Re: FEMALE Reps! Please tell us where you shop for work clothes/suits...
There is an online/catalog only store that no one has mentioned here so far. It is
www.barriepace.com. It is a Hartmarx company. The clothing is priced a bit higher than Talbots, and is very classic. It is worth looking at their clearance page for some great deals. The entire look is very Hepburn, a bit less stodgy than Talbot's (although I shop there too.) This year they have updated their image to include a fashion-forward section. They also have a core of mixable/matchable suiting separates from Austin Reed that never go on sale; however, the quality is very high, natural fabrics and fully lined. The entire catalog is executive quality clothing. That is hard to find in women's suits nowadays. When I'm making good bonus, I save up so I can buy one of these suits each year. It helps to be of average proportions and weight when you order these suits because you can't try them on in a store. I'm average, and I know my size there so fitting is easy. I've gotten many compliments on territory from reps and doctors on my clothing. I would rather avoid high priced, trendy items from brands like Theory. I once had to return a $600 cotton(!) suit from Theory that looked like a wrinkled mess after one day on territory. That suit didn't even have a skirt as an option. For $600 I ended up buying a great 3-piece, cotton/viscose non-wrinkling suit from Barrie Pace.
There is a Versace outlet in my territory. I once bought a stretch wool pantsuit there for $400, marked down from $2500. It is sexy as hell, too nice to wear to work. I'm still feeling guilty about that purchase. Versace is a brand that would play better in CA than in the Midwest.
As for shoes, I've gotten some good deals from Loehmann's. I have 2 pairs of Ralph Lauren leather moc croc shoes that were less than $100, and I've had them reheeled/resoled for 6 years now. They last a long time, and are worth it when you can get them on sale.
I also have a stable of inexpensive shoes from Colin Stuart, Victoria's Secret online brand. They're leather, with up-to-date styling like the Manolos and Jimmy Choos. I've compared my shoes to expensive brands at Neiman's, and who would know the difference? This job is hard on shoes, especially winters in the Midwest. It's fun to rotate the affordable Colin Stuart fun shoes along with the good quality Laurens and Ferragamos.
I think there is such a thing as dressing too stylishly for this job. Bless you if you can afford Gucci and Prada, but it helps to consider where your territory is. If I had a Beverly Hills territory, these brands would be a must-have. But if you work in a Midwest suburb, it is possible to look overdressed and intimidate the office. It is better to buy the best quality you can afford, in consideration of what is reasonable for your area. The wealthy section of my territory is into Talbot's and quality classics. In the poor section, the doctors wear cords and scuffed loafers. I think about where I'm going when I get dressed for the day.