I complimented one of the secretaries at my job on her skirt. She told me she purchased it from Chadwick’s. I told her I’d never heard of Chadwick’s and she gave me a catalog.
The clothes are really inexpensive. I’m a firm believer that one gets what one pays for but I really liked her skirt. It was a wool blend and it was lined. Of course, I couldn’t inspect it carefully like I would if I were purchasing it in a store (she was wearing it and I thought it a tad forward to ask her to take it off for me).
So I ask you, ladies of SDMB, have you purchased anything from this catalog? Are they the Montgomery Wards of clothing catalogs? I saw a cute pair of capri pants (red with white stitching) for $24. I don’t want to buy them if they’re just going to fall apart in the wash.
I’ve been buying from them for years – and will continue to do so. It’s not tip-top quality (obviously, given the prices), but you’ll definitely get your money’s worth. I have a couple of cotton dresses I’ve been wearing for 8 or 10 years.
I’ve bought clothes from them in the past. In my experience, their clothes are of average quality. Better than Target clothes, and about the same quality as Ralph Lauren and Liz Claiborne. RL and LC are about the high end of MY budget, so I don’t know how they compare to the more expensive names.
I have placed several orders with them and have also had a couple of returns. All of my dealings with their customer service department have been pleasant and they ship quickly. In terms of quality I find that the “wardrobe basic” kind of things, like the lined wool skirts are a little more sturdily constructed than some of the more trendy items. I will buy from them again.
I used to buy “work clothes” from Chadwick’s, and I’ll echo what others are saying - they were of medium quality workmanship, but they generally fit well, and were attractive and inexpensive. Once in a while I got something great from them - I think I still have a cotton t-shirt type thing that has held up for many years and still looks good.
It’s been 10 years now since I had a job I actually had to dress up beyond jeans or shorts for, so I don’t have a lot of current experience with them. But I’d order from them again if I had the need.
Their shoes suck, but I’ve purchased a lot of clothing there. Lately, though, I’m not happy with the styles they’ve been showing. But I have a number of suits I purchased there and I’ve been wearing them for years.
I buy some of their suits and skirt sets. They’ve always fit real well, and I think I’ve only had to return one thing.
The quality, as noted, isn’t on par with something out of Nordstrom, but since I’m not a clothes horse, I really don’t give a hoot. I’d say they are worth the try to see if it’s up to your quality standards.
Some hits and misses for me. Mostly because I’m not good about judging what sort of fabric something is in a catalog. I just ordered a jacket that I returned because it turned out to be unlined, very flimsy and I think possibly mis-constructed. (The picture in the catalog showed it hitting the model mid hip, but on me it barely reached my belt – and I’m NOT long waisted!) I should’ve guessed because it was one of the super cheap offerings, so I’m not going to hold it against them. Most of the other stuff has been of good(ish) quality. If you’re worried, stick with the brand names you might recognise. (I’m thinking they carry J.G. Hook stuff, which I find well-made.)
I like their styles a lot: non-trendy and “grown-up” without being frumpy/old ladyish. COUGH(Blair)COUGH I usually suggest Chadwick’s to anyone complaining they can’t find anything at the mall that doesn’t look hideous or sized for a pre-teen girl.
Thanks for the answers, ladies. I didn’t recognize any of the designers or labels listed. Now that I’ve had more time to peruse the catalog, I’m a little suspicious. A pant suit for $69? That can’t be right!
The secretary said she’d let me know the next time she’s going to place an order. I’ll get the pants and let you know how they turn out.
My favorite dress came from Chadwick’s, and they stopped carrying it, or I would have bought one each color! Unfortunately, I can’t wear the pants or skirts from Chadwick’s, because I wear junior sizes and they carry Misses only
I have a friend who orders stuff from them all the time, both for herself and as gifts, and she’s never had any complaints. I’ve also had several people order bridesmaid dresses from them with really good results.
The girlfriend is looking over my shoulder and says “Tell them the customer service sucks”. They did bollocks up our order online and provided no way to get in touch with them via phone to straighten the mess out, and it took dozens of calls and emails and the cooperation of her credit card company to sort matters out.
