S/O Salespeople at clothing stores...

[Deleted]

What stores have you shopped at that you have consistent, fabulous customer service with an associate helping you find clothing to suit you? I have terrible/no style, and really not many female friends to go shopping with to help me. I need someone that can help me find stuff but not be overly pushy. I don't know where to go. I usually go to The Limited, but they are remodeling the one I go to and it's really small and crammed right now until the remodel is done.

I am sick of my wardrobe, and open to other places. Not sure of what even would look good on my body type. I am 5'1, 165#, hour-glassy shape. I don't even know my proper measurements, just that I wear a 36D bra, my waist usually can take a size 8 but to fit my thighs I need to go for a 12, so I need pants that are loose fitting so they look ok and I don't need to get them tailored. When I have pants hemmed, they are hemmed to a 29-1/2" length. Help!

I am south of Pittsburgh, but willing to travel into the city if need be, so if you can suggest specific stores/malls, that would be even better.

ETA:Oh yeah, I am 26 so nothing that looks like Grandma would wear it.

[polarbearfans]

What about a department store that has personal shoppers like
Nordstrom and Macy's? They can usually work within your budget and offer you tips on how to mix and math a few pieces, maybes even using items you have if you bring pictures or the items in. I would call and ask to speak to one of the personal shoppers.

[FormerCityGirl]

Anthro usually has good customer service. Some locations tend to be better than others, but usually once you start a fitting room they are pretty helpful. For leggings and workout stuff I like Lululemon. They are really great at most stores. I love their Wunder Under leggings and Scuba Hoodies. Nordstrom has some locations that are good for helping you find stuff and some that aren't. Those are the two main stores I usually make sure to hit when I'm near them. Gap's service tends to be hit or miss, but they are much better once they get to know you at a store. Some of my favorite pieces have come from there in recent years. Don't be afraid to ask for help.

If you just want ideas, search Pinterest for outfits that you like and may work for you. You can usually follow the links to a blogger to find out where pieces are from and get ideas of who carries stuff that you may like. There's a lot of people with style boards there on here.

[Deleted]

I don't think our Macy's here have personal shoppers. At least not the local ones, not sure about downtown. I'll call and find out. Nordstrom I have never been to, but will check it out, same with Anthro. Also will look at pinterest. Thanks

[fashionx]

Just a gentle suggestion, but if you have such a difference in sizing between your waist and your hips/thighs, I would definitely recommend getting items tailored. I have about a 1-size difference between my waist and hips, and often tailor my jeans or other pants in at the waist so that they fit well. I'm able to do it myself, but I would still recommend this to anyone even if you have to pay to take it to a tailor. When your clothes fit well on your body, you'll look and feel better great. Regardless of how much the pants cost in the first place.

I would also suggest a trouser-style pant, something with a flat front, and either side seam pockets or no front pockets -- again this is another alteration you might want to make, is having front pockets sewn shut, so they don't gape open. It's common with someone with fuller thighs to have this issue, and it gets rid of the unnecessary bulk in that area.

Hope this helps -- I also agree with PPs suggestions of Nordstrom or Macy's personal shoppers.

[jchokie79]

Hi, I'm in South Pgh too! I'll save you a call to the Macy's downtown, it sucks. I work downtown and only go if it's my last resort. The South Hill's Macy's is much much better. There's a Nordstrom and Lululemon in the North Hills mall so you'll have much better luck there than SH. I live near the Tanger Outlet so that's where I do the majority of my shopping. Ann Taylor Loft and JCrew usually has really cute stuff although I usually don't ask for help so I can't comment on the customer service there. Good luck!

[Deleted]

I am pretty close to Tanger, about a half hour (that's how long it takes me to get anywhere, I am in the Mon Valley.) I will definitely check out North Hills, Ross Park Mall I assume you mean?

[jchokie79]

Yes, sorry, Ross Park mall.

[Deleted]

Thanks everyone, I will definitely see what I can put together with these tips.

[FormerCityGirl]

I also agree on the tailoring. It's better to have fewer things that you love and actually wear as opposed to a lot of ill fitting things that you are less likely to wear. Avoid impulse buys or things you aren't sure of that are on sale. Just because something is a deal doesn't mean it's great for you. If you don't love it you won't wear it and it will just sit there until you purge your closet.

Also, figure out which trends fit your lifestyle and have fun with them. Leather, lace, and pieces like that may seem too trendy to some fit my lifestyle well. Moto jackets and boots are edgier timeless pieces that are staples in my closet. I wear my boots year round. Accessories that you are comfortable with can make a tee and jeans look more put together. Find a place like Charming Charlie's to try some stuff on and see what you feel comfortable in. Accessories can make a wardrobe much larger.

[bethaboo]

I have had great customer service at Nordstrom and J.Crew. At both stores, I have been able to get advice and suggestions on things to pair with an item I am trying on.

I also want to echo the advice above about checking Pinterest and other sources for inspiration.

[marynjoe]

I third(?) alterations. I am so hard to fit. I've learned to find a good piece that fits pretty well, then tailor in the rest to make it perfect. For under $15 in alterations, I often get a great item I can wear for years.