Buying Things Outside Of My Comfort Zone On Sale

Buying Things Outside Of My Comfort Zone On Sale

You know how people talk about "keeping it real"? These pants right here and these super comfort clogs? That's real. The pants seem a little...white, don't they? Why yes, my huge Bernese Mountain Dogs did run between my legs before I took this top down selfie. Just keeping it real. 

But this post isn't about clogs or dogs. It's about sales-and the opportunities that sales afford us to stretch our style wings a little. What if you took a great sale as the chance to buy something that you might not normally wear just to try it on for a little bit? What if you thought of a sale like a summer fling, a chance to get a little wild? 

Here's how I wore three prints on one day with a patterned shirt I'd usually never buy!

On Black Friday, I found myself choosing clothes for my husband and my mother-in-law. At some point, I escaped to Old Navy. It might surprise you to learn that I don't like shopping for clothing for myself with anyone other than my best friends, sister, or mom. I know what I like, and I also end up styling anyone else I'm with rather than buying things for myself.  Suddenly, though, I found myself with time alone and a dressing room to try on some new things that wouldn't cost me much.

The Best of Old Navy's Labor Day Sale

The Best of Old Navy's Labor Day Sale

I don't know if you were more aware of it than I was, but suddenly I realized that Monday is Labor Day! We are going to a food festival even deeper out into VA than we live, meeting friends for tapas and a comedy show, and hopefully getting some chores done around the house on Monday, too. I'm so happy to have my husband coming home after two weeks of work travel!  I'm probably also going to do some fall shopping, maybe even at Old Navy of all places! Sometimes I hate their stuff, but this time they've got some cute looks going on, and their sales are pretty awesome.

I've seen versions of this graphic tshirt styled adorably all over ever since seeing this one at Nordstrom, which is now sold out, and I was tickled to see that Old Navy has a spin off. Here's a cute picture from their Instagram feed with it!

I also love this You Me Oui shirt! White Coat Wardrobe had a cute idea for how to style it for the summer.

This dotted dress looks like it works best for women who are not very busty, according to the reviews. I love it to wear now with sandals or later with a moto jacket, tights, and low boots.

Ditto this wrap dress, which seems like it has fitted sleeves.

I like the idea of this gray dress with sleeves, but I'd need to see it in person to know what they mean by "fleece" and how thick that makes this dress. Also, what's happening on the sides there?

I love skinny awkward little pants to wear around the house, especially in the winter to tuck into fuzzy slippers. These look perfectly awkward-and STRIPED!

Maybe even throw in a hooded sweatshirt to wear at the same time like a crazy candy striper?

I'm fascinated with this skirt, and I'd have to try it on. I like the dots and the stripes, of course, but also the houndstooth, which is a big pattern for fall. I have a skirt from Old Navy that I think is the same one, and I do love it. However, it rides up a lot as you walk and goes from a mid-length skirt to a mini in about 50 feet. So beware! Oooo-and I love the idea of a longer version-especially in that leopard print!

Hmmm...I just noticed that each of my favorites is black and white. I'm really having a black and white moment here this late summer/fall, can you tell? Generally, I also tend to stick with neutrals when I shop at a cheaper place like Old Navy. I find their color choices to be less than sophisticated, and the neutrals tend to wear and age better.

Other favorites from the same chain of stores? Wool blazers on sale, this comfy looking work shirt, and my always-fall-favorite, buffalo plaid. Oh-and not a sponsor. I just like the sale stuff they're dishing out.

Let's Go Shopping!

Let's Go Shopping!

This past weekend, I went to Old Navy twice. The first time was for jeans for me (a black skinny pair and a skinny pair with distressed knees) because they are on sale for $19 (and I got $5 at the time for trying on a pair-not sure if that deal is still running). I like Old Navy for basics and for things I'm experimenting with but don't want to commit to spending more than a few bucks.

The second time, I went with a personal styling client who was interested in trying the "skinny jeans" look for the first time. I think Old Navy's styles and prices are a great way to do just that! The same thing with black skinny jeans, white jeans, or even just a different fit than you usually try. They had some great boyfriend cut jeans, for example, and Old Navy would be a nice way to experiment with them.

So let's imagine that you and I were shopping together. Here's what I'd encourage you to try on.

Jeans

Start with a dark wash and look for fit. Then, if you like the fit, try on a lighter wash, a black, or a white jean. Old Navy has plus size, petite, and tall, as well as many mid-rise jeans that really help a woman's lower belly appear as flat as possible. That's my pick.

Rockstar Mid-Rise

Plus Dark Wash Skinny Jean

T-Shirts and Tank Tops

Old Navy has some revealing tops and some horrible, stiff t-shirts that won't ever soften up no matter how many times you wash them. Avoid those! Instead, look for softer feeling t-shirts and tank tops that you can wear a bra with. For the next couple months, top one of these with a cardigan, moto jacket, leather or jean jacket, or (best!) a blazer.

I have a few guidelines when it comes to graphic t-shirts: I don't like ones that say Old Navy, and I don't prefer ones that are colors. I find the look more grown up and modern with a white, gray, or black background. Old Navy has a few (in a great range of sizes!) that fit the bill. I'd send you in to try these on with the jeans you're already wearing and a blazer on top.

Tank

Tee

J'Adore tee

LLL tee

I got the one above for myself, too! I'm imagining it with the jean jacket that my husband got me and white skinny jeans with low boots for now. I bought it a size larger than normal so that it balances out a shorter short when the summer hits.

Oh yeah, Old Navy? Not a sponsor.