Key pieces to keep me (reasonably!) up-to-date please....

[TwoNoisyBoys]

I'm going shopping next week! I'd like to buy a couple of bits that make me look a bit more up-to-date for autumn/winter. I usually spend the winter in skinny jeans, vests and jumpers or pencil skirts/wrap dresses with opaque tights and black ankle boots. I don't feel HORRIBLY unfashionable.....and I'm not talking about being bang on trend head to toe.....but I was wondering if there are any recommendations for certain things I could look out for to keep me looking like I half know what I'm doing! Many thanks in advance!

Remus, that's exactly it....I'll more than likely be wearing the same kind of thing I have for the last couple of years, but am really chuffed with everyone suggestions of how to bring it up to looking 'this year'. My only worry now is how much my new scarves, biker boots and cashmere jumpers are going to set me back

Slow and steady wins the race Two, I invariably find it's the things I had to take a very deep breath on as I handed over the credit card that work the hardest over the years rather than months

That's a good point, and something I should start doing....I usually buy things that are cheaper, and although they look ok, I think there's a definite difference between that and paying out for something of quality that will last a very long time.....

Can you get to an Outlet shoe store, TwoNoisyBoys? (I bought 4 pairs of shoes/boots for £40 yesterday!)

I second the John Lewis personal shopper suggestion. I went last week and got.some.gorgeous everyday bits, loads of tops in a colour I never would have touched. I had two hours free session, although spent quite a bit!!

Re scarves, v easy to.buy these.cheap. Personal shopper showed me the most gorgeous White Stuff one which tied in with so much that I'd bought but it was £30. I didn't get it and instead will check out cheaper places in town tomorrow. I know where the pricey one is if I can justify it!

eBay (especially if you know the more expensive labels that you particularly like, or something specific you are searching for), the Outnet, TKMaxx should all be your friend too.

I'm not sure about the personal shopper.....I won't have time to do this on my shopping trip this week (two friends and I are having the day out in the city with breakfast, late lunch and evening out all tightly scheduled!) but I'll have a think about it. I think I'd worry in case they picked out stuff I hated and I felt obliged to buy it!!

YeGods, I've never heard of the Outlet shoe store?? That sounds like it needs a Google!

Any ideas for warm waterproof parkas?
Loving this thread.
Just had a baby and really want a wardrobe re vamp!

Not the Outlet store, an outlet, as in factory outlet store, selling end of lines and seconds.

Also, does anyone have any links to nice slouchy jumpers? This sounds like a look I could get on board with.

I really like this parka, but I'd wait for the Grazia discount that always comes around before buying. Also it's water resistant rather than waterproof but warm and waterproof and stylish is sort of holy grail stuff . If you are looking at serious investment, then Wool-rich if you want warm and Barbour if you want dry, both buy once wear forever stuff. NorthFace for more sporty/practical and less ££.

mummy what kind of slouchy? Big and chunky or a bit sleeker? patterned/colourful? Polo necks an option?

Thanks for the reply, Sleep. I think v neck ideally, not too chunky as I'm quite booby and don't want to look too top heavy. I tend to suit rich/earthy/neutral colours.

I'm another one who tends to buy cheap stuff but wants to change my ways. I'm sure it's a false economy.

Hmm, v necks are thin on the ground it seems! What do you think about these? One is a polo neck but it's a fineish knit I think it looks lovely, especially if it's your colour...

polo

orange again lots of orange around at the moment!

cashmere what do you think of this? duffy cashmere is lovely, but perhaps not your colour?

And I know they are expensive but cheaper are all man made and will bobble/lose shape so quickly....

Sorry YeGods, misunderstood your post No, nothing like that that where I am, unfortunately. All decent shopping a minimum of an hours drive away....which is possibly a good thing for my bank balance!
Yes, agree with the cheap vs quality thing....hate, hate HATE bobbly jumpers but then balk at paying for quality. I always feel guilty for spending on myself!!

Thanks so much Sleep. I quite like all of them, especially the polo neck actually (I do like burnt orange), although I am concerned that it might not work on.

This is the trouble with buying quality: when you're spending more, you do want perfection, whereas with cheaper items it's more tempting to think 'it'll do'. SWcM.

(Not sure what SWcM is...)

Thanks Sleep

Just hang in there and keep looking mummy, you'll know it when you see it, definitely don't settle for something that not only isn't right but is also expensive, it will haunt you!

twonoisy guilt is a really pointless emotion , practice ditching it. Wrt balking at paying for quality, just rationally you know that you will get more pleasure and longevity out of one beautiful thing that makes you feel fab than two or even three mediocre ones that you feel ok in....

Seconding the request upthread for links to sluchy jumpers please.

I am currently lusting after some on Celtic and Co....they are v necks too

Hush has some lovely ones.

The Outnet has lots of knitwear and new stock in twice a week so is always worth keeping an eye on I love this, nice twist on a Breton for autumn/winter, v chic with jeans, the elbows are v cool! If you see something you love but can't stretch to the price, even saving/waiting for sale or discount code then start hunting on eBay/Vestiaire Collective and be patient...

Agree that quality is better but Sainsburys has some really lovely scarves in at the mo!