RETAIL HITS AND MISSES

Banana Republic-It has been a very long time since I walked into this retailer and found anything I wanted to buy on sale let alone full price.   Many years ago (6-8) it was my "go to" store.  Loved the beautiful jackets and skirts, their dresses were a wardrobe staple.  I think the quality of the clothing has taken a serious nose dive as has their style.  Most of jewelry is large and unattractive (and that is saying something from me given my love of statement pieces), the leather bags seem flimsy and my guess is will quickly show wear and tear.  The shirts and blouses are very thin, most require a cami underneath.

VERDICT: MISS

Anthropologie-Everyone and anyone who knows me knows this is my favorite store in the entire world.  I love the beautiful home goods, the fabulous books, the awesome accessories and their pretty feminine clothing.  In the past year or two I was worried that the company was going too Boho and couldn't understand why since that "look" belongs to their sister store Free People.  However  I have recently noticed a return to the Anthropologie looks I have loved and many many things I hope to purchase (which I have placed on the site's wish list and I vow to stalk till they go on sale).

VERDICT; HIT

Macys- I am sure upon seeing this store name my friends are ready to click to a new website given my many rants on my dislike of this retailer.  I swear I have tried time and time again to like this store but it just isn't going to happen.  Every store I have gone to, regardless of location is always messy with piles of clothing waiting to be organized and put back on the racks and removed from dressing rooms.  If I wanted to go thru racks and racks of unorganized items, I would go to TJ Maxx or Marshalls where I expect that but also then know the price will reflect the effort.  Finally I HATE their coupons.  They are almost always restricted to their house brands with many many many...MANY restrictions.  I feel like if a coupon could one time apply to something I hoped to purchase it would be applicable between the time of 11:55 and midnight on Christmas Eve.  I know I am being sarcastic but I am done with this store

VERDICT: BIGGEST MISS POSSIBLE

Target- I generally like Target's clothing.  I find the Merona and Mossimo brands good quality for the price.  I do not buy items here I categorize  as investment pieces; if they are "foundation pieces" for my closet I understand they are generally one season wear.  That said I have a several summer knit dresses I have worn 2 summers.  Yes they have some "pilling" and don't look quite as nice as when I initially purchased them but they are definitely still wearable for a day to day casual look while running errands, etc.

VERDICT: HIT

SEPHORA-I am a big fan of this store.  I find the staff to be knowledgeable of most of the brands and merchandise they carry.  They are always happy to give samples so I can try products at home prior to making a purchase, carry a huge inventory of brands  and have a very generous return policy.

VERDICT: HIT

I would love to know your retail hits and misses, please share in the comments section below.