Anonymous wrote:Try H&M

+1 - and Zara.

Try H&M

I like the Land's End "canvas" line. Also second the recs for Limited and JCrew Factory.

Boden is hit or miss for me. They have some cute things but also some frump. Express may skew a bit young for you. I occasionally find things at Old Navy but have found their quality to be pretty poor.

Anonymous wrote:Talbots

Maybe at 55, but not for a 34 year old.

Loft, Marshalls, TJMaxx, Express, Limited and sometimes Target.

Second Lands' End. Their stuff has gotten MUCH cuter over the past year or so. The dresses are fabulous and they have a lot of nice tops too. There are still frumpy things, though, so you need to be selective.

These shirts, for example, look great:

http://www.landsend.com/products/womens-34-sleeve-slub-jersey-boatneck-floral-art-tee/id_271176?sku_0=::Q2N

http://www.landsend.com/products/womens-elbow-sleeve-lightweight-cotton-modal-crossover-top/id_246191


Also, if you order online, they have free shipping pretty often, and you can return everything to Sears (and some Sears stores, like in Montgomery Mall, carry a lot of the merchandise in-store so you can try it on).

what age kids do you teach? In other words, are you exposed to paint, snotty noses, and other schmutz during the day, or is chalk the biggest risk?

I really like the Old Navy version of J Crew's Minnie pant. I size up so it doesn't fit like leggings.

J Crew Factory has some cute stuff. Sign up for their emails, as they are always sending coupon codes and sale previews.

Lands End has some surprisingly cute and washable dresses that are modest enough for work.

Stalk the Boden sales.

Personally I've had a tough time lately finding cute tops that fit me well. Banana Republic has cute ones, but they are usually way too low cut, even the petites, and are not always sewn straight.

Get yourself to Potomac Mills in Woodbridge, VA. My favorite store there is Nordstrom Rack but they have the outlets from most of the major higher-end department stores (along with Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, Brooks Brothers, etc.) Too bad they replaced the Cole Haan clearance outlet with a regular one, I got some great/cheap shoes there. You'll probably want to spend at least half a day there though, it's huge.

OP here. Thank you! I used to shop almost exclusively at Limited and Express in my twenties when working full-time. I haven't been there in years!

I do love Boden, but I don't know if I can cough up the money.

Anonymous wrote:Try Limited. They've had cute things lately and great sales.

+1 And express. I haven't shopped there in years (decades?) and went this week after a previous thread asked about a top to go under a suit at an interview that I thought was cute. I walked out with two cute tees and a sweater that I love. All for $45 as they were having 40% off.

I often have luck at Macy's. There is a variety of brands and styles and I can usually find things. Also try Nordstrom Rack for a range of items.

What is your preferred style? I have luck sometimes at Ann Taylor, where you could look for sales. Boden is having a sale, so although a little pricy there are some good deals.

Try Limited. They've had cute things lately and great sales.

Anonymous wrote:Talbots

Really?

Talbots

34, mom of two little kids. I work PT, as a teacher, so off in the summer. Lately when I catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror I"m kind of horrified. As a matter of fact I avoid mirrors. Stretched out t-shirts, athletic shorts, flip-flops. Ugh. I need a little fashion intervention. Let's talk about this fall. Where should I shop to pick up some staples that I can wear time and time again to school, etc.? I'm tired of the GAP. I think I'm done with getting things at Target that end up in the donate pile six months later. I'm somewhat frugal, but I think I need to buck up and spend a few dollars on some quality items. What are you go-tos for dresses, pants, and tops? Also, what are your go-to shoes for the fall going to be? Boots?