I need some new ideas for where to shop

[CambridgeBlue]

I'm desperate for some new clothes but feel in a bit of a rut and am having real trouble finding anything worth buying just lately - everything seems to be either boring basics, badly made polyester tat with too much embellishment or out of my price range.

I like slightly unusual stuff but don't have a massive budget. I feel like I've exhausted all the usual high street suspects and seem to spend half my time returning things that just aren't nice enough to warrant the price. Can anyone suggest some new places I could try (either real shops or online)?

Can you give us an idea of where you currently shop and what you mean by 'slightly unusual stuff'?

And how old you are.

I love The White Stuff. DDs love Top Shop.

Sorry some more details would help! I'm 42, 5'2 and a size 12-14 hourglass with cropped dark hair. I get a lot of basics from places like Next, Gap and M&S and I'm fine with that but it's when I want something a big nicer that I get stuck.

I guess by 'slightly unusual' I mean things that feel more 'me' but it's hard to describe what that is. I just know I don't like a lot of what's on the high street, it feels too formal, too badly made, too modern, too fashiony. I do like the vintage look but would only ever wear the odd thing as I have a horror of looking cliched.

I like unusual patterns (eg I've got a lovely Great Plains dress printed with old fashioned bikes), nice fabrics, fitted but comfortable styles and tend to dress quite simply but with the odd bright or unusual item to make me feel more individual. A typical outfit would be jeans, plain t-shirt, Converse (maybe sparkly or a nice colour) with a lovely jacket and an unusual bag or scarf.

I used to love White Stuff as I like the colours and patterns but recently the stuff seems poor quality and very overpriced eg I ordered what looked like a lovely reversible jersey blazer which turned out to be shapeless and very unflattering yet it was nearly £70! Likewise I used to get a fair bit from FatFace as their comfy laid back style and pretty details appeal to me but I find them too expensive for what are now just pretty basic dresses/tops.

I do seem to mention money a lot and am aware maybe I sound a bit tight! I'm really not but I value quality and am fed up with buying stuff I don't even like that much which doesn't look nice for 5 minutes yet costs me £££.

I'm frustrated because I am at an age where I have a little bit of money to spend on myself and pretty much know my own style yet I can't find anywhere selling the sort of clothes I want to buy!

Maybe it's time to abandon high street fashion and concentrate on decent quality from charity shops. I know they are not for everyone but there are amazing things to be found in them.
Hitting an area with a few decent charity shops and targeting them with something in mind is the best way to turn up some gems.

If you like pattern, and White Stuff, then how about Boden or Joules? The issue of quality is probably related to your budget, if you shop in the Next/M&S/Gap price range then quality will be very hit and miss, mid-range high street brands are using more synthetic fibres to stay in that price bracket and make a profit.

If you want better quality, then charity shops or eBay may be your friend. Toast still uses majority natural fibres, does do some pattern, and always sells well on eBay. They also have excellent sales so if you like their stuff, sign up for their newsletters. Not so much pattern, but Jaeger, Winser and Baukjen might be worth looking for at a discount, much better quality than where you currently shop.

How about people tree - quirky patterns and good quality basics.

Or me and em - I've linked to the outlet as it is very affordable then.

The Outnet is worth a browse - probably more ££ than you want to spend but they have great clearance sales, though you have to be quick off the mark.

Also uniqlo is good for basics and good quality imo.

Another option is to look at the online Oxfam shop - they sell whistles, jaeger, hobbs etc and although it is not as cheap as a high street charity shop, they have a wide selection. Can spend hours browsing there.

Anthropologie? The prices will make you weep but there's always the sales.
www.anthropologie.eu/anthro/index.jsp

I totally get what you mean. I think I dress in a similar way! How about unusual accessories? I quite like Perspex jewellery, and got two compliments from complete strangers this weekend about a necklace shaped like a rain cloud. Try www.tattydevine.com

Have you had a look at Nomads, Gringo,Mistral , Komodo and EKO sense (earth kind originals)?

For some design edge, COS, &Other Stories (=H&M subsidiaries). If you like a younger vibe, Monki and Cheap Monday (try ASOS for them). Focus on sales times. Mango is often awful quality but I have recenly found there two fantastic jackets that are great quality for very little money.

Charity shops are also good for getting great value.

If you want really hippy, Gudrun Sjöden and Desigual, off eBay or at sales time.

I could have almost written your post. But I'm 5'7" and a 14-16 at the moment (down from a 16-18). I'm 45.

I used to love Fat Face when they were first on the scene (was an early adopter). But now I find their prints a bit twee, and most of their tunic tops have poorly defined waists, are wider at the bottom, with pockets on the hips. All no-nos for the hourglass figure. Also, the tee-shirts are often too short for me. And the necklines not low enough

White Stuff have started doing longer tee-shirts in good colours for me which are great for layering. But like FF I don't much like the patterns/styles/cut and they are very identifiable with lots of ppl wearing them imho.

Now that I've lost a stone (some still to go) I do feel more confident and I've gone from wanting to wear stuff that just covers me up to stuff that I know suits me - highlighting my waist and showing off my curves lol. But I do find it really hard.

I did get some cheap tops in Warehouse yesterday, got very successfully fitted for a couple of bras in John Lewis (what a difference to how you feel and look!!) and then a couple of John Lewis tops.

I so very nearly bought this top but at that price I want to wait until I can get the smaller size. I liked it a lot though. A bit quirky and very flattering.

Colours are hard too. I am best in deep, warm colours and I love primary colours. But a lot of the colours atm seem the wrong shade/hue. For example I love green, but a dark grass green or a British Racing Green. Ones in the stores are more minty. Ditto with shades of yellow.

Anyway OP, I get where you're coming from and I've bookmarked sites from previous posters. Thank you.

Sorry it's taken me a while to come back - bit of a mad week! Thank for all the suggestions, loads for me to look at so hopefully I will have some luck.

Completely agree about charity shops and Ebay, I do shop in both but it's obviously a bit hit and miss and you can't often find something specific although saying that I find it hard to do that in 'normal' shops as well!

Off to have a browse, I'll report back if I find anything exciting :).