I go through periods of liking and not liking Lands End. I recently randomly found a $20 Lands End ponte sheath dress in a pink and red paisley at TJ Maxx that works for me - sheath dresses usually DO NOT. And the colors and pattern made it feel more current than much of their stuff in recent years.

I need to drop 5 lbs to be comfortable in my existing summer clothes, and our season is so short that I have been avoiding shopping....except for filling some holes via Nordstrom online.

Lisa...a bunch of bloggers have featured some Chico's stuff recently (specifically their girlfriend jeans, I think). Some of these bloggers are young and cool, LOL (the Mom Edit). They have made me curious enough that I may wander into a Chico's if I happen to pass one.

I haven't shopped at Talbots in a while - I did get a belt there end of season (green plaid) but haven't worn it yet since it's really more of a fall/winter style for me. I used to find things there on/off so I'll have to take a new look. They didn't used to have a great online shopping return process. I had to arrange and pay for return shipping. I think they've fixed this now.

I got a pair of Gap cropped jeans recently that I like quite a lot and it's been a while since I've found anything there that I've kept. Oh and I didn't realize Lou & Grey had their own online store (other than via Loft) and they've had free shipping so I ordered something from them directly for a change.

Agree with Anchie that Boden is quite good this year. My only complaint is that they're very floral-heavy in their prints right now. Usually they have a handful of quirky critter prints (birds, dogs, etc) that appeal to me more than florals, but not this year. I did end up with a floral chambray shirt from them that I really like, and I'm pretty sure it's the only floral in my closet.

Christina F. - I also was going to chime in with some Land's End love!

The Sears in my areas recently closed, and when they did some massive store sales before shuttering, I found a few Land's End pieces that I've been wearing the heck out of (a black and white gingham no-iron shirt, a black jersey fit and flare dress, a pin-dot white popover, a white cotton tunic).

Land's End had always seemed kind of dated to me, but these pieces feel pretty timeless.

Christina - I think LE carries a lot of basics, but I haven't looked lately to see what else they've got. I like the range of sizes they carry.

Aquamarine - chicos has some cute things, I think. It's a pretty specific look that works for lots of ladies. With bloggers, it sounds like they're trying to work toward a younger demographic.

Texstyle - from what I've seen of your color palette, Talbots doesn't seem like a great spring fit. It was the pool blue that drew me like a beacon.

LP - those florals must be for people like me.

I definitely overlook talbots but I should pop in.
There's another poster here, Deb, who finds the best things there. She found some wide crops that look excellent.

Great topic and interesting reading the responses. In the past I've had no luck at the Loft but found some things this year...my tomato red cropped trousers and some tops and a summer dress that may become a tunic. It has been too cold yet to try much.
I also had a coupon for DSW and found a summer pair of tomato red flats ( AK Sport) that feel great on and match my KS red bag. Not a place I usually shop, so they surprised me. This was on-line.
I am between a regular and a petite at Talbots and occasionally have found things at Chicos but choose carefully. Their jeans fit me better than most but many stores do not carry 0 and OO sizes. My Ponte jeans from a couple of years ago have become winter essentials.

I finally had to own just how much I love Gap. I still remember the trailer from that movie "Crazy, Stupid, Love" where Ryan Gosling gives Steve Carrell a makeover and tells him "you are better than the Gap." But I feel like their clothes are just made for me, I love the tall sizes, and the jeans fit like a glove and feel nice and sturdy.

Lately I've surprised myself by perusing Unique Vintage for some cheerful, retro-style dresses. That's not my usual look, but I do have a vintage-style swing dress by the Australian brand Retrospec'd that's been a favorite for a couple of years, and I could add a few more vintage or reproduction statement pieces to round out a somewhat basic/minimalist wardrobe. I'm eagerly awaiting some items in the mail!

FYI..I bought the Everlane Square Silk Shirt last summer in navy. I wash on my hand wash cycle (front loader), hang to dry and then a light press. The color has not faded and the shirt is very comfortable to wear. It is very oversized, so be sure to size down.