STYLETHREAD -- LET'S TALK SHOP!

lilyann · Dooney & Bourke

store poll

Tashina · Kate Spade

well, this is a very good poll. allthough, i have a hard time with b&m stores since i live so far from any good shopping. but here goes.

1. i am going to have to give the same answer for this one as #6. forever 21, while i don't allways end up buying anything from there and they are a hit or miss. they do give me good ideas for what i might want to find elsewhere.

2. nordstroms "the rack". we have one near me, and there never seems to be any of the good stuff from the actual store in there. i never find anything worth paying for in there, excluding the shoe section. i allways go in there thinking i will be able to find just what i want, and allways come out empty handed.

3. bebe. yah, just bebe. for their prices, they should have better clothes.

4. ok, for this one, i chose jc penny. it has been around forever and i allways go there last thinking i will never find anything cute or worth the time to dig in that store, and am allways surprised. they really do have a lot of cute stuff and for dirt cheap but you don't sacrifice quality.

5. the kenneth cole store. i allways walk into that store and immediatly see like 10 things i want and see the price tags and leave.

6. on this one, i don't think i am alone when i say forever 21.

7. i can't think of one at the moment. i will have to get back to you on that.

8. target. when i am at the end of my rope with stores and can't find anything i want, i know i can run into target with half an hour and come out with a head to toe outfit and still look decent.

FashionPrincess · Hermes

The store that most inspires you? Anthro

The store that always seems to disappoint you? Banana Republic

The store that is more hype than substance? Dilliard's and Express

The store that most surprised you in a good or bad way the first time you visited? I was unimpressed with Saks the first time I went

The store that you feel is most hit or miss, you really have to dig? TJMaxx/Marshall's

The store you wish you had the money to shop in? Anthro or Nordstrom's

The store you feel is the most underated? I think some people underate Forever21 because the prices are so cheap, but you can really find some good things there if you just look. Also, maybe Old Navy, I find some great things there.

The store that is your go-to- shop- you always know that you will find what you are looking for ? I don't know that I have one.

-- Edited by FashionPrincess at 13:32, 2006-07-26

member · Hermes

The store that most inspires you? Anthropologie

The store that always seems to disappoint you? Old Navy

The store that is more hype than substance? I think there's a few of these for me: Old Navy, Bebe, Arden B, H&M

The store that most surprised you in a good or bad way the first time you visited? This was a long time ago, but Nordies - I fell in love the first time I went in!

The store that you feel is most hit or miss, you really have to dig? TJMaxx/Marshall's - I never find anything at these stores - ever.

The store you wish you had the money to shop in? Nordstrom & Anthro - everytime I go in one of them, I wish i could buy half the store!

The store you feel is the most underated? I agree about Forever 21 - I really find a lot of cute stuff there.

The store that is your go-to- shop- you always know that you will find what you are looking for ? Express - I know I could get my entire work wardrobe there if I needed to - there's clothes fit like they were made for me.

honey · Gucci

The store that most inspires you? a couple, barney's co-op, intermix, & atrium a nyc boutique. imo all these stores tend to have cool stuff that isn't run of the mill. i do want to branch out a bit more, i feel like i'm not taking the most advantage of the stuff in nyc
The store that always seems to disappoint you? the gap/br/old navy trifecta. it's not that i don't see cute stuff there b/c i do. it's just that when i buy stuff from these stores i always end up liking it a lot more at the start then a few months later. i am going to give the gap another try b/c they have a lot of cute fall stuff, esp. this adorable camo skirt. i feel the same way about h&m. but maybe it's b/c f21 serves the same purpose in my life but at lower price points.
The store that is more hype than substance? anthro, urbn, & express. the stuff at anthro & urbn always looks cute online, but irl is not always what it seems. also i feel like anthro is overpriced & everything at urbn (except shoes) can usually be found at f21 for a lot cheaper.
The store that most surprised you in a good or bad way the first time you visited? i'm n/s will think about this and get back
The store that you feel is most hit or miss, you really have to dig? century 21. but if i find a good bargain it's totally worth it.
The store you wish you had the money to shop in? again with barney's co-op. i pretty much can only afford to shop there at the end of each season when they start to have mark downs, but if i could i would love to be able to regularly buy stuff.
The store you feel is the most underated? f21. what can i say...i feel like people discredit it b/c it's a teeny-bopper store. but they do an excellent job of pinpointing trends and putting them out there b/f a lot of other retailers. you have to search, but i feel like if you get a good piece at f21 it's so worth it. also there are a couple of nyc chainlets that are similar to f21 like necessary clothing that i like for the same reasons.
The store that is your go-to- shop- you always know that you will find what you are looking for ? i wish this store existed. i don't know of any store that i can *always* find what i want in.

travelgirl · Kate Spade

The store that most inspires you? I'm with the masses-Anthropologie.

The store that always seems to disappoint you? I love to shop in Old Navy but I'm always disappointed about how their clothes wear.

The store that is more hype than substance? Urban Outfitters! It's fun to shop there but I never buy anything.

The store that most surprised you in a good or bad way the first time you visited? Good: Anthro, Forever 21. Bad: H and M (but I went to a small, "bad" one)...

The store that you feel is most hit or miss, you really have to dig? My Gap clearance center, Marshall's and Gabriel Brothers.

The store you wish you had the money to shop in? Saks.

The store you feel is the most underated? Target.

The store that is your go-to- shop- you always know that you will find what you are looking for ? Banana Republic. I can always count on BR-but I'm into classic stuff-nothing too trendy. Their clothes are usually good quality and fit me well.

Lilykind · Hermes

1. Barney's. Ha! It's the only place where I prefer the LA location (cool posh older building) to the NYC location (no windows!). That staircase is so beautiful, plus I just love looking at all the beautiful things I can't afford. *sigh*

2. Gap/BR/ON. Besides GapBody, I just can't get into the stuff for very long before I burn out on seeing it at least 10 times on ten different people in LA, 7 of whom can't ever wear said item properly. I snore as I browse through. It's too mass-market middle America and I consider my style to be more experiemental that that. Some of the Gap fall stuff is cute though, but I'm so afraid I'll be dissapointed.

3. Anthropologie. I love the ambience too, but when I'm in a snarky mood, I like to go in and play the "how many items can I see through due to lack of quality" game. I don't know how anyone thinks any of the house brands are worth the prices they charge. I do love the sale rack, but think that the sale prices should be the regular ones. Also, more girls in LA (f&^$#&!) have been discovering it and trying to merge the ladylikeness with a sloppy LA look which I can't go for.

4. I freakin' HATE Neiman Marcus. I just walked in and all of a sudden I felt like I was too poor, not rich bitch enough, and too fat/ugly. The SAs treat me like crap and I was so surprised since I thought high end = spectacular service.

I also remember my first time in Bendels. I thought I'd just entered a palace.

5. Forever 21 and Loehmanns. But when I am sucessful it's worth it! I definitely have to walk in with a super-critical eye and be in the mood to dig through everything though.

6. Barney's! See #1 (but if in NYC, definitely would do Bendels)

7. French Connection. I always like the accesible quasi-Euroness and the British/French humor. I don't know why more people don't know about it.

8. Well, I'll always be able to find something cute at Target. I can usually resist because I'd rather have a qaulity-based wardrobe as opposed to a cheapy one, but I can always pick up stuff and debate over it.

-- Edited by Lilykind at 15:10, 2006-07-26

Kitty · Hermes

The store that most inspires you? Probably H&M because they have sooo much stuff and such a variety of styles, that I always think of about a million outfits I'd like to try/make while I'm in there.

The store that always seems to disappoint you? Urban outfitters and bebe - both because the quality is crap. I also think Rampage is way overpriced, considering it's basically Forever21.

The store that is more hype than substance? Anthro. I love a lot of their stuff, but it's rarely worth the high prices. I can/do find good stuff there, but a lot of the times I'm just blown away by what they get away with charging.

The store that most surprised you in a good or bad way the first time you visited? Ann taylor loft/Ann taylor - I thought that store was for old women, but you can actually find some classic pieces there.

The store that you feel is most hit or miss, you really have to dig? Target and Old Navy.

The store you wish you had the money to shop in? Nordstroms.

The store you feel is the most underated? Forever21. I tend to dress pretty trendy and I refuse to spend $$$$ on the really trendy stuff. Also, you can find pieces that are pretty decent quality. Plus, I just think it's a fun store and I like shopping somewhere where I know I can afford anything in the store.

The store that is your go-to- shop- you always know that you will find what you are looking for. Probably nordstroms or Macys.

montmarte · Kenneth Cole

The store that most inspires you? Anthropologie
The store that always seems to disappoint you?
The store that is more hype than substance? Urban Outfitters. Nice adverts but clothes aren't made to last.
The store that most surprised you in a good or bad way the first time you visited? Neiman Marcus. I was expecting snootiness my first visit there, but I had a saleslady who was incredible, and she went the extra mile to get the dress that I wanted.

5. The store that you feel is most hit or miss, you really have to dig? H&M. Their clothes usually don't fit me very well, but a few months ago I found a pair of plaid pants that fit like a glove!

6. The store you wish you had the money to shop in? Local boutiques (Pink November in DC, very cutting edge but dangerous to my wallet $$$)

7. The store you feel is the most underated? Loehmann's. I found a gorgeous Prada brown shift dress with a square neck with purple trim for $120, and a leather Cynthia Rowley purse that I take everywhere with me.

8.The store that is your go-to- shop- you always know that you will find what you are looking for? This exists?? :) I would love to find a shop like this!!

sfclinevandy · Coach

The store that most inspires you? I always like the Bloomingdales catalogs and the way clothes are displayed in the store. I also love the prints and colors in BCBG.
The store that always seems to disappoint you? Lately, BR. They used to have such pretty costume jewelry I haven't liked anything as of recent. I also think a lot of their skirts/dresses are all cut in a frumpy length and style.
The store that is more hype than substance? Express, Arden B., Bebe
The store that most surprised you in a good or bad way the first time you visited? Max Studio... I love their clothes and the SAs are always really helpful. Plus, the first time I visited there was an amazing sale going on. Also, Cole Haan always has really cute things and the SAs went out of their way to help.
The store that you feel is most hit or miss, you really have to dig? Off Fifth Outlet.
The store you wish you had the money to shop in? Neimans.
The store you feel is the most underated? Bakers... my favorite cheapo shoe store. I'm not a snob when it comes to shoes and they have some really cute things, keep up with the trends, and the quality is decent.
The store that is your go-to- shop- you always know that you will find what you are looking for ? Bloomingdales... it's where I first head when I need a new pair of jeans, dress, accessories, etc. I also always find what I need shoe-wise at DSW.

jj · Kate Spade

The store that most inspires you?
Barney's Co-op, Anthro and I love walking through Henri Bendel's when I'm in NYC

The store that always seems to disappoint you?
The Gap. I always walk through, but haven't seen anything worth buying in AGES.

The store that is more hype than substance?
H&M, Arden B, Aldo

The store that most surprised you in a good or bad way the first time you visited?
Barney's Co-op - they carry a surprising number of affordable pieces, and the SAs are fantastic.

The store that you feel is most hit or miss, you really have to dig?
F21, H&M

The store you wish you had the money to shop in?
I wish I could buy my whole wardrobe at Barney's or Bendel's.

The store you feel is the most underated?
Hmmmm...drawing a blank here.

The store that is your go-to- shop- you always know that you will find what you are looking for?
JCrew - I've so many clothes there this year, including dresses for weddings, a suit, casual clothes, shoes.

luckylily · Gucci

The store that most inspires you? Mostly local boutiques, particularly Les Amis in Seattle. Also Anthro.
The store that always seems to disappoint you? Zara, BCBG
The store that is more hype than substance? GAP/BR/ON trifecta
The store that most surprised you in a good or bad way the first time you visited? Good: Macy's - I hate the one in Seattle, but I've found good things at Macy's in other cities. Bad: Neimans.
The store that you feel is most hit or miss, you really have to dig? f21, nordstrom rack
The store you wish you had the money to shop in? I wish I had the cash to do all my shopping at smaller boutiques.
The store you feel is the most underated? Nordstrom - Not necessarily by the ST girls, but I have a lot of friends/family who assume that Nordstrom is too expensive or only sells dressy clothes. I always find great things on the sale racks, and I really like their in-house lines, which are reasonably priced, IMO.
The store that is your go-to- shop- you always know that you will find what you are looking for ? Nordstrom for basics, Anthro for more inspired, insteresting items.

Bastet · Kate Spade

1. The store that most inspires you? Anthropologie (sometimes the catalog more than the store) for interesting looks. Benetton/J. Crew for work.

2. The store that always seems to disappoint you? Anthropologie. Their ideas and looks are great, but I'm often disappointed by the quality of the clothes and am floored by their high prices.

3. The store that is more hype than substance? I second whoever said bebe. I go in there all the time, and I think I've bought one thing in the past 3 years. I find things that I really love, in theory, but there is always one or two things about each item that make it unwearable for me.

4. The store that most surprised you in a good or bad way the first time you visited? Good: Le Bon Marche in Paris. I expected to be treated like absolute dirt because I was obviously an American student and my French was really bad. Also good: Bloomingdales. I find their SAs to be helpful but not obnoxious.

Bad: Pink! I went to the one in DC and SA took one look at my work tote which had the logo of the government agency I work for, and said something like "I don't think you can afford to buy anything in here." Worst. Service. Ever.

5. The store that you feel is most hit or miss, you really have to dig? I refer to H&M as "Hit or Miss." Also Urban Outfitters. I can spend a long time digging around and maybe come out with one or two cute things.

6. The store you wish you had the money to shop in? Nordstrom, Saks, Intermix

7. The store you feel is the most underated? The Limited and Old Navy.

8. The store that is your go-to- shop- you always know that you will find what you are looking for ? Nordstrom, Macy's

needsfashionadvice · Kate Spade

The store that most inspires you? j.crew

The store that always seems to disappoint you? Old Navy

The store that is more hype than substance? Old navy for sure, sometimes Target

The store that most surprised you in a good or bad way the first time you visited? Ann Taylor loft, I really like it

The store that you feel is most hit or miss, you really have to dig? TJMaxx

The store you wish you had the money to shop in? Anthropologie, I can't afford anything unless it's on sale!

The store you feel is the most underated? ....

The store that is your go-to- shop- you always know that you will find what you are looking for ? Gap and the Gap Outlet- I can always find something I love in there.

halleybird · Hermes

The store that most inspires you? No stores around here are very inspiring, to be honest.
The store that always seems to disappoint you? I know I am in the major minority here, but Anthropologie. I always see things online that I love, but in-store they feel cheap, or they fit my body strangely. I think I just don't have the right body type for that store. Also, I think they're overpriced, and the SA's at mine are total snobs.
The store that is more hype than substance? J.Crew. I love their stuff, but it is not worth the price to me. Also ArdenB and Bebe -- cheap materials and poor quality.
The store that most surprised you in a good or bad way the first time you visited? Zara. There isn't one in my city, so the first time I went, I was amazed by how pretty and affordable their clothes were.
The store that you feel is most hit or miss, you really have to dig? Lately, Banana Republic. I have a hard time shopping there anymore.
The store you wish you had the money to shop in? Saks
The store you feel is the most underated? I know that a lot of people hate Express, but they have a lot of great work staples and good sales. Also, I have had great luck with Nine West shoes.
The store that is your go-to- shop- you always know that you will find what you are looking for ? Weird, but Forever21. It helps that the one near me is really clean, well-organized and has cool stuff. I like that I can find a knockoff of almost any clothing item I like.

kenzie · Chanel

The store that most inspires you? There aren't really any where I live now, but there were a few boutiques where I used to live. I don't really find most stores inspiring, though. I'm more inspired by my own imagination or by magazines than by stores or their displays.
The store that always seems to disappoint you? Urban. Every.single.time. I never, ever find anything in there and the stuff online looks totally different irl.
The store that is more hype than substance? I'll go with Urban on this one, too, for the same reasons mentioned above.
The store that most surprised you in a good or bad way the first time you visited? Hmmm. I'm not really sure that I've been surprised by any store.
The store that you feel is most hit or miss, you really have to dig? Marshalls/Ross/TJ Maxx- basically any store of that kind. They're messy, you have to dig too much and they stress me out. I can never find anything in those places. I just don't have the patience.
The store you wish you had the money to shop in? Around here? There's nothing really out of my range in cow country. But pretty much any upscale boutique in any city across the country would fit the bill.
The store you feel is the most underated? F21, Wet Seal, Charlotte Russe and Delias. They're all viewed as teeny-bopper, but there is just so much great stuff if you really dig, especially F21. Too bad the closest one to me is now at King of Prussia.
The store that is your go-to- shop- you always know that you will find what you are looking for ? I never find anything that I'm looking for. But if there's a store that comes close, it's Rampage. They have the best (current season) designer-inspired clothing and the quality is comparable to BR or JCrew, so it's step up (imo) from places like F21, where the quality can be iffy. But, I'm devastated b/c the store is going to cease to exist soon. Boohiss. It figures.

-- Edited by kenzie at 19:43, 2006-07-26

kittenheels · Coach

The store that most inspires you? Probably Saks or Barneys - they just have so many different options.
The store that always seems to disappoint you? Banana Republic. It always looks cute on line or on the hanger, but nothing ever looks good on me.
The store that is more hype than substance? Being LA centric for a minute, I'd have to say Kitson and sometimes Fred Segal. For every one great piece, there are some really weird yet painfully expensive pieces
The store that most surprised you in a good or bad way the first time you visited? The Jimmy Choo boutique in the Venetian. They treat everyone like a princess. I like to see all guests get courteous service.
The store that you feel is most hit or miss, you really have to dig? Loehmann's. Either I am carting away a wheelbarrow, or I am getting nothing. But, I've gotten great deals on Nanette Lepore, PD &C, Kate Spade shoes and tons of underwear.
The store you wish you had the money to shop in? Chanel
The store you feel is the most underated? The Gap. I don't expect a lot, but for absolute basics, like a tee shirt or camisoles the day before a trip - it always delivers.
The store that is your go-to- shop- you always know that you will find what you are looking for ? J. Crew. I have gotten everything from suits to cashmere to bathing suits to my bridesmaid dresses from there. The quality and the selection can't be beat. It does require fun accessories though - otherwise it's a bit plain.

Chic · Marc Jacobs

The store that most inspires you? J.Crew or Lilly Pulitzer Boutiques
The store that always seems to disappoint you? Forever 21
The store that is more hype than substance? BR
The store that most surprised you in a good or bad way the first time you visited? H&M-bad way
The store that you feel is most hit or miss, you really have to dig? Marshalls and TJ Maxx
The store you wish you had the money to shop in? Neimans
The store you feel is the most underated? Target
The store that is your go-to- shop- you always know that you will find what you are looking for ? J.Crew/Lilly Pulitzer

-- Edited by Chic at 01:41, 2006-07-27

Chic · Marc Jacobs

Lilykind wrote:

I also remember my first time in Bendels. I thought I'd just entered a palace.

I totally agree! This place is fantastic and the first and last place I visit in NYC!