Re: FEMALE Reps! Please tell us where you shop for work clothes/suits...
Talbots has the best suits and they are high quality too.
Talbots has the best suits and they are high quality too.
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FEMALE Reps! Please tell us where you shop for work clothes/suits...
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Re: FEMALE Reps! Please tell us where you shop for work clothes/suits...
[ QUOTE ]
I think it is ridiculous to spend such high amounts of money on work clothes... this job ( in and out of car, weather, hauling stuff around) forces you to be hard on your clothes.And Gucci, Ferragamo etc? Please...... get off your high horse. We are not making THAT much money. Get over yourself!!
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Why do you care? Go shop at Payless if it makes you happy.
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I think it is ridiculous to spend such high amounts of money on work clothes... this job ( in and out of car, weather, hauling stuff around) forces you to be hard on your clothes.And Gucci, Ferragamo etc? Please...... get off your high horse. We are not making THAT much money. Get over yourself!!
[/ QUOTE ]
Why do you care? Go shop at Payless if it makes you happy.
Re: FEMALE Reps! Please tell us where you shop for work clothes/suits...
I work in NYC and I do tons of walking every day. I almost exclusivly wear Aerosoles shoes to work. I also wear flats on a regular basis. I have to be practical in my territory.
I work in NYC and I do tons of walking every day. I almost exclusivly wear Aerosoles shoes to work. I also wear flats on a regular basis. I have to be practical in my territory.
Re: FEMALE Reps! Please tell us where you shop for work clothes/suits...
[ QUOTE ]
I work in NYC and I do tons of walking every day. I almost exclusivly wear Aerosoles shoes to work. I also wear flats on a regular basis. I have to be practical in my territory.
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I suppose that would make sense for you. I drive all throughout my territory, so I walk from my car to each of my offices and back, and that's pretty much it. So wearing heels doesn't really bother me.
[ QUOTE ]
I work in NYC and I do tons of walking every day. I almost exclusivly wear Aerosoles shoes to work. I also wear flats on a regular basis. I have to be practical in my territory.
[/ QUOTE ]
I suppose that would make sense for you. I drive all throughout my territory, so I walk from my car to each of my offices and back, and that's pretty much it. So wearing heels doesn't really bother me.
Re: FEMALE Reps! Please tell us where you shop for work clothes/suits...
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
I work in NYC and I do tons of walking every day. I almost exclusivly wear Aerosoles shoes to work. I also wear flats on a regular basis. I have to be practical in my territory.
[/ QUOTE ]
I suppose that would make sense for you. I drive all throughout my territory, so I walk from my car to each of my offices and back, and that's pretty much it. So wearing heels doesn't really bother me.
[/ QUOTE ]
Heels are fine in the suburbs and rural territories. Try working in the city, and you will need all new comfy footware, and you will not be so focused on the brand.
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
I work in NYC and I do tons of walking every day. I almost exclusivly wear Aerosoles shoes to work. I also wear flats on a regular basis. I have to be practical in my territory.
[/ QUOTE ]
I suppose that would make sense for you. I drive all throughout my territory, so I walk from my car to each of my offices and back, and that's pretty much it. So wearing heels doesn't really bother me.
[/ QUOTE ]
Heels are fine in the suburbs and rural territories. Try working in the city, and you will need all new comfy footware, and you will not be so focused on the brand.
Re: FEMALE Reps! Please tell us where you shop for work clothes/suits...
First of all, I am not "attacking" anyone for spending so much money on their clothes. I am merely expressing an opinion like the rest of the posters. Secondly.... where will I dress nice? When I am with my husband, friends, at family function etc. I would never buy ultra expensive clothes to do THIS job.
An eye for quality...ok... if you say so. People in this industry tend to have inflated views of themselves and I think based on this wardrobe conversation that holds true for how people shop. Like I said, Gucci, Manolos, Ferragamo... um... this ain't hollywood and reps are NOT truly that high paid. Once again, get over yourselves.
I might think about investing that much in my wardrobe if I were a president, CEO, in charge of something important. But to drop samples I don't think so.
First of all, I am not "attacking" anyone for spending so much money on their clothes. I am merely expressing an opinion like the rest of the posters. Secondly.... where will I dress nice? When I am with my husband, friends, at family function etc. I would never buy ultra expensive clothes to do THIS job.
An eye for quality...ok... if you say so. People in this industry tend to have inflated views of themselves and I think based on this wardrobe conversation that holds true for how people shop. Like I said, Gucci, Manolos, Ferragamo... um... this ain't hollywood and reps are NOT truly that high paid. Once again, get over yourselves.
I might think about investing that much in my wardrobe if I were a president, CEO, in charge of something important. But to drop samples I don't think so.
Re: FEMALE Reps! Please tell us where you shop for work clothes/suits...
[ QUOTE ]
Excuse moi, but what's wrong with having a discussion about tips for dressing professionally? Like it or not, we are an image driven profession, and there's nothing wrong with putting your best foot forward. You have to dress, so you can be a slob or you can dress well. Sounds to me like you are the latter! How many lives have you saved lately anyhow
???
[/ QUOTE ]
I have to agree here. How many times have we seen a post on how horrible the women dress in pharma. Why is it OK to talk about how we dress if it's negative but we can't have a discussion on professional dress?
Shoes, yes good quality shoes are a must, but don't mistake designer shoes for quality. It's not always the same thing. If you are starting to build your wardrobe just buy a light and dark pair of leather shoes that are stylish and the best that you can afford. It's worth the investment. Then hit the sale racks or DSW or the Nine West Outlet for a few fashion pieces. Men are always told to buy one great pair of black dress shoes, same goes for women. You can find a great pair for $150-$250 range. You don't need to drop $550 on Jimmy Choo, but it's worth the investment to get at least one great pair. Same goes for suits. Men and women. Have a least two great suits that fit you well (tailoring is worth it's weight in gold and Nordstrom, Lord and Taylor etc. have good alteration departments). Think of it as a business investment. Then hit the outlet stores, sales at Ann Taylor etc. for the rest. If you look professional, you'll be given the opportunity to use your skills.
And finally, since when has cafe pharma ever been about a "saving lives" mentality? It's a funny diversion from what we do everyday, nothing more. This is a harmless topic.
[ QUOTE ]
Excuse moi, but what's wrong with having a discussion about tips for dressing professionally? Like it or not, we are an image driven profession, and there's nothing wrong with putting your best foot forward. You have to dress, so you can be a slob or you can dress well. Sounds to me like you are the latter! How many lives have you saved lately anyhow
???
[/ QUOTE ]
I have to agree here. How many times have we seen a post on how horrible the women dress in pharma. Why is it OK to talk about how we dress if it's negative but we can't have a discussion on professional dress?
Shoes, yes good quality shoes are a must, but don't mistake designer shoes for quality. It's not always the same thing. If you are starting to build your wardrobe just buy a light and dark pair of leather shoes that are stylish and the best that you can afford. It's worth the investment. Then hit the sale racks or DSW or the Nine West Outlet for a few fashion pieces. Men are always told to buy one great pair of black dress shoes, same goes for women. You can find a great pair for $150-$250 range. You don't need to drop $550 on Jimmy Choo, but it's worth the investment to get at least one great pair. Same goes for suits. Men and women. Have a least two great suits that fit you well (tailoring is worth it's weight in gold and Nordstrom, Lord and Taylor etc. have good alteration departments). Think of it as a business investment. Then hit the outlet stores, sales at Ann Taylor etc. for the rest. If you look professional, you'll be given the opportunity to use your skills.
And finally, since when has cafe pharma ever been about a "saving lives" mentality? It's a funny diversion from what we do everyday, nothing more. This is a harmless topic.
Re: FEMALE Reps! Please tell us where you shop for work clothes/suits...
Get over myself????
Hey why don't you get over your jealousy issues or better yet, the major insecurity problems you have over your taste in clothes (hummm, or perhaps you don't?).
[ QUOTE ]
First of all, I am not "attacking" anyone for spending so much money on their clothes. I am merely expressing an opinion like the rest of the posters. Secondly.... where will I dress nice? When I am with my husband, friends, at family function etc. I would never buy ultra expensive clothes to do THIS job.
An eye for quality...ok... if you say so. People in this industry tend to have inflated views of themselves and I think based on this wardrobe conversation that holds true for how people shop. Like I said, Gucci, Manolos, Ferragamo... um... this ain't hollywood and reps are NOT truly that high paid. Once again, get over yourselves.
I might think about investing that much in my wardrobe if I were a president, CEO, in charge of something important. But to drop samples I don't think so.
[/ QUOTE ]
Get over myself????
Hey why don't you get over your jealousy issues or better yet, the major insecurity problems you have over your taste in clothes (hummm, or perhaps you don't?).
[ QUOTE ]
First of all, I am not "attacking" anyone for spending so much money on their clothes. I am merely expressing an opinion like the rest of the posters. Secondly.... where will I dress nice? When I am with my husband, friends, at family function etc. I would never buy ultra expensive clothes to do THIS job.
An eye for quality...ok... if you say so. People in this industry tend to have inflated views of themselves and I think based on this wardrobe conversation that holds true for how people shop. Like I said, Gucci, Manolos, Ferragamo... um... this ain't hollywood and reps are NOT truly that high paid. Once again, get over yourselves.
I might think about investing that much in my wardrobe if I were a president, CEO, in charge of something important. But to drop samples I don't think so.
[/ QUOTE ]
Re: FEMALE Reps! Please tell us where you shop for work clothes/suits...
[ QUOTE ]
First of all, I am not "attacking" anyone for spending so much money on their clothes. I am merely expressing an opinion like the rest of the posters. Secondly.... where will I dress nice? When I am with my husband, friends, at family function etc. I would never buy ultra expensive clothes to do THIS job.
An eye for quality...ok... if you say so. People in this industry tend to have inflated views of themselves and I think based on this wardrobe conversation that holds true for how people shop. Like I said, Gucci, Manolos, Ferragamo... um... this ain't hollywood and reps are NOT truly that high paid. Once again, get over yourselves.
I might think about investing that much in my wardrobe if I were a president, CEO, in charge of something important. But to drop samples I don't think so.
[/ QUOTE ]
Oh no, you don't sound like you're attacking at all! /sarcasm
You sound really bitter about this topic for some reason. I'm not sure why (maybe hubby controls the pursestrings in your family?), but as another poster asked earlier--what's it to you if other people want to spend more money than you on their work clothes? If you don't feel like you earn enough to justify the expense (although there were some great shopping tips shared here), that's your business. But there are a lot of reps who make very good money, and if they like treating themselves to something nice, it seems to me that's their business and not yours.
[ QUOTE ]
First of all, I am not "attacking" anyone for spending so much money on their clothes. I am merely expressing an opinion like the rest of the posters. Secondly.... where will I dress nice? When I am with my husband, friends, at family function etc. I would never buy ultra expensive clothes to do THIS job.
An eye for quality...ok... if you say so. People in this industry tend to have inflated views of themselves and I think based on this wardrobe conversation that holds true for how people shop. Like I said, Gucci, Manolos, Ferragamo... um... this ain't hollywood and reps are NOT truly that high paid. Once again, get over yourselves.
I might think about investing that much in my wardrobe if I were a president, CEO, in charge of something important. But to drop samples I don't think so.
[/ QUOTE ]
Oh no, you don't sound like you're attacking at all! /sarcasm
You sound really bitter about this topic for some reason. I'm not sure why (maybe hubby controls the pursestrings in your family?), but as another poster asked earlier--what's it to you if other people want to spend more money than you on their work clothes? If you don't feel like you earn enough to justify the expense (although there were some great shopping tips shared here), that's your business. But there are a lot of reps who make very good money, and if they like treating themselves to something nice, it seems to me that's their business and not yours.
Re: FEMALE Reps! Please tell us where you shop for work clothes/suits...
Plus, it's true that when you feel good about yourself, you perform better. Everyone who's had a bad hair day knows that. I believe that buying a classic suit or great pair of shoes is an investment in ones career and to always go for quality. There's no need to pay full retail if you shop around for sales and check out the outlets. Thanks for the great shopping tips. I'm liking this thread!
Plus, it's true that when you feel good about yourself, you perform better. Everyone who's had a bad hair day knows that. I believe that buying a classic suit or great pair of shoes is an investment in ones career and to always go for quality. There's no need to pay full retail if you shop around for sales and check out the outlets. Thanks for the great shopping tips. I'm liking this thread!
Re: FEMALE Reps! Please tell us where you shop for work clothes/suits...
TJ Maxx for the Franco Sarto and Joan&David shoes -- I have bought pairs of each for around $50! You have to check TJ Maxx weekly to see what has come in, because the good stuff goes fast. I also get Tahari and Jones New York suits there. I know where all the TJ Maxx stores are in my territory and when the offices are closed from 12p - 1p, I am walking the aisles at TJ Maxx!
TJ Maxx for the Franco Sarto and Joan&David shoes -- I have bought pairs of each for around $50! You have to check TJ Maxx weekly to see what has come in, because the good stuff goes fast. I also get Tahari and Jones New York suits there. I know where all the TJ Maxx stores are in my territory and when the offices are closed from 12p - 1p, I am walking the aisles at TJ Maxx!
Re: FEMALE Reps! Please tell us where you shop for work clothes/suits...
Who gives a shit really? I am going to wear track suits & sneakers from now on.
Who gives a shit really? I am going to wear track suits & sneakers from now on.
Re: FEMALE Reps! Please tell us where you shop for work clothes/suits...
Just thought I'd share with my stylish yet savy ladies..that I'm routing my work schedule this week so I can go check out Neimans-Last Call and Off 5th Avenue. I am in dire need of a new conservatve suit for an upcoming interview and the Neimans at the mall only has the spring line out for Theory....umm I'm not wearing a white pantsuit in January....so frustating!!!
Just thought I'd share with my stylish yet savy ladies..that I'm routing my work schedule this week so I can go check out Neimans-Last Call and Off 5th Avenue. I am in dire need of a new conservatve suit for an upcoming interview and the Neimans at the mall only has the spring line out for Theory....umm I'm not wearing a white pantsuit in January....so frustating!!!
Re: FEMALE Reps! Please tell us where you shop for work clothes/suits...
you guys are gooooood.... you were right on. I am insecure and my husband controls the pursestrings! Wow.. I am impressed with your abiliities to read people.
I was merely saying that I think Gucci, Prada etc. is a bit excessive for THIS job. Not attacking anyone... just stating my opinion. I just happen to find people in this industry particulary shallow and I thought some of the posts here demonstrated that. No big deal. Gotta go ask my husband for some money now....
you guys are gooooood.... you were right on. I am insecure and my husband controls the pursestrings! Wow.. I am impressed with your abiliities to read people.
I was merely saying that I think Gucci, Prada etc. is a bit excessive for THIS job. Not attacking anyone... just stating my opinion. I just happen to find people in this industry particulary shallow and I thought some of the posts here demonstrated that. No big deal. Gotta go ask my husband for some money now....
Re: FEMALE Reps! Please tell us where you shop for work clothes/suits...
[ QUOTE ]
I just happen to find people in this industry particulary shallow and I thought some of the posts here demonstrated that.
[/ QUOTE ]
Nahhh, that wasn't any kind of attack, was it?
[ QUOTE ]
I just happen to find people in this industry particulary shallow and I thought some of the posts here demonstrated that.
[/ QUOTE ]
Nahhh, that wasn't any kind of attack, was it?
Re: FEMALE Reps! Please tell us where you shop for work clothes/suits...
I enjoy this post. Girl talk and very good ideas. I am often too impulsive to look for bargains. I like the TJ max idea for Franco Sarto. I like Paolo from Nordstroms- reasonably priced and professional/funcky. Important to dress your age. I am in my forties, very fit and trim, and tall, but I know I am not 20! Look sophisticated and stylish for my age...thats the trick
I enjoy this post. Girl talk and very good ideas. I am often too impulsive to look for bargains. I like the TJ max idea for Franco Sarto. I like Paolo from Nordstroms- reasonably priced and professional/funcky. Important to dress your age. I am in my forties, very fit and trim, and tall, but I know I am not 20! Look sophisticated and stylish for my age...thats the trick
Re: FEMALE Reps! Please tell us where you shop for work clothes/suits...
Now the question is: DO you wear any hoseiry with those shoes? If so, what type? I know that hosiery is out of style right now, but when the temp is below 40 degrees, I really need to be practical and wear it! I typically wear black trouser socks. What do you guys wear?
Now the question is: DO you wear any hoseiry with those shoes? If so, what type? I know that hosiery is out of style right now, but when the temp is below 40 degrees, I really need to be practical and wear it! I typically wear black trouser socks. What do you guys wear?
Re: FEMALE Reps! Please tell us where you shop for work clothes/suits...
Ok....I give... it did sort of sound like an attack. Didn't really mean to come across that way.
Ok....I give... it did sort of sound like an attack. Didn't really mean to come across that way.
Re: FEMALE Reps! Please tell us where you shop for work clothes/suits...
[ QUOTE ]
I enjoy this post. Girl talk and very good ideas. I am often too impulsive to look for bargains. I like the TJ max idea for Franco Sarto. I like Paolo from Nordstroms- reasonably priced and professional/funcky. Important to dress your age. I am in my forties, very fit and trim, and tall, but I know I am not 20! Look sophisticated and stylish for my age...thats the trick
[/ QUOTE ]
Good point. I think all reps (males included) should strive to look professional and stylish, regardless of age. I'm in my 20s and would NEVER wear some of the things I've seen others wearing, like they are dressed to go out on a Saturday night! I tend to be more conservative, I want the dr/staff to focus on what I'm saying, not asking about my designer shoes or super trendy jewelry. When I see other reps overdressed and looking silly I like to grin b/c I'm perceived "more professional" by the office and taken more seriously...just my 2 cents but so far it works for me!
[ QUOTE ]
I enjoy this post. Girl talk and very good ideas. I am often too impulsive to look for bargains. I like the TJ max idea for Franco Sarto. I like Paolo from Nordstroms- reasonably priced and professional/funcky. Important to dress your age. I am in my forties, very fit and trim, and tall, but I know I am not 20! Look sophisticated and stylish for my age...thats the trick
[/ QUOTE ]
Good point. I think all reps (males included) should strive to look professional and stylish, regardless of age. I'm in my 20s and would NEVER wear some of the things I've seen others wearing, like they are dressed to go out on a Saturday night! I tend to be more conservative, I want the dr/staff to focus on what I'm saying, not asking about my designer shoes or super trendy jewelry. When I see other reps overdressed and looking silly I like to grin b/c I'm perceived "more professional" by the office and taken more seriously...just my 2 cents but so far it works for me!
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.
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.