buying clothes in the USA

[no name 1]

I'm having a bit of a laugh because I threw an absolute hissy in M&S when I was looking for business clothes. I won't tell you just *which* business I figured English women must be in...

Funny how we get our fixed ideas about what is "right".

I do miss that M&S undergear tho. I'll save the funny underwear-hunt-in-Indonesia story for another day... <g>

But munchiekins, you've given me an idea of what to beg you to bring over for me--who do I know there who would buy underwear for me but you?!

Oh I am so glad someone else made this comment. I was holding out. My experience across the pond, was as bad as everyone states theirs is here. I felt like I was to dress up for a night out at the club or for the street corner on a regular basis.

I could not find anything that wasn't going to show my mid driff, ### cheeks, or left and right ####### in the casual section. I found the suits to be unlined and typically some polyster blend ewww. Also petites were seldom to be found, the two pairs of jeans I finally broke down and bought after months of searching, I had to hem.

I found one boutique that carried quality made clothing, but wouldn't dare pay 60 quid for a blouse! This was typically my problem, the high cost of low quality fabrics and workmanship.

My thought was that fashion is a one style fits all, and I am sorry but a 60 year old doesn't need to wear the same style as a 20 year old in most cases. I saw things that made me blush on old obese women.<insert vomit smiley here>

Amusing indeed. I find MOST M&S clothes are for the (much) older set, not a 30-something!!!!!!

I miss London/Bristol clothes shops SO BADLY!!!! I've lived in LA, NYC & London & BY FAR, the hippest/coolest clothes I've ever found were in England. And often, the cheapest! Plus the men dress SO MUCH BETTER than Americans.

Edited November 20, 2006 by devilette

[Tim and Bethanie 1]

I agree the men dress better. Still don't agree with following fashion in some peoples case.

Mr. Bethanie was from Suffolk and that was probably my problem with the clothing choices. The shops were far and few between, and they all carried the same crappy over priced polyster merchandise. Blaah.

[meauxna 15]

Plus the men dress SO MUCH BETTER than Americans.

Well, you've got us there, d-girl. Can't argue with that.

[Mags 112]

I agree the men dress better. Still don't agree with following fashion in some peoples case.

Mr. Bethanie was from Suffolk and that was probably my problem with the clothing choices. The shops were far and few between, and they all carried the same crappy over priced polyster merchandise. Blaah.

My family on my mother's side are all from Ipswich in Suffolk. They're not known for their taste in clothing...

[zyggy 9]

There's an H&M grand opening scheduled for spring of '07 here in Michigan.

Also... places to shop for business to casual, more for less is Target! The neat thing is that it'll be your one stop for almost everything...

There's actually already 3 here in Michigan...

Lakeside Mall in Sterling Heights

Briarwood Mall in Ann Arbor

12 Oaks Mall in Novi.

[Tim and Bethanie 1]

I agree the men dress better. Still don't agree with following fashion in some peoples case.

Mr. Bethanie was from Suffolk and that was probably my problem with the clothing choices. The shops were far and few between, and they all carried the same crappy over priced polyster merchandise. Blaah.

My family on my mother's side are all from Ipswich in Suffolk. They're not known for their taste in clothing...

My hubby told me there was a good reason for a beauty salon on every corner as well!

[Mags 112]

I agree the men dress better. Still don't agree with following fashion in some peoples case.

Mr. Bethanie was from Suffolk and that was probably my problem with the clothing choices. The shops were far and few between, and they all carried the same crappy over priced polyster merchandise. Blaah.

My family on my mother's side are all from Ipswich in Suffolk. They're not known for their taste in clothing...

My hubby told me there was a good reason for a beauty salon on every corner as well!

Most of the people in the village they live in are related. Work THAT one out....

[Englishsammy 17]

Sammy -- totally off topic, but where is that picture taken? It looks like Kings Canyon or Yosemite, but I am curious!

hi Robinlake, its Yosemite!!! I love it there!!!

[Tim and Bethanie 1]

I agree the men dress better. Still don't agree with following fashion in some peoples case.

Mr. Bethanie was from Suffolk and that was probably my problem with the clothing choices. The shops were far and few between, and they all carried the same crappy over priced polyster merchandise. Blaah.

My family on my mother's side are all from Ipswich in Suffolk. They're not known for their taste in clothing...

My hubby told me there was a good reason for a beauty salon on every corner as well!

Most of the people in the village they live in are related. Work THAT one out....

Not difficult for me to figure that one out I am from Kentucky!

[Mags 112]

I agree the men dress better. Still don't agree with following fashion in some peoples case.

Mr. Bethanie was from Suffolk and that was probably my problem with the clothing choices. The shops were far and few between, and they all carried the same crappy over priced polyster merchandise. Blaah.

My family on my mother's side are all from Ipswich in Suffolk. They're not known for their taste in clothing...

My hubby told me there was a good reason for a beauty salon on every corner as well!

Most of the people in the village they live in are related. Work THAT one out....

Not difficult for me to figure that one out I am from Kentucky!

Say no more!

[Fandango 1,439]

My absolute fave place to shop in England is Karen Millen! Man I miss her....

[Trompe le Monde 1,107]

Sammy -- totally off topic, but where is that picture taken? It looks like Kings Canyon or Yosemite, but I am curious!

hi Robinlake, its Yosemite!!! I love it there!!!

I thought so! It's a beautiful state we live in -- the waterfall in the distance is just dreamy.

My absolute fave place to shop in England is Karen Millen! Man I miss her....

Especially during the sales!

[ceresa 3]

Oh Im glad Im not the only one ! I've been a over a year and still can't find me a pair of decent jeans.

I'm only 5.2 so they're all too long or if I do find a "petite" section then they're baggy in the crotch !! Not to mention those high waisters! eughh

I'm getting to the point where Im gonna ask my friend over in England to go into Next and just buy me about 4 of any of their latest pairs and send 'em over !!

[Girona40 0]

Oh Im glad Im not the only one ! I've been a over a year and still can't find me a pair of decent jeans.

I'm only 5.2 so they're all too long or if I do find a "petite" section then they're baggy in the crotch !! Not to mention those high waisters! eughh

I'm getting to the point where Im gonna ask my friend over in England to go into Next and just buy me about 4 of any of their latest pairs and send 'em over !!

My son's girlfriend is only 5' tall and a size 2-4. She has terrible problems finding modern, trendy, jeans that fit too. We were pleasantly surprised when we went to the local outlet mall in Leesburg. Tommy Hillfiger has a really nice, low waist, short-leg, small-sized, jean that fitted her perfectly. Oh, and they were only $30 a pair!!! The added problem in finding jeans for her is that she HATES anything with any amount of stretch. Can't say I blame her, I hate it too. So, if you have anywhere near that sells Hillfiger jeans, give them a shot!

Good Luck!

[Mags 112]

So, moral of this tale is...if you're a Brit, stock up on quite a few good pairs of jeans before you leave!