Dress me!

Beads921

Alright, so I go back to work after 4 months off next week. Most of my work clothes are for winter, and the few that I have for the summer months are kind of lacking in style. I'm hoping to go shopping on Friday to pick up a few new pieces. Recommend some items you think I should probably have (either specifics, or just more generally). 

Oh ya, and in case you missed it I live in Canada, so the summer is fairly toasty, but only lasts about 4-5 months (so I don't want to spend a boatload). The stores I can shop at are also somewhat limited because of it. You Americans have way more selection!

[To help you, I'm 21, working for a university in admin. Most of the work is on-campus, but sometimes I have meetings or events to attend off-campus. I'm petite - 5'4", 105lbs, and lacking curves. My office is air conditioned (sometimes too air conditioned), but there is always a chance that I will have to walk 20 minutes across campus to a meeting, so layerability is key. Dress code is fairly standard for an office - basically, no jeans and nothing too short/revealing.]

peekaboo2011

Do you have  a Limited?

Beads921

Can't say I've heard of it, Peek. 

Edit: Too bad we don't have it (if the website I was on is what you were referring to, and I think it probably was). There was some stuff on there I really liked! Some of it was similar to things I might find at Jacob here, actually.

Beads921

Liv - Around here, we have GAP and Banana Republic (although it's silly expensive for some things). I didn't really think of GAP, for some reason, but I think it would be a good place to get some of the basics. Light grey and khaki are definitely colours I need to look for - I have black pants/capris coming out the wazoo already. 

heyimbren

Beads, let's just go shopping.

I live off of cardigans and blazers in the summer, because my office is always way too cold from the AC.

I really like to get stuff from Ricki's, and it's usually decently priced. I've been happy with the clothes. And I heard that Laura/Laura petites has a buy 1, get one 50% off right now on tops. Maybe BR sale rack?

I was just in Winners a couple weeks ago and I picked up some cute Anne Klein tops that are office appropriate.

heyimbren

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_dress-12?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special Topic Wedding BoardsForum:136Discussion:54b9b6a3-05e6-48de-af95-8b98e1e7e489Post:dc7bb19e-5907-4108-b8d4-c53110b1ce16">Re: Dress me!</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Dress me! : It is like you are speaking a different language...a different shopping language. So many shops unexplored! I am intrigued.
Posted by LivLeighton[/QUOTE]

It can feel like that for me sometimes too... we're starting to get more American stores up here now. We just got Victoria's Secret and Target will be coming in a couple years or so.

The biggest difference I've noticed are the chain restaurants.

I like getting work/dress clothes at Laura sometimes. <a href="http://www.lauracanada.com/laura/en/index.spy">CLICK</a> if you're curious

Winners would be like T.J. Maxx... I think.

I don't know what to compare Ricki's too. <a href="http://www.rickis.com/">CLICK</a>

PaigeMcC

I can't wait for our Target! 2013!!!!

And I'm no help.  I lurves Laura, Penningtons/Addition Elle and Old Navy.

peekaboo2011

Laura reminds me A LOT of Anne Taylor/Loft.  Ricki's is kind of like Limited/Express/Macys, except way more affordable.  I'd love to find clothes that price in those stores.

ETA: Ricki's actually reminds me more of a store they had in Germany...Orsay.  God I miss that place.

Beads921

Bren - Ohh ya! Rickis! I totally forgot about it. Also, I Winners. Seriously. Half my clothes come from there. 

Liv, I know that GAP and BR are basically the same (Old Navy is part of the company as well). I think GAP is a bit cheaper though (sometimes). And I love their sale rack! 

We don't have Target...yet. It's coming sometime though! I can't wait for that - I've been there in the US and they have great deals. Really, not till 2013 though Paige? That makes me a sad bear.

Beads921

PS - Bren, YGPM

heyimbren

YGPM back, Beads.

I really want to go shopping now. But I have no real need to.

bourgehm

Target's headquarters are in my hometown. Yet another reason why MN is the greatest!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

heyimbren

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_dress-12?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special Topic Wedding BoardsForum:136Discussion:54b9b6a3-05e6-48de-af95-8b98e1e7e489Post:a3c7bfa2-a851-4b72-b7d0-e855c136e1e9">Re: Dress me!</a>:
[QUOTE]I really wish you guys had Target. It is my favorite. However, maybe that saves you from spending $100 every time you go in the store. Do you guys have stores that it is impossible to leave without spending $100 (or whatever equivalent) because there are so many awesome things?
Posted by LivLeighton[/QUOTE]

Dollarama? Maybe that's just me and I'm easily impressed though. I think our Target equivalent would be Zellers, but Zellers sucks. Which is why we're getting Target. Wal-Mart's more popular here. Or maybe Sears?

Beads921

Zellers is definitely our Target equivalent, but it's nowhere near as awesome. I can't go to Costco and leave without spending at least $100; does that count? Other than that, Canadian shopping is sort of lame.

CCO2012

I work in a very similar setting and I'm 23. My clothes consist of a few skinny cut ankle length pants(<- clicky) in black and white, flowy sleeveless tops (<- clicky), 4-5 sundresses (<- clicky) that are either jersey knit, cotton, or silky, a NICE jean jacket,  (<- clicky) and several cardigans(<- clicky) . Also a few cute belts to wrap around cardigans and dress and cute sandals (<- clicky) and aummery flats do the trick if you are walking a lot!

Hope the clickys help, and good luck!