Hellobee Boards

I have a love/hate relationship with Jcrew. Too much of my wardrobe is from there because I love the style (well, sometimes, though I think it's changed over the years), but I'm always so disappointed when it falls apart! I love the blazers though, more talking about the more "affordable" tops or dresses.

Completely agree with the TB flats comment. They hurt so bad! I had to walk quite a bit when I traveled for work at my last job, so maybe that was it? But, they were horrible.

Tried and true brands I'll always go back to:
- Frye
- AG and 7 jeans
- Most things from Nordstrom (because their customer service cannot be beat!)
- Gap, Banana and Target for basics (and very reasonable during a great sale)

I actually just had something replaced by Le Creuset and I was really happy with the customer service. Granted, it shouldn't have broken in the first place, but at least they stood by the warranty with no questions asked. Going on with cookware, I am obsessed with my Staub Dutch oven. If I ever need to replace my Le Creuset one, I would get another Staub.

Agree with Frye boots I've had one pair for almost 4 years and they are still in marvelous condition, and so comfortable.

Labello lip balm. I've been using it for years. Sometimes I stray and try another brand, but I always go back to Labello.

I have found Loft to be really inconsistent with sizing and quality. I have had t-shirts pill after 1 wash which really annoys me.

On the other hand, I've pretty much loved everything I've tried from Costco Kirkland Signature and REI brand. Both provide really excellent quality and value. Nordstrom is also a favorite, but that is more to do with their customer service than the actual quality of the merchandise.

@PrincessBaby: I gave away my TB flats because they were so uncomfortable! I couldn't wear them for more than an hour or two.

I'm so annoyed with my Calphalon Unison. We bought it because it was supposed to be dishwasher safe. We moved into a home with a dishwasher 10 months ago, and almost all of the non-stick coating has come off. We're looking to get a few good All Clad pans to replace them, because I am not going back to Calphalon!

Also meh about my Sorel boots (super heavy and uncomfortable) and my Hunter boots (cracked after not very much wear). Annoying.

@PrincessBaby: WHAT did you say about Juicy?! The horror!! I had no idea!

@PrincessBaby: If you want to try insanely comfortable, cute flats, try Tieks. I'm obsessed. They're pricey (but not TB pricey) but they are my favorites by far.

@PrincessBaby: I just texted my friends, hahaha. It is still open - at least it was the last time I saw, about 2 months ago!

@LovelyPlum: yes to the Calphalon Unison! We bought a whole set after our wedding and within a few months all the pots were destroyed, and we didn't even put them in the dishwasher that often. You should have seen the look on the faces of the staff at Bed Bath when we came to return it! They couldn't believe how destroyed it was.

We returned it and got Calphalon Tri-Ply stainless set and have been really happy with them!

Shun knives- so worth it!
Hunter boots- I am a photographer and work outside in Oregon in all terrains and conditions, they are so comfortable and the quality is amazing.
Tiffanys- I wear/buy/own very few pieces of jewelry. I love their quality and design that is current and ages well.

For me, the good:
Kate Spade - everything I've bought from them has lasted a long time
Burberry - I bought a scarf about 13 years ago that is just now needing to be replaced and my other items are still in good shape.
Old Navy - honestly, I buy most of my jeans there b/c they're inexpensive and hold up for quite a while. I hate spending money on jeans!
Frye - I had the best pair of black flats from them that finally died one day!
Kiehl's - been using their stuff since college and it's all amazing! Especially the lip balm - it's the only one I'll use.

The bad:
Rebecca Minkoff - I bought a pair of shoes that split apart at the top on the first wear. But the customer service was good and they refunded me very quickly
J. Crew - I hate to say it b/c I am a fan but recently have noticed some of my items getting small holes in them

@PrincessBaby: Kohls has bought a number of struggling luxury brands in the past few years. Rock & Republic went bankrupt and now their trademark/IP is also Kohls.

For those interested in Kate Spade:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kate_Spade_%26_Company

No brands are tried and true because everyone's bodies and preferences are different. =)

Tried and true: Steve madden. I probably have 20 pairs of SM shoes and I have yet to find another shoe brand I love as much. Perfect fit for me every time, comfy, and always on trend.

Nars. Love every single product. Such great pigment and stays on so long.

@Rainbow Sprinkles: completely agree. Steve Madden shoes are amazing!

Though not technically a brand, I also love pretty much anything from Nordstrom. Shattered my ceramic watch into about 100 pieces over a year after I got it and they gave me the money back to buy a new watch of my choice. The customer service/return policy lets you find your tried and true brands.