Those AG Stevies run 165 dollars/pair. They are amazing, but you can get a similar look with 40 dollar knock-offs from H&M.

I buy a lot of staples from Lands End and sometimes Hanes. Then I try to buy a few more interesting looking things from Athleta and Boden. I occasionally shop at Macy's, but, to be honest, it takes too much time! About twice a year I go to the outlets in Leesburg and primarily shop at the Ann Taylor and Banana Republic outlets (for work clothes).

I definitely aim for the younger-looking, and more fitted styles from LE.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:LLBean still has great quality and colors and some of their stuff as the "slim fit" (you have to look for it, or you'll get the boxy stuff, be careful). Some of the styles are cute, some not-so. It's trial and error, I'm afraid, but the rerun policy is awesome, so at least when it hasn't worked out I haven't been horribly irritated. The stuff in the Sears stores has been really disappointing IMO, so I check online.

Sorry, I'm in the same boat you are, and eager to hear other responses. Haven't been thrilled with Boden. FWIW, ditto J.Jill (not that that's been mentioned yet).

LL Bean is so 'old-looking'. The cut of their pants, the cut of their sweaters, etc. It is very dated and matronly.

I am a former super-prep from the 80s and you wouldn't catch me dead in their stuff. Their jeans are serious 'mom' jeans.

So what do you wear?

Anonymous wrote:LLBean still has great quality and colors and some of their stuff as the "slim fit" (you have to look for it, or you'll get the boxy stuff, be careful). Some of the styles are cute, some not-so. It's trial and error, I'm afraid, but the rerun policy is awesome, so at least when it hasn't worked out I haven't been horribly irritated. The stuff in the Sears stores has been really disappointing IMO, so I check online.

Sorry, I'm in the same boat you are, and eager to hear other responses. Haven't been thrilled with Boden. FWIW, ditto J.Jill (not that that's been mentioned yet).

LL Bean is so 'old-looking'. The cut of their pants, the cut of their sweaters, etc. It is very dated and matronly.

I am a former super-prep from the 80s and you wouldn't catch me dead in their stuff. Their jeans are serious 'mom' jeans.

I love Anthropologie for my casual clothes. I shop sales and find great deals at Bloomingdales. I agree about the poster who said to find your uniform. In the winter, I generally wear skinny jeans with longer tunics and cardigans, flat riding boots, and fun accessories like scarves and layered necklaces. I know what works on my body (I'm tall and slim but completely flat chested so no strapless tops for me)!

In the summer, I live in maxi dresses and sandals. I am 34 and in general I find now that I have to spend a little more on clothes to get the fit I want. 10 years ago I used to be able to walk into Forever 21 or any bargain store and find clothes that looked good. Not anymore! So find the styles that work on your body type and that will make shopping much easier.

Title nine/Athleta/EMS. I work from home and have decided to go with the sporty look since I'll admit, wrestling and kid-wrangling is an everyday event in my home. They are wash and wear, wrinkle/stain repellant, and fit really well. I may not look dressed UP, but I won't look like crap, either.

Loehmanns

Nordstrom -- point of view department has cute tops.

Yeah- I hate to admit this (wouldn't do it out loud!) but Lands End is my go to for staples. It does wear and wear, but you have to be careful what you pick. A couple of key pieces that will get a ton of abuse like down vests and long sleeve t-shirts/ tops (that go under things) stretch the trendier pieces you pick up elsewhere.
JCrew, BR and Gap have all been pretty hit and miss over the past 5 years. I completely gave up on Loft about 3 years ago. I spend a lot on jeans because I wear them almost daily. I'm a chemistry teacher and need durable, dependable, good looking and washable. Good fitting jeans with a dark rinse that I can wear with a 2" heel are the work-horses in my wardrobe.

Naartje