Flip side...any brands with consistently high quality? - YouLookFab Forum

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Flip side...any brands with consistently high quality?

Peri

Veteran

Thinking backwards from the poor quality posts! I'm sure any brands can have some misses, but it seems there are quite a few quality complaints about Ann Taylor, Loft and J Crew.

The bulk of my winter shopping was done with Nordstrom online, but the brands were all different. I don't think I have an answer, I was just wondering what you all think.

General

31 replies

Latest reply was from Alassë

fuzzylogic

Veteran

Cue and Veronika Maine (same parent company I believe).

lyn*

(website)

Veteran

I have been fairly happy with some of the Anthropologie brands - "Moulinette Soeurs" and "Maeve"

Susie

Veteran

I've been pleased with the quality of Eileen Fisher, though many of the pieces are still pretty pricey.

For basic long sleeve cotton tees that I wear for layering, I've had good luck with JJill and Eddie Bauer.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Theory, with two exceptions -- the cut of their new urban stretch trousers, and one sweater I have that pilled inexplicably early on -- although on the plus side, it almost as quickly stopped pilling (i.e. it never got worse than on that first wear and despite that small bit of pilling has proved a durable workhorse item.)

Anonymous

I'll second Susie on most Eileen Fisher. One cashmere sweater has pilled but probably not anymore than most; and some fabrics are delicate and snag too easily. The sizing is inconsistent.
I'm actually happy with the quality of Target, especially Merona. Tees and jeans have held up well. However, my expectations were low.
Classiques Entiere, Kut From the Cloth, Tahari, Hudson jeans and Citizens of Humanity come to mind as good quality. So do Sam Edelman, Ecco, La Canadienne and even MeToo footwear.

DonnaF

Veteran

My Dansko Pros seem pretty indestructible. Leather has worn off the toes, but a coat of shoe polish mostly covers it.

annagybe

(website)

Veteran

Not a whole brand but a specific item

http://www.target.com/p/mossim.....t=large_1_

I wear one under my scrubs everyday. Wear once, wash once. They've held up amazing well.

ETA I really like ACNE foot wear.

deb

Veteran

Peruvian Connection, their layering tees are the best and I have been buying their u-neck 3/4 sleeve cotton tees for years. I wish the came in more cplprs, like they used to.

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

(website)

Veteran

Merona brand from Target. Some of Nordstrom's house brands - Caslon, Halogen, etc. (probably not BP). Classiques Entier, Tahari and T Tahari. Eileen Fisher for sure, some of the house brands at Macy's. They may not be fashion forward but there are some brands at Kohl's which wear like iron in my experience: Chaps, Croft & Barrow, etc.

Carla

Veteran

I've got some workhorse Jones (of NY) stuff-grey winter man coat, navy sheath dress, straight leg jeans. Lauren (a line of Ralph Lauren) seems to 'get me' and wear well. Also Liz Claiborne and DKNY. I am also enormously happy with my Danier products so far. The most represented line in my closet is a Sears line called Jessica-grey twirly skirt, snow leopard pencil, black pencil with (faux) leather panel, white jean jacket, chambray shirt, LBD and very low CPW for items in high rotation.

Franco Sarto has never let me down for sandals and boots. Clark's and Naturalizer for shoes.

I tend to be real fussy about fabric content and workmanship (I used to sew a lot) and am a leather snob when it comes to footwear.

cciele

Veteran

Frye boots. They wear like iron and age wonderfully!

Laurinda

Veteran

Clothing can vary on an item to item basis -- and once you know a piece will stand the test of time, they are no longer making the same thing. So I favor stores that stand behind the quality of their merchandise: Kohls, Eddie Bauer, Lands End, LLBean and Nordstrom come to mind.

Emily

Veteran

I've been pleasantly surprised by the quality of knits from Ricki's (Canadian retailer), particularly their synthetic blends. They are soft and wash/wear well for the price, usually <$40.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

From my own wardrobe experience:

Theory - anything.

LAMB Jackets

Soia & Kyo Outerwear

Dr. Martens

J.Crew Coats and Cashmere.

Vince Knitwear.

Smythe jackets

Marc Jacobs jeans, pants and knitwear.

Kate Spade pants and bags.

Anne Fontaine shirts.

J.Brand jeans.

AG jeans.

DVF blouses.

Tory Burch Knitwear.

Brooks Brothers shirts.

AE Sweats.

B.P. Camisoles.

Uniqlo Heat Tech Thermals.

That's all I can come up with before my second cup of tea. xo

ironkurtin

Veteran

I'm really fussy about what I buy even within my beloved brands. I've been really pleased with:

- Inhabit cotton and cashmere
- vintage Helmut Lang
- Enza Costa linen
- Eileen Fisher (which doesn't fit me anymore, I am actually sad about this)
- AG sateen jeans
- James Perse knit jackets
- Freelance boots
- Costume National shoes

Classically Casual

Veteran

Patagonia has never let me down. Their stuff wears forever. I'm in the 2nd winter of a fake fur jacket made from recycled bottles or something that I think Iron Kurtain originally mentioned. Love it, and it looks good as new. Parkas and other gear items are just as durable. Wish they made more street clothes for women.

And, strangely, clothing from Costco can be amazingly good. I bought a lavender v-neck cashmere sweater last winter whose cashmere has been every bit as good as sweaters that were much more expensive.

Wish I could also mention mainstream brands, but like everyone else's experience, it's hit and miss.

neatnic

I keep returning to the following for their quality:

Ella Moss tops
Maeve tops (Anthropologie brand)
Madewell booties and belts
Rockport boots
Everlane sweaters
Gap (specific item) Bowery T-shirts
Anyi Lu shoes
Levis (specific item) Curve ID jeans
Hanky Panky (specific item) V-kinis
Prima Donna bras
Corso Como shoes
Hayden Harnett bags

Anonymous

Thank you all for these wonderful tips. I will be checking them out in 2014 and hope to has as good luck as you did.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Paige Denim
Fossil for belts, bags and boots
Frye
Theory
Aquitalia
Calvin Klein (I have pieces from years ago that are still holding up really well)

Those come to mind quickly. I'm probably forgetting some.

gryffin

Veteran

Peri - thank you for starting this!! I was thinking of doing that last night!! I think this is the list we really need!!

Lucky brand jeans
Peruvian Connection
Merrill clogs
Ariat boots
Uggs (only know - cortonas, belcloud, adirondak, ashdale)
Eileen Fisher
Helmut Lang Jackets (so far very pleased)
Stuart Weitzman
Coach bags
Danskin leggings
JCrew (jackie cotton shell)
Theory
Jeffrey Campbell boots
Aquatalia
La Canadienne
Suzi Roher belts
I'm sure there is more but that's my best for now

kkards

Veteran

great lists, and there are many brands that i haven't heard of, so i'm making a list of brands to check out.

on my list
clothing jcrew, theory, tory burch, merona (target), vince, micheal starr
footwear agl, stuart wietzman, donald pliner

Peri

Veteran

Thank you all. Wow, lots to check out...I've hardly shopped any of these! What in the world have I been buying?!

SandyG

Veteran

Th Aussie brand, I O Merino, has great tanks, tees and hoodies. They get used for active gear, wardrobe workhorses and travel separates, and they're all PERFECT and long lasting. A chunky Juicy cashmere cardigan gets worn hard and looks good after 5 years. It's my only Juicy so I don't know about other items. I run cold and virtually live in these since I found them.

Thistle

Veteran

I need to check out Target!

rebekahphoto

Veteran

Kut jeans
dkny--(good for busty, plus size)
Eileen Fisher (the generous sizing is a positive here for me)
Chantelle lingerie
ll bean (gear) & tough mens wear
Naot shoes
Rockport
Sebago boots
Frye
Vintage Coach--my favorite bag is a domed satchel from their Italian line from the early 90s--it is amazing
Anyi lu Heels
j crew cashmere

Mo

(website)

Veteran

yeah, surprisingly, Target stuff does hold up well. My white shorts I wear all the time in summer and wash a LOT are Mossimo Supply Co. I also have the layer tanks Anna linked to. None of these items cost me more than $5 and they are holding strong after several FL summers.
My True Religion jeans are all good to go, but I can't say I've ever had jeans split or become holey on me.
Some Gap (my ubiquitous purple shorts) and Old Navy stuff (cotton tops & sweaters mostly) is also going strong with high wear.

Mo

(website)

Veteran

As I just finished laundry it dawned on me - how could I forget the Arizona tees from JCPenney?? I bought 3 or 4 for the BF probably 5 years ago. He wears them every week. To sleep, to lounge, to layer. And they look brand new. No twisting seams, no holes along seam lines, no fading, no piling. It's absolutely amazing really. Several other brands half self destructed in 1/3 of the time, or much less. And, yeah, they cost $5 each

JayS

Veteran

Here's my list:
Donald Pliner - I have boots and heels that are going strong
Chie Mihara shoes - pricey but so unique and comfortable
Gentle Souls shoes - heavenly comfort and well made
Marc by Marc Jacobs handbags - the leather really holds up
Pilcro denim - an Anthro brand. They make my favorite jeans.
Soma - disappearing edge undies. No vpl and they hold up well.
Soma - cool nights sleepwear. Love these..I sleep hot.
Tsubo shoes - have 5+ pairs and they are all going strong.
Theory silk blouses - love these.
They aren't available anymore, but I've been blown away by the quality of the Missoni for Target items. The knitwear has worn extremely well. Wish their other designer lines were made as well.

Mia

Veteran

These brands have been good in my experience although the last tops from DKNY are not up to snuff so they are on "probation"

Calvin Klein socks
DKNY (dresses especially)
Hugo Boss
James Jeans
Miu Miu shoes/boots

I have some ancient Versace and the quality is amazing.

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