30ish year old mother of preschooler and infant-where do you shop for clothes?

[Anonymous]

I need help. I am 31 year old mother of a 3 yo and 3 month old. I spent the the last 4 years pre kids in graduate school and prior to that I was still shopping at Urban Outfitters and Forever 21. I need serious wardrobe help. Where do young 30 year olds shop for casual clothes? I'm thinking I'm too old for Urban Outfitters Any suggestions for places to get nice, stylish but age appropriate clothes? I work part time but it's the type of job that I can wear nice casual clothes to so I don't need any businessy type work clothes. Any suggestions besides Gap, Banana Republic and JCrew? Oh, and I love Anthropology but it's usually too expensive and seems a little "precious" especially since I have young children. Thanks!

[Anonymous]

I am the same age, with 2 children and was asking myself the same question! Used to shop at Victoria's Secret, but despite the good fit, I find myself frustrated by the poor quality. Anthro is good for a few accent pieces, I feel. But what should the bulk be?

[Anonymous]

I'm a big fan of The Limited. Also, NY & Company has some good stuff - cheap and trendy.

[Anonymous]

H & M - not the "Divided" line which is for youngsters I like that their stuff looks nice enough, but if the kids mess your clothes up it's not a big deal.

[Anonymous]

Came in to say Anthropologie and Jcrew...

[Anonymous]

Boden. Good sale on right now.

[Anonymous]

OP here-thanks for the suggestions. I forgot about H&M because I tend to think of it as "young" so haven't been in one in a while. I'll have to check out Limited and Boden. Are there any stores that carry Boden or do you have to order it?

[Anonymous]

If you have a few key basics, you can shop anywhere for the accents. I usually have my basics from Banana/Jcrew and then play around with the rest of the store--even Urban Outfitters. Madewell is a good basics newish store (cross between Jcrew/Anthro).

[Anonymous]

Find basics on discount/sale at Loehmanns, Filenes, and Nordstrom Rack. Buy some nice black pants, nice black shoes, and a nice leather tote. Cashmere and merino wool tops are on sale now--load up. During the summer, you can buy lighter tops to wear.

[Anonymous]

Zara and Club Monaco.

[Anonymous]

You can actually find great sweaters and even jeans in Urban outfitters (owned by the same company as Anthro) at a much cheaper price.

I also like:
Nordstrom's
J. Crew
Anthropologie
Zappos
H&M
Target (great for basics)

Madewell is owned by J. Crew and while I like it, I find the cuts a little small and young for my tastes. I should add I am in my late 30's, so dress a little more conservatively than I did in my early 30's.

[Anonymous]

Ann Taylor (or AT Loft) is good. I am the same age as you; similar issues clothes-wise.

[Anonymous]

I'm your age and have a preschooler, too. I buy almost everything from Banana Republic (I have kind of a problem) and throw in some interesting finds from Bluefly and smaller boutiques. I also second Ann Taylor Loft lately (it seems hipper lately or perhaps I've gotten less hip?). I have good luck with Club Monaco, too.

Just buy some good "grown up" staples like dark denim jeans that are not too low rise and basic well-fitting black pants and a good jacket and nice coat and you should be fine.

[Anonymous]

Lands End Canvas

[Anonymous]

Honestly, I have turned to department stores. At this stage in my life I have little time to shop, and when I get an hour, hour and a half to do so without little kids, I feel very, very fortunate. It's so rare...

Anyway, department stores do it for me because I can find the area within my price range and just run around gathering up as much as I can, quickly hit the dressing room, and then zip out of there within the allotted time. Nordstroms and Macys are my go-to places.