Marshalls if you have one, and (yes, I know, don't start,) Old Navy are your friends. Old Navy online is really easy to use and I've had good luck with them. Here, in fact, is a cute shirt. The only problem I have with their button downs is that they do not seem to understand that women have breasts and so sometimes their shirts gap across the bust. I have really small art chick breasts (description courtesy my evil ex husband, but accurate) and so if shirts gap on me, you know it's a major problem for the well endowed.

You'd be surprised too, I bet, at how much better Belks has gotten lately, and they have massive sales all the time, which is cool. I know, the mall is horrible and painful, but it's a lot more foolproof than online shopping - you can actually try things on. I have actually begun to like Belks, tragic though this is. I do find though that big stores are better for wardrobe basics like button downs & general shirts than ultra cool shoppes. Those are great for other stuff - but if I want basic clothes that I will wear all the time, I go to Old Navy, Marshalls or Belks.

Zara had some wonderful very fine wale corduroy this past winter, if you have one nearby. Also, don't overlook topshop for shirts-they always have tons (if topshop is still around over there). Where are you?

poke around bluefly and look there, then remember which brand had what you liked, and look for that at stores, or a knockoff of it.

and Theory is always good for women's basics, with style.

Wow that model on the Zara women's site is gorgeous! Clothes? What clothes?! And thanks for the bluefly suggestion - I like this one! And this one even, but maybe not that color. And this one. There is no way in hell I would ever wear this one, not even in the bathroom with the lights off. HAH! MGL I hear you loud and clear on the gapposis issue with button downs.

moving on to peruse the theory site.....

And I like this one but $60?!?!?! Might be time to head over to the Liz outlet in Greensboro. Oh - I'm in Raleigh NC amberglow.

I hear you loud and clear on the gapposis issue with button downs.

Ditto. I have found that Ann Taylor and Victoria's Secret (not surprising if you look at their models) are two good places to get button-downs that don't gap too much.

cool! thanks amro!! I should be broke any minute. but clothed.