Built by Wendy

Goodbye dear friend a few months rent money was dropped here at many a sample sale over the years. Scored a sweet blouse and bag in their epic final weekend sale. Don’t panic the flagship store on centre market goes on and online (but BBW is a brand best tried on in person imo)

Soon to be closed. I hit up this spot for markdowns that were an additional 50% off. It was cramp but totally doable for one of a kind steals. Sales ends sunday.

This review is for the recent «online» sample sale that happened. First off, my order was in «queue» for days for no good reason that the store could explain to me. I ordered two items and by the time they sent me my items, one of the two items was «sold out» but did the STAFF ever tell me that… NO. They claim that only «one» person was working on the sample sale orders and was backed up (not that you could ever get a person on the phone… they only respond by email because… you know, passive aggressiveness is so chic). I only found out when I looked at my account.
With all the sales to those trust fund babies (and followers of all things Kim Gordon), you’d think they could hire two more people to help that one poor person… and actually care about client service.

My first online shopping experience with BBW has been a delight — and that is saying a lot — anyone who shops online knows how it can go the other way.
I did have to return my item because it was not flattering on me — ordinarly this would make me not want to try other items because I figure the clothes will never work for me, but I am willing to try again because their customer service is SUPERIOR!
What other online store can you email about your order, return or just the fit of their clothes and get a polite and helpful reply from a real person WITHIN the same day??? Um, nowhere — except BBW.
I believe they can be so accomodating because they are independant but not all independent stores/​designers are like that — I hope they don’t change — I have been an online shopper most of my life and shopping online with BBW is a dream — I just have to save some more money so I can try their clothes again soon.
Keep up the good work BBW!

Wendy Mullin, are you trying to bankrupt me?

In general I am a major BBW fan but the Wburg outpost is not my favorite. I feel like the Manhattan store has much friendlier salesgirls. Last time I went into the Wburg one, the shopgirl was on her cell phone when I asked about a dress I was trying on and was still on the phone when I left the store. I think that’s a smidge rude but maybe it’s just me… (However I have worked retail and would never have pulled that sorta crap, even with no manager around).
I’ll probably be back if they have another major sale but for the time being, I’d rather go out of my way and visit the Manhattan store.

i have coveted bbw clothes for awhile now but was unable to really justify the spenditure. they had a huge online sale after xmas that had me pouring over each item, filled with excitement. my big chance! but things just went kinda downhill…
the first shirt i ordered was actually sold out so i opted for another. the website isn’t up to date. whatever, no biggie.
than the shipping went askew and they wanted to charge me 10 bucks to deal with it. what?! i will deal with it, without a charge.
i received the shirt and sweater vest… the sweater vest is stretched out in this weird, low boob manner. not like a folding stretch but one where i had to soak the sweater in water to get rid of it. like, am i working for my new clothes?
the whole experience was just… disappointing. i did have high expectations, i have to admit. now, i no longer covet.

Built by Wendy has great designs… and where else would I find an adorable Gilda Radner + Gene Wilder tee? Maybe that’s why Wendy charges $ 40 for it (and $ 45 online). $ 40 for a tee shirt? Thanks, but I’ll wait on a sale.
Prices aside, this little shop is a great one to hit while in Williamsburg just to check out the designs. Wendy has you covered from casual or work to a night out or in.

I love built by wendy, their summer clothes always remind me of summer camp. The clothes are expensive and I cant ever justify purchasing something because the designs are so simple and always have the DIY air to them. But still, I’ve come here to browse almost everytime I’ve visited Williamsburg.

As my friend’s sister says, this shop should really be called Broke by Wendy. One star off for mild abuse of email list (DO want to know when spring collection arrives! DO NOT want to get an email featuring one dress that I already bought months ago!)
All that aside, I’m hooked. I love my faux wolf-​pup fur jacket with wolf-​shaped silver buttons, and I love my friend’s black jumper. I nearly bought the very same one, only half so that she and I could dress up as the Diane Arbus twins for Halloween. Says a lot right there, that a store can seriously tempt me to break the eleventh commandment: Thou shalt not copyeth thy friend’s outfit, no matter how supercute it is.

I heart BBW. The shop and the clothes are both clean, modern, fun and cool without dripping hipster irony. The prices aren’t crazy and there’s always an encouraging sales rack. I really like the things I’ve gotten here: a boiled-​wool swing coat with big silver buttons; a Mexican-​looking striped minidress that I wore to death last summer, and a little white blouse with a Peter Pan collar. All of these pieces are super-​easy to wear but make me feel polished and stylish.
Best of all, the sales girls are real dolls, friendly and fun without ever giving the hard sell. It’s really refreshing in this part of Williamsburg, where reception can be chilly!
I’ve deducted a star because I sometimes find the fits to be uneven. Some pieces are great ideas but just fit the body awkwardly; others are cut so big that I can’t fit an extra-​small (and I am NOT an extra-​small.) For this reason, I’ve never bought any of the patterns they offer, much as I love the idea.
The spring collection is terrific! Very late-​70s, but totally wearable. See you there.