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I just posted in a thread that got me thinking of this. Stores I used to consider good clothing stores are still realitivily expensive (for me), but the quality sucks. I am thinking specifically of Express and Banana Republic. I bought a $200+ suit at Express and the snaps on the pants fell off. I bought some nice sweater-type tops from BR ($50 on sale!), and while soft and wonderfully fitted, they seemed to start piling immediately (one within hours during my first time wearing it). I noticed they're all made in China. I remember buying clothes from these places when I was younger and they lasted for YEARS.
Is it me or do you have similar experiences? What are your suggestion for quality clothing (mid 30s, semi-professional)? I'm willing to spend some money on good pieces but not my whole paycheck.
I am still looking. I find that most banana republic sweaters pill. I have a few cotton only ones and a 100% merino wool one that hasn't piled, but the rest have.
I have generally had better success with sweaters from AnnTaylor.
But to be honest, I have items from Target, Old Navy and H&M that have lasted for years, and they aren't bastians of quality clothing.
I haven't found a discernible difference in most product types between the low and the mid range places, so I just get stuff when it is on sale at the expensive places. Macy's and Nordstrom are peddling similar quality stuff as the cheaper places, in the "lower end" stuff. I like INC but it is overpriced for the quality.
Halogen at Nordstroms is much better. I wait for it to go on sale, and all of the Halogen stuff I have seems to last pretty well.
From my experience, BR sweaters don't hold their shape and are almost a half size too big. Express is just utter garbage and should be avoided at all cost.
For a acceptable (aka not good but acceptable) basic suit, try JCrew or Brooks Brothers if you want to stay with mall brands. If you are looking for brands that are better than mall brands AND still decently priced, try Suit Supply (online and NY store) or look for a Benjamin Sartorial suit at the following online store.
Good sweaters are just hard to find, especially if you looking for wool or cashmere. You may just want to invest in some REALLY good sweaters from Pringles of Scotland or Lyle and Scott. Expensive, yes...great product, YES! If you're looking for wool sweaters, I recommend buying from brands that get their wool from Scotland or Italy.
It's best to get women's suits from Macy's. They're expensive when fresh so wait a couple of weeks then the price gets discounted a lot. Or buy stuff during their frequent sales.
I just posted in a thread that got me thinking of this. Stores I used to consider good clothing stores are still realitivily expensive (for me), but the quality sucks. I am thinking specifically of Express and Banana Republic. I bought a $200+ suit at Express and the snaps on the pants fell off. I bought some nice sweater-type tops from BR ($50 on sale!), and while soft and wonderfully fitted, they seemed to start piling immediately (one within hours during my first time wearing it). I noticed they're all made in China. I remember buying clothes from these places when I was younger and they lasted for YEARS.
Is it me or do you have similar experiences? What are your suggestion for quality clothing (mid 30s, semi-professional)? I'm willing to spend some money on good pieces but not my whole paycheck.
Express has gone down greatly from the time I used to shop there, way back when. they used to be my automatic go-to store for items like slacks. I was in there a few years back checking them out, the quality has suffered, to say the least.
I think Ann Taylor would great although they can tend be on the expensive side, they have fantastic sales that could easily take 50% off the regular price. I find Ann Taylor to be sleek and polished look and come in a variety of sizes (petites and tall). There is also Loft which is company geared toward 20-somethings, I would not buy a suit there but you could get some good basics without breaking the bank. I have also had good luck with The Limited and H&M but you have to be careful at H&M and really examine the product before you make your purchase.
Another good idea is if you have outlets near you, I love the J. Crew and BR outlet. I would normally not shop at those stores in the mall as they are a bit above what I like to spend, but sometimes the outlets have such great deals that are hard to pass up. At the outlets you do have to take your time and shop carefully to get great deals. Hope some of this information is helpful!
Express dress pants used to be my favorite. The editor was amazing, but they jacked up the price and lowered the quality. I've found a wonderful replacement in NY and company slacks.
I think Ann Taylor would great although they can tend be on the expensive side, they have fantastic sales that could easily take 50% off the regular price. I find Ann Taylor to be sleek and polished look and come in a variety of sizes (petites and tall). There is also Loft which is company geared toward 20-somethings, I would not buy a suit there but you could get some good basics without breaking the bank. I have also had good luck with The Limited and H&M but you have to be careful at H&M and really examine the product before you make your purchase.
Another good idea is if you have outlets near you, I love the J. Crew and BR outlet. I would normally not shop at those stores in the mall as they are a bit above what I like to spend, but sometimes the outlets have such great deals that are hard to pass up. At the outlets you do have to take your time and shop carefully to get great deals. Hope some of this information is helpful!
I used to feel that way, now I find that they also (Ann Taylor and Loft) have the same low quality material, poor stitching, etc. as the rest and are overpriced). Sadly, I agree that we have to find OLD clothes (hopefully) that will still work or buy the junk they sell now. (Oh how I regret getting rid of so many of my older clothes, great quality, lined wool pants, etc. - I could kick myself)
I used to feel that way, now I find that they also (Ann Taylor and Loft) have the same low quality material, poor stitching, etc. as the rest and are overpriced). Sadly, I agree that we have to find OLD clothes (hopefully) that will still work or buy the junk they sell now. (Oh how I regret getting rid of so many of my older clothes, great quality, lined wool pants, etc. - I could kick myself)
Agreed about Ann Taylor and Loft. Same old, same old. I do like H&M ONLY because I can try a new trend cheaply. Old Navy for tees that I don't expect to last. If I'm looking for something to last then I hit Nordstrom Rack and Off 5th. I absolutely won't pay full price for anything, so I also love TJ Maxx. Stores like that are fun if you enjoy a hunt.
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