Sources for Basics

If you are one of the many people who asked for a list of the places to find the classic basics I favor, this post is for you.

This photo is from 2020, but I still have and wear all these pieces.

Adidas offers great everyday sneakers.

Beautycounter – The best skincare, sunscreen, hair care, eyeliner, and mascara is here, along with stunning lip colors.

Beauty in Stone Jewelry – The designer uses varied materials to create accessories with a modern touch. Hand-made in Johnson City, TN. (Use the code SAS10 for $10 off any one item at Beauty in Stone Jewelry.)

Bloomingdale’s has great-looking jackets, sweaters, and dresses.

Chico’s is my source for the microfiber tanks I have worn with jackets and cardigans for years.

Club Monaco US is where I bought my fabulous gray trench coat.

Coach has some of the best totes, handbags, and wallets. I’ve had some of mine for years, and they still look great.

Dooney & Bourke – I’m embarrassed to tell you how many D&B bags I have.

Everlane – Many of my cashmere sweaters and lightweight shirts are from Everlane.

Frye Boots and Shoes – My boots and shoes from Frye have been with me for years!

J.Crew has great merino wool and cashmere sweaters. I have purchased jeans, sweaters, dresses, and blazers from J.Crew, and I’m always pleased.

Kate Spade New York made some of my handbags and black sling-back pumps.

Keds has been my go-to for platform slip-on canvas shoes for years.

Lands’ End has the best polo shirts, tees, button-up shirts, and thermal underwear.

Levi’s US – I love their straight-leg jeans and classic denim trucker jacket.

L.L.Bean is my source for button-up shirts, tees, bathing suits, and warm, casual jackets.

Macy’s offers great prices on cardigans, tees, and casual jackets.

Nordstrom is my source for perfume, scarves, shoes, bags, jackets, blouses, and dresses.

Saks OFF 5th offers the chance to find a few high-end pieces from last season at a much lower price than regular retail.

Sam Edelman has been one of my favorite shoe and bootie suppliers for a few years.

Shapeez has the most comfortable and flattering bra I’ve ever worn. This bra makes me look more slender and younger than I am every day.

Sheec no-show socks stay on the foot and make shoes feel more comfortable.

Soma has the best panty ever! Try the Vanishing Edge Microfiber Retro Brief if you’ve been looking for underwear without visible panty lines (VPL).

Talbots has great pants, jeans, and wool blend or casual jackets.

Target offers essential classics and cute trendy items without breaking the bank.

T.J. Maxx offers the chance to find designer clothes, shoes, bags, accessories, and household items at bargain prices.

Vince Camuto has also been one of my favorite shoe suppliers for many years.

Zappos offers many hard-to-find sizes and styles of comfortable shoes.

The links above are referral links. If you make purchases using my links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost.

46 Comments
  1. Thank you very much for the list. I agree Talbots has great jeans. They fit very well for me with my flatter derrière.

  2. Wow – thank you so much for taking the time to put this list together. So helpful to have all on one page. Merry Christmas!

  3. That’s a comprehensive list! Thank you for going to all the trouble to organize it for us.
    I just went shopping for the first time in many months. I was unpleasantly surprised to find that it is more difficult to find quality clothing. I for one appreciate knowing where you find clothing that wears well over time. Have a wonderful week enjoying the season!

  4. Hi Susan. Thank you so much for that very helpful list! I’ve noticed that you don’t mention French Kande in your posts or wear things from your collection anymore. Any particular reason why? Just curious so no pressure to answer if you’d rather not. ☺️

  5. Thanks so much for this list. It will be so helpful and I appreciate the time and effort put into it. I enjoy your posts very much. Wishing you and Mr Mickey a joyous Christmas!

  6. This is a great list you’ve put together. I will save it. I would like to add something about Lands End. You can buy a PJ set in different sized top from the bottom. Very rare to have that choice. For example, I’m larger on the top than the bottom so I buy a Large top and a Medium bottom in the same color or print. It’s great!

  7. I love your classic items and have ordered several things that you’ve shown. I just signed up for the no-show socks and can’t wait to get them!

  8. Thank you for putting this list together in one place. I appreciate the way you shop your closet for new combinations. I’ve found that fewer new purchases help me appreciate what I have and give me a peaceful feeling when choosing an outfit from a well curated wardrobe. Organizing my closet using your examples makes dressing nicely so much easier. It also makes it very obvious what items I no longer use and am more willing to let go. Along the lines of repurposing, I wear my favorite seasonal pins/brooches as necklaces. I don’t like putting holes in my tops or coats so I use a pin converter (around $5) that can be found online, and a thicker chain or black nylon cording from Michaels Arts and Crafts to convert my pins/brooches into seasonal necklaces. There are also magnetic brooch converters so you don’t need to poke holes in your tops but they’re more expensive than the pin converters. All of these items are also available through Amazon if you can’t find them locally. I hope this tip helps others repurpose what they love this holiday season and through out the year.

  9. I like that you listed budget friendly stores too. A while back I purchased the Soma undies you recommended and they are great for hiding a panty line. I also love the Talbots jeans you wore some weeks ago. They are the first jeans that fit me to a “T”. Your blog is definitely appreciated. Have a wonderful Christmas.

  10. Hi Susan…a while back you showed us how you put a scarf under your v-neck sweaters. What size scarf should I be looking for to get that look? Thank you!

  11. Hi Susan,

    Greetings from Massachusetts!!!

    Thank you for taking the time to put the shopping list together for us! So helpful and much appreciated!

    Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to You, Mr. Mickey and all your family.

    Julie Johnston

  12. Thanks for the great shopping source info.
    Since it is the season, has Mr. Mickey been Santa yet this year? I’ve missed seeing this year’s pics and hearing stories of the event…

  13. Thank you for putting this list together. I also like Covered Perfectly as I did order 3 scoop neck tops that you recommended and I love them. Merry Christmas and wishing you health and happiness in 2022!

  14. I see many of my favorite names here. I have a collection of favorite Coach bags that have been refurbished at Coach. I love the styles and only wish some of them weren’t so heavy empty because that makes them heavier filled. Need to edit what I carry. I’d add Coldwater Creek to the list, though stores around here have been gone for almost a decade. I’m not an online clothes shopper, as a rule, so am not sure if they have gone that route. Nice and decently made casual and staples.

  15. Zappos.com is so very good about returns making it easy!!!
    I think of you every morning when I retrieve a top from it’s hanger and then turning it right side out.
    No more hanger “bumps” on the sleeves. GREAY TIP!
    Thanks, Rosie

  16. Susan,
    I have been following you for the last 5 years or so…..can’t remember where online I found you and your blog. In any event, you captured me and I have been a fan ever since. I love your style and tips for all women. Please keep it up? I want to see Susan after 90! Ciao!!

  17. I think today’s post is one of your best looks. I scrolled through to share some of my other favorites and to thank you for the inspiration. They are: Escape to Montreal, Fourteen Years and Inspiration and Tips…Your look from Hair to Toe ( I love the shape and style of those reptile heels) knock it out of the Park! Happy Holidays to you and Mr. Mickey and your feminist/suffragette friends. BAT-S

  18. Love your outfit Susan, and so classical.
    Just seen uk news, and it’s saying a tornado has hit mid states.
    I sincerely hope you avoided it.

  19. Hi Susan,
    Haven’t had your posts emailed to me in a few months. I was on your regular list and I guess now I’m not for some reason. Is there anything you can do from your end to reinstate me? I’d like to receive all your posts when you do them.
    I’ve checked spam and nothing is in that file from this end.
    Thanks Susan! Hope to begin receiving your posts again!
    Nancy

  20. I am a fairly new follower to your website; I was drawn to your classical style. Thank you for composing the list of basics here. I plan on ordering one of the bras from Shapeez soon. What style of Shapeez bra do you prefer? I look forward to seeing more of your blogs in the upcoming year. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

I share tips and inspiration for using what you already have in contemporary ways. Defining words include effortless, classic, refined, discreet, and elegant. My style is chic, minimal, and timeless with a bit of edge.