Taking the leap to better quality

[poulinska]

Hello!
As I posted in different threads, I am on the way to a much bigger job with more responsibility and more visibilty. Also, I have a wish to start wearing, what I always wanted. The thought is, that my mother wore Stuart Weitzman Shoes and designer clothes, when she was my age (she is russian). Until now I didn't spend so much on clothes and wore mostly sneakers although I can walk in heels. There was always the thought 'when I reach this level' I can do it. But I am on that level now. I still have problems to spend a lot of money. One thing is, that I wear Massimo Dutti and the clothes fit me well, but suddenly the don't have anything I like anymore.

Hugo Boss doesn't fit me because I am too small. What could be labels that are a better quality but also fit for women who are smaller? Does anyone have any tipps how to get over the thought of 'I don't deserve this'?

Thank you...
Poulinska

 

[JenJBS]

Congratulations on the new job!

The Eileen Fisher petite line is good for those of us who are smaller. And EF is good quality. Ralph Lauren is another one you might want to check out. I've heard nothing but good about Ferragamo shoes and boots.

Maybe try thinking along the lines of, 'I deserve this job, so I deserve the wardrobe that goes with it.' Or, as a start until you feel in your heart you deserve it - and you DO deserve it - you could think of the new wardrobe as a job requirement due to having more visibility.

 

[Christofle]

Hello!
As I posted in different threads, I am on the way to a much bigger job with more responsibility and more visibilty. Also, I have a wish to start wearing, what I always wanted. The thought is, that my mother wore Stuart Weitzman Shoes and designer clothes, when she was my age (she is russian). Until now I didn't spend so much on clothes and wore mostly sneakers although I can walk in heels. There was always the thought 'when I reach this level' I can do it. But I am on that level now. I still have problems to spend a lot of money. One thing is, that I wear Massimo Dutti and the clothes fit me well, but suddenly the don't have anything I like anymore.

Hugo Boss doesn't fit me because I am too small. What could be labels that are a better quality but also fit for women who are smaller? Does anyone have any tipps how to get over the thought of 'I don't deserve this'?

Thank you...
Poulinska

Akris has really lovely items! Akris punto is their diffusion line but they still have a good quality product. Both can be found for sale but depending on where you live smaller sizes can sell out quickly.

Both their pants and jackets are quite nice!

 

[redhott]

The clothes I most often get compliments on are (believe it or not) the things I buy at Zara (although read on regarding importance of proper fit). Also take a look at Lafayette 148, Veronica Beard, Theory, Vince. I also like Tibi, although the clothes tend to be a bit oversized. I recommend to not lose sight of the importance of proper fit. I am a small frame too and have accepted that almost everything I buy will have to be altered for sleeve and hem length, and sometimes to lift (at the shoulders) the back of a blazer or dress because I’m not as tall or long waisted as the fit models.

Congratulations on your new position!!

 

[avcbob]

My wife has found that although quality is important, fit is the most visible component that makes clothes look good. She regularly has her clothes adjusted by a seamstress to fit just right. She's purchased some very inexpensive dresses from Target, and spent more then they cost on adjustments. Afterward the pieces look like a million dollars, but didn't cost a small fortune.

As for shoes, she swears by Stewart Weizmann for both mid and high heel dress shoes. Often heavily discounted on his website if you become a member.

 

[cncm]

I would upgrade a few key pieces that you wear often - for example, blazers/jackets, coats, handbags, and shoes. I find they give the most "bang for your buck" and are more versatile than spending $$$$ on an expensive shirt or pant. I would also echo what a previous poster said - fit is everything. So consider if it's more cost effective to get high street items tailored versus spending a lot of money on more expensive brands that may not fit as well. Good luck and congrats on the new job!

 

[redhott]

Another thought: SHOP THE SALES
You never know what you might find
Also want to echo the endorsement of Stuart Weitzman shoes. Great style at good price point, and well made. His boots are among the best out there.

 

[poulinska]

Congratulations on the new job!

The Eileen Fisher petite line is good for those of us who are smaller. And EF is good quality. Ralph Lauren is another one you might want to check out. I've heard nothing but good about Ferragamo shoes and boots.

Maybe try thinking along the lines of, 'I deserve this job, so I deserve the wardrobe that goes with it.' Or, as a start until you feel in your heart you deserve it - and you DO deserve it - you could think of the new wardrobe as a job requirement due to having more visibility.

Thank you! Your thoughts on 'I deserve this job' are very helpful, and the kind of trying to see it as a requirement. I will get used to it, or maybe just have fun with better quality.

Akris has really lovely items! Akris punto is their diffusion line but they still have a good quality product. Both can be found for sale but depending on where you live smaller sizes can sell out quickly.

Both their pants and jackets are quite nice!

I looked at akris in the city before. Thank you! I never was courageous enough to enter the store but will do, as soon as the pandemic allows it.

The clothes I most often get compliments on are (believe it or not) the things I buy at Zara (although read on regarding importance of proper fit). Also take a look at Lafayette 148, Veronica Beard, Theory, Vince. I also like Tibi, although the clothes tend to be a bit oversized. I recommend to not lose sight of the importance of proper fit. I am a small frame too and have accepted that almost everything I buy will have to be altered for sleeve and hem length, and sometimes to lift (at the shoulders) the back of a blazer or dress because I’m not as tall or long waisted as the fit models.

Congratulations on your new position!!

Thank you. So adjusting seems to be a thing: my best looking suits are those I took to the tailor.

I would upgrade a few key pieces that you wear often - for example, blazers/jackets, coats, handbags, and shoes. I find they give the most "bang for your buck" and are more versatile than spending $$$$ on an expensive shirt or pant. I would also echo what a previous poster said - fit is everything. So consider if it's more cost effective to get high street items tailored versus spending a lot of money on more expensive brands that may not fit as well. Good luck and congrats on the new job!

Thank you for the tipp. Accessorizing should be key, I am still working on that...
And my mother seemed to be right on buying stuart weitzman...

 

[880]

Akris has really lovely items! Akris punto is their diffusion line but they still have a good quality product. Both can be found for sale but depending on where you live smaller sizes can sell out quickly.

Both their pants and jackets are quite nice!

+1 Akris and Akris Punto, both of which go on 40-60% sale. I like bridge designers for some basics like Lafayette, Theory etc for pants and tops. saks.com, bergdorfs and other department stores are easy ways to browse multiple brands, styles and price points. Most importantly, congrats on your job! You deserve this! Stuart Weitzman are very comfy for heels. ITA re finding a good tailor.

edit: @poulinska, forgot to say, I also live in dark jeans, jackets and sneakers. But you can play with cut, fabrication, length, silhouette etc. A full length mirror and sometimes taking a selfie helps. Sometimes what we love is perfect and sometimes. . not so much! . Don’t discount the unique quality of some dead stock vintage pieces either. Have fun along your journey! And domols update this thread with action shots When you decide what works for you!

 

[papertiger]

Congratulations!

First, take price out the equation.

Doesn't matter if you shop Akris or Zara, you firstly need to know what you need, then buy slowly to build-up a fitting wardrobe, full of staples, but also allowing for some directional trend items too. Throwing money at a wardrobe may not help, there's high-end and then there's high-end.

Akris can very sophisticated, are you ready for Akris? Zara does some fab pieces but not everything's on sale everywhere, you may have to find a flagship store in a major capital to try on the best pieces. Every high-end designer has a corresponding equivalent style store, perhaps the materials are less sensuous or not as generous with detail. For example, somewhere in the middle-market is Cos, very wearable of late with some great coords. At a higher price-point, Joseph has plenty of similar practical pieces that scream luxury not fashion. You can mix it up too. Plenty of other style choices too.

I am lucky, I have a job that allows me to wear whatever I like, flamboyant, fashion-forward, luxury labels or young designer samples. Sometimes I wear killer Mcqueen, sometimes an M&S skirt with a cosy Brora cashmere sweater and DMs. What are the others wearing? Can you work your personal style to fit the environment? Just because you will be making lots of money (good for you) doesn't mean you need to spend it all at once. It takes many years to build a wonderful wardrobe. Start with just a jacket and a skirt, or maybe a pure cotton shirt and a killer pair of shoes, whatever means the most to you and will be seen.

You also need to know your own inimitable style to allow you to be the confident woman you undoubtedly are.

You are not your mother or anyone. Do some research and find out what suits you and what your job calls for. Here is a blog that can start you thinking https://www.truth-is-beauty.com

 

[JolieS]

Agree that tailoring is everything. Look at Queen Letizia of Sapin, a very slender woman, who wears a lot of Hugo Boss, but clothes are tailored to her frame. Akris to me is for the broad-shouldered (think Charlene of Monaco). For the small frame, you could try Dior and Balenciaga for jackets.
Agree to start slow, with a capsule wardrobe, and add as you go.
Have you considered hiring a stylist to help guide you as you start? This could help save money in the long run.
Congratulations on your promotion, and good luck building your wardrobe.

 

[poulinska]

Thank you for your thought, which make me narrow down my 'problem' (luxury problem, I know, and sorry, this post will get a bit longer)

For the last five years or so I focused my job outfits on classic styles, so I have three classic pantsuits now and two that are more trendy. My last job was/is at a university, which led me to dress down and wear sneakers most of the time. Also in my head there is the thought that I never want to be overdressed. So I wear dark jeans, some kind of shirt, a blazer and sneaker most of the time. The thought of 'never be overdressed' also led to a loss in 'passion for fashion' So I always postponed being well-dressed (which I love) to another job. My style often led people to underestimate me.

Since the new job is on the horizon I have been researching, doing pinterest boards, reading and working several style books (curated closet, george breschia). But I am stuck. I have no picture in my mind, but I know that I don't want to be underestimated or overlooked anymore, I want to show my full potential - also through my wardrobe.

The new job is more in the public, also I have a book released and I want to look the part.
When I look at other female CEOs in Germany (for instance Sabine Bendiek), they look like men.


Looking at Jennifer Morgan, former CEO of SAP, she has a much more powerful look in my opinion:


Both are not me, so I can't just copy Jennifer Morgan and be fine.

So my motivation is twofolded: I want to show power through my looks while still being me AND I want to stop postponing living my best life. I am in my forties now, there won't be a better time I guess.

@papertiger thank you for the blog, I will look into it!

And: I think 'being ready' for some brands is a thing I haven't thought about....

Sorry for the long post and thank you for reading...

 

[Bag peace]

I have no advice on brands or styling- well, other than wearing natural fabrics (cotton and silk), and getting your clothing tailored to fit you just so, as others have already said.
But I'm actually posting to say congratulations! I'm thrilled for you and wish you the best of luck, both with your book and your new position!

 

[poulinska]

Thank you @jblended
It feels strange: 2020 was so horrific for countless people.
This year I decided that I wouldn't wait for anything, concerning my job, so I took some risks. It was worth it. But still I feel for all the people who were in very different positions... I know I am privileged.

 

[Bag peace]

Thank you @jblended
It feels strange: 2020 was so horrific for countless people.
This year I decided that I wouldn't wait for anything, concerning my job, so I took some risks. It was worth it. But still I feel for all the people who were in very different positions... I know I am privileged.

Such a wonderful attitude to have, both the taking of risks (life is short and we have to at least try!), and to be rooted in gratitude!
You worked hard and it has payed off. You deserve it! I wish you bigger and better moving forward.