YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Your favourite brands?

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Your favourite brands? https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/your-favourite-brands Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Thu, 23 Apr 2026 11:29:25 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Staysfit on "Your favourite brands?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/your-favourite-brands/page/2#post-2249077 Sat, 22 Jan 2022 11:17:11 +0000 Staysfit 2249077@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Shoes: 1. The Office of Angela Scott for oxfords, loafers and some booties. 2. Aquatalia for weather resistant boots 3. Birkenstock sandals and slippers 4. Ecco sneakers 5. Ahnu/Naot- for winter boots, outdoor shoes and summer casual sandals 6. Vince 7. Stuart W. 8. Beautifeel  Jeans: 1. J Brand, my all time favorite has closed their online shop but are still available in limited styles on the Theory website. Rag and Bone, Frame, Joe’s and Veronica Beard are hit and miss for jeans fit and often do not have styles I prefer. Levi’s, Mother, Citizens of Humanity,  Hudson, AG, NYDJ have not worked well.   I’m in search of some new brands.  Jeans that haven’t worked were either too short in rise, length or both and perhaps too tight in the legs (muscular legs). Blazers: Boss, Rag and Bone, Smythe, Veronica Beard, Sea, Armani, J Crew Collection (older), Lafayette148Ny Leather jackets: Cole Hahn Knits: La ligne, Veronica Beard, Theory, Rag and Bone, DVF, J Crew Collection (of my older knits these are the ones that have lasted longest), Equipment, Lafayette148NY, Eileen Fisher, Autumn Cashmere, Nordstrom Signature, Boden, James Perse. The knit I have stopped purchasing is Halogen.  They look nice the first wear and then they pill or snag quickly.   <div> </div><div>Outerwear: The North Face, J Crew, Creenstone, Canada Goose, Eddie Bauer, Helly Hansen, Hobbs, Burberry, Fleurette, Cole Hahn Socks/tights: Darn tough, Wolford, Smartwool Handbags: MZ Wallace Gear and swim suits: Athleta Its not a complete list and already it’s long!   </div> Christina F. on "Your favourite brands?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/your-favourite-brands/page/2#post-2248772 Thu, 20 Jan 2022 00:26:24 +0000 Christina F. 2248772@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Regarding J.Crew, I have returned a lot of stuff recently but I think that’s because my body has changed subtly in the last few months. I did get some button downs that worked. I am generally pro J Crew with the understanding that it’s not the past glory days of the brand. I like Madewell, too, but it’s tricky to find the right fit. I wear a lot of Wit and Wisdom jeans as well as Madewell, and sometimes Ann Taylor. I also like LOFT sometimes, but am much pickier about what I keep nowadays, in terms of quality. Banana Republic has been great lately. And you all know my love of Boden, but I think I’ve reached a saturation point in my wardrobe for the type of items I like from them. Nothing much has been blowing me away lately, except for a jacket I got. For shoes, I like Birkenstock, Docs, Born and Converse. Also Sam Edelman has been great lately, and I have some cool boots from Marc Fisher. Gap for loungewear. Athleta and some gear brands for gear, such as Columbia and Patagonia. For bags, it’s Rebecca Minkoff and Kate Spade. Brands I am trying to buy more of include Everlane and Saint and Sofia. I want to continue expanding my horizons and upping the quality of what I buy. nemosmom on "Your favourite brands?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/your-favourite-brands/page/2#post-2248765 Wed, 19 Jan 2022 23:43:55 +0000 nemosmom 2248765@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Suz!!! You can definitely re-wax your jacket ! I have done mine many times. It’s super easy - just time consuming. PM me if I can help! I’ll add that I have old JCrew pieces, too that have worn like iron and are still in my closet. I’ve outgrown my beloved yellow peacoat (I can wear only a Tshirt under it), but can’t seem to part with it. Such great quality- but I bought it in 2007 or 8. JAileen on "Your favourite brands?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/your-favourite-brands/page/2#post-2248757 Wed, 19 Jan 2022 22:59:33 +0000 JAileen 2248757@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Suz, re your coat, buy some wax from a Barbour dealer.  I’ve never done it, but people do rewax their jackets.  There are probably YouTube videos on how to fo it. Suz on "Your favourite brands?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/your-favourite-brands/page/2#post-2248752 Wed, 19 Jan 2022 21:32:54 +0000 Suz 2248752@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Also, just to add, here are J. Crew knits I have owned for years and that have survived without substantial pills and/or have taken to de-pilling very robustly.  There is some merino here, some cashmere, and some cotton. Every one an excellent purchase.  Suz on "Your favourite brands?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/your-favourite-brands/page/2#post-2248751 Wed, 19 Jan 2022 21:30:47 +0000 Suz 2248751@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I LOVE my J. Crew field coat and really, really, really want them to make a new version. I need it to be a coat. I wear this baby all the time and adore it but I either need to rewax it or accept I can't wear it in the rain any more. Oh, how I love this coat. I could wax (ha ha) eloquent about it for years.  UmmLila (Lisa) on "Your favourite brands?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/your-favourite-brands/page/2#post-2248705 Wed, 19 Jan 2022 14:54:57 +0000 UmmLila (Lisa) 2248705@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Gaylene reminded me, I had a J Crew field jacket bought in 1989 that I kept around for sentimental reasons, though I did not wear it anymore. My daughter took it off me last year and it's become one of her favorites.  Jaime on "Your favourite brands?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/your-favourite-brands/page/2#post-2248614 Wed, 19 Jan 2022 02:15:42 +0000 Jaime 2248614@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ This really interesting. So my bra brand for many years is Chantelle but I am overdue for a fitting and will be doing it in Israel so we shall see what happens. Birkenstock for summer and house shoes (second hand in new condition when possible). Out of what I think of as mall brands COS (second hand) is well represented even though their fits are sometimes tricky on me. I do have a lot of vintage and designer clothing that defies easy answers . Gaylene on "Your favourite brands?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/your-favourite-brands/page/2#post-2248613 Wed, 19 Jan 2022 02:11:02 +0000 Gaylene 2248613@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ My J Crew Field jacket has been a wardrobe mainstay for 25 years—and I STILL get people asking me where I bought it!  The worn spots on the waxed cotton just give it a slightly distressed look which makes me love it more! rachylou on "Your favourite brands?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/your-favourite-brands/page/2#post-2248598 Wed, 19 Jan 2022 00:58:37 +0000 rachylou 2248598@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I realise I truly don’t shop by brand. I have very few repeat buys from any brand these days, with the exception of Paige jeans … but the strange little djeans company is actually my favorite brand of jeans… ‘cuz they’re fake jeans. I wouldn’t mind duplicating my Boden blue stripe top with orange collar, but I think that’s it. l like the fit of Farm Rio but the style isn’t quite right. Not sure what to say about this(!) Angie on "Your favourite brands?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/your-favourite-brands/page/2#post-2248592 Wed, 19 Jan 2022 00:16:37 +0000 Angie 2248592@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Jonesy, that berry coat is KILLER AWESOME....and so is the fun beanie! I have also done well with J.Crew pants. The micro checks below are faves, and bought two years ago! To my point - Suz and Irina - WOVENS and leather goods are great at J.Crew :) Irina and Suz, yes to J.Crew knits being awfully inconsistent. That said, I DO have some excellent old J.Crew knits though - 10 plus years! No pilling (the two yellow jumpers below). Jonesy on "Your favourite brands?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/your-favourite-brands/page/2#post-2248586 Tue, 18 Jan 2022 23:58:03 +0000 Jonesy 2248586@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I too am a big fan of J. Crew--shout to Angie and Suz! I have lots of dressier work pants from them, as they fit me well consistently, lots of button downs (one of the few places I can find silk/cotton blend tops, which I love), and several pairs of jeans. I agree that their sizing on sweaters, especially, can be inconsistent, but I have found their pants sizing to be quite consistent. I love that they offer tall sizes in their coats and pants. And I have been shopping with them since I was in college in the late '80s, and haven't noticed any decline in quality :). I usually avoid their spring merch each year, since it tends to be dominated by pastels, which aren't my thing. I addition to J. Crew for retail (vs. second-hand), I also like the Gap, Uniqlo, Everlane, and sometimes Madewell (though I agree with some posters that their sizing can be off). My second-hand purchases are all over the map, and I keep stuff for a long time, typically, so I have lots of different brands within a category, e.g., outerwear: COS, Dries Van Noten, Free People, Gap, Isabel Marant, J. Crew (a cranberry wool pea coat, maybe 15 years old, which fits me perfectly and still looks almost new, see pic), Marni, North Face, Paige, Sisley, Uniqlo, Urban Outfitters. Suz on "Your favourite brands?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/your-favourite-brands/page/2#post-2248580 Tue, 18 Jan 2022 23:34:51 +0000 Suz 2248580@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hi, five, Angie, on J. Crew!  I'm really curious to know what items have not measured up for people -- partly because they offer me a good fit so I would hate to give them up entirely!  I didn't mention my favourite gear brands.  Clothing: Hands down, Icebreaker for tops and hoodies. I have so much stuff from them and really like it. I have Zella leggings but intend to try Athleta next.  Footwear: Salomon for trail runners and hiking boots.  Irina on "Your favourite brands?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/your-favourite-brands/page/2#post-2248579 Tue, 18 Jan 2022 23:34:46 +0000 Irina 2248579@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Angie, I ordered a Breton top and a cotton sweater from JCrew last year. The quality is OK but the sizing is inconsistent. I’d preferred to size down in a top and size up in a sweater but I paid for shipping already and would had to pay for return/reorder. So, I kept it but decided that it is a gamble I’m not prepared to take next time. With a shipping/return policy like that no wonder Canadians are off this brand. JAileen on "Your favourite brands?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/your-favourite-brands#post-2248578 Tue, 18 Jan 2022 23:33:28 +0000 JAileen 2248578@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hahahaha!  I have one Radley bag and two wallets.  Angie on "Your favourite brands?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/your-favourite-brands#post-2248576 Tue, 18 Jan 2022 23:27:38 +0000 Angie 2248576@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Jaileen, you've forgotten Radley JAileen on "Your favourite brands?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/your-favourite-brands#post-2248574 Tue, 18 Jan 2022 23:18:26 +0000 JAileen 2248574@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <div>I like to shop where returns are free or where I can return directly to a local store.  So my shopping skews heavily towards Macy’s.</div><div> </div>Macy’s brands: Style snd Co - pants Karen Scott - sleeveless tops - I LOVE the “boatneck” tops Inc - shorts <div>Charter Club - tops, sweaters Misc: Levis - jeans Eileen Fisher - dresses, tops Lucky Brand - tops Gear: North Face - jackets, fleece Patagonia - jackets, fleece, long underwear  Salomon - hiking shoes  Columbia - nylon hiking pants REI - socks Brands I avoid: Michael Kors - he was personally mean to contestants on Project Runway.  It was unseemly for someone in his position of power. </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div> Angie on "Your favourite brands?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/your-favourite-brands#post-2248570 Tue, 18 Jan 2022 22:55:41 +0000 Angie 2248570@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'd like to gently stick up for J.Crew I made three purchases last year, and the quality has been absolutely stellar. I have worn the items A LOT already. Their quality can be very inconsistent with knits, but wovens and shoes are generally very good. And yes - be judicious!  LaPed on "Your favourite brands?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/your-favourite-brands#post-2248567 Tue, 18 Jan 2022 22:33:55 +0000 LaPed 2248567@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Interesting how many have had a falling-out with J Crew! I miss all those 90s heyday brands, Gap and BR too. Nostalgic for me, but I don’t really bother shopping any of them anymore. Forgot to mention Icebreaker and Ibex for layering tops, and Not Perfect Linen as the foundation (five pieces, six counting my apron) of my summer wardrobe. cat2 on "Your favourite brands?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/your-favourite-brands#post-2248566 Tue, 18 Jan 2022 22:26:39 +0000 cat2 2248566@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ My list of brands that make jackets for people with shoulders: Antonio Melani, Elie Tahari, Kate Spade, L’Agence, Lafayette 148, L.K. Bennett, St. John, Talbots, and Trina Turk. Style Fan on "Your favourite brands?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/your-favourite-brands#post-2248562 Tue, 18 Jan 2022 21:39:56 +0000 Style Fan 2248562@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Gaylene, returns to Everlane from Canada are easy. I think they have a warehouse in Canada. I like a few other brands but only buy in person. I am not sure when that will happen. Some of them are Sarah Pacini, Theory, Sandwich and Citizens of Humanity. Suz on "Your favourite brands?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/your-favourite-brands#post-2248560 Tue, 18 Jan 2022 21:25:38 +0000 Suz 2248560@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Gaylene, I think the quality can be mixed now at J. Crew -- it may be less reliable than it used to be for some items. But I've had excellent luck, by and large. I find their coats to be durable and stylish, and any "Collection" item is usually a great bet (I watch for sales on those). Knits are iffier -- but they are iffy everywhere. Like you, I have some cashmere from there that has lasted me nearly a decade (though I wear it less in this climate). I also have high quality Thomas Masson shirts from them that look brand new after years of consistent wear. Also, the wool trousers are great -- I have a lined pair of trousers and one wool suiting material culotte and they are just beautifully made. I also have a lovely wool blazer that is holding up very well.  Some of my other brands:  Undies/ Bras: Natori, Simone Perelle, Wacoal, Chantelle.  Footwear: Ecco (with insoles), Paul Green, Aquatalia, Blondo, Eileen Fisher, Sofft (don't currently own but would try again); Blundstones, La Canadienne.  Denim: Citizens of Humanity (my best bet, as a rule); Madewell. Suit: Elie Tahari Bags: Rebecca Minkoff, Coach Leather accessories: Bellroy Brands I will look for on consignment (because I've had luck in the past, but I can't afford the regular prices): Paul Smith, Pink Tartan.  Canadian Designers : Comrags, Quartz (parka).  There are many other designers/ companies represented in my wardrobe, from Rag & Bone, Reiss,  Nicole Miller, Vince, David Meister, Theory, and Equipment to Sandwich, LL Bean, BP, Zara, and M&S.  I'd love to try Scotch & Soda but have not seen in person, so hesitate.  Carla on "Your favourite brands?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/your-favourite-brands#post-2248559 Tue, 18 Jan 2022 21:23:08 +0000 Carla 2248559@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Brand recognition is a thing when shopping second hand, but I have had my eyes opened to new brands when finding a great second hand item from a new-to-me brand. I’m curious about some UK brands as well, and have had good (fast) delivery in the past.  Mark’s and Spencer springs to mind. Sal on "Your favourite brands?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/your-favourite-brands#post-2248556 Tue, 18 Jan 2022 21:05:25 +0000 Sal 2248556@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ My list has got more diverse recently as some of my older go to brands I am buying a lot less from (Witchery being the main one) and I am trying to buy from smaller more independent brands. Brands I follow and browse online or check out in store  Rollie Nation (shoes) Django and Juliette (shoes) MLM Label (clothing - only have one piece) Humidity (clothing - only have one piece) Tuesday label (clothing - have three pieces) Brands that have been reliable and a good fit in the past (would buy online with confidence) Levis Adidas Birkenstocks Ezibuy (NZ/Australian brand) International Brands I am curious about (might try one day) Everlane Boden (I do have one second hand piece) Anonymous on "Your favourite brands?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/your-favourite-brands#post-2248555 Tue, 18 Jan 2022 20:58:25 +0000 Anonymous 2248555@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Footwear:  Eileen Fisher, Munroe, Vionic, Echo, Merrill, Dr Scholls (old) socks:  Smart Wool Jeans: Kut From the Kloth Casual: Chicos  Bags: Bagilinni or Kate Spade Tank top:  100% cotton at Target jewelry:  local artists or museum shops underwear:  Calvin Klein, DKNY, Natori Roberta on "Your favourite brands?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/your-favourite-brands#post-2248553 Tue, 18 Jan 2022 20:51:08 +0000 Roberta 2248553@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I will definitely bookmark this chat - so helpful to someone who is always looking to branch out a little. Basics: Wacoal bras Jockey pants MeMoi socks Title Nine for sport, although I did buy several Athleta joggers last year. Lands' End makes fantastic plain yoga pants. Then: Desigual - don't own a lot, but lovelovelove what I have. Loft  Boden Kut from the Kloth jeans Maeve (Anthropologie) dresses and pants Shoes: Kelsi Dagger Brooklyn for style and quality. Ecco for sneakers, Born and Sorel for sandals and boots. Many of my favorite shoe brands have disappeared or fallen off in quality: Louise et Cie, Corso Como.  I retain a deep fondness for Talbots, though I rarely buy anything there these days. They were my go to for decades, but don't suit my lifestyle any more. I still check there for whatever is on my shopping list, though. I am very judicious with J Crew and Banana Republic these days. You really have to check the fabric content and read the reviews. The pieces I have bought have become favorites, though. I've tried to like Madewell and Everlane but they just don't seem to work for me. I aspire to Rag and Bone and Club Monaco.  Gaylene on "Your favourite brands?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/your-favourite-brands#post-2248552 Tue, 18 Jan 2022 20:49:14 +0000 Gaylene 2248552@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I’ve been shopping mostly online these past 3 years—fortunately with minimal returns. My go-to brands have been Aritzia, Everlane, Uniglo, Eileen Fisher, Banana Republic, Ecco, AllBirds, Glerups, and Birkenstock. I can return Aritzia and BR items in stores so that makes me inclined to shop their lines. Luckily, I’ve not had to return anything from Everlane so I’m not sure how easy it would be to return items since their shipping to Canada can be slow. I also shop Helly Hansen, Ecco, Patagonia, and Arc’teryx online since all these brands have local stores which take returns. Nordstrom and Simon’s have also been reliable online sources for shoes and European designer lines.  <div> </div><div>I think the main reason online shopping has worked so well for me these past two years is my dawning recognition of how important a good tailor can be in keeping returns to a minimum. If I’m unsure of the sizing, I size up and then talk to my tailor about possible adjustments before resorting to a return. Once I accepted that tweaks and modifications were the norm, online shopping has been good for my smallish wardrobe. I’m fussy about the quality but less concerned about items fitting perfectly off the rack. </div><div> </div><div>Suz, good to hear that J Crew quality is still there. I haven’t ordered from them for a few years because of the returns issue, but I might give them another go. I’m astonished at how well my decade old J Crew cashmere has held up—the sweaters and hoodies are still in regular rotation—as have my tissue turtlenecks and heavier linen T-shirts. </div> Mary Beth (formerly LBD) on "Your favourite brands?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/your-favourite-brands#post-2248550 Tue, 18 Jan 2022 20:45:53 +0000 Mary Beth (formerly LBD) 2248550@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Well... I do most of my shopping secondhand, but most of the pieces I buy are contemporary, and often with the tags still attached.   So... with a grain of salt, because I don't actually shop retail, and have a lot of clothes across a spectrum of price points, but these are the brands that appear again and again in my closet: Clothing:  Banana Republic, Talbots, Wolford, Lauren RL, Ann Taylor, LOFT, Anne Klein, Tahari, Express, French Connection, COS, Club Monaco, Gap.    Shoes:  Stuart Weitzman, Ferragamo, Schutz, and Cole Haan are the big players in my closet.    nuancedream on "Your favourite brands?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/your-favourite-brands#post-2248549 Tue, 18 Jan 2022 20:28:18 +0000 nuancedream 2248549@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Lots of brands are represented in my wardrobe. Here's a small sample: Underwear/bras: Jockey, Wacoal and Natori Tees: Madewell, Sanctuary, Mango Denim: Liverpool, Everlane, BR, Paige Knitwear: Equipment( thrifted), Boden, Marks & Spencer Tailored dress pants: Elie Tahari, Club Monaco Footwear: Franco Sarto, Fly London, Miz Mooz, Cydwoq. Dresses: Veronica M., Boden, Donna Morgan. Taylor Angie on "Your favourite brands?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/your-favourite-brands#post-2248548 Tue, 18 Jan 2022 20:27:16 +0000 Angie 2248548@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ J.Crew is on my list too, Suz :) My brands list is 3 and a half pages. Very long....that’s why I had to type it out!