Leave no retail stone unturned ... but are there exceptions? - YouLookFab Forum

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Leave no retail stone unturned ... but are there exceptions?

minimalist

Veteran

Following some unplanned health-related body changes, and unsure where things will end up, I'm looking to fill some essential gaps. Black jeans, long-sleeve v-neck tees, and so on.

I've done the rounds at Nordstrom et al. Nordies wowed me anew with bra service (that's material for a rave post all its own), but not so much with any options for the boring stopgap pieces I need. And I don't have time or energy to explore much further.

Today I recalled old mail-order places that stocked what kids these days would call "Basic" items, not to be confused with fashion-buyer's use of the term.

So: would you ever buy clothing from Lands End or LLBean? Or do these remain a recipe for frump?

You've shown me how to rock Forever 49, I mean Eileen Fisher, so maybe there's a way to work these or other catalog offerings to my advantage? Or does the collective wisdom say not to bother?

Shopping

30 replies

Latest reply was from Staysfit

Jules

Veteran

I've ordered from Land's End on the theory that they stock basics in a wide range of colours and sizes. In reality their stuff doesn't seem to fit me very well. Their swim suits, when all arrayed in the catalogue, seem like they are offered in "endless options" but when I narrow down to my specific requirements (underwire skirted tankini), I'm left with frumpy - I can do better at a local specialty store. Similar results with the puffers.
I considered ordering a classic plaid flannel plaid shirt from LLBean a couple of winters ago when all they "stylish" options were poor quality or ruffled or whatever, but never got around to it.
For your needs, I think you might as well try?

Jenn

(website)

Veteran

#1,2, and 3 are me in Lands End jeans, which fit me better than any higher end pairs I've tried. In #4, I have on an LL Bean sweater and Lands End skirt. So yeah, no stone unturned.

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lava

Now that I have pulled myself together after LMAO at "Forever 49," I can say that we have seen plenty of forum members looking chic in pieces from places like Lands End. The recipe for success is all about your attitude and how you put things together. Ingredients for this dish can come from anywhere.

Chris987

Veteran

Do try LE and LL Bean. Their stuff, especially LL Bean, is very traditional but it's well made, reasonably priced and if you find things that fit well they can be great basics, assuming you want "traditional" basics. They both have great return policies so the only thing you are risking is your time. Traditional doesn't always have to mean frumpy IMHO but it really depends on your personal style and getting the right fit.

I have a lot of stuff in my closet from LLB, although it's mostly outdoor sporty gear now. In the past I had some basic scoop neck t-shirts that fit well, in nice colors, good fabric, and held up well with repeated washings.

El Cee

Veteran

I have been very lucky with Lands End in terms of bathing suits, and with LL Bean in terms of gear/athletic wear. Their essentials (tees, jeans, etc.) are not particularly flattering on my "hourglassy" shape -- too boxy a fit. But you may find they work for you. Quality is usually good. I have recently had a lot of luck with Gap and Old Navy (both tees and jeans) as well as American Eagle, Eddie Bauer and Loft (for jeans only).

Amy

(website)

Veteran

I've ordered from them. The quality is generally nice, if not fashion forward.

JAileen

Veteran

Well, I guess I might be frumpy. But I have a lot of stuff from Lands End: tees, polo dresses, nightgowns, bathrobe, and swimsuit. They're all kind of basic, and nice quality. The swimsuit in particular is great. We went to Hawaii a couple years ago and I bought a bunch of swimsuit pieces: tops, bottoms, rash guard, coverup. Everything is navy and white and polka dots or stripes. I tried everything on at home, and returned what didn't work to Sears.

The other store I like for basics is Eddie Bauer. I especially like their long sleeve tees. They are part of my winter uniform. I also have some jackets from there. They tend to be very functional which I like. Function, THEN form.

kkards

Veteran

You can/ will certainly find great wardrobe fillers at both of those stores, but imo they both cater to a very certain body type.... I agree with the gap suggestion, also want to add don't overlook Target.

Diana

Veteran

Both LE and LLB cut for a certain body type (tall, more rectangular) so if you fit that, they can look very nice. They're definitely classic, but for basics I don't think that's a bad thing. And the quality (at Bean at least, I don't have anything from LE) is good.

LOL at Forever 49!

Author Linda

Veteran

HaHa, Forever 49! I rely on Lands End for jeans and casual pants. They offer regular jeans in two inseams (30" and 32") and the 32" fits me perfectly. They wear well, accommodate curves, and work well with an hourglass figure. LE tees sometimes work for me and sometimes don't due to length alone. The quality is always good.

I also like LLB for tees and their duck boots. Love my duck boots! Both these companies are great for basics.

DonnaF

Veteran

A lot of LE tends to look frumpy on MY body, but I haven't ordered from them in awhile. I think it is because their waist size and mine don't coincide so YMMV. Their quality can't be beat for the price point. I love the LLBean flannel shirt that I lemminged with everyone else here a couple of years back.

For something that can be hard to fit like jeans, I would definitely leave no stone unturned. I'm lazy so I like one stop returns where I won't get lost (Nordstrom). But if I really wanted well fitting straight leg jeans, I would check out LE, Eddie Bauer, LLBean, Target, Loft, Talbot's and anyplace else that came to mind that might work for my body type. H&M jeans will never get my body. DD22 loves F21 jeans because they get her body and are cheap.

AviaMariah

Veteran

I have ordered quite a few things from Lands End and have been really happy with the quality. I've never tried the jeans but have had great luck with cable knit sweaters, puffer vests and Tshirts. I've heard the same thing about the quality of LLBean. I also ordered quite a few things for my DD (toddler) from Lands End last year and they have all held up beautifully. I plan on ordering from them this year as well. So give them a shot!

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

(website)

Veteran

I was expecting something really out there! To me, LLB/LE are pretty standard, serviceable stores that suit a lot of people. I'm too pear-shaped for most of both of their stuff, although I do have a fair bit of Eddie Bauer (love their curvy jeans).

Do you have access to JC Penney? I think their store-brand lines are stellar for the price these days, and it would be a good option to try if they fit you - Liz Claiborne, etc.

Now, a real challenge would be seeing if you could look current and trendy while only dressing from the Roaman's catalog, or Frederick's of Hollywood, or maybe the Vermont Country Store... Or my favorite from high school, Tractor Supply.

Windchime

Veteran

Angie has featured winter coats from Lands End in the past, particularly their puffer coats, which are very well made and warm. Last winter, several fashion bloggers were showing a couple items from LL Bean, including a really cute plaid insulated vest.

So I would definitely turn over the LE and Bean stones occasionally!

Vildy

Veteran

If you read The Vivienne Files, she always uses core basics from those stores to make up her example wardrobe templates. She and some of her readers say they have cashmere sweaters from ?Beans that have held up for decades. Don't know that that's the case in current times.

Anonymous

I have fit problems with LL Bean, but think the quality is there. Just don't buy their bath towels.

I have a few LE sweaters that I really like, and I bought my DD a jacket from there.

Anonymous

I see nothing wrong with Landsend, LLBean, or Eddie Bauer. My sole reservation is having to pay for return shipping if the pieces don't work out.

Alexandra

(website)

Veteran

I rely on Lands' End for long-sleeved t-shirts and on L.L.Bean for cashmere sweaters. I also have winter jackets from both and they're awesome. These are two stones I would not leave unturned.

Olen

I used to buy most of my clothes at BR and Gap, but lately I've been buying more from Landsend. The quality is so much more reliable! I don't really understand when people call these stores "frumpy". They have a great variety of things you can choose from and it all depend on the fit and on how you style the items.

Gaylene

Veteran

I think stores that are known for their classic, basic styles can be useful IF you are fussy about getting a good fit. To me, the frump factor (By the way, I detest that phrase, but I'll use it because I think I know where you are going with it ) is more related to poor fit than a brand.

Maybe try ordering a similar item--like a long sleeve T--from a few different brands like LL Bean, Lands End, Talbots, Eddie Bauer, Lord and Taylor, Target, etc. and do a comparison to see which catalog/online brand(s) works best for you?

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Forever 49 wins the best YLF line of the week!!! Hilarious!!!

Would I check out these brands for core wardrobe staple items, classic underlayers, coats, etc. Absolutely!!! I'm pretty much sized out of both brands but not 100% and I own a couple of Land's End layering tees, a fabulous flannel shirt from LLBean, and a couple of LE sweaters. It's not fashion forward but it's mostly well made and if it fits you and you have a modern classic style, go for it!! Everything's in the styling.

Thistle

Veteran

Try them!

I don't find that they are cut for my shape so much, but when they are, LLBean especially is fabulous quality.

I buy all DHs tee shirts from these places, and the quality is superb.

Keix

Veteran

Like Suz, I'm mostly sized out of LE and LL Bean, although I've only had extensive try-on experience with Lands' End; but I admire the quality. I find that the fit is consistent across styles, which for me means that the LE size XS is consistently too boxy :/ (Their XS fits like a generous size 2, and the petite sizing is shorter but not narrower.)

Karie

(website)

Veteran

I have some coats from Land's End and LLBean, and the quality and warmth are fabulous. I like some of their sweaters and other cold weather wear too.

Momo

Veteran

I have several Ponte sheath dresses from Lands end that I love. I don't think they are frumpy at all.
I also have had an ll bean coat for years that is to my eye not frumpy

Momo

Veteran

I also swear by lands end bathing suits!

Summer

Veteran

I only have experience of LE, which I sometimes use for the casual/everyday part of my wardrobe.
The quality is excellent - I've had some tops for years, and they still look good - but sizing is really generous. I usually size down by 1 or 2 sizes.
Although not fashion-forward, their styling has improved considerably over recent years, and they are definitely worth a look.
Good luck with your search.

Jaime

I would absolutely buy basics at both of these stores. They are iconic names that I have a positive association for and I am picky about this kind of thing. I do think at each store you need to pick and choose as they do have clothing that caters to an older demo (LE Starfish for ex.) The nice thing about these stores are that clothing at both are guaranteed for life. They are both "no questions asked" return retailers.

I have actually been buying all of my basics at Uniqlo lately. I don't think there is better quality out there for the money. I once read an article explaining how because they are such a big retailer they can negotiate for the best quality fabrics and still keep the price down. I have tees from them that have lasted for several years being washed at least once a week that look better than tees from more upscale retailers that I wash/wear a couple times a year.

milehighstyle (Linda)

Veteran

Sure, they are both worth a try - frump is in the fit and the styling, not the item itself.

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