I love that you’re talking about this. Long time designer here. We should talk about how Private Equity really kills so many brands.

Just a note: the wrapped thread under the coat button is a shank, which creates space beneath the button for the additional layers of fabric when the garment is buttoned closed. It's not a reinforcement. A reinforcement would be an additional flat button (as opposed to a shank button) on the underside of the facing. This prevents the outer button from pulling excessively on the fashion fabric and distorting its shape and it is always found on high-quality outwear. Excellent content btw!

I absolutely adore your content. My partner and I are both perceived as very “picky” dressers but we just refuse to pay for poorly made clothes. Shout out to you for making these videos!!

So sad. Club Monaco was one of those brands I aspired to buy from but my financial situation didn’t allow for it. Now, I feel disappointed that I more than likely I have move on and not buy pieces from them like I dreamed about in my early 20s.

I’m with you, 100% natural fibers or no deal! Wool is not only warm, it drapes well, doesn’t wrinkle and looks 10 times better than synthetic blends. I can’t wear any synthetics and finding coats, jackets/blazers that don’t have plastic linings is a real challenge. Banana Republic has beautiful wool/cashmere 90/10 coats with breathable rayon linings, I bought two of those instead. The quality is amazing, they even have inside pockets that can be securely buttoned. I don’t think the price, $500, is unfair for a coat of such high quality and style. Excess Only has beautiful, natural fiber coats also and Theory is great for blazers of the same fabrics. I looked at Max Mara, etc., but I want lined coats. They’re much easier to get on and off and a good lining helps cut the cold wind. I did get two nice 100% cashmere sweaters from Club Monaco lately, but every brand has those.

My husband and I went to Club Monaco 2 weeks ago and were first floored by the Black Friday prices (40% off of everything, including cashmere) and then once we started looking at the quality, it started to make sense why they have room for that high of a discount.

This is truly outrageous!! I bought a wool camel coat from them several years ago on sale for under $300 and it still is beautiful.

I love how you talk about quality. Fast fashion is killing us. Affordable is important, but the way clothes are made to be disposable at high prices everywhere is blowing my mind. I see ao many terrible pieces in "high end" stores. As well as olaces like Zara way over charging for crappy quality.

Didn’t know CM changed ownership in 2021. So sad about the decline in quality 😢

True story… I started a babysitting hustle when I was 13 for an entire summer, JUST so I could buy from Club Monaco (as my parents couldn’t afford it). To this day I still have one of their classic crew necks and it’s been devastating watching them go so downhill 😢😢

These style of videos are AMAZING. Thank you for taking your time and talking through each piece. I was thinking of heading to Club Monaco in the near future, but now I'm going to wait. Super appreciate you and your expertise

I am so fed up with this across the board. They want to sell this stuff for the same price. Disgraceful.

Please continue to do this - your honesty is SO appreciated!

I had a pair of Club Monaco pants that I got back in 2015 that are 95% wool. I got them for under $200 I believe. I thought they were so expensive back then but they've held through time!! These prices in the video for the type of fabric content they use now are insane...

I love your videos! Even though your videos are about women's products, I still find myself enjoying and learning from them quite a bit. Please make more menswear-inclusive videos as your recommendations are great.

Can you review Banana Republic more? Their clothes look great and high quality to me but I'd love your perspective!

I used to love Club Monaco. They were my go-to everytime I see their store since we don't have one in out state. I called them knock-off Ralph Lauren Purple store. Their quality was just a little step down from Purple Label. So sad their quality is junk now.

Awesome idea with this series, your knowledge is greatly appreciated. Would love to see Ralph Lauren, Brooks Brothers, and others.

Just came across your channel, and I love your approach. It is super hard to find good quality women`s clothes. When it comes to classic style, there are not lots but at least several options out there for men, but it is pretty impossible to find women`s clothes with a good value proposition, so I am not surprised that the men`s collection has higher quality because there is competition in the market place. Apparently, more men go out and check for those details.

Could we please get Madewell review?

you’re making necessary content 🎉. Please continue what you’re doing . Totally appreciate it

Thanks for talking about this, I am also a long time Club Monaco shopper, at one time I even worked for the company. It is so disappointing that we lost one of the only places to buy women's workwear and basics. I agree that the men's selection does appear better made with more classic designs and selection.

Thanks, you saved me from buying that Tie Waist Wrap Coat! I thought the lavender colour looked better than the camel, but it just doesn’t seem like good value considering the material.

Love this style of video! I would definitely watch more reviews like this, especially of brands that have been sold to private equity because I often miss news like that. It’s nice to see someone transparently discuss garment construction, etc., at any price point! It’s especially important in today’s world full of greenwashing.

Wow, some of my favorite coats and dresses are from Club Monaco. Can you do a deep dive on Equipment? Or other mid range brands like APC, All Saints and the Kooples? I think of those brands as a step up from places like Zara, but I’ve experienced hit or miss quality

Can you do a video on better vs bad polyester and when it’s a good choice to get it if you can’t find anything else? Also, can you keep reviewing specific stores like this? Ty!!

Great timing for this video! I actually went to Club Monaco yesterday on my day off, it's been years and I wanted to check out some winter items. Like you, I have several pieces that I owned for years from them. I was so shocked at how much they were charging for the quality. In particular their cashmere pieces, they felt so thin and some were pilling on the rack. The quality was similar to cashmere I've seen at Uniqlo for almost 4x the price! Such a shame.

lyocell is usually there for the drape! it's heavy and silky with a bit of shine when it's in a yarn, similar to rayon

You def should get that leather jacket. Looked really nice. I really appreciate these videos. Can you do a full one like this for Banana Republic and J Crew?

I used to love Club Monaco. Now not so much. You are so right. Thanks ❤

I bought a beautiful silk navy dress about 5 yrs ago @CM. Sadly, it no longer fits me but my sister still wears it all the time and gets compliments every time. Still looks good as new. What a tragedy this is 😩

Thanks for educating us consumers! I really despise how designers have lowered their quality and has the nerve to charge $$$

Thanks for the video. Thank you for talking about the stitching. Would love to know your thoughts on Quince.

I think I have that exact same black skirt in my house somewhere 😂 That’s so sad that quality has gone down so much. I used to get a piece from them every couple of months but been staying away since nowadays their price tags are outrageous for boring design and mediocre quality.

I’ve been enjoying your long form review videos!! Can you suggest some good clothing options for each category (wide leg pants, wool coat, etc)? It would be so helpful!

Will you talk about Sezane? ❤

I would love to see a review of the curated!

I have makeup brushes from the defunct club Monaco cosmetic line in the 90s and they are still in great condition.

It is absolutely amazing to see how someone can know that just because a store sells a couple of good things doesn’t mean it’s ALL good. As in ALL the items must be the same quality. But make that same error when it comes to private equity! Private equity in itself IS a good and absolutely moral thing. Doesn’t mean you can’t have shitheads come in and ruin a brand because it depends on the individual businessmen, just as clothing quality depends on designers. And guess what? Just as there are amazing fashion designers that give quality and fast fashion designers that give crap, the same goes for private equity. Some businessmen are absolute rock stars! And can give a brand new life and amazing value for consumers, and then there’s the shitty businessman that just doesn’t care wants a quick coin to just dip afterwards. If you want a better aspect of life, in affordability, quality, one must accept the fact that a government is NOT suppose to have ANY economic interference. The government is not supposed to serve ANY economic interest for ANY economic group. The government is supposed to stay out of the economy completely! Its only job is to protect innocent citizens from criminals, and fraud. That is, the protection of individual rights being violated by direct or indirect force. Government interference in the economy is what ruins everything! It is an absolutely immoral act!

The grey boxy sweater looks amazing on you! The price is crazy though. I hope they have good sales

Could you give examples of brands or certain pieces that are good quality in your wardrobe?❤

I just found your channel and I am loving it. I am interested in buying less but higher quality. I am going to check to see if you have reviewed Everlane and Madewell. I am also Canadian, so I want to make sure it's high quality if I am going to pay duty, shipping and the trade on the dollar.

Are there any reasonably affordable brands that aren't failing us right now? I'd love to know where to go AS WELL AS where not to go. Is there any hope?

I still own (and wear a one shoulder tank) for the early 90s from Club Monaco and I still own and wear a beautiful coat from Banana Republic early 2000s and don’t even get me started on my roots purse I bought 2x in 2004. 2nd was because it was stolen. It’s been soaked in rain, covered in puppy puke and tossed around for 20yrs and it’s still my goto bag.

My heart cannot take this video. I love Club Monaco! 🥲

please do anthropologie!

Hi new sub here also in Canada. :D I find CM is better than most retailers you find in Canada but I agree this is the most expensive but synthetic collection yet! I wouldn’t mind if you share their spring/summer collection when it’s out perhaps to compare and contrast. Maybe itll be a little better? I’m still going to browse CM but it is getting hard to avoid the polyester.

Can you do theory? Banana republic? Love your vids

I would love to see a review of Banana Republic. Your reviews are so eye opening. Great job!

You’re right, Jennifer, private equity ruins everything. Not just clothing shops, but also any restaurants they get their tentacles into

I would love a video on coach clothing! I also wants to know what’s up with the new Coachtopia stuff!

Club Monaco was my go to store in my 20s. I have so many of their pieces in my closet and even though some don’t fit anymore I’ll be keeping them forever. Unfortunately, I’ve noticed that their quality has gone down overtime and they are not worth it anymore. It’s been a few years since I’ve bought anything from them because of it.

Oh the good old days, I used to work close to their NYC flagship. It's so sad what has happened. I still have so many beautiful pieces many are silk. That crop trench was cute though.

(small) men’s W! Also, +1 for checking out Suit Supply!

Love your reviews! I totally see the price increases at Club Monaco but for lesser quality. Can you review Quince? How can their prices be so low?

I just found your channel and really appreciate your level of details. I also used to love Club Monaco and still have some tops from 10 years ago. I was recently at their store recently and bought a pair of women's pants and found the quality is still better than some of the retails stores in the mall. But I agree that their quality has gone down and the price has gone up. Definitely not worth it as much anymore.

Interesting to me that companies claim to care about “eco consciousness” but then switch from natural fibers to plastic…. Most of the new clothes i come across (not designer) are recycled polyester. Yuck

Your videos are so educational. You sound like a kahn academy teacher lol love it

Years ago CM was where H&M is now and they used to sell housewares. I still have 4 plates left from those days and they held up well. The clothes were better and the price point was fair. Now I wander in and out in under 2 minutes bc the brand no longer appeals to me - so sad!

I can't afford these brands, but I can heed your advice. It allows me to shop wisely.

'casual' is a nice word for exposed zipper fashion 😆 Great channel, thank you

This video makes me glad that all my hand me down Club Monaco blazers are from 2019. And they will probably last me for a good 10-20 years.

Been binging your content on KZfaq all day! Side eyeing a lot of my clothes right now- lol. Anyway I’m wondering.. can you make a video on your favorite basics/under garments? Not necessarily bras/underwear, but like tanks, cropped tanks and mainly body suits. I have a short torso and body suits tend to look best under coats and jackets for me, but I can’t find any that are comfortable and affordable. The absolute most I could spend on a body suit would be like $50 and I’d want it to last. All the ones I have pull around the bottom. I have a booty and I hate panty lines too.. so I’m curious what everyone’s favorites are. And the dreaded button snap wedgie.. yeah I need help. lol!

A year or two back I bought a chambray shirt that completely ripped at the elbows after one wear. I was shocked because I love all my button ups that I had bought in the past. I thought maybe it had been something I had done so I took it to my tailor who repaired it but on the second wear the exact same thing happened. I was able to exchange it for a pair of pants but even the clerk said oh yeah this has happened before with this particular shirt. Only buying second hand club Monaco from here on out.

Thank you Club Monaco. That will be all.

Can you do a video about their heritage crest re-release? The quality of the sweaters and hoodies this year were awful :(

I agree with you about the quality but I don’t agree with your opinion that the wool coat was dated. If anything the cropped trench was dated. I’m glad you’re calling these companies out on quality. Keep it up!

Please review J crew, gap, Old Navy, mango, Zara and LOFT and Banana Republic!!!!!

Club Monaco has been trying to cut corner since 2015, they switched their cashmere yarns/ fabrics from loro piana to other random company…

Have you done Banana Republic? I weirdly feel like their quality has improved while everyone else is on the decline

I used to love club monaco as well, and bought most of my wife's stuff from there. It's sad to see club monaco's degradation, but I love your videos as they're very analytical and value biased. I don't know why it seems like womens clothing is made with lower quality but seems more expensive than mens clothing?

Please make videos on brands that have good quality clothes.

I no longer feel bad about wearing my boring classic (silk, wool, and cashmere/merino) wardrobe. I would start sewing again... but finding natural fibers in fabric is a challenge.

Refreshing Chanel. Please do Cos 😊

Thank you! That’s very informative. I’m looking for work wears and would like to learn more about how to choose a good set of blazer and trousers. I feel like there’s not many options in Canada, I’ve been looking at Aritzia, banana republic, maxmara and club Monaco. I’d love to know your opinions and recommendations on work wears. Thank you!

I stopped buying from my favorite brand, Ralph Lauren, because they’ve gone plastic, too.

Can we please have a full video dedicated to coats?❤

Thanks for another great video. I wanted to buy my wife a nice fleece sweater for Xmas and the only options I had were Sandro and Canada Goose which was close to $700. I feel like I severely over paid for the brand recognition. Are there any other brands that you can recommend that’s good quality and roughly half that price?

I bought a few outfits from Club Monaco 12 years ago that I still have in my closet - which drove me to this video. Wondering if you have a list of top 10 brands that are still quality today? I find there is a lot of not great and what to look for but love to understand what you recommend!

Can you do a tips or guide video on how to find good pieces when you are petite? It is so hard to find clothing that has good proportions for my small height even when the pieces are petite, the proportions are not right torso or arm or leg length wise

Please make video of stores you recommend!

Could you review Eileen Fisher? You provide great information for shoppers, and I have learned a lot.

Is theory in Canada? If so I would love to see you review them! I love their clothing and it’s a higher price point so I’m curious if it’s really worth it

Can you review FP movement, Joah Brown, and LuLulemon? Love your content!

I love your tips wnd eye for good quality. Can you please post some good shopping hauls so I know where to buy good clothes from

Can you make a video for good quality clothing choices for a plus size person? I love your videos but I am petite and very curvy. I don’t know of any Quality brands that support sizes 12-20. Torrid is cheap except for their jeans… I love your merino wool sweater with the black silk skirt. I’m definitely investing 🙂

PLeASE please do an Allsaints review. I worked there for four years and saw the quality decrease during those years to the point where it’s unrecognizable now (with a higher price point) WTF!!!

I stopped by a Club Monaco yesterday, and one of the sweaters had a dropped stitch on the front. 😩

Please do Brooks Brothers

club monaco is one my favorite brands and love their quality. Now I only buy the second ones. However, I found the second hand wool coats are not cheap on poshmark. after watching your video, I think I will only purchase the second hand one from the poshmark. It does not worth to pay almost $500 dollars for a wool coat from them.

Such a sad decline of the brand. I used to love Club Monaco, I was looking forward to the new collections, I still own many items from 8-10 years ago. And now I very seldom go there because there are less and less interesting items and the quality is much worse too. Thank you for your honest review!

The cost of making and buying good clothes is expensive. The first place they are going to cut corners is using synthetics in the material. It would also be interesting to find out where this clothing is being produced, working conditions, and compensation of the skilled employees.

Jennifer, can recommend a high quality pencil skirt, or at least point me in the right direction of one?

Can you do Aritzia next? Quality went downhill these past 2-3 yrs.

Even Hugo Boss and Ralph Lauren use polyester for suits and evening gown.

I hope all these brands watch your videos and make some changes. Your tiktok’s have changed the way I buy clothing

That's beyonf f-ed up !!!!!!! Love your honest an detailed videos please keep going

What are your favorite brands?

This is sad, but whats sadder is that sheep farmers get pretty much nothing for wool and then its sold for $400 in a jacket😒

Yes, the quality and style of Club Monaco has definitely gone down in recent years and they are more expensive than ever. The Men’s Shop feels more youthful and stylish.