MN Vogue - Vol 31

[libertychick]

Do you...

• love fashion (high and low end), style, beauty?
• spend way more time than is healthy for anyone thinking about the contents of your wardrobe?
• wish you had the nerve to apply for Mastermind with your specialist subject being the history of H&M collaborations?

If so come and chat! Hugs and kisses allowed

[Drywhiteplease]

Right, I'm half way through "You are what you wear".
I have discovered that I keep hold of clothes that I'll never wear again because of the memories they hold.
I also have a lot if clothes I love but that are too big,but am holding onto Incase I put on a stone.
I think I need a sort out (again) and whilst I was delving in the depths found a black,thick jersey fit and flare dress with 3/4 sleeves and boat neck that I bought from Phase Eight about 5/6 years ago because I liked it but have never worn it. I had it shortened to just above my knee. Never really knew when to wear it even though it fits. Too formal for work, too boring for going out. Kept it be because I thought it was a "good funeral dress"!!!' don't go to a lot of funerals !
Got it out and on and mixed with a little fitted red cardi, animal print belt, opaques and animal pointy slippers it looks great for work. RESULT ! A very useful dress for nothing!

I'm thinking I've managed two weeks no booze, and 2 weeks no spending... might see if I can hold out a couple of months and save for a bag I have my eye on.........noes a good time as it's the post sale wilderness fashion wise .

[MarshaBrady]

Great too see you back Amber

Love these dresses, I need to give it more thought.

[MarshaBrady]

Good one Dry. I'm having a shopping hiatus for a bit too, I think.

[Barbie1]

Phew found you all

[Fedupnagging]

It is months since I posted-several reasons (aside from the fact i am mainly a lurker). A v stressful autumn with mil being very ill and then finally passing away coupled with a complete fashion fail on my part.

But, I am de lurking to show all you lovely ladies my support after the debacle on the Chanel bag thread. You always seem so nice to each other and to any newbies that turn up.

It has taken me ages to catch up so bit difficult to comment on too much. Am v sympathetic to those whose dh's are away. It's not easy with young children-my dh has been travelling for most of the last 20yrs. Mine are all teenagers (14, 17, 20) so it's much easier. I used to go out and about as much as possible and then hit the wine when they were all in bed!

Dry, your post is interesting and hits home. Over the Xmas hols, I cleared out most of my winter wardrobe and have very little left but it needed to be done. Now I need to replenish with clothes I really like and that suit me.

I have not bought much recently but did get this last week. The picture isn't great but I teamed it up with a l/s tee and green indie and cold skinnies, heeled ankle boots and scarf with birds on. Had lots of positive comments.

Phew, that's a long post - sorry!

[Drywhiteplease]

fedup good to see you again and kind of you to be so supportive. It was a funny few days. I think were in the same place clothes wise.

My NY resolution is to buy less but spend on decent stuff.

People always assume I wear expensive clothes. I've always wondered why because I'm mostly high st. I think it's ;

1. I always wear make up and do my hair
2. I sound like I'd spend a lot on clothes (because I talk about them a lot!)
3. I used to work in a higher ish end high st retailer and in concessions in big dept stores, and wore great stuff for work discount

I always assume that people who have an expensive handbag have expensive clothes. Not always the case. But I do think decent accessories can make an outfit look special.

Rather random post.

See ...... A lot of thinking over the weekend. I'm exhausted....need a drink

[OneLittleLady]

I'm sorry about your MIL Fedup

[AmberNectarine]

I think it also has a fair bit to do with your clothing personality dry, if you believe in that stuff, which I do. I think if you wear the right stuff you will look naturally chicer and more 'expensive' IYKWIM.

Actually I'd also consider Zuhair Murad for my GG dress. I'm sure he'll be thrilled.

I think I'm also going to save for an investment buy. Can't decided whether that will be Rockstuds, J Choo bikers or the Gucci Disco. Any insight?

[libertychick]

Welcome back Fedup and sorry to hear about your MIL - not an easy time.

Amber get the Choo bikers

Dry I read that book too. I also keep some 'fat' clothes. My biggest failing though is not wearing my nice things, it can take me weeks to wear something new as I'm 'keeping it for the right occasion' but getting much better at deciding every day is worth the effort.

[shopafrolic]

Good to have you back Amber. I wish I could give some insight on your dilemma, if only..... I love them all.
fedup sorry for your loss - it's lovely to see you back on the thread again
dry I found the book really useful - definitely makes you think. Have to thank Dona for that one. Result with the dress
marsha Tom ford for the men, I have no idea for a gown - probably because I'd probably turn up in a YSL tux!
I'm still in search of replacement Goldsigns. Thanks for the alternative suggestions on the last thread decam
Big chat with DH tonight about house move etc. lots to think about. He said "I could never see us living in London though could you?" I was like "erm, well, maybe??" it won't happen but nice to dream.

[shopafrolic]

Yay liberty you found us

[Drywhiteplease]

Amber never thought of it like that. the Gucci disco is the one I fancy, I blame you! a great day to evening investment.

[Fedupnagging]

Thanks one. It was a blessing really as she had been ill for a long time and given up.

Dry yes, totally agree to buy less but better and only what suits and don't save too much for 'best'. I would love to buy high end but in reality it's high street. I do have a boutique I go to that sells a mixture of high end and more affordable European brands not readily available on the high street. Plus the assistants are very honest so trust their judgement. and we get complimentary coffee.

I wear makeup most days and try to keep my nails looking nice and polished but my hair is a p.i.a and generally a work in progress!

Will definitely watch with interst to see what you have all got your eyes on for some inspiration.

[QueenCadbury]

fedup sorry to hear about your recent few months. Glad you've found us again.

amber I think that partly is it. I could wear the most expensive fashionable dress and shoes like the rock studs but I would personally look cheap as it's just not my style. And definitely get the disco.

dry sorry to hear dd has been sick again. I've read that book too although can't remember what it talked about . Maybe a revisit is in order.

liberty I've got much better at not saving things too. I still have 'normal' and 'best' clothes but I like having the distinction. I've got better at buying less 'best' clothes as realised they were never getting worn. Although I don't go out that often my 'best' clothes now get worn lots. The only things tht sit in the wardrobe are the occasion dresses but then I'm not sure how you avoid that. I can hardly rock up to toddler group in a westwood or a Davina

[Drywhiteplease]

Bloody hell have just had this convo with DH :

"I think I'm going to save up for a special handbag"
"You should save up for the extension"
"Ahem, how much do you send on suits?"
"£££.... But you can't wear a handbags to work"
.... MEN ! They just don't get it!!!

[shopafrolic]

Those of you that go to the gym / exercise classes.... Can I ask proportionally how much of your monthly spend goes on exercise? I'm considering joining a rather lovely gym (with pool Dry) but am not sure if I can justify the ££££

[Fedupnagging]

Decent handbags are an investment. Plus, price per wear, (eventually) will be pennies....

[GrumpyOldHorsewoman]

What . Thanks for the link! Put them in my bag and went through to the end, then bottled at the payment stage. I had four J Crew boxes delivered today and am awaiting several more packages, including the Marant jacket, aswell as trying to score a Longchamp Year of the Horse handbag. I had a crisis but I get paid next week, so if they're still around

Fedup sorry to hear things have been tough. Stick around - there's nothing like frivolous fashion chat to divert a brooding mind. Thanks for your support - we are a friendly bunch and not the least exclusive. I was made very welcome when I showed up on this thread and have stuck around through over 25 more editions of it! It's probably one of the gentlest threads on MN (easy target, I s'pose).

[libertychick]

I haven't had a gym membership in ages Shop. DH had one last year and it was one sixth of what he calls 'his allowance'. He didn't make enough use of it so decided to quit and just pays as he goes (about once a month).

[Drywhiteplease]

Grumpy I'd call Longchamps HQ....

DH "my suits make us money" that's 1-0 to DH
"Yes but the bag makes me happy" I win!

[Drywhiteplease]

Oh and Fedup he's said I'd have to wear a £300 (ha ha) bag for about 50years non stop to get it to pennies.......

[Drywhiteplease]

Shop mine is v cheap £29.50 a month....I get discount at the local council run, no frills but friendly gym.

[libertychick]

Grumpy!!! I have been waiting for you to show up. I saw a pic of Sandra Bullock in this outfit at the Bafta tea party and I immediately thought that a t-shirt like that one would look great with OUR new Whistles skirt

[Fedupnagging]

Thanks for the welcome back everyone.

I am going to try to post more often.

Am at the thought of queen helping with the finger paints at playgroup in a Vivienne Westwood number!

[Fedupnagging]

at dry's dh.