Same old stores! from teens to 30-something

I am 35 and find myself attracted to the style of Gap, Jcrew, Banana Republic, Ann Taylor Loft etc.......THE PROBLEM is so are my nieces - who range from early teens to early twenties (I have lots) and find myself almost embarrased to be wearing the same things they are!!! Is it wrong to want something that only my age is allowed to purchase ?:)
We have a huge outlet close to here.......and I was totally pumped when a Jcrew store was opened and thought "finally, a store that maybe I can buy and feel confident that my 12 year old niece isn't going to show up in the same outfit" AND of course, that didn't happen and now my sis-in-law who is 45 is starting to shop there, and trust me, it's not her style what so ever!!! What's a girl to do???? I would just like to look classic and stylin' without hoping that everyone under the sun is going to be sporting the same.......and that's not even concerning when there is a "sale" for sure many I know will be picking the item up at that point....Frustrated in MI

18 years ago

Nicole

Veteran

I hear ya, especially about seeing other people wearing the same thing. At my husbands 20th year reunion, I had 3 women tell me they owned the same blouse I was wearing. Thankfully, they didn't wear it that night! Its one of the reasons I hesitate buying anything at Ann Taylor Loft.

I don't see too many teenagers shopping at Ann Taylor Loft though. Around here, most of the teens shop at Abercrombie, American Eagle, Gap, Old Navy, theme stores like Hot Topic and stores that carry a junior department--like Macy's and Kohls. Gap and ON don't even have junior sizing--which blows my mind since those stores are always brimming with teens.

I do feel like there is a need for some fresh stores. Since Gap, ON, BR and piperlime are all owned by the same company--I'd like to see one huge store that sells all those products.

Active Member

Me too..........nothing like going to a get-together and recognizing 3 shirts/sweaters on your relatives - you're right, not as many repeats from Ann Taylor loft......there needs to be a thirty something store.....not too trendy but carry different items, more unique........I have a hard time accessorizing to make a look more mine......

mayapple

Hmm it seems to me more like the teens you know are pretty sophisticated. When I was a teenager in the not-so-distant past, I wouldn't be caught dead in one of those shops. I shopped at places like Delia's, Alloy, Hot Topic, Joyce Leslie, Zumiez, and Scream (that might be a local place). These places were meant for teenagers, but I definitely knew a lot of girls who wanted to look older and more snazzy.

I remedy this problem by just getting my basic pieces--things I'll use and reuse for a long time--from places like BR and J. Crew. Who's going to know if you get a plain black cardigan from one place vs. another, after all?

But then I'll mix it up with thrift store finds and vintage pieces. Dressing yourself entirely in vintage or thrifty pieces is a strict no-no, but just one piece at a time can make a huge impact. I like my accessories to have a story and to start a conversation, and not just be something I bought for the sake of having a statement piece. Etsy is a fabulous place to look for original accessories. It's all handcrafted, but not grandmotherly. Some of the jewelry is really stunning and totally unique. Ebay is good too. Just mix things up some more.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Start selecting affordable brands at department stores. Nordstrom, Bloomingdales, Saks and Neiman Marcus are just the beginning. Macys is great if you head for the sophisticated area. There’s also a multitude in Euro stores that can be explored, but this will depend on where you live?

I live in MI ........I don't get to dept. stores much because it's a 30 min. drive and I have 2 little tag-alongs to keep happy also....but maybe I should, it'd be worth it if I can find some alternative to Gap, BR, Jcrew.......I forgot about Etsy! Do they have clothes to? I have just looked at crafts.......where is a great place to find vintage? And, because I'm new at the vintage thing but would like to try it, how do I know it works for me or its just not an old item?? I'd love to develop my style......I don't like to stand out but definitely would like to look put together, effortlessly, and do it so it's everyday not just once in a while have that look, I'd like my whole wardrobe to reflect me.....any advice?
BTW, thank you for this forum, I love it! and it has helped me tremendously!

I think Etsy has clothing but I prefer it for accessories. The clothing is a little precious, but the jewelry is really stunning sometimes. I really wanted this ring but unfortunately they sold out http://fashionisspinach.com/images/0308/rings5.jpg

I guess I take my location for granted sometimes and forget that not everyone lives within a 2 minute walk to a vintage shop. I'm sure there is no shortage of vintage stores online, but the usual issues with shopping online crop up, and refunds might be a problem. This is less of an issue if you just go for accessories though, which is what I do. I just won this amazing vintage handbag on ebay, so it's worth a look there too: http://www.auctiva.com/hostedi.....8;format=0

The same rules about finding what works for you apply across the board. Getting an ill-fitting dress isn't going to work just because it's old.

I'm really pushing accessories because I think they are ultimately what will take what you already have and make it your own. Even if every woman in the room is wearing the same black sheath dress, it will look radically different with different accessories. Shoes, bags, jewelry, scarves, hats, sunglasses are all things to consider.

LOVE that yellow bag! I'm glad that you like this forum dt.

You're right, I am going to start accessorizing! I really don't have much on hand because I never bought much before! That's what I will start doing more of......and my basics will probably be that much better, that's exciting! I love the idea of vintage......but it will have to be online so if anyone has any great websites I'd like to hear about it! Thanks for the help

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