I hate everything out there!

[FoofffyShmoofffer]

I'm desperately trying to change my wardrobe. Instead of clinging on to my younger years and trying to be "trendy" I have decided that style is far more important.

I have recently bought 2 pairs of cotton trousers (black/white)
and am looking for some slim leg cargos. I have some boyfriend jeans, bootleg jeans and 1 pr of skinny jeans.

I NEED TOPS!!

and I hate everything I have seen.
I usually buy at Next but I've found the quality has gone right down hill and this summer the choice is crap.

I need inspiration wise ladies. Casual and smartish.

[IngridBergman]

Next is awful anyway. Ditch Next.

I think you need to think bottom up instead of top down. You know you want to change it but don't try and do it all in one go. Just look out for things you like as you go along.

Not sure what your taste is but White stuff do some nice tops - fairly casual though. Hobbs is very smart but ££.

and finally please no to skinny cargo trousers. No!

[FoofffyShmoofffer]

Really? No to skinny to skinny cargos? I wouldnt have considered them but for somebody on MN recommending them

Oh, well then, I am now also considering other trouser options.

I am 36 and ditching the cheap T's and timberlands look for something a bit smarter. My price range is probably about Next price range but I will check out White stuff and Hobbs.

[goingmadinthecountry]

I'm much older (47) and feel exactly the same way - trawled through loads of websites without finding a single top I like. I have never been a fan of Next so always walk straight past it.

My teenagers assure me I shouldn't go near White Stuff - apparently it's a sad mum look on me, though I know others who look great in those styles. Think it's my age!

There has to be something out there.....

[IngridBergman]

You could try Laura Ashley. They're not too dear but more suited to us grown ups.

[ColonelBrandonsBiggestGroupie]

I thought 'no' to skinny cargo trousers too - until I tried some on in the M&S Limited Collection sale. They are actually easier to wear than jeans and more flattering to my hourglass figure.

Next iusually has a pretty vile collection of stuff but Hobbs is much, much more expensive than Next. I don't like White Stuff.

The White Company have good quality camisole and t-shirt tops, which wash v well. Probably more than I'd usually spend (I wait for the sales) but deffo better quality than eg: M&S or Gap tops. M&S Limited Collection t-shirts (got to be the Limited ones, not the usual range) are between 10 and 15 pounds and wash brilliantly, keeping their shape and colour for ages.

[IngridBergman]

There's also phase 8, jigsaw, kew, those shops are also expensive but I only ever buy sale stuff anyway so it works

I totally avoid dorothy perks, new look, miss selfridge...though topshop has some lovely things sometimes.

[Celery]

I hate White Stuff, far too mumsy. I'm 36 too. I like Zara, Mango and Top Shop and Gap. You are not too old to be fashionable. It can be done in a toned down way. I often shop on eBay for these labels at good prices.

[IngridBergman]

Yes I dislike a lot of White stuff too but they have a few good tops.

I was just struggling to think of anywhere that did have things we would like iyswim.

[ssd]

keeping an eye out here

was in debenhams yesterday trying on about a million tops, nothing looked good, or even passable, but problem is me, not the tops!

op, try demenhams for john rocha and mantaray

don't let me with me awful shape put you off!

[FoofffyShmoofffer]

Wow, Hobbs has some lovely stuff but out of my price range.

Had a little shufty and I'm liking The White Company and M+S Limited Collection.
Am going to have a proper look when I've got more time.
I really appreciate the assistance.
Bolton is not exactly the hub of fashion and Manchester drives me mad (not on my own but with 2 DCs I might walk in front of a tram - accidentally) so I think online is the way to go.

[ColonelBrandonsBiggestGroupie]

'Oh Manchester - so much to answer for.' Sorry but I couldn't resist! :)

If you can link to a couple of things you like in M&S Limited, The White Company and Hobbs we can try and find some other things in that style etc, if that's helpful?

[FoofffyShmoofffer]

Thankyou, I will have a look and get back soon as.

Obviously I am now concerned that you will look at my choices and decide that I need a brain makeover!

[Gillybobs]

I tried skinny cargos a few weeks ago (Im 37) and I blood love them, hugely flattering and Im no skinny minny! I just wear them with a longer top and have hads loads of compliments. Comfy too.

For tops I buy from M&S Limited Collection, Mint Velvet, Oasis and Warehouse. Occasionally Boden (but tread with caution) , Kew or Great PLains too. To be honest I find White Stuff hugely mumsy.

I also think that most outfits can be really improved with nice shoes and a great bag and scarf. Dont underestimate the power of accessories to give your look a youthful edge. Again I like Oasis for bags and scarves and love Dune for shoes.

[ssd]

what are skinny cargo's?

[FoofffyShmoofffer]

Where are you getting your nice slim cargos from??

[Gillybobs]

skinny cargos

[FoofffyShmoofffer]

Right well I can't find anything to link to and I think that's because I am not confident in my own decisions and my own style. I don't have one as such.
I feel like there's only two ways I can look. Frumpy or mutton as lamb.

Jeez, will keep hunting.

[brandnewme]

I have been having the same dilema....have spent hour after hour trawling every shop i can think off, desperate to spend money on tops, and have been on every site listed so far.

Have a top from mint velvet and 2 vests for my hols from topshop....wow have a budget of 250 and still getting nowhere !!!!!!

I posted a thread asking for people to post summer wardobe buys that i should get....I got a couple of replies but the stuff not my style...

[Gillybobs]

Do any of these appeal, just as a starting point...
mint velvet

great plains

limited collection

oasis

[FoofffyShmoofffer]

Thanks Gillybobs.

I really like the Mint Velvet one which might look quite nice with the skinny cargos.
I almost did link earlier to the M+S one. I love that.

It is a starting point actually I just don't always know how to put stuff together.
Really do appreciate the suggestions.

[MissBeehivingChoclitWabbits]

Try here

[Gillybobs]

I love the Mint Velvet top, think they do it in a few colours. I often buy a top in 2 colours if I like the style. Totally agree would look great with skinny cargos or skinny jeans. I'd add a pair of ballet flats and a nice long pendant to finish it off

The M&S one would look great with wide leg jeans and wedges I reckon, or even wide leg black trousers for a more dressy look

Rather predictable I know but Im also a lover of the stripy top, Mint Velvet scoop neck version is nice and long with a button trim on the sleeves which adds a nice touch. I wear them on their own in spring/summer then under cardi in winter

[brandnewme]

That maxstudio link is great......time to get shopping!

[BigChiefOrganiser]

check out anthropologie they bring together loads of different designers. If the link worked, (first hints blouse) I bought this top in Ivory. it is very flattering. It's a bit short in the waist, but I wore a yellow tank under it (also from anthro), and received many good comments. Feels really good on.

[ColonelBrandonsBiggestGroupie]

Anthro have gorgeous things but are eye-wateringly expensive for what are, essentially, mostly just cheapish looking cotton dresses etc.

Your blouse is lovely.