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Anonymous wrote:We have well into 7 figures in assets but Hampton Inn works very well for our family when traveling. We might upgrade for a true vacation but just to sleep while on the road or visiting family..Hampton Inn works well.

is there a budget Marriott brand you like?

I do think there can be a difference between very cheap hotels and mid-range, particularly with respect to noise and help in resolving any issues with the room. But the one time I splurged on a more expensive hotel (like $400/night pre-inflation in 2022) I was like … there’s literally nothing that makes this better than the Fairfield Suites other than that the front desk people creepily greet me by name when I come in.

Anonymous wrote:Slurpees, in the Coke flavor, from 7-Eleven. I also love fountain cokes.

I also love Bass Pro shops.

Anonymous wrote:TACO BELL for the win. The only fast food with flavor.

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Anonymous wrote:What is lowbrow about Ann Taylor clothing?
I am genuinely confused

Ask in the fashion forum.

My hot take is that some women wore too much of it in their early career and now they have more money and it reminds them of being relatively poor. These people are buying pieces that are 100s of dollars per piece now. Less famous brands that are upscale and often foreign.

OP here. I used to work at Ann Taylor in the early 2000s as a side gig. I loved it. The cashmere, the lined pants, the Merino wool, the suits. We used to open boxes in the back and want EVERYTHING.

Now, the materials are cheap, the “fit” is boxy, there are no sleeves are darts, the quality is abhorrent. I forgot myself and bought some things on sale last year online, but when I got them home in my hands, I realized how cheap the fabric was and how poor the quality was. Never again. It’s a shame, but Ann Taylor is terrible quality and far too overpriced for what it is. It’s junk fashion. It’s the junk food of fashion. You know it’s bad, but you consume it anyway. And I say this as a former employee and brand fan!

PP. You are correct that quality has dropped but it's also true that's pretty much true across the board until you start spending $300+ per garment piece. So no reason to single Ann Taylor out if you have to criticize mass mall brands. The people who dump on it seem to prefer indie/European brands.

OK, you’re taking it very personally. I also think Banana Republic and similar mall brands have declined in quality, but not as much—not such a steep drop-off. You can still find pieces at Banana. You cannot find anything at AT, and it’s because both the fabrics AND the fit are so awful now. There is nothing good in there. I still get birthday rewards via email and literally have gone in to get something basically for free or a steep discount, and walked out because nothing was worthwhile, nothing. You can disagree. And I would ask if you were the great-granddaughter of Ann Taylor or something, but I know from working there that there is no Ann Taylor!

PP. Not taking it personally. I'm interested in retail fashion as a business because I worked as a clerk at a Macy's level department store for a summer. I never fit into Ann Taylor clothes. I am petite but was never a slim, delicate petite. So Ann Taylor/Banana Republic/J Crew never worked out for me. I had most luck with Kasper suiting, which barely exists anymore. (The brand's been bankrupt several times in the past decade.) Strangely I've discovered in the past 10 years that Ann Taylor Outlet is much better than the main store. And I can find things there while still not having any luck at the main mall stores. It's become one of my go-to stores.

I think wool fabrics have been cheaped out across the entire mall store fashion lineup. Also at indie fabric store near me. It has to be a systematic issue.

I do appreciate your perspective as a past retail employee. I am at least glad that "dresses came back" to the industry in recent years.

Can we still shop at Talbots or is that lowbrow too???

PP. Sorry, it's even more banned. But I do also shop there and have best luck at the outlet version.

If somebody could please plug Chico's and J Jill we can finish the set.

J Jill: For Women Who Have Given Up

Ok…

So no J Jill, Talbot, Ann Taylor….where are 45-60 yr old women allowed to shop. I mean I guess I’d better also dump my Old Navy jeans. Crap I bet Kohls is also off the table 🤣

Yes, and yes.

DP here. Hard pass. Love Kohls and Old Navy. I’m not dressing to impress people.

Clearly.

Anonymous wrote:We don't have an Arby's nearby, so if I come across one on a road trip, I'll absolutely murder a regular roast beef sandwich. Even better if they have a two-fer deal and I can have one to heat up later.

I'm good with my diet otherwise.

Anonymous wrote:Anyone else a fan of Aloft? They have an Asian modern feel and also feel easy to disinfect.

I tend to stay Hilton or Marriott because I often travel with my dogs and they are pet-friendly.

I love the Home2Suites hotels too.