I got home from vacation and I was struggling to get into the blog writing mindframe. I have been go go going and it hasn’t been for the blog and the change of mindset has been so healthy and energizing it’s a change. I feel like how my daughter likely will feel in a couple of weeks when she has to go back to school. I decided to scroll through the new arrivals at Nordstrom and see if anything inspired me for a blog post topic.
I scrolled with the default filter, Sort by Featured and… wow. Did I go on vacation and come back a different person? The selection was not inspiring me. I couldn’t imagine wearing most of it; even if I had a super firm and slender body I still wouldn’t pick these items for my wardrobe. It all felt so… young. Not youthful, I dig youthful. I embrace youthful and don’t feel that trends have an age limit. It felt young as in my daughter’s cutoff denim shorts from Justice that have a rainbow glitter tux stripe down the edge. Tux stripe detail – youthful. Glitter rainbow tux stripe – young. And Nordstrom was feeling hella young.
The pricepoints were appealing, downright competitive with lower-priced department stores like Kohl’s and Macy’s. I’ve been preaching for years that Nordstrom is actually wallet-friendly with in-house brands like Caslon and Halogen. But these prices, brands, and silhouettes were less Halogen and Caslon and more Brass Plum. And yes, I know I’m showing my age calling it Brass Plum and not BP. but I think if you’re reading this, there’s a good chance you also remember the Brass Plum department at Nordstrom.
Don’t get me wrong, I don’t think young equals bad. Young is great. I enjoyed being young and dressing young. But I'm not young nor do I desire to be young again. I right now love very much being my age and want to celebrate it, showcase it, and do it the justice it deserves with what I wear.
Where To Find Fashion for Grown Women?
I then stopped by the Bloomingdale’s website. It’s funny, when I spoke to a contact with an affiliate company last year she suggested I focus on Bloomingdale’s saying it was more appropriate for my audience. And I tried this winter, but I struggled. As what I’d call an online shopping aficionado, I am a super Nordstrom search function, site design, and navigation website fan and Bloomies’ site just doesn’t compare. It was harder to pull the images for shopping widgets, and sizes sold out more quickly. But I went to the New Arrivals at Bloomingdale’s and scrolled through and felt as though their buyers are buying for me. They're curating fashion for grown women.
A few items from Bloomingdale's New Arrivals that caught my eye.
Shop the collage: one | two | three | four | five | six | seven | eight | nine | ten | eleven | twelve | thirteen
At first glance, the pieces aren’t that drastically different. There’s a long-sleeved printed maxi, a dress styled with sneakers, there’s a dress with puffy sleeves, a fanny pack, a pantsuit, a deep rich shade of red, some goldenrod. But Bloomingdale’s was more… restrained. It didn’t need to shout the trends, it just needed a hint of current to be cool.
This is an age where we can become invisible. We can choose how to use this fact.
- We can be sad about our invisibility. We give up on trying to be seen, those days are gone along with our youthful figure.
- We can be embarrassed about our invisibility. If we had worked out more, cared more for our skin, spent more money on our hair, did this or that maybe this wouldn't have happened. We recreate the magic of our youth by bringing back looks that did us well in the past. We research ways to reverse the hands of time and look current and youthful.
- We can be angry about our invisibility. We fight against it, speak up about it, change the narrative. We write about it, protest it, and use our style to be heard. We wear bright colors, bold accessories, clothing with messages.
- We can be excited about our invisibility. We feel the freedom and celebrate it by using that time and effort in other ways. Clothing becomes a tool to pursue our interests, style is something only to please ourselves.
- We can ignore our so-called invisibility. Who says we’re invisible? Who says we’re attractive? Both are arbitrary. We dress in a way that makes us feel the way we know we are – strong, sexy, smart, sophisticated, silly, fun, fierce, feminine, fabulous.
None of these decisions are wrong, and through our midlife, we may feel all these feelings, even within one week. But right now I’m all about dressing for the way I feel, not the way society feels about me.
Shop My Straight-Sized Picks for Fall at Bloomingdale's:
That clothing at Bloomingdale’s was for a woman who knew she could be visible but didn’t crave it constantly. She wanted to control that narrative. It was clothing that was a slightly higher pricepoint, but in turn, was a slightly more classic look that wouldn’t be a has-been trend in a season’s time. It was clothing that made me have thoughts about makeup, hair, the height of my heels, and the height of my bustline. Good thoughts. Emily Ratajkowski with armpit hair kind of thoughts where my clothes now aren’t for the male gaze but for my sexy strong smart self. It was clothing for grown-ass women.
Shop my Plus-Sized Picks for Fall at Bloomingdale's:
Bloomies, I am going to try you. With so many retailers focusing on GenZ, I feel like voting for my visibility with my wallet. However, Bloomingdale's still has a problematic website. If I had control over their website update, I would add:
- Have more model variety. I scroll through an entire page of New Arrivals on Bloomingdale's and every single headless model is slim and white. When I hover over the item, I often receive a second image on a plus-size model, or a different angle worn by a model who isn't white. Why not have those secondary photos the primary photo? If the average American woman is a size 16 and 40% of the population is not white, it makes sense to have diversity on your website. Not only will it better represent the population, I bet it will also increase sales. If we see ourselves, we're more likely to shop.
- Have a “flatlay” version of the product. This is where Nordstrom excels. Front view, back view, sometimes a side view or a closeup of detail, and then the image just floating in white space. I want this for selfish reasons – to be able to use your products in collages. But considering how Nordstrom is killing the game with bloggers and websites, I don't see it that terrible a decision to offer images that are website-friendly to help us promote you.
- Have images downloadable as a JPG. Same thing. I get retailers not wanting their graphics stolen by other sites, it happens to me too. But it's a pain in the butt to have to screenshot each image just to be able to make a collage like the one in this post. Sometimes you need to sacrifice control for accessibility.
- Have the search tools persistent. If I scroll down a bit and realize I want to filter by size, color, or price, it's annoying to have to scroll back up to the top of the screen to find the capability. If you can have your chat function persistent, you can also have your sidebar persistent.
- Move your “help” button. Bloomingdale's offers the ability to chat with an in-store style expert – cool! However, it covers the navigation tools and you have to scroll up and down to get around it to pick which colors, sizes, or brands you want to search for. It's annoying AF and even as an “online shopping aficionado” I still accidentally click it.
- Don't make me have to “Apply.” If I click in the filter I want to search for dresses, let me search for dresses. To search for the “apply” button is so 2010.
- If your “Wear it With” feature is going to have so much real estate, have it make sense. Nine times out of ten, the items chosen to wear with a garment do NOT go. Tory Burch sandals with a wool blazer, a plaid skirt with a floral top, feminine chiffon floral skirt with an athletic sweatshirt.
- Offer a more detailed size guide. Bloomingdale's has a generic size guide, but each brand has a differing opinion on what is a size Large. For some, a large is a 12/14, for others it's an 8/10, and some brands don't even use these conventional methods for sizing (hello Universal Standard where a Large is 22/24 or City Chic where Large is 20/22). I have ordered items from Bloomingdale's and found them too small to even get on my body due to the lack of this information. For plus-size, you're better with offering number and letter, but straight-sized customers are often left to order blindly.
- Increase your plus-size range, as well as sizing for larger straight sizes. Currently, there are over 500 New Arrivals for women on the Bloomingdale's website. When I filter to size 16W I am left with only four options. At Nordstrom, their New Arrivals went from around 1,100 to 599 options. While I may fit into what Bloomingdale's sees as a Large, a large percentage of my readership does not and I can't support a retailer that doesn't properly cater to 67% of the population.
For those who find Bloomingdale's too expensive, use their selection as a guide to shop elsewhere. Notice the trends – leather, skin prints, rich reds, plaids, velvet, gold chains, wallpaper florals, chiffon, soft neutrals, blazers and suiting, shades of rust goldenrod, and orange. I'll be writing soon about fall and winter fashion trends but this is a good start. I've shopped budget-friendly retailers and have similar concept pieces below in this carousel:
Shop Fall Fashion Trends for Less:
I will be ordering from Bloomingdale's this fall and will share my experiences – do they provide clothing that looks as good in person as it does on the site? Am I right that they are buying for grown-ass women, or was I just swayed by the models in fierce poses? Do they carry great clothes for all, or just in smaller sizes?
Have you noticed the trend of many retailers you've loved starting to skew young instead of youthful? Where do you find stylish modern clothing for grown-ass women? Let me know in the comments!
I shop a lot at Muji and Uniqlo lately. Uniqlo has extended sizes online, but I don’t think Muji does. They are the only place where I can find decent basics. I have also had some luck buying work dresses at Nordstrom Rack but it is hit and miss. I also peruse my local T.J. Maxx and can always find some treasures there. But yes, it is hard to shop as you get older. My mother has been complaining about this for years.
Mm lafkeur is great for dresses, tops and their “jardigan”. I’ll be wearing this all fall as I’m traveling nearly every week.
I like bloomies although I’ve found much more in the store than online. Your comments about their site are spot on. I mean WTF? It’s 2019 already…
Need to check out saks soon.
Disappointing me lately are Lafayette 148 – used to be my go to but no style anymore… I’d go as far to say frumpy. And Stuart weitzman- I used to wear a 8.5W for a decade+ and one day (after being acquired) their shoes stopped fitting… like they were making one shoe and just labeling it wide… I’m trying Margaux this fall.
EF – only ever relied on their washable crepe black pants. Last years!!
Ditto on Nordstrom. This was the most disappointing year for me for their anniversary sale. I bought very little and then only basics. The most fashionable choices felt too young. I turn to Talbots, but then they can feel too old (especially if I go shop in the store – I swear I bring down the average age by a couple of decades then and then I question if I’m too dowdy!). Will check out bloomies, but hope Nordstrom gets the message soon.
I don’t frequent the mall but park at Nordstrom because they have the best bathroom. I wanted to try some shoes on and finally found an employee with a clipboard. She took my name and three shoe requests and told me the wait would be 15 minutes or so. I said great I hope I’m still here by then and sat and waited for the shoes or my daughter, whichever found me first. The woman with the clipboard was shouting out names like a fishmonger! This is the opposite of the Nordstrom experience I expect! They used to have a real life pianist tickling the ivories on the second floor!! In addition they did not have two of three shoes in my size (very rare size 8) and there was a large wire rack near the escalators with the online orders for ‘take away’ and an abundance of employees helping these customers. I don’t need to be pampered, but if I want chaos I will go to a discount shoe store and expect it along with better prices. If I can’t try on the shoe and walk home with a pair that fits, why not shop online? Free shipping free shmipping, I can find lower prices and pay for shipping elsewhere and still spend less overall, or just use Amazon prime.
I’m 46 and used to spend a ton of $$ at Nordstrom for my business casual and weekend clothes. The last few years, I too have been underwhelmed by the offerings and the quality for the price points. Lately I have been loving Jigsaw London. Fortunately there is one near me. The fabrics and cuts of the clothing are just wonderful. A breath of fresh air. I recently went into a Bloomy’s for the first time ever and fell in love. It does take careful shopping to find affordable prices; however I was excited by the styles I saw there which I haven’t said about Nordstrom in a long time.
I’m a little surprised at your age that you feel the invisible woman syndrome…that didn’t hit me until maybe my mid-50’s. Makes me sad. Anyway, the clothing doesn’t get any easier as you age!! I’m mid-60’s and struggle with that.
I’m glad you are looking at other department stores. For me, I’ve almost completely stopped shopping at Nordstrom’s. I basically use them to see how brands or styles fit and shop for lower prices elsewhere. I scour the sales and clearance for brands I’ve found work for me: Eileen Fisher, Vince, Paige Denim, Equipment blouses. I found Bloomie’s end of season sales on their cashmere to be amazing. And just snagged some Theory pants there at over 60% off. Neiman and Saks also have much better sales. And all three department stores give me my money back on a return about a 5-7 days sooner than Nordstrom. And I shop a lot on eBay because I like expensive clothes, but not the prices!
Oh! You introduced me to Universal Standard, Colleen Rothschild, and Soma. Those US tees really rock (as you say ;).
I’ve stopped buying Talbots, J Jill, Banana because the styles don’t speak to me and the fits are always off. But, I learn a lot by seeing how you style whatever brand you buy! Appreciate your writing very much!
Oh my gosh, I thought it was just me! I keep wish lists at four stores: Nordstrom, Bloomingdales, Saks and Neiman. For the past two years, I’ve had very few clothing items or shoes on my Nordstrom list. Yet, I’ve been finding a lot that I like at the other retailers. In fact, most of the items I’ve purchased the past couple years have come from the “other” three. As soon as I read your post, I thought, “that’s it!” I hadn’t realized what was turning me off about Nordstrom’s selection until you said it. Thank you! I hope their buyers are reading your blog.
It’s odd, because I don’t get the same results from the Nordstrom New Arrivals page at all, even through your link above. It might be because I shop at Nordstrom a bit and research options there frequently so they have data on me. I’m seeing tons of cute and even glam plus size (even though I am not plus size and haven’t bought plus size items from them). Lot of midi dresses in floral prints. Also blouses and sleek work dresses and suits.
I have never had an enjoyable shopping experience at Bloomingdales, so I just don’t bother looking at their website. Also, I grew up in Seattle, so Nordstrom is my jam!
My go-to stores for age appropriate updated classic pieces ( I am 66 ) are Ann Taylor, WHBM, Banana Republic and Talbots. Yes, sizing is somewhat inconsistent but I have found quality to be generally consistent. I am fortunate that all these stores are in my area so there are no return fees at least as I return in person.
This post is RAD and the best style post I’ve read in a long time. I hope Bloomingdales has the good sense to take your advice!
So happy to read this post and the comments — I can’t even find shoes or a handbag I like in Nordstrom this year — and lord knows, I’ve never had difficulty with this in the past, LOL. Everything seems…too young and too cheap (not inexpensive — cheap). Exactly as you said.
Regarding Eileen Fisher, it just frankly pisses me off. I was a loyal buyer for years, appreciating the quality fabrics and graceful designs. Lately, I feel offended when I see their prices, which are just outrageous — and even more offended by their online models who look like ads warning of human traffickers or the abusive garment industries. What the heck.
I’m looking at older women in other cultures for inspiration, and also realizing I can make do with far less, perhaps adding some interesting jewelry or a scarf.
Nordstrom has been tough to shop in lately but they aren’t the only one. I’m a 58 year old who work clothes that are professional looking but not quite as formal as a suit. Eileen Fisher was great for beautiful sweaters and unstructured jackets but over the last two years they seemed to have focused on clothes that aren’t really office ready – Prices are way up this year as well. Universal Standard has some interesting things. I particularly liked the Bea jacket and some of their blouses. Their sizing is consistent too. Talbots – when I was a younger woman I dreamed of someday of buying their blazers and skirts without worrying about my rent. Alas I can afford them now but the selection of work clothes is very limited and there sizing is very inconsistent. Enough complaining. I may need to try MM Lafleur this fall and I have found a few things in Boden.
I’m in Canada and we have had a Nordstrom for around four years or so in my city. I like looking at the very expensive items just out of curiosity, as I sew and it is interesting to view the finishes in terms of helping me visualize how I would finish my silk top or dress. However, when I browse the more affordable options, the price does not match the quality and I could buy something similar elsewhere.
I would love to find lovely basics and exciting pieces — my workplace is casual, so what I wear to work, I wear on the weekend with some variation in terms of accessories .
It is sad that at 48, I struggle to find clothes I like. The other day my husband accompanied me to Anthropologie, and I said I would love to buy a bunch of items at full price. He said “why don’t you?” And he was serious. He has an expensive hobby, and technically I could spend more if I wanted to. I realized that I don’t want to spend full price. I want to save unless I see or find that joy sparking item, or workhorse basic. Perhaps this could be be the reason retailers are targeting younger people. It could likely just be me, and I’m not speaking for others when I say this, but I think at the heart of the matter many women around my age have a collection of clothing that evolves, and as we get older and wiser – hopefully! – we are more discerning and wary about value for money, and how items function. I would love a custom made wardrobe of items that were all 10/10 s, and I’m aspiring to this by combing bought and made garments, but some days what I wear is and 8 or7 and that can be good enough as I spend money on going out for lunch:)
Hear, hear! I am seeing a lot of us fall back on Talbots, but…they seem to be stuck in place style-wise. Personally I’m relying on Talbots and NYDJ for bottoms and bringing style in with a range of shirts/tops. I’m even getting the sewing machine out and making my own tops and dresses, using Cashmerette patterns, which are cut for my curves. Praying that Universal Standard does some petite coats, because they’re ‘grown up’ without the price tag of M.M. LaFleur.
Sorry to use profanity, but fuck yeah.
“This is an age where we can become invisible. We can choose how to use this fact.”
Your narrative about this was so spot on. Thank you.
I’m so glad I’m not the only one who has noticed that Nordstrom is catering to the very young lately! Over the years, most of my clothing money has gone to Nordstrom. I miss having a reliable, go to store where there was so much for me to choose from. It’s too bad they don’t see that an older age group has lots of money they’d like to spend. Related to this, my mom and her friends are in their 80’s and they have an absolutely terrible finding clothes. It’s a market that is completely ignored.
I must add an addendum to my previous comment about their laughable Anniversary Sale this year. The clothes were either ugly or lower end quality. I couldn’t believe how bloggers were able to make any attractive outfits at all from the horrid offerings!
Ugh, yes. You covered this in your Anniversary sale blog post, and the comments showcased that largely, we feel left behind. I think the Nordstrom family is concerned(as is showcased by their attempts to obtain control of the company again), but I fear it’s going to be too little, too late. They closed a Norstrom north of me, in WA (not far from where Nordstrom originated), and my friend in Anchorage said they’re closing the store there (home of the famous “can I return these tires here? Nordstrom takes anything back” experience. Going into Nordstrom now feels like walking into a smaller mall–where are the in-house brands I loved? I see stuff from stores out in the mall, the lure of unique quality is gone.
Also 100% on the Bloomie’s models, that was the very first thing I noticed in your snapshot! Give me variety–I don’t need to see another skinny white woman. Beyond that, I’m not interested in shopping your store if you don’t put diversity first (don’t make me search on what your CEO donates to…)
Ali, can you just partner with Melissa mcCarthy or someone similar and start a line we’d all buy? 😀
You verbalized my exact frustration with Nordstrom! I’m a very young professional 60 yo, 5’2″, PS/PM, 8/10P, and for the last 1-2 years, I can’t find a thing that’s appropriate for me. I am not asking much- just well made clothing with simple lines that aren’t too young or matronly. Caslon used to have well made pieces, but not anymore. Another huge frustration is they don’t stock enough petites and are always sold out! I just received an order from Nic and Zoe and am thrilled with the quality and style. They have some beautiful simple tops and dresses ( I buy the solids) and most come in petites!
So disappointed in Nordstrom’s lately. And the hype surrounding the anniversary sale this year was over the top. I would like to try Bloomingdales, but prefer ordering from stores that have in-store returns, and we don’t have a Bloomies in My city. I’ve been buying mostly at Talbots, JJill, and Chico’s these days. I used to avoid Chico’s, with what I felt were trendy embellishments, but I discovered they have truly wonderful basics. I had three orders home, one from each, and Chico’s was better quality by a smidge than JJill and both significantly better than Talbots. All three of these brands have sales which bring their clothing to within shouting distance of Kohl’s, and clearance can beat Walmart. I know your post was about style, but quality clothing contributes to style in its drape and wear. I like to accessorize for drama.
interesting that you think JJill is better than Talbot’s because I think Talbot’s is a higher quality. I like JJill style but nothing lasts more than one season for me and I have Talbot’s things that are 2-3 years old. I looks at the Bloomies website but the sizing doesn’t work for me. I wear a 16 so I don’t think a “L” will fit and Woman’s is generally too large overall. My best luck is Woman’s Petite…so again that puts me mostly at Talbot’s I appreciate this website and have found some good pieces from it. Keep up the good work!!
Great article….something I noticed is that if you are not familiar with the fit of a certain brand, shopping an be deceitful. Case in point: I recently bought a pair of pajamas online from Nordstrom. I bought an XL. When I received them, the fit was that of a Junior sized XL and not a “Woman’s” XL. Very different indeed. A Woman’s XL gives me room in the chest area. Ugh. They need to specify a fit a bit more (Junior XL or a Woman’s XL). Makes a big difference.
Alison, you are always spot on and seem to have a keen sense of what we would like to hear/discuss. Perfect timing. Appreciate your time and research so much. Bravo!
I agree about Nordstroms. I just never feel like they’re speaking my language there. I’m 46, work in a professional career and need clothes that are professional but not boring. I find that most of my shopping these days is with Talbots, Chicos, Gwynnie Bee (buying the items that I most love), and I was recently turned on to online shopping with Maggy London/London Times.
YES, All the feels on being invisible in one week. I’m there! And you’re right, Nordie’s has been my go-to for years and yet lately…I’m just not in love. I’m liking some of their premium brands, but can’t spend $150 on a blouse. Glad you’re out there on the Cool Clothes for Grown Ups hunt for us. Keep it up Ali!
I stopped shopping mainstream department stores years ago. When a store hires people who can’t help you because of ignorance or lack of caring why shop there? (I know that’s a generalisation but it’s more norm than not.)Too expensive for cheaply made clothing in sizes that don’t fit. At 65 and 5’1” I still have to have clothes altered and if I’m paying for clothes and then alterations I want clothes that last long term. But, I like classic clothing instead of trendy so I usually buy at the end of seasons (and yes, hoping that there will be clothes available) because classics are just that – classic. I rely on scarves and jewellery to up trendy, cheaper that full scale clothing purchases. Alison, I agree with you, clothes are too young not youthful. I’m not much on “age appropriate” but there is a point when it’s pushed a bit too far. So I like Talbots, J. Crew, Pendleton, some J. Jill. I refuse to buy E. Fisher, ridiculously overpriced.
Yes! Look at the men’s dept. compared to ladies & kids. Lots of room, calm, well laid out, etc. ladies & kids everything is usually a crowded jumbled mess. But who’s doing the shopping, hmm? So why don’t we get more room, do we not have to sidle between racks & not try to knock things over it’s our purses. Or if we have little kids with us & have to maneuver a stroller too.
Excuse the typos/autocorrect. This is really awful.
Nordstrom seems to have been going for the lowest common denominator on selection, color, and clothes quality for quite a while. Even when I do see something appealing online it turns out to not be in petite sizing, you are pretty much limited to black as a choice on many items, even if Nordstrom has different colors for main stream sizes. When you remove the clothes they are offering from J Crew, Madewell, Boden, etc. it’s really slim pickings. So disappointing.
I look at blogs in the UK and feel like their retailers are making much more of an effort.
I agree with you about Bloomingdales.
Can you please mention some of the blogs you follow from the UK?? TIA!
“When you remove the clothes they are offering from J Crew, Madewell, Boden, etc. it’s really slim pickings.”
This exactly.
Yes! As a 47 year old, I don’t want to wear clothes that look like what a 14 year old wears. I found Nordstrom’s because of bloggers like you, and lord knows I’ve spent some money there! The free shipping/free returns is such a big reason. But I’m not feeling it with all these blogger-fashion-collaborations they’ve started doing. I’m an average working woman who needs clothes that are good looking but comfortable and affordable. I am not a blogger who travels the world in her “Nordstrom designs” because she is making so much $$ off of affiliate links and sponsored posts (& I am NOT talking about you, Alison. Please know that). I can easily spend less at Target, Old Navy, etc. and get something similar to some of what Nordstrom’s is offering.
Bloomingdales is new to me; I’ve seen them in some large cities but always assumed they were way too expensive for me. Thanks for sharing them with us & showing us some lower priced options. I must say, I’m loving the rust/spice color I’m seeing pop up for fall; hoping I can find some pants in that hue!
I call it Brass Plum! Right now I’m shopping Banana Republic, Chico’s, loft, Nordstrom, WHBM.
Thank you for this post because I struggle to find clothing that isn’t for someone 5’8 and size 8. I want to be stylish and classic but do not have unlimited $$ for clothing. I also feel like Nordstroms has (other than some Halogen and Caslon pieces) become either too pricey or too cheap/young. Where is my department? Again, like you I have-not been a Bloomingdales shopper. When I go into the store I feel like at least the plus size dept. (I waiver between reg. and plus size depending on brand/cut, etc) I am in Macys….of which I am not a fan. Know Macys owns Bloomies . I struggle with Fabi because its often made of clingy fabrics that do not work on my body. I heard they are increasing sizing but not sure that is true? If I could spent lots of money on clothing/shoes I would buy things from brands like Lafayette 148, Nordstrom Signature, some things from E. Fisher (altho many things in this brand seem horribly overpriced). One final thought/question is why is i.e. Nordstroms selling so so many things from Boden, Madewell, JCrew…etc….I want something diff. ….if I want one of their items I will go to their store for my purchase. Thanks for any insight/suggestions on other retailers to look at for women.
I’m glad you mentioned Eileen Fisher – what is UP with them lately? For quite a few years, I depended on EF for top quality and good fit for the (high) price. Pieces could last and look good for years. In the past few years, I’ve seen the quality drop and the sizing be inconsistent and just crazy – I am a Large and sometimes even a Small would be too big. I realized last year I just needed to stop ordering EF because I couldn’t depend on the fit anymore. Then this year the prices are outrageously high and although I still look, I’ve pretty much moved on.
Talbots. Some of the less from-frou Coldwater Creek tops & sweaters; they go up to 3X.
CAbi! I know you are connected with and do features for CAbi, but I just want to say that the first time I ever attended a CAbi party, I was like… “I’m HOME!!”