topic Re: NEED LESS “HANGING AROUNG” BRANDS in Fashion

NEED LESS “HANGING AROUNG” BRANDS

Shanus — Tue, 17 Mar 2020 12:56:37 GMT

It seems there is a concentration of jeans, hoodies, joggers, sweats, tees, etc. Although it's become one of the most accepted ways to dress, for me too, has the Q dropped the more tailored lines?

Yes, there are other places to shop and I have to, but in the rush to appeal to younger women, stay at home Moms, they've forgotten the working woman in that age group. Not everyone wears lounge wear 24/7. Some days, I wear a blouse and slacks w/ a cardi tied on my shoulders for color to go to lunch or a blazer, jacket...more of an outfit to shop at the mall, etc. I want to look more put together. I just have to get out of the lounge look I wear every day when I'm staying home.

Since Louis del Olio retired, his line is faltering. GILI is meh! LOGO and Haute Hippie (is that the name?) the same styles. Laurie Felt (I've ordered her v neck tees in a dressier fabric) has mostly expensive babydoll tops. Even Isaac has forgotten his roots and gone the way of dressed down items or to the opposite end of the spectrum to lace capris/tops. Halston seems repetitive and Graver has gone nuts w/ huge florals.

Oddly, C. Wonder, Brooke Shield, and a few others w/ cute pieces to complete an outfit, more tailored items and accessories have gone. I'm a J Crew, Ann Taylor, Talbots and Banana shopper...although some are geared to younger women, I can find pieces to make some polished outfits.

It's OK to cater to 40 somethings, but don't forget the rest of us. Anyone else feel a huge hole in the offerings? Just shop elsewhere?

Re: NEED LESS “HANGING AROUNG” BRANDS

voicesmom — Tue, 17 Mar 2020 12:58:15 GMT

I totally agree. As I've aged (56), I find I need more structure. My size is about the same, but I need structured clothes. A well-fitted blazer brings compliments for days. I always try to avoid droopy clothing, because that's not doing anyone any favors. And hoodies? Why, just why. Hoodies are for the young. I don't even care for a hood on a coat! Anyway, remember whey Louis had exquisite jackets? I see one occasionally at Goodwill. I'm a big thrift shopper because you could find quality fabrics in older clothes. Now, however, most of the donations are recent purchases and they are flimsy and droopy! Oh, well. It's not the first time I wish I had learned to sew!

Re: NEED LESS “HANGING AROUNG” BRANDS

Shanus — Tue, 17 Mar 2020 13:17:34 GMT

@voicesmom wrote:
I totally agree. As I've aged (56), I find I need more structure. My size is about the same, but I need structured clothes. A well-fitted blazer brings compliments for days. I always try to avoid droopy clothing, because that's not doing anyone any favors. And hoodies? Why, just why. Hoodies are for the young. I don't even care for a hood on a coat! Anyway, remember whey Louis had exquisite jackets? I see one occasionally at Goodwill. I'm a big thrift shopper because you could find quality fabrics in older clothes. Now, however, most of the donations are recent purchases and they are flimsy and droopy! Oh, well. It's not the first time I wish I had learned to sew!

@voicesmom I obviously agree. Oversized clothing overwhelms my shape. Many plus sized women think if they wear a sack shaped clothing, they'll look smaller, but in fact, it's the opposite. Find your smaller spot..an ankle, wrist, waist, neckline and show it off w/ something fitted there. In my case, structure (thanks for the word I needed) is very flattering and on most others, even on one area of the body if loose pieces worn elsewhere. We've all gotten away from well tailored, fitted clothing.

Did you know European women don't own "loose, shleppy" clothing? They believe it contributes to letting yourself go...hiding the extra weight, adds more weight since you just can't tell with all the stretch and elastic waists. They don't have to weigh themselves. When their tailored clothing begins to feel snug, more walking to the Louvre and less croissants.

I lived in Paris, studying art during my senior year (scholarship, folks didn't have to pay). It was obvious even then, they had a handle on real style. No sneakers, clothing was fitted, tailored, solid neutral colors and lots of black. Shanus's style was born and hasn't changed, just tweaked, since.

Re: NEED LESS “HANGING AROUNG” BRANDS

LindaSal — Tue, 17 Mar 2020 13:36:10 GMT

@Shanus You know you are so right!!! I think about that too and your post cracked me up a bit. So nice that you were able to spend that time in Paris. I had the opportunity to visit there once and loved it. I know the women are quite classy there and wouldn't be caught dead in some of the clothes on the Q! I have enough "hang around" clothing, all the stuff I bought from the Q that didn't fit right has landed in that category.....cheaper than sending it back!

Re: NEED LESS “HANGING AROUNG” BRANDS

Shanus — Tue, 17 Mar 2020 13:44:58 GMT

@LindaSal wrote:
@Shanus You know you are so right!!! I think about that too and your post cracked me up a bit. So nice that you were able to spend that time in Paris. I had the opportunity to visit there once and loved it. I know the women are quite classy there and wouldn't be caught dead in some of the clothes on the Q! I have enough "hang around" clothing, all the stuff I bought from the Q that didn't fit right has landed in that category.....cheaper than sending it back!

@LindaSal Lol. I also use my older tees, sweats, jeans as my "around the house" outfits. I'd like to replace those w/ more fitted clothing. Yes, Denim & Co. back in the day & maybe now, was always too big, ill fitting, cheap fabric and too expensive to return. Lots of printed dust rags here.

Re: NEED LESS “HANGING AROUNG” BRANDS

Happiness Is Inside JOB — Tue, 17 Mar 2020 13:55:10 GMT

Does anyone remember when talbots had very good quality clothes. It seems to me like their quality has gone DOWN.

I am working hard to wear only clothes that FLATTER MY SHAPE and make me look nicer no matter what is in "STYLE".

I find as I'm getting older, even in the summer the more structured summer dresses look much more attractive on my 1X size then leggings and a top.

I have to also admit that I look nicer in dresses than capris and a pants but sometimes I just need to wear a capri with a tunic top.

Re: NEED LESS “HANGING AROUNG” BRANDS

Shanus — Tue, 17 Mar 2020 14:01:00 GMT

@Happiness Is Inside JOB wrote:
Does anyone remember when talbots had very good quality clothes. It seems to me like their quality has gone DOWN.

I am working hard to wear only clothes that FLATTER MY SHAPE and make me look nicer no matter what is in "STYLE".

I find as I'm getting older, even in the summer the more structured summer dresses look much more attractive on my 1X size then leggings and a top.

I have to also admit that I look nicer in dresses than capris and a pants but sometimes I just need to wear a capri with a tunic top.

@Happiness Is Inside JOB Yes, I find the fabrics are not the same quality, sizing is off and the styles are the same each season. I used to stock up on their famous tees that lasted forever. They're now almost see through and don't make it passed 2 seasons before fading. It's not just Talbots, all clothing is made less expensively now.

Re: NEED LESS “HANGING AROUNG” BRANDS

Shanus — Tue, 17 Mar 2020 15:04:06 GMT

@ECBG Care to weigh in on the swing towards more "loose fitting attire" and looking less put together not like you do in Your Outfit of the Day?

Re: NEED LESS “HANGING AROUNG” BRANDS

Sooner — Tue, 17 Mar 2020 15:19:16 GMT

Bottom line, QVC sells what sells best. Their demographic is well known to them. They do not and never have put am emphasis on tailored clothing (which would create more returns I'm sure) and certainly that is widely available at a number of stores and online outlets.

They seem to cater not to high fashion, clothing that "flatters one's figure" or anything but what mostly sells in flyover states like mine to middle America who might work at a blue collar job and live a normal life that includes a lot of time a home and running errends around a small city or town.

People like where I live are mostly casual, might live in a rural area or even have horses or cattle or a thousand acre or more farm. Paris for us is either in Texas or Arkansas.

Some of us have professional jobs that require more structured clothing but that isn't the norm. Some men have a closet full of suits, most have one or two for a funeral or wedding.

I think we are QVC'S bread and butter. I don't see that changing and I don't know why anyone would look to QVC for other than mass market casual clothing.

Re: NEED LESS “HANGING AROUNG” BRANDS

Nonametoday — Tue, 17 Mar 2020 16:01:41 GMT

@Happiness Is Inside JOB wrote:
Does anyone remember when talbots had very good quality clothes. It seems to me like their quality has gone DOWN.

I am working hard to wear only clothes that FLATTER MY SHAPE and make me look nicer no matter what is in "STYLE".

I find as I'm getting older, even in the summer the more structured summer dresses look much more attractive on my 1X size then leggings and a top.

I have to also admit that I look nicer in dresses than capris and a pants but sometimes I just need to wear a capri with a tunic top.

@Happiness Is Inside JOB

In 2008 their quality began to begin going down. I think it has become geared to another generation and another body type. I don't know but I saw the difference beginning.

Re: NEED LESS “HANGING AROUNG” BRANDS

Shanus — Tue, 17 Mar 2020 16:04:09 GMT

@Sooner wrote:
Bottom line, QVC sells what sells best. Their demographic is well known to them. They do not and never have put am emphasis on tailored clothing (which would create more returns I'm sure) and certainly that is widely available at a number of stores and online outlets.

They seem to cater not to high fashion, clothing that "flatters one's figure" or anything but what mostly sells in flyover states like mine to middle America who might work at a blue collar job and live a normal life that includes a lot of time a home and running errends around a small city or town.

People like where I live are mostly casual, might live in a rural area or even have horses or cattle or a thousand acre or more farm. Paris for us is either in Texas or Arkansas.

Some of us have professional jobs that require more structured clothing but that isn't the norm. Some men have a closet full of suits, most have one or two for a funeral or wedding.

I think we are QVC'S bread and butter. I don't see that changing and I don't know why anyone would look to QVC for other than mass market casual clothing.

@Sooner I get it, but Q's numbers are reportedly down. Clothing and makeup maybe to blame. Vacuum cleaners, computers, front porch cameras here they come.

Re: NEED LESS “HANGING AROUNG” BRANDS

Nonametoday — Tue, 17 Mar 2020 16:06:55 GMT

It has been proven time and again that the best dressed women in the world are from Texas and second best from Paris, then Georgia.

Re: NEED LESS “HANGING AROUNG” BRANDS

Shanus — Tue, 17 Mar 2020 16:15:35 GMT

@Nonametoday wrote:
@Happiness Is Inside JOB wrote:
Does anyone remember when talbots had very good quality clothes. It seems to me like their quality has gone DOWN.

I am working hard to wear only clothes that FLATTER MY SHAPE and make me look nicer no matter what is in "STYLE".

I find as I'm getting older, even in the summer the more structured summer dresses look much more attractive on my 1X size then leggings and a top.

I have to also admit that I look nicer in dresses than capris and a pants but sometimes I just need to wear a capri with a tunic top.
@Happiness Is Inside JOB

In 2008 their quality began to begin going down. I think it has become geared to another generation and another body type. I don't know but I saw the difference beginning.

@Nonametoday They have certainly forgotten (most of the time) about petites and some plus size women here have complained as well. So, are they geared to a woman built like a tall thin model? There aren't many perfect bodies around.

Re: NEED LESS “HANGING AROUNG” BRANDS

ECBG — Tue, 17 Mar 2020 17:58:59 GMT

@Shanus Since you asked........

I have to agree, Q has pretty much followed the lifestyle of the "baby boomers". Clothing needs in many of the ladies has required dress clothes on some levels and athletic clothes since we were the first generation to join gyms. Their bodies changed, and some are still trying on the silhouettes they used to wear which no longer work, and they get understandably frustrated.

As we have retired, many have stayed home for varied reasons find athletic wear works best, and some, like you and I, enjoy being out and have continued to work which takes us into a different way of dressing.

There's a group right behind us who are beginning to have the very same frustrations with body changes and fit issues, and they are fighting the exact same issues.

I work with all of these ladies and help them understand how to dress comfortably and be proud of how they look.

When I was ready to leave work the other day, one of our ladies said "Could you please show me what YOU wear before you leave?".

I think Q's clothing offerings have gone too far into the "leisure" choices. Anything I buy here are in the area of capris for vacation. I also buy Fly London shoes, (but I won't be buying the low styles that aren't the wedge).

Q has definitely forgotten one area of their demographic. We need jackets and other pieces that are updated. I loved the quality of Linea, but I just couldn't get a fit, many times I would have loved to update the item. The best line they had that was updated was Halston. I guess it didn't sell. GILI was good when Lisa was here, not since then, IMO.

I know many of my ladies want dresses for church.

I think another reality with Q is they can fit more people with loose clothing. The fit doesn't have to be so precise.

When It comes to clothes, Q rarely has what I need.

Re: NEED LESS “HANGING AROUNG” BRANDS

Foxxee — Tue, 17 Mar 2020 17:58:39 GMT

@Shanussaid:

"Anyone else feel a huge hole in the offerings? Just shop elsewhere?"

Oh, my yes. I'm finding my style elsewhere. Much better quality and fit, too.

Re: NEED LESS “HANGING AROUNG” BRANDS

CAMOGIRL — Tue, 17 Mar 2020 18:47:03 GMT

Well you know QVC and their "at leisure"look claim about it being

today's look...

Well, depends where you live, what kind of people we are talking about (and I don't mean race at all), and what they do or where they go in their daily lives, and how much they care about how important to them it is on how they look to begin with.

There are "hanging around" clothes and then there casual and comfortable clothes.
A lot people just think it is all the same these days. It is not.

Re: NEED LESS “HANGING AROUNG” BRANDS

Ms tyrion2 — Tue, 17 Mar 2020 19:25:33 GMT

@Nonametoday wrote:
It has been proven time and again that the best dressed women in the world are from Texas and second best from Paris, then Georgia.

Proven by whom? @Nonametoday

Re: NEED LESS “HANGING AROUNG” BRANDS

alicedee — Tue, 17 Mar 2020 19:30:32 GMT

My biggest complaints about QVC fashions ...1.most tops seem to be cut from one of a couple boxy patterns they rely on and 2. I really dislike most of the prints they offer. Mostly big, loud, matronly looking. I call them Mrs. Roper prints.

Re: NEED LESS “HANGING AROUNG” BRANDS

jonbon — Tue, 17 Mar 2020 21:25:31 GMT

@CAMOGIRL wrote:
Well you know QVC and their "at leisure"look claim about it being
today's look...

Well, depends where you live, what kind of people we are talking about (and I don't mean race at all), and what they do or where they go in their daily lives, and how much they care about how important to them it is on how they look to begin with.

There are "hanging around" clothes and then there casual and comfortable clothes.
A lot people just think it is all the same these days. It is not.

I've seen this a lot. The actual term they are using is "athleisure," a combination of athletic and leisure -- joggers, track pants, etc. that have an athletic influence.

Re: NEED LESS “HANGING AROUNG” BRANDS

Shanus — Wed, 18 Mar 2020 14:06:16 GMT

@Nonametoday wrote:
It has been proven time and again that the best dressed women in the world are from Texas and second best from Paris, then Georgia.

@Nonametoday Many women in the larger cities in Europe are well dressed and some are not. The same can be said for any state here. There are well dressed and not so well dressed women in every location. Economics, culture, education, family backgrounds...the reasons are endless and there really isn't a contest. There's a difference between best dressed and style.