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[quote=Anonymous]I was born in 1969.  Worked in a department store equivalent to Macy's one summer in 1987.  In misses' clothing.

I remember the name Spiegel but my family did not buy through that catalogue.  My mom was a department store customer and my grandma also (plus Talbots and Pendelton).

The mention of the brands Ralph Lauren and Liz Claiborne in the TV ad place this fashion in the department store brand category today.  Ralph Lauren's regular department store price level (not at the higher stand-alone store level, although the merchandise might overlap).  Liz Claiborne was very successful in creating a company that sold versatile women's careerwear.  Eventually it ran out of gas, the company transformed into a conglomerate of cooler brands (i think they had Kate Spade, Juicy Couture, etc.) and let Liz Claiborne and Claiborne (for men) be sold to JCPenneys to become JCP house brands.

These fashions were maybe considered "bridge sportswear" although I don't know the exact price positioning.  Here's an AI explanation of "bridge sportswear".

"Bridge sportswear refers to a fashion industry category originating in the 1980s that bridges the price and style gap between higher-priced designer clothing and mass-market brands. It offers premium, career-oriented, or versatile clothing at a more accessible, mid-tier price point.

Key Aspects of Bridge Sportswear:
Positioning: Located in department stores between the designer and better sportswear sections.

Target Audience: Consumers looking for quality and style at a moderate price, often referred to as "investment dressing".

Components: Includes a mix of tailored career apparel, stylish casual wear, and versatile pieces suitable for work or weekend.

Examples of Brands: Historically and in the 90s, this included brands like Ellen Tracy, Dana Buchman, DKNY, Coach, and Michael Kors.

Evolution: While highly popular in the 80s and 90s, the category evolved towards "contemporary" fashion or "accessible luxury" in later years.

It is often associated with "diffusion lines," which are secondary, lower-priced collections created by high-end designers. [/quote]

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