This is a really generative conversation; I hope everyone else has found the suggestions useful too. Rachylou, I've found the lower-end Nordstrom brands (Halogen, Pleione) just as inconsistent as, say, Gap. I guess the only benefit is that I could return an item (but I choose not to do that even at Nordstrom for worn items, unless there's a clear flaw/quality issue). I've had mixed experiences with Classiques Entier - well, I guess that's not true exactly, I've never had anything that was bad quality, but I have had things that I felt were overpriced for what they were. The Lafayette & N Coll. stuff I saw the other day seemed more high-end as far as fabrication and construction.
I will definitely try Lafayette when I get the chance. Where's the best place to buy - Nordstrom? Other dept stores? Directly?
Jenaded, I hope the custom dressmaker project works out great - you should post your experiences once you've gotten some pieces.
Looks like I'd be sized out at Tracy Reese, Rachel Roy, The Fold and Winser London - all stop at 12 / UK 16. Rachel Rachel Roy, her diffusion line, is at Macys and goes up to a 14. Anyone seen this in person?
Same with Judith and Charles - size chart goes up to a 14 but current items are only available up to a 12. Gorgeous stuff, though.
Re the being sized out: I tried on a Theory jacket a year or two ago when I was at my (recent) skinniest, a size 12 in most mall brands, and it was a squeeze. Definitely built for a narrower frame and body type than I am, even if I did get back down to that weight.
I just looked at Brooks Brothers, and I think it's too preppy for me - although my Dad has worn their shirts for years and they do seem to be keeping up the quality of their basics better than a lot of brands. I have enough of a hard time finding stuff from Talbots that doesn't skew too preppy, but I continue to shop there because their stuff fits me and I think it's good quality for the price.
Last year's fall/winter Violeta release was just up my alley, but this year they've gone with more of a boho vibe, so I'm less excited about it. I wouldn't call Violeta mega high quality - it's comparable to good Gap or AT pieces - but it does serve that in-between sizes market, and is the only brand I know of doing so.
It looks like MM LaFleur goes up to a size 16, so maybe a Bento Box from them is worth trying.
