STYLETHREAD -- LET'S TALK SHOP!

Andrea Julia · Coach

Good suit brands?

Ally S · Kate Spade

Limited has some nice seperates but for a real suit look for Kasper for ASL, they make nice, basic suits for a decent price.

I wear my Kasper pieces seperately or pull them out for a funeral since I am not interviewing now.

honey · Gucci

i agree with ally s. the limited has good separates (fyi the limited in newport center is closing and they had some good deals, i didn't see any suit jackets, but then again i wasn't looking for them.) also try brooks brothers (there's an outlet in jersey gardens) and stores like ann taylor. it's definitely not necessary to have an expensive suit, unless you have a job where you regularly wear them. if an interviewer notices your suit (assuming it's not ill-fitting or overly trendy), it's probably b/c they're especially fashionable and it shouldn't count against you.

lsubatgirl · Gucci

I think as long as you stay with something that is good quality like the limited or banana you will be ok and people won't think its cheap. My cousin who shops at ON outlet and JCPennys for things in the junior section was told when she started her new job to shop at banana republic and get decent clothes because what she was wearing was not acceptable (she has to be on tv and in front of the legislature of my state). Those ladies could tell the difference between nice and cheap.

sfclinevandy · Coach

I think if you get anything nice, tailored, and conservative from somewhere like Ann Taylor, J. Crew, or BR you will be fine. I've got a couple of suits from J. Crew and I like them the best. Avoid bebe and maybe even express because their stuff tends to be too trendy and unprofessional.

This may sound surprising, but Casual Corner usually has some affordable, decent suits. I have 2 from there and while they are boring and conservative, they are very well made and look very professional. What I like is the skirts are actually more 'modern' then the ones from BR or J. Crew because they are shorter and hit above the knee, which I prefer.

Chic · Marc Jacobs

I have gotten all my interview suit from INC at Rich's. If there is a Tahari outlet or Filene's Basement near you they usually have some nice Tahari suits. My friend who has to wear a suit everyday swears by J.Crew!

I used to conduct interviews and your apperance really does matter, not whether you are attractive or not, but how you present yourself. I really noticed fabrics and shoes and hair and accessories. A good black suit would be a great addition to your wardrobe though. Remember the line from that Jenn Anniston movie....dress for the job that you want, not the job that you have. Good luck!

-- Edited by Chic at 09:52, 2005-01-12

lsubatgirl · Gucci

quote:
Originally posted by: sfclinevandy
"
This may sound surprising, but Casual Corner usually has some affordable, decent suits. I have 2 from there and while they are boring and conservative, they are very well made and look very professional. What I like is the skirts are actually more 'modern' then the ones from BR or J. Crew because they are shorter and hit above the knee, which I prefer. "

I also have a suit from there and it is really nice. I got mine at their outlet store. Same quality, same material. You might be surprised with how nice they are if you are willing to give them a try.

SheilsBabe · BCBG

I second the Kasper recommendation. Shop around at outlet/discount stores if you want to get something nice for cheap; I've seen Tahari, Anne Klein and Kasper suits at outlets. Infact, I just got a Kasper skirt suit in black w/pink pinstripes from Filene's Basement for (drumroll please!) $60!!!

kealoha · Kate Spade

I also agree w/the Kasper recommendation. Hit Nordstrom Rack for some Tahari, but some great places to start are BR & AT. Also check out consignment shops as well--I got a black Armani blazer for $30 a few years ago.

ayo · Coach

yeah I agree with Kasper (although I had to get over the oldie foogish thing)

I absolutely LOVE theory suits though but those are more $$

Tahari also makes some nice affordable suits..

mikacat · Coach

always nice if you can find a pants and skirt to match the same jacket so you can have multiple looks.

Brooks Brothers

Ann Taylor

and Ann Taylor Loft

BR

JCrew

Marshalls and TJMaxx have nice suits sometimes like Tahari for about $149 but it seems like you don't like those two stores---forgive me if my memory is off.