Making the most of a once-in-a-lifetime shopping spree

[HastyShopper]

My granny has got me a 2K gift card and a personal shopper appointment in Selfridges.
Apparently she doesn't believe in inheritance but does believe in the power of well cut clothes. I've recently got back to size 10/12, babies not babies any more, a few years off 40. To paraphrase - she wanted to get my mojo back and have the satisfaction of seeing me launched into the next decade looking fabulous.

Problem is - luxury stores are really not my natural habitat. Most expensive item of clothing I own is Levi's jeans; a lot is supermarket & second hand. I am a SAHM & wear clothes very hard - lots of time in the park with the kids etc. I am careless at laundry and never dry clean.

Can anyone guide me to where I should aim my unexpected windfall - so that the benefits really last?

I am a bit scared of the prices - and a bit scared of wasting/ruining/mis-choosing stuff.

She has said I am expressly not allowed to eBay off my loot to convert it to cash .

[Weebleswobbles]

Wow what a wonderful gift from your Granny!!

I would have an honest conversation with the personal shopper about your lifestyle and they will help assemble you a capsule wardrobe suitable for you.

[Jayfee]

This is a gift I would find hard to use. I think I would get a few clothes and some gold jewelry...gold will hold its value in the future?

[keepmoving]

Selfridges don't just sell high end, there is even a primark in maybe Oxford St store! Perhaps you can mix in with some nicer versions of what you usually wear so you're not afraid of spoiling them and a couple of spoil yourself pieces for "special"?

[empirerecordsrocked]

Tell the personal shopper what you've said here - they will help!

Don't blow it all on one dress but you want a capsule wardrobe that will work well with your lifestyle.

Have fun!

[HastyShopper]

That was her idea - the personal shopper would support me - but I'm wary of expecting too much - and ending up getting the wrong stuff if I haven't done some of my own research.

It is literally more than the entire value of my current wardrobe!

[Okite]

What a shame that your granny can't let you be who you are - I'd find that a bit insulting to be quite honest. Shame that such a generous gift comes with strings. I'm sure she means well but I'd hate it.
Do you want to wear expensive clothes? Have you expressed disappointment with how you look and said you want to change?

[MinnieMinchkin]

Decent nightwear, undies and swimwear. Also, quality coats, jackets, boots and shoes.

Are you likely to need interview or party clothes any time, soon? Is this a hint from granny that she thinks you should be getting a job (my granny would have been hinting that way if I had stopped working before she died, she struggled enough with idea of me being part time)?

[HandsomeDevil]

that's a lovely present.
I don't know about the London store, but the one in Manchester sells lots of mid-high end High Street stuff (Ted Baker springs to mind).
I'd spend a fair whack on a classic bag, and then upgrade my basic jeans, tees and jumpers for nicer ones.

[SuperPug]

• lovely handbag, roomy but smart.
  
• decent camera.
  
• smart coat.
  
• leather boots.
  
• make up at a good counter, new make up bought.
  
• facial or massage in beauty department.
  
• 2 items casual, 2 items smart.
  

That's what I would buy Hope you enjoy it, sounds brilliant

[Beelands]

Buy 2 really good bras.

[Pestilentialone]

Start your research now

[HastyShopper]

okite - I do like high heels well and good tailoring - I
am tall & look sleek in proper clothes - and I live in a city (with kids who are growing out of the sandpit years).

I've spent near on a decade in maternity type clothes - so I think it is a good opportunity to 'mature' my look away from 90s grunge kid.

I've moved on from stretchy trackies since I lost weight - but I don't get much time to shop, let alone to think about my look.

Minnie i've recently taken on a work from home job as a software developer - but I don't think I should take my fashion cues from that crowd! It would be a bit sad to fall into a uniform of leisurewear - when I'm actually in decent physical shape - just with a very full-on lifestyle.

I got a school mum to do my 'colours' - because capsule wardrobe is something that has worked for me in the past.

[CMOTDibbler]

I think I'd be aiming for a nice bag (not massively expensive, one that suits my lifestyle but that looks good), good long boots, a nice coat/jacket (again, that you can wear routinely but is pulled together), a couple of pairs of really excellently fitting jeans, great bras, accessories that will work hard, a makeover with MAC, and good tops that will make the jeans/boots into a weeks worth of clothes. Maybe also some great slim stretchy trousers, jersey blazers sort of thing.

Do some work on finding images of women looking like you'd like to and save them to a Pintrest board so you can show the shopper what you want to look like

[geordiedench]

Just get some classics: a cashmere sweater in a classic colour and style; a really beautiful tailored trouser suit, a soft leather jacket or woolen coat, a pair of elegant heels you can walk in, a silk blouse and a linen shirt.
Lovely granny.

[OnTheUp13]

Use the PS to find out what shapes, items etc suit you. Get her to explain layering textures and colours to you. I think well put together outfits look fab whether they're high street or high end.

[HastyShopper]

I'm happy to hear that Selfridges have concessions! Even 2K doesn't go very far on designer wear - and my prejudice is that really expensive clothes can't cope with real life.

I wondered about nude heels. Is that too conservative? Or maybe a good flat that I can wear on school run. High boots are a great idea - I haven't had any for years. I'm still quite chunky not exactly fashion of calf mind you. Will I get decent value for money at Selfridges for shoes?

What are handbag brands that are quality without being showy (I.e. Look good but not be obviously recognisable as designer). And roomy of course.

The magazines keep telling me I need a camel coloured Mac - but I've never found one that's worked. Maybe a leather jacket? They last forever - and are toddler-sticky-hug proof.

I need to read some magazines and style blogs, don't I?

[SuckingEggs]

Leather jacket
Watch
Bag
Purse
Dress
Jeans

[SuckingEggs]

Oh, yeah. Get some lovely underwear!

[olderthanyouthink]

Oi, I'm a developer and I look alright (merino jumper, jeans and trainers) and so do the guys around me :p

I could kill that gift in one swoop pretty much on a bag I'd like.

[olderthanyouthink]

Or a burberry trench

[WellTidy]

Take a look at Coach for bags. There are some really lovely ones. I got a very roomy hobo style bag in the sale in July last year half price (it was £350 full price). It is a classic and will last.

[HastyShopper]

older I work from home - and I suspect many of my coworkers call in wearing pyjamas! .

I have terrible history with absentmindedly washing & shrinking wool jumpers. I love how they look and feel - but I think I have to accept that it is an item I can't own.

[olderthanyouthink]

hasty LOL I've done that tbf. My previous manager wears black jeans and black polo and black boots every. single. day.

My jumper is from uniqlo and washes well, and hold up fairly well to my abuse.

[HastyShopper]

Burberry Trench - £500. Why is it such a classic? I'm not quite getting it - but I feel that assimilating the appeal of a trench coat is essential to gaining grown up style...

[HastyShopper]

The coach bags are nice. I'm seeing £300 price bracket. What do I get if I go more expensive? Is the Mulberry Bayswater too well known & overpriced? Or a lifetime bag?