(Part 3) Top products from r/femalefashionadvice

1. Skinny
   
   
2. American Eagle jegging
   
   
3. $39.95-49.95 depending on the wash -- I tend to buy mine on sale anywhere between $15 and $30, depending on clearance availability and earned rewards
   
   
4. I usually take a 4 short, but can fit into a 2 short depending on the materials. Measurements for 4S -- Waist: 26.5", hip: 36", leg opening: 10.75", inseam: 28". The 28" inseam is crucial for me because I'm 5'3" so 29" inseams are just a tad too long, creating the ankle scrunching which I hate. They also occasionally have ankle versions of their jeggings which have a 27" inseam.
   
   
5. Various light, medium, dark washes, including a pitch black color, grey and a couple of distressed designs. I own several pairs, including the clean rinse, black, a light blue that is no longer available and have just ordered the medium tinted ankle jegging for fall.
   
   
6. Low rise. Website says 8.25" inches in the front, 13.5" rise in the back <-- the higher back rise is super helpful for not flashing underwear when sitting! The jegging also comes in a "hi-rise" (their medium rise) and a "sky high rise" (their high waisted rise).
   
   
7. It varies. The solid dark wash (clean rinse) is 65% Cotton, 23% Viscose, 11% Polyester, 1% Elastane, but the black is 65% Cotton, 23% Rayon, 11% Polyester, 1% Spandex and the medium tinted ankle pair is 99% Cotton, 1% Elastane.
   
   
8. I've had the clean rinse and black for just under a year now with dozens and dozens of wears.
   
   
9. I love the fit, hands down. These jeggings are great at conforming to my petite, ruler-shaped body and the leg opening is wonderfully fitted. They do stretch out a bit as the day goes on but not enough to be baggy per se, and they do tend to snap back into shape after as little as a day of non-wear. The clean rinse stretches out more than my black pair. My lightest blue pair run a bit larger and stretch out much more (I sometimes need a belt for them) but it's actually great because I've repurposed them as almost-boyfriend jeans.
   
   
10. Honestly, I don't wash my jeans too often, but all of them have held up well and not faded much at all.
    
    
11. Clean rinse aka dark wash. Light blue.
    
    
12. Would repurchase for sure! They are my favorite affordable skinny jeans and can be found on sale all the time.
    
    
13. Definitely try a couple of pairs on before you buy (or take advantage of their free shipping + returns on jeans right now) as the different washes can fit slightly differently. Also, the jeggings have these half-front pockets which aren't those fake sewn on pockets but are only big enough to fit a lip balm or some folded cash.
    
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14. Skinny
    
    
15. Levi's 535 legging jean in Night Out.
    
    
16. Retail for $46, I bought them for $35 on Amazon.
    
    
17. I take a 5 short in these. Measurements -- Waist: 25.5-26.5", hip: 35.5-36.5", inseam: 30", leg opening: 9.5". I would say this pair runs closer to the lower end of those measurements, and is more of a 29" inseam than 30". The ankle is super skinny! Even a little hard to put on sometimes.
    
    
18. Comes in a fuckton of washes and some colors if you check places like Amazon or Zappos.
    
    
19. Low rise. Site says 8".
    
    
20. 84% Cotton, 14% Polyester, 2% Elastane
    
    
21. I've only had them a few months and it's been too hot to wear jeans so I've worn them maybe 5 times total.
    
    
22. Though they are called legging jeans, they feel much more substantial, like actual jeans. They're not very stretchy so sitting in them for a long time with legs crossed can be uncomfortable, but they keep their shape well and don't really stretch out during the day.
    
    
23. Haven't.. washed them yet..
    
    
24. Here's one fit and another with them cuffed.
    
    
25. If they are on sale, I might repurchase. They are a smidge tight on me but I think another size up would be too loose fitting. I'm actually hoping they stretch out a tad over time, but they are quite nice in how substantial they feel. The inseam is a bit long for me, but they don't look terribly scrunched at the ankles and work well cuffed due to their skinny leg opening.
    
    
26. Real pockets!

You guys, I’ve been the luckiest thrifter recently. Here’s a roundup of some - but not all - of the things I thrifted in the last 30 days or so:

This pair of Clarks for $6. They’re so cute (unlike your typical old lady Clarks) and comfortable and I loved them so much that I bought a second pair from eBay for $29. I want to wear them every day forever.

Two pairs of Rag & Bone skinny jeans - this one and this one. They were a little pricy for thrift at $14 and $16 each, but Rag & Bone skinnies have been on my wishlist for a while so this really helps a broke girl out. They still feel really stiff and sturdy, like they were never worn or broken in.

These J Brand Maria jeans with a cute ankle zip. The model picture of these makes me laugh because they’re much less cropped and a bit higher waisted on my short legs.

A Calvin Klein fuzzy camel coat ($11) like this. It’s alpaca and wool. Just in time for summer, ha, but it looks really great on so I couldn’t resist.

A Theory blouse that looks exactly like this one only it’s 95% silk and a pale mauve color ($6).

A Barbour L116 Black Microfibre Short Quilted Jacket like this one ($15). I’m tempted to flip it, but I’m a sucker for black basics so I can’t!

These & Other Stories leather loafers, but in black. I couldn’t find a picture of the black ones anywhere online to save my life.

These Calvin Klein black skinny pants ($7). They’re super comfortable!

These Bass black faux leather sneakers ($4).

This Diane Von Furstenberg tank ($3). It’s silk and viscose and has actual goldtone chains woven across the front.

Topshop mid blue Jamie jeans ($8). These have also been on my denim wishlist. They’re super stretchy but in great shape. Also grabbed a pair of Levi’s just like these and some black BDG skinnies like these for $4 each. Yay! I’ve been replacing all my denim recently because I went up a couple sizes and the thrift gods just keep blessing me.

I also randomly stumbled across these never-worn Eileen Fisher sandals for $8 shipped on Mercari so obviously I bought them! I wasn’t sure how I felt about them, but they’ve grown on me and I’m glad I grabbed them.

May I recommend some books that can help you determine your shape and how to dress it, and what to look for in terms of quality when shopping? Then based on that you can decide where to shop because some stores are better for certain shapes.

The Science of Sexy: This book accurately determines your shape and shows, in drawings, what is going to look both great and horrible. It does this for each shape at different weights, too -skinny, hourglass, medium hourglass, plump hourglass for example. Whichever your shape is, there's a blurb about what great assets you have :)
http://www.amazon.com/The-Science-Sexy-Unique-Figure/dp/1592402607/ref=pd_sim_b_61?ie=UTF8&refRID=08S0DC4T12EWBPXE21JC

The Lucky Shopping Manual: Really detailed about what happens if your pants are too droopy (you get grandpa butt) or your winter hat is too small (you look like a sixth-grader) or your pool-side hat with sunglasses is too big (you're suddenly Joan Collins.) But then it also give ideas for shaking things up. Also provides suggestions for a realistic capsule wardrobe. Describes what to look for when shopping and how to fit things when trying them on.
http://www.amazon.com/The-Lucky-Shopping-Manual-Improving/dp/1592400361/ref=pd_sim_b_2?ie=UTF8&refRID=08S0DC4T12EWBPXE21JC

What Not to Wear: (the original with Trinny and Susannah) really explains in pictures how to dress your shape when it comes to sleeves and fabrics as well as necklines, etc.
http://www.amazon.com/What-Not-Wear-Trinny-Woodall/dp/1573223573/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1412045616&sr=1-3&keywords=what+not+to+wear

The Pocket Stylist: Suggests a very classic capsule wardrobe.
http://www.amazon.com/Pocket-Stylist-Behind---Scenes-Expertise/dp/1592400418/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1412045374&sr=1-1&keywords=how+to+dress+well

You can get information online but in less detail. Basically an hourglass looks great in v-neck tops, wrap tops, scoop neck tops, a-line skirts, pencil skirts, flesh colored pointy heels (not stilettos on the end of shapely legs, slightly sturdier), jackets with one or two buttons, high-waisted pants, and v-necklaces that aren't chokers but aren't too long. Yeah, necklaces drape over a boob if they come too far down :)

Whereas sheath dresses tend to mask your shape, turtlenecks and jackets with a lot of buttons hide the fact that you are big on top because of boobs, and cap sleeves aren't supposed to look good. Kitten heels generally don't work, either.

I'm not sure if you have InStyle or Lucky in the UK, but both of those have really great sections where they show you outfits piece by piece. There should be some magazines like in the UK?

I think your best bet, though, is to stock up on the classics. You can find lists like this all over the place: http://www.luckymag.com/style/2010/12/10-classic-pieces, but they're a really great place to start building your wardrobe. After you have those covered you can start mixing in more trendy pieces.

If you want to get a little more in depth into how to build a wardrobe, I've found this book incredibly helpful: http://www.amazon.com/Lucky-Shopping-Manual-Building-Improving/dp/1592400361

While the styling is starting to look a bit dated (I hope they come out with a new edition soon!), the tips on exactly what you need, how things should fit, and shopping in general are super helpful.

EDIT: bad link

I think depending on the style of the loafer or oxford, it can be fine. I wouldn't cheap out and get something trendy or casual, which will not only look juvenile, but will show wear much easier. Some examples of what not to get: this, this, this

The last pic may seem fine, but I think it's lacking in terms of structure, so it comes off as pretty casual.

Some examples of what to look for: this, this, this, and this

FWIW, I've had better luck finding nice quality loafers than nice oxfords/wingtips. There are some UK brands which make some excellent wingtips for women, but since I don't know my size and it'd be an (expensive) international order for me, I just admire them from afar.

I'm not sure if these are exactly what you have in mind, but I really like The Pocket Stylist and The Lucky Shopping Manual. The Pocket Stylist has a good explanation of silhouette and proportion plus some advice on how to organize your closet. The Lucky Manual has good tips on fit and how to put things together. They are both a few years old and somewhat dated, but I have found their more generalized advice to still be relevant and helpful.

Do you want a completely yellow sports bra? Panache has a great sports bra that comes in actual bra sizes, and the geo print has some yellow in it, but not an overwhelming amount. It's also just a fabulous sports bra in general, I highly recommend it.

The coral colorway (it's called Print Multi on amazon for whatever reason) has a nice bright but not neon yellow edging to it.

I love thigh highs! I wear them sometimes. I always recommend pairing them with something a bit looser or casual on top so it doesn't come off as too saucy. Also, sock glue is your friend!

I think that solid patterned socks work best for everyday wear. Like black, grey, dark red.

This serum has been working great for my acne scars and frown lines, or if you don't trust it, just straight up Vitamin E oil is good for my skin as well. I also use the Biore Aqua Riche sunscreen which is perfect for my oily skin. I also found this toner to work much better with my skin than the Kate Somerville one. I now only use the KS one when I have a breakout.

I've been there. I found that buying actual running shoes and workout clothes (rather than wearing old college tees and cotton leggings) was a great motivator. I told myself that I didn't buy these things just to have them go to waste (and a small part of me liked showing off my ~fabulous shoe and shirt combos~). As I started exercising more, my matching game became A++ and I invested in more expensive items (specifically, a good, supportive sports bra)

I would start off buying cheaper workout clothes rather than diving into "nicer" brands like Lululemon. Old Navy and Target (and apparently Forever21?) have great affordable options. I've also gotten great deals at TJ Maxx, Marshalls and outlet stores

>The main problem is that I feel anxious committing to pieces... my style/taste changes sometimes and I end up not loving pieces nice bought even just months ago.

I think this is something that a lot of people feel, which is the exact feeling fast fashion companies are trying to exploit. They thrive on constantly pushing trends out, selling clothes with weird bells and whistles that go out of style quickly rather than quality basics (ever wonder why there are so many cold-shoulder tops and tissue tees with sayings on them??), making consumers go through the churn of buying so quickly that they never get the chance to be thoughtful about what they buy.

In addition to what everyone's suggested (The True Cost & other educational things), I think a suuuper important thing is to get a handle of what your style really is. Please note that you don't have to limit yourself to one siloed style! But it is important to get a sense of overarching themes of stuff you both love and actually wear. Once you have that down, whatever random trend won't look that appealing anymore when it comes around.

There are lots of ways to do this. Personally, I found starting a pinterest board the easiest--it's pretty passive, you just get on every once in a while, pin some stuff and look through their related pins, but I've learned a LOT about what I love through doing this. Another method people here like is the visual wardrobe, or the curated closet/Into Mind.

Also, to add onto the reading material people have suggested, I highly recommend Deluxe: How Luxury Lost its Lusture for anyone curious about how fashion has in modern times become the massive, unsustainable and unethical mass it's become.

Currently wearing these in the brown (a little darker than cognac but not chocolate brown either) and they're suuuper comfortable especially with the insoles I have to wear-- I walk probably 5 miles a day in them-- and good quality/durability so far!

Edit-- I got these instead of Bass weejuns for the same reasons you list below, and am happy.

Ha! My parents did the same thing which is why I took over my own laundry at a young age :)

First, never buy anything "dry clean only" and if you have to, I typically use Dryel.

For normal laundry, only bras with underwire get hand washed. Everything else gets washed on warm/cold, gentle cycle. I use Charlie's Soap laundry detergent- no dyes/fragrance/etc; it's really cheap and gets clothes cleaner than most liquid detergents I've tried.

I hang dry all of my everyday shirts, bathing suits, and anything else delicate (like nice underwear or Spanx). Everything else- cotton underwear, workout clothes, pants, etc- I dry on medium heat.

Since we have limited space, we use these for hang drying:

For shirts- http://www.amazon.com/Household-Essentials-Collapsible-Indoor-Clothes/dp/B002E3KYTS/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1374752652&sr=8-6&keywords=clothes+hanging+rack

For everything else- http://www.amazon.com/Whitmor-6023-741-Folding-Clothes-Drying/dp/B001UE8ILI/ref=sr_1_2?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1374752681&sr=1-2&keywords=clothes+drying+rack

When steaming isn't enough and I actually need to wash delicates, I hand wash with Forever New. It's a powder that dissolves easily in water, has a nice scent, and I feel like it does a good job of cleaning (and rinses easily!). I only use a little bit at a time, so I expect the bottle will last quite a while.

These items work the best for me, but I'm used to really small closets.

For sorting scarves. Picture

For my PJs, gloves, beanies, swim suits, belts, etc. It's hard to tell in the picture, but the top pockets are divided. Picture

For my shirts, sweaters that I won't/can't hang, pants, and bras. Picture
In it I use these boxes on the bottom shelves
to organize my underwear by type (one box) and my socks/tights (the second box). Picture

These are great for hanging my skirts and keeping 'sets' together. Probably my best closet find since maxi skirts can be a nightmare to keep wrinkle-free and organized. Picture.

I bought this multihanger for my dresses but it isn't that handy. My dresses don't slide off, but its difficult to grab dresses that are in the middle. I use it for storing out-of-season dresses. Picture.

I've also used those locker shelves for shoes since I found ~10 of them in my school's dumpster. If you're going to buy shelving for shoes, a normal shoe rack might be cheaper/better looking.

This is super awesome you can use it to "double up" your closet. I honestly also double up clothes on a hanger, if you have a maxi dress fold it over the horizontal part, and put a shirt normally over it. I also don't mind the look of a simple metal clothing rack in a bedroom with a mix of basics and some more fancy pieces mixed in.

I have the charlie brogue. It looks like they currently have these available, but patent leather can easily get scuffed. Other quality comfort brands to consider are Born and Bass. Looks like you should be able to find something for 100-150(USD).

I haven't had that specific cut but I've had a few pairs of black jeans and jeggings from Levi's. I have the same ankle issues and the 535 leggings fit well in that respect, the ones I have now, not so much.

Both pairs of jeggings faded in about a year, the jeans seem to be less prone to that. Didn't have any issues with either stretching out.

Linen spray! My husband and I use this incredible, all natural, linen spray on our clothes to cut down on washes: https://www.nancyboy.com/scented-linen-spray-1/

We use it every night — selectively spraying inside our items like jeans or blazers when we take our clothes off to change into lounge wear. We also spray our shoes every night, with athletic shoes getting heavier sprays and leather getting a light mist carefully applied to the interior. On my leather flats and my loafers, I mist a tissue and lightly stuff it inside.

I also weekly mist the entire closet with the spray because lavender and spearmint deter moths. We also mist our bath towels between uses and sometimes the entire bathroom.

My other tip is fashion tape! I use this to tack hems, hold plunging necklines together, keep blouse bows from unfurling, seal the gap between buttons on tighter blouses. It’s great stuff. https://www.amazon.com/Hollywood-Fashion-Tape-HFT-101/dp/B0006IO3NG

Ooooh, I love that. I'm gonna go against the grain and say I don't think it's THAT difficult to not ruin something like that with normal wear. You'll want to put some kind of suede protector on it immediately, but that should keep the worst at bay. I would avoid wearing a very dark colored, very heavy leather bag on one shoulder, because that might rub and leave discoloration. And maybe only wear it when you're out without your kiddos, like at work or on ~date night~, because I don't know how well even the best suede spray can protect against sticky little boy fingers.

Of course, if that just sounds like way more trouble than it's gonna be worth, just send it back! There will be other gorgeous jackets when your boys are older.

As far as shoes go, I have the same thing going on with the super narrow heel and normal width forefoot, and what I end up doing in almost all heels/flats is adding one of these padded heel grips to the back of each shoe which simultaneously improves the fit and creates a buffer from any irritation from the back of the shoe itself.

I recommend picking up a seam ripper at your local fabric store, but if you're careful, scissors still work in a pinch. A seam ripper just works better as it's designed for this purpose.

Oh man, I struggled with this for SO LONG. It doesn't feel right hanging up worn clothes right next to my clean clothes, even if I consider them 'clean' enough to wear again.

After a million years of keeping them in crumpled piles somewhere, I finally got this compact laundry/drying rack. I keep it in the corner of my bedroom and anything that's in this 'in between stage' gets hung on it. Keeps everything separate, unwrinkled, and I also have a good visual of what I need to wear again before I start dirtying more clothes. I love it so much.

Oxyclean and other peroxides are good for getting out protein stains (e.g. armpits, non-greasy food stains, grass, blood), whereas bleach will react with the protein and make the area yellower. So, you're already doing Step 1 correctly.

The next step is to add a bluing agent to your laundry! Mrs. Stewart's is a good brand.

I LOVE Shiseido Hada Senka UV gel. I have sensitive and very fair skin and this sunscreen is never harsh or irritating. Plus it's a liquid that dries matte and sits realllllly well under makeup. I've tried literally a million sunscreens (well not literally, but close) and nothing comes close to this one.

I feel you on the closet space issue! I bought this hanging bar a couple months back to help with my closet organization. I try to only keep seasonally appropriate clothes in my closet, but it's pretty hard in the fall and spring - for example, 80 degrees Sunday/yesterday/today, but it was 65 on Saturday and it's supposed to be 55 this upcoming weekend

I am a 32F and I got a great Panache underwire sports bra via Amazon. Kind of looks like a tank top under your clothes but I don't move or spill out at all!

https://www.amazon.com/Panache-Womens-Underwire-Sports-Bra/dp/B005X5FG2O

I have a [tripod-style drying rack] (http://www.amazon.com/Household-Essentials-Collapsible-Indoor-Clothes/dp/B002E3KYTS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1449867941&sr=8-1&keywords=hang+away+drying+rack) similar to this one. You can fold it up when it's not in use so that it doesn't take up so much space. Love it!

I store all my skirts on these hangers. I think they work pretty well!

I just sprayed my suede Vince Camuto ankle boots with this and it seems to have worked pretty well!

There are a lot of Japanese brand peels that are around $10-20! They work well. :)

I use this one

I use Shiseido SENKA and it's very lightweight and blends in really well into the face. It's more watery rather than thick, which I like because it doesn't feel heavy.

Another contender is Biore Sarasara

I have some very similar shoes that do the same thing, but only like 25% of the time I wear them??? Makes no sense. For other shoes that make that fart noise, I've added little cushions like these to the point where the noise comes from. They seem to change what the foot makes contact with so the sound goes away.

I have these oxfords in black and I'd definitely recommend them.

I'm not /u/ohthewerewolf but I'm also very dry and I like this one!

You want bluing for this for sure - https://www.amazon.com/Mrs-Stewarts-Bluing-1101-MPLS-8oz/dp/B001NEMV3Q Better than bleach and then just stick them in the sun to dry/naturally bleach when finished.

For the heel grips, I swear by Foot Petals which I usually buy at Target. They don't come unstuck like gel ones always do to me, and they're very comfortable.

Non-mobile: I like this one

^That's ^why ^I'm ^here, ^I ^don't ^judge ^you. ^PM ^/u/xl0 ^if ^I'm ^causing ^any ^trouble. ^WUT?

It really depends on the shirt. First and most obviously, was the fabric behind the dart cut open after it was sewed? In other words, if you undid the stitching would you have a hole in the shirt? Second, what type of material is the shirt made of? In my experience, needle holes and pressing remain more visible in cotton than in synthetic fibers like polyester crepe. If you do choose to take it out, you may want to buy or borrow a seam ripper. How to use a seam ripper.

I use Forever New to handwash my bras, and I like it. Haven't tried it in a machine, though.

I've never personally tried it but this gets recommended on here a lot!

I've been using Thayer's Rose Petal Witch Hazel quite recently as a pre-makeup application toner and it's been doing a great job with keeping my skin more balanced, which then keeps my foundation in place. I'm obsessed with this stuff.

P.S. Keeping an eye out for future answers in this particular thread. I've had the worst luck with primers and setting sprays, so I'm curious to see what others have to recommend.

Deluxe: How Luxury Lost its Luster is incredible and important in today's market that focuses on aspirations towards high end purchases.

Overdressed: The Shockingly High Cost of Fast Fashion is another good one.

You might could try using a seam ripper (can find at Walmart/Target/any store with a crafts section).

Multi hangers (look at the "frequently bought together" items too)

Here are some options: first second third fourth

Foot Petals. You can trim them down on the sides if they overhang.

Get this!

Look for slightly looser ones and use a body adhesive to keep it up - one swipe lasts the whole day for me.

I've used this kind, they are okay for heels that low, any higher and it's not much of a difference.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B001KZAB5S/ref=mp_s_a_1_4_s_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1485020887&sr=1-4

Treat them with a suede protector spray. And do it sooner rather than later since they're a light color. The spray will keep water from damaging them and keep them from getting scuffed and marked up.

I recently bought this face peel from Japan on the rec of someone in this sub. I'm so in love (so I'm recommending it) but now I want to try some more foreign products I have never heard of here in the US. They don't have to be Asian, preferably available on Amazon. I have normal/dry skin that sucks up moisture like crazy. Have any recommendations?

I recommend a minimizer as well--this makes a big difference. Hollywood Fashion Tape is also really helpful--just tape a strip above and below the offending button, and voila!

I'm not sure if bleaching will ruin the spandex, but it will ruin the white, if that makes sense. White clothing isn't just lack-of-color, it's often treated with a bluing agent like this one. Bleach on white items will make them more yellow-ish. It also looks like this version of Oxiclean might hit the mark. I'm actually going to buy some of this myself now that I stumbled across it!

Jeebus, that's awful! I'll probably read more about it soon enough, though. I just borrowed the book Deluxe: How Luxury Lost Its Luster from the public library.

I guess if I want to buy a Kate Spade bag in the future, I should actually purchase it by walking in a Kate Spade store (and allow both the colors and the price tags blaze into my eyes).