Free People is known for their young, eclectic, nouveau-bohemian vibe.
The same folks who bring us edgy looks from Urban Outfitters and ladylike looks from Anthropologie also bring us the gypsy-chic looks that are Free People clothing. Like Urban and Anthro, Free People delivers gloriously creative catalogs that whisk you away to distant lands and dreamy landscapes that are at once seductive, evocative and altogether too fashionable for any mere mortal to actually live out in real life. Sure, a girl can dream, but more often than not, I think their clever marketing is meant to make you cough up huge sums of cash for flimsy, fleeting clothing.
So where am I going with all this? Free People is amazing to admire, but not necessarily to buy unless it's on sale. Most of their stuff has some kind of detailing, such as lace, crochet, fringe or beading, that makes the piece unique, but tough to care for. And each item is so recognizable, it's hard to wear the same pieces over and over without getting noticed, if you know what I mean. My verdict: Free People is a "Yea" for imaginative styling, uber coolness and originality, but a big "Nay" for ridiculous pricing and overall value. Kinda ironic that this costly brand which relies so heavily on it's image is called "Free People," huh?
What do you think about Free People?
Part of my issue is Boho chic is truly chic when you don't buy all the coordinating pieces under 1 roof.
The other part is it's simply not my taste. Call me the fuddy-duddy of the comment roll, but Im the classic chick in love with tailored looks of the 30s, 40s, and 50s.
the clothes are all givenchy, all classic.
going back to this boho chic and free people, their clothes are nice because they use a lot of natural fabrics and they're unique but when they're all thrown together it's too much. one item mixed with less o.t.t. (over the top) items can go a long way.
oh and the prices are totally goofy for what you get. these are not clothes that will be in your closet for years, unless, like fringed handbags, you put them away and take them out 10 years later when they make a comeback.
Also, Free People sizing is just as bizarre. Most of their stuff doesn't fit me, since I wear a sz. 14-16 on top, but once in a while the fit is perfect. You have to be very careful in choosing their clothes, because the styles can either be incredibly pretty or incredibly weird.
That said, I absolutely adore my FP clothes, which I got either on clearance (Macy's, Nordstrom, and Nordstrom Rack all have FP on clearance) or on eBay. They seem to be very popular on eBay, though, so they're not easy to come by even there, but it's a pretty good place to find FP stuff at good prices. I think my FP clothes are of good quality, in fabrics like linen and cotton, and you just can't beat the color combinations.
Currently, I have my eye on 2 FP things (a blouse and a skirt, all in bright, gorgeous shades) on their website, but I'm waiting for both to go on sale.
Also, you can sometimes find the same FP "look" at other stores, for a lot cheaper. I just got a cotton top on clearance at Gottschalks, from the Misses section of all places, that has a beautiful, intricate Indian print all along the hem -- it looks almost exactly like a top I wanted from FP a couple of seasons ago, that was way too expensive at $100 (for a thin cotton top!!). Only my top cost $7, on clearance. :o)
It amazes me to see people throw their money away. I rather spend less on clothing and invest more in my future. But then again, I have no debt and lots of savings.