https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-your-comment-on-the-loft-quality Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Tue, 21 Apr 2026 16:32:22 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-your-comment-on-the-loft-quality#post-496820 Fri, 30 Dec 2011 03:18:21 +0000 velvetychocolate 496820@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Suz - I think that maybe some YLF'ers just have a *really good eye* for something that's stylish, a good deal, and fairly decent quality, even if it's a lower-priced store. I'm certain I've seen some really fabulous items posted here from Old Navy, Target, Kohl's (discount store in the US) and so on. </p> <p>I myself managed to get a really nice-looking animal print blouse from Old Navy of all places, and that thing got worn a whole lot between May and November of this year. No, it's not Nordstrom, but it was/is a really great blouse for the price and has worked with a ton of different oufits, spring, summer *and* fall. I think it might have been ..all of $17? </p> <p>It's definitely important to keep Angie's "leave no retail stone unturned" mantra in mind. People still can't believe that my animal print shirt is from Old Navy. Nobody knows that my simple black merino wool v-neck sweater is from Target - it is a quality piece, despite the fact that it was from Target for a really great price. I *love* stuff like that </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-your-comment-on-the-loft-quality#post-496810 Fri, 30 Dec 2011 03:08:57 +0000 Suz 496810@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Also wanted to add, that I have noticed women on this forum sporting GREAT looks purchased mostly from stores that I considered poor bets in the past in terms of quality. In some cases, I might still consider the quality on the low side. In other cases, the stores have improved since I've last been in them. So it is worth revisiting places we've formerly written off, just to be sure. Or just for that particular item that is surprisingly good, in the midst of the dross. Example: I agree that Gap quality has generally gone downhill in recent years...yet I like the jeans pretty well, all things considered, and I also like the Really Skinny trousers. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-your-comment-on-the-loft-quality#post-496804 Fri, 30 Dec 2011 03:03:03 +0000 Suz 496804@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think Angie's mantra of "leave no retail stone unturned" is well worth chanting. Because as Anna pointed out, the price point doesn't necessarily guarantee the quality (or lack thereof) and you can still find gems in places where the overall quality is poor. </p> <p>To my mind, shopping at a place like Old Navy (or maybe Loft) is a bit like thrifting. One week, you might stop into the store and feel disgusted by the shoddy quality of everything you see. </p> <p>The next week you might go and find a surprisingly decent basic that holds up much better than you have any right to expect, considering what you paid for it. (I have two Old Navy jackets that fall into that category, one denim and one cord. They are EXCELLENT quality, and I paid less than $20 for each one.) </p> <p>On still another week, you might go and spend a few dollars on a trendy piece that you just want to try out at a lower price point to see if it is "you" before you splurge on the real thing. (ClearlyClaire and I both sport a fantastic leopard print scarf from Old Navy that falls into that category for me. For me, even though the fabric isn't as nice as I might wish, the colours on this scarf were far better than on any other animal print I'd seen and it has been absolutely perfect for me this fall and winter!) </p> <p>I think if I were absolutely confident in my style persona, I'd probably shop more at higher end stores. And for the items I know will be my basics or my key statement pieces, I don't mind paying. On the other hand, it's great to get bargains on those "extras" that may or may not become lasting signatures of one's style. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-your-comment-on-the-loft-quality#post-496774 Fri, 30 Dec 2011 02:20:31 +0000 velvetychocolate 496774@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I just wanted to chime in that I agree with annagybe and Angie about how "quality" does not necessarily equal price point - I was quite pleased with a simple merino wool v-neck sweater from Target that I thought was quite good quality for the price. </p> <p>In the meantime though - I do think that mainstream stores can sometimes have varying quality standards over the years. Although I've never really shopped much at Talbots (except trying to order a winter coat during the Black Friday sales) - I do have a lot of relatives that have liked shopping there over the years - and they are *not* pleased with how Talbots is trying to modernize themselves. It's so bad that my step-grandmother has vowed to never shop there again, and the weird thing is? Their look-books are much more appealing to me than they ever were in the past. </p> <p>I think Angie's mantra of "leave no retail stone unturned" is important here. I also think that some of the mainstream stores experience differing styles and quality throughout the years. Maybe it just so happens that LOFT quality isn't quite as good as it used to be? That would be the same as my step-grandma complaining that Talbot's isn't what it used to be either. </p> <p>In the meantime, last year - I bought a bunch of things from LOFT, and there is only one item that I'm keeping. It's a fairly basic sweater dress, and to be honest - the rest of the items I picked up on some sort of sale have been shoved to the 'donate' bin. And yet, at the same time - here I am - all delighted with a Target merino wool v-neck sweater. </p> <p>I don't think that Angie's Best/Worst of the year was meant as some sort of negative on any one store, just that maybe LOFT's quality has slipped in recent years? It's not that this isn't a good store, just that people shopping there have noticed a difference. At least, this is my take on the situation. </p> <p>I'm almost positive that other mainstream stores have also been on the 'bad quality' list in recent years - for instance, I'm fairly certain that two or three years ago, it was Banana Republic that people weren't all that happy with. It's not the store - it's what they are doing this year, or what's working/not working. </p> <p>I am not particularly pleased with LOFT myself these days - and it's *not* because I don't like their styles, it's because I somehow expect a wee bit better quality from them. This doesn't mean there's something wrong with the whole chain/store - just that lately, I'm not all that impressed with their quality, for the price. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-your-comment-on-the-loft-quality#post-496722 Fri, 30 Dec 2011 00:54:18 +0000 Jjsloane 496722@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think it's in the eye of the purchaser if the item seems worthy of it's price. I have found many mid level brands that I think have great value and I always buy on sale so for me I feel I get more for my $. That said I agree that there are treasures in lots of unexpected places and for me I love the diversity of mixing low/mid/high brands. To me the Gap quality has diminished in quality over the past few years as well. I continue to shop there, but either buy less in store or do more returns from online purchases than I used to. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-your-comment-on-the-loft-quality#post-496719 Fri, 30 Dec 2011 00:51:05 +0000 Angie 496719@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Anna is right. A higher price point does not automatically guarantee greater quality. I GET SO ANGRY when I pay a good deal for something and the quality lets me down. I wore a $350 pullover once that pilled by the afternoon of it's first outing. I was livid and took it straight back to Nordies. </p> <p>Denise P, I'm glad that my thoughts made sense, and I hope that your Loft goodies make it through several seasons! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-your-comment-on-the-loft-quality#post-496707 Fri, 30 Dec 2011 00:38:57 +0000 annagybe 496707@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Quality doe NOT equal price point. My basic tees from Target and H&amp;M have held up better than my James Perse ones. And don't even get me started on my Lanvin and Alexander Wang purses. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-your-comment-on-the-loft-quality#post-496704 Fri, 30 Dec 2011 00:36:05 +0000 DeniseP 496704@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Angie, your response is appreciated and I totally understand where you're coming from. I have yet to wash any of the items that I bought, so it remains to be seen whether I'll continue to shop there. LOL. </p> <p>This new shopping strategy of lower quality clothes is really not me. I've always loved nice quality, and if I couldn't afford what I wanted, I would do without, rather than get the poor quality items.</p> <p>I guess it all depends on how you style an item, and put it with other pieces, that can fool the eye. It amazes me how some of the YLF ladies post photos of things they found at Target and Old Navy, and they look great.</p> <p>I'm still learning, and moving forward, in my fashion/style knowledge. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-your-comment-on-the-loft-quality#post-496665 Thu, 29 Dec 2011 23:50:42 +0000 Isis 496665@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Forever 21 is much worse quality than the Loft.....actually I was shocked at the poor quality of most Anthro pieces when I stopped in the other day too., also worse than the Loft, but a higher price point.....</p> <p>I think some stores rely on discardable fashion! I like stuff to last for years, but that is me.... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-your-comment-on-the-loft-quality#post-496657 Thu, 29 Dec 2011 23:43:50 +0000 Angie 496657@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for chiming in, ladies. </p> <p>Denise P, it's all relative. The Loft used to have really good quality for the price - about three years ago it all changed. That to me, is a great shame because I expect their quality to be as good as it was. That's why it's disappointing. The Loft does not have the worst quality at all. It's just not where it used to be. </p> <p>Personally, I take quality seriously and enjoy beautifully made things in luscious fabrications - and will pay for that level of workmanship. But not everyone has to be that way, or even wants to have the same quality standard. And some people have a much higher quality standard than me. I take my clients to the Loft because some continue to do very well there, and are content with the level quality for the price. </p> <p>I absolutely wear pieces from H&amp;M and Zara where the quality is inconsistent at best. There are also many, many stylish lasses on this forum who shop at the Loft, Target and Old Navy. Quality perception is a personal thing, as are style preferences. </p> <p>I hope this makes sense. By all means continue to shop at the Loft if it works for you. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-your-comment-on-the-loft-quality#post-496652 Thu, 29 Dec 2011 23:41:11 +0000 Lisa 496652@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I find quality varies from season to season, regardless of the brand. I have found some gems at Ann Taylor Loft, and some duds. I've had the same experience with Express, The Limited, Esprit and JCrew. One season they are great, the next, it's not. I do find for items I don't mind a high turnover for (especially my knitwear) I don't mind replacing after a shorter time. But other items (especially my jeans which are workhorses for me) quality is key and I will not compromise even if it means my wallet is taking a bigger blow because of the price. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-your-comment-on-the-loft-quality#post-496638 Thu, 29 Dec 2011 23:31:09 +0000 Queen Mum 496638@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi Denise-<br /> FWIW, Angie has very high standards, but she's not necessarily dissing LOFT and saying we shouldn't shop there. I have had hit and miss experiences with LOFT clothing and there are others here who shop there alot. So, don't fret... it it's working for you, continue to shop there! I know personally, there are stores that I don't care to shop at that other's rave about and look quite presentable wearing their goods. It's all a matter of personal preference and opinion. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-your-comment-on-the-loft-quality#post-496625 Thu, 29 Dec 2011 23:08:41 +0000 DeniseP 496625@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Mochi, Beth and Suz for this affirmation.<br /> Yes, the LOFT does/did fulfill my need for what I need at the present time; and I'm okay with it! </p> <p>But, I value Angie's judgment and expertise, and just didn't like hearing that the LOFT was her WORST quality. </p> <p>I am a granny-on-the-go, and it does fit the bill. For dressier/classier events, I would not wear their clothing. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-your-comment-on-the-loft-quality#post-496608 Thu, 29 Dec 2011 22:47:56 +0000 Suz 496608@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Not Angie...and can't speak from experience here because we don't even have a LOFT where I live (Canada). But I do think the quality in the chain stores can change from year to year and perhaps LOFT is not what it was in the past, or perhaps it's not good quality in comparison to stores with merchandise at the same price point. Which would be a pity, since it sounds as if they stock a lot of great items for MOTG looks! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-your-comment-on-the-loft-quality#post-496603 Thu, 29 Dec 2011 22:39:20 +0000 Beth 496603@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Mochi has good advice. My philosophy is to purchase better quality items that I know will be workhorses and lower quality/less expensive items to fill my trendier needs.</p> <p>I'm sure Angie will weigh in, but possibly she feels ATL's quality is disappointing in comparison to AT's well-made clothes? I know I feel that way. But ATL definitely fills a need and it sounds as though it fits your needs well, too:) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-your-comment-on-the-loft-quality#post-496583 Thu, 29 Dec 2011 22:15:28 +0000 Mochi 496583@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Not Angie, but if the strategy of shopping there/replacing/buying more has worked for you, and you already knew what to expect with quality, then I'm not sure why you're disappointed in what Angie had to say. It sounds like it fulfills your individual needs. Some people like investment pieces and items that will last for years, but not everyone's made that way. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-your-comment-on-the-loft-quality#post-496578 Thu, 29 Dec 2011 22:06:04 +0000 DeniseP 496578@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Angie, I found YLF this past summer, and have learned so much, it's almost overwhelming, and still slowly digesting everything as how to move forward with my style.</p> <p>This past fall, I discovered the LOFT, having never shopped there before, and bought a number of things there. I realized that the quality was not what I've been used to purchasing, but it appealed to me since my lifestyle is extremely casual. I think it didn't bother me to wear lower quality, because in the past, I would buy more expensive clothing, and then keep it forever, because it's harder to get rid of it when it's pricey. Then, I would get tired of it, and sometimes it's not even current style.</p> <p>So, I was disappointed to see your comment this morning that the LOFT was the most disappointing store for quality. I can't win for losing.</p> <p>Do these stores change quality levels from year to year, such as JCrew, Ann Taylor, the LOFT, Banana Republic? </p>