High quality but affordable basics-where to buy?
- Thread starter natashafromrussia
- Start date
Abercrombie's skinny denim and shorts (post-rebrand) are extremely underrated. It helps that they're in low demand too; after 2 or 3 rounds of price cuts, I can often pick up all the jeans and shorts I need in a year for $15-30 apiece. Their cuts and washes are tastefully done too (nothing screams tween like acid or other over-processed washes...). I'm a big stickler on rise length, and their high waist jeans actually have 10.5", 11"+ rises even at smaller sizes - quite similar to Zara jeans in that regard, but better quality. In contrast H&M HW skinnies are very affordable, but I also have to size up to US 6 on average for the rise to hit where I like it...
For 100% denim, the only affordable options are Uniqlo, Levi's, or vintage jeans from thrifting or ebay.
A few other posters mentioned Brandy, Madewell, and Gap - they make the best basic T-shirts! The latter two are especially kind to broader shoulders in terms of seam placement.
For 100% denim, the only affordable options are Uniqlo, Levi's, or vintage jeans from thrifting or ebay.
A few other posters mentioned Brandy, Madewell, and Gap - they make the best basic T-shirts! The latter two are especially kind to broader shoulders in terms of seam placement.
http://www.readingmytealeaves.com/category/style
I really enjoy reading Erin Boyle's blog for ideas on cultivating a minimalist wardrobe. Prices vary since she only recommends sustainable/sweatshop-free items.
I really enjoy reading Erin Boyle's blog for ideas on cultivating a minimalist wardrobe. Prices vary since she only recommends sustainable/sweatshop-free items.
I second @couerV suggestion for Gap t-shirts, they keep their shape really well.
Tk maxx for jeans like Levis etc.
Zara for blazers (but check you can wash them)
Also Topshop for vests and t-shirts
Uniqlo does a great Breton stripe top
For shoes - Clarks do great brogues, and for ballets I like Freed and French Sole.
For men's clothes I think Gant is great.
Tk maxx for jeans like Levis etc.
Zara for blazers (but check you can wash them)
Also Topshop for vests and t-shirts
Uniqlo does a great Breton stripe top
For shoes - Clarks do great brogues, and for ballets I like Freed and French Sole.
For men's clothes I think Gant is great.
It's the only place I've found that makes a fitted white t-shirt that's thick enough that I don't need to wear a bra with it! (I'm guilty of not hating I'm sorry), this is the best news I've seen in a while, my turtleneck from there pre-death recently got a pen mark on it.Well there is this option......
Has anyone tried a monthly subscription like stitch fix with good results? I'm terrible at shopping for myself I have no eye for good pieces, but I'm really wanting to improve my style. I still wear my high school clothes. Stitch fix assigns you a stylist, are they any good in your opinion?
Bumping this thread to say that Nordstrom's Zella Live-In Leggings come in a size XXS and, as I found out when my new pair arrived this morning, they are blessedly, comfortably tight on me at a 17 BMI. I'm 5'6 and the inseam is at least 2" too long for me, so moderately taller ladies may fit them perfectly.
They are also totally opaque, reversible and have a credit-card-sized waistband pocket. I wear them daily and highly recommend.
Everlane's size 0 long-sleeved silk blouses are cut for ladies with small arms! Mine are unfortunately pretty muscular and they strain the forearm seams a little. Their cashmere sweaters are accurate according to their siz3 chart.
For jeans, I use eBay. Paige Denim goes down to a non-vanity-sized size 23 and has up to 36" inseams. With patience and saved searches, I've bought a lot of NWT or NWOT pairs at 75% off store price.
They are also totally opaque, reversible and have a credit-card-sized waistband pocket. I wear them daily and highly recommend.
Everlane's size 0 long-sleeved silk blouses are cut for ladies with small arms! Mine are unfortunately pretty muscular and they strain the forearm seams a little. Their cashmere sweaters are accurate according to their siz3 chart.
For jeans, I use eBay. Paige Denim goes down to a non-vanity-sized size 23 and has up to 36" inseams. With patience and saved searches, I've bought a lot of NWT or NWOT pairs at 75% off store price.
I have no experience with Sitch Fix but if you live in the US I know that a lot of stores like Anthropologie and Nordstrom offer personal stylists who assist shoppers for free.
For those who have been looking for great basics for the spring and summer, I recently discovered The White Company which is a UK-based company that is known for selling sheets and towels and home accessories. I just found out that they make clothes and their women's apparel collection is absolutely amazing, affordable, and fits great on us skinnies. Especially their latest collection for warmer weather like the chino shorts, some of the shorter dresses, and basic long sleeve shirts with exposed chests.
Side note: is the model in their summer campaign Arizona Muse or just a look alike?
Side note: is the model in their summer campaign Arizona Muse or just a look alike?
Attachments
The girl in the photo you attached is definitely not Arizona but she is all over their site (linen campaign) ... http://www.thewhitecompany.com/us/Sail-Check-Shirt/p/SACHK?refCode=SACHK
Ah - yes - sorry, I tried to attach a photo of the Arizona lookalike and ended up attaching a second image of the shorts.
I personally really like Modcloth for skirts and basic tops for work. I haven't had bad luck with them yet, although I admit that their use of extremely obese models in an effort to be inclusive irritates me. Sometimes their clothes can be a bit pricey, but they also usually have regular sales so if you are patient you can usually snag one of those.
I would definitely have to recommend Aritzia - lots of basic pieces that are timeless while still looking current. Also the obvious Nordstrom Rack and Saks Off Fifth - feel shitty shopping in there until you find that one piece that makes you forget its totally last season.
I'm always struggling with transitioning into fall/winter dressing and staying WARM without looking bulky, and keeping up the classy/business-appropriate look at the same time. I've found that staple items include cashmere and merino wool knitwear, and for that I can recommend Massimo Dutti - I absolutely love their sweaters, very comfortable, simple but stylish at the same time. Their coats and blazers are quite nice too, and I also purchased a wool midi skirt which will be perfect to wear in fall/early winter as well. Pants can be a hit-or-miss though (as well as their sizing, but generally I would say that XS is not that vanity-sized as it is in Zara for example). I also love their color story, it works well for my skintone.
On a similar note: any recommendations for thermal undergarments? I am seriously dreading winter.
On a similar note: any recommendations for thermal undergarments? I am seriously dreading winter.
AA's quality definitely went down when they switched ceos but their cotton spandex stuff is comfy for moving around in, dollskill and asos are hit or miss but ive found decent stuff