Talk to me about your high-quality staples

[dottyblue]

I am starting to build a new wardrobe.  Pretty much from scratch.  After having two kids, my body is completely different and nothing fits right.  DH and I have also been discussing Marie Kondo's book and very few of my clothing pieces spark joy.  So I'm dumping 80% of my wardrobe.

I want to build with high quality pieces.  I don't actually like to shop (horror!), so I want basics that are going to last me for at least a year or two.  I won't be happy if I buy a top and it pills after two wears, or even two months.

So, where should I be looking?  Nordstrom seems to be popular.  I'm sick of the lack of quality of Loft, Gap, Banana, etc.  I feel like it's completely hit or miss.  Suggestions on stores, or even specific items you love?

[bimbi284]

What kind of activities do you do? Do you work in an office with a dress code? What do you do in your free time?

Those answers will lead to better suggestions to fit your lifestyle.

[gringachef]

Yes bimbi284- we need some more info about your life & style.
for example- My mom lives in St.John clothing and while it's very high quality it's most certainly not my style...

[hocus2]

I think you need to think first about:
What you do (SAHM, casual office work, teaching etc)
Where you live (East coast, West Coast, Southern etc)
What your shape and size are

I WAH in the north east and I'm short and overweight so if I was building a new wardrobe I probably do:


2-3 shorts (I hate shorts, but sometimes it is just too hot for anything else), 4-5 light weight pants, 7-10 short sleeved shirts, 3 fit and flare dresses for warm weather
3-4 cardigans/wraps for in between weather
5 pairs of jeans, 2 heavy weight pant, 10 long sleeved shirts, 3 fit and flare dresses for cold weather
2 work outfits -- probably a shift dress and jacket and a pair of work pants a blouse
1-2 LBD for nights out/weddings etc.

Good bras and underwear are really key to having clothing fit. So I would first get new foundations and then shop.

[kris356]

I agree with bimbi284, more lifestyle details are needed.

I am with @amydrinkie, I am willing to shell out more for staple pieces like denim, shorts, dress pants, blouses, outerwear, and shoes. But knits, especially tee shirts and tanks I feel that no matter how much I spend after a year or so they need replaced, especially whites. I don't wash on gentle and hang dry almost everything.

[dottyblue]

Sorry, work took over today! I WAH. Live in New England but my office is in DC. I travel to DC 4x per year and travel another 3-4 times a year for conferences. All work related travel requires business formal dress. I will be buying a couple of new suits and a sheath dress or two.

Casual clothes are where I get stumped. WAH means I can dress down, but I do skype with my team, so I'm always dressed, but casual. My home office also gets cold in the winter so I wear lots of layers. I chase a 3 yr old around and have a newborn. We do a fair bit of hiking in the summers and day trips to zoos, museums and the like.

I am 5'8", curvy (slightly pear shaped) and will be at my pre pregnancy weight in the next month or so. Only about 5 lbs to go and I don't diet so I imagine I won't go much below that weight. I wear a size 10 or 12.

[pizzapizza]

Jan 27, 2016 19:48:56 GMT -5 dottyblue said:

Sorry, work took over today! I WAH. Live in New England but my office is in DC. I travel to DC 4x per year and travel another 3-4 times a year for conferences. All work related travel requires business formal dress. I will be buying a couple of new suits and a sheath dress or two.

Casual clothes are where I get stumped. WAH means I can dress down, but I do skype with my team, so I'm always dressed, but casual. My home office also gets cold in the winter so I wear lots of layers. I chase a 3 yr old around and have a newborn. We do a fair bit of hiking in the summers and day trips to zoos, museums and the like.

I am 5'8", curvy (slightly pear shaped) and will be at my pre pregnancy weight in the next month or so. Only about 5 lbs to go and I don't diet so I imagine I won't go much below that weight. I wear a size 10 or 12.

I have been working on replacing my closet with high quality staples.  I have found that typically nowadays if you want high quality items (I typically consider items high quality primarily natural fibers (cashmere, silk, wool, cotton) where it make sense, good construction and well tailored - although polyester tops can be great when chasing a kid) it is going to cost some money.  I have had lots of luck buying either gently used or brand new from resale sites like ebay/poshmark/vinted for more expensive items.  

I also work from home - luckily I don't have video conferences - and I really like Athleta items.  You can layer them, wear for hiking, wear to pick up your kids and they have a great return policy.  They tend to have great end of season sales and I have found some nice with tags items on ebay.  I have also liked athletic clothing from Lucy as well - they also have good sales as well.  REI carries alot of other active brands that are great for working at home to hiking - Prana/Lole/Royal Robbins/Smart Wool/North Face/Patagonia.  I find the activewear segment is great for everyday casual clothes and tends to be more comfortable.  

If you are interested in buying higher quality items off of ebay I would check out some brands at a department store or TJMaxx runway store to get an idea for fit.  The one issue with ebay/poshmark is you may occasionally buy something and it just doesn't fit - I typically attribute it to the cost of doing business and donate or resell it.  

When buying things I try to confirm with the seller there are no defects/flaws and try to get measurements. 

If you have no interest in buying used items TJMaxx Runwway/Nordstrom Rack/department store sales can be good places to get items for a discount.

Good luck.

[gringachef]

I'm a size 10 and am a little shorter than you but it sounds like have pretty similar body type.

I would highly recommend going to Madewell & getting fitted for jeans. I prefer their fit (for my body type- big legs) over other premium denim brands for Their High Riser Skinny Skinnies are amazing. Don't buy them online- get fitted in store.
I'm a fan of a lot of Madewell's clothing and they have frequent decent sales.

JCrew for blazers.

Nordstrom is always a safe bet because if an item's quality isn't great their return policy covers it. They also have a good personal shopper service (free) that may be of help to you if you don't like to shop.