Where Would You Take Me Shopping?

tarzy

May I please ask you all a big favor?

I think many of you may have an idea now of the kind of clothes I like - updated classic, simple, with some sort of edge/drama/something unique. Nothing too frilly or trendy. I'm not a fan of prints or bright colors.

However - I feel I'm in a rut regarding the stores I shop in (Ann Taylor, a lot). If you took me shopping for a day - what stores would you take me to? And - is there anything you would make me try, maybe out of my comfort zone?

I really appreciate it!

My basic style:
http://i387.photobucket.com/al.....G_0546.jpg
http://i387.photobucket.com/al.....G_0539.jpg

17 years ago

Shopping

12 replies

Latest reply was from Angie

Sarah

(website)

Veteran

Nordstrom - There are many styles and price points available. You could find things in your style, but then find new things to try alongside those. Nordstrom has everything.
JCrew - Great basics in great solid colors. Great accessories.
Club Monaco - A new favorite store of mine. Great pieces. Subtle prints for those of us who usually prefer solids.
Banana Republic - A store I always go back to each season. I love the basic pieces and fun accessories. Their website always has great outfit inspiration.
Buffalo Exchange - A consignment resale type shop. The one in our area always has great items at great prices. It's worth digging through the racks and shelves for those one or two golden items. My recent find was a Nanette Lepore jacket. NL is in my top five favorite designers for me and my body type and style.

One thing I recommend is going shopping with a friend and ducking in to every store and trying them out. I usually get stuck in a store rut, but having shopping buddies (Ana and Patience) has really helped open my mind to new stores and items.

17 years ago

shiny

Veteran

Hmm, fun question! You're not petite though, huh? I would probably take you first to Banana Republic, because I suspect their colors would look good on you. I would get you into their monogram line - nice, luxurious basics in gorgeous colors (not too bright). Understated elegance. I suspect also that this line is meant to target women 40 and above.

I think you might like BCBG as well. They have tons of neutrals or understated colors, with lots of great details.

I don't think I'd take you to Jcrew because I don't think the majority of the colors there would be flattering for you (seem to work best with springs). But, maybe to look at basics in neutral colors.

Try outside of your comfort zone: more color.

I would ease you into it though... I promise... maybe simply start with a neutral other than black, like grey or pearl. This is why I think of BR's monogram line first. Check it out. Mostly neutrals but beautiful soft ones in luxurious fabrics:

http://bananarepublic.gap.com/.....?cid=40619

I would also love to see you in a DVF wrap dress, though you would probably balk because of the patterns. Maybe start with a DVF scarf?

17 years ago

shiny

Veteran

Oh shoot... meant to add:

Probably I might start with accessories first, because you do have a lot of great pieces already. So scarves, jewelry, shoes, purses .... you could *slowly* add pops of color and prints there... so maybe accessory & shoe shopping would be the first place I'd drag you.

When are we going?

17 years ago

Antje

Veteran

I'd also go to Macys and scope out the INC department; I could imagine you find tops there that you like. E.g., they often have wrap or faux wrap styles that would be flattering on you, and they have prints that might be just the right balance between "safe" and "edgy".

17 years ago

sinead

Active Member

Tara, I'll have to let others advise about shopping, although I agree on Banana Republic and Nordstrom. I just wanted to say I love the black and white outfit with scarf on you- it reminds of something I just read. This stylist wrote that people with contrast coloring (dark hair, light skin) look good in dark/light contrast colors. In looking at that outfit on you, I kind of see what she's saying. Such a great look.

17 years ago

shell

Active Member

what a fun question!

I agree with others about the suggestion of BR and Nordstrom. As shiny mentioned, the BR Monogram line seems to be right up your style alley. however, i also like a lot of the pieces in their regular line, which are more affordable than the monogram line. clean lines, modern classic, professional - that sounds like tara!

i also like the suggestion of j.crew. they have some unique jackets and knit tops that would look killer on you. i could see some of their kelly green and royal blue items looking wonderful on you!

macys inc. dept would be a good stop too! they are fashion-forward without looking too "trendy".

and finally, i would add gap and old navy. i know they serve a slightly younger clientele, but they would be good for basics and often have knits and tops in a wide range of colors that would suit you.

17 years ago

Encore

Active Member

Add to the above: White House/Black Market.

17 years ago

Laura

(website)

Veteran

One of our malls has a store called "Cusp" that's owned by Neiman-Marcus. Let's go there! It has all the good denim labels (I know you're looking for jeans), plus DVF for that wrap dress you really, really *need* (thanks, Shiny) and more.

17 years ago

tarzy

Veteran

Ahhh, you guys are great. Now all I have to do is win the lottery and fly you all to LA so we can go to the Beverly Center! You'd have me "sorted" (as Angie says) in no time.

17 years ago

susan

Active Member

Can I come too?

17 years ago

tarzy

Veteran

Susan - of course! Sigh. Wouldn't that be fun.

17 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Macys is my number one suggestion (lables like INC, Alfani, Jones, Liz Claiborne and RL), while Banana Republic would be next. The Classiques Entier label at Nordstrom along with Halogen at times. For the moment, I’d say no to J Crew, BCBG and Club Monaco.

17 years ago

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