middle class uniform

[southeastastra]

st albans today was like a boden/joules catalogue

why do the middle classes have to follow such uniform? it's all very samey, those designer welly boots and colourful rainwear

don't get it myself, surely if you have ££ to spend on wear why pick fatface/white stuff boring brands

Caitlin - I'm envious of your Viv, but too mean thrifty to indulge (unless I find one in a charity shop!).

limited - how very dare you call my (Italian) BiL 'Eurotrash'!

If the Borsalino cap fits ohmymini

I was out in St A's yest, was wearing jeans (from dorothy perkins I think, but no visible brand name) and a stripy top from the GAP sales (no branding). I did have a colourful coat but it was from Warehouse 2 years ago, with no branding......

I lvie in St A's and commute into London. I own nothing from Jack Wills/Boden/Crew/Laura Ashley/Cath Kidston/Joules. YABU

although I did buy my first white company candle in the sale and I am a convert, is this the start of the slippery slope?

OP. because I like it.

I love white company for housewares.

Don't get the fuss about Boden really, but than I wouldn'y pay full price for any of their stuff, so probably not in their demographic.

I stand out like a sore thumb at work because I'm usually the only one not dressed like someone out of the Joules catalog, it just isn't my style at all and I don't want to look like another identi-kit Joules customer.

I have no idea what Joules clothes look like. I just look at people and think they suit what they are wearing or not. That's all.

I have an awkward body shape (size 18 apple with big boobs and tum, but pretty tall and narrow hips) - the only things that suit me for smart-casual work wear are v neck jersey dresses - I live in Monsoon. I've got a few Boden pieces but they aren't cut that well for my body shape - am trying out Joules but don't like much of their range. Phase 8 is gorgeous but too dressy for work really, and white stuff I am probably too fat for. Any suggestions? Don't give a stuff about being classed as mc, no-one at my work would notice (only woman on the senior management team!) and can afford the boden price range. sits waiting for fashion advice from sartorially savvy mners

I really like Joules . I also have a lovely navy and white tuniccy T-shirt from White Stuff. You know the sort of thing that somehow really flatters and people ask if you've lost weight. I found the receipt the other day. ))Whispers(( it says maternity range [weep emoticon]

I fantasise about being dressed like someone out of the Joules Catalogue - if only I managed that level of sartorial co-ordination and chic. Perhaps if I moved to St Albans I might manage it.

YABU to moan at people chosing to spend their money the way they choose!

I like FTface and Whitestuff. The staff are wonderful, they are so helpful and really want to make it an enjoyable shopping experience. Id rather that than be insulted by some clown in a rubbish clothes ship who thinks customer service is whining at me "yeeeeerrright!?" When I step in the shop. No Im not, bugger off.

And Im middle class who cares. I dont.

I live in White Stuff. It's all stretchy and forgiving and doesn't tighten around my middle like a vice around lunchtime....

Sorry my typing skills are rubbish upside down, lying in bed

Yey kung foo a White Stuff fan. Love the stretchies, my friend!

Lessons - Is Long Tall Sally any good for you? Quality's a bit variable ime, but at least you don't get the waistline sitting over your lower ribs. I've had surprising successes from Dorothy Perkins's tall sizes. Also try Jumping Ships: they're British made, well cut and fit British women.

Ooh thanks Garlic, some brilliant suggestions!

:) Great - have fun!

anything popular is branded as awful and common on mumsnet. I buy Boden Joules and Fatface for the dc as they are good quality can be handed down, nice bright colours, and above all age appropriate. I want my dd's aged 7 & 4 to look and dress like little girls, not covered in sequins and black. Same with ds who is 11, no rubbish slogans, or ticks, fun prints and plain loose trousers. ds 16 is a lost cause though.

When you all say "White Stuff" are you referring to White Company?

confused.

these whitestuff

A lot of people aspire to that look; "One man's trash is another man's treasure". The OP's opinion of these children's parents, disparaging though it may be, might just be enforcing the parents sought after social status.

White Stuff very different to White Company although I love both

I have never bought from White Stuff as I don't have one nearby, but after having a looked at their website I liked what I saw.