Stores to replace J Crew and Banana Republic? - YouLookFab Forum

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Stores to replace J Crew and Banana Republic?

Carey

I've been losing weight after having been a plus size for many years. I'm hoping to drop into regular sizes during the next few months so I visited J Crew and Banana Republic recently, two favorite stores from fifteen years ago. I was surprised and disappointed by what I found. I like a tailored look and I appreciate quality fabrics, but what I found seemed cheap and looked a little too junior to me.

I was so excited about getting a new wardrobe of modern classics, but now I don't know where to go. Is there anything out there more adult than Forever 21 and less expensive than Brooks Brothers?

Shopping

40 replies

Latest reply was from Carey

Staysfit

Veteran

JCrew Collection may be middle ground, and more mature. Anne Taylor and Loft? White House/Black Market.

njw

Halogen line from Nordsroms altho I think their items (and have had clerks say same) are cut on the smaller side and the skirts are often too short for me (50 plus). I don't think I have a specific go to store but from a variety of stores i.e. Loft, Ann Taylor, Anthro,, Chicos (mainly just black pants), and Old Navy once in awhile.

Anonymous

White House Black Market and if you search you may find some nice things at Express.

Anonymous

I wanted to weigh in and say I feel similarly about J Crew and Banana Republic. I have been so disappointed in the quality. I have never tried White House Black Market.

Tanya

Veteran

For really beautiful quality tailored suiting, Theory can not be praised enough. They are pricey though, but not terribly so.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I've been really underwhelmed by those stores for a while now. I've been having some disappointment with how some JCrew knits are coming through the wash, and their pants never fit me.

Is there a Nordstrom near you? I wonder if maybe their house lines of Halogen, Caslon, Classiques Entier, etc. might be a good alternative for you.

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

I've been leaning more towards fewer items, higher quality but I dress so casually that Everlane, Current Elliott and AG Jeans can nearly cover all my needs. I do find things at Jcrew (like the field jacket I love) that are higher quality, but not the knits and I never have worn their pants. I buy some things at Loft but it's usually a one season thing or I just luck out.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Interesting!

I have to disagree. I'm finding that the mainstream retailers are doing a MUCH better job than designers at the moment (say over the last year or so). Quality is good and design integrity is spot on. I can't tell you how disappointed I've been with designer wear the last 18 months - and just about nothing has tickled my fancy despite willing to fork out the money.

Ann Taylor looks GREAT at the moment and the quality does hold up - my clients can attest to it. BR and JC the same. The only designer wear I was interested in last year was from J.Crew! The Loft's quality is dicey, so consider yourself warned.

Brooks Brothers quality is stunning but can be overly classic. You need to add the punch.

WHBM, BCBG, H&M, Zara, Madewell, Anthropologie, Aritzia and Express are always worth a look. And Club Monaco too - but their sizes run very small.

Nordstrom does a good job with Theory, Classiques Entier, Lafayette, Vince Camuto, Eileen Fisher, Ted Baker and their house brands.

Generally though, the quality of knitwear is very inconsistent no matter where you buy it or what the price point. Don't buy cheap cashmere though. It will pill on the first day of wearing it.

Anonymous

I totally agree with you re; JCrew and Banana Republic. I do think though that it makes a difference in what kind of store you're in. A, B or C market store sizes. JCrew looks great in the catalogue and on-line but I never find anything in the store worth trying on. Just a year ago, I was a devoted BR customer and liked a lot of the things in the store in my area, even though it's a B or C level store. But this past fall/winter? And now? Yikes - poor quality fabric, uninteresting design, and they are all about jeans now, which you can find anywhere. Nothing there other than the jewellery and some outerwear appeals to me now. I can't find pants that fit me in either store, and I am a very average size and body shape. I'm in Canada though, and we have even fewer chain stores to choose from than you do. I wish you good luck - and the excitement that goes along with putting together a new wardrobe. Sorry to hijack this thread with my complaining

LaPed

Veteran

Second Everlane. Fit can be hit or miss, but the size guides are good. Maybe check out Zady too.

There are a handful of items that J Crew and BR do really well, and a whole lot of junk. (eg BR is one of the last places to offer *lined* wool trousers at an easy pricepoint. J. Crew still makes *real* chinos, not just skinny/stretchy cotton pants.)

Brooks Brothers has the Red Fleece line, still good quality, but more along the lines of Crew/BR pricing. I think the styles skew a little younger, but definitely not in a juniors way.

retailgirl

Veteran

I love brooks brothers but I agree with Angie, very classic. Their spring line, so far, has a little more oomph. Their 346 or outlet store line is nice quality, if you live near a BB outlet store. But there's no need to ever pay full price at BB, get a charge from them and they have 25 or 30 percent off events often. And you accrue rewards points.

kkards

Veteran

I just wanted to add that Jan is probably not a great time to judge any retailers offerings.....its usually the time of year when retailers try to have the lowest amount of inventory on hand, so the new stuff is often slim pickings, and the old stuff is, well, the stuff that didn't sell at Christmas. go back again in late feb early March, you may feel differently.
also, if you like more classic styles, try Talbots, you have to be willing to shop, but you can find some good basics....again, if you are willing to shop, I've gotten high quality/good value at the Gap.

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

(website)

Veteran

Talbots can veer a little preppy-frumpy, but if you like Brooks Brothers it's a good, slightly cheaper alternative. I agree that Nordstrom's house lines can be a good bet as well - Classiques Entier if you need something more business formal, Caslon and Halogen if you don't. If you really want to watch your budget, JCPenney's house lines are surprisingly good - Liz Claiborne and Worthington primarily. The only other department store I bother with these days is Lord & Taylor - online for me, since I'm not near a store; their house brands are good and they carry a lot of brands and exclusive pieces that Nordstrom doesn't, always.

I actually feel like more and more stores have much nicer stuff online than in person. I'm sure it depends on where you live and what stores you go to, but I almost always feel like I'm getting better value for money, and better quality fabrics, when I order online (even if I end up returning some things because of fit issues).

You might want to try some of the newer direct-to-consumer companies, too - Everlane for tees and silk tops, ditto Grana, Nisolo and M Gemi for shoes, MM LaFleur for officewear.

gryffin

Veteran

I also love Theory for suits and jackets. Eileen Fisher, Vince, Helmut Lang for jackets (but not this year, since they changed design teams), Nordstroms - you never know what you will find. Kate Spade for light coats. I gave up on AT long ago and since I keep things for a much longer time than most, quality I don't usually buy much at the chains, although keep an open mind - I found an amazing leather moto jacket at Madewell. Emerson Fry, expensive but very good quality knits, limited selection. Have not tried the coats but, if you like men's wear, they looked very nice. First Everlane order is in the mail. Curious. That's pretty much it for me. Hope that helps!!

LaPed

Veteran

Another thought -- Uniqlo!

Especially the designer collections. The IDLF line reminds me a lot of what Gap/JCrew/etc were like ten-fifteen years ago. Crisp, classy, well-constructed, and not highway robbery.

catgirl

Veteran

The L.L. Bean signature collection has some nice items - I got two pairs of lined plaid wool pants there that I LOVE.

Runcarla

Veteran

If it is work wear, Ann Taylor is quite lovely right now. If you are still changing weight and don't wish to over invest, check out Express. Their editor pant comes in a variety of fabrics and colours and in barely boot cut style and ankle pant. Reitman's (a Canadian brand) is marketing a mix and match 5 piece capsule that is very work appropriate and very affordable.

The Gap and BR in downtown Toronto is all about jeans this season. The windows are all jeans, striped shirts and Jean jackets, sweaters, or motos.

Runcarla

Veteran

If it is work wear, Ann Taylor is quite lovely right now. If you are still changing weight and don't wish to over invest, check out Express. Their editor pant comes in a variety of fabrics and colours and in barely boot cut style and ankle pant. Reitman's (a Canadian brand) is marketing a mix and match 5 piece capsule that is very work appropriate and very affordable. (sample below)

The Gap and BR in downtown Toronto is all about jeans this season. The windows are all jeans, striped shirts and Jean jackets, sweaters, or motos.

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Helena

Veteran

Following with interest; its hard to find nice age appropriate stuff on a mall budget! I find less and less I can rely on the store or brand, and more I have to evaluate piece by piece.

Colette

Veteran

I know what you mean about the quality not being what it used to at these stores, but I find it to also be true everywhere, across all price points and designers. TG made a good point about evaluating items piece by piece and not by the store or brand. When I got serious about updating my wardrobe and started doing initial reconnaissance a few years ago I had the same feeling as you and it took a loooong time for me to get used to shopping in the 'new world'. It just takes time.

BrieN

Veteran

Over the last couple of seasons I found that J.Crew had some nice pieces, but that they are all cut for a very straight body type. Each season I try on a few things from there and nothing suits my curvy self.

I actually noted this in a feedback form for JCrew and they wrote me back stating that they are making changes to their offerings. I understand they have been losing money over the last few years. I am interested to see what the future holds. The last catalogue however went right into the recycling.

I have had some luck at The Limited. While their quality is nothing to write home about, their price point makes it easier to try a new look.

Anonymous

It's so dodgy out there, especially with knitwear. There is definitely a sense of needing to cross your fingers after buying just about anything at any price point. My best quality winter 'knits' are my sweatshirts (so sad!) and I often think, "maybe I should do the sporty luxe trend so I can wear sweatshirts all the time" (again, so sad!)

I'm sorry I don't have great advice for brands. The only wool sweaters I feel confident about quality are Saint James, but the good styles are limited.

gradfashionista

(website)

Veteran

I agree with you about J. Crew. I absolutely loved the line a few years ago, but became disenchanted by the quality of the fabric and workmanship. Buttons coming off within a few wears, holes in my t-shirts, split seams, fabric tears, etc. I'm not hard on my clothing and I don't wear tight clothing, so I was not at fault. When I visited a store recently, I was disappointed to see how the company has replaced many of its natural fibers with artificial ones in their sweaters and dresses. Their Collection items are nicer but are expensive for what they are.

I have spent $50 on return shopping for Everlane. The fit is just so off. I imagine that if you have very slender arms, and a straight body with an average/short torso, their clothes will work for you.

In my limited experience, I have found the quality of Eileen Fisher to be impeccable. Luxurious and durable fabrics, great workmanship. Not the place to visit if you seek a tailored look, though.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

J Crew frustrates me so much sometimes. I'll see something that looks cute, but when I've bothered to try on lately, I've found fit problems getting worse the last couple of years. Their pants have never fit me -- they're too straight and too short -- but even tops have become problematic. It's been hard to even put my finger on what is off with the fit -- are they too long on short-waisted me? The armholes too deep? And the tees seem too thin and insubstantial, yet clingy. It's odd.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Gradfashionista, thank you for noting your issues with Everlane. You just saved me an experiment. I get so annoyed with tight sleeves!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I just wrote this on Roxanna's thread:

I haven't been bemoaning BR & JC quality and cuts in the items I've bought at all. In fact quite the opposite. I bought these pieces last year and am in AWE of the quality and fit. Better than my Marc Jacobs stash!

Also, you need to wait a while to replenish from the start. Mid Feb and Mar is a good place to start.

Banana Republic

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Banana Republic

Soft-Wash Multi-Plaid Ruffle Shirt

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Wool turtleneck sweater with ribbed trim

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Collection Italian stretch turtleneck sweater

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Collection A-line midi skirt in Italian wool blend

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catgirl

Veteran

I am another who is not finding anything at BR or J Crew. The rail thin models in their louche poses make everything look more appealing than it is IRL on me, and nothing fits my body type (IT). I meant to mention COS also - they have a lot of nice pieces.

Anonymous

I manage to find things I need by searching at a variety of stores. There's not one store in particular that gets me, if you know what I mean.

LaPed

Veteran

One thought on J Crew -- at least from my local store, it looks like they're placing a real emphasis on menswear, surprisingly enough. More than half the shop is men's.

They're my go-to when I need to buy trousers for my husband -- he's tough to fit and they are cut really well for him, and sizing is consistent in their men's pants at least (not the case with women's!). And they wash well -- I rarely have to iron them, which is nice and not the case with many cheaper khakis and chinos.

Their men's shirts -- not so much. Even the "slim" cuts look like balloons and the fabric is very thin. For men's button-downs I usually go to Land's End (actually, LE has pretty nice women's oxford shirts, too).

So yeah, hit or miss. And trial and error.

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