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Which workwear brands do you stalk on resale sites, readers? Which brands do you fondly remember from yesteryear?
I was recently reminded of Lauren Merkin bags, which I desperately wanted about 15 years ago, and was thrilled to finally get one. I had forgotten the brand's name… and when I googled it I almost immediately recognized the blue clutch from the pile in my closet that hasn't seen any use in the past two years..
It looks like the brand is only available on resale sites, so I thought it might be fun today to talk about the now-shuttered brands that you still remember and think are stalkable on resale sites. (And, which brands do you remember, but are more nostalgia and not appropriate for the trends of today?)
Great Workwear Brand from the Aughts: Classiques Entier
Readers LOVED the sheath dresses and suits from the Nordstrom house brand, Classiques Entier — even after they made the disastrous decision to plonk a big shiny zipper on the back of every dress. A lot of the clothes were ponte, so I would be careful about buying anything too used — and a lot of them were sheath dresses and Very Structured clothes. (I'm just linking to a Google Image search here, but you can see a lot of the ones that we featured here — I still think they look nice.)
Nordstrom also had a suiting brand that was called Semantiks that is no more but was liked at the time.)
Other Workwear Brands from the Aughts
Other brands that I remember fondly from this time period are Iisli and LAMB, as well as much more expanded workwear offerings from folks like DvF (entire suits!) and Donna Karan. There were also some independent brands that opened and closed relatively quickly, but were good quality, like Numari, Quincy, and Doncaster.
It's worth noting that some mass market stores and brands shuttered that people loved, most notably The Limited; readers particularly loved their suits and pants. Jones New York had solid work dresses and tops (people particularly loved them for apple/rectangular shapes, if memory serves), and it feels like AK Anne Klein had a TON more in stores back then also.
Readers, what are your thoughts — what brands do you stalk on resale sites? What brands do you remember fondly from the era (whether they're around or not anymore)?
Anon
Narciso Rodriguez. I know that’s not not what’s current but gd do those dresses fit me well. And the sleekness is so much more my style than ruffles on every seam, which is just about all you can find right now. I am not a toddler and I don’t want to dress like one.
Anon
When I find something that fits me well and is the right length (I’m tall so this is not always easy) I tend to stalk for backups and other colors. This has backfired on me a couple of times because sometimes people have things hemmed shorter and don’t disclose it. I’ve had them list measurements including hem length from the original store’s website rather than the actual measurement, and there’s no way to know until you get it.
Anon
I routinely search Classiques Entier and Caslon on ThredUp and have found some great pieces that I missed (or couldn’t afford) when they were in stores. I also have bought some Doncaster pieces.
I have a saved search for an old athleticwear brand called AR-33 that was around for a hot minute a few years ago and then shuttered. Their leggings were amazing and I’ve never found other leggings that feel quite the same way.
I also like resale sites for being able to find old pieces from brands that are still around, but the quality isn’t what it once was. I love finding older Jones New York, Anne Klein, Talbots and Ann Taylor pieces from back in the time when they still used mostly natural fabrics, the pants were lined, etc.
Anonymous
Yes! I miss Classiques Entier so much.
Anonymous
Nothing beats the REAL wool coat from Talbots that I bought on ebay. All of them these days are just percentages that are nearly as warm.
Anon
I still have fully-lined The Limited pants that are in beautiful shape. Also a bunch of their sweaters, though they are slightly shabby because I wear them constantly. The Kerry Washington Scandal collection pieces in particular still look amazing.
Anon
I miss The Limited so much. Loved the Olivia Pope collection too.
Anonymous
I LOVED the original designer for Lafayette 148 and for years after he left found NWT pieces he designed on eBay. I don’t like the current design team at all, and so have moved to other brands.
Pompom
Not traditionally workwear, but some of the dresses and jumpsuits from Gal Meets Glam really worked for me. I think I have 4 colors of one of their most simple dresses (Edith) and one very sleek work appropriate navy jump suit. They were relatively size inclusive, too, which was nice (I’m a cusper).
Katie
Henri Bendel. I miss it so! I walked by the Lalique windows other day and had a sad.
Lizochka
Second Bendel bags! There’s nothing like them at the price point.