My Biannual Clothing Crisis Shout-Out

Aquajock

Aquajock

Cathlete
I know I've addressed this before, but your info and recommendations would be well-appreciated:

Is anyone aware of any women's clothing stores (and I mean WOMEN'S, not post-pubescent Tweeterers) that consistently carry women's professional wear in size zero? Here in the Twin Cities the stores that have done so are rarer than hen's teeth and constantly change: one season Talbot's might have a good line; another season Nordstrom's might have a selection or two; and Macy's - who knows? I've also tried to get suits in a two and then have them altered, but I never like how the altered garment looks.

I've been testifying in a trial for two solid days and I have at least another two to three to go, and I've already blasted through my whole two suits. Not good.

I'm hoping for brick-and-mortar store recs - I hate shopping online for clothes!

Does anyone have any suggestions so that I don't have to take off a week just to seek and search and hunt and peck?

TIA!

Yours in torment -

A-Jock
 
Maybe Ann Taylor/Loft? I know they can carry 0 and 00, but maybe best to call your local store to make sure. They have nice work wear and my favorite thing about them is their sizing is consistent (if 0 fits you in one top, it will fit you in style tops and other seasons' tops).

That's the only store I can think of. Hope that helps!
 
Hey A Jock,
I think it's really hard to find suits that are stylish, petite, and available when you need them. This won't be much help now but I have found some nice suits from a line called Etcetera. The downfall is that they are sold through reps at home. They do have a website www.etcetera.com you can get an idea of what they have. They carry zeros. My business partner is a zero and the fit is beautiful. You should try and find a rep in your area and attend their shows which are 4 times per year. I think the attention do detail is great. And they are fashion foward. I believe they are one season ahead of retail stores. If you're just looking for a basic navy suit this is not the place to go, but you will find suits/apparel that is classic, stylish and beautiful.
I wish I could tell you a great retail store to check out. They don't exist here in SC.
Maybe Saks?

Good luck with your wardrobe and Trial!

Mary
 
A-Jock,

Not sure where you live in the Cities but The Shoppes at Arbor Lakes in Maple Grove has a GREAT Ann Taylor Loft and really good regular Ann Taylor. I think you could find a really nice suit at either place. Arbor Lakes also has a Banana Republic, carries 0 & 00, there is also a J Crew. All those stores in one area! :) AND, as a bonus, you can pick up some yummy food @ Trader Joes!!

Good luck!

Lisa in Nisswa :)
 
I wear size 00 and size 0 at White House Black Market. Their clothes are stylish, age appropriate and high quality. It's my favorite place to shop!

Ann Taylor's size 0 is bigger than WHBM's size 0. I can wear Ann Taylor's size 00, but it's extremely difficult to find that size in their stores.

WHBM always has plenty of the small 00 and 0 sizes. If you haven't shopped there before, I think you'll really be pleased!

(I am fortunate enough to have a WHBM outlet store 10 minutes from my house. While the outlet only sells things that are passed down from what didn't sell in the regular retail stores, the selection is still great... and the prices are amazing. I have purchased many, many dresses, blazers, etc. that started out in the $200-$300 range for $20-$30. Really!)
 
Thanks for the recommendations, everyone! UpNorthChick / Lisa in Nisswa, I do know about the Arbor Lakes stores in Maple Grove and can get there fairly easily - thanks for the reminder!

I'll check out the Banana Republic and Ann Taylor stores as well - I know they are around here somewhere.

Thanks too for the Et Cetera recommendation - I'll have to google that one and see if there is a rep in my area for longer-term wardrobe building.

Man, this is a great place to come for good info quick!

A-Jock
 
I refuse to answer based on the fact that you are a size 0. :p:p

And I really liked you before I knew this!!!!!

ellie
 
A Jock,

All of the stores except Ann Taylor Loft are in the same complex. ATL is just down the road off of Elm Creek Blvd & Main Street.

Oh- there is a White House Black Market in the complex with all the other stores too!! :)

Happy shopping!!

Lisa
 
Lisa-

I'm in Zimmerman and LOVE Arbor Lakes! Am heading there this weekend for Victoria's Secret Semi-Annual Sale...Beware of the plastic, it will be smoken'!

MJ in MN
 
Thanks again, sistahs! I hadn't thought of White House Black Market either; wasn't that where Michelle Obama got her show-stopping dress for The View? I am also trying to get away from the black / gray / white palette but I may not have a choice.

Have fun! My Twin Cities sistahs, isn't this rain wonderful and so very overdue?

A-Jock
 
A-Jock....I am also a size zero so I'm looking forward to the replys on this post. Banana Republic is not anywhere near a size zero and Anne Taylor is hit or miss....yep, they are so much bigger (you may be able to find a 00 which may actually fit). I did buy some Banana Republic stuff not too long ago but they charged me a small fortune for having them altered (they don't charge for hems but they do charge to have them taken in). JCrew is somewhat the same way....the petites are smaller (width and length but if you are not actually short (like me) the size zeros are made larger (someone please explain why?) in the width. Liz Clairboirne used to have them years back, but now no longer sell sizes less than four.

I now order my pants through the costum clothing section in Lands End...not the best quality, selection or color. And they are certainly not the cheapest, but at least they fit perfectly.

Another very frustrated size zero who absolutely hates to buy pants,
Robin

PS. They say plus size women are the forgotten women. I really beg to differ.

**note to self...check out White House Black Market
 
rjroubi said:
PS. They say plus size women are the forgotten women. I really beg to differ.

**note to self...check out White House Black Market
Click to expand...

I completely agree! My friends all roll their eyes when I complain about not being able to find clothing to fit. I am a size 0 or 00, depending, yet I am tall (5'7"), so I have all kinds of issues. I don't even bother shopping in the department stores anymore... their clothes just don't fit me, period. :(

If you haven't shopped WHBM, you definitely should! I would say 90% of my wardrobe comes from there. They have branched out into other colors too (red, beige, pink), so it's not completely black and white anymore. B & W are my favorite colors to wear though, so I've never had a problem with the selection. Their clothing is of excellent quality, and I love most of the styles. I can walk in there and buy almost anything without trying it on because I know my size, and I know it's going to fit every single time!
 
JeanneMarie said:
I completely agree! My friends all roll their eyes when I complain about not being able to find clothing to fit. I am a size 0 or 00, depending, yet I am tall (5'7"), so I have all kinds of issues. I don't even bother shopping in the department stores anymore... their clothes just don't fit me, period. :(

If you haven't shopped WHBM, you definitely should! I would say 90% of my wardrobe comes from there. They have branched out into other colors too (red, beige, pink), so it's not completely black and white anymore. B & W are my favorite colors to wear though, so I've never had a problem with the selection. Their clothing is of excellent quality, and I love most of the styles. I can walk in there and buy almost anything without trying it on because I know my size, and I know it's going to fit every single time!
Click to expand...

I'm with the both of you on the "challenges" (ah, such a diplomatic word!) in finding well-made clothing in small sizes for women, again especially for adult women who have, like, good taste. It seems there is a wealth of choices for women's clothing in larger sizes, but nothing reliable for the smaller side of the aisle. JeanneMarie, I can't imagine how tough it must be for you at your size and height - at least I, at 5'3", can hope to find something every now and then in the petite (of stature) section.

I will indeed check out WHBM - I can always sex up the color palette with a boldly-colored blouse.

A-Jock
 
A-jock, I think we're about the same size, and I'm utterly addicted to Elie Tahari suits. They cost a little more. Okay, maybe a lot more, but these days you never have to pay full price anymore. Everything is 30-40% off. The fabrics are so comfy and stretchy and the cut is so flattering, I'd rather save my money and just buy 2 Elie Tahari suits than own a closet full of typical cheap "petite" suits. And the little tank tops and t-shirts he makes to wear under the suits are probably his best invention. They are simple, super soft, stretchy and as thin as tissue paper so they don't add any bulk, and the suit jackets just slide on over them. If you find a good sale, pounce! And there are good sales going on all the time.
 
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