One of our fondest childhood memories is lying on the floor with a stack of catalogs and colorful markers. (This was also how our moms kept us us out of their hair.)
We get teary-eyed just remembering the smell of the JCPenney catalogs and how we'd circle all the clothes we wanted the mailman to deliver right away.
Mail order catalogs was how our shopping addictions got started. We've since graduated to outlet malls and online shopping. But as holiday shopping season roll around and we get nostalgic for the Sears Wish Book, we'd like to pay homage to some of the most unforgettable catalogs.
JCPenney
Back-to-school shopping wasn't complete without flipping through the pages of the JCPenney catalog. Afterwards, we'd reuse the super thick book as a doorstop.
Sears
The entire family's style game was on point thanks to the fashions found inside this department store's catalog.
Spiegel
Spiegel was always ahead of other catalogs when it came to trends. Just look at this amazing example of boho chic.
Montgomery Ward
Our grandmothers were the talk of the town with the tailored sheath dresses and kitten heels they ordered from this catalog.
Lana Lobell
If you wanted to dress like a lady, this was a great place to start.
Eastbay
All the real sneakerheads know that Eastbay was where you'd find the flyest kicks and athletic gear.
Chadwicks
With tempting taglines like "Easy Summer Living," "Lower Prices" and "50% Off," how could our mothers resist?
Eaton's
Our associate fashion editor (and resident Canadian) Michelle's eyes practically lit up when we started chatting about this mail order catalog.
Nordstrom
The Nordstrom catalog covers are some of the most GLAMOROUS, giving fashion glossies a run for their money.
Victoria's Secret
Before we built up the courage to actually step inside the brick-and-mortar store to score five for $26 panties, we ordered our unmentionables from the catalog.
Delia's
The brightly-colored designs from the Delia's catalog tell the story of our teenage years.
Gimbel's
From apparel to medicine to housewares, you could order just about anything from this catalog.
Strawbridge's
The Strawbridge's catalog brought home shoppers into the world of fine goods that the department store was known for.
Marshall Field
We think the Marshall Field catalog's mission to introduce "American ladies" to "coming European fashions in advance of the season" just about sums up this book.
Alloy
Full disclosure: We are still holding on to a pair of medium-wash jeans that we ordered from Alloy. We can transform them into cut-offs, right?
We miss the good 'ol days:
Vintage Fashion Moments
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