https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/random-thoughts-on-retail Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 22 Apr 2026 22:27:32 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/random-thoughts-on-retail/page/3#post-2345464 Sun, 26 Nov 2023 11:39:54 +0000 Liz 2345464@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Mary, agree totally on Talbots customer service--peerless. I love that I can walk into a Talbots store anywhere, wearing only plain jeans, sneakers, and a sweatshirt, and still be treated graciously. Hats off to you and your colleagues. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/random-thoughts-on-retail/page/3#post-2345415 Sun, 26 Nov 2023 00:15:47 +0000 Lee 2345415@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I’m with you on the Essential Antwerp colors. Yummy and spunky. I love interesting pairings. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/random-thoughts-on-retail/page/3#post-2345410 Sat, 25 Nov 2023 23:24:26 +0000 Mary 2345410@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I too remember the days of excellent quality at Talbots. I have some older items that are beautiful.<br /> Our customers are noticing the decline and online reviews also reflect a disappointment with the use of inferior fabrics.<br /> But I will say no one gives better CS. And that is sorely lacking in most stores today.<br /> We wait hand and foot on our customers and go way beyond to make them happy. Some take advantage of that to an extreme but most are very appreciative and loyal customers for that reason. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/random-thoughts-on-retail/page/3#post-2345405 Sat, 25 Nov 2023 20:15:04 +0000 Debbie 2345405@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am late to this party. Angie thank you for your observations. I have bought a couple of on 34th St purchases. They are very well made.<br />I love Talbots especially their dressy items.&nbsp;<div>I was in Nordstroms yesterday and I wanted to pick up a bracelet that was showing in stock at my store. It was sold out. Their costume and fine jewelry were throughly picked over. I found that interesting.</div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/random-thoughts-on-retail/page/3#post-2345373 Sat, 25 Nov 2023 13:07:48 +0000 Liz 2345373@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Mary, I so appreciate your candor, as well as your specificity. Very helpful to know.</p> <p>I remember, with a bit of sadness, how excited I was when, at age 20 in 1989, my mother treated me to a shopping trip to Talbots in the Boston area. The skirts and sweaters were so beautifully made--natural fibers, substantial-weight fabric--it was almost a luxury brand in those days. I miss those gorgeous clothes. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/random-thoughts-on-retail/page/3#post-2345358 Fri, 24 Nov 2023 22:51:57 +0000 Mary 2345358@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I work part time at Talbots. The denim, dresses and tshirts are well made.&nbsp;<div>The sweaters are very poor quality. They stretch and pill very quickly especially for the price! The cashmere is ok but overpriced. Talbots does have great and frequent sales.</p> <p>Check fabric content there for sure. Lots of hits and a lot of misses.<br />love our customers and we give incredible customer service but yes quality is way down.&nbsp;</div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/random-thoughts-on-retail/page/2#post-2345263 Thu, 23 Nov 2023 16:35:16 +0000 Liz 2345263@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've been a big Talbots fan since college 30+ years ago, when I wanted to adopt a more "grown up" style. I am going to say, with some reluctance, that I believe Talbots quality has declined since the mid-aughts. Fabrics thinner, no lining on garments that should have them, etc. I still shop there regularly and do love some of the clothing I've bought, but my expectations are lowered these days. The same is true with almost all retailers! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/random-thoughts-on-retail/page/2#post-2345183 Wed, 22 Nov 2023 05:29:02 +0000 Jenni NZ 2345183@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh Bijou what pretty items! I especially like the Phoenix shirt and the toning Johnny Was jacket. I would happily wear either of those.<br /> For Angie, I bought 4 items of clothing for baby granddaughter for Christmas, just arrived. Prices were very reasonable from a similar store to Ezibuy, called Postie Plus, but shipping was $8. I don’t think I need to return any of the 4, a couple might be a bit too big for her, all size 2 and she is 2, but she will grow into them. Think I would have to pay for shipping if I returned them, but overall the convenience was worth the $8. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/random-thoughts-on-retail/page/2#post-2345180 Wed, 22 Nov 2023 04:01:51 +0000 Bijou 2345180@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Brooklyn has captured the Australian summer trends well. I have bought a few summer items that are against the minimal and 90's revisited trend - items found in local boutiques and the denim skirt greatly reduced on Yoox. It looks like this summer I will be doing my own thing and not trendy! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/random-thoughts-on-retail/page/2#post-2344934 Sun, 19 Nov 2023 23:01:48 +0000 Angie 2344934@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Sal,</b> makes sense!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/random-thoughts-on-retail/page/2#post-2344907 Sun, 19 Nov 2023 18:08:14 +0000 Sal 2344907@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Angie - yes online shopping is big here. There is a shorter return window though and sometimes a cost.</p> <p>I like online when I am really focussed - and confident in my choice. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/random-thoughts-on-retail/page/2#post-2344886 Sun, 19 Nov 2023 15:55:15 +0000 Angie 2344886@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Reading your thoughts with interest! Thanks for sharing :)</p> <p><b>Jenni, </b>shorts that are knee-covering are hard to find here too! Goodluck.</p> <p><b>Jonesy</b>, Go Team J.Crew! One of my go-to's again, with you :)</p> <p><b>Gail</b>, have you looked at Talbots and Boden dresses?&nbsp;</p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/random-thoughts-on-retail/page/2#post-2344723 Fri, 17 Nov 2023 22:01:07 +0000 Gail 2344723@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes to Talbots this season. I bought 3 basic cotton ribbed crew sweaters and they are good quality and have washed well. Not too tight and not too loose a win for me. They go well with jeans and can be dressed up if needed.<br />No to BR I have a gift card there for $100 and simply cannot for the life of me find anything that I like also the prices seem to be crazy too.<br />A surprise for me this year has been LLBean. I bought 2 sweaters there that are cotton and very comfortable both casual. Also got a long camel cotton cardigan which looks great with many outfits.&nbsp;<br />I haven't bought anything remotely dressy I have all that stuff and rarely wear any of it. Not bought any wool, I still have a small moth problem &nbsp;which I'm battling plus &nbsp;wool can be itchy and I cannot wear it.<br />Definitely wearing more casual clothes and forcing myself to buy for that life but sometimes my eyes start to wander to clothes that I would wear in a totally other life lol. Having said that I would like a dress to wear with tall boots &nbsp;, more on the casual side though.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/random-thoughts-on-retail/page/2#post-2344714 Fri, 17 Nov 2023 19:54:50 +0000 Jenni NZ 2344714@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh and I meant to say for Angie that shipping in NZ is only free if you pay over a certain threshold amount, usually, so that would mean spending a fair bit. Since I don’t want to spend over a limit for the sake of it that might mean paying for shipping. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/random-thoughts-on-retail/page/2#post-2344713 Fri, 17 Nov 2023 19:51:08 +0000 Jenni NZ 2344713@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>For Angie, and Cardiff girl: yes the prices seem to have increased a lot here too, but some older stalwarts are doing quite well when other discounters are going under (notably one called Ezibuy which is a good 40 years old and where Fabbers myself, Sal and Anne from Australia have previously shopped).<br /> A very old department store chain in NZ, over 100 years old, called Farmers (originally the Farmers Trading Company) seems to have better stuff than maybe it used to. One brand it has a lot of is Whistles. I’m trying to figure out if this is the same Whistles that is a high street type brand in the UK? But I can’t seem to find out.<br /> I wanted some more shorts recently as sadly I am getting to a point where I really don’t like them above my knees. This is hard to find! I bought my last white linen pair at Ezibuy in 2021, before they went into liquidation, for $35. Those were yellowing but I have since revitalised them with some bleach. The 2020 blue pair also from Ezibuy for $30 is further above my knees so would only wear at home or for exercise walks.<br /> But after much searching both online and in store I found some nice soft “silver birch” colour ( a soft silvery grey) linen ones at Farmers for $52 on sale. In the boutiques knee length shorts were more like $150 which I really find too much for shorts! There are fancier tailored ones for workwear but I am not in that market. No shorts for workwear for me in my health profession!<br /> I wonder if I am just out of step in what I’m willing to pay. But there is a cost of living crisis… I wonder how many Fabbers would happily pay $150 for shorts? Of course our NZ $ is internationally weak… </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/random-thoughts-on-retail/page/2#post-2344697 Fri, 17 Nov 2023 17:58:47 +0000 Jonesy 2344697@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So interesting! I almost never shop in-person anymore, so I find these astute observations fascinating. It's notable how long earth tones and brown have stuck around, and how little red there is in stores, especially since it was supposed to be one of the "it" colors for F/W. TBH, I haven't really noticed a change at J. Crew or BR (I am oblivious, lol): I have quite a few pairs of bottoms from J. Crew that I have bought steadily over many years, and I haven't shopped at BR for a long time--something about their fits and style hasn't quite worked for me in a while. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/random-thoughts-on-retail/page/2#post-2344660 Fri, 17 Nov 2023 14:44:55 +0000 Angie 2344660@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>YAY, <b>MsMaven</b>! Please show us your beautiful new necklace! Love the happy ending to your day :)</p> <p>Yes, there are sequins EVERYWHERE.... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/random-thoughts-on-retail/page/2#post-2344575 Fri, 17 Nov 2023 01:25:56 +0000 MsMaven 2344575@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yesterday I walked through the biggest Macy's and Nordstrom in our area. Macy's I didn't recognize. Where are all the brands I used to shop. I wish I'd known about 34th. I would have taken a closer look. I don't need anything right now, but I used to like to browse there in the old days.</p> <p>Nordstrom was better stocked than the last time I was in there. Nice to see lots of items to browse, except . . . to get to the restroom in this store you have to walk through the evening and dressy department. I was shocked at how many hideous dresses they had. One side of the aisle was filled with ridiculous fluffy unattractive dresses and tops in patterns and ruffles I haven't seen anywhere online. The other side had slinky dresses in sequins in most unattractive and garish colors and other items I've never seen on a real life woman.</p> <p>Maybe I'm exaggerating, and now I wish I'd taken a few photos. Of course, I haven't attended a fancy party or even in years, so I'm not up to date on what's being worn. And maybe it's cultural. I also live in the suburbs where anything dressier than jeans or sweat pants is overdressed.&nbsp;</p> <p>Didn't go into BR--they lost me too. Not enough energy to go into Bloomingdales.&nbsp;</p> <p>I did find the perfect birthday present to myself at Nordstrom--a gorgeous DY necklace to replace the one that was stolen in a burglary a dozen years ago.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/random-thoughts-on-retail/page/2#post-2344559 Thu, 16 Nov 2023 23:42:22 +0000 Angie 2344559@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Cardiff Girl,</b> similar things are happening in the US - rest assured.&nbsp;</p> <p><b>Sal</b>, plenty of retailers here have closed their brick 'n mortar stores, yet seem to be fine online. The US LOVES to shop online. It has the infrastructure - and a lot of shipping is free! I guess not in NZ?</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/random-thoughts-on-retail/page/2#post-2344543 Thu, 16 Nov 2023 21:16:17 +0000 Cardiff girl 2344543@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Interesting obs from everyone.Maybe it’s just me but here in the UK clothing prices have increased noticeably over the last year or too and that seems to mean a real battle ground of the mid price retailers with some going under.The lower end of the market and the higher end seem less affected?but maybe that’s just my impression.l have certainly bought less this year because l feel the quality has dropped and the prices have increased .l would not ,for example,pay over £100 for an acrylic jumper even if if is recycled. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/random-thoughts-on-retail/page/2#post-2344509 Thu, 16 Nov 2023 18:41:51 +0000 Sal 2344509@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for these fab observations! Interesting.</p> <p>I have purchased my usual amount of pieces in 2023 - I think 27 or 28 - but have only really spent one morning going “ shopping”. The rest have been either laser targeted or spontaneous decisions. </p> <p>Retail here does seem to be struggling - my pick is a few will fold - especially those targeting the office worker that doesn’t really exist now. </p> <p>Brooklyns observations re Southern Hemisphere we’re spot on- linen, cut outs, one shoulder - quite a bit of colour too. Less ruffles and tiers - waistcoats and wide legged pants are prevalent.</p> <p>I am almost done shopping for the year - I might be up for a new top but that’s about it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/random-thoughts-on-retail/page/2#post-2344500 Thu, 16 Nov 2023 18:00:48 +0000 Angie 2344500@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>JJPNW,</b> that looks like a great little outfit ;)&nbsp;</p> <p>And a big wave back from across the pond! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/random-thoughts-on-retail/page/2#post-2344499 Thu, 16 Nov 2023 17:59:32 +0000 Angie 2344499@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Sloper,</b> I remember Mickey Drexler well! I soooo wanted to work for him! Glad I didn't....</p> <p><b>sabimct</b>, YES to finding fab stuff at Talbots!&nbsp;</p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/random-thoughts-on-retail/page/2#post-2344449 Thu, 16 Nov 2023 11:56:13 +0000 sabimct 2344449@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is really fun [and useful] to read.</p> <p>I very much appreciated the shoutout to Talbots.&nbsp; I have not been venturing in there, though I like their classic style.&nbsp; Time to pop in!</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/random-thoughts-on-retail/page/2#post-2344422 Thu, 16 Nov 2023 02:46:47 +0000 Sloper 2344422@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So interesting and fun to read!<div><br /></div><div>I’m an online shopper now, and not much recently, but I will say it is so interesting how the size-inclusive worm has turned at J. Crew over the past 3 decades.</p> <p>I remember interviews with Mickey Drexler, former CEO, bluntly stating in interviews that folks who wanted larger sizes and looser cuts were not their target client.</div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/random-thoughts-on-retail/page/2#post-2344409 Thu, 16 Nov 2023 00:12:47 +0000 JJ PNW 2344409@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Angie - you are In Seattle! Yeah for PNW style. Enjoy all your thoughts and comments! I’m across the pond - Lake Washington.</p> <p>Been scouting some malls - Portland area for Nordstrom loyalty days this fall and a chill trip to Bellevue Square yesterday before the holiday rush.</p> <p>Sparkly is everywhere. Come January there will certainly be a lot on the sale racks. Glad I picked up sequin joggers post holiday last year - both comfy and current. </p> <p>Like the bias cut skirt trend in so many holiday fabrics and lengths. BR has one super long for the tall gal. Me at 5ft found an Old Navy petite in a gold mocha color to get me out of wearing constant black. Ok - got the Black too.<br /> Loft has one in brown sequins that’s on point if you like earth tones which are making a come back. Loads of jewel tones out there as well! </p> <p>Will pair the bias skirt with a matching sequin sweater that will be my go to this winter when in need of sparkle other than black. </p> <p>Bellevue square (10 min away) is getting pricier as a flag ship destination. If you’re in the middle of the bell curve there are loads of choices though. If not, you’ll have to order online, but it’s nice to see, feel and get a sense of the cut before ordering. </p> <p>Have also been shopped around the off price stores locally and some good look-a-like bargains. Takes more effort though!</p> <p>Happy hunting-oops shopping! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/random-thoughts-on-retail/page/2#post-2344399 Wed, 15 Nov 2023 23:31:23 +0000 Angie 2344399@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks,&nbsp;<b>Dee</b>! Good to know what retail in Montreal looks like now :)</p> <p>Isn't it strange that red is quite absent? Sequins have taken the place of red!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/random-thoughts-on-retail/page/2#post-2344389 Wed, 15 Nov 2023 20:13:31 +0000 Dee 2344389@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I was just at our local mall this morning. If red is the colour of the season it wasn’t very prevalent here in Montreal. I’m noticing far more forest green, beige, black and brown actually.&nbsp;<br />I agree that the prices are definitely going up but the quality is certainly not any better. I saw lots of longer cloth coats but they aren’t even bothering with linings in some of them and the fabrication is not great either. Cost cutting measures I’m sure.<br />Simon’s is one of my favourite stores here in Canada but the quality is even slipping a bit here too<br />Sequins and velvet are everywhere now, in tops, skirts, pants, jackets and dresses. The festive dressing season seems to be in full swing.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/random-thoughts-on-retail/page/2#post-2344380 Wed, 15 Nov 2023 19:20:17 +0000 Angie 2344380@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Rachy</b>, browns are in abundance! Milk it.</p> <p><b>Staysfit,</b> fun to shop your closet for the trends :)&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/random-thoughts-on-retail/page/2#post-2344378 Wed, 15 Nov 2023 19:18:14 +0000 Angie 2344378@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div><br />This thread has exploded and I can barely keep up ;)</div><div><br /></div><div>Glad you’re enjoying the discussion. And appreciate your fab comments. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>Jaime</b>, skinnies must be overflowing thrift stores at the moment!</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Brooklyn</b>, great new skirt, and thanks for the detailed response <br />Current Australian Summer fashion is not dissimilar to US fashion 6 months ago. The differences are: we are still seeing ditsy florals, LOTS of earth tones, not as much blue and pinstripe, not as many waistcoats, and cropped pants are as strong as full lengths!&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div><b>kkards</b>, I’m having a good run with J.Crew knitwear the last few years, actually. Maybe it’s luck ;)</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Janet</b>, yes to holiday stuff being everywhere already! Agree that palettes are more varied and saturated this year. Something for everyone.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Laura,</b> I can depend on Boden and J. Crew to have my colours. M&amp;S too :)</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Carol </b>and <b>RobinF</b>, feel free to start a separate thread about Talbots - more people will chime in then! - and I’ll offer my 2 cents :)</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Nuancedream,</b> NODDING ALONG to every word. High five!</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Inge</b>, LOVE how well you’re doing with Esprit! Items are gorgeous on you. In Wear and Part 2 are great Scandi labels. I’ll add Masai - as SIL in London does well with them, Hoping your new sweater does not pill, and thanks for mentioning the Gap </div><div><br /></div><div><b>Rebekahphoto</b> and <b>Ginger</b>, yay for Boden! And super that you’re enjoying BR’s new diection. Milk it.</div></p> <p> </p>