How to avoid Boden, Joules, Fat Face and White Stuff

[NotAnotherChinHair]

I like a lot of stuff in those shops although I am starting to dislike Boden and Joules as all the mums at the playgroud wear something from there. Today I even saw the headteacher wearing a Boden coat. I just find it a bit offputting but I do like their stuff, although not everything. So anyway, where does one go for alternatives? Specifically I am looking for a mini for myself that isn't too much of a mini (I am 40) if that makes any sense. Thank you!

[bettymoody]

WHITE stuff is the worst offender imo.
i like pLAIN Stuff from kew - their skirts are ace can be VV short or knee lenght
GAP for Jeans/ tops
the odd knit from marks ( increasingly less)

H and M for accessories , although KEw belts take some beating.

[Quodlibet]

Cos?
French Connection?
Whistles?
Reiss?
Urban Outfitters?

[bettymoody]

FC too young i find #gimmer

[bettymoody]

KNitwear is my big prob

[NotAnotherChinHair]

The Soft Cord Knee Skirt from Kew is great, now I'd like to find a cheaper equivalent...

[bettymoody]

yes
ebay are good
i got my best ever one ( wool kew min) from there for £4

[bettymoody]

voila

and crappy photo

[HalfTermHero]

Riv is right. Quite often some decent bits in sainsbo. They have had some reasonably priced Khaki/camel utility style knits and houli-likies styles of late.

Beyond that, Topshop is rather fabulous

[traceybath]

You see I think the odd thing from boden is fine and I do like their knitwear.

Brora sale very good for cashmere. M&S also good for cashmere.

Otherwise just look in the usual suspects of kew/jigsaw/whistles but only if you're a pear/top shop/gap/oasis etc.

I think as long as you're not head to toe from any one shop its fairly easy to look stylish.

Oh and new look/h&m for cheaper bits and bobs.

[flyingzebra]

here?

[pointydog]

Why don't you have a look round a department store like debenhams and see what brand you like in there?

I am v into ben de lisi for priciples just now.

[traceybath]

Jigsaw have some lovely velvet and wool mini-skirts in that aren't a-line. Quite £££ though.

[JenaiMarrHePlaysGuitar]

I seem to be on a mailing list for Ladies 30+ With Money To Burn - Toast, Brora and the like.

I had a lovely catalogue through recently but I'll be buggered if I can remember who it was from.

I like a lot of Great Plains though.

[traceybath]

Yes I don't really get toast. Just so expensive for such droopy clothes.

[pointydog]

I don't think a brand marks you as a particular age . I think it's the overall look. SO maybe if everything you wore was pahse 8 or whatever but not a skirt or top here ansd there.

[pointydog]

Used to like Great Plains but not seen anything there I like in ages.

[traceybath]

I think its more that certain brands cut/design for certain shapes/sizes. Whistles definitely designs for pear shapes - as a short apple I can never find anything in there that suits me.

[JenaiMarrHePlaysGuitar]

Oh! Oh! Oh!

It was Wrap

[Pannacotta]

I'm not keen on any of those shops either.

But as an apple nearing 40 I do struggle to find nice clothes which fit me....

[MissBeehiving]

Agree with Jajas - love Mint Velvet. Some people however think that their clothes are too grey . I do not subscribe to that though

[MrsVincentPrice]

Gap's got some nice cord semi-minis in at the mo, and 30% off vouchers this week.