Work pants are pretty standard in colors. I have a lot of black, and they serve faithfully for years. But black starts to get boring after a while, and contrary to conventional wisdom, black doesn't go with everything. I wanted to find something gray, or brown, or beige. The ones I have now are starting to fray or no longer fit right.
Last weekend I was actually ready and willing to shop, but alas, I ended up spending a lot of time in traffic and wasn't able to find what I was looking for. A perfect pair was found at the Banana Republic outlet, but alas, it was $80. Sure, I may be ready and willing to shop, but not that willing (they call that an outlet price?). I did, however, find a pair of olive chinos. They're comfortable, durable, and even though it isn't perfectly tailored, the fit is amazingly good for $12. Besides, a "drab" color like that is the perfect counterpoint to jewel-toned shirts:
(And here's the entire ensemble)
Banana Republic isn't the first place I'd go for great deals, but when I get lucky, I get really lucky. Several years ago, I found a nice striped top for just $5. It's still a regular in my outfits. And now I've scored again. Unfortunately, a sweater I've been eyeing is no longer available, and the dress shirt I got on sale last time is no longer on sale. Oh well...we can't always win.
It's gonna be a while before I can buy those $80 pants. November is approaching, which means my private student loans are coming due. Unless I pass the bar and get that attorney's paycheck, it's back to belt-tightening again. At least this time there's a little bit more breathing room.
12 comments:
I agree...finding prefect work pants is hard. I like Express and Benetton for work pants. They tend to be pricier, but its a good investment if they fit well.
I love the fit of those green pants on you!
Ah, too bad about the BR pants. But the chinos look great on you. Good luck with the bar!
I love Banana Republic - for some reason, their clothes fit me really well and I find that they hold up to more than the average number of wearings. You're right, though - I can't afford to shop there usually, but when there's a sale, there's really a sale!
Chinos look fab, by the way.
look at you, great ensemble! you have a great sense of style.
Mars
Thanks, everyone!
Alison--I've gotten quite a few colorful dress shirts from Benetton, and I agree that their pants are great...I couldn't afford them back then, but hopefully things will change after next month =)
i like your plaid coat, btw. is it by benetton?
mars
Nope, not Benetton. It came from the Goodwill. Seems like that's where my interesting and well-fitting clothes come from nowadays.
Great jacket! I worked at BR for 7 years (while I was in law school!)...I love their clothing. I haven't worked their in 6 years, and everything still looks great!!
oh wow! what a great find!
mars
Elleabelle--Wow, you juggled law school and retail? That's pretty impressive. I was pooped with school alone.
I didn't use to shop at BR much, but now that I have to work, I like going there. Whatever I got from BR have held up quite well.
I assume the fact that I paid $39.50 (full price) for a sweater at BR this weekend would give you a heart attack?
Hehe...no, not quite as much as a shock. Mens' clothing tends to cost more, even on sale. You seem to keep your clothes in good condition anyway, so it'll last for a while and worth the money.
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