I’m in and out of stores pretty frequently and am very familiar with the products that my favorite stores bring in year after year. I wanted to do a post highlighting what I believe is truly the best theses brands have to offer while keeping it to only a few items per brand. These are pieces that I think stand out in quality and style, and most importantly – staying power in both of those categories. I personally own a version of every item listed and can attest to the integrity of the product.
None of these are affiliate links. I never use affiliate links and genuinely want to share my favorite items and only link it back to the website for easy access if you want to view it yourself!
L.L. Bean is my go-to brand for quality items I’ll own forever – they guarantee it. Most brands I’m only listing 3-4 items, but I really couldn’t narrow it down for L.L. Bean because so many of their products are of the highest standard.
Quilted Jacket: I’ve had mine for going on three years (in the color shown above) and it’s one of my favorite items for fall. It’s the perfect weight, the lining is plaid, and the collar is corduroy underneath. I reach for it constantly and rely on it as the perfect layer.
Sweater Fleece: There are a ton of these on the market, but I think the L. L. Bean one is my favorite. The heather texture is done well, the pocket isn’t too bulky, and it’s a nice layer for chilly days. I keep mine out year round for cooler summer nights to the dead of winter.
Lightweight Down Jacket: This coat is thin but the temperature it can be worn in is unbelievable (20 degrees to -30). Living in Michigan with what I consider harsh winters, finding a thin, yet still incredibly warm coat is next to impossible. I wore this coat more times than I could count last winter. The best part is that it’s packable into a little pouch that’s sewn into the lining so when I went to Florida in January I just packed it all up and threw it in my carry on.
Fisherman’s Sweater: These sweaters are the real deal. I dare you to find a thicker, more quality sweater than this! I have the original cream color and the blue one shown above, but I’m partial to the blue because it has a ton of pretty blue tones throughout it ranging from light to dark. It’s so unusual and I get a lot of compliments on it. I would go up one size for comfort and layering.
Wicked Good Slippers: I would have never thought I’d ever pay $79 for slippers but after reading the 600+ five star reviews I decided to give them a try. I’m a big slipper wearer (year round) and am extremely picky about them. I didn’t use to like hard/rubber sole but these fit so nicely they don’t make me trip. The lining is so warm and soft but they don’t make my feet sweat. I wear them often in the summer even! I can buy a new pair of slippers every year or just buy these once and own them for years to come. I end up wearing slippers more than any other shoes throughout the year so the price is worth every penny.
Bean Boots: Anyone who owns a pair knows how incredible they are. They are my go-to for any type of weather and I wear them from September through May. I would suggest getting the thinsulate version which is one step above their base model. Since I wear them in the winter, the thinsulate provides a little extra warmth to the already warm and waterproof boot.
I’ve always been a big fan of Land’s End – another company with a great reputation and incredible customer service. Land’s End changes up their inventory from season to season to keep it fresh but they do have a few staples you can find each year. My husband is a huge fan of Land’s End, so I can also attest to the guy’s department being just as great.
Outwear: I have many coats from Land’s End ranging from raincoats to heavy parkas and I couldn’t be happier with their quality and selection. After a harsh winter 6 years ago I broke down and got my first puffer coat and I still wear it every year, and have added another Land’s End puffer coat to my collection as well. I own the coat in the photo above (it’s on sale) and I love it. It’s easy to style and has the cutest toggle hooks.
Pointe Dresses: They come out with pointe dresses in various sleeve lengths and styles every year but the fabric and fit of these dresses are what make me a fan. They’re incredible soft and slimming, and the longer sleeves on them make them a go-to from fall through spring.
Drifter Sweaters: If I could own ever color I would. These are a classic cable knit sweater that aren’t too bulky or thin. The fit is right, the colors are great, and the look never goes out of style. You will frequently see me in the navy drifter sweater – and my favorite part is I got the sleeve monogramed on it. Land’s End allows you to monogram most things and having a small one on the sleeve is subtle and personal. I love it!
Ralph Lauren is my favorite brand and probably the style I’m most “known for” both on the blog and in real life. It’s the brand that shaped my sense of style and love for classic / preppy fashion. Here are the items I think really stand out for me consistently with Ralph Lauren:
Quilted Jackets: Ralph Lauren also does an excellent job creating luxurious looking equestrian wear and their quilted jackets are no exception. Most of their pieces have leather piping, brass buttons, and other gorgeous details. I’ve had a navy RL quilted coat for years and it gets better with age.
Jeans: My favorite pair of jeans ever is Ralph Lauren and they are so old I have no clue where they are from (outlet? macys? main store?). I just know there are very few pairs of jeans that fit me perfectly and the Ralph Lauren pair is my favorite. Every time I wear them on Instagram I get questions on where they are from.
OCBD: If there was one quintessential “Robin” item, it would be the oxford cloth button down. I have been wearing them for the better part of my life and have multiples of every color – which I’m not even embarrassed about because they all get worn. Blue is my favorite color and such a classic. I will always own a Ralph Lauren OCBD because it’s a style that’s been around forever and not going anywhere. It can be a nice layer or look great on its own – it’s the perfect shirt in my opinion!
Is there anything from these brands that I missed that you love? I’d love to hear your thoughts!
