Favorite clothing stores/services for professional women
What are some of your favorite brands or stores or services that you use to help you look awesome at work everyday?
I tried some of the box services and hated them - the clothing quality was really poor.
I've worked with a stylist at Nordstrom, but she wasn't very helpful and I still had to go to the physical store - definitely don't have time for that anymore!
Anyways, just curious how you are all managing a current wardrobe with all the other things you are juggling in life!
May 12, 2017
Parent Replies
Have you tried Stitch Fix? I know you said you tried some box services and hated them, but I personally have had a lot of good experiences with this one. My clothes either come from there, or the occasional online shopping splurge when I get discount codes for H&M, J Crew and the like.
I definitely don't look awesome every day - only about twice a month! Nonetheless, I'll offer my advice.
First, I love shopping online too and have gotten some great things that way. I've also made many many MANY mistakes (and returns are time-consuming, leading me to tell myself "Oh, I'll wear this sometime" and then it just ends up clogging up my closet). Plus, when I shop online I tend not to take risks, and if you want to look truly awesome, you're going to have to push your comfort zone a little. So as painful as it may be, I recommend shopping in a physical store. And in that regard, I recommend making an appointment with a personal stylist at Macy's on Union Square. They have a huge selection in all price points - and ranging from conservative to edgy to dressy. The stylist will pull a lot of things for you to try on all at once, in a nice big dressing room, and put together outfits for you. It's free, and you can get a whole wardrobe in just a couple of hours.
As for brands, I like Theory - it tends to fit me well (and Macys has a lot of Theory). A great local designer is Lesley Evers - check out her boutique in Rockridge. I love her Stella tops and have a huge collection in many colors. I love her dresses too, although I tend not to wear them to work. And a lot of her clothes are made in Oakland! You could also try Personal Pizazz on College (near Star Grocery) - the owner is really good at making recommendations and knows her stock inside and out. Once she figures out what you like (it helps to go in wearing something you love), she's as good as a stylist.
Last tip - even ordinary clothes of not-great quality look awesome, or almost awesome, when they fit perfectly. Unless you are really lucky, most off the rack clothes will not fit you perfectly. Find a good alterations person and use him or her.
Have fun. I swear, one of the reasons I work is so that I have a place to wear my favorite outfits. So, enjoy.
Check out mmlafleur.com - I used to shop with them when I lived in NYC. Excellent quality work clothes that fit beautifully. I can't recomment them enough!
A good subscription service is Bungalow though it is fairly expensive.
I have excellent luck ordered from Boden and their quality of clothing is very high. Request their catalog and always order with at least 20% off and free shipping.
My favorite clothes store: A wonderful boutique in Berkeley PERSIMMON on The Alameda off Solano Ave. Great quality, style and accessories! Right around the corner on Solano is another small boutique, gorgeous clothes but pricier. Walnut Square in Berkeley has some nice clothing & shoe shops as well, off Shattuck on Vine St.
Grab some great pizza or cheese & bread to go at The Cheeseboard across the street when you're done!
I am a gr'ma, but a stylish working woman first!
Have you tried Stitch Fix? They have quality levels you can choose, but it does get pretty expensive for the best quality. Pinterest might be helpful.
I don't know where you work or what you do, but I buy primarily from Banana Republic and Nordstrom. Free shipping and free returns. Shoes are Zappos or Nordstrom. It was quite a shock for me to move here 20 years ago from New York, where things were quite a bit formal. But those are my staples above. Occasionally I throw in some COS. I don't need a stylist. I've learned more from Pinterest ..... "How to dress over 40."
CAbi
Carol Anderson by invitation.
A top choice for versatile, stylish, and comfortable clothing!
I like MM Lafleur when I can afford it. I've bought several pieces from Betabrand (based on SF) and their "dress-pant yoga pants" are my favorite thing to wear. I also like Stitch Fix. It sounds like you may have tried it already; it took me a few tries to get my "stylist" on board but since then I've been happy with her choices.
Someone else here mentioned Boden; I used to order their clothes all the time but I would only ever keep about 1 out of every 8 pieces or so because the sizing was so erratic--too small, too large, etc.