WINNERS & LOSERS OF 2006

Yes, at year’s end it’s time to review the WINNERS & LOSERS OF 2006:

WINNERS:
Catalogs: thank you LL Bean, Land’s End, JJill, Eddie Bauer. You make reasonably priced clothes of good quality, in my size. And you send coupons!

Stores: Ann Taylor. Great career clothes that don’t condescend just because I’m 5′4. Classic lines, forgiving slacks (if you get the right cut) and nice fabrics. A bit pricey but they have great sales. Cole-Haan: I cringe every time I hand over my credit card–but their shoes are worth it. Durable and stylish, with enough support, and beautiful, buttery-soft leather.

Manufacturers: Bali & Flexees shapewear. They’re really coming a long way toward making tummy controls that don’t feel like “Girdles.”

LOSERS:
Catalogs: Wissota Traders. Their shoes look practical but I tried ordering rain ankle boots in a “Narrow” width. Narrow for who–an elephant??!!

Stores: most department stores. I was looking for twinsets this holiday–you know, the matching sweaters with the sleeveless or short-sleeve tops underneath? Nowhere to be found. Have you noticed that when one store pulls a style off their racks, the rest follow suit? This copycat mentality has got to stop!