J. Crew Factory For Less

 

Nowadays you don't have to live near a physical plant to shop there and it's a good thing that can save us money on a few essentials, not to mention expand our choices of goods!

My senior mom needs a few basics so I ordered her a neutral-colored 100% cotton cardigan and several 100% cotton colorful t-shirts from J. Crew Factory, where apparel goes after it gets pulled from J. Crew stores, usually reduced by 40% - 50%. Half-price or nearly so rocks, and it doesn't get much cheaper at this retailer.

I selected a navy blue sweater for versatility and 5 t-shirts in hot pink and vivid blue. 

The retailer is on a Better Cotton mission to help cotton communities survive and prosper while protecting and restoring the environment. Therefore 30% of the fabric of its garments is made using re-imagined sustainable cotton. 

Perfect for the chill of spring and fall, mom's cardigan is lightweight yet a substantial knit, well-made, and super soft. A classic silhouette, it's not too boxy or tight, and the fit is true to size -- thankfully as I wanted to avoid exchanges. Customer reviews are a helpful guide on size.

Just what I envisioned for her and she loves both the sweater and t-shirts. They match her navy activewear cotton trousers! My first online purchase from J. Crew Factory got the job done without breaking the bank! The merchant's basics are flattering for women of all ages!

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American Eagle & Aerie

Recently Aerie opened down the street from Bloomingdale's (at 716 Lexington Avenue on the corner of East 57th Street) adjoining its parent company, American Eagle. Once inside, you can walk from one store to the other. 

Have you had the experience of your basics wearing out, seemingly overnight? Well it happens to me, and I love Aerie's style, quality and prices on clothing we tend to buy in multiples. You won't break the bank by picking up a few essentials such as: t-shirts, cute tops, leggings, jeans, undies, hoodies, sweatshirts and causal dresses. Inventory also includes leather jackets, belts, fashion jewelry, sweat pants and sports shoes.

Dare I address this next topic? Nowadays Aerie offers undies which are much better and cheaper than the Victoria's Secret brand. There are many styles from sporty to slinky in the collection. The leggings, undies and t-shirts are ultra soft and adorable. Gosh, so are the dresses! The fabric of the summer garments are mostly cotton, some with a touch of spandex and can be machine washed and dried. For sports, there are compression and sweat-repellent leggings. The fabric of all the clothing is substantial in thickness, not thin like many competitors.

We probably spend more hours in basics than dress clothes in our day-to-day lives. So the next time you need a few replacements, be sure to consider American Eagle and Aerie, as they combine fashion, value and friendly customer service. A retailer who provides the bang for the buck ... along with attractive sales and rewards.

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My Spring Wardrobe Haul

By nature I'm a mindful (not an impulsive or compulsive) buyer. Lately I try to be a minimalist ... buying only what I need, not more than what I need. Despite hauling in less, clothes wear out. So recently I added 3 new wardrobe basics:

1) L.L. Beam Tee, Crew Neck, Short Sleeves - I bought 3 teal colored, combed cotton t-shirts to replace my blues that are tattered. But I had to check several retailers to find the bright colors of spring. Surprisingly, Old Navy, GAP and Uniqlo are only carrying neutral colors this year, namely white, black, gray, navy and very pale pink. What's up with only neutral colors for spring tees?😮 When are we supposed to wear bright colors???

Next:

2) Uniqlo Geometric-Print Short-Sleeve Bra Dress - In Summer I adore Uniqlo's bra dresses. A full support bra is built-in for comfort. The cut and fit are ladylike. The dress is flattering yet easy-to-wear just like shorts. I have 4 sleeveless bra dresses in different floral prints and colors. But I need at least one with short cap sleeves for early spring. LIVE, this dress is an off-white light shade in a super cute geometric print. The style is crisp and casual smart. 

And finally ... the last item I bought was a pair of shorts:

3) Uniqlo Cotton/Linen Relaxed Shorts - How adorable, with details like a stretchy, elastic waistband, 2 side pockets and a feminine tie-bow. They are relaxed but slenderizing, just what I need for a summer barbecue!

Thankfully, I have sneakers, comfortable walking shoes, cozy sandals, light scarves and cotton sweaters that are in great shape, so I am set for the warm temperatures to begin!

What's on your shopping list for Spring and Summer? And Aussie friends, you have Autumn ... any goods you need?



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The Best Leggings, A Round-Up

Photos: published in Elle magazine

Just like denim jeans and a leather jacket, leggings are a wardrobe essential. They are casual smart. So comfortable and versatile, you can dress them up or down. Opaque leggings can be worn with a big shirt or sweater. Underneath a skirt or dress, they keep you toasty warm in the winter. Leggings are equally chic with ballet flats or boots; and they are great for traveling since they roll up and take up little space in a suitcase.

At one time, I loved Victoria's Secret's classic leggings. They were 92% cotton and 8% spandex, hit at the belly button and over the hips (so they stayed put!); plus they were fairly thick, opaque and dressy. They often sold for $15 on sale, so I always bought 10 pairs at a time. Moreover, they lasted through numerous machine washings. No longer available, I hope Victoria Secret brings their classic leggings back soon! Why mess with perfection? They have been replaced by their thinner and lower-waisted offspring: daily leggings and yoga leggings. 

The closest to VS's classic leggings today are the retailer's Pink label leggings; however, the wrinkle for some of us is, they are shorter with a 27-inch inseam.

So where can a lover of full-length-basic leggings turn to buy a decent pair? Leggings soft, opaque and thick enough to wear alone; are not shiny; or athletic looking ... leggings which flatter your legs and are warm in winter, but still thin enough to wear under a dress??

Here are my finds for the best basic leggings right now:

1. Victoria's Secret - From the Pink Shop  - 2 varieties: (a) the basic leggings - They are soft and fairly opaque. But as noted, they have a shorter 27-inch inseam. Cost: $19.50, or special - 2/$30. (b) Another choice, Pink's much loved yoga leggings - They are thicker and come in an assortment of colorful wide-waist-bands, but have a limited, 27 ½-inch inseam. (not to be confused with VS's daily and yoga leggings. Yes, it is confusing.) Cost: $34 - $49. 

For longer legged ladies who need a 32-inch or 34-inch inseam ... well, we'll just have to wait for VS to bring them back. Every season, VS seems to change their leggings, and frankly, it's not always an improvement.

2. Express sexy stretch leggings - At $29.90, they are affordable and feel like the old Victoria's Secret classic leggings. Jet black, thick, opaque, and soft with 95% cotton - 5% spandex. Express leggings come in several styles and lengths: cropped, ankle and full. Full length is 29 inches and ankle inches shorter. My # 1 pick: the perfect leggings: classy, slenderizing, sexy and cozy. They go on sale often, costing 40% less, thereby earning my blue ribbon - the best quality leggings at the best price!

3. Old Navy Jersey Elestric-Waist Leggings For Women - Also blue ribbon worthy, they are 87% cotton and 13% spandex. They are soft, opaque and durable. With a higher spendex percentage, they are warmer (than Express) in winter, yet still stylish and shapely. Often on sale for $15 and better in quality than leggings costing 2-3 times more.  Stock up!

4. American Apparel cotton spandex jersey leggings - Well-made; a choice of colors, prints and textures; soft, a comfortable cotton-spandex blend; durable. They are heavy enough to wear solo. Cost: $28.

5. Hue ultra leggings with wide waistband - Pricey, but fine basic leggings ... and they are definitely not thin or shiny. So you can pair them with shorter tops and wear them outside the gym. Cost: $34-$44 (depending on seller).

6. James Perce stretch jersey long leggings - I like them very much, but at $68 a pair, they are an investment. Personally, I hate paying so much for basics. I'd rather own several pairs of basics -- like leggings (socks or t-shirts) -- so I can carelessly machine wash and dry them many times over and not really think of them as an investment. But that's me. If a pair of James Perce leggings in my size landed on my desk, I'd be very happy. Who wouldn't?

Without a doubt, good quality leggings at affordable prices are harder to come by than years ago. So if you have a brand to recommend, please share under comments. Savvy Shoppers want to know! 

2021 Best Leggings Updated here.

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