Oh, and waving at Gaylene because while I didn't go shopping with her, I did get to meet her!

And waving right back, Suz. Too bad we talked so much, we forgot to take a picture!

I've had a long term goal to gradually improve the quality of my wardrobe -- even though my budget is not increasing! As a cusp sized woman (14) on a budget, my "upscale" items are those found in Nordie's Point of View, lines like Vince Camuto, Alfani and INC at Macys, and BR. I've only purchased one item at Macy's that hasn't needed a repair within a couple of months, and have had horrible luck with Halogen and Caslon knitwear! Meanwhile, I have a WalMart dress and a few pieces from Kohls that are going the distance.

I'm learning that the more I use the seamstress' eye I inherited from my mother, the better my decisions. I have a greater chance of getting a long-lasting item if I examine the garment for construction, and, even more important, for the "hand" of the fabric. French seams aren't necessary, but loose or uneven stitching and loose threads are a warning sign. Recently, I've discovered a lot of stretch garments assembled with a stitch intended only for more stable wovens. For example, my new Loft moto jacket needs re-hemmed at one wrist --- I'll use a stitch that will accommodate a scrunched sleeve.

Fascinating thread!

While not in the US I have found this an informative thread. I need to be more picky at times too- as price and quality do not always go together.

I also like boutiques with a range of labels.

Very interesting to me, too. I live in a regional area and although we have the chain fashion stores, the stock can be entirely different from the same shops in the city.
I'm really surprised that some might expect clothes to last a few wears. I expect mine to last a few years! Well, maybe not quite that long. Though the poly tops go on forever!

Hi ladies I have not been here in a while

Regarding the chain stores GAP/BR/JCrew. They all have different levels of stores within an area. Where I live there is a JCrew test store that gets the new stuff first, people come from NYC to style the mannequins and the whole store, and I believe the Factory store serves the same function.
Haven't figured out which BR is the "A" level.
There is a GAP that gets the best selection too, others gets stuff later and a smaller selection. Just my observations from a lot of shopping

As for quality of garment equaling the store level, I don't think it equates at all.

Quality in all these stores is all over the place. Some chintzy fabrics and some really nice ones.