Good stuff in unexpected places

[GraphicNovelty]

So, I was thinking of starting an "Unexpectedly good mall brand" thread, but I figured this would generate more discussion, less

from the forum regulars . So, where have you found stuff that's surprisingly good? I for one have had great luck with target's house brand Mossimo. A ton of their stuff is "Athletic fit" (read: really fitted), and they come in a lot of not-terrible styles (plaid flannels, snap-button western shirts, etc.) and their size smalls fit me perfectly. It's like H&M but more American and better quality. Anyone else find good stuff at places they wouldn't ever expect?

 

[Marcus Brody]

I have a number of plain pima cotton t shirts that I bought super discounted at Armani Exchange and they are probably my favorite t's I own fabric wise.

I have one chunky, Sean John cardigan that my mom bought me at Ross one time that I really like.

 

[Harold falcon]

I find the Stafford heavyweight 100% cotton undershirts to be a good value. They also come in tall sizes, which is necessary for me. They've come out with a "performance" line, which is a blend and is total crap, but the 100% cotton is still nice.

 

[brad-t]

Originally Posted by GraphicNovelty

It's like H&M but more American

O__o

 

[deveandepot1]

Target does have decent stuff. The Converse line is pretty slim.

 

[Robert]

Last weekend: All-cashmere tan overcoat for $7 in a thrift shop. My size, with a fit like it was tailored for me.

 

[deveandepot1]

Originally Posted by Robert

Last weekend: All-cashmere tan overcoat for $7 in a thrift shop. My size, with a fit like it was tailored for me.

Thrift shop or vintage clothing store.
Every thrift shop I visit has nothing great.

 

[mlyngard]

Originally Posted by deveandepot1

Thrift shop or vintage clothing store. Every thrift shop I visit has nothing great.
You need to thrift in Philadelphia. Old Money and a drought of trendiness makes for great vintage finds. That said, thrift stored are unpredictable, so I never hunt there with a purpose, but always keep a list of vague needs in mind, like a good '60s wool blazer. I've found H&M has become my go-to place for **** like light cotton casual shirts, t-shirts, scarves. They need to re-inventory more than once every six months though. I'd kill for a Uniqlo here. JCrew continues to impress for basics like sweaters, but still too $$ until the sales come up. Our Macys is a treasure trove of eternal sales. If I wore Hilfiger, Polo, or hundreds of cotton sweaters, I'd be in heaven. Otherwise, ya have to be picky. I turn to the internet for buys now. Philly, like many mid-tier cities, has too many of the predictable stuff (BRep, 6 Gaps, Barneys, Jos. Banks). What we do have are small boutiques that target the next level stuff (like our own version of BlackbirdBallard).

 

[Robert]

Originally Posted by deveandepot1

Thrift shop or vintage clothing store.
Every thrift shop I visit has nothing great.

Believe it or not--thrift shop. This girl from work dragged me around to about 20 of them last weekend, mostly just thrift, not vintage. 98 percent ****, of course, but if you have the patience and time, you can find some gems, e.g., this coat. Vintage store quality, nothing wrong with it, needs to be dry cleaned so it can look more pressed, but other than that perfect. Says Made in Austria on the label.

Thrift shopping that day also got me a land's end forest green shawl collar cardigan, a heavy J. Crew cotton knit v-neck, a Harris Tweed blazer, an LL Bean zip up shetland wool cardi, and an old old McGregor's wool/mohair cardi. Probably didn't spend more than 40 bucks all told.

 

[TheDroog]

I once found a terrific-looking, slim fit Canterbury of New Zealand rugby for $15 in Urban Outfitter's sale rack, sandwiched between layers of ugly BDG cardigans. I immediately thought "WTF is this doing here?!"

 

[__CB__]

Originally Posted by GraphicNovelty

I for one have had great luck with target's house brand Mossimo.

Is Mossimo really owned by Target now? Many, many years ago it was more a skate/surf streetwear brand, used to wear that **** back in school.

 

[jarude]

Waiting for jet to come in here and **** on this

For me, employee discount at BR means I get 50% off at BR and Gap. Good source of cheap basics, and now and again something nice will pop up

 

[bows1]

Originally Posted by jarude

Waiting for jet to come in here and **** on this

For me, employee discount at BR means I get 50% off at BR and Gap. Good source of cheap basics, and now and again something nice will pop up

Like the deals going on right now. I just got a decent pair of black captoes for 18$ inc tax. On sale from 140$

 

[thenanyu]

I got the just got the same captoes in brown and black but I overpaid at $25 each.