Last Minute Shopping Trip-- need a hit list for tommorrow - YouLookFab Forum

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Last Minute Shopping Trip-- need a hit list for tommorrow

Elly

Veteran

Hey Ladies--

I am in desperate need of some last minute help. Something came up and tomorrow morning I am driving the 4 hours to Albuquerque NM. I will do some shopping while I am there. Since my last trip they have added a few more stores. ABQ has a Macy's, Eddie Bauer, Gap, Banana Republic, Loft, REI, ect. There are probably some places I am missing. No Nordstrom, JCrew, or Ann Taylor that I know of. Oopz--- looks like there was an Ann Taylor after all!

I need recommendations for places to hit and items to keep an eye out for--- I haven't been in any of these B&Ms in a little over two years (since until recently the closest were in Phoenix and Denver). Are there any great gems or basics that have popped up in any of these or places you regularly go for certain things?

I am mostly looking for smart casual business clothes, but I could use to stock up on basics like jeans and layering Ts as well. I know I may not be able to purchase in store, but may have to try things on for size and order talls online.

PLEASE TAKE MERCY ON ME! I'm desperate, I'm using my sad puppy face on you all.

Thanks girls---

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17 replies

Latest reply was from Elly

catgirl

Veteran

Gap has good basics in general and always some kind of sale. I find Eddie Bauer a bit frumpy these days, but they have some good basics. I'm sure you know REI. I'd get online and look at everything in all those places beforehand so you have a list in hand of what you want to try on and can ask for help from salespeople. That will maximize efficiency. Banana Republic doesn't fit me well though they have lots of nice things. Also a little overpriced to me. Macy's you should hit up for sure - there are always bargains to be found ,and everything under the sun is there... We don't have one but I go whenever I'm somewhere that does. It's a little overwhelming, though. Sadly I can't speak to AT or Loft since we have none.

GOOD LUCK!

KikiG

Veteran

Do you need ponte pants? If so, check AT, which is the place I've had the best luck in the past year for business and smart casual. I have their jeans, and they work fairly well for me. Also, the sale rack for tanks and tops with no sleeves to layer under jackets.

Sarah

Veteran

banana, gap and loft usually have great sale items. look for coupons online before you go.

CocoLion

(website)

Veteran

Elly -- I was just in San Francisco yesterday, visiting some of the stores available to you in ABQ.

I don't know about the Macy's in ABQ but they have a huge selection of premium denim in the SF store. Because tomorrow is Veteran's Day they have sales going on so make sure you ask the SA for coupons, etc. Also, if you go to their visitor center in SF, you get a coupon for 10% off if you show your out of town drivers license. This is on top of other discounts, but I often use this coupon for full price items. Every bit helps, right?

I spent some time in the Gap and liked what I saw. I tried on some new knit tops and they fit great and were very inexpensive when I added the 40% friends and family discount. (I asked a SA are there any discounts or coupons now, and she told me to tell the cashier that "I am a Gap friend on Facebook and received an email about the F&F 40% off coupon, would you mind extending it to me?" They actually gave it to me a day early because I explained I live far away.

Unfortunately I can't speak to the business casual items at either store since I have a very casual lifestyle. But I can attest to the quality service at both of these stores. They are great about returns at both stores but especially Macy's, if something doesn't work out. Even if you can't get back there for 6 months.

MNsara

Veteran

only a moment to comment that Talbot's has 30% off everything tomorrow, Gap has 40% off everything (for their F&F?), Macy's has printable coupons for 20% off
http://www.macys.com/ (see where you can 'Print Savings Pass'), and Ann Taylor has 40% off when you are on their mailing list (register online in case your store is rigid about this)

Anyway, I just want you to get the most for your shopping $$$

elpgal

Veteran

If there is a Sears, check the Lands End section for basics.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Hit BR, Gap, AT and Macys. Check out this mornings post on layering tops from these stores.

Try on the Sloane fit at BR, and all the stuff that tickles your fancy at AT. Get jeans at the Gap and size down. If you have time, hit the dress section at Macys.

Have fun and drive safely!

Kate

Veteran

You got a good day for sales!!! Check out Chloe's list of all the current sales/deals: http://seechloeshop.com/2011/1.....mber-10th/ (and I think there are more that start on Friday, so maybe check the new list before you leave.

Jenava

(website)

Veteran

Ug, sorry I am no help as my shopping has been limited to my fashion retailer of employment (and we're not in your list...sorry!!).

Just wanted to say have FUN with your shopping! Let us know what you get!!

Inge

(website)

Oh, that's a fun opportunity, Elly (and just look at that doggie!-)

How about keeping an eye out for some interesting accessories you can use as the finishing touch for all your outfits (work and casual). A great (patterned) scarf, e.g., and a gorgeous necklace (Ann Taylor always has fab ones on their website, perhaps you can get them in store too?). Maybe a new work bag if you're in the market for one?
A pair of boots or booties?

e.g.
http://www.anntaylor.com/ann/p.....Color=3019

http://www.anntaylor.com/ann/p.....Color=6001

Have a great day and do report back!

sarah

Veteran

Adding to what Angie said, I'd also hit the Loft. They have some great blazers right now as well as woven tops for wearing under them.

Elly

Veteran

Thank you all for your help! I got back from the trip yesterday and took a bit of time to sleep off two marathon days of shopping. I had a short meeting in ABQ I had to be there for, but we shopped like crazy. In addition to clothing, I was also looking at digital cameras and I desperately needed to decided on a new laptop so I could get off my ancient loaner after my laptop had a meltdown a while back. I'll give you all a quick rundown-- but I just wanted to let you all know that all the suggestions made for an easier shopping trip than it would have been otherwise.

First, we went to 3 major camera shops, only to find that they don't carry the models I wanted to look at--- but apparently Best Buy does! I was irritated.

I got a computer! Woohoo!!

Now on to the stuff that you are actually interested in. I saved some money on my returns by returning in person at a couple stores.

Unfortunately, Macy's was a bust. I had forgotten how horrible the Macy's in ABQ are compared to Phoenix, Denver, ect. They don't even sell jeans other than their house brands and Levis. Few business clothes, a lot of cheap polyester.

There is a "new" shopping center which has the AT, Loft, ect. The shopping center itself was very nice.

I learned that I was "Kate" fit in pants my loft (maybe with a little nip in the waist) and a signature fit at Ann Taylor. Of course, I am going to have to order online because they don't sell talls in the stores. Not a single jacket fit. I need a 14 in the shoulders both places and maybe an 8 everywhere else. I am not sure what I am going to do there, because that is a 75-100 alteration, if it can be done (which makes a 75 dollar polyester blazer 200 dollars, and a nicer blazer into a 300 dollar piece).

Also, I had a slight issue with fabrics. The rayon poly blends that are washable are idea for my lifestyle--- but they tend to be a little silky/drapey/thin and read dressy for the new workplace. I fell in love with a pair of nubby wool trousers, but they were unlined and there is the dry cleaning issue when you never know when you will be kneeling in dirt.

BR was a bust--- all three fits are just a little two slim in the behind and thighs. Sizing up would work, but there are a lot of alterations to do. I tried on several of the layering tops from Angie's list but had issues. It could be that I really need a tall. However, they just weren't flattering on me.

Gap was interesting. They had the long and leans. They fit alright, but weren't very flattering. There were no always skinny or any of the other popular styles in either of the two stores. I tried a pair of high rise skinnies and loved the fabric, but once again had an issue with too much behind and thighs. Sizing up is tricky, because I don't actually have really full hips and can end up with way two much "front fabric".

I also shopped at Eddie Bauer, WHBM, and NY and CO.

I bought a pair of tone-on-tone black striped rayon/poly slacks that will need a nip in the waist. These would work for interviewing or gallery openings/funerals, ect. I think they read too dressy for work and would show everything. Great price compared to LOFT though for what is essentially the same product. I liked the cut.

Thank you all for your help!

Patty

Veteran

Wait--back up the truck--you have a new job??? Wahoooo for you!!!

Elly

Veteran

Nope

Patty

Veteran

Then WHOOPS for me! Wrong interpretation <:+(

But great that you got outta Dodge for change!

catgirl

Veteran

Lots of learning, Elly - that's a good thing. Now you have an idea of how those brands work for you. So what's the "new workplace" (to echo Patty)?

Elly

Veteran

Well, I don't want to pat myself on the back yet-- I found out that the place I've been waiting on finally has money to hire someone. I spoke to the head of the department and she encouraged me to interview and to come in for an big event soon-- so I should be doing both of those at the end of the month. Not a sure thing, but I'm hoping.

I have an order coming in on Wed with a couple shirts, jackets, and undergarments and if everything fits I will have my interview outfit completed. Then in 2-3 weeks I should know if I am being hired-- I've started planning on what I would like to add to my wardrobe if I get the position (since I'm familiar with the workplace) but trying very very hard not to put the cart before the horse. Can you tell I really, really want this job?

On one hand I should be a shoe-in since I know the organization and have experience with the collections-- I can only hope that no one with an advanced degree or a lot of experience in the field wants to work in the boonies for less money that that degree or experience would generally net them. In this economy though, you never know!

Right now I have a great pair of oxfords, a pencil, and a pair of black slacks--- I really need to fit some tops for the interview-- I'm hoping I found them!