where to buy shoes & bags for non-petite women

[whim]

Hihi... I've come to realise that many of the shoes in the market don't do it for me anymore. Most of the ladies' shoes under S$80 e.g. Charles & Keith, Tangerine, URS, etc, have thin soles. And don't get me started on finding sizes or the right width.

I end up feeling tired after a day of walking around probably due to the thin cushioning for the bottoms of my feet. I like to wear shoes with a little bit of heel (usually only 1 inch), and the slight height probably makes it worse (than if I wore Crocs).

The same goes for handbags. I work in a white-collar environment, and most of the ladies my age or my grade are carrying labels like Coach, Gucci & LV.

I don't have anything against those brands, but given that I don't take care of my bags, I don't like to spend a lot on my handbags. Most handbags in the market under S$200 have handles which are too short, especially for those meant for just under the armholes.

I'll like to appeal to all you ladies.... please let me know where you buy your shoes and handbags, especially if you're not a typical petite lady (by petite, I mean below 1.6 m tall and 50 kg in weight). The price range would also be helpful.

Thank you all!

[whatalark]

i've been doing most of my shopping at Lands' End, a direct merchandising catalogue shopping thing operating out of Wisconsin, USA. I have never had a problem with them that couldn't be resolved and they back their stuff all the way. Their motto is "Guaranteed. Period" and they really seem to mean it.

They aren't flashy and trendy but their stuff is good so, depending on the image you want to project...

Handbags are casual but some of their totes will take you just about anywhere. Check out their website: www.landsend.com

[whim]

dear whatalark,

thanks for the info. I've bought a tote from LL Bean before - their handles were long enough and the bag itself quite sturdy. The only thing I don't quite like is their limited range of bags - mostly tote or small bags, doesn't seem that appropriate for the office. I've just checked out Lands' End and they have more designs. I've bought clothes from Lands' End before but never realised that they have bags too!

====Clarification to all===

My fren in this forum was telling me that the title of this post is too PC - I would like to emphasize that my question is meant to help me to see where plus size ladies buy their bags in Singapore, so I can possibly buy stuff there. I'll probably check out the shops that the other thread, "Clothes for larger sized women."

No offense to anyone, but I feel the average Singaporean woman is on the petite side. Even though they are the sizes they are, I know girls/ladies who probably weigh less than 50kg (at about 1.6m tall) who insist on dieting. Which is plain ridiculous in my opinion.

Anyway, back to my point, if you can let me know where you ladies buy your bags, especially if your bags can stand up to the abuse of sweat, dirty, flabby arms etc , it'll be great.

Thanks to all!