I just got a new job where I have to wear a blazer daily (no exceptions), what in your opinion is a good store to shop with good quality work items? I also am searching for a designer handbag.. no gucci, but besides that im open to other options. Should be kept under 1,000 price wise.
I buy a lot of jackets at the Limited. They are cut slight through the shoulders and rib cage which makes them work better for me than J. Crew. That being said, fall/winter is a better time to find them. The great thing is they go on sale for $60 or so all the time.
I agree that J Crew or the Limited are great places for suits. I love the drape of J. Crew - they make a lot of lighter weight wools - which are great in LA. I also really love Theory and Elie Tahari - if you want to spend a little bit more. Nanette Lepore makes some really cute and slightly more fun suits - although they aren't as versatile.
In terms of bags - there are a ton of great options. This is my go to bag, and I love the size - but it still works for going out afterward because it's not too bulky:
What size bag do you want for work? Do you need a tote or can you do a handheld? Tote wise, I have the Coach classic leather book tote Handheld- I love the epi speedy and jasmin.
I personally love J. Crew suits. I usually like Banana Republic as well, but everything as of late has been a linen blend of some sort. I also think that Ann Taylor makes nice suits, but it depends if her cuts work for your body type. If they do, you can get great deals at Ann Taylor Loft/Ann Taylor Outlets.
I like J.Crew and Theory (try an outlet) for suits. Or if you an get away with more "fun" blazers as seperates, I always find sute ones at F21 and H+M.
Ann Taylor and Limited are my favorite places for work clothes.
Macy's too, especially with their clearance sales is a great place to get very nice clothes for a good price.
When it comes to bags I like to stalk Bluefly.com and Overstock.com :) Sometimes adding a pop of color is nice, like red, green, purple, blue. I know overstock.com had some Chloe Paddington bags for $999 last week.
Structured bags are nice for work. I like the Coach Hamptons Perforated Large Carryall.
I have to wear blazers a lot for work too - my favorites are JCrew tropical gab (I think I have one in each color available) and anything from BCBG. I just popped into BCBG, and there are a bunch of suit separates on sale right know.
I also try to mix things up by wearing separates and breaking up my suits.
I am considering getting the LV that kittenheels posted - a girl had it at a conference I attended, and it seemed to be the perfect work-size bag. Because I wear a lot of neutrals, I have a bunch of colorful bags (one is metallic, another kelly green, one red) that make outfits more exciting. Same with shoes.
Perfect timing for your question - half yearly sale at Nordstrom, which means Saks and Neimans follow suit, along with other. Shop the sale selections under jackets for great deals!