Effortless Elegance from LA — My Michael Stars Favorites
1. Brand Introduction
Michael Stars is a premium fashion and lifestyle brand from Los Angeles, founded in 1986 by Michael Cohen and Suzanne Lerner. From the very beginning, the brand has been known for its minimalist, comfortable, and easy-to-style designs that embody the relaxed California lifestyle.
Michael Stars first gained fame with its signature one-size-fits-most T-shirt — a design that emphasized inclusivity, comfort, and freedom. Over the years, it has expanded into a full lifestyle brand offering women’s and men’s clothing, knits, outerwear, dresses, and accessories.
A key feature of Michael Stars is its commitment to local production and quality. Many of its core pieces are still made in Los Angeles, ensuring attention to fabric, craftsmanship, and detail. On its official website, the brand proudly identifies as a woman-owned and led company dedicated to creating timeless wardrobe essentials “for real life, every day.”
Michael Stars has also introduced a Secondhand / Preowned initiative — a sustainability program allowing customers to buy and sell pre-loved pieces to extend the life cycle of its garments. The Michael Stars Foundation supports community and social causes, further highlighting the brand’s sense of responsibility.
Today, Michael Stars sells through its own website and through major retailers like Nordstrom, where it’s positioned as a California casual luxury brand — modern, versatile, and comfortable, while maintaining a refined, effortless aesthetic.
2. Positive Customer Reviews
Across multiple platforms, customers consistently praise Michael Stars for its comfort, softness, fit, and timeless style. Here are some highlights from verified buyers.
✅ Comfort and Softness
Many customers describe Michael Stars’ fabrics as exceptionally soft and wearable. On Zappos, one review for the Theo Cotton Modal Tank Jumpsuit reads:
“Comfy and casual. Bought this for a beach vacation. I liked it so much that I bought it in another color.”
Another customer reviewing the Double Front V-Neck Tank Top wrote:
“I love the material, almost sweater-like. It conceals all the lumps and bumps. I thought it wouldn’t fit when I took it out of the box, but it stretches a lot.”
These reviews highlight the comfort, stretch, and flattering fit — qualities that make these pieces easy favorites.
✅ Versatility and Durability
In Travel Fashion Girl, a writer reviewing a Michael Stars top said:
“Though it’s on the pricey side at $72, this shirt is durable, easy to wear and wash, and I know it’ll last for years. It’s not clingy, super soft, and honestly feels like cozy PJs — which is why I wear it again and again!”
Similarly, PureWow’s review of the Calliope Maxi Dress praised its flattering silhouette and “effortless beauty,” noting that it was both stylish and incredibly comfortable — “the kind of dress you get compliments on every time you wear it.”
✅ Brand Values and Shopping Experience
On the official Michael Stars review page, one customer wrote:
“Love supporting woman-owned business! Easy purchases and return policy.”
This shows appreciation not only for the product quality but also for the brand’s values — particularly its woman-led leadership and smooth shopping experience.
On Yelp, another shopper commented:
“I love everything from Michael Stars. Super comfortable T-shirts, tanks, dresses, and cardigans — all so well made.”
In summary, customers consistently praise:
- Soft, high-quality fabrics
- Stretchy, flattering fits for different body types
- Easy-to-style basics with longevity
- Strong brand values (woman-owned, locally made)
- Pleasant shopping and packaging experiences
While there are occasional complaints about shipping or returns, the overall tone of customer feedback is overwhelmingly positive when it comes to comfort, quality, and versatility.
3. Current Discounts and Offers
If you’re thinking about trying Michael Stars, here’s a look at where and how you can find the best deals.
1. Official Website Promotions
Michael Stars’ official website occasionally offers sales, though the brand generally avoids frequent heavy discounts to maintain its premium image. However, they do run seasonal promotions and exclusive email subscriber discounts from time to time. The return policy is also relatively flexible, which adds extra peace of mind when shopping online.
2. Retail Partners (e.g., Nordstrom)
Michael Stars is sold through Nordstrom, which offers free shipping and easy in-store returns. During Nordstrom’s major sales (Anniversary Sale, End-of-Season Clearance, etc.), select Michael Stars pieces can be found at up to 40% off — often lower than the official site.
Other retailers such as Bloomingdale’s and Revolve also occasionally feature Michael Stars during their own seasonal promotions.
3. Discount Codes and Secondhand Options
Coupon platforms sometimes list 15% off promo codes for Michael Stars, applicable to select categories or minimum order values. Additionally, the brand’s Secondhand store — michaelstars.thredup.com — offers gently used pieces at reduced prices, officially verified by the brand. This is an eco-friendly way to access authentic Michael Stars products at a discount.
4. Best Times to Shop
You’re most likely to find deals during:
- End-of-season clearances (spring/summer, fall/winter transitions)
- Major U.S. holidays such as Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Christmas
- Email or social media-exclusive codes for subscribers and followers
- Special sustainability or charity campaigns, where part of the proceeds are discounted or donated
Pro Tip: Before checking out, search the style name on Google or Nordstrom — sometimes the same item is temporarily marked down elsewhere.