Ladies, where do you shop for clothes?

[Part-Time Homeschooler]

My wardrobe (if you can call it that) has become very frumpy over the years. My SIL bluntly told me that it was time to get some new clothes. I won't repeat everything she said, but she did mention burning the contents of my closet! At first I was offended, but then I realized that the colorful comments she made about my elastic-waist pants might be true; a little harsh maybe, but true!

Anyway, I found a few great pieces on the clearance racks at Ann Taylor and Nordstrom Rack. In which other stores can I find cute, yet practical clothing? I tend to lean toward classic and/or traditional styles.

Thanks so much for your help!

[Mom2legomaniacs]

Have you looked at Ann Taylor Loft? They have some trendy stuff, but also some nice basic pants and capris as well as cute tops. How about Eddie Bauer too?

[Rich with Kids]

I'm a Kohl's fan. I've had a lot of luck updating this year by shopping there. I also like NY &Co.

[BMW]

I second Kohls. I feel like I can get some quality and not have to pay outrageous prices that I really can't afford.

[Parrothead]

Kohls

[Sue G in PA]

I "fourth" Kohl's! Love, love, love their clothes. My wardrobe was much like yours just 2 years ago. I figured I was too, umm, "plump" to wear "normal" clothes. Then I started watching "What Not To Wear". It opened my eyes. I got permission from dh and took $200 and bought an entirely new wardrobe. Wow...what a difference! Suddenly, even though I was still heavier than I wanted to be...I LOOKED so much thinner and felt so much better about myself. Kohl's is GREAT! I also got a few things at discount stores like Marshall's or TJ Maxx. Have fun!

[momofkhm]

Never buy anything there unless it is on sale. Their sale prices are great! Their regular prices are not. If you can get something on clearance even better!

[LG Gone Wild]

You could try a Geoffery Beene (sp?) outlet. I like them because their sizes run large.:tongue_smilie:

I don't think Kohls has very good quality but then you don't feel as guilty if you stain or tear or (ahem) grow out of your clothes.

[SusanG]

You might also have some luck at TJ Maxx, Marshalls, and Ross. It's hit or miss, but I've found some great deals there - $60 jeans for $14.99 and some nice brand name polos for dh for $8 to $15. My clothing doesn't lean toward the classic or traditional, lol (I'm more of a Hot Topic kinda girl, heh), but you can definitely find some nice basic outfits, tops, and bottoms at those stores if you're willing to sort through the huge selections on the racks.

[Krista in LA]

I love Eddie Bauer - we have an outlet near us so I can often get some pretty decent prices.

[Carol in Cal.]

There are three of them:

1. Free exchanges at a local church. About twice a year a large church in a pretty nice neighborhood encourages everyone to bring in clothes and other small items for what would normally be a rummage sale. But they just lay everything out on tables, and it's all free. So I always donate stuff there, and often find some really nice pair of barely worn dress shoes or some other nice things for myself. The leftovers are substantial, and are donated to several charities that give them away rather than selling them.

2. Thrift stores in really, really upscale neighborhoods. I am not talking about the Goodwill in the sticks. I'm talking about places that benefit some upscale charity, and that get designer ballgowns as donations from time to time. (Not that I have ever bought a designer ballgown, even a used one.)

3. CAbI--Since I really hate to shop at stores, these homeshows are great for me. The clothes are on the pricey side, but they are forgiving in fit, trendy without been silly looking on an older young woman, and go together well from one season to the next. I buy only a few of these pieces, but they pull my whole wardrobe together and are the things that I wear most.

[Alisa in Florida]

I like Christopher & Banks.

[cin]

I've had to revamp my wardrobe this past year, almost constantly, since I've lost 80 lbs.

I've gotten some GREAT clothes at the goodwill near my MIL's home. Specifically, I have 2 outfits that people rave about from there. The pants and shirts were bought at different times, but they match so well! And get their calendar and watch for half-price clothing days :D

In addition, I love Kohl's. And I agree, don't ever pay full price. It WILL be on sale within 2 weeks. Christopher and Bank is GREAT for nice basics. I love their pants. Eddie Bauer, Land's End (at Sear's) and LL Bean are also nice.

[beansprouts]

I "fourth" Kohl's! Love, love, love their clothes. My wardrobe was much like yours just 2 years ago. I figured I was too, umm, "plump" to wear "normal" clothes. Then I started watching "What Not To Wear". It opened my eyes. I got permission from dh and took $200 and bought an entirely new wardrobe. Wow...what a difference! Suddenly, even though I was still heavier than I wanted to be...I LOOKED so much thinner and felt so much better about myself. Kohl's is GREAT! I also got a few things at discount stores like Marshall's or TJ Maxx. Have fun!

Nice!

I spent $200 this week between Wal-mart and J.C. Penny's and could have spent at least $100 more. Prices are not so great in my area...

I bought:

2 pairs of shorts
2 skorts
1 pair of jeans
4 blouses
3 bras
pantyhose
a purse
and a new dress

I still need a swimsuit and could use more jeans. Maybe next month...

I like Kohl's and Penny's. Occasionally Wal-mart has something that isn't hideous. I haven't tried any of the designer stores yet. I hate trying to sift through the racks at the Thrift store to find something I like that fits and isn't damaged in some way. I am working on de-frumping as well... :tongue_smilie:

[beansprouts]

I've had to revamp my wardrobe this past year, almost constantly, since I've lost 80 lbs.


Well done, Cin!!

I am working on baby pounds. I am down two sizes, but I have been here before. I am hoping to see another 30 pounds go by the end of the summer.

[Ann in IA]

I swear by Lands End. I usually shop their overstock pages and get GREAT deals but I do splurge once in a while and by a pr of pants or skirt at the regular price. While they may be more expensive than Kohls, etc, I have found that they last for MANY years and they pay for themselves in the long run since I don't have to keep replacing them yr after yr. They also tend to be more classic in style so you can wear them year after year and not worry about them looking trendy.

Same for their t-shirts. I used to buy at Sears or Target for $8 or so but they would get so pilly and worn looking and I would have to buy new ones each yr. But the Lands End ones I can wear them for at least 3 yrs before they start to look worn a little and they are only about $12-$14 for the basic ts.

The only hard part is figuring out your size, then it's easy to order and not worry about returns (which are free since you can take them to Sears).

After wasting so much money on clothes for years I finally figured out it actually saves me money to buy fewer pieces that are higher quality/higher prices. And things are easier to match when you stick with classic pieces in basic colors. Though mixing in a few cheap trendy pieces from Target are fun too ;)

Having said the above-I love thrift stores too! I have found some very nice high quality pieces from thrift stores that I wear over and over. If you have the time to browse then they are worth the trip.

[Valerie in Chicago]

Great suggestions here. I've been loving Lucy stores, if there's one near you. Check it out at lucy.com. I always find deals in the sales room -- it's the first place I check. I find their clothes both flattering and forgiving.:)