I loved Nobody’s child dresses but after wearing them for less than a year they started falling apart. Their 100% lenzing™ ecovero™ viscose fabric is awful! It wears off so quickly! I contacted customer service and their answer was that it’s normal for fabrics to wear off!!! I like buying clothes that last and a year is not enough!
Hi Katie ! Thanks so much for this video :) I'm actually French and I can add some info about the "French" brands you mentioned. Maje, Sandro and Claudie Pierlot actually belong to the same group (named SMCP, which litterally stands for "Sandro, Maje, Claudie Pierlot"). That must be why you find the 3 have some very similar vibe. However, I'm not a huge fan of them, since A/ They're sizing is not inclusive B/ The price point isn't worth it regarding the material they're using (mostly synthetic). At least, these are the 2 reasons I never bought from them, though I discovered them when I was back in highschool. They might have changed but I haven't checked them out over the course of the past few years. Orta store is actually a Belgian brand. It was founded several years ago, and is based in Brussels. The thing with Orta Store is that sustainability is a core value of the brand. Their products are made in Europe exclusively. They even have made innovations like creating the very first 100% European viscose (which is quite different in finish to any other one). I like them a lot !
Thank you so much this is really helpful!! I had no idea Orta was from Belgium. So great to hear about their sustainability practices, I will definitely pay more attention to them now I know that. Thank you!!
I agree on the quality of SMCP- it’s why I was initially so excited to discover sezane because I felt it delivered better quality at a similar (or lower) price point. And def agree on the lack of sizing inclusivity.
Je suis d’accord avec toi. I’m French too and I don’t like these brands for the same reasons. I think Monoprix have better quality and great options for lower price. 😉
The French catalogue brand La Redoute does a lot of clothes with a Sezane vibe, especially their knitwear. They also seem to have constant sales so they are great on a budget.
True. My favorite brands are from the uk. I have discovered sezane only after I had to pay a huge amount extra on customs for my Whistles order. The British brands also fit a lot better ( on me)
@@Tulipsandfries- What are some of your favourite British brands if you don’t mind sharing ? I’m surprised that British brands are liked by some people within the EU because I actually had no idea that people outside the U.K. even heard about some of our brands
I just purchased my first piece from Boden and was blown away by the quality! So many thoughtful details you just don't see in many brands and I can tell it will hold up over a long period of wear. Stitching and design were impeccable. 💕
Really good video! I have ordered some knitwear and shoes directly from Rosae Paris and I was really impressed by the quality. It is better quality than Sezane in my opinion. The sizing is not the most inclusive for all of the items though but if you can it’s worth a try. I know if you order over a certain amount you don’t pay for postage but I am not sure about fees to the UK as I live in the EU. Thanks so much for the video 😊
Yeah the sizing is disappointing, I would definitely not fit into their trousers so can only really consider top half options from them. I love their style though. It’s so timeless
Funny how i know about most of them. Looks like i found the right channel in terms of style Btw i love that you wrote everything down in the description. This type of organisation is great!
Hello Katie this video is a jewel, thank you so much for all the time you put on it!!! From the French, European section I'd add Caroll and Cyrillus. I buy often from them and love the quality of the items. Maybe they are a bit more classic than Sezane and similar in pricing. Nothing to do with that but your English accent is lovely ❤
American girl here. I just recently began purchasing some pieces from Madewell myself. We have a store right next to Anthropologie ( one of my favs) in my local mall. Never went in there. Pieces tend to be more minimal in style, but they are generally good quality and the jeans are great. My budget didn't really need more shops to peruse, but thanks for all the suggestions!! Lol 😊
Hello Katie, thanks for these recs. I’ve ordered from Rosae Paris a few times from the UK and tax/customs etc is not included in the price. It’s approx an additional 20% of the order (hope that makes sense) xx
Thank you - that’s what I was worried about! I guess it’s worth it if you really love the item. Just nervous about if I have to return something. How have you found the quality/sizing of the bits you’ve tried?
@@katie_louise I’ve ordered a few things and have been happy with the quality. I only order when there’s a sale tbh so the extra 20% didn’t worry me too much. I haven’t had to return anything, although did get a dress that looked quite different to the pic. I wore it a few times and resold. The only thing that’s frustrating about RP is that depending on the colour choice, the fabric composition varies and I try to avoid too much polyester etc. I find them a little oversized compared to Sézane. If there are particular pieces your interested in, let me know -I may have them and can give you more info xxx
Great video! Some American brands that are classic and good quality, maybe not exactly like Sezane but I definitely recommend Banana republic, j crew, Ann Taylor and Loft
The issue with these brands is the quality, I recently checked out the new Ann Taylor weekend line and it is so cheaply made….better to spend a few more on Sezane
so fun to find new brands from all over the world that have something in common with a brand I already love! Its easy to get in a rut/bubble when it comes to brands to shop!
Hi Katie! I'm not sure why you mentioned M&S as an alternative to Sezane. Their designs are quite boring, and don't get me started on their quality, it's so poor. I suppose you get what you pay for. There are two British brands that I find somewhat similar to Sezane. The first is Oliver Bonas, but again, the quality isn't great, and I'm not sure why anyone would pay full price. I have a few pieces from them, but I always check the fabric composition and wait for discounts. Another brand I find quite similar is Baukjen, they even use the same models. Their quality is good and it seems more ethical and sustainable than Sezane.
I mentioned them because what you personally might find ‘boring’ someone else might define as ‘timeless’. We all have different taste. I think the quality, much like at Sézane, is hit or miss, they do some great cotton pieces and affordable cashmere etc. 😊
Great video! Thank you so much! I like Nobody’s Child, I have a few pieces and they are really good quality. To be honest I like Spanish brands more than French ones ( apart from Sezane which is my favourite). Definitely worth exploring and their sales are amazing. Surkana, Indi&Cold, Lili Sidonio, Purification Garcia, Pedro del Hierro. Usually I buy In small boutiques in Spain where they have a mix of local brands. 😊
Thank you soo much for the research done! Soo nice to see other brands than the same 10 always promoted. Good reminders and many new brands. Excellent. ❤
Can confirm Madewell runs small. Annoying unless you have access to the items in store, but I guess it does make the brand slightly more size inclusive than it looks at first glance.
Thank you so much for this video! I have been wanting a video exactly like this, and I guess the RU-vid algorithm could tell because they showed me this video today and I was like, "Yes!!!" Love the opportunity of exploring brands from other countries (I'm in the US) as well as knowing some really great labels in the States that I may not have been familiar with before. I have definitely been trying to up my game in terms of quality over quantity. I've been purchasing better quality pieces lately that I can tell will be Staples in my closet for years to come. I'm tired of clothing that pills or snags easily and feel like cost per wear is actually better if you get a higher quality item versus several pieces of lesser quality that will ultimately look worn out in a short span of time.
Would also recommend the German brand Givn Berlin, sustainable and fun. Have a dress, a short set and a blouse from there. After about 10-12 washes, still looks like new. Annother great brand is Essentiel Antwerp, a little more colourful, but really, really nice quality. Would be great if you could make a similar, even if smaller, list of sustainable brands with a modern style - where it is not all ultra simple, muu-muu shapes. Unfortunately since the more boxy/oversize style is easier to make, "fits more people" and less trend driven, many sustainable brands goes that way. Or highlight some brands that work with pre-order? Lora Gene, UK based, made on order (mainly) in Bulgaria. I have some absolutely amazing plissee skirt, including an asymetrical one in black , as well as a set of matching pant/tshirt - Love them when I wear them and they hold up amazingly. Just some suggestions. ❤
I would love to buy on Rosae, but I'm scared about their sizes, since I'm really pear shaped and their sizes go up to uk 10. I'm scared if everything would be too small. How do you find them?
I’ve only tried a knit from them and it was true to size. But yeah I definitely couldn’t wear anything from them for the bottom half unfortunately. The knits and tops should work though, if you are a UK 12 or smaller. The jumper I tried was a 2 and it felt like a 10/12 or M
I love Reformation’s silk items, especially skirts, but they seem to be switching to polyester, which rules them out for me. Plus, all their dresses look the same, very sexy occasion dresses with super-tight bodices and revealing necklines. I want silk dresses I can wear for everyday, not just for parties.
Stefanel & Caroll Paris are my favorit bands from over 10 years. Now I shop mostly in Sezane but for example Stefanel have always great cashmere pieces, I score them with big discounts and I'm always surprise that ppl buy overpriced plastic Gaspar from Sezane. And Caroll has nice dresses and skirts, timeless if you know how to buy and what fits you best. 😊
I bought a cashmere pullover from Caroll almost 10 years ago and the quality is fantastic! I paid 70€ at sales back then and I am still sooo in love with it
I have always thought of & Other Stories as a bit similar to Sezane. Another Swedish brand a bit similar is Odd Molly, a bit more bohemic though. On the pricy side, but great quality.
Yes & Other Stories definitely. I didn’t mention them as I was trying to stick to mostly smaller brands but they are one of my faves. I will check out Odd Molly - thank you!
I like M&S, but the US website has a very limited selection of what’s available in the UK. Me +Em uses almost entirely polyester. I found a skirt and top set I loved on their site last year, but it was 100% polyester and $1,000 US! I would have bought it if it were in silk, it was certainly priced like silk. I’m only 5’4”, the average height of US women (and sadly, the average dress size here is 16US/20UK, I’m a 6/10) and many UK brands are just far too long. It’s not just the leg length, it’s everything, from jacket length to too-long rise that makes trousers crotches sit at mid-thigh. As much as I love The White Company, I had to give up on their clothes for this reason. Thanks for this list, it must have been a ton of work!
Love finding Boden in the thrift stores here in Florida! Very bright fun prints , great quality and materials 😊shop thrift and second hand when you can ;) ❤
What a great video, thank you! A lot of new, interesting brands to get to know to. Some of these I've already ordered from, e.g. Me + Em. The dress I got 2 years ago is lovely, really great quality. After my order, they did a lot of polyester dresses for a while, but it looks like they mostly have cotton, silk and viscose dresses now, which is great.
@@katie_louiseoh, sure! I love having smaller brands highlighted since they’re not always as visible or searchable on the internet. I love your video! Thank you for compiling this list!
Hi Katie, Everlane some 5-7 years ago used to be a sustainable with fewer high quality products brand. Now they have become a fast fashion with endless number of products as well (just like what's happening to Sezane these days)... Same goes for Madewell - the quality of their clothing decreased significantly - lots of polyester...
A “floral”Swedish brand is Odd Molly, a bit boho. & Other Stories is a bit like Sézane sometimes, and then there is COS and ARKET, if you, like me, are into the more androgynous, oversize. Then there is Acne ( designer prices) Acne is not like Sézane at all, just mentioning them, and Rodebjer, elegant with a touch of cool( expensive) And of course Filippa K ( elegant workwear, expensive. I used to go to school with Filippas sister 40 years ago. ( Yes, I’m an old lady😊)
Hi! If you want to add another good quality knittwear brands to your list. As a finn myself I love Alpa and Almada Label. They are less globally known Finnish brands 😊
I live in the U.S. and travel to Europe a couple times a year when I do a lot of shopping. I bought a few pieces from Mint Velvet last year that I just loved. Good suggestions!
really great list of shops to check! Thank you so much for your research Katie. I am shipping to Switzerland so it is also quite tricky, have to test websites and reviews for taxes and charges as well as return policies and again reviews but it shall be fun with all those lovely websites you found 😘😘😘
Yes! I just bought my first piece from them, the cotton gauze long maxi dress and it is gorgeous! Beautifully made, impeccable stitching. I was blown away! Definitely will be shopping from them from now on!
I agree with everything you mentioned about Me+Em, Mint Velvet and Boden. Love the quality of Me+Em (sizing can be off) and found them as a result of the issues you described with MV and B. I really miss M&S and John Lewis here in the US. I’ve never heard of Rue Sophie but I’m disappointed in Madewell and have been for years- quality is lower and definitely not in the same ballpark as Sézane.
When it comes to Shirts, blouses and Shirt dresses I would definitely also recommend the German brand "Seidensticker" to people within the EU. They are definitely (like Boden) catering more to an older audience and to people who are looking for a classic office "uniform" but their qulitiy is great, they are a long estblished brand and they are on average (at least for basic pieces) a little bit cheaper than Sézane. They have some pieces in polyester but also a lot of cotton, viscose and even linnen.
Thnak you for the whole overview. I am also interestes in Polin et moi from Spain. But I do not knwo about the quality. The have mixed revies. But the clothes looks so nice. Greetings from Germany
Excellent video! Thank you for all that research. I'd be curious to know what you think of Boutique Libertie. I have not bought from them but they seem to be very present on social media. Their style is very similar to Sézane.
They still have sooo much cotton/wool/silk/viscose though. Polyester is definitely the material they use the least, even if they use it slightly more than they used to. I understand the disappointment with their increased releases, but I don’t understand this point of view really. I can’t think of many brands at the same price point (and even higher!) that use less polyester than they do.
Great links. La line has superb fabric. Their sweaters are made of superiorly high quality materials. Madewell is so-so brand. It is hit or miss, not top quality. It is wearable, but t-shirts shrink and they are cut poorly. Jeans, are good if you fit in them. They currently have everything high waisted, which is not something I would choose. Previous collections were better to me. Madewell shoes are ok, but again, nothing special. I thought Reformation is English brand. Brochu Walker is at high end retailers. I don't like Everlane, poor selection, poor quality fabric, poorly made clothes. Except for not that cheap of the price H&M would be a better choice in terms of quality compare to Everlane.
Reformation sizing is silly. You can find a lot of Madewell on the secondhand market. Everlane denim is awesome, but I can’t vouch for the rest of their stuff. Also, you can buy a lot of it on the secondhand market as well
As someone living in France, it is DIFFICULT to find a brand that caters diverse sizes. I could say that Sezane is quite diverse in comparison with other french-based brands. Des petits hauts is also another brand that has similar style with Sezane. For bags there’s also nat&nin :)
Most of this clothes look alike to me. Can't really tell one company from the other. Seems that everyone is doing basically the same thing with very similar fabrics, colours etc.
Great video! Just found your channel. I know of a lot of brands but it was fun to learn some new ones. I agree on American brands christy dawn and doen similar vibe. Another cool American brand is Jenni kayne. On the pricey side but lovely natural fibers. Would like to see the bag version of this video. And where the bags are produced. Etc. Khaite is another American brand but more minimal style similar to toteme.
Thank you! Glad you’re here. I love Khaite but bit pricey for me unfortunately 😅 the latest video on my channel is the bag version, 10 under-the-radar bag brands!
I see that some of these brands are similar price points and mid market but the aesthetics and sensibility is not the same. They are sexy french girl chic which let’s face it is largely why we buy into it, it’s who they make us think we want to be
Everlane is great for good quality basics and natural fibres- I find they're fairly easy to shop online because they disclose the measurements of the actual garments on the product pages, so you can usually work out whether to size down etc. They also have good sales, especially at the moment. Would love a Madewell review episode because I see a lot of Americans compare it to Everlane (especially their denim) so would be great to get a Brit's perspective!
My quick check on a brand’s overall quality is to search its site for mulberry silk. If only “satin”, which means 100% polyester comes up, I know the brand is not for me. I wear a lot of silk, but this check also reveals the general quality of fabrics a brand will use, even if silk items themselves are not the goal.
Great video! I hadn’t heard of some of those American ones I’m down a Christy Dawn rabbit hole now 😂 also a shout out to FatFace which is maybe a bit more outdoorsy vibes and a bit cheaper quality, but they do linen and cotton dresses - it’s hit and miss for me but always worth a look when I’m browsing. I just recently got into Mint velvet too ☺️
If you want resortwear and linen with or without tropical prints, Tommy Bahama is iconic. They are really known for their prints.. and their actual resorts. lol. The prices are similar to Sézane, and the quality is generally very good. Not everything is 100% natural materials so you just have to check each item but they definitely have quite a few 100% linen items. That Gaala brand looks amazing from the video, I would love to see a review of them.
Thank you for inspiration! I'm from Poland and the exchange rate for basically any popular currency makes it really hard for me to shop from aboroad but I'm looking around the local market to see what I can find for myself.
