https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-eileen-fisher-strategy Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 22 Apr 2026 13:44:01 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-eileen-fisher-strategy#post-1772753 Mon, 30 Jan 2017 14:50:52 +0000 sylvie55 1772753@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love EF shoes and snap them up when they are on sale or on e-bay. And I&nbsp;have a couple of&nbsp;cotton knit 3/4-sleeve EF tops that are super well-made &nbsp;workhorses. But I&nbsp;look like a shapeless bag lady in most of the clothes, even the petites. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-eileen-fisher-strategy#post-1772703 Mon, 30 Jan 2017 07:40:33 +0000 rachylou 1772703@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes, I do believe EF loves Shannon. She looks right in EF. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-eileen-fisher-strategy#post-1772695 Mon, 30 Jan 2017 04:54:46 +0000 Greyscale 1772695@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree with a lot of you that I often like the idea better than the reality on myself, and the price is prohibitive. But EF styles change more gradually than most brands, so you don't have the same "buy it right away or never find it again" problem as some brands. I remember a&nbsp;YLF veteran (Shannon?) had great luck with a seller on Ebay who sold past styles, new with tags, at good prices. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-eileen-fisher-strategy#post-1772667 Mon, 30 Jan 2017 02:24:31 +0000 jill58 1772667@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I feel like <b>rachylou</b>. I love the ads but when I see the actual clothes--none of it seems to work for me.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-eileen-fisher-strategy#post-1772657 Mon, 30 Jan 2017 01:34:58 +0000 Coffeegirl28 1772657@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Have you checked out Elizabeth Suzann? Similar style, often with more structure and it is made in Nashville. For some reason, I feel better about paying EF prices for pieces if they are sustainably made/ hand made. Might be something for you to explore. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-eileen-fisher-strategy#post-1772650 Mon, 30 Jan 2017 00:25:21 +0000 unfrumped 1772650@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>These are all great comments and very much channeling my thoughts. </p> <p>Several take-always, I think.<br /> First, don't swoon ( happy swoon) JUST because it's EF -- meaning , don't have "designer" -goggles, like any other kind of goggles.<br /> Second, EF DOES occasionally make some things I love. Maybe not that often if I'm goggle - free, but sometimes.<br /> Third, they're likely to be spendy, for me, because I don't do e- bay, I hate to stalk, and I don't have good consignment options. It's possible for me to wait and see if goes on sale, or get lucky at sales, but then have to be careful to see that the item has longevity or season-less --it can be tough to have an item you both really live so you can't wait to wear it, but can wait a whole season to buy it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-eileen-fisher-strategy#post-1772619 Sun, 29 Jan 2017 21:13:28 +0000 Jane 1772619@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>There is an EF near where I work. I've been in a couple of times, but I feel overwhelmed by the lack of structure and volume. I am small on top and somehow my shoulders and bust just can't carry off the look. That said, I do love the fabric and cut.&nbsp;I think my EF moment passed when I couldn't get the harem pants in the UK!&nbsp;</p> <p>But, perhaps I will give EF another go...</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-eileen-fisher-strategy#post-1772601 Sun, 29 Jan 2017 19:48:20 +0000 rachylou 1772601@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have to say I balk when I look at EF price tags. I can be spendy. I love their ad styling. But when I get into stores and browse the racks, it's like the cool factor dissipates. I mean, I once saw an EF live fashion show at Nordies and every thing looked so neato; then I turned to the racks... and was defeated.</p> <p>And I look el dumpo in almost every EF thing I've tried on. That doesn't help. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-eileen-fisher-strategy#post-1772538 Sun, 29 Jan 2017 15:37:52 +0000 kkards 1772538@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Like you, and so many others, I'm more of a tailored girl.....but I've bought quite a few EF pieces, including 2 jersey knit tees this month. Why, because as gryffin noted....sometimes EF just gets me, and what I need. Yup, it can be expensive, but the basics I've bought have lasted, so I'm guessing if I did a CPW calc they would be pretty low.<br /> And I'll admit, it gives me a lot of pleasure to support a women run company....(and I'm so impressed with how they over came the devastation that super storm sandy dealt the company) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-eileen-fisher-strategy#post-1772533 Sun, 29 Jan 2017 15:16:32 +0000 gryffin 1772533@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Unfrumped - I am the antithesis in many ways of the EF woman. &nbsp;My tastes run to strict tailoring Theory and Helmut Lang jackets(the old days). &nbsp;But in the last 5 yr I have bought many EF items - coats, blazers, sweaters etc. &nbsp;Why...dang that woman knows what I need. &nbsp;I needed a dress coat that would slide over blazers..welcome charcoal high collar alpaca cocoon coat, I wanted coated black denim jeans - wow they are divine, the skirted leggings are a wardrobe workhorse. &nbsp;The long but elegant black anorak for rain - hers was the best. &nbsp;And her washable silk tank and camis are the ultimate, how did I live without them pieces. &nbsp;Yes, her long tailored jackets are few and hard between but when she does them she hits them out of the park. &nbsp;Yes I typically pay full price - XS sells out fast. &nbsp;So why do I shell out - responsibility, workmanship, clothes with a high longevity factor, often washable, and they just feel so good on. &nbsp;Of course, I've totally gone over to the dark side of buy less but buying better. &nbsp;When only Michael Kors Collection was doing incredible long jackets I stalked and stalked (due to sticker shock I will not repeat original price) but when they came to Theory prices on sale I scooped them up. &nbsp;Bottom line you can't compare the workmanship, drape, fabric of a truly well made piece to fast fashion. &nbsp;If you keep your clothing a very very long time the way I do, then it makes sense to buy only what you truly love and be willing to play for it or stalk but be willing to let it go. &nbsp;I am happier with my things than I have ever been. &nbsp;Because my items are truly special whether they are my embroidered gap girl friends jeans (a best in class) or my aquatalia boots I always feel great in my clothes. &nbsp;Its the ultimate luxury and pleasure to wear pieces that you feel great in and about. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-eileen-fisher-strategy#post-1772522 Sun, 29 Jan 2017 14:02:24 +0000 Anonymous 1772522@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I feel much the same way about this brand. &nbsp;I love the idea in concept but every single time I try her clothes on I look ridiculous. &nbsp;Having said that, I do own two pieces: &nbsp;a black silk tee shirt and a pair of grey ponte pants. &nbsp;</p> <p>The black silk tee shirt is not work appropriate. &nbsp;I love it in concept only. I paid full price for it and have only worn it 19 times since October 2015. &nbsp;I don't reach for it because it is black. &nbsp;I thought black be useful but in truth it depresses me. &nbsp;</p> <p>The grey ponte pants are a successful purchase. &nbsp;They fit well. &nbsp;I've worn them 39 times since April 2015. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-eileen-fisher-strategy#post-1772516 Sun, 29 Jan 2017 12:51:08 +0000 Style Fan 1772516@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Unfrumped I also love the look of Eileen Fisher on other people but I never like how it looks on me.&nbsp; I do like the idea of EF.&nbsp; I really need more structure on my top half.&nbsp; Not rigid structure but I just can not wear draped long things.&nbsp; I still look at EF though and one day I might buy something.<br />I do believe in buying one thing that I love that will last a long time if it is perfect or close to perfect.&nbsp; And that one thing may seem very expensive but overtime I am always glad I spent the money.&nbsp; For me I have bought a few Sarah Pacini items.&nbsp; I have a cognac sweater that I love.&nbsp; It must be 12 years old.&nbsp; And then I have an olive green cropped sweater that is 3 or 4 years old.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-eileen-fisher-strategy#post-1772495 Sun, 29 Jan 2017 06:34:45 +0000 Barbara Diane 1772495@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've bought a few wonderful items at the factory stores. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-eileen-fisher-strategy#post-1772484 Sun, 29 Jan 2017 04:28:06 +0000 JAileen 1772484@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have a few EF items. I've found some things at the thrift store, new on sale, and a couple things new full price. I love my grey handkerchief hem jersey dress. And my flat suede sandals in just the right shade of charcoal. I kind of regret not buying the grey/tan duffle coat last year, but it was prohibitively expensive. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-eileen-fisher-strategy#post-1772482 Sun, 29 Jan 2017 04:23:42 +0000 Anonymous 1772482@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Grandfashionista, I have had EF pieces altered to fit at Nordstrom Rack and have been very pleased. This has included jackets and pants. Ask for their best tailor. The pieces I had altered were too big a size when I bought them. The jackets had a seam down the back that I was told made the alteration from a medium to XS possible. The pants were just taken in at the waist. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-eileen-fisher-strategy#post-1772481 Sun, 29 Jan 2017 04:18:16 +0000 Anonymous 1772481@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have collected quite a few EF pieces, almost all on deep sale or second hand, but identify with those who would like more structure. I find that some of the colors can not be found in other brands. My best shade of white is EF "bone" and I collect it. The bone also looks great mixed with other light neutrals and shades of white. I have paid full price a few times and feel that I am getting my money's worth. Often the fabrics and styles transcend seasons and travel very well. There are pieces that I am sorry that I didn't buy at full price because I am still thinking of them. I am willing to pay more for ethically made garments. My used ones are always taken gladly by consignment shops, so are given new life in another's closet rather than the land fill. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-eileen-fisher-strategy#post-1772480 Sun, 29 Jan 2017 04:10:58 +0000 gradfashionista 1772480@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Has anyone here tried altering EF with any success? </p> <p>I own a few of their items. EF is excellent quality and extremely durable, but I agree, very expensive considering the lack of structure. Get a firm grasp of their sizing, and try on the garments that interest you. Then, be on the lookout for deals on eBay--which usually has a large selection of EF--and Nordstrom. I find them more competitively priced than EF. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-eileen-fisher-strategy#post-1772478 Sun, 29 Jan 2017 04:03:54 +0000 Jenn 1772478@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Not to be an enabler, but I wanted to pop in to say that Garnet Hill has a lot of their EF on a 25% off sale right now.</p> <p>One strategy I use is to pick out some items that look like good fits, store them in my Finds here, and purchase them when they're on some level of sale. I avoid final sales, and end-of-season sales, but waiting until something is 10 or 20% off helps me feel savvy without triggering the "must buy now" sale impulse. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-eileen-fisher-strategy#post-1772473 Sun, 29 Jan 2017 03:42:38 +0000 Aziraphale 1772473@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Here's a quick plug for EF. Fit-wise, I am <i>not</i> their target customer -- I've gazed sadly in their shop mirror many a time at my petite frame drowning in the long flowy cardigan that looked so splendid on the mannequin. But their quality is fantastic. I own only three EF items -- a grey tunic top, some cropped black flowy pants (that I had to have further cropped at the tailor), and a pair of black boyfriend jeans (their smallest petite size fits! Yay!). And ALL THREE are absolute workhorses. I wear them all the time. The fabrics are soft (even the jeans) and wonderful. None of these items is "fancy" or "special" in terms of unique detailing -- they're just well-cut and made of excellent material, and not made in some factory overseas by an underpaid child.&nbsp;</p> <p>If you find something that you like at EF, it will probably be worth the money. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-eileen-fisher-strategy#post-1772443 Sun, 29 Jan 2017 01:46:45 +0000 Caro in Oz 1772443@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Never say never is my motto I really can't predict whether a garment is going to work unless I try it on, well except for flouncy frilly things. There is so much variation even in the same brand that one item may work &amp; a similar one may not.</p> <p>I think the extra price with brands like EF is often to do with the cost of non-slave labour &amp; non-polluting fabric/dyes so it's a price I'm prepared to pay.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-eileen-fisher-strategy#post-1772442 Sun, 29 Jan 2017 01:24:17 +0000 Anonymous 1772442@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I can't wear too many EF things, but I absolutely love the ones that do work, because of the impeccable design and fabric.&nbsp; Plus, I always have to size down, which gives me an ego boost.&nbsp; Since I don't buy that many EF items, I'm okay with splurging on one now and then. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-eileen-fisher-strategy#post-1772441 Sun, 29 Jan 2017 01:11:39 +0000 AM 1772441@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm with you on EF. The cost, gulp. But the subtle lines can be so appealing. I think it's worth considering a full-price item. I have to absolutely love it (lust, can't stop thinking about it) and it has to be a statement piece that furthers a modern quality to my style. I find that I can find quality basics in other brands. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-eileen-fisher-strategy#post-1772438 Sun, 29 Jan 2017 00:33:35 +0000 DonnaF 1772438@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yup; so much of what you wrote resonated with me.&nbsp; EF is not not quite my body type and not quite my style and very often not quite my colors if I want to avoid black.&nbsp; It's not solely the high (for me) price point, but if I'm not over the moon about something and am convinced that it will be a work horse, I don't want to take the risk and spend the money on something I have a sneaking suspicion will only be a 7/10 or 8/10 instead of 10/10.</p> <p>That being said, I am quite happy with my EF harems, but I bought them at 40 or 45% off, but I still find close to $100 or so very pricey for me. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-eileen-fisher-strategy#post-1772431 Sat, 28 Jan 2017 23:46:19 +0000 unfrumped 1772431@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Emily K, I have had those concerns too! What got me thinking was, my local store doesn't stock many of the more tailored workwear items, and because of price, I've tended not to order items that look more like "me". So I have wondered. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-eileen-fisher-strategy#post-1772425 Sat, 28 Jan 2017 23:05:31 +0000 Emily K 1772425@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It does sound rather like you are trying to fit a square peg into a round hole. &nbsp;I've had almost all those thoughts about EF and, without really making a conscious decision, I've just sort of floated away from the brand. &nbsp;I'm keenly on the hunt for a brand that "gets" my look and body shape...bonus for a brand that does that and produces ethical fashion. &nbsp;I think I'd really stretch my budget for clothes from such a brand.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-eileen-fisher-strategy#post-1772423 Sat, 28 Jan 2017 22:57:44 +0000 unfrumped 1772423@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great comments-- thank you.<br /> I can relate to your insight on the sort of hidden design elements, and that's why I think I find some EF items work when you'd think I could get the same thing at TJMaxx or at least Banana Republic.<br /> I must also admit I like having try-on and fabric- feeling option at a local store here ( limited inventory, natch) and Nordstrom s easy ordering. </p> <p>And I totally hear you on using " one" item - otherwise I could get into a sort of Zen pajama look that does not work on me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-eileen-fisher-strategy#post-1772419 Sat, 28 Jan 2017 22:46:23 +0000 LaPed 1772419@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've been thinking a lot about this too. I like EF's ethos, and I like their product -- but I rarely like it&nbsp;<b>on me.&nbsp;</b>I'm sized out of many of the items that catch my eye, and while I love the look of draped/tonal/neutral outfits on others, they do not look quite the same on me. I also find the prices somewhat off-putting, although, having spend some time diving into textiles and sourcing, I know that their material costs (and labor costs, since their committed to ethical production) are considerably higher than other designers. Also, EF garments involve some serious design, even the ones that appear totally unstructured have a lot of subtle structuring, and that's what makes them work.</p> <p>My strategy has been to only buy EF at thrift and consignment stores (it's quite popular where I am), and to only add&nbsp;<b>one&nbsp;</b>EF piece to outfits that utilize more structured/ tailored garments, so I don't get lost in too much fabric. So -- boxy linen blazer with slim jeans; flowy wide-leg pants with fitted tee and jacket, etc.&nbsp;</p> <p>I've perused the current EF offerings with an eye to updating my dressy-ish capsule later this spring, but nothing really jumps out at me as a must-have. Other brands on my list (if you're looking for alternatives to EF some of these might be useful, if only as inspiration): Everlane, Cuyana, Black Crane, James Perse, Grana, Emerson Fry, Elizabeth Suzann (who has a great <a rel="nofollow" href="https://elizabethsuzann.com/blogs/stories/money-talk">recent blog post </a>about pricing/sourcing/ transparency etc, which may make you feel a little bit better about the EF price tags).&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-eileen-fisher-strategy#post-1772415 Sat, 28 Jan 2017 22:29:15 +0000 unfrumped 1772415@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm still in the process of culling, downsizing, getting more focused on best silhouettes, aka " uniforms" and some degree of increasing multi-season clothing( meaning, increasing the percent ).<br /> I believe that I have found great items at all price points, not just expensive brands. And I don't feel I'm the classic EF target customer-- by that I mean, a lot of EF items are too casual for my work and a lot are not made for my body type. I need more structure, shoulder fit, higher necklines than a lot of EF and not as much any long flowy items. So I was a latecomer to even trying anything EF. </p> <p>But, once I started browsing EF a couple of years ago, I was hooked on the possibilities, at least, for fabulous fabrics and rich colors or great neutrals. And, while I don't need super- long/ flowy, I do need to always have some longer top options that provide coverage when I don't feel like dealing with fitted waist and hip. </p> <p>My problem, aside from the styles, has been the prices- yet I spend similar amounts in total on multiple other items( the ever- recurring theme) AND the sales. I will bypass the full price items and look just at the sale ( store rack or online), thereby severely limiting options.<br /> So for example, EF makes relatively fewer tailored/ structured items BUT occasionally makes something fab in that vein. so they might not be on sale at the right time or place, and also smaller sizes sell out, and colors might be limited/featured, but those might be just the ones that would fit my style and needs. Whereas the sale racks might be filled with casual or short/ long/ boxy / scoop items and maybe one item that looks like it might have been great, but now only a wrong size is left. </p> <p>This just sounds like the age- old, " buy what is fab not what is on sale, and love it enough to pay full price, but buy fewer items." I thought I was getting to where I am doing that, but maybe there is something about the EF pricing that puts me off? I mean, they're almost shocking to me considering most are not highly structured tailored items like a blazer, for example, or a finely made dress. Perhaps it's designer- name-branding; or the " organic" or specially sourced yarns, an aspect that , while I can appreciate it, I may not VALUE it.<br /> Or the reverse-- I'm not actually shopping for the items that would be the " love" items if I covered up the price tag. </p> <p>OR, EF, isn't even really for me and I need to find more new ( to me) brands entirely. </p> <p>I'm fond of this cotton- silk knit I got last year ( the bone top in Finds) and found, yes on sale, a slightly structured button jacket in same color.<br /> Then there's a new top -as shown, looks blue but IRL it has a definite teal cast that is quite good for me. NOT on sale but I LOVE how it looks on.<br /> Then I'm trying this, (oops, on sale!) burgundy silk blouse because I like some band- collars and it can be worn untucked or as untucked when I feel like some camoflage. I'm not sure if I'm in love there or if I'm being pragmatic, so need to try ii on with things at home. </p> <p>Long ramble, so over to you. Any stories of brands or early full- price purchases that spesk to some of these issues? </p>