Okay, maybe not ALL of them, but is seems that a lot of my staples are falling into the needs-to-be-replaced now category. So, I figured it is the perfect time to consult all of you to help me pick new and better stuff.
If you are in love with a current basic in your wardrobe, please post it here. I am desperate. I will be hitting the post Christmas sales to spruce up my wardrobe before returning to work in the New Year.
Well, when it comes to cotton basics (tees, cardigans, etc.), I'm in love with Splendid. The softest cotton, the prettiest styles, and I think a lot of their pieces are made in the US. http://www.splendid.com/fan_favorites/pl/c/15.html
Of course, you can get them at Nordstrom and other department stores and boutiques, but I've been seeing it at Marshalls occasionally.
I got sick of the holes in the belly of all my shirts, so I stopped buying the super soft cotton long sleeve and short sleeve tees from Gap and Jcrew. I just get the thicker cotton tees from them now. At the Gap, it's called the Favorite Tee, and it's usually available in only black, white, and gray online. THey might have more colors in-store.
I'm seconding the Gap Favorite Tee. I bought 3 on a whim in the Fall (dark grey, black and orange) and they are currently my favorite t-shirts, They're soft but have held up in the wash (I air dry them. I suspect that the dryer is the culprit in most t-shirt related fatalities.)
If you need reasonable priced work outfits, I love the 3 pencil skirts I have from H&M. They're fully lined and nicely tailored, which is hard to find for less than $50 (I think they were around $30 each.) I have 2 blazers from the same line there and they're the same quality as the skirts (lined and tailored.)
If you are willing to go out on December 26th, I always hit up the Bloomgdale's after Christmas sale. I usually concentrate on the cashmere section and treat myself to a sweater (the prices are usually about 50-70% off on them.) But I'll also wander around the rest of the departments and there are some really good sales going on.
~My go to denim is Paige Premium, based solely on the amazing fit. Pricey, yes...but I am still wearing two pairs I got !7! years ago...great.holdup! ~I wait for sales, but love the bra-top camisoles from express for layering. ~ The Chaps line at Kohls churns out some lovely office appropriate dresses every season. I find them flattering for most figures.
I always have trouble finding pants that fit just right, but I have the best luck with them at the Limited. They have a few cuts to choose from there at least. If you have some $$$$ or get really lucky at a discount store, Theory pants are supposed to be great.
I bought a pair of Ralph Lauren black flats at the end of summer and I really like them. They're not the most exciting shoes ever, but they are classic and comfortable.
1) Black pants- Jcrew Super 120s wool fabric- in whatever cut suits your body type best (there are several)- perfect weight to wear year round
2) American Apparel Deep V neck tee in 100% cotton (size down) and/or tri-blend - i have 5 or 6 of these- though they may not be appropriate for work environment (i am a student) they are super flattering once you find your ideal size/fit
-- Edited by jmango on Saturday 22nd of December 2012 06:00:54 AM