Clothes for me??

[Anonymous]

Can anyone give me some tips...I am 32 and looking for decent casual clothes. Tired of JCrew and Banana Republic (I think they are overpriced and not great quality anyway) and dont want to jump to the frumpy LL Bean look, isnt there anything in between Forever 21 crap and elsatic waistbands and embroidery??? I went to the Gap and I am not really happy with the quality or the styles...is there somewhere that anyone is loving the clothes right now that isnt too young or too old?

[Anonymous]

How about Ann Taylor Loft? It's less expensive and more young/casual than Ann Taylor. The quality isn't as nice - it's more akin to Old Navy. But they have some cute stuff that isn't too frumpy or marmi.

[Anonymous]

J Jill.

[Anonymous]

I'm loving Eddie Bauer right now. I just picked up some cute capri's with embroidery on the legs and some fun tops that are a bit more tailored looking than your standard t's. Ann Taylor Loft is also a good one as PP mentioned.

[Anonymous]

OP here-Eddie Bauer and Ann Taylor Loft are my usual go-to places, I guess I was wondering if there is anything else? I found a place called Lucy that I liked a lot, I think my problem is with work and a baby I dont get to shop like I used to so I figured this would be the quickest way to find new or other places to shop
Thanks for the replies!

[Anonymous]

How about Anthropologie?

[Anonymous]

OP, I'm having the same dilemma. I don't want the frumpy SAHM look, but I also don't need to look too too trendy. My "go to" places are Ann Taylor and Gap, but I'm sick of them. I saw some cute things in the Garnet Hill catalog recently, so you could try that:

http://www.garnethill.com

I used to like J.Jill but have found them to be getting a little frumpier in the past year or so. If you're looking for cute active-wear that you can wear all day (not just working out) try Title Nine:

http://www.titlenine.com

[Anonymous]

Warning: Intermix is really expensive -- all designers, stuff you see in InStyle and Lucky magazine.

[Anonymous]

It depends what you buy at Intermix. You can spend under $200 on a dress. But no, it's not for everyday. Love Cusp but it's not cheap either, although not as expensive as Intermix. For less expensive items, Club Monaco and Zara are good but Zara quality isn't the greatest and at both you are paying prices similar to, if not a little more than, J Crew/Banana.

[Anonymous]

I go to all the stores mentioned here - but only buy things from places like Marshalls, TJ Maxx, Filenes Basement and Target (sometimes).....I can afford the fancy shops but hate to part with my money. I am always complemented on my "look" and love to get a bargain!! I also find things once in a while at H&M. I think the key is to mix quality pieces with trendy less expensive.....I will pay a lot for a good pair of pants or a sweater in a beautiful color or design...

[Anonymous]

I hear you! I am trying to get over the BR, JCrew look that I've had forever and to be a bit more stylish.

For catalogs, I also really like Garnet Hill. They sell Eileen Fisher which always looks nice (but pricey!) Their in-house brand is good quality; I bought a pair of linen pants there last year.

I've also started trying to hit boutiques. As a working mom, it's really hard. But I took President's day as a shopping for me day. If you're near Bethesda, check out Luna and National Jean Co. Again, both are pricey, but you can find great, hip stuff on sale. I get so many compliments on the few pieces I've bought there.

[Anonymous]

I've had some luck with Newport News.
http://www.newport-news.com/

The quality isn't fantastic, but it's all right and the prices are good. I get compliments when I wear some of the more unusual tops I've bought there (though they also sell a lot of basic tops as well).

[Anonymous]

NY & COMPANY has some great stuff at great prices.

[Anonymous]

DEAL OF THE CENTURY ALERT: Next Wednesday (4/16), there is a huge trunk show and sale in Bethesda--the Bethesda Row Preview Trunk Show. Urban Chic is selling their wares at 40% off, and Ginger (new boutique opening up that is fantastic) at 30% off.

The sale runs from 12-8 at 4836 Bethesda Avenue (the former Artsy Fartsy space). Both have awesome clothes for us fabulous 30-ishers!

[Anonymous]

The best way to check out the boutiques in the area is to hit up the District Sample Sale when it comes around. They do it twice a year, in spring and fall, and it's literally every area boutique selling their year-end (and some in-season) stuff for like 80-90% off. Their website is www.districtsamplesale.com (bonus is that ticket sales go to charity).

My favorites are Daisy Too and National Jean Company in Bethesda, Urban Chic and Sangaree in DC, and My Sister's Closet in Virginia.

And I'll definitely stop by that trunk show next week!