No retail stone unturned: COLDWATER CREEK??!!

I never shop at Coldwater Creek. To be honest, I have somewhat negative associations of "frumpy" and "old lady" when it comes to the place, but wanted to investigate Ally's dress from her blog post on Wardrobe Oxygen this morning.

http://www.wardrobeoxygen.com/.....night.html

So, I started clicking around and found a few unexpected pieces with some potential. I don't have the time to go back and link to all of them, but I am attaching pics of two items that caught my eye. I'll admit, I ordered the cardigan - no one's more surprised than I am! I think paired with something other than the glitter Christmas tree top shown in the picture (you think?), it has the potential to rival similar looks by higher-end designers that I've seen at ShopBop or Piperlime.

Coldwater Creek also carries plus sizes, FYI.

Perhaps they're trying to attract a younger demographic? Don't get me wrong - there's still plenty of frumpy stuff to pick from, but it was kind of fun to find the needles in the haystack.

This post has 2 photos. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.

If you aren't a member, but would like to participate, please consider signing up. It only takes a minute and we'd love to have you.

11 years ago

Charmian

Veteran

Angie always says leave no retail stone unturned! I remember being shocked when she linked to something from ... I think it may have been Columbia? Or Eddie Bauer. Either way, one of those sporty clothing retailers.

I think you've got a great eye to see the potential in those two pieces! I'm not sure I would have walked into Coldwater Creek, but that sheath is definitely calling to me. Minimal, white/black, graphic ... totally me!

Kristin SF

I go there every year with my mom for the after Christmas sales (for her) and somehow I always leave the store with something for me, surprisingly.

This year, oddly enough, it was 2 art box sets for my kids, at 50% off. A great score and my daughter was thrilled.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Coldwa.....2579fdfec6

Thistle

I would not have expected either item you linked to at Coldwater Creek. I wonder if they carry different merchandise on line than in the store.

Still, a great find!

Anonymous

I definitely think it varies store to store. I found these items online, but they're not available at any CC stores within a 150-mile radius. Go figure!

pil

I'm happy with my dress and black ponte slacks from there. I've found sizing to be tricky though, some things seem to run big and others not so much.

http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....am-wearing

MsMary

Wow, that's an awesome dress!

Funny true story: Some years ago I was in Coldwater Creek looking for something to wear to a Christmas party. I was quite a bit heavier and my hair was its natural gray. I looked around and thought "Holy cow, this is where all the frumpy old ladies shop!" Then I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror and realized I fit right in! LOL

Pil - That's a great dress, very flattering ... definitely another example of a good find!!

Kristin L

I love the dress and cardigan. I had always considered it a bit mature fr my taste, but a few years back I found a cute flyaway cardigan and to me it didn't look old or frumpy! And I think you'll find something better than the Christmas tree top to wear underneath the cardi.

Isabel

WHAT ????? Are you punking me ??? Chico's is like that sometimes, as is JJill. ( what a FAB dress, btw )

ETA : There are some AWESOME dresses. I have a wedding in early Fall to attend. I am going to go try on some dresses and with the Plus sizes, my sister can get something too.

Thank you sooooo much !

ruthe

Active Member

Lovely dress. I like their pencil skirts. If you find something you like online, but go into the store, they'll order the item for you and waive the shipping cost. Found this out accidentally.

eds

I agree, CC does carry a lot of frump... but I have gotten some great pieces there! I would love to see more natural fibers... quality varies... fit can be boxy, but definitely worth keeping an eye on.

rae

(website)

Really pretty sweater! Seeing a lot of that style by Splendid, Free People and the like. You can definitely style it in your own way.

Beth Ann

I still check out Coldwater Creek. They do seem to be a little more upscale in your styling in the last year or two. Their sizing is generous, generally speaking, although I find they cut for an apple or rectangle and don't seem to allow room for and flatter hourglasses quite as well.

No retail stone unturned! Just keep your "style eye" engaged and you'll do great!

Day Vies

Definitely leave no stone unturned. This is super cute! I am expecting a similarly styled dress from dorothyperkins.com which I scooped up for about $40.

Jjsloane

I've found things there over the years. I am so a fan of no retail left unexplored especially since I like my own "eclectic" mix. As Isabel says though items vary but there are some gems and they have amazing sale options.

Nicole D

Thanks for posting that - just goes to show that fashionable piecescan be found everywhere, with a good eye and a sense of one's own style goals.

carolbee

Thats no ordinary cardigan. I would love that - why don' t we have some of these shops in Oz!!

Ginkgo

Last year I bought a beautiful boucle knit asymmetrical sweater at Coldwater Creek -- it's worth zipping in there and taking a look around.

goldenpig

I agree, I always think of Coldwater Creek as "old lady" store but those pieces look nice!

Anna

I go into a CC outlet store near my home every few months. My one treasure is a white cotton wrap blouse with a straight peplum. I wear it to death and it's very flattering. On sale for only $5. Doesn't get much better!

There's a lot of frump at CC, but also some treasure. You just have to look. I've managed to find quite a bit of clothing there. It pays to keep your eyes peeled and check regularly.

Echo

I think the difference is finding occasional treasures at places like CC (the dress and sweater you posted are fabulous), and dressing exclusively from the store. The CC "uniform" tends to involve "teacher sweaters" (no offense to stylish teachers!) and frump, but you have really demonstrated that fashion gems can be found anywhere. I hope they work out for you when they arrive!

Amy

My favorite white blouse is from Coldwater Creek. You just have to pick and choose there.

Update on the cardigan: total fail. Not nearly as lush and cozy as I imagined it would be. Poor quality, hung funny.

Category