Is anyone else put off of clothes from certain brands because of the 'wrong' perceptions?

[MrsSeanBean]

I don't know how to explain this very well, but it's occurred to me recently that I seem to look only within my favourite brands (or brands which have worked for me in the past) rather than being more open minded and just generally 'looking'...

Is this just me or does anyone else have this 'problem'?

An example is CC - because my mother would shop there.

Not a problem, OP. Brands have very different identities, and only some of those identities are going to work for you. It is a big mistake to think you need to trawl through every shop on your high street and compose your look from all over the place. Keep to the small base of brands that you identify with, and read magazines/web sites for new inspiration.

I would have said 'no' to this question - but back in the January sales I bought myself a coat from M&S. I really love it. It was a bargain, just the right colour for me, and just what I was looking for in terms of style/fit/length, etc.

When I got it home and was cutting off the price tags, I was gutted to find out that it was from their Classics - aka known as Granny - brand!

Thankfully the collar label only says Marks & Spencer!

mrsseanbean I'm totally with you!

I know what you mean OP. But sometimes going to the far side of uncomfortable can be worth it. Two summers ago now I saw a dress in the window of Viyella walked past for two weeks and then caved and went in. I did feel really peculiar in there (I don't often feel like a spring chicken these days). But the dress was fantastic and I have worn it several times a week for two summers.

The only thing that puts me off are "fashion" brands that aren't really fashion. "Elle" springs to mind or clothes by singers or celebrities or something.

Otherwise I'll wear anything if it looks like my style (but only once it's been in the sale).

I loathe Next - it is like the place that style forgot. I agree with the poster who said Matalan, it all seems like nylon nasties.

I have never set foot in Jane Norman, and went to Internacionale with DD and escaped as soon as I could. It's just too young and crap.

I steer clear of Fat Face, White Stuff, Animal and all those contrived surfy shops as in my mind it is incredibly frumpy and crap, and is the kind of stuff my mum would wear 'for comfort'. Ditto Skechers shoes.

your right Georgina , there is such a thing as a Dorothy Perkin Rose !!

I don't go into Jane Morgan, Primark or Next. There's no point, as I know for certain I would never find something I liked in those shops. As for the others, if I buy something from a shop I am not usually keen on, I cut the label and forget where it came from. If I get asked, I just say "TKMaxx".

Also loathe Next. Plus Primark, Dorothy Perkins, Logo-brands/shops. Also the younger shops; Zara, Topshop.