Clothes advice wanted URGENTLY

[Trickcyclist]

Can anyone help--- my wardrobe is a disaster zone.

I have a mish mash of clothes that are shabby and ill fitting and I want to start afresh without breaking the bank.

I want a smart casual look suitable for work and home. Can anyone recommend a high street store which sells good quality stylish clothes.

Is Boden any good or Hobbs?

All suggestions gratefully received

[mummy2katelyn]

not heard of those shops but primark ave nice cheap stuff n h&m is gud quality and stylish too.

also like topshop

[StellaDallas]

Zara is good and the Zara Basics range is very cheap. Also H&M as the previous poster said, and try New Look too - not as teenage as you think in there.

[Trickcyclist]

Thanks for your suggestions - have tried all of those stores in the past but find their clothes often don't last v long. I want quality not quantity. Will probably have to break the bank!!
(hmm)

[bikerunski]

Hobbs - quite formal, but good quality. I save up for their sales!

Boden - Have had some great everyday things from things from them in past - cotton tops, long moleskin skits, cord jeans, knitwear, casual trousers that aren't jeans. Their has been much discussion on this forum that their quality isn't up to much recently. I can't comment as I have been in maternity wear for the last 6 months.

Red Herring at Debenhams has occasional pieces that are OK, but avoid the cheap knitwear.

Also worth a look on wwww - Joules, Kew and Land's End. Land's End always have a "Clearance" bit which is worth a look. They tend to do variations on jeans, tees and jerseys.

If there is a Next Clearance store near you I'd have a look, but I wouldn;t pay full price for any of their stuff.

White Stuff and Fat Face good too, but FF tops tend to be flimsy.

[Aefondkiss]

this place might be worth a wee [http://www.coggles.com/store/item/Emily And Fin/51592 look]] it has cheaper and dearer stuff, might give you an idea of what to be looking for.

Laura Ashley and Monsoon for quality over quantity, but still go to new look and h&m for more fashionable stuff to avoid looking too mumsy.

[Aefondkiss]

And Fin/51592 look try again

[hf128219]

Whistles
Jigsaw
M&S Limited Collection and Autograph

[Trickcyclist]

Thanks - for these ideas. I have a couple of hours off tomorrow so will pop into all the shops you've recommended. (Fortunately we have all of them in Oxford). I'll have a peek at Hobbs in anticipation of their next sale.

Next question - what's in fashion these days?

[hf128219]

Trans-siberian look
Tartan
Coloured trousers
Navy is new black
Purple

[Shortcircuit]

don't laugh, but Sainsbury's is quite good. I have just bought 2 x alpacha mix chunky cardigans (green + beige), 1 x berry wrap cardi & a pair of camel cords.

[Trickcyclist]

Not sure what trans-siberian look is (Dr Zhivago meets British Rail springs to mind) but like the idea of navy and purple and colour. (Am so bored of black).

Am v happy to try out Sainsbury's - in fact my favourite and most comfortable boots came from Tescos and have lasted years.

[hf128219]

Think 'folk' - prints and fringes.
Structured tunics and trousers.
Big jewellery - no, not Bet Lynch.

[Trickcyclist]

Thanks for the expert advice. I shall trot around town tomorrow in the rain "thinking folk". Pity that I'm not allowed the Bet Lynch look. I rather like the leopard skin look!!