https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-retailers-are-you-avoiding-right-now Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Thu, 07 May 2026 15:46:03 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-retailers-are-you-avoiding-right-now/page/2#post-724464 Tue, 18 Sep 2012 18:21:19 +0000 rachylou 724464@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't avoid Abercrombie: I stop, drop, and roll. Then I complain to mall management about the toxic seepage. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-retailers-are-you-avoiding-right-now/page/2#post-724361 Tue, 18 Sep 2012 16:32:40 +0000 Mo 724361@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am also a mostly online shopper and am getting tired of shipping and return costs. It's not so much any one site, but cumulatively I have spent well over $100 this year just for the privilege of trying things on. It's a bummer for sure. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-retailers-are-you-avoiding-right-now/page/2#post-724356 Tue, 18 Sep 2012 16:24:58 +0000 catgirl 724356@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Interesting, ladies! I have so few brick and mortar choices - I always forget how much some people have within their reach. My original post was more about online shopping, so it's been interesting to read about IRL temptation and customer service problems.... </p> <p>I try not to leave any rerail stone unturned, but am trying to stay away from ALL stones for a bit. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-retailers-are-you-avoiding-right-now/page/2#post-724116 Tue, 18 Sep 2012 07:44:44 +0000 CocoLion 724116@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I was treated rudely at Barneys so I feel uncomfortable going in there. Plus, I now avoid Loehman's because I buy things I shouldn't (high end designer stuff dramatically reduced but I never wear it), and I can't return anything because they only have a 2 week return policy.</p> <p>The list of stores I am happy with is far bigger than the ones I'm not. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-retailers-are-you-avoiding-right-now/page/2#post-724063 Tue, 18 Sep 2012 03:11:07 +0000 Anonymous 724063@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm not avoiding any stores because of their quality or policies but am staying away right now because I can't afford it and all the seasonal sales are such temptations. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-retailers-are-you-avoiding-right-now/page/2#post-724062 Tue, 18 Sep 2012 03:10:47 +0000 Carole 724062@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't discriminate:) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-retailers-are-you-avoiding-right-now/page/2#post-724060 Tue, 18 Sep 2012 03:01:13 +0000 Girl X 724060@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Mine has nothing to do with shipping rates or customer service woes. Neiman Marcus (online). There's a pair of shoes I kind of desperately want, but I so don't need yet another pair, and I know if I go back to the site before they're sold out in my size I'm going to wind up with them. Hopefully they sell out soon. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-retailers-are-you-avoiding-right-now/page/2#post-724032 Tue, 18 Sep 2012 02:06:19 +0000 Jaime 724032@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My set of store selection is very different (oh to have a Nordstrom's Rack), but we do have a lot of H&amp;Ms and Zaras. I get a fair amount of kids clothing at H&amp;M but haven't found anything there I wanted in some time. Zara is more tempting but the quality is so all over the place I try to limit myself to basics like t-shirts. There are quite a lot of local brands, but I get my local clothes second hand and my non-local clothes on ebay for the most part. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-retailers-are-you-avoiding-right-now/page/2#post-724030 Tue, 18 Sep 2012 02:04:28 +0000 lynne 724030@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I bought some nice Lands End pajamas at Sears. I've given up for awhile on Allsaints because their sizes/fit is all over the place and returning via post is a pain. I also wish they'd show their clothes on people to give better context. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-retailers-are-you-avoiding-right-now/page/2#post-724020 Tue, 18 Sep 2012 01:53:52 +0000 Karie 724020@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't really avoid any place. My favorite store is JCPenney, but I often shop at Macy's because it is close to where I live. I also love Ann Taylor Loft. The one place I don't shop is Sears, at least not for clothes. Does anyone shop at Sears for clothes? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-retailers-are-you-avoiding-right-now/page/2#post-724003 Tue, 18 Sep 2012 01:30:05 +0000 Mellllls 724003@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm not purposely avoiding any stores either but I wasn't aware of labor issues w old navy and target. So that may change. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-retailers-are-you-avoiding-right-now/page/2#post-724002 Tue, 18 Sep 2012 01:28:44 +0000 MsLuna 724002@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I avoid mainly the "fast fashion" stores like H&amp;M, Forever 21 and Zara primarily because it's too easy to spend money there, and I tend to get tired of the styles after a while. Plus, the cuts of the clothing on the mentioned stores don't seem to fit my proportions. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-retailers-are-you-avoiding-right-now/page/2#post-723997 Tue, 18 Sep 2012 01:23:44 +0000 Ann in New England 723997@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am avoiding Coldwater Creek because that's where I shopped 35 lbs. ago. Also because my mother shops there.</p> <p>I am also avoiding the online flash sale sites for shoes and clothing. I'm not sure I've ever been successful with any flash sale purchase -- the shoes never fit, and the clothes hang in my closet unworn. In fact, I have two jackets with the tags still on that are going to consignment next week. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-retailers-are-you-avoiding-right-now/page/2#post-723991 Tue, 18 Sep 2012 01:19:31 +0000 Suz 723991@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Such an interesting conversation. </p> <p>Elisabeth, I'm laughing...I think you should come to the Kingston LuLu Lemon. There, you will never have to fear the frozen smile of a SA, because in my experience, the ones here are so far along to nirvana that they don't even SEE anyone else. It is a wonderful thing to be able to meditate while on the job. </p> <p>Fortunately, in this town, they don't have to work to make the sales, so the store's expanding to larger premises! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-retailers-are-you-avoiding-right-now/page/2#post-723954 Tue, 18 Sep 2012 00:38:04 +0000 JR 723954@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well, honestly, I avoid Guess. That is because of a profound antipathy for a former (perhaps present? I don't know) celebrity spokeswoman who almost perfectly represents everything I don't want to be. (Funny story there. My son was once trapped in their outlet on Rodeo Drive, accompanying some friends who were shopping. Pictures of the afore-mentioned celebrity were plastered all over the walls. He made some comment and the SA gushed, "Oh no, no, she is wonderful! So nice! After he left the store, she came running out and told him that she had just said that because she had to on the job, that the woman was actually really awful.)</p> <p>I am seriously considering getting informed about labour practices too, and avoiding stores or brands that are guilty of flagrant exploitation.</p> <p>Other than that, I prefer to be loyal to stores that consistently come through for me, so they are my go-tos. Not that I refuse to go elsewhere, but my primary constraint is limited energy, so it makes a lot of sense for me to start with stores where I am more likely to find things. I am certainly open to discovering new ones though, which is why I like listening to you guys. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-retailers-are-you-avoiding-right-now/page/2#post-723938 Tue, 18 Sep 2012 00:21:10 +0000 Diana 723938@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Only 2 places I can think of right now that I actively avoid, although there are lots of stores that I don't really feel any desire to shop at because they're not my style.</p> <p>F21 - I get an instant headache the minute I walk into one of their stores. The music is SO LOUD and so are the teenagers. </p> <p>American Apparel - the only store that I am actually boycotting for ethical reasons. Their CEO and their ads really offend me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-retailers-are-you-avoiding-right-now#post-723901 Mon, 17 Sep 2012 23:50:19 +0000 Auburn 723901@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've long avoided H&amp;M, Forever 21, Zara, Mango, Topshop, Target, Old Navy, etc--those stores are just WAY too big and both overwhelm and scare me. Plus, nothing I ever purchased at those stores lasted (in terms of quality and design) so it ends up just being money poorly spent.</p> <p>Lately I've also been avoiding Banana, Gap, Ann Taylor, etc for similar reasons--I often find cute things at those stores but during my annual closet purges, I have found that those brands are the things that I most often toss. I love IK's musings about Anthropologie and feel exactly the same way--I don't think I've ever liked an item I purchased there for more than a season and now I just don't even let myself walk in because I know I'll be tempted.</p> <p>These days, I find myself really wanting a smaller closet of high quality, beautifully made items and so am forcing myself to be more clear about what I want vs. need and then sourcing those items at higher price points so that I get pieces that will last and be things I want to wear for years. We shall see how this all works out, but my (current) favorite retailers are Nordstrom, Bloomie's and a few online places like net-a-porter.com, shopbop.com and shoptwigs.com. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-retailers-are-you-avoiding-right-now#post-723893 Mon, 17 Sep 2012 23:44:36 +0000 D'Ellen 723893@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Any that don't have B&amp;M stores within short driving distance so I can try on in-store, or at least make my inevitible returns/exchanges in-store. Also, coupon-churning budget fashion stores that make it way too easy to take it home because it's just too cheap to pass up. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-retailers-are-you-avoiding-right-now#post-723890 Mon, 17 Sep 2012 23:42:00 +0000 Preppy Pear 723890@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I will not shop at Abercrombie and Fitch or any store that reeks of cologne. I can't even walk past the store in the mall without crossing to the other side, blecch.</p> <p>I'm not as excited about Anthropologie lately. It used to be one of my favorite stores, but I'm not feeling it as much since one opened up in my town. Every time I wear something from anthro, it is instantly recognizable as being from anthro, like the birds dress i bought to wear to a wedding this summer. I'm always attracted to the obvious, cutesy prints, but I might want to give them another chance and consider some of the their other looks - going for more cool than cute.</p> <p>We have a local store here in town that sells Nau, Horny Toad, Ibex, Patagonia, Prairie Sage Organics, Lole - sporty, casual clothing. I'm avoiding it like the plague because even though I love this kind of clothing, I just don't need any more of it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-retailers-are-you-avoiding-right-now#post-723881 Mon, 17 Sep 2012 23:36:51 +0000 Aziraphale 723881@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Haha, Rachylou, I aim to please. </p> <p>If you had a YouTube video, I'd watch it in one hot minute. You have a way with humour. Please make one? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-retailers-are-you-avoiding-right-now#post-723865 Mon, 17 Sep 2012 23:22:42 +0000 rachylou 723865@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><em> frozen smiles and glazed yoga-cult eyes</em></p> <p>I'm afraid, Elisabeth, that I will be stealing this line and using it at first opportunity. LOL. It might have to become a skit in my would-be YouTube show. Immortal words! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-retailers-are-you-avoiding-right-now#post-723844 Mon, 17 Sep 2012 22:59:00 +0000 Aziraphale 723844@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>LuLuLemon, because their employees chase you round the store and harass you with their frozen smiles and glazed yoga-cult eyes, and they just annoy me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-retailers-are-you-avoiding-right-now#post-723826 Mon, 17 Sep 2012 22:30:41 +0000 rachylou 723826@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm avoiding Blu for the moment, because if I go I will spend two months rent on another A-line skirt, white button down, and brown sweater... and that is sad.</p> <p>If I'm lucky, these items will be gone by the time I make a hell-or-highwater break for the store. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-retailers-are-you-avoiding-right-now#post-723657 Mon, 17 Sep 2012 20:05:00 +0000 Anonymous 723657@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Right now I'm avoiding several, not because I don't like the stores but because they don't happen to be stocking what I want to wear right now. Seems most retailers are pushing bright colors, while I look best in toned down colors. Coldwater Creek seems to be one of the few that has some of my favorite colors right now. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-retailers-are-you-avoiding-right-now#post-723628 Mon, 17 Sep 2012 19:40:39 +0000 Isabel 723628@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Unfrumped, I love the idea of staying away from stores that use clips to shape their clothes on mannequins. I have never thought of that chicanery ! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-retailers-are-you-avoiding-right-now#post-723618 Mon, 17 Sep 2012 19:31:34 +0000 Sylvie 723618@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ann Taylor: I haven't kept a single thing from my orders in I don't know how long. Although, as per an upstream comment, maybe I just missed all the good stuff?</p> <p>ATL: Their tops are crap. On the other hand, I've done well with their jeans recently.</p> <p>Jcrew: Their tops are made of thin fabric and overpriced, even on sale and they sell out in my size mostly by the time they get to sale anyway. Also I think they are cutting corners on their Schoolboy Jacket and it doesn't fit me. Last year's coats were fab though. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-retailers-are-you-avoiding-right-now#post-723599 Mon, 17 Sep 2012 19:09:31 +0000 unfrumped 723599@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm on the fence a bit, since the most important thing I learned this past year is "branch out and try more places and brands," and I find a thing here or there when I least expect it, but I'm also with qfbrenda. I should avoid Coldwater Creek or at the very most, shop with extreme caution. Stuff there is too big/boxy for me, but since I like some of the colors and fabrics, I am at rusj if having a lapse/seizure. Also I do not need to expand casual/dressy casual capsules; I need more fab work pieces.</p> <p>If I had any gumption, I might be tempted to never go in to any store that clips all its displayed wall or mannequin tops in the back waist so you think the item is fitted, but it's a tent. CC is the most notorious for this and results in the most difference between display and reality, but BR, Talbots--they all do it. Of course the mannequins have Barbie-waists and so to some extent you can see the rationale, but IMO most of them do it for less respectable reasons. I believe they really want to suck you in to believing their clothes fit differently.</p> <p>Right when other posters are giving up on BR, I'm just discovering it, for selected items. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-retailers-are-you-avoiding-right-now#post-723595 Mon, 17 Sep 2012 19:03:12 +0000 nancylee 723595@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ann Taylor and Boden. Their shipping/return processes are ridiculously slow and laborious. I shop online 75% of the time (life in a retail-challenged college town!) and I need FAST turnaround!</p> <p>That said, I did buy a skirt from AT this spring. It fit perfectly, so I didn't have to hassle with returns. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-retailers-are-you-avoiding-right-now#post-723581 Mon, 17 Sep 2012 18:48:02 +0000 qfbrenda 723581@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am willing to shop almost anywhere as long as they have prices I can afford. I tend to avoid Old Navy and Loft because their quality hasn't been great.</p> <p>I've started avoiding Coldwater Creek because I ordered the smallest size in something I really liked and it was too big. I'm not that tiny so that tells me they've inflated their sizing. No point ordering from them if nothing is going to fit. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-retailers-are-you-avoiding-right-now#post-723568 Mon, 17 Sep 2012 18:39:10 +0000 Debbie 723568@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Like Shannon I am an equal opportunity spender. </p>