Seeking Suggestions for Clothing Retailers -- smooth lines, business casual, etc.

[Anonymous]

I am a working mother of two, probably err on the aging preppy side (I've dressed the same way since 10th grade, it seems), somewhat conservative dresser. These days, I cannot find much at all in the way of clothes, that I want to buy. Of course, my profile has changed a bit after two pregnancies (!), so I need some more clothes for work. I am up about one size -- just can't seem to get there!

Any suggestions? I used to find a few things at Talbots, but much of their stuff strikes me as matronly these days.

Any thoughts appreciated.

[Anonymous]

Chico's?

[Anonymous]

Ann Taylor

Theory (sold at Bloomingdales, Neiman Marcus and others)

Ellen Tracy (Lord & Taylor, Macy's, Bloomie's, Saks Off Fifth)

Worth Collection (sold in private homes; a bit pricey)

Banana Republic

[Anonymous]

OP here. Just wanted to say thanks for the suggestions. I really appreciate them.

[Anonymous]

I had good luck with some (not al) of the Jones New York Collection at Bloomingdales (the one at White Flint). I got help from a saleswoman (can't remember her name) and found a lot of stuff that was appropriate but not too matronly (I actually used to always think that stuff was matronly but it seems to have improved).

[Anonymous]

Jones New York is one brand that looks professional and seems to fit me. I particularly run into trouble getting pants that will go around my thighs (which are large) but also fit my waist which is not so large. This has been especially problematic in these days of low-riding pants -- this style does not fit me now and did not fit me the last time it was in style in the 60s!

Don't know if that helps....

[Anonymous]

I have a thing for Brooks Brothers french cuff button-down shirts - have them in every color and nearly every pattern. They're expensive, but the quality is really good and they fit well. they look nice with suits or tucked into trousers. (especially with a sweater draped around the shoulders.)

Banana Republic has my favorite pants and I can usually find skirts at J. Crew. (but not pants - J. Crew is cut more straight-up-and-down than I am, so pants are either too tight in the butt or too loose in the waist. or both.)

I like Ann Taylor (suits, sweaters, dresses), but find that Ann Taylor Loft is sized oddly, so my usual size is too big.

I've had good luck with suits by Jones New York, Ellen Tracy or Tahari. Macy's and Nordstrom carry those lines, often. Also, the I.N.C. line at Macy's sometimes has cool stuff that's not too ridiculously trendy.