glad to have a hat I adored (and tried on, if that wasnt clear) for almost 50% off. :)

Now that the Boden dress is sorted, I need your feedback on a second dress and would appreciate the same honest assessments!

These sleeves are what I would deem minimally or barely puffed. The dress is a bit heavier weight in a lovely cotton chintz print, brown and cream. I have shoes, bags and belts galore to go with this, and I think there would be no problem getting a sweater on as the sleeves really are almost straight. The dress is nicely fitted and hangs properly; the fabric has a lot of body. What do we think about this one…. Keep or return?

You might remember my comment last month about not liking leopard and other animal prints.

Now combine it with puffed sleeves.

Somebody had to do it! $235 at Tuckernuck.

@Kswl that dress is better than the first, but I'm still not a fan. It's not doing anything to flatter your figure/shape. Too much fabric. You have such a nice shape, I think you should show it off more. This one comes across as 'matronly' to me.

Love that print dress Kswl. It suits you and the puffed sleeves are, as you say, less puffed.

ETA: While it is very similar in style to the blue one, for some reason this seems to work better. Maybe it's the fit?

Jsk, you are so nice! I do need dresses for church that are not necessarily figure flattering but not frumpy, iykwim… trying to strike a balance there. I like the brown one much better but again I’m not always the best judge. It does nip in at the waist and I could wear a contrasting belt to emphasize that 🤔

RC, the sleeves are more deflated than puffed, lol!

Eileen, I have other friends who are also ix- nay on the eopard-lay. I love it (in moderation) but agree the puffed sleeve leopard garment is a very mixed message 😎

I have a new satin-ish blouse in a leopard adjacent print and absolutely love it

Keyhole closure with a covered button at the front neck, french cuffs, beautiful draping, feels great! This was from Loft. I do not shop there regularly as I perceive it to be for much younger women. Glad I stopped in as I was walking by it last week!

The print fabric is flattering on you, kswl , but for my taste the hem could come up quite a bit, maybe 6”. I’d also be tempted to pair this dress with chunky heels or wedges rather than flats.

I have brown leather sandals with a block heel and will try those with the dress; they will def look better than bare feet! I wondered about the hem, I am 5’6” so a little taller than I look in photos but for some reason the maxi length is problematic for me. Not sure I would raise the hem 6” as that would be a kind of in between length and dangle a lot of fullness at an odd point on my leg. Not sure what to do about that.🤔

To me, the print dress is wearing you more than the solid blue. Maybe it's better IRL but hte print seems to overwhelm you. The sleeves look fuller or maybe they just need a longer upper arm? SInce you are petite, they poof out too much.

I like the dress, Kswl but I wouldnt fight for it lol. I do love the print!

Bbstx - i saw a note in my email about how to evaluate a used hat-- i am not seeing it here so maybe you removed it? Either way-- I was more than a little skeeved by a used hat (i am the same way with shoes) -- but I purchased a NEW hat on ebay for a very discounted price. All good!

ps. i do know very well that both shoes and hats are tried on in stores. Denial is my friend sometimes. :)

Love the Loft shirt. The gold color really plays off your hair color nicely. The belt is perfect. It's very classy. 2nd dress = return It's just doesn't play well...too busy...not a good color. "IF" you want to put a black jacket over it...black scrunch boots...a wide belt....it might come together...after a LOT of working it....

The latest photo of you in your leopard blouse ... is so much more flattering than the dresses. The newer print dress looks fine but I think with all your beautiful clothing, it doesn't merit a place in your closet. I'm with jsk

@Funkyart, I didn’t remove my comment…at least not intentionally. 😁 I commented on the inner band only because sometimes there will be make-up on them. I also commented on sealing the hat in an air-tight bag, in case you were worried about creepy-crawlies.

Friends and I have traded shoes and it didn’t bother me, but I’m not sure how I would feel about used shoes from a stranger. In college, DD wanted cowboy boots and she wanted them to look well-loved. She bought a pair on eBay that fit her criteria. Then she bought bowling shoe disinfectant and sprayed the insides (who would have thought to buy bowling shoe disinfectant??)

You mentioned man-made fibers for hats. I had two sun hats that were exactly alike, I thought. Come to find out, one was some sort of natural material and the other was woven paper. I took the woven paper on vacation, got caught in a downpour, and it looked awful. I don’t want any more woven paper!

I agree, the dress hasa few too many ’puffs’ to be you, Kswl. I have not read all the comments. The first thing is too many gathers at the top of the sleeves. The second is the bow belt. I also think the sleeves are a bit too long. You are petite and I think it’s just a bit too much dress for your cute figure.

I bristle a bit at the "too young/cute looking" comment. Dress however you want to dress and don't be swayed by what others think (unless you have a stylish daughter who will let you know instantly--but kindly--if you've missed the mark.) It's all about attitude and confidence.

And FYI, I'm loving the cowboy boots I bought on the Texas get together trip.

@jojoco I understand what you are saying, but OP did ask for opinions.

Please join us in the April edition of What to Wear.