RHYS BOWEN: Have you tried to buy clothes recently? It seems that everywhere is now catering to the young woman—the very young woman. I was in Macy’s the other day, looking for a pair of tailored black pants. Good luck with that. Leggings, jeggings, beggings…. It is my supreme belief that nobody over the age of 18, or a top-level athlete looks good in leggings unless they are worn with a tunic top over them. Most people’s behinds are not flattering . And most tops now stop at the waist instead of being long enough to hide a multitude of sins.
Even my go-to dress store, Chico’s has started making slimmer and slimmer pants and is clearly going for a younger market. And Talbots now makes its dresses above the knee. It seems that nobody cares about us oldies, which is stupid because WE ACTUALLY HAVE MONEY TO SPEND AND LEISURE TIME TO SPEND IT.
I was in a London department store once and overheard a very posh British voice saying to the sales clerk “Don’t you have any proper, normal clothes?” I know how she felt. She was a lady of certain age, wanting to look classic and dignified only to find that all dresses end way above the knee, all waists are now right below the boobs and there is no shaping or tailoring.
And don't get me started on ripped jeans. My granddaughters look as if they are about to go begging on the street in jeans that cost a fortune!
And even the best stores have no idea what looks good on older women. When my mom was shopping for an outfit to wear to daughter Jane’s wedding we were at Nordstroms, in the upscale part and the woman brought out the most unflattering outfits—ballooning tops that were gathered in at the hip, thus giving the impression of Humpty Dumpty, and usually with an enormous silk flower on one boob. My mom, never one to be subtle, put her finger in her mouth and made gagging noises.
I once thought that if I had time I’d open a chain of stores called SILVER FOX, catering only to my peers. There would be a trained advisor for shapewear on hand. A trained beautician to advise of cosmetics, and the clothes would be designed for our age, to flatter a figure that has a few more bulges than it used to. Long draped jackets, tunics, flowing dresses, well cut pants that come up to the natural waist, attractive bright silky blouses to wear with simple suits. We don’t want to look dowdy, we want to look smart, fashionable, businesslike. And we don’t want to be called DEAR by the sales clerk.
I actually have the means to do this… a nephew who is a fashion designer, who once had his own line but now works for big houses. I’m sure he could design fabulous outfits. It’s just the time and energy I don’t have. But it would be fabulous, wouldn’t it? Do you think it would be a big hit or do you think that oldies don’t shop often enough to make it viable?
So where is your go-to shop? Eileen Fisher but her colors often don’t look good on me. J Jill occasionally. Soft Surroundings? Otherwise?
Oh, Rhys, I have spoken those very words . . .
ReplyDeleteI don’t understand the appeal of ripped jeans that look like they belong in the rag bag . . . I want my jeans and pants to come all the way up to my waist and I don’t want them to be so tight on my legs . . . .
Sad to say, I don’t know of any place to shop for nice, wearable clothes these days. I don’t know about the profitability your Silver Fox shops [what a great name . . . and a perfect idea] because I think most of us have simply given up on shopping for something new to wear. But it certainly would be fabulous . . . .
I like Talbots, find well fitting pants and tops there. I own precisely one dress, and I never plan to wear it again -- worn twice to two summer weddings.
ReplyDeleteStarting very soon I will live in sweaters that fall mid hip and jeans that come all the way up to my waist. I do have something appropriate to wear to a funeral.
Macy's has been a dead loss for years now, for me anyway. We have a Nordstrom's Rack and a Talbots Outlet close by as several upscale apartment stores. And we have a tailor on every corner. Julie's had great luck having pants made. She took in an old pair that she loved, and he made a pattern. But this is when she was working and needed well cut ones for the office. Now she too is in jeans and sweaters.
These days my fashion search is more for jammies!
A tailor would be perfect, Ann. When John was with an airline he had his suits tailor made in Singapore and Hong Kong taking an old pair apart is a great idea. I also buy some thing in Talbots
DeleteSee, as a guy, I don't have these problems. Well, finding my size given that I'm a big tub of goo isn't always easy but otherwise, I can find stuff no problem.
ReplyDeleteAnd considering my shopping interests begin and end with concert T-shirts, I just buy from a couple of websites when I want a new "top". And I buy from the fat guy store/website if I want new pants.
I guess I'm not going to be much help here today.
I would totally shop at the Silver Fox, Rhys! My usual place is the Denial and Avoidance boutique. I hate clothes shopping with a passion and would like a personal shopper next time I have to restock for conference wear. I keep thinking I'll go shopping after I lose ten pounds. Which does not seem to be happening.
ReplyDeleteI don't even own leggings and think ripped jeans are ridiculous. And now it's time for the daily word count. THAT I can do...
And adding to your shopping woes is the fact that you're petite! Sometimes the designers get it right, but mostly they design for the 5'9" woman.
DeleteAnd getting shorter by the day, plus a bit too round for a standard petite size. Grrr.
DeleteLosing ten pounds after a certain age is almost impossible, Edith. It goes right back on after the next big meal
DeleteRhys you made me spit out my coffee at the description of your mother! I am lucky to have a small independent shop in the next town and the manager is an expert at picking things out to try on. The clothes are not outrageously expensive either. (They carry a lot of Habitat, which seems to have the silver fox in mind...)
ReplyDeleteI might have to go shopping in Connecticut!
DeleteSo lucky! The small shop with unusual items is what I love
DeleteWell, I live in leggings these days. However, I also don't go out of the house much. I wear them to the grocery store and such. But not to things where I have to wear "real pants."
ReplyDeleteThe Hubby didn't think this was a real problem until we went shopping for a rain coat. That's all I wanted. A rain jacket/coat. He was astonished at how little selection there was for women in Macy's. I wanted to say, "I told you" but I didn't. I remember being able to find clothes there -- once.
For casual things, my go-tos are Lands End, LL Bean, and Columbia. Of course, I'd be up the creek if I ever needed anything dressier, but I'll worry about that when it happens. I have a couple of nice dresses that are classic and I still fit into for those rare occasions.
Perfect rant, Rhys! I am appalled at the women who wear tights as though they are slacks and don't choose tunics to wear over them. Who needs to see that much cellulite? There have been times when I've been afraid that I audibly gasped at the sight of someone's broad backside so clearly defined. Don't they have mirrors? I only uncover my tush at the gym and rarely wear tights to workout.
ReplyDeleteAs for these tight pants styles, just NO! First of all, I don't want that pressure on my knees all day! Ripped jeans? No thanks. I hope to live long enough to wear out my own jeans, no help needed!
I can wear short skirts, still. "Above the knee" is just a couple inches above the knee on me because I am not as tall as you are. There is a British company "Pure," that sells woolen and cashmere classic seaters, dresses and skirts, slacks, and suit jackets. I bought a knit dress last year that is divine! Soft Surroundings used to have great styles for me but not any more. Chicos was never my shop.
I buy jeans from LLBEAN and some sweaters and shirts from them and from Land's End. All of their styles are trending younger, too, but I read the description and usually choose okay.
It's frustrating that it is so difficult to find well-made clothing in cotton, silk and wool any more. I would shop in your store but I don't need as many going out clothes because one can wear jeans anywhere, and I am now retired.
Nice shoes are a big problem now. My feet want sandals, sneakers or slippers. They will weep if they have to stand around in heels. Oy!
Judy,
DeleteEven when I was in my twenties, I loved wearing tunic style blouses, which is why I often go to the Men's department to buy the long sleeve Oxford shirts at Nordstrom's.
Diana
My feet are entirely in Eccos these days!
DeleteRhys, God Rest Ye Royal Gentleman arrived last night. I have the Audible already. I'll listen to it asap and do a review. I understand that the publisher (?) is looking for some more reviews.
ReplyDeleteReally? Reviews are always helpful please
DeleteWhat a great name - Silver Fox -, I think that you should register it as an internet domain. It might make a killing for you Rhys, though no further help in dressing. Moving to Maine meant dressing down Maine style. (See Stephen King). Jeans, tees etc and LL Bean boots on every occasion. Plus lots of outlets. I followed Debs advice on pants with pockets a few weeks ago and bought her recommendation. I was pleasantly surprised to find they fitted me very well. So that’s pants taken care of. Thank you Debs! I also go to LLB for tops, jackets etc. of course not going out helps save $$. My go to is Nordstrom, last buy was my daughters wedding in 2016, Eileen Fisher though I agree about her current colors, and of course LLB. Thank goodness I don’t need dress up clothes now.
ReplyDeleteLL Bean isn't what they used to be, back when everything was made there in Maine. That has not been the case, though, for the last 30 years. I think they only things they still made, last time I checked, were the chain-soled boots and their fir wreaths and things.
DeleteAbsolutely right, Karen. And yet, they still have styles that work for me. Sizes however, are unreliable, to say the least.
DeleteI went to Hartford Stage last night and saw Ah Wilderness. It was fantastic and the small audience was warmly greeted and thanked by our new artistic director. It was incredible to be back in live theater! ( Masks and proof of vaccination required.)
ReplyDeleteHow lovely! I’m going to see my granddaughter in Grease next week!
DeleteWonderful! I'm sure it'll be fantastic in every way!
DeleteRhys, I finally resorted to QVC. You can’t park yourself in front of the tv for weeks, and the website is clunky, and the shipping is usually two weeks, not two days, and maybe worst of all most of the things are silly and trendy, so it’s not perfect. But they do have nice classics. Try Susan Graver pants.
ReplyDeleteNancyM
I’m scared to go down the QVC rabbit hole, Nancy. I might decide I need too many things!
DeleteYikes, I have not thought about going shopping for nice clothes since I am retired. And I have not been inside a real store to try on clothes since the pandemic. We don't have many stores for women's clothes in Ottawa. So frankly, I have only bought casual clothes online from Columbia or UNIQLO (thanks Hank for that tip).
ReplyDeleteIt's a good thing I have kept my classic cut cotton dress shirts, silk blouses, dress pants from work.
GRACE,
DeleteI have not been inside a clothes shop since the pandemic started.
Diana
I still have classic blazer, cashmere sweaters from years ago. Unfortunately I can’t wear the same clothes to all my public appearances
DeleteDIANA,
DeleteOntario has had curbside pickup for non-essential stores until late summer, so there has been no way to go clothes shopping/trying on clothes in person. And frankly, I already have too many clothes that I don't wear so I have not felt the urge to go.
Rhys, right with you on this.If Silver Fox existed, I'd shop more! What a great idea. The last few years have been easy in a way - not going anywhere - but hard in another - thank you, covid 15. A lot of nicer, barely-worn clothes that don't fit anymore. (I'm saving them) I sure do miss Lord & Taylor, my most reliable source for the occasional special occasion.
ReplyDeleteRhys, I so agree with you and your mother! Every time one of my younger colleagues (all generously-sized young women) appear at work in leggings, no tunic top, I ask myself: What is the director thinking??? And the ripped jeans! We've gone from 'artfully ripped to appear worn' to ragbag jeans. Dress clothes are from before retirement. Heaven help me if I ever wear out my black pants.
ReplyDeleteI agree! I treasure my one tailored pair of black pants
DeleteThe closest store to us is Macy's, but I have not set foot inside it for almost two years now. Their merchandise has gone so far downhill it's depressing. I was getting Facebook ads from them for awhile, with tacky stuff like open crotch panties. Blech.
ReplyDeleteA few years ago, my youngest daughter had a great idea for a line of clothing for women who travel and/or have specific needs, a niche market that is not being served. She did a ton of research, some of which I helped her with, and finally concluded that it would mean sourcing materials and factories, largely in China. She decided it was beyond her abilities and time constraints. It's obviously doable, but there are a LOT of moving pieces. Silver Fox would be amazing, Rhys.
I second Ann's suggestion of Talbot's. They have good-looking, well-made, somewhat basic, but classic garments that fit. They fit so well that I have ordered pants and shirts online with confidence, and only had one flub--a pair of pants that I thought I'd ordered in "Curvy", but didn't. They're still acceptable, just not perfect. And the waist location is clearly marked in their descriptions.
The issue I have with Chico's is that they seem to be allergic to using darts. Coldwater Creek has the same quirk (darts add expense). Everything is boxy, or made for more barrel-shaped figures. I have found that having a waistline helps make clothing look more flattering. And darts do that, along with skimming the bustline and carving out a waist, even if you don't have much of one. I love their colors and fabrics, but the styling doesn't do it for me. Which is too bad, because that's the only other women's clothing store in my community, right next to Macy's.
Triss, I'm still mourning L&T! I used to buy a couple lovely wool sweaters from them every year in new colors. Try finding wool anything these days, even in the higher price ranges. Everything is "fast fashion": cheap, trendy garments that are not meant to last. It's disturbing.
Karen, so with you on darts. I tried a couple of Soft Surrounding's dresses this summer. They hung like garbage bags.
DeleteJudy, for a long time younger women were horrified at the idea of darts. But even knits can benefit from them.
DeleteI discovered a Soft Surroundings store here a few months ago. Their catalogue items are so pretty, but you're right: they are shapeless. I did find a cute top, but it has shaping around the bust.
Karen, which Carhart(?) pants did you recommend? I am going to try them because I need some good pants with pockets for a trip.
DeleteThanks.
Karen, perhaps your daughter can look into the possibility of a cooperative or something like that where people in the USA can be hired to sew the clothes. If it is materials, that is another story. I think some places like Polartec ? in Maine are still mmanufacturing materials?
DeleteChico's used to have clothes for older women, as I recall. I remember shopping there with older friends (I was 25 and they were in their 40s) and they managed to find clothes that looked great on them. I did not find anythung. And I remember Chico's had a big sale where things cost $3, $5, which were great bargains, though we had to drive three hours away to the big mall where Chico's was.
Diana
There is a Soft Surrounding store here, which I happened into one day when I had an appointment nearby. Everything was huge and shapeless!
DeleteDiana, Chico s started appealing to young women some time ago. Very tight jeans. Skirts above the knee etc
DeleteDiana, she gave up the idea when she found out she was going to be posted overseas for at least the next six years.
DeleteJudy, it wasn't Carhart. It's Duluth Trading. Most of their pants have multiple pockets.
Triss, I'm with you for Lord and Taylor moderately priced evening wear. And Rhys, yes to the Silver Fox. Finding a MOTB dress in Cincinnati was an experience I never want to live through again.
ReplyDeletePretty much why I have given up. I have been saying those same things for years, Rhys, at least the things about how women who now have the money to spend and want to look smart, but there is nothing flattering for them. I would say the answer is to make your own clothes. I used to do that. Back then there were wonderful fabrics and great patterns. I can no longer find either.
ReplyDeleteJudi,
DeleteHave you tried LL Bean? It is mail order, though.
Diana
I used to sew too, and made some pretty nifty stuff back in the day. Fabrics are just disappointing! I do not want to waste money and effort on "Rayon."
DeleteI've not had very good luck with Bean over the last few years. They did something to their sizing (although they deny it). I practically live in turtlenecks and in order to find one that fits I've had to go to XL and their sleeves are suddenly way too short. And I have short arms! In Lands End clothes a M fits fine. Luckily for me I still have a lot of older Bean turtlenecks, some as old as 20 years, that still fit well (size M). The quality was excellent.
DeleteJudi, yes, I noticed that LLBean changed their sizing. The good news is that you can return the clothes and exchange them. Some places like Coldwater Creek is Not willing to accept returns or exchange the clothes.
DeleteDiana
Count me in as a shopper at Silver Fox! Someone, please open this store!
ReplyDeleteRhys,
ReplyDeleteGreat post! I love the idea of SILVER FOX. Can you put that in your next stand alone book?
After a traumatic experience searching for a bridesmaid dress ages ago, I have not bought clothes at Macy's. We finally found the bridesmaid dress that fit at Jessica McClintock/ Gunnex Sax. Once in a while Macy's has pretty placemats for the holidays.
Have you tried Bryn Walker? Eileen Fisher is not the only option. Or Travelsmith? LL Bean is another possibility. I love my clothes from LL Bean and I order them online. My Mom found wonderful clothes at Bryn Walker, thought that was before the Pandemic.
Nordstrom is great if you take the time to look for exactly what you want. I often find something that fits me like a glove And makes me look good. Not the BP department (for young people).
Wonderful news that your nephew designs clothes.
Diana
I haven’t heard of Bryan Walker. I’ll check it out. And Nordstrom’s used to be great but have reduced their stock since the pandemic
DeleteBummer about Nordstrom's during the pandemic. Hopefully once the pandemic is over, their stock will be better. I also keep clothes forever. Once I buy clothes, I keep clothes. U have donated a FEW clothes to Goodwill, which closed due to the pandemic.
DeleteWorthwhile to check out Brynn Walker. There is a boutique right around the corner on Vine street from the bookstore in Berkeley.
Hope that you find something you like at Brynn Walker.
Diana
I agree with all of you about the availability of well fitting, attractive clothes for those of us who aren't stick thin and under 30. I live in Pittsburgh, which has a large population of women who don't fit that demographic, and yet nothing in Macy's (our lone department store) is suited to anyone under 5'8"! The petites they do have go to size 12 - and that's not going to work! I wish someone would open The Silver Fox!
ReplyDeleteRhys: Great lament and I'm singing it with you. I LOATHE clothes shopping. I used to be able to rely on LL Bean and Lands End, but no more -- everything seems to now include spandex or require you to be 6' tall, which I am not by almost a foot. I'm hoping the clothes I currently have in my closet and chest of drawers will last for years and years... That said, I will sprint to The Silver Fox when you open it, Rhys!
ReplyDeleteDefinitely needed! My dependables were always tailored Tahari suits, preferably from the $69 sales rack at Macy’s, because putting together separates was way too challenging as whatever was “stylish” that season was rarely flattering. I miss Trinny and Susannah from the good version of What Not To Wear who focused on shapes for body types. Helped me save a lot of money by learning to avoid buying things that looked good on the hanger (friends, I am not shaped like a hanger).
ReplyDeleteThat’s the problem with shopping online, isn’t it?
DeleteRhys, if you put up a kickstarter for the Silver Fox, I guarantee you you'd have half a million dollars by the end of next week, especially if the sizes there go above 14. I wear woman's size *mumble mumble* and most clothing manufacturers have no idea what actually looks good on a woman of a certain size. No, thank you, I don't want to wear a Muumuu or one of those tops that are literally shaped like a small circus tent.
ReplyDeleteThere are some smaller clothing lines (usually not in brick and mortar stores) with cure, well-cut clothes for larger women, but alas, they cater to the young crowd. Eloquii and Asos Curve have genuinely flattering clothes... for girls my daughters' ages.
My go-to is Talbots Women, because their clothing tends to fit well. My complaint isn't that they're offering things that appeal to young women - as long as I can get my conservative looks, that's great! - but that their quality has gone down in the past decade or so. No more shirts with button plackets, stitching that gives way, cashmere sweaters you can literally see-through. Talbots, if you're reading this, I'm happy to pay more for well made clothing that lasts!
Julia, when I visited Norway, their clothes were big. Their small size would be "large" here in the USA. There are many new clothes' names so I am out of the loop here. Talbots is a clothes shop in San Francisco. I liked the clothes, though I noticed that their clothes were made in China, the last time I shopped there. I wanted to buy American made clothes. Though I bought several clothes made in Norway, Canada, England and Scotland when I travelled there over the years. A kickstarter sounds like a great idea!
DeleteDiana
Good luck with finding anything made in the US, Diana. Almost nothing is any more, alas.
DeleteSo true :-(
DeleteRhys, you clearly hit a nerve! It sounds like we all have the same struggles. One place I have had some luck was Christopher & Banks. I think they have now closed all their retail stores (since covid) but they still sell online at https://www.christopherandbanks.com/. Their clothes always seemed to be cut for a mature woman's figure and tastes. In my experience, their sizes tended to run big -- I wear a smaller size in their stuff than just about anywhere else. But the sizing is consistent.
ReplyDeleteGood to know, Susan!
DeleteThanks for this tip, Susan
DeleteI tried to shop for clothing earlier this week. Tried. I’m short and in recent years have become thin, and the petite department at the store where I used to buy my clothing is about the third the size that it was before the pandemic. They didn’t have any longsleeved shirts or blouses. They had no pants that I would’ve been interested in buying. I also needed bras. I went to a couple of different stores and they didn’t have my size. I ended up ordering them online. I won’t order other clothing on line because I’ve never had luck with that, and I don’t have the patience to rewrap things and send them back.
ReplyDeleteI would shop at your store!
DebRo
Good luck with bras online! I wanted pure cotton. Ordered my size and it would have fit a ten year old girl with buffing boobs!
DeleteStill shopping for bras from Nordstrom online and once in a while I get lucky. Because I use the Trunk Club, they send a variety and anything that does not fit can be returned free of charge. I give them my exact size. If I find something great, I get the order number and order more.
DeleteDiana
Rhys,
DeleteThe bras worked out well. I know my exact size, as I had a professional fitting a couple of years ago and I stick with just the one brand. I was afraid to order a brand I never used before!
Diana,
I must look into that! Thanks!
DebRo
Coldwater Creek is one catalog you might try, Rhys. They are too expensive for my budget at the moment, but have beautiful clothes. I have a few of their things that are 20 years old. My go to is Land’s End for pants.... and Nordstrom rack for tops. I recently tried eShakti for a formal skirt and was very pleased with the result....they make clothes to measure and do have some classic styles. Now I just have to find a top to match....ugh. But worth checking out. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteI’ve bought some of their things. Problem is I fall between their sizes. I need 10-12. But they have 8-10– a little snug, and 12-14. Too big
DeleteI, too, fall between sizes at Coldwater Creek. I bought a lovely jacket in size M and ended up taking it to be tailored to fix that unlovely boxy design it had.
DeleteRhys, you made me snort my coffee this morning! I'm all in for Silver Fox! As long at you stock petites!
ReplyDeleteI'm pretty much at "Clothes? What are clothes?" these days. I have worn nothing but t-shirts and the cotton loose yoga pants for nearly two years, with a few seasonal changes to baggy shorts and baggy sweats. Getting back into real clothes is going to be shock, I can tell you. Shopping is always challenging because I'm short and it seems like so few clothing lines make flattering petites. I have found some nice things at Nordstrom. Also at Dillard, but I think that's a regional department store. Macy's is horrible. So trashy. I miss L & T, too. And Trinny and Susannah! (Although Trinny is big on Instagram these days.)
I hear you, Rhys! I've found over the past few years my favorite stores such as J. Jill, Soft Surroundings and Talbot's have apparently tweaked their target clientele to women much younger than my 68 years. Also, I'm 5'1" and shrinking so clearly in the petite section but the definition of petite sizing has been changing apparently. A pet peeve was the length of Talbot's dresses which even in petite sizes hit below my knee which isn't very flattering for someone as short as me. I read recently that Talbot's is shortening their lengths so I'll need to give them another look.
ReplyDeleteAlso, a request that Silver Fox include real, properly sized pockets in their clothing. I have found Aviator Jeans, which are made in LA, have lovely deep pockets that securely fit a phone. I need such pockets in all of my clothing!
ReplyDeleteGoing to check those out!
DeleteFlipping through the comments I'm struck by how many of us feel constrained because the big clothing chains (Macy's, Talbot's etc) do not carry the clothes we want. The real problem is that the chains have pushed so many of the smaller clothing stores out of business.
ReplyDeleteIn southern Maine we're fortunate to have a couple of shops owned by women with the Silver Fox ethos. One is called Women of Substance (isn't that a GREAT name?) and it only carries sizes 12 and up, or maybe 14 and up. I buy a lot of clothes there. It's in Damariscotta. The other is Couleur Collection in Falmouth. Terrific clothing for the not-so-young but still stylish woman. They both have websites and terrific customer service - check 'em out.
Brenda, that's great! I wonder if Julia has tried these places?
DeleteDiana
I avoid dress-up functions these days. I don't want to shop! Since the pandemic I have found casual clothes (linen blend pants, cotton tops) at Old Navy online. I never shopped there in person because I couldn't find anything. Mind you the buttons are set waaay over at the edge of the blouse front, to save on fabric no doubt. But I really like the pants for my changing waistline--elastic and drawstring. I buy my jeans at Walmart, Lees or Wranglers. Strictly for cool weather wear. I have some slim knit pants from Lands End, but no leggings. I tried to wear leggings once but felt like I forgot to put something on. Pants. I used to find dressy items at a local department store but they went out of business a year ago. If I need to dress up I still have some nice blouses and pants, but I'm not sure I have any dresses anymore that fit or would work.
ReplyDeleteEileen Fisher. Expensive but exceptional quality, lasts forever, SO washable, packable. Shop the sales! Yeah great colors if you love black and navy. Go to an actual store if you're not used to their clothes, just to figure out what size you wear (I'm an M and petite there... which I am *nowhere* else) AND J. Jill is okay if you're careful. YES to LL Bean.
ReplyDeleteI still buy all my Tshirts at The GAP. In-store specials are pretty great if you hit it right.
And I'm a huge fan of Marshalls and TJ Maxx. Because you just never know, and it only takes about 10 minutes to find out... Tahari is often in the mix. Last time I was in Marshalls I walked out with a sink strainer, a bottle of Goo Gone, some lovely pants, marked-down sunglasses, and a tie-dyed super soft sweat suit and a sequined headband for my granddaughter.
Am I the only one already shopping for Christmas? That clogged supply chain has me spooked.
Pharmaca is a local organic pharmacy shop that sells t-shirts and I buy long sleeve tshirts in XL size.
ReplyDeleteDiana
I want to be the woman of a certain age who still wears Chuck Taylors and rock-n-roll T-shirts. Since I'm almost there and that's what I wear now, I'll likely manifest it. LOL. But I know what you mean. There are very few high end designers that I enjoy Sigrid Olsen and Elie Tahari being my faves.
ReplyDeleteJenn, these designers are wonderful!
DeleteDiana
OH, Clothing! My closets are full--of NOTHING! Nothing. I am panicked and terrified--for two years, I have been happily wearing my black leggings (they're terrific, a little thick and very substantial) and a t-shirt and a black top and am so happy. Recently, I've added a flowy skirt over the leggings, and have been flouncing around the house.
ReplyDeleteI have all kinds of work/speaking engagement clothes, pencil skirts, dresses and and jackets, and lovely leather things, which I used to love, and now I think--WHAT IS ALL THIS??
And as soon as I start to go out in public, I know I am doomed, because..high heels? Really? What used to be my go-tos, things I love, just feel a bit too much now. AHHHHHHH.
Wondering about something...has anyone tried vintage clothing shops? Would you be more likely to find what you want that fits you if you went to a vintage clothing shop? Some neighborhoods would have vintage clothing shops. Some would not.
ReplyDeleteDiana
RHYS,
ReplyDeleteMy Mom also loved the Royal Robbins clothing shop. It may be worthwhile to check that out in addition to Bryn(n) Walker clothing shop.
Diana
Link to Royal Robbins
ReplyDeletehttps://www.royalrobbins.com/
Link to Bryn Walker
ReplyDeletehttp://www.brynwalker.com/
Wow! Too right! Spot on.
ReplyDeleteI remember my mother in the 1980's when she was in her middle to late 60's having the same complaints. I had to lose weight for health reasons. Do you think I can find a decent pair of jeans to fit me. No no no. And like you, Rhys, don't get me started on ripped "distressed" jeans that belong in the rag bag!!!
ReplyDeleteI'm loving this discussion as I feel the same way as so many of you! Yes to Land's End, LL Bean, and Coldwater Creek. I've also had fairly good luck with tailored pants at Kohl's, and as Hallie says, TJ Maxx and Marshall's are always worth a look.
ReplyDeleteShoes are the bane of my existence right now. I can usually go fairly casual, but also need to appear in court a few times a month for my job and need them to be at least somewhat dressy. So hard to find comfort and good looks!
Love the idea of Silver Fox. I also can't help but think that a Silver Fox to greet customers might increase sales! ;)