Ann and i used to be BFF's, then i started hanging out with her little sister, Loft, and the 3 of us had a lot of fun. then she started changing, and i was hanging with her sister more. but now, we meet every so often to catch up, but its really a shallow relationship. same with her sister, Loft. not sure if they changed or i did, but the results are still the same.

J. Crew and me broke up years ago. Which is sad, because I used to love him so! But we just don't mesh anymore for many reasons - prices, colors, styles. Occasionally we meet-up, usually at weddings or special events, and J is kind to me. (Let me tell you about my free $200 J. Crew bridesmaid dress sometime!) But mostly, life has moved on for us both.

Oh dear, I have enough retail break-ups to fill a Taylor
Swift album.

I had a long-term relationship with Ann in the 1990s and
early 2000s, when she had such wonderful wools, silks, and suiting. But as her quality waned, so did my interest,
and after her sizing overhaul in the mid-2000s, we just weren’t a fit anymore.

I rebounded with Banana, just as her (his?) synthetic addiction
began. Eventually (and many $$$ later) I
worked up the courage to walk away. I still have the occasional cheap, tawdry
fling with BR Factory.

For a while Limited and I were friends wih benefits, but I
just wasn’t curvy enough to suit her needs (or to fill out her suits).

A torrid affair with J Crew followed. But lately, given his inconsistent sizing and
quality, I’m just not that into him.

I’ve had some delightful dalliances with Madewell and
Everlane recently, so perhaps one of those will be “The One” (or at least The
Next). And if not, I might start
flirting with Cuyana or COS . . . .

Fun thread!

I've never been an Ann Taylor customer. I have broken it off with the following: Old Navy (quality), Target (quality), Macys (store is always a mess, doors don't close on the fitting rooms), Eddie Bauer (maybe I've become more feminine?), Lands End. There are probably more, but I can't think of them at present.

I spend most of my $$ at Nordstrom, some at Bloomingdales & Boden & a lot at less "mass market" shops. I'll probably buy my next handbag from here. http://www.traceytanner.com/pr.....Small.html
Virtually all of my jewelry and many scarves come from art shows & galleries or things I find when I travel. Neither of them take up much space in the suitcase, so they make excellent souvenirs.

Ann and I never really connected, although we tried a few times! I really wanted to make it work. I do hope your work things out, if that's what you want.
Oddly, Talbots has turned my head a few times this past year, but it may just be a momentary fling.
We'll see.

J. Crew and Banana Republic are still on solid ground. But, one never knows.

Peri -- made an interesting comment about Talbots.

She said that as she has gotten older, her interest in in Talbots has waned. Her comment jumped out at me because I feel the same way about Talbots. Their clothes read OLD to me, yet five or six years ago I dressed head-to-toe in Talbots. And I thought I looked great at the time. Funny how that happens. I would like to credit youlookfab.com for teaching me to be more discerning.

Just last weekend I was at the mall and noticed that the AT store had closed. I've never really been a fan so it isn't a big loss for me.

On the Idea of things looking " too old" now that we are older, I had the same experience with Chicos. Years ago I shopped there but then moved away when their styles got more matronly looking, with gaudy patterns and too much blingy detail. Yet this spring I bought several pieces from their Black Label line, all in solid colors and a more streamlined style. So I was glad I re-visited a store I had sworn off of.

HAH. This thread made me laugh - and was interesting too.

No breakups my side. I am an equal opportunity shopper - and go where my wardrobe plan, budget and instinct takes me. BR this year - thanks to its new design team - has been AMAZING.

Loft and I have re-kindled our love affair. We were on the outs for a few years (quality, style, etc.), but we're back on track now.
Talbots was always a complete pass over for me but I'm starting to give them a second look. They've had some pretty and colorful things lately.