My brand secrets... - YouLookFab Forum

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My brand secrets...

ironkurtin

Veteran

Here are mine:
- Petit Bateau for nonsheer tees.
- Enza Costa and Christopher Fischer for lightweight cashmere.
- Inhabit for nonfrumpy cashmere shapes.
- Adriano Goldschmeid for colored sateen jeans that are SO soft.
- Bird by Juicy Couture for unexpected sweaters.
- Hanro cotton bras.
- Vera Wang Lavender flat sandals and ballet flats.

And two shopping secrets...
- Yoox for R13 jeans, George Gina & Lucy bags, and European brands that are hard to find anywhere but NYC. Always check the clearance section!
- eBay for cashmere.

Shopping

24 replies

Latest reply was from Gaylene

Adelfa

Veteran

Wow. I only have the barest acquaintance with any of these brands! Thanks, I will enjoy checking them out!

Jenava

(website)

Veteran

Right now my go-to is Everlane for tees, cashmere, and silk shirts. Vince for knit pants, and Anna Beck for jewelry.

Peri

Veteran

I'm going to check all of these, thanks. I have no secrets!

Anonymous

Thank you so much. I will be checking out these brands today.

Grey Rainbow

Thanks for posting this! I love your outfit posts and have learned a lot from you. Memorably, your post on tightly editing a color palette. Appreciate greatly your label and shopping tips!

Greyscale

Veteran

Oh, thanks for reminding me to check Yoox. I don't know why I never think of it.

Anonymous

You are so kind to share these with us!

ironkurtin

Veteran

So far only Jenava has shared hers... speak up, ladies!

Mochi

Veteran

Well, I'm favoriting this. Thanks, Dana!

Mary Beth (formerly LBD)

(website)

Veteran

This is fun! I will definitely take a look at these brands

I'm an inveterate eBay and consignment gal, but I will toss this out there:

Wolford for the longest-lasting tights I have ever owned (3 years and still going strong on a pair of Velvet 66 in black. These are worn at least twice weekly, for about four months of the year, since I got them in fall 2010). I also have some beautiful lace and fishnet tights by them, surprisingly sturdy, and I always get compliments.

Greyscale

Veteran

Uh-oh, I just looked at Yoox and bought a pair of boots and some R13 jeans. Dangerous!

My favorite spot for deals so far has been the Outnet. My favorite places for second-hand designer finds are Wasteland on Haight St in SF and the Crossroads Trading location on Fillmore St.

I need to stock up on basics, but so far I swear by Gap Essential Tees (v-neck) for just wearing around, and I need new layering Ts. The Petit Bateau ones you posted are promising, or some nice Three Dots ones I just found online. It's not a brand secret but my policy with the Gap is to buy their pure materials things (wool sweaters, cotton Ts) and skip all their fast fashion things. Then I can mix it with higher-end items and it all works well.

My favorite bras are Timpa Duet but they are very sheer so they only work for small-medium chests and invisible nipples! But if that describes any of you, check them out. They only last a year or so but they're less expensive than many so I just replace them.

Mo

(website)

Veteran

I have no secrets really. Gilligan O'Malley modal thongs at Target is the first thing that springs to mind. Other than that, I'm an equal opportunity shopper.

Caro in Oz

Veteran

Sarah Pacini
Rundholz
Transit par such
& I agree with LBD about Wolford.

rebekahphoto

Veteran

Thanks for sharing those! I have only a few brand secrets for some classic workhorses:

-Ebay, for out of stock new shoes. and vintage.
-Sierra Trading Post, lots of sales on everything from gear to cashmere. Many overstocks so you never know what will be there.

- Jockey Skimmies, barely there but not shapewear. super with skirts
(and they keep any dreaded rubby-thigh away)
- Chantelle bras. they have lovely lace with super support in larger cup sizes. available with no extra padding if you dont need it.
- La Perla panties. Last and last.
-Superfeet shoe inserts for added arch support
-Smartwool socks, and outdoor gear
-Michael Michael Kors. Good basic knits that last forever
-Anna Scholz. stylish fabrics & plus sizes
-Pendleton Wools, both vintage and new
-Eb5 Face cream. It keeps the wrinkles away and great for sensitive skin
-J.W. Hulme Bags

and for the men:
-Agave Lux, super soft cotton tees
-Danner Leather Boots
-LL Bean Chamois shirts
-LL Bean zip top Boat tote bags.

elpgal

Veteran

Prima Donna bras for non frumpy bras that combat the sag.

dustt

Veteran

ebay - cashmere, Pendleton, & my ralph lauren cotton cable sweaters
wolford tights - yay - I think that's where wonder woman gets hers!!
LL Bean - best pointelle silk long johns!!

Jenava

(website)

Veteran

I second smartwool socks! Oh, and I've never tried Wolford tights, but I do love the extra thick Commando tights for no lines and very comfy tights that last a long time. I have two pair (one for wearing with tall boots since the zipper rubs a rough spot on my calf) that i've had for a year and a half, soon to be two years.

And I do love my superfeet as well. I have a pair for flats and a pair for heels.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I have no secrets, either. I do swear by Smartwool socks.

CocoLion

(website)

Veteran

Thanks for this list! And I also wanted to thank you for the sweater "rub test" you provided in my recent complaint thread.

I've never ordered from Yoox, but upon your suggestion I will try it! I noticed they have Italian and French brands at great prices.

On eBay are you talking about new cashmere or pre-loved?

I just got a super thick mens cashmere sweater from Macy's -- I'm going to give that a go.

ironkurtin

Veteran

I buy both new and used from eBay. Used cashmere is just fine in my experience, from a decent brand.

annagybe

(website)

Veteran

Dieppa Restrepo for very comfortable interesting flats. Size down 1/2 a size.

Anonymous

I'm definitely taking notes here!

I can't think of many brand secrets myself. Hmmm, I really like Banana Republic's ballet flats -- they come in 10 million colors and are delicate-looking, but have a little hidden padding so they're not completely flat. I also love Melissa Joy Manning's jewelry, although I only have one pair of earrings right now. And the sample sales every so often on the Kate Spade website are great.

Anonymous

Hudson, Paige, and Kut From The Cloth jeans. I've found great deals at The Rack.
Target for cotton layering tanks..long enough and reasonably high neckline and arms without alterations.

Gaylene

Veteran

Brora for Scottish cashmere and Bompard for French. Cheap cashmere is not cashmere in their books.

Empreinte for beautiful, supportive bras-- the French understand the purpose of lingerie is to make women of all sizes and shapes look, and FEEL, beautiful

UK brands like Gloverall, Barbour, and Burberry for functional, well-designed outerwear; the Brits understand wind and rain

Canadian brands like Canada Goose, Rudsak, Soia and Kyo, and La Canadienne for functional, but stylish winter wear; Canadians understand winter and Quebecers breath style into it.

JoeFresh for understanding that fast, inexpensive fashion ought to be fun, but still functional enough to survive a season. My $8 Joe T's fit better and have lasted longer than others that were priced 10x more. The same goes for summer tops, skirts, dresses, PJs, and yoga wear. The line has its share of misses, but generally gives good value for its price range.