Where should I shop for clothes?

[Lonelymum]

Having come straight from the what are you a snob about thread, I start this with trepidation, but please, genuine question, only genuine answers wanted:

Where do you suggest I shop for clothes? I am at heart a very boring M&S girl but I loathe the fact that no matter what I buy in M&S, I eventually see someone else wearing the same thing. Usually, as I am a size 10/12, they are bigger than me and look awful in it and thus put me off wearing my clothes again. Also, I have a dread of being in a situation where I will meet someone wearing the same thing as me. Even the Per Una clothes can be seen everywhere. Last year, I bought a top and wasn't actually wearing it at the time but I saw no fewer than three people wearing it (in different colours) in the playground in the space of two minutes.

I like Monsoon clothes but find them a bit expensive and they don't always fit me well.

Next I find mainly unsuitable for me as a SAHM.

I would buy in Tesco but again I feel the clothes are too popular and will be seen on every overweight slob I encounter whilst shopping (sorry, still in rude mood from snob thread).

I have been known to buy from La Redoute catalogue, but prefer to try things on first.

Where else could I try? (Don't like ultra trendy stuff, logos, paying through the nose for something that could be bought cheaper, eg expensive jeans, though did use to buy Levi 501s before the shop assistants became young enough to be my children and sneered at me for not being able to fit in to a size 8)

Lonelymum, don't worry about it! Some people are so bloody po-faced and hyper sensitive. The day that we all have to be Stepford Wives with each other is the day I switch off for good!
I know exactly what you meant and laughed out loud when i read it!
Could you fashion something out of those candlewick bedspreads you purport to despise?

Do you have a Kew near you? It's the cheaper Jigsaw range. Or Coast - a more expensive and slightly older Oasis.

I love having a look at the local charity shop, I am a size 8-10 and can pick up some great, unique pieces from there. I am wearing a Pussy Galore skinny top and a pair of bootcut black jeans with a large belt atm (size aged 14), brought from there. I am a bit kooky though and wear what I like!!

also charity shops (very rarely I found) have some nice things in. I suppose it depends on where you live and what size you are to have a bigger chance of finding soemthing good.
I am actually really excited because this week i bought a fantastic black suit (jacket, shift dress, short skirt)in my size that fits perfectly and looks like new from Linea found in a charity shop (which I often visit becasue you can find great kids books in there). All that for £14 and a really nice leather black bag for £1.99 (whcih I think it's worths about £80) in perfect condition. I was totally amazed as it's the first time I bought something like this and it's sure a great bargain, but I won't tell anyone else on here after having a look at the snoberry thread . So you might just find something nice one day.

I love Gap, and the label always say 12! fandadozy!

Big boobies are overrated if you ask me, I would rather look slim (when I was proper slim I moaned about my size - humph!)

There is no pleasing me . . .

This is where my snobbery does come in!

I always think that I should look in charity shops but I just can't bear the smell of the shops and the thought of someone else wearing the clothes!!

Next time I go shopping I shall make an effort and have a good look!

No no no, buying from second hand shops is very cool. Far cooler than buying brand new 'designer gear'!!!

Our local chartity shop is very cool and doesn't smell at all.

even picked up a dreamcast for DS this week for £15!!

I recovered a hideous carseat (all trains and rockets in angry primary colours) with some lovely faded paisley material that I got in the Red Cross for 50p. Get lots of nice comments about it!

Lonelymum - try Next again. Go in the shop though, not on-line. Quality Seconds or Primark for indoors - Next for when you step foot outside!

Oh thank God for Moondog! I think you were lucky to get away with your comment re po faced people whereas I am slated for commenting on overweight slobs (and rightly too, it was unforgivably offensive) but maybe posting after 10 o'clock helps. Anyway, thanks for my first laugh of the day. The candlewick is staying on the beds thanks!

I too bought a great mini skirt in a charity shop a few weeks ago for £5 which I was really pleased about but, to my mind, the trouble with charity shops is never being sure of finding anything and not really having the time or inclination to keep popping in on the off-chance.

I am beginning to get paranoid on Mumsnet though. In addition to having never heard of Zara, I have also never heard of MNG, Kew and Coast. Can anyone enlighten me?

I went to Primark yesterday and had a fabulous time. I spent £44 and came out with a bag so heavy I could hardly carry it.

Fab espadrilles in cream floral £5
Straw bag £4
Two satin camisole lace tops £3 each
Gypsy skirt £6
Button up cardi with diamante buttons £8
Long black linen dress with chunky belt £10
Six pairs of socks for DD £3
and a brown top with two straps to tie round the neck for £8

I think she forgot to put something through the till as that makes more than £44.

They have some great stuff in there, I'd recommend you take a look. The belts are wonderful are some are only £1.50. I am not usually keen on 'cheap' shops but this is cheap and great. So pleased I got the espadrilles, now where's the sun?

Nobody has mentioned TKMaxx...excellent for finding things nobody else has got.

oooh lonelymum. will you be watching "shallow hal" tonight?

a mixture of charity shops car boot sales and the high street it's not what you wear but how you wear it!And at a size 10-12 you should have plenty of choice buy a copy of elle or marie claire and then find similar second hand

You need to trawl through many charity shops to find something good. They also have short opening hours, are not in the town centre (close to where I work) and don't take cards. I agree that with lots of time you could get the odd nice or interesting thing from there.

I love Pilot, New look, Bay Trading etc. They are great for everyday casual wear and really reasonable.

Serenequeen, shallow hal?????????

I think River Island, and Oasis do nice clothes.

Topshop is of course the best shop in the whole world, but its very boho at the moment and not everyone likes that.

Miss Selfridge has some nice skirts at the moment.

I also like Tescos and ASDAs clothes a lot.

I rarely see anyone in the same clothes as me, and I dress very highstreet. IMO its about the way you put things together. Someone might have the same top as me, but won't be wearing it with the same things as me.

lm, imdb entry on Shallow Hal . it's on tv tonight - i think.

Oh another dig at my sizist comments? hey I know I am not allowed to say it but some of my best friends are overweight............

That was the idea Kama. Actually, I don't think I do have any overweight friends, but that sounds worse doesn't it? It isn't a conscious decision anyway.

I'd stop digging Lonelymum! (I don't think you've said anything awful!!)