The Budget Fashionista

I have a loving mother in law (she's 75) who has a difficult time with clothes. I don't know what size she is now, but she used to wear a 14 1/2...petite! Can't really find that anymore! She is frugal (grew up with very little) so in addition to no wanting to spend a lot she KEEPS things for a long time and tends to dress in a matronly fashion...elastic waist pants, florals and prints that look "old," etc. I went shopping with her for a pair of dress pants and told her I'd help her ONLY if she let me determine how long they should be. She is 5 feet tall, short-waisted, and overweight and I would LOVE to take her shopping somewhere (she lives in the Chicagoland area) when I go to visit and just get her something NEW and NICE. HELP! Suggestions on what/where?

My mother-in-law (who is 70) likes Christopher & Banks -- I checked online and they appear to have petites up to size 16. They have conservative clothing for mature women but it's more modern and less matronly than what it sounds like your mother-in-law's been holding on to. Also, the prices are pretty good and they have good sales as well . . .

Just took a peek and looks like they have stores in the Chicago area . . . look here: http://www.christopherandbanks.com/storeLocator/index.jsp