New mom needs to upgrade Banana/Ann Taylor work wardrobe...

[Anonymous]

I've been shopping at Ann Taylor/BR for the last 5 years because it's affordable (relatively) and easy to find sizes (having gone through 2 pregnancies, I have pants in a range of sizes that I can mix and match). I think it's time for me to upgrade my wardrobe and need suggestions on places to shop where I can get a few key pieces (maybe some fun shirts and better quality work pants) that are a notch higher in terms of quality and stylishness, but not too pricey ... I don't have much time, being a new mom, but I am willing to pay a little more if I'm getting a better product. I just recently started spending a little more on shoes, and have found that it's worth the money to focus on quality, not quantity, and would like to do the same for a few work pieces.

[Anonymous]

I LOVE Theory pants.....there is an outlet in Leesburg but Bloomies also carries them. Great work dress pants.

[Anonymous]

I was going to suggest Theory as well. Saks and Neimans carry them. You can mix and match some of their stuff. I love that it's stylish, but classic enough that you don't have to worry about it going OUT of style. Absolutely worth it for staple pieces.

I would also try Benetton. The clothes aren't the greatest quality, and overpriced for what it is, but still very affordable. But I'm recommending it because their sizing is different from most places. If you have trouble fitting into things right off the rack, I would give it a shot.

[Anonymous]

Ditto Theory. Nordies Rack has rounders full of Theory, mixed in with some Nanette Lepore from time to time. I got a great dress for $105 and pants for $69.

I also like Trina Turk.

[Anonymous]

You might try Bluefly.com. It's a great place to pick up some basic designer things at a discount. Has a great shoe selection too. You may have to return things a few times b/c the size is not what you expected, but I use it for the basic stuff. Also, there are great designer sales going on at Saks.com and Neimanmarcus.com, where you can get designer pieces for 70% off or more.

[Anonymous]

If you are looking for "business casual" you should check out Vince. The higher end department stores all carry it.

The clothes are a weird balance between stylish and conservative. They don't really do formal business clothes, but they have a lot of stuff that is appropriate for a more casual office. Great sweaters, wraps... lots of cashmere.

[Anonymous]

Check out sales at Nordstrom, NM, bloomies. Theory, Trina Turk, Diane Von Furstenberg, Elie Tahari, Plenty by Tracy Reese. Betsy Fisher downtown has some good stuff. Jersey dresses at BCBG. J Crew, I think, is better quality than AT and BR, albeit pricier. But they have some lovely things.

[Anonymous]

You can get the name brands also at Felines and TJMaxx, just have to go when beginning of a season. Like now for fall b4 everything picked over. I have stuff from those same designers from these stores-just have to be selective. I would look for accessories at department stores. A great pair of earings and fun bracelet can spice up a boring outfit, esp if you have the new nice shoes. I would look for a fun handbag and belts too. Belts are really in and can turn a boring banana or at dress into somehting chic. Also you can find nice stuff at off the fifth outlet in leesburg (my fav haunt).

[Anonymous]

PP here, i have a sister in law that looks like a million bucks (and she has 3 kids under 9) and she only shops at banana and anthropologie. Think about not where you are buying but what you are buying. Maybe you need to select some of the more designer like things at these stores. I was shocked when i discovered her wardrobe wasn't neimans. She just did a good job of picking the more unique tailored items.

[Anonymous]

I love Theory too and agree that it is a good upgrade option. Just make sure you try on their pants. They are not made for woman with any backside whatsoever. I wear a size 0/2 in skirts, shirts, dresses etc. But I have to buy a size 8 or 10 in pants and get the waist taken way in because there is not enough room in the butt area

[Anonymous]

Another Theory fan here. I know the brand is available at outlets and discount stores, but since I never have time to go to those, the brand is very pricey if you pay retail at Nordstrom or Bloomies or Neimans.

Other ideas to consider in the time/budget balancing act:


J. Crew actually has excellent quality suits--wonderful fabric and construction for a decent price. And they are easy to get in and out of if you are shopping on a tight schedule. They also keep certain core fabrics so you can add to a suit over time.

The Tory Burch section of Bloomingdales or Nordstrom can also be a productive place for me--professional, with higher quality fabrics and construction (won't look like a "cheap suit").

[Anonymous]

Agree with all of the above, and definitely have to say that my best suits that have held up the best have been my J Crew suits. I wanted to add some good online sources other than bluefly for bargains. I have recently been turned onto outnet.com (the outlet affiliated with net-a-porter.com) and shopittome.com (a sale congregator -- lots of different high and low end sales all in one place in a daily email). I am also a big fan of hautelook.com. All have quirky return policies because they are sale sites, but I have found very good stuff on all of them.