Clothes shopping rant!

B

Bunbun

Cathlete
Does anyone else find shopping for clothing frustrating?

I need 3 things: a denim skirt, a pair of cropped pants, and a basic summer skirt that I can wear to work. I work in a neighborhood full of stores, and I shop a lot at lunch, but have so much trouble finding anything that works.

I have the best luck at Ann Taylor, but their prices are way too expensive for my budget, so I have to wait for the sales and take my chances that they have my size.

Everywhere else the clothes are either too cheaply made (Old Navy and the Gap); designed for teenagers and women in their 20s and 30s (Espirit, The Gap, Nine West and a bunch of other places near me—I can’t go too trendy. Am pushing 50, and really trendy just doesn’t work anymore); more appropriate for the beach or garden than an office (most of the stuff at J Crew); or just way too expensive for me (J Crew and Banana Republic).

Really, I have needed just those 3 pieces all summer and have found nothing that will work!

Signed,
Bunbun The Frustrated
 
Well, Bunbun the Frustrated, I can TOTALLY relate to your angst and pain.

I actually don't mind the Gap, although their quality is going downhill, but it seems lately they should be calling themselves "The Crap", because that's what they're carrying. Old Navy is just junk. Junk junk everywhere.

BASIC is a word that seems to have fallen by the wayside this year. If you want plain, you're outta luck. If you want sequins, or sparkles, or embroidery, or pleats, or a skirt that will show your butt every time you bend over, the options are limitless!

Shoes are my biggest problem. I don't want spike heeled strappy pink sparkly shoes. I want some nice brown sandals. I know people gave me lots of places to order off the internet, which is great, but they're all in the US and with exchange it makes them prohibitively expensive for me.

Perhaps we should rise up! Or we could blame Paris}(
 
Is there an outlet mall anywhere nearby? We have one very nearby and a better one a little less than an hour away. It's worth even a fairly lenghty car trip is you get what you want, lots of it and cheaply. I am so disappointed in The Gap. Why is everything so sheer these days?

Oh, I how I hate Paris! She's ruining our lives. Do you mean the city or the girl-thing, by the way?
Bobbi http://www.handykult.de/plaudersmilies.de/chicken.gif "Chick's rule!"

Tell me, what it is you plan to do with your one wild and precious life? -Mary Oliver
 
Hi Bunbun,

I have notice that as well. Well more expensive and cheaply made then anything else. I still can get way with teenage stuff, and with my height, I if I want a pair of pants that don't drag on the ground I have to shop in the children's section or find time to hem the adult size pants.

Have you ever thought of trying a second hand store? I know most frown at the thought. But a lot of times you'll find brand new name brands that have been given away because the person bought them and left them in the cloest and now can't get into them, or simply are a compulsive shopper and it doesn't matter what size they just have to have it. And then it gets tossed out to make room for the new stuff.

Luckly my skiny waist helps me in those stores, as the small sizes stay longer then the bigger ones. I know most look down at a second hand store, but I have a hard time passing up a $60 pair of jeans for $5, and the tags are all still there, as well as it's quality and brands that I normally couldn't afford to buy. There are a lot of worn clothes there too, you just got to take the time to dig threw and find the nice stuff.

Just an idea,

Kit
 
I shop the sale rack at Petite Sophisticate at the outlet store. I get great clothes for less than $20 per piece. If you are taller, Casual Corner is the same clothing. I swear by shopping at the outlets.

I also have good luck at TJMaxx and resale stores, but it depends on the day and if you are willing to search for what you want.
 
No outlet store by me--am in NYC and I don't own a car, so the cost of renting one would be too much. However, there is a secondhand shop right down the block from work--I know they carry designer labels, plus some folks at work have told me of other places. Just have to get off my behind and try them!

I did get one cute sweater at Casual Corner this year, but they're not anywhere near where I work or live, so I hardly get up there. It's just frustrating having to try on what seems like a million different things, in many stores, just to try to find one piece of clothing that fits right, doesn't flash my backside or boobs to the world, is flattering, doesn't require a second mortgage on your house in order to buy it AND will actually look good after you launder it according to the manufacturer's instructions! I have several skirts and shirts from the Gap that barely made it through one season, but that I am wearing again this year out of desperation. I feel so frumpy in them, though.
 
Have you tried Ann Taylor Loft? I work part time there during the summer and holiday months.
They are less expensive than Ann Taylor and carry more business casual and weekend wear clothing. If you sign up on their website anntayloft.com they send you emails with coupons and they usually always have at least one coupon offer going on.

Jessica
 
I just went shopping yesterday (Richmond, VA) and a lot of stores are starting their huge summer sales, Ann Taylor included. You might want to give them another try, try them online or wait a week or two.

I agree about the Gap. I wonder why they've decided to downgrade the quality so much. I used to buy my clothes there all the time, but I've pretty much switched to J. Crew for that type of clothing.
 
I am a huge Ann Taylor loft fan also and usually wait for the 40% to make my purchases. I also find lots of good stuff at TJ Maxx. They usually have basics, good prices and some nice brands. I also try the department stores like Dillards, Hechts, Macy's once they start the markdowns the prices can get incredibly cheap for some very nice things. Casual Corner when they are having a sale is also a great place to try.
 
So sorry to hear about the Gap. I haven't been in the last year but I use to buy everything there. I actually have gotten a bunch of shirts at old navy and a cute pair of light blue stretch pants this year. The don't last for ever but then you can go for a little more trendy.

I actually find Lord and Taylors has great sales stuff now especially. Good brands and great prices.
 
The Gap is definitely going downhill. I buy the girls XXL tshirts in Old Navy for 5.00. Who cares if they don't last more than one summer? Actually, some of them have. I just buy jeans in the Gap although I like some of the bra styles in Gap Body. There aren't too many of them around though.

--Lois


"If I have the belief that I can do it, I shall surely acquire the capacity to do it even if I may not have it at the beginning" - Mahatma Ghandi
 
I know how you feel. I have trouble finding clothes that are appropriate and that fit - everything seems to be too big or a hip-hugger these days.

Have you considered finding a seamstress and having something made? I don't know how much one would charge these days, but when I was a kid my mother sewed clothes and charged about what a department store would charge for a name brand.

Streamstresses may be a thing of the past now, since ready-made is so cheap.
 
I agree with a lot of what has been posted -- Ann Taylor (although that's WAY out of my price range), Talbot's, Casual Corner, TJMaxx and Marshall's. I'm lucky to live near a Talbot's and a Casual Corner outlet store -- Casual Corner carries Petite Sophisticates, which I can really wear.

I HATE the skimpy, sequined tops I see everywhere I go. I simply look ridiculous in them. There is a way to be sexy without showing a lot of skin.

Pinky
 
I can definitely relate. EVERYTHING is covered with sequins this year and/or has cuts in the weirdest places and/or looks like you are trying to be 20. Very disappointing.

I tend to shop in either outlets/discounters or department stores and have a lot of luck that way. Marshall's is a little more upscale than TJ Maxx, but at both places you have to be willing to work the racks. Department stores tend to be all over the map, but if are willing to shop often (i.e., browse the store without necessarily buying something every time), you can usually find what you need....

Good luck!
Marie

PS: I would think shopping for clothes would be easier in the city! ;)
 
Thanks for the many suggestions. I had forgotten about Ann Taylor Loft--don't live or work near one, so it didn't occur to me, but I did get a nice skirt and blouse there last year. Sounds like most places are having summer sales now, so I guess I'll just have to keep shoppping. Oh, poor me. ;)}(
 
Bunbun,

LL Bean can sometimes work well for a basic like a denim skirt or jacket. Their quality is superb, and their prices and customer service are great.

I just bought a whole bunch of casual summer stuff at JJill on sale. The prices were fabulous, and their sizing is consistent, which makes it easy to order online. It was all very casual though.
 
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