OT --> NYC Ladies: SOS!

Ok I need some help. I'm starting a new job next Monday and its the first time I will have to dress up daily. I own NO professional clothes. I have been out of a job for a month and a half. I have next to NO money. I'm a big girl (size 16-18). Does anyone have any ideas for where I could find nice cheap clothes that might fit? (I know, miracle needed) Here is what I've tried:

target: found a couple of things
H&M: found a couple of things
old navy: no nice clothes
uniqlo: biggest size was 10 <--tantrum!
filenes: can only afford like 1 or 2 things

I appreciate ANY ideas. Thank you in advance!

Mon. Apr 30, 8:00pm

There's a store called "The Avenue" on 125th st. They may have other locations in NYC. They look reasonably priced.
Good luck!

Monday, April 30, 2007, 11:15 PM

thrift stores

There's a great thrift store on 89th and 2nd. It's called stuyvesant/goodwill. they have all sorts of nice things. On 23rd street btwn 2nd and 3rd, there are 2 or 3 thrift stores in a row. Goodwill, Salvation army, Metropolitan Opera thrift(which is a bit pricier) and on 23 btwn 3rd and Lex, there is Housing Works.

Tuesday, May 1, 2007, 6:45 AM

Lane Bryant? I'm not sure of stores, really.

For nice clothes, you really only need about 2 pairs of pants to start - one black, and one in a different color; I like camel, b/c black and camel both go with anything (except black doesn't go with brown or navy.) Then, I'd get a couple black tops (to go with the camel pants) - maybe a button-down and a dressy-ish short-sleeved sweater. And 3-4 tops in colors other than black. Again, button-downs or short-sleeved sweaters are my favorites.

Alternatively, if you find a nice black blazer, you can wear it over shirts that you probably already own - solid-colored, round-necked t-shirts or tanks, unwrinkled, and slightly fitted. You can wear that over the camel pants or the black pants (only if the material is the same for the blazer and black pants - or, make either the pants or the blazer grey instead of black; then they go together.)

So, you really only need maybe 7 items, and you're good for weeks!

Tuesday, May 1, 2007, 10:27 AM

To add to my previous comment, try to plan what pieces you want to buy, i.e. "if I get a red shirt, I can wear it with X pants, and Y pants." Make a list, and then stick to it, so you have multiple combinations that you can wear with each piece. Then you'll need, and end up getting, far fewer pieces than if you go to a store and just look for what looks "nice." You could end up with a bunch of stuff that only works with one other item you own, and then you need more clothes. You can always add pieces after you start your job and start bringing home a paycheck.

Tuesday, May 1, 2007, 10:29 AM

Dress Barn on West 46th (btw 5th & 6th) has a plus department, and they're on the cheap end of things.

When I was size 16-24, I used to visit my mom in NJ and hit all the cheap department stores. I hate shopping for anything in the city, especially clothes. Everything is so cramped and crowded, then you have to carry everything around with you until you're done. Blech.

Tuesday, May 1, 2007, 11:03 AM

Daffy's! and also century21, you can find some cheaper stuff there if you search.

Tuesday, May 1, 2007, 11:43 AM

i would do a google search for outlet malls in northern nj. you can call the clothing stores in each outlet and ask about the plus sizes they carry, if any. this will save you a lot of time guessing which store to go to and will help you narrow down the mall with the most potential for helping you find the clothes you need! and you are in ny, so if you walk by a well dressed woman who seems to be your size, ask where she gets her clothes! if she is not interested in talking to you, no harm done! but since you are not going to be asking for money, you may get some helpful responses! congrats on landing a new job!!

Tuesday, May 1, 2007, 11:59 AM

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