The main problem I have with blogging about fashion is money. I am ALWAYS on the lookout for cute clothes that won’t cost me an arm and a leg. (Don’t get me started about a plus sized seersucker dress. I just want a basic seersucker dress for summer – but I can’t seem to find one under $75 in my size. GAH.) I have so many ideas for cute outfits but only so much money to implement them. I really try to remix items that are in my closet…but sometimes you just get sick of looking at the same stuff day in and day out.
A few weeks ago, I was told about a new Cato Fashions store opening up in Hammond, LA. I’ve never been to a Cato before, but I’ve heard a lot about it from a few friends and coworkers. I happened to luck out and had last Wednesday off, so I got to attend the grand opening!
The ribbon cutting!
This place is packed with stuff – from size 0 to size 26. I love the fact that this store covers all sizes! I poked around the store for a bit, checking out everything. One of the things I really liked was that a lot of cute styles were offered in both straight and plus sizes, but there were some styles that were only available in plus, and vice versa.
They carry a huge selection of accessories as well – shoes, handbags, and jewelry.
I like the shimmery cream purse with the gold hardware in the middle.
Lots of cute colorful bags.
I tried on a pair of those teal shoes and found that the heel is NOT sky high – which means these are heels I can actually walk in!
These espadrille wedges are SO CUTE.
The absolute best part about this store is that everything is VERY reasonably priced. You can easily walk in and pick out an entire outfit, accessories and all, for under $100.
I know that sometimes cheap fashion also means cheap materials and/or shoddy workmanship, but I really looked at everything and found that the quality is very high for the price. No missed stitches, no paper-thin fabrics, no cutting corners. As much as I love to save money, I also want to be 100% sure that the item I am getting is not going to fall apart the first time I wash it or wear it. I am very particular when it comes to shopping. I want my clothes to last!
Of course, the major test was to find some items and try them on! So I picked through the racks, found a ton of great stuff to try, and loaded up my arms for a trip to the fitting room.
My choices!
Here are some of my favorites –
I loved this black and white graphic dress – it draped nicely and was actually a bit big for me. However, the skinny red belt that came with it was WAY too small. The belt was attached to the dress so I don’t think it had been switched out or anything. I think I may head back and pick this up and maybe put another belt with it.
This is a dress – not two pieces! I LOVE the colors – I’m all about lime and blue this year. The top fit fine but the bottom was a little snug (please excuse my tum, I was not wearing my shapewear that day). I think I would have to go up one size in it, but otherwise, it is super cute and can be dressed up or down! I probably wouldn’t wear black shoes with it though…
OH HELLO YES. Doesn’t this top and skirt just scream retro? The skirt is blue lace over a blue lining. I figured I’d try mixing patterns – dots and diamonds – since the blue on blue wouldn’t clash so much with the dotted top.
As cute as those were, this is the outfit I went home with:
I am OBSESSED with maxi dresses this year. I put this on and knew I had to have it. I love how summery it is, and that I can wear it with a ton of different things. The ruffles on the neckline are not too poofy, and I feel that the v-neck and the chevron pattern is very flattering. Not only that, but it goes with my teal sandals from Payless!
While I was there, I spoke with the manager, Amanda (who was amazingly kind and sweet). She told me that Cato gets new stuff all the time, so styles stay really current. I’m really looking forward to seeing what is in store for summer and fall. You can bet I will be back to do some more shopping there!
Cato Fashions
Hammond Square Shopping Center
455 Palace Drive
Hammond, LA 70403
985-542-9990
Disclaimer – I received gift cards from the company in exchange for my review.
NOLA nerdgirl, fashion and beauty geek, sci-fi and steampunk fan, corgi caretaker, photography buff, chocoholic, professional bra fitter, and other assorted oddities.
