Soft surroundings is my favorite well priced store at the moment. It fits my "a little older than the other moms but not too old to still dress fun" mentality. I am rather tall and an 8 not 6 though.

I just read this entire thread and am so glad I did. I had never heard of Soft Surroundings. Wow...I have looked and looked for something to wear to DD's wedding and the activities for the few days before. I almost never shop and when I do it is for clothes I can get from Sierra Trading Post !! Anyway I have ordered several tops and some lovely pants and a jump suit. So I am set. She is having an outdoor Sunday afternoon Spring garden wedding so sophisticated but comfortable . Thank you for all the great posts. c

Thanks Ded. Maybe DD and I can stop on the way home from OCNJ. I didn't enjoy the Mall of America at all when we were there, it was too overwhelming.

You're right. I didn't find a thing at JJill. I bought a few things from Garnet Hill this winter too.

Mtn, I find the clothes I order from England run large.

If you have small children/grandchildren, I love Hanna Anderson's organic cotton pajamas. Always order during a 20% off sale. DGS does not stay under covers, so he wears LS/LP year round. They wear and wash well. We've been buying them for three years now and none have gotten holes or thin spots. Their shirts are nice too (thick, well made) but run large.

Anyone know where to buy long pants, jeans really, for a 4.5yo boy that is tall and skinny? He's always worn Gap or H&M, but they are too short now and when she moves up a size they are huge in the waist. I think he will end this winter wearing floods. :-/ fyi, the GAP pants that start getting longer or too big in the waist.

I had to go to the dreaded Mall for shopping today as I have a party to go to tomorrow night. I don't know what the deal is with the shops in my mall here in my area of Florida. I used to love Nordstrom's but now it's just okay with nothing out of the ordinary and most is overpriced cheap fabric. Bloomingdales was my favorite due to the sales people being fantastic but they have slid on style selections. My Bloomies is very mainstream now although I did buy two casual shirts and my favorite lancome foundation. Even if I had unlimited funds there was nothing that wowed me. I went in several other shops and all was just okay. When I lose this weight I have gained I'm going back to buying my shirts off of LastCall online. I always get complements on my shirts from there.

Whenever I've gone into Chico's the sales staff is all over me, nonstop yammering, so I have never bought anything there. Just leave me alone until I ask for help. Please.

For skinny boys you have to find slims. Preferably slims with adjustable waistbands or drawstring waists. My skinny boy is usually about two sizes down in waist compared to length so we buy slims for length and pull the adjustable waist all the way in so the jeans stay up.

My sources have been LE (they run shorter but they also have elastic waist khakis which are good if jeans are too stiff for the kid's taste), gap, Gymboree, and crazy 8. Crazy 8 is a good price point and quality mix, IMO. They last longer than old navy, but not as long as gap, but I have been able to buy them at around $8 a pair. You may not be able to find them in store; I have usually had to order slims online. Oh and I have been able to find slim swim trunks at LE in the past--haven't checked this year's offerings.

I have a skinny and tall 4 year old boy and the Zara boys pants fit him great. If you look at the men's clothes, you an see that they carry the trend of clothing for thin tallish men all the way through adulthood. My 16 year old pretty much wears Zara pants exclusively. Also Hannah Anderson boys pants seems slim too.

I like Ann Taylor for dress pants, Chico's for basic casual tops and some of their jeans, crops. My new favorites jeans are NYDJ, which I can find at Nordstrom's and Macy's. I tend to buy dresses and blouses/tops at Marshall's and TJ's. They are both located in town so I swoop in often. There is a mall 10 minutes from here so there is no lack of opportunities.

Some of my highest quality pieces are from Boden, it seems. They really are well made pieces and always fit me perfectly. However, I don't wear them often because the real me is not a fan of patterns which much of their stuff is. Also, Talbots is one store I pop into periodically. I also like the Poetry and Wrap catalogues and plan to order a few things for a summer trip.

However, I do hate shopping (feel much as you do, ded). Sigh. Do not get me started on jeans. Ugh. I need the old Army-Navy store in Ardmore to return-I would make the trip just to buy my Levis there! I have been looking for a plain old white button-down blouse/shirt in cotton to replace one that totally wore out. When I order what looks to be perfect, it is either somewhat see-through thin material, the sleeves are too narrow, or it just doesn't meet my expectations when compared to ones I have had in the past. I am very sad. :( However, hark, hope springs anew thanks to this thread. Garnet Hill has one that looks, dare I say it, perfect. I am ordering it in two sizes since I am not sure how their sizes run. Thank you Lisa and Funky-I get the catalogue, but have never ordered anything. Twirling and dancing with joy here.

ETA. Forgot to mention Peruvian Connection-another one where everything I have ordered is good quality! Love their styles and colors.

Cyn, so glad you found what might turn out to be a treasure! I never bought their button down shirts but I remembered that I have a few summer dresses I bought from them and love!

I havent worn button down shirts in years. I didn't think they were feminine enough with my wide shoulders and i found them kind of boring. Recently though I pulled out a few and have put them into the regular rotation for work and I am loving them again... so I have also been on the hunt for a perfect white button down! I wanted an all cotton shirt with a bit of shape but I ended up ordered 1 with a bit of lycra (jjill) and one that is a box jersey with 3/4 sleeves (eileen fisher). They are two very different takes on the white button down so I hope at least one works!

I have been frustrated all morning. The first of my orders arrived with my RL shirts and I am really unhappy with the fit. I could try a size down but even though they are too large, I think the cut is the real problem. I am torn between just ordering a bunch of stuff knowing I will return a lot.. or just going with very basics and putting my wardrobe money into jewelry and scarves. I am leaning towards the latter.

I live in black pants.

Banana Republic Sloan Fit-they say dry clean but I wash them. I'm 5'1" so I get cropped regular length and they're full length on me.

Athleta, Lululemon (I get discounts since I am a Personal Trainer)Nordstrom Zella-all my exercise pants, all hemmed for free.

For everything else-Anthropology, Nordstroms, TJMax (I find brands like Splendid and James Pearse, and Free People). There's a small store called Finally.... In Cherry HillNJ that has some cute faddish type cloths reasonably priced.

i love the funky look of Free People just feel that some of their clothes are cut too full for my size but I do occasionally find something that's not.

Sueb20- No your not the only one. I used to have saddlebags so I totally understand your frustrations. Nothing got rid of them even when I was running 6 mi. Nothing! The best thing I did was to have them removed. It changed my life! That was only 4 yrs ago. Not sure why I waited so long. Now there's CoolSculpting which you may find interesting and it's non invasive and works. Also I discovered the Sloane Fit BR pants were the best fit when I had them.

Funky,

I think i've bored y'all enough with my white shirt fetish, but I had to share this.

https://insidechic.chicos.com/style/great-white-shirts/

Thanks. I should have added we do buy him slim with the button elastic to tighten. Will check out Zara.

Thanks, Mtn.. boy they sure look great on all those iconic women! If the two I ordered don't work out, I will try Chicos. There's one right here in town but boy, I hate going in there. They jump on you and hover more than they do at Talbots!

I don't know why I suddenly thought I was too old for a white button down to be sexy-- but that was definitely my thinking when I gave it up. I felt androgynous. It's all about the cut.

I have one white blouse-- it is all cotton but is a wrap front blouse with a classic button down style collar. The sleeves and back are a rich tshirt material. I am not making it sound nice but I get compliments everytime I wear it-- even from strangers! I wish I had it in other colors-- or at least a backup white one! I won't even eat in it for fear of dripping something down my front!

actually Funky, it sounds great. Just as in decor, I like combo's of texture more than I like color

My professional uniform is a pencil skirt, luxe silk blouse, and heels. Rotation of navy, black, and cream skirts. Lined wool in winter, lined linen in summer. Old school I know, but then so am I. Brooks Bros could usually be counted on for a nice blouse. But Zac Posen's influence has made future purchases dubious. You were always in danger of dowdy at BB, and lucky if you could find a piece or two. But now it's sort of dowdy meets grunge, with really cheerful models. BB

My go-to jeans are J-Brand Maria style. These are the softest, most comfortable high-waisted jeans I have found, and they pass the sit-down test. Saks has a nice selection but they are carried in a lot of stores, including Anthro. The BEST white button-downs I have found are from Aritzia. Dark wash jeans, white button-down and neutral high-heeled Ferragamo sandals or simple loafers will take me just about anywhere. If it's fancy, I just add a few strands of fat pearls a la KSWL ;)

Shockingly, last summer Lily Pulitzer had a few unprinted items. I purchased a simple navy dress, as well as a white summer dress. You would never know they were LP. I'll have to remember to check in there this spring.

Allison, thanks for the Poetry recommendation. How do the pieces hold up? Typical linen/ironing? Loved those links you provided!

Great thread, thanks grapefruit!

I hang dry all of the pieces I've purchased from Poetry. If always turn the spin speed down to 900 on my washer, and the linen pants don't have to be ironed. I shake hard or pull to flatten a bit before hanging to jump start getting out wrinkles. The hemp/cotton blend pieces hang dry also and do not need ironing. My favorite shirts are no longer offered. I really hope they come back so I can replace a couple since the cats have put in a hole.

Funkyart wrote: I am torn between just ordering a bunch of stuff knowing I will return a lot.. or just going with very basics and putting my wardrobe money into jewelry and scarves. I am leaning towards the latter.

This is me, too. I'm going to try Mtn's white shirt idea. If I find one that fits, I'm going to buy a dozen and spend more time on accessories. There's a great new boutique that opened in my town that has a wonderful selection of scarves.

As a sidenote, is anyone having problems with their posts? I posted twice above (kinda the same content) because I didn't see that the first had posted. Now, I see they both have. ???

ETA I deleted my second post above because it was redundant. Sorry, CindyMac. ;-)

That's what I do now as well. My "wardrobe" money is now spent on scarves, purses, jackets. I don't iron so no nice white shirts for me.

I am so tired of trying to find decent clothes and so tired of having them not last or not hold their shape or not hold their colour.

Lisa, that's a little different. ;-)

I love basics changed up with accessories. Lately, I've been doing a white boatneck tee with winter white velvet-cordouroy-ish type Chico's jeans accessorized with various scarves, jewelry, jackets and vests. Tons of different looks can be had and it's provided an opportunity to bring out some accessories I hadn't used in awhile.

Gardner - Aritzia is new to me. I love a good white shirt - do you have any experience with the Montana or Matthews shirts/blouses? Thanks in advance!

This is a good time to try out Boden if you see anything you like there. 20% off with free shipping and returns if you spend $49. Through Thursday.

Heads up to any bargain hunters like myself out there that like designer clothing at a discount. LastCall has some codes for free shipping if you like to buy in bulk knowing you will have to return a few items. Code - LCShip = free shipping on orders over $99. Code - INCIRCLE = free 2 day shipping if you sign up.

All returns are free if you take a store credit. Otherwise return is I think a flat fee oh $9.95.

I just realized, I forgot to mention Gap. I do get jeans, sweaters and coats there.

They have a survey that pops out every so often. After you fill it out, you put a code on your receipt. This entitles you to 20% off a full priced item. It's good for 3 months.

I don't have one in my town any longer, but one is next to a supermarket that I go to. I stop in and it's hit or miss.

As far as brands go I like Habitat, Tribal and Parkhurst. There's a little boutique that I shop at that carries these brands. Here's a peak at Habitat (and by the way, I look exactly like the model-NOT!)http://www.habitatclothes.com/:

Darnit, peacamp, you just made me spend a few hundred dollars at Boden.

I also like Gap sometimes. I order a lot of my kids' clothes there and I have a Gap card, so periodically I get rebate coupons for $20 or $30. I like that they have Petites (online). A few summers ago, I bought a bunch of basic v-neck t-shirts that I loved. I have a few Gap petite sweaters, too.

Oh, and way above someone mentioned jeans for skinny boys. I always had good luck with my skinny boy at Old Navy online. They have sizes that aren't in stores.

Sorry for the delay ruby, I've been on the road.

I just checked the site and wish I hadn't missed the sale on Peyton! I don't have the Montana but all the Aritzia blouses I do own have that "drapey" feel to them. A really nice "hand" if you will. The Matthews is poplin, which I haven't purchased from Aritizia. I imagine that to be like the AT Perfect Shirt, which I also have. While I like the look of that crisp cotton, they can feel stiff and kind of puff up when tucked in. The only thing I would want to know about the Montana before I bought it is whether it is see-through. Call the Chicago store and ask them. The gals there are great and will be honest. Good luck, I hope you love it!

Thanks for your reply A0704!

I almost exclusively shop online. I don't have the time to go to actual stores. When I do it's a luxury and the last thing I want to do is try on clothes. My favorites are the usual Saks, Nordstrom, Bloomies and Neiman.

For online shopping I know my brands and what fits me well. I am petite and 5'2 but I don't wear petite clothing. (My legs must be normal sized). I know the brands that don't require hemming for pants and don't overwhelm me. For going out clothes I love: ALC, BCBG, Alice + Olivia. For casual clothes (which is me most of the time) I find Paige Jeans fit my body really really well. I never need to try them on, any style in my size will work. I also do like some 7 for all mankind and AG's but Paige are my go to. For every day tops most of my things are Splendid, Ella Moss, Soft Joie, Theory,

My work wardrobe is pretty much Joie, Theory. DVF, some of the less preppy Tory and Banana Republic

Thanks gardener - I will call the Chicago store and get some feedback on both shirts. I hear you on the poplin bunching issue. But I do love the look/idea of it :). I appreciate learning about Aritzia - I love the aesthetic!

Gosh, I must be old!!! I have never heard of many of these stores or brands. Thank you for all of the responses.

I just read this whole thread and there are some good suggestions. I never buy clothes for myself online, I need to try everything on! Mostly I shop at Nordstrom or Eileen Fisher. Occasionally I'll pick up something at Anthropologie if I'm with DD. When I'm travelling I will shop in local boutiques or unusual shops.

Like a few of you above I had given up on finding nice Tee's. I did find some 100 % linen shirts by Sanctuary that are about the most comfortable shirts I've had in a long while. These are light weight so maybe not for all. There is a sheer silk look polyester band along the bottom that I like. I bought one in navy and black and bought a size up for more of a drape look. Love these! However, at my age I would not get the light colors due to the light weight fabric. https://www.sanctuaryclothing.com/clothing/tops/city-mix-tee-3083.html

Wanted to update my Wrap London purchases - extremely happy with the Helena top - bought 4 colors (all but the washed black) Also keeping a Clara t-shirt even though it's a bit on the thin side. Won't require something underneath though. I am returning a Tahlia top - pretty, but a bit tight across the shoulders and the next size would be too large.

Allison, I loved the Wrap London site! Thank you for recommending it.

Oh no. I am starting to be sorry I looked at the Wrap London site...

I have never heard of Wrap London....are they actually in London? My favorite store in London is Next. I have several really cute things from there....different from things I find here. They are pretty inexpensive, too! I am hoping you go back in June.

Yes they are. Will look up Next, since Wrap and Poetry are favorites already.

You can shop Next now online from the USA.

Thanks Allison, I ordered 3 tops from Wrap London. I was actually happy to see reviews saying that some of the tops were "too short" because I am petite! Fingers crossed that they will fit...

And now I have ordered even more from Poetry. I am never reading these "fashion" threads again.

I just checked out the 3 london sites. Color must not be the thing in London, LOL. The colors seem muted. Saw a few pretty things but didn't order for any of them. I don't wear alot of tees, so the Helena didn't grab me, liked the Clara better. Is the shipping high for these sites? Are you finding better quality than here in the US?

I used to shop for my grand-daughters at Next in London all the time when they were little kids. They have the cutest dresses and things for toddler to 10 year olds or around that range. Bought a few boy things too and they really are (or were) great quality.

I just received a new Poetry catalog yesterday. Have been receiving the Wrap London catalog but was chicken to order anything. Too bad the tops are short! I'm probably too tall for their clothing then.

Not all of the tops are short. You can see how long they are on the website, if catalogs don't show front and back. Some are longer in the back than the front (Poetry). The Helena isn't like a t-shirt, imo. It is higher quality. I am 5' 7.5" tall.

Poetry shipping is $15 regular, $30 Fed Ex. Regular mail can take several weeks. If I order a lot of pieces, I'll spring for Fed Ex.

Wrap shipping is the same.

Next is free over $30, under $30 is only $5.

My 3 tops from Wrap London arrived yesterday and I loved them all! I did fed ex because I needed something to wear for an event next weekend.

Thanks for the point of reference, Allison. I looked through the catalog again and may order a couple of things for our trip in May. I'm generally a dressy-casual person anyway, so nicer t-shirts under a jacket will work great for me.

I have to add to this because of the unexpected finds yesterday while shopping with DD. As a young professional she does a lot of her shopping at The Limited. I found some very nice things there last year but it's not a store that I would normally frequent as it has such a "young" vibe to it. She kept pulling out things she thought would look great on me along with items she was trying on. I found nine tops and four pairs of pants. She had a 50% off coupon and I saved an additional 15% off because I opened a credit card. The total for all those items came to a tad under three hundred dollars and I paid the card amount off then and there because I don't carry card balances. I paid less for that entire shopping bag of clothes than I would normally pay for an outfit. All of the items that I bought were well made so I am very happy. The only items I still need for spring/summer is a pair of dressy black flats, a few skirts (I like the Soft Surroundings skirts), and hopefully a linen dress.

Just heard we are getting a Soft Surroundings store. Haven't decided if that works in my favor yet. lol

Allison I want to follow up with everyone about SS. I couldn't get a jumpsuit I wanted or one shirt I wanted in my size and another shirt in my size. The folks at SS called around till they found a shop in OH that had the jumpsuit and the shirt in the size I needed. They also ordered the shirt online that I needed. All with nothing but the tax added ...no shipping etc > It all came fed ex and is perfect. My future SIL's Mom got some things and ordered others and they all came and were perfect as well . I wouldn't hesitate to suggest that anyone who wants amazing customer service and clothes of wonderful quality shop with Soft Surroundings. c