Bored of Boden, help me please!

[anonymousbird]

I am 40, not particularly trendy, but like comfortable and fairly timeless style clothes. The last few years I have bought quite a few plainer pieces from Boden, the fits and styles tend to work for me with other items in my wardrobe. I'm bored of it though (and can't currently afford anyway) and I just roll my eyes at most of the catalogue. Now I have a bit more time to myself, I look around for other stuff, but I don't really know where to start.

The budget is pretty tight right now - can't stretch to Boden now as i am not working - but I just fancy a few new bits for the autumn/winter to update my wardrobe a bit. I have young children, I'm in and out of the car, I have to walk the dog etc, so clothing needs to be practical and fairly hard wearing as well as (hopefully) attractive. I don't live near a major shopping centre, so most of my shopping is online (hence Boden for convenience in the years of having small children).

Any ideas please on where I might look?

I often pick up some nice things in Phase Eight in the sale - their knitwear is nice. M&S is fairly reliable for basics.

Gap can be good value for quality basics, Banana Republic online is also lovely, then there's Kew, Mint Velvet, Wrap, Hush, Monsoon and Seasalt are worth a look. And occasionally M&S Autograph or Limited Collection. White Stuff for knitwear and t shirts, but I don't like much else right now.

I feel the same as you though - there seems to be a real gap in the market for affordable, classic, quality clothes for our age group. I tend to buy pricier brands but in the sales or on ebay. Hope that helps!

I am very happy to shop for a good brand on ebay, done it many times before, it's just knowing the brands to start looking for!!

Thanks ladies, and Phase Eight, yes I have a few pieces from there from over the years - often buy in the sale and they have lasted very well indeed.

Always worry about GAP - sizing is a bit of an issue so I need to go to store to try on and it's all loud and small sizes and slightly intimidating (I am a hopeless shopper!). I used to buy loads of GAP say, ten years ago. Maybe I need to give it another go. It's a good suggestion.

Will definitely spend some time tomorrow googling some of your other suggestions, goat. Many thanks.

american apparel i have spent a small fortune there lately on basics

Oh, and Great Plains! THe catalogue arrived today and its full of lovely things!

Same age and bored of Boden too, alot of us are, even for the kids. I hate shopping but will brave it next week - thats why I like catalogues but now a real hassle to return stuff as not near a post office. I like the dresses and skirts in white stuff and I will look for Phase Eight again. I haven't shopped in the Gap in the last 2 years, all the stuff I have bought has fallen apart within a couple of months.

How about Zara? You can always find something on trend but not overly so and inspite of what a lot of MNers say I think the quality is fine. I have knitwear from there which has lasted years.

I always feel so old entering Zara am I the only one? I have found the quality awful in the past but may try again.

Great PLains, Mint Velvet, Gap, and some of M&S's Limited COllection or Autograph collection too. Occasional bits and pieces from Dorothy Perkins, quality isnt amazing but like them for little everyday tops and blouses rather than investment pieces like jeans or coats. If you can get to a tk maxx it is well worth a rummage, especially for jeans, coats, knitwear and shoes/bags too.

I like Uniqlo for basics like scoop neck tops, knitwear, jeans, shirts and their lovely heattech tops. They also do good coats and are very good quality and reasonably priced.

Zara is hit and miss imo, but I still shop there a lot for tops and there were some gorgeous cashmere bits last year. Worth going in for the good bits. It can be a bit "manmade" iyswim. Not much in the way of natural fibres there..

Shoes there are nice too, but not if you have big feet.