I was so tickled by how many of you liked the shirt from Target (and, yay, even emailed me to tell me that you had purchased one of them) that I immediately went into OCD mode and determined that my eyeballs would pop right out of my head if I didn’t share a few more budget-friendly fall clothing items with you.
But before I start, let me clarify a few things:
1) Several of you mentioned in yesterday’s comments that you need clothes in a larger size.
And for just a moment I determined that y’all had forgotten whose blog you were visiting because, HELLO, HAVE YOU MISSED THE PART ABOUT ME LOVING THE BACON GREASE?
So let me be perfectly clear: I am not a small girl. So if for some unknown reason you have a picture in your head of me being all diminutive and dainty, standing next to a clothing rack saying, “Y’ALL! THEY DON’T HAVE ANY MORE EXTRA SMALLS!” – well, you could not be more wrong.
I mean, I do buy clothes with the word “extra” in the size. But they ain’t small, my friends.
In fact, I am apple-shaped, and if this were “Tim Gunn’s Guide to Style,” I would now upload a file with a three-dimensional model of my unclothed form.
That’s SO not going to happen.
Anyway, as an apple-shaped girl, I can’t go too clingy on the top (two words: BACK FAT). So please know that as a not-small, apple-shaped girl, I will never, ever direct you toward fashion that is only appropriate for the girls who wear extra-smalls.
Even though those extra-small girls are darlin’. Just darlin’. So darlin’ I could just snap them right in two.
Oh, I kid because I’m bigger.
2) These clothes I’m showing you today are inexpensive. They’re very, very inexpensive.
I find that inexpensive is helpful if, for instance, you quit your full-time job several months ago because you felt like God was leading you in a different direction (including but not limited to the carpool line), but now you realize that hey, that paycheck was mighty handy because it enabled you to do things like BUY CLOTHES AND YUMMY-SMELLING CANDLES AND PLANE TICKETS, but now the clothes and the candles and plane tickets have had to take a bit of a backseat because yes, you’ve made a great decision for your family, but OH MY WORD YOUR DISPOSABLE INCOME IS NO LONGER DISPOSABLE.
Not that I’d know one thing about that, of course.
All of these clothes can be found at Old Navy, by the way, and if you’re more of a shop-on-the-interweb kind of girl, you can find everything here – every single item is from the “bargains” page.
Now before I start showing you some things I like, I want to make very, very sure that you make note of a shirt that you need to avoid at all costs, I don’t care what size you are:
In fact, I’m sad just thinking about it. I really am.
Stay away.
On the other hand, here are a few adorable, INEXPENSIVE shirt options:
I think this shirt would be adorable with gauchos or some cute, boot-cut cords or jeans (DARK WASH).
However, I would never, ever wear this shirt with some sort of skinny jeans. Or, sweet mercy, TAPERED LEG pants.
Or – HOLD ON I MAY GAG – PLEATED pants.
I’m sort of opinionated when it comes to pants. I don’t know if you noticed that or not.
I know that y’all are a little divided over the whole trapeze / blouse-y style, but I think the key to pulling it off is to mix it with the right piece of clothing on the bottom. So I’m wearing mine with a knee-length, straight skirt (in a fun print) that just has a hint of a kick pleat, and I am as comfortable as I can be. But this shirt paired with anything full or pleated on the bottom would just be wrong.
Next: SWEATERS!
You probably know that I’m going to suggest that you wear a tank underneath, but I’d make that recommendation even if this sweater didn’t have a low neckline. I cannot stand the feeling of acrylic / wool / etc. on my skin, so I always keep an assortment of really thin t-shirts on hand to wear underneath my sweaters.
Because really, who wants to go to the trouble of looking cute if you’re about to lose your mind from all the itching?
As long as the pants, jeans or skirts aren’t pleated.
Please?
Finally: GAUCHOS!
So there you have it, internets – a few fall pieces that are inexpensive, cute, and suited for just about any body type. If I didn’t have to, you know, TAKE CARE OF MY CHILD, I would peruse the plus size section of the Old Navy site and put together an assortment of items from there, too. I’ll try to do that this weekend, though if one of you beats me to the punch, let me know and I’ll happily link to you.
And if you’ve found a great deal somewhere other than Old Navy, let me know in the comments. I’m on the hunt for a cute denim jacket, but I’d prefer one that’s 1) inexpensive 2) cute and 3) capable of stomach-level camouflage.
Or as I like to call it: The Fashion Trifecta.
Between you and Big Mama this week, I am just DY-ING to hurry it up and get out of these maternity clothes. Do you not realize what you’re doing to me??? It is really taking some extreme self control to not head over to Old Navy and Target and buy an armload of cute fall clothes… which I won’t be able to wear for at least a month. So, I’m just saying I appreciate the opportunity to practice that particular Fruit of the Spirit today while I sit, hugely pregnant, and feel like a swollen elephant. ;)
I want that pompom sweater!
I’m extremely cautious with trapeze-y type tops right now, ever since our lovely librarian asked me when I was due. Um… not pregnant, just fat, thanks.
I bought a Target shirt today too! And now I’m gonna haul it over to Old Navy.
I should read and scroll instead of scrolling and then reading because I saw the orange shirt-thing and was like WHAT? Then read what you wrote. I am in total agreement. I was glad that you wrote about tops because I was needing some suggestions. I have plain colored t-shirts in every color and need to spice it up a little. I love the pom pom sweater. Thanks! I no longer have that disposable income and need to know about the bargains!
Totally loving that green and blue job. Now for some money…
Thanks for sharing some more fashion advice. Between you and Big Mama this week, I am not dying to get out of maternity clothes as I see Ashley just said b/c I am not nor have I ever been pregnant. But I am armed full of fashion advice from women who live in the real world, even though I’ve never met you IRL, so it’s quite possible you’re not real. I’ll just pretend you are, k?
I love that maroon colored swearter! You are so cute!
Could y’all find a way to do a maternity segment? I am really struggling when I look at maternity clothes….. :-(
Didn’t you see Tim Gunn last night? the answer to back fat is a good undergarment!
Ok, so, I found that same pleat front shirt at my old navy, for the same price. I didn’t try it on there, because, I mean, who needs to try something that is $4? However, when I got it home, I was a tad bit disappointed. But, because you suggested, I’ll be willing to try it with a skirt and not totally give up on it. Maybe I’ll try a wide belt at the waist too.
I LOVE that “shawl collar” sweater! Also, I bought some jeans at Express this week that were inspired by your “Angela’s jeans” post. They’re so great!
Lord have mercy- That was awesome! Very very informative- Could you review Dressy clothes from Ann Taylor Loft please- Cause I have to work and I can’t be casual all the time-It sucks!! I would live in YOGA pants if I could!
I always wanted to own a little boutique called “Apples and Pears.” The clothing would be identified with a tag identifying which of the shapes work best–ala Gerrranimals.
you and bigmama are REALLY putting me in the shopping mood! and i’m supposed to be in ‘saving’ mode right now. ugh!!
my friend Debbie says she grew up believing her mama when she said that Krispy Kreme doughnuts turn into back fat (she is skinny.) My mama like Krispy Kreme, so we all got a littly mushy.
Pear-shaped Collie
You are my new fashion consultant. Keep the tips (and bargains) coming! I. too. own a plain t-shirt in every color,
You are my new fashion consultant. Keep the tips (and bargains) coming! I, too, own a plain t-shirt in every color, but NO MORE!! I was depressed because my husband just found out that he has to go out of town this weekend – but now I know what I’ll do to suppress my sadness – go shopping!! Thanks!
Sorry for the double post – the baby grabbed the keyboard. And my latte.
OOOH – I really like the blue & green sweater!! I was disappointed with my trip to Target…they didn’t have the paisley-patterned shirt. But, there are two more Targets close to me!!!
Ok…I LOVE LOVE LOVE the clothes and wanted to comment on your candle comment. I have a WFMW up that explains my answer to yummy candles: saucepan with enough water to boil noodles…(no noodles) add vanilla and peppermint or orange juice to the mix and set to medium until boiling…then simmer (pay attention as it does evaporate). One reader suggested putting it in a mini crock pot. There you go…you have yourself a WONDERFUL candle smell.
At the moment, it’s 90 degrees. So, I won’t hold that against you :)
I will, however, re-visit this once cooler times are upon us.
It looks like even a pregnant girl like me could wear those shirts! I enjoy how they are making the shirts longer nowadays. I love that I am able to wear normal clothes so far into my pregnancy because of that. Such cute clothes!
I took the night “off” yesterday and headed over to the local Target and *lo and behold* they had trouser jeans in the plus size section! Woohoo! I even ended up in a size smaller than normal so I’m doubly grateful to those Target folks.
i’m UTTERLY inspired! and sending my bff to see this fashion advice today! LOL
I nearly in tears over laughing at this post! Thank you Boomama….
And now I’ve GOT to go find that blue/green sweater! DARLIN’
Apples unite! And…”they eliminate the muffin-top effect by pinching in things that would roll out in a Low Rise.” Lemme just say, you speak my language.
I’m so tickled to have found another apple, I just want to go eat…or something.
And if anyone is going shopping at Old Navy, you might want this coupon:
http://www.oldnavy.com/customerService/info.do?cid=11104
$10 off any $75 or more purchase. Enjoy!
Let’s talk about that purple shirt. I like that look a lot–when I see it on the rack or in the catalog, I think, “oh look, it will completely cover my horrendous mid-section.” Land’s End has a whole section of them (they call them tunics). But when I put shirts like that ON my body, they look like maternity wear. (Not helped by the fact that my mid-section makes me look permanently four months pregnant. Okay, maybe five).
Thoughts on how to pull this off?
Could you do a feature on reasonably-priced stylish shoes that are actually appropriate for, you know, walking? I am pregnant, plus constantly carrying around a 25-pound toddler, so no pair of stilettos or 4-inch-heel boots shall grace my feet at this stage of my life. Or probably ever again.
So we were in the mood to go shopping and find these fabulous deals, however, I am so mortified that someone is out there with a camera snapping pictures of my rearend (using wide-angle, I am sure) It makes me very sad too!
Love it- great post!
Boomama,
I found a very cute affordable denim jacket at JC Penney earlier in the year. I just checked their website and that one looks very similar, if not the same, as the one I got in the spring. I think it’s St. John’s Bay.
Your fellow apple, (thanks for the laugh!)
BooMama .. My WalMart just put out some adorable dark denim jean jackets by Levi. Aahem .. I bought the last XL last Thursday AM .. you know .. while they were stocking the shelves and the store was clear of most poeple. Go soon, you know Wal-Mart, sometimes you see it today, gone tomorrow and it doesn’t make a come back. ($19.99)
I just want to say…back fat. I can relate.
I am soooo glad someone else does not wear low rise jeans! I don’t have the figure. I relate to the bag of wet sand look from the back. LOL!!!! I’m short and don’t fit the extra small size and fit the pear shape description. You are too cute!
Absolutely loving the suggestions! I went to Target and bought that top too. Looks like there is a trip to Old Navy in my future!
Yhis is my first time to this blog and I have laughed so hard I cried. After reading these comments I will have to check out Big Mama’s blog. (I found this blog while reading through someone else’s blog.) I actually live in another country (we’re missionaries) so its not like I can just jump in the car and go to old navy, however I do go to thier website and fill up my shopping bag and have it sent to my parents’ house. My family and I are going back to the states (Missouir) for Christmas so I will collect my good bargains then. thanks for sharing. By the way, I had the same thoughts about the first shirt you showed. I really miss Target and Old Navy–there are no stores like that where I live. Thanks again for the laughs–it made my boring day a little brighter.
Just saw my typo in my post before–wish there was automatic spell check :) or that I was a better typer!
Because you aren’t a twig is why you are my pretend BFF!!
Haven’t made it to Target yet but that just means I’ll have to go to the one near Old Navy. (Insert cackle) At least at these prices my checkbook (and husband) can’t swear at me too much! Kidding about the husband – swearing, um maybe.
I haven’t had ANY luck at Old Navy’s plus size but because of you I will try again. Don’t worry if it doesn’t go well I won’t hold it against you since we’re BFFs and all.
I got a great jean jacket at the Gap the other day. It was $49.50, which I don’t think is too bad for a jacket. Old Navy may have a similar one–they often do that between the brands.
Wow!! I love this post. I love shopping, I love clothes and I have a “little more to love” in the mid-section myself. Your ideas were wonderful. I’ll be back.
We are going to the mall tonight and I will be hitting Old Navy’s plus size section.
Thx
Pam
I’ve been lurking for awhile now, but had to finally “come out of the dark”… I’m definitely heading over to Tarzay and Old Navy one evening this week after work. I need some new clothes. I’m ashamed to say that I don’t have much that fits after baby was born (eegads, it’s been 9 months… can’t use the “I just had a baby” excuse anymore, can I????)
Love your site!!!
Too funny!! Thanks for the great suggestions!
Right there with you on the apple shape. Add in all of my 5 feet and I basically have no waist. Well, I have a waist, a couple of rolls to be specific. I think you understand. I’m with you all the way except for the gauchos. On me they just look like I’m going wading. Not really the look I’m going for. = )
Great post and tips! I am short (5 feet soaking wet), so I go for petites. I found some wonderful clothing at Bealls Outlet! It’s hit or miss, but they have prices similar to Ross and a great selection. The highest priced item I got was $12.99 for brown pants for work and the same price for a sweater. $9.99 for jeans…that actually look good and I don’t have to hem 4 feet off them! Have a blessed week.
Great choices! And might I say thank you for being sensitive to the income-challenged, but it sounds like you’re there with me!
I’ve always wondered what “disposable income” was! :-)
After this post, I don’t think I’ve ever loved this blog more. :) And thanks for the shirt tips!
These are great tops! I love the gauchos too. Now, time to shop more of these.
Too many funny one-liners to comment on! I love connecting to your site…I think the smile starts appearing before your page does! I, too, had the same reaction to that first orangy shirt…..she can’t wear that? and then when I read further I was relieved! That whole “back fat” thing…..YUCK! It’s not like we don’t have to worry about hiding so many other things as well!! :-)
BTW, I found a very cute denim jacket at Avenue. I think it was regularly $39, but I went when it was “Buy one, get the next one 50% off” and then I had a 25% coupon off of my total purchase so it was a great deal for me.