What happened to Ann Taylor?

[Anonymous]

i got two dresses at anne taylor last summer (40% off) that i am still wearing. their stuff still fits well but i agree sizing is ridiculous. i should not be wearing 4s which is what i wear there. but i haven't really liked alot of their clothes lately..patterns etc. used to be my go to place for everything.

banana republic too...finding some basics there but not as much as i used to.

have some stuff in my closet from these two stores that i have probably had for 10 years+...

buying stuff at anthropology this summer...

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Are there any stores that carry well-made clothes? I would rather buy classic pieces that hold up well for several years than shoddy garments that fade/fall apart/look bad after a few months. It seems as though cheaply made, over-priced garments are the norm in retail/department stores.

I am going to watch and see if anyone has suggestions! I am willing to pay big money for well made, nice clothing but I have yet to find anything nice. For example, cashmere sweater or a basic white tee shirt. Nordstrom had a James Perce white t-shirt for $50 and it was crappy fabric and almost see-through. Seriously where can I find any high quality basics?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Manufactureres are more interested in turning over cheaply-made trendy clothes, than quality pieces that will last a while (in terms of style as well as material).

It's almost a rarity to find something made of 100% cotton these days. Everything's polyester, rayon, "modal," or some other crap.

I am so sick of these materials. They're everywhere. I'm even finding $200 dresses at Nordstrom made from poly.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Are there any stores that carry well-made clothes? I would rather buy classic pieces that hold up well for several years than shoddy garments that fade/fall apart/look bad after a few months. It seems as though cheaply made, over-priced garments are the norm in retail/department stores.

Talbot's clothes last forever--good for basics, like dress pants. They aren't as matronly as they used to be.

[Anonymous]

Also, Jones New York and Liz Claiborne items wear well for business attire.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My new favorite is White House Black Market. I like their styles and they fit me well. I usually wait for sales, but I can find my staple pieces, and they have held up so far.

Me too.

[Anonymous]

I feel the same way about Brooks Brothers. Quality is way down...

Sorry to hijack OP, but on another similar note. I'm trying to find a plain white t-shirt. All the ones I have tried are thin and poor quality. Any ideas?

[Anonymous]

Avidly reading and agreeing with voices on this thread. I've been trying Nordstrom's lately with mixed results and Zappos for online purchases.

BTW, have you tried to buy good wool pants recently? Almost impossible.

[Anonymous]

I quit shopping there when their size 0 became too large for me. I'm usually a 6.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Manufactureres are more interested in turning over cheaply-made trendy clothes, than quality pieces that will last a while (in terms of style as well as material).

It's almost a rarity to find something made of 100% cotton these days. Everything's polyester, rayon, "modal," or some other crap.

WTF is modal, anyway?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Yes, they now have 3 fits and one of them -- they call it Modern -- is intentionally low waisted. Not low waisted like Dsquared pants, but below your belly button with a short zipper.

Also, some -- but not many -- of the shirts are body skimming now. Check the Canvas sub-line. It's for younger people and they intentionally do not make in a size XL, for example. I cannot wear it because of my bust -- it's too sleek

So they are sizist? I'm not even an XL but think that's a dick thing to do.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Are there any stores that carry well-made clothes? I would rather buy classic pieces that hold up well for several years than shoddy garments that fade/fall apart/look bad after a few months. It seems as though cheaply made, over-priced garments are the norm in retail/department stores.

I am going to watch and see if anyone has suggestions! I am willing to pay big money for well made, nice clothing but I have yet to find anything nice. For example, cashmere sweater or a basic white tee shirt. Nordstrom had a James Perce white t-shirt for $50 and it was crappy fabric and almost see-through. Seriously where can I find any high quality basics?

I buy my t shirts at boden or, no joke, at Chicos. They're made for old ladies, so they are thick. Their sizing is weird though.

[Anonymous]

I am also a fan of white house black market these days. I used to get everything at AT or Banana, I don't think I've bought anything there for 2 years now. Quality is awful, styles ridiculous and the sizing is just annoying and patronizing.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I feel the same way about Brooks Brothers. Quality is way down...

Sorry to hijack OP, but on another similar note. I'm trying to find a plain white t-shirt. All the ones I have tried are thin and poor quality. Any ideas?

Costco. Kirkland Signature T shirts (they just added V-necks). Good enough to be only shirt, but not too thick to be undershirt. Tagless and they last.

[ThatSmileyFaceGuy]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Manufactureres are more interested in turning over cheaply-made trendy clothes, than quality pieces that will last a while (in terms of style as well as material).

It's almost a rarity to find something made of 100% cotton these days. Everything's polyester, rayon, "modal," or some other crap.

WTF is modal, anyway?

rayon made from spun cellulose from mostly beech trees