https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/note-on-fast-fashion Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 04 Apr 2026 14:06:28 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/note-on-fast-fashion/page/2#post-1428979 Wed, 21 Jan 2015 23:07:34 +0000 crutcher 1428979@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Angie, Thank you for the excellent tutorial re/fast fashion...I want to learn...</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/note-on-fast-fashion/page/2#post-1428722 Wed, 21 Jan 2015 16:19:23 +0000 Anonymous 1428722@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm not that impressed with the overall quality at&nbsp;ON, but since the trinity stores (ON, Gap and BR) are side by side in a shopping center near my house, I browse all three of them and cherry pick. My two older DDs still live at home while in college, but they both have jobs for spending $. I make them both buy their own clothes. The younger of the 2 likes having more clothes and&nbsp;shops almost exclusively at ON. The older one prefers better quality but doesn't mind less clothing; she shops&nbsp;at places like Express. I only shop for the youngest DD, who is finishing high school and is about to start college. I'm trying to teach her about quality, as well as when to save &amp; when to splurge (not to mention when to buy right away&nbsp;and when to wait for a sale). Of the above-mentioned 3 stores, I have purchased more from BR than from Gap, but that's because I prefer a smart casual look and Gap is generally more casual than BR. I will probably steer my youngest DD to BR for professional clothing, as they have petite clothing starting at smaller sizes. At only 5' tall, she's not a "sometimes can wear regular sizes"&nbsp;person like I am. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/note-on-fast-fashion/page/2#post-1428706 Wed, 21 Jan 2015 15:49:44 +0000 Angie 1428706@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>&nbsp;Thanks for your thoughts, ladies. I loved reading them, and there is lots of truth is what you said.&nbsp;</p> <p>I don't consider Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, or J.Crew fast fashion either. The Gap - is a special and unique&nbsp;other story. Their turnaround is&nbsp;fast, and their prices are&nbsp;much cheaper than BR, AT and JC. Not nearly as&nbsp;fashionable as the three biggies though (see below).&nbsp;</p> <p>Old Navy and Target are budget retailers - but not so fast, and not as fashionable.&nbsp;</p> <p>Zara, H&amp;M and&nbsp;Forever 21 (the three biggies)&nbsp;are the epitome of Fast Fashion. Very fast turnaround. Hot off the press catwalk looks in a matter of weeks - fashion forward -&nbsp;and not nearly as pricey as middle of the road chain stores.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/note-on-fast-fashion/page/2#post-1428677 Wed, 21 Jan 2015 14:34:56 +0000 crutcher 1428677@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I so totally agree with Ms. Mary...I don't consider Zara, BR or Gap fast fashion...I do consider Target, fast fashion...<br />That said some of my favorite pieces are from Target...Quality is fine but really do you wear out your clothes before you become bored and move on...<br />So happy that we are able to have such a variety of fashion and the in a lot of cases these items are available for all...</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/note-on-fast-fashion/page/2#post-1428650 Wed, 21 Jan 2015 13:52:17 +0000 Anonymous 1428650@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I mostly shop at mid-range retailers like BR and Gap. Also&nbsp;ON and Kohl's&nbsp;for my DD. I ordered some stuff from Modcloth; and while what I bought from there is not top quality, it's on par with the above-mentioned stores. All of my dress pants are from Express, and are very good quality. My RL stuff is really nice, I have to say, but I would not have been able to afford the pieces had the prices&nbsp;not been significantly marked down. Lastly, I bought some really nice stuff (like some NYDJ jeans)&nbsp;from Nordstrom, which is about as high end as I go, and not that often.</p> <p>I think I do well with my purchases. I have a mostly casual lifestyle, and what I buy to wear to work also works for weekends. In addition, there are some outfits that are for more dressy occasions and for when my DH and I are invited out to dinner (business).</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/note-on-fast-fashion/page/2#post-1428637 Wed, 21 Jan 2015 13:33:51 +0000 Summer 1428637@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I quite agree. &nbsp;So long as the finish is acceptable for the price-point and expected longevity &nbsp;of the piece, that's fine by me. &nbsp;On the other hand, "thrown together" is unacceptable at any level. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/note-on-fast-fashion/page/2#post-1428598 Wed, 21 Jan 2015 10:53:05 +0000 Karie 1428598@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I just shop everywhere and buy what I like, and what appears to be reasonably well made. I've had good luck at F21 both with fit and better quality, and they do seem to be catering to a wider age range (I do see other women my age in the store and trying on clothes. I don't have good luck with Zara, out of all the items I've tried from them I've only kept one top and one skirt, and I had to alter the skirt.&nbsp;</p> <p>My Gap jeans are like a Timex watch - they take a licking and keep on ticking. Although lesser quality, Old Navy Diva's fit me really well, as do other ON items. I've also had good luck with some of the brands Macy's sells, and the same goes for JCP (especially Joe Fresh).&nbsp;</p> <p>I consider Gap, J.Crew, BR, and some of Macy's to be mid-range retailers. Whether at the&nbsp;high-end, mid-range, or low-end piece of the pie, I don't mid trying it all. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/note-on-fast-fashion/page/2#post-1428571 Wed, 21 Jan 2015 07:05:36 +0000 rachylou 1428571@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>To me Zara is fast fashion because they get stuff from design room to sales floor fast, not because they're inexpensive. In terms of materials and construction, I think it really depends. H&amp;M I find easy on the wallet, but likewise fast. And also F21... You know, I've had quite a few pieces from F21 that went out of style before they got raggedy. F21 sweaters pill up fast, I'll say that, but they're also always the sweaters I love to wear most. I find them soft and cozy.</p> <p>I find myself telling myself that I like fast fashion because you don't want to be spendy on something you don't want to do long... but honestly, I keep all my stuff a long time. If I like it, I like it. And it *is* econo-enviro bad to wear once and toss. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/note-on-fast-fashion/page/2#post-1428479 Wed, 21 Jan 2015 03:55:12 +0000 MsMary 1428479@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't consider GAP and Banana Republic to be "fast fashion." To me they are mid-market retailers. I think of Zara, H&amp;M, F21, and Target as "fast fashion" in that their clothes are very inexpensive and not necessarily made to last.</p> <p>That said, I adore Target and some of my favorite, longest-lived pieces have come from there. In particular I'm thinking of my beloved black sandal booties (going strong after three summers and three re-heels) and a black cotton blazer I bought and wore multiple times a week until it no longer fit.&nbsp; Oh, and my red cotton blazer from H&amp;M is a giant wardrobe workhorse!</p> <p>You really never can tell. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/note-on-fast-fashion/page/2#post-1428459 Wed, 21 Jan 2015 03:15:38 +0000 Laura (rhubarbgirl) 1428459@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I hear ya, K.M., for a long time my budget was such that anything bought not in the thrift store was high end. I also can't wear Zara, which is disappointing because I like some of their jackets and shirts. Nothing ever fits me there, so I've stopped even bothering to go in the store.</p> <p>I'm not sure that every cheaper store is necessarily fast fashion, either. Zara, H&amp;M, and Forever 21 all aim for a lot of change in their stores, and have new items out practically constantly. Other stores have followed suit to a certain point to stay competitive, but I don't think that for places like Target or even Old Navy, the changing stuff is their primary focus. ON sells plenty of basics and a lot of styles that stay the same for several seasons and even years. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/note-on-fast-fashion/page/2#post-1428450 Wed, 21 Jan 2015 03:02:40 +0000 Jaime 1428450@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well you know I am a big Zara fan! Totally agree that it is pretty questionable for jeans, but I have found a lot of pieces there new, on sale, and second hand that have stood the test of time. Gap is terrific for jeans. The local Topshops don't seem to carry their higher end stuff, but sometimes it lands in the world of second hand and looks good. H&amp;M, overall, looks the cheapest to me - combination of bad material and cheap stitching, but again I think there are different levels and I am looking at the lowest. I have thrifted a few COS pieces and look forward to visiting a store one day! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/note-on-fast-fashion#post-1428371 Wed, 21 Jan 2015 00:18:11 +0000 SarahTheWhite 1428371@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love this so much. I think that it is all anout finding balance and pushing out of one's comfort zone. My own personal struggle right now is resisting the pull of fast fashion and having the patience and self control to save for better pieces. But I don't ever want to jump out of one ditch and into the other.</p> <p>And, k.m. I hear you - it has only been in the past year or so that some of what many consider low end have made it my higher end. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/note-on-fast-fashion#post-1428365 Wed, 21 Jan 2015 00:05:02 +0000 K.M. 1428365@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>One woman's fast fashion is another's bread-and-butter... My budget is tight and most of my wardrobe has to rely on affordable brands like Gap, ON, H&amp;M, Express... and not necessarily because of the fast turnout of trends. I find that with luck, a good eye, and a whole lot of taking care of garments, they can last in good shape for a long time (I just posted a WIW with an H&amp;M skirt from 2003). <br />OK, maybe I just don't know what I'm missing because I don't own high-end brands... so perhaps if I did try them I would find a whole new world of amazing fits and wonderful fabrics... But I suppose one can find salads, fruit cups, and oatmeal even at a fast-food chain, no? <br />PS. Maybe I shouldn't confess this here, but even Zara is on the pricy side for me--my last item there was a very prized faux leather moto jacket in cream from their Fall collection that I cherish as one of my better pieces...</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/note-on-fast-fashion#post-1428351 Tue, 20 Jan 2015 23:19:09 +0000 gradfashionista 1428351@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree in theory, and appreciate how fast fashion garments look on others,&nbsp;but in practice fast fashion doesn't work for me. The smell of the dyes puts me off, and I find that my fast fashion garments stretch out unreasonably, making them unwearable--tops get too baggy during the first wear, exposing my chest (even size XS can be too big), while jeans stretch out at least a size. I'm not really a fan of TopShop or Zara, although I do periodically check on their stock to see if something catches my fancy. My fast fashion is eBay. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/note-on-fast-fashion#post-1428344 Tue, 20 Jan 2015 23:10:24 +0000 approprio 1428344@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Agreed. Fast fashion definitely has its place in a balanced wardrobe. If it weren't for Uniqlo and Marks &amp; Spencer I'd have nowhere to&nbsp;go for&nbsp;essentials like skinny jeans, plain tees&nbsp;and leggings. I'm also a fan of the designer collaborations at H&amp;M.&nbsp;And after years of footwear snobbery I started buying fancy cheap shoes again this year, which has been liberating to say the least.</p> <p>But I do share the concerns of others about environmental impact and working conditions, so I look for organic cotton and read labels for country of origin. Notably, M&amp;S have a pretty good policy regarding supply chain ethics, which is another reason to shop there. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/note-on-fast-fashion#post-1428339 Tue, 20 Jan 2015 22:57:33 +0000 Lesley 1428339@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm wondering if the reason fast fashion is often quite unfitted is the need for manufacturers to appeal to a large fit range?<br />I totally agree with not 'investing' in good pieces for teens. When I see an expensive item tossed on the bedroom floor it makes me rage! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/note-on-fast-fashion#post-1428317 Tue, 20 Jan 2015 22:02:54 +0000 Dimity 1428317@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Caro, I agree.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/note-on-fast-fashion#post-1428304 Tue, 20 Jan 2015 21:43:27 +0000 froggiebecky 1428304@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think I may be the only person on this board who hates Zara. Though I wish I liked them! I find that whatever block they use for drafting simply does not play well with my body. That makes me a bit sad, because they usually have interesting garments that are right at my student price point. <br />I find I do better with H&amp;M or Topshop, and also Next. <br />Caro, I share your concerns as well.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/note-on-fast-fashion#post-1428291 Tue, 20 Jan 2015 21:29:14 +0000 Caro in Oz 1428291@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yay for choice &amp; yes I have some excellent casual tops from Zara.</p> <p>My only concerns are the working conditions of the people making the garments &amp; the amount of land-fill produced by fast fashion. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/note-on-fast-fashion#post-1428286 Tue, 20 Jan 2015 21:23:48 +0000 catgirl 1428286@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have had surprising success at F21 when I'm willing to comb through, and they have stepped up their quality as well as stocking less tween-ish items.&nbsp; Also COS is a new fave (thanks Viva!).&nbsp; Zara is hit and miss for me, more with sizing than quality.&nbsp; Same with H&amp;M (which we are getting!).&nbsp; Adore Topshop if I can get my size right.&nbsp; My patent booties have been the ULTIMATE workhorse!</p> <p>I will say that knitwear is especially random - I have a sweatshirt from F21 that has held together far better than a similar one by Current/Elliott.&nbsp; For&nbsp;certain, more tailored items (pants and jackets)&nbsp; &nbsp;I find quality and brand matters.&nbsp; F21 jackets always have wonky shoulder pads and seams.&nbsp; But their leggings, skinnies and camis&nbsp;are no different than anywhere else in meeting my needs.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/note-on-fast-fashion#post-1428241 Tue, 20 Jan 2015 20:20:24 +0000 Vicki 1428241@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So true. &nbsp;Bring on both and I can be quite happy. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/note-on-fast-fashion#post-1428232 Tue, 20 Jan 2015 20:12:25 +0000 Transcona Shannon 1428232@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Two items in my closet were completely fast fashion - my olive green cargo pants and my black/white drapey ballerina tee. I have worn both of these items to death - the ballerina tee is just now starting to show her age and the cargo pants are still like new. The tee was $19 and the pants $29. Can't judge a book by its cover </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/note-on-fast-fashion#post-1428225 Tue, 20 Jan 2015 20:03:06 +0000 Anonymous 1428225@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Word.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/note-on-fast-fashion#post-1428220 Tue, 20 Jan 2015 19:57:42 +0000 Angie 1428220@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Exactly, Suz. Good points. I have equally great luck with the fit of Zara pieces. I just love their design integrity. Their fun designs and good fit&nbsp;absolutely make up for their lack of quality.&nbsp;</p> <p>I'll add that it's also really <b>fun</b> to shop fast fashion - just like it's fun eating a veggie hotdog with fixings.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/note-on-fast-fashion#post-1428217 Tue, 20 Jan 2015 19:55:02 +0000 viva 1428217@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>When I bought my spendy grey quilted cropped sweatshirt, this fall someone on YLF found a very similar one at Uniqlo for about a quarter of the price. Now, I wish I had gone with the Uniqlo. As much as I am enjoying the look, I am not sure I am really reaping the benefits of the higher price point. For a trendy item, fast fashion is truly wonderful. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/note-on-fast-fashion#post-1428214 Tue, 20 Jan 2015 19:52:02 +0000 Suz 1428214@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love Zara. Full stop.&nbsp;</p> <p>I know the quality isn't always there, but then again, I get a better fit in jackets there than almost anywhere else, and at a price I can afford! And sometimes that fit makes up for the lack of quality -- fit goes a <b>LONG</b> way towards making a garment look more expensive than it is.&nbsp;</p> <p>I <b>LOVE</b> that I can play with trends there and bring my style more up to date, while spending my $$ on more classic pieces that will last longer in my closet and mix well.&nbsp;</p> <p>I haven't had as much luck at H&amp;M but that is largely because of where I live; our store isn't a great one. We don't have F21. I do shop at the GAP for basics like tees, jeans, and sleepwear. And I find their stuff lasts very well on the whole.&nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/note-on-fast-fashion#post-1428192 Tue, 20 Jan 2015 18:53:11 +0000 Thistle 1428192@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great point. And as others have noted, it allows you to try out a trend or piece out of your normal style that you might not at a higher price point. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/note-on-fast-fashion#post-1428190 Tue, 20 Jan 2015 18:50:40 +0000 Anonymous 1428190@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've bought more than my fair share of Gap sweatshirts for my DDs, and they have held up very well. The Gap clothing I used to find at thrift shops when my kids were little lasted an eternity, too. I have no reason to doubt the quality of most of what Gap sells. Like anything else, you have to use good judgement. In general, it's a good store.</p> <p>The items I bought at BR recently appear to be good quality. Only time will tell, of course, but I think I'm a good judge of quality.</p> <p>Last but not least, let me say that I'm not going to fork out a lot of $ for my teenaged DD, who is still figuring out her style direction. She needs clothing that will last a reasonable length of time and that's mostly machine washable.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/note-on-fast-fashion#post-1428184 Tue, 20 Jan 2015 18:45:04 +0000 Angie 1428184@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Case in point, Joy. Fast fashion has its purpose, which is the point of this thread.&nbsp;</p> <p>Mona, the Gap and BR make excellent jeans actually, which can fit a whole let better than premium when you are curvy. Those stores also make great tees. Zara, on the other hand is not the place I would suggest for jeans and tees.&nbsp; </p> <p>I especially appreciate quality garments because I worked with garment manufacturers when I was a fashion buyer. HECK. It's VERY hard mass producing a quality garment. That's why I am virtually reduced to tears when I see a beautifully made piece in luxurious fabric. I have a handle on how enormously challenging it was t produce the end result.&nbsp;</p> <p></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/note-on-fast-fashion#post-1428175 Tue, 20 Jan 2015 18:35:40 +0000 Debbie 1428175@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Fast fashion does have its place. It rounds out your closet and gives you the freedom to try different things. Most budgets will only allow for a blend of the two. </p>