Hope that potential perfect puffer works out for you, Brooklyn!

I'm nodding along with Suz and La Ped

My Zara items last a long time too. They are also anything but fast for me, somehow. And produce a lot more sustainably than they are given credit for. I did well with Zara this year. Lots of natural fibres.

Some Middle Retailer CURRENT Impressions:

Personally, I'm loving J.Crew post Jenna Lyon. They are doing a stellar job this year and earned my fashion dollar (clients are enjoying them too). I LOVE their colours.

BR is off my radar. Their new "earthy utility" look is not my look. Some clients like it!

Madewell and Club Monaco are great - but only if you like their palettes, which 99% of the time does not mesh with my style

Everlane is always worth a look. Again, the palette has to work for you.

LOVE Boden and can always find something fabulous, and get a good discount. Excellent colours for my style. Lots of "clean, crisp and pretty", which I fancy! Case in point, four new Boden items earned a place in my wardrobe this year. All working extremely well - especially the dress:

Thanks all - some great comments here.

I agree La Ped - the vibe and mood has shifted away from the classic office attire. And towards active wear/ gear. I see people wearing long cotton tiered dresses to work - or slouchy elevated joggers - not pencil skirts and shirts. I also rarely buy in that category either so I should not be surprised that when I do it’s not well stocked or appealing.

I also agree (Suz and Angie) that quality long lasting pieces can be found in fast fashion retailers. In the past I had success at The warehouse and Glassons here - but not so much lately.

I like Veronika Maine a lot - I am a bit wary of buying tailored pieces online due to the risk of fit issues. But I am going to Christchurch in a few weeks where they have a store so I think that’s probably the best option for me for a suit. It’s pricey so I need to be certain which is not a bad thing!

This is interesting. The best mall in Arizona has stopped renewing leases for mid-range retailers such as AnnTaylor, BR, J Crew, etc. They are focusing more on luxury brands, apparently.

The international luxury brands do seem more prevalent - Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Chanel etc. and even the next tier such as Michael Kors.

In the most part I don’t find their offerings to my aesthetic - which is good.