STYLETHREAD -- LET'S TALK SHOP!

I don't do a lot of big-name designers, but maybe I can still help:

Via Spiga shoes are well made, fit me comfortably, and even better, can often be found on eBay or at DSW for a nice price.

Banana Republic also has good shoes for a decent price, esp. if you catch a sale. Leather soles, good leather quality uppers (in most cases), etc.

I've found JCrew to have pretty consistent quality with most of the things I buy there. I have heard from the other girls that their cashmere sweaters pill madly though (a shame, because I really like their cashmere), so I haven't bought any of those.

The Linea Paolo brand of shoes (at Nordstrom) are pretty good for the price, too. They are not as comfortable for me, but I've found that if I put those foot petals in them, they're much better. I own three LP shoes, and I've put foot petals in two of them. I wear them a lot and it's definitely helped.

Kate Spade always holds up well, IMO.

I also shop the INC brand at Macy's. I don't own a lot of those clothes, but what I do own has been well-made and long-lasting.

Kenneth Cole items (shoes, handbags, clothing) hold up well.

BCBG, on the other hand, seems to be very inconsistent in fit and quality. I won't buy full price there anymore because I don't think their stuff is worth it. But I will shop at the outlet mall and on eBay for bargains from them. I'm just very selective about what I purchase.

Anthro - same as above. I can't speak for their shoes or bags, but the clothing fit and quality is very inconsistent.

In general, I try to look for items (regardless of brand) that don't pull, bunch, or lay awkwardly when I try them on. I am a nit-picker about fit and will leave something in the store - no matter how much I love it - if it fits me weirdly, unless I think it might be an easy fix for my tailor. Also I look at how the fabric "feels". Sometimes you can just tell that something isn't going to hold up well. I like my seams to be straight and to line up, on skirts and jackets. Poor stitching, or loose stitching, is always an indicator or poor quality overall.

For shoes, I look for soft leather outers, leather soles if possible, also leather inside. Many shoes are leather outers but not lined in leather. Stiff shoes will always hurt my feet, and I don't think the "break in" factor is worth paying for. Enough brands make comfortable shoes!

For bags, I look at the construction. Do the zippers (if there are zippers) pull easily and smoothly? Is the stitching straight and even? Is the leather soft (unless I want a stiffer frame-type bag), the kind that will get even softer over time? How's the lining? Is it leather too, or vinyl or some other synthetic? Does the bag hold its shape (some sort of shape), even when I load it up? Are the straps thick enough to not hurt my shoulder after a day of carrying it? Are the straps padded? Are they part of the bag itself, or sewn on separately?

Like everything else, it takes some time and practice to recognize true quality items. But once you start looking at things with a more discerning eye, you'll be able to spot quality in a heartbeat. :)



-- Edited by atlgirl at 17:34, 2007-01-03

I have had a lot of luck with Michael Stars shine tees- very comfortable, well made, and wear really well.
French Connection has never failed me and I've been shopping there for years.
Kenneth Cole shoes are fairly comfortable and hold up super well.
Bronx shoes are comfortable and durable. I'm a big fan.
My Joe's and Saltwork jeans are the best I've ever had- though, Joe's fit me better, I'm a hourglassy girl with a butt.

If you're going to shop at Anthro, do it in person. Some of the stuff is incredible, while other stuff is a complete rip-off. You cannot go by what their clothing looks like in photos, 8 times out of 10, the quality looks a lot different.

This surprised me, but there is this ultra cheap brand called Poof! that is sold at places like Marshall's and TJ Maxx- the tees and tanks range from like $3.99 to $9.99. I have a ton of their stuff and it fits great and washes well.

One tip I do have is to hang tops to dry, if possible. If you have an air dry feature on your dryer, go that route. Heat just ruins clothing, in my experience.

Everyone else has been very thorough so far - this is going to be one of those posts that I reference later!

I'm going to have to divide mine into categories:

Work

J. Crew - I have several of their suits and sweaters.  I am very impressed with the quality of their woolens and how they hold up.  The cuts are very nice - they really don't require a lot of altering (I religiously alter suit jackets, because I have narrow shoulders, a large chest and a small waist - so things normally don't really fit without it).

Cole Haan - their shoes are incredibly well-made and comfortable.  While I think they can be a bit pricey at full-price, but they have frequent and amazing sales.  I also really love kate spade shoes.  They are well-constructed and very comfortable.  Plus, her website has good sales fairly frequently.

Theory - I should qualify that I don't like to pay full-price unless it is a suit.  I have a few suits and blouses.  You can normally snap it up at Loehmann's or Saks on sale.  I love the quality, the fabrics and the cuts. 

I can't really comment on Banana, because I just realized that none of their stuff fits me correctly.  So, while I love a lot of the looks - they don't look good.  However, I have a little black wrap top from there that is like four years old and still in great shape. 

Elie Tahari - Again, I like this line best on sale.  However, I have been very impressed with the quality.  I have a suit, a few dresses and a few tops.  The fit is really great.  The fabrics are just luxe enough to perk up the workday.  Saks and Neimans always have some pieces on sale.

DVF - With codes and Loehmann's, I've been able to pick up a few dresses and have worn them to death.  I think the quality is phenomenal, and if you will wear them a lot - they are worth every penny.

Play:

I don't have a whole lot of jeans (only 5 pairs) - but I've been impressed with the amount of wear that sevens and joes can take.

For tees - I love J Crew.  They come in every color under the sun, and go on sale frequently.

I haven't shopped a lot at Anthro - I love the look, but I don't often find stuff in the stores that calls to me.  BCBG I like - but again - I like it best on sale.

I love Rachel Pally pieces that I've picked up at her sample sales.  Based on the use I've gotten, I would pay full price!  The fabric is the softest jersey ever, and it does not wrinkle.