Where to find pretty dresses and skirts?

[TriDeltaSallie]

Originally Posted by sailboatgirl

I really like Ann Taylor Loft. Their prices aren't too bad, and if you sign up for their email list you can get stuff on sale. There are several dresses they have right now that I'm waiting to go on sale. I love their dresses...they are always the appropriate length for my height (I'm 5'8"), my age (late 30s), and for work, etc.

I will check that out!

[TriDeltaSallie]

These are the kinds of things I would wear...

Black dress from Pendleton

Red dress from Coldwater Creek

Beaded dress from Coldwater Creek

[Primrose]

B. Moss is nice.

[Munchkin03]

What about Chicos, Eileen Fisher, or J.Jill? They're a little bit more resorty than what you posted earlier--but it seems to be similar in price, color, and fabric.

I've noticed the quality of clothing has declined considerably. Even places like Banana Republic, which used to be more "premium," has clothes that fall apart earlier and earlier these days. It's like Old Navy and H&M quality stuff that costs 3x as much! I have sweaters from BR that have worn right through after only a season's wear. I hand-wash and line-dry all my sweaters so there's no excuse other than poor workmanship. I guess they're trying to improve their profit margins but it's ridiculous.

Lately, I've been obsessed with the #2 pencil skirt from J.Crew. Seriously. I can't stop buying them.

[BAckbOwlsgIrl]

I am a huge fan of Banana Republic.

I love Gap for sundresses. Make sure that you hit a larger Gap Lifestyle store as they will have better selection.

I also like Black Market White Barn.

Dillards is good too.

[ADqtPiMel]

Originally Posted by Munchkin03

Lately, I've been obsessed with the #2 pencil skirt from J.Crew. Seriously. I can't stop buying them.

I have four of them. CAN'T STOP BUYING SKIRTS

[Munchkin03]

Originally Posted by ADqtPiMel

I have four of them. CAN'T STOP BUYING SKIRTS

Me neither! Which is a dumb move because my job involves hanging out with construction workers 4 days out of the week.

[AnchorAlumna]

Originally Posted by TriDeltaSallie

You know that Talbot's got bought out by a Japanese group a number of years ago, right? It isn't even the same company. We had a huge Talbots store where I grew up and I felt like I was in heaven every time I walked in there. It's really sad what has happened to such an iconic retailer.

I knew they had changed CEOs, but nothing about the company buyout. I've been buying from them since the days they competed with Carroll Reed and were only found in a catalog outside New England. There are constant complaints on their Facebook page. Apparently no one in that company cares.

[TriDeltaSallie]

Originally Posted by AnchorAlumna

I knew they had changed CEOs, but nothing about the company buyout. I've been buying from them since the days they competed with Carroll Reed and were only found in a catalog outside New England. There are constant complaints on their Facebook page. Apparently no one in that company cares.

It looks like they did have substantial part Japanese ownership but maybe bought them out a few years back? This was interesting from Investor's Guide. They talk about Talbot's alienating their core customer base by trying to go after younger shoppers.

[33girl]

Consignment shops.

[etadrisophila]

Try Ebay.

You can find your favorite classic items at reasonable prices. Know your measurements and ask questions of the sellers before you buy. I've purchased gorgeous Pendleton, Doncaster, Carlisle, etc. pieces for a fraction of the price - and most of these pieces are timeless. Many of the items are new with tags - some are not and must be washed or dry cleaned before wearing.

When purchasing on ebay, I've also made a few mistakes - for example, I did not look at (or ask for) the clothing measurements. However, for the most part, I'm happy with the items I have purchased. The things that didn't fit? I took them to the consignment shop (where I then bought something else!!!!!)

[TriDeltaSallie]

Originally Posted by Low C Sharp

I've found some good casual and work dresses at reasonable prices at Northstyle. I bought this and it's a great travel dress that goes everywhere:

http://www.northstyle.com/itemdy00.a...w=519&srccode=

That's funny. I was looking at a NorthStyle catalog right before I read this.

[TriDeltaSallie]

Originally Posted by 33girl

Consignment shops.

I've tried consignment shops and ebay both. I never have any luck in consignment shops. I look on ebay, but probably not often enough to have any success. I could set up alerts, but I haven't been that ambitious yet.

[AnchorAlumna]

Got my JJill catalog today. After several years of blah clothing, I see two or three things I'm willing to try.
NorthStyle, too, as well as Seregeti (both owned by the same company, I know).
Still want to kick Talbot's butt.

[aephi alum]

Most of my wardrobe is Chico's and Soma. Their clothes are not inexpensive, but they last. If Chico's clothing fits your style, go for it.

Think about cost per wearing. If you buy a $10 T-shirt and wear it to the gym a zillion times, your cost/wearing becomes a few cents. At the opposite extreme, your wedding dress may cost $1000 and you wear it only once, making it $1000 cost/wearing. So if you buy a $30 blouse and wear it 60 times, it's $0.50 cost/wearing, but if it's so fugly you only wear it once, it's $30 cost/wearing. So buy what you'll wear ... and buy what you'll wear more than once.