Buying quality items.

[WolfieGirl19]

If you buy quality over quantity. Don't you get bored of wearing the same things.

My DH has always advocated buying one quality item rather than bags full of cheaper clothes.

I have been trying to do this but haven't really succeeded.

DH bought me a lovely knitted dress last autumn from phase eight. I'm wearing it today thinking "God I've worn this a lot" and wishing I had something new to wear.

I have money to spend this weekend and know I should just buy one or two quality items and that's what DH will be pressing for too. But my hearts not in it and I already want to come home with bags and bags of high street things.

How do you get past the thought of wearing things over and over again?

Clothing wise - i've just been through my own closet so had a look to see what has lasted/not (up to 10 years) ...

Coast & Phase 8 good in that respect

I think Mint Velvet also good (1 only have 1 thing though... but it lasted well)

Sometimes its been more quality of item vs brand, so better quality M&S stuff (autograph, collection), things made of wool/heavier fabrics, Gap denims (non-stretch) v sturdy.

For quality & durability, it seems to be natural fabrics, classic styles, and tbh more expensive stuff/brands (that I bought on sale) which turned out to be the better buys - including a wool skirt from topshop. Brands aimed at the older lady can be indestructable (like, ahem, my country casuals wool sheath workdress which is on its 10th year)

Thanks pdxs. So I'm on the right vein. I have a shopping trip arranged for Sunday. Just to have a look and try on some brands to work out the sizing for them.

Equipment is fantastic for silk blouses, keep checking the Outnet for bargains and also buy at sale time. Cashmere - lots of the cheap stuff will end up pilling badly but Brora is really excellent quality and doesn't have this tendency, nor does Zadig & Voltaire or Velvet by Graham&Spencer, but all are expensive (and very different in style!), its worth looking out on ebay/Vestiare Collective for quality pre-loved pieces.

In terms of what to invest in and where to economise...a good quality coat, blazer, bag and boots would probably be top of my list.

Premium denim that fits perfectly and flatters is worth a splurge but buy in sales/Shopbop/Revolve/Outnet.

A nice simple jersey dress, whether ruched/body con as per Me&Em or Baujken or more relaxed eg fit & flare, whatever your style, is also worth splashing out on as its so versatile. (sounds like pdxs' Country Casuals one fits this bill!)

High heels, evening clutches, basic t-shirts, (especially white ones that only look nice when pristine), costume jewellery, more 'fashionable' items such as a patterned skirt then places like Zara and Uniqlo are great and help you create new outfits that nod to trends but work in with the more expensive pieces that last season after season.

Once you have the basics then invest in good quality things you really love and feel fantastic in, that feel like they really are 'you' in terms of style - those are the ones that really earn their keep and will be pulled out of the wardrobe year after year

agree on the white - also for shirts or any white tops (the dreaded deo stains) - hard to keep them pristine so not worth spending too much. John Lewis collection has some good ones on sale at moment (£40 or so down to £16)

I've never heard of any of these brands

I'll have a look now.

Thanks X

I'm learning a few things on this thread myself OP so thanks for getting started!

JL collection is their own brand office wear - it looks pretty good to me vs M&S based on substantial trying on in recent weeks

I think ebay/charity shops/sales/outlets are a great idea, but if you NEED something sometimes you do have to just buy it... and its rare for certain things to ever go on sale (black/white tees, plainer black jumpers & cardis are the obvious ones) so then the 20% off codes might be best bet, & quality own label

Just read this thread.

Agree with the poster about knitwear. My neighbour used to be a buyer for a major European chain and always tells me to be so so careful when buying knitwear. Often there is feck all difference between the more expensive brands and cheap cheap brands (Primark). So feel and watch and be careful is what she says. More expensive is not always worth it for knitwear.

My own habits are mixed. Both high end and cheapish.
I spend money on shoes/boots, coats, jackets, bras. The rest is mixed. I hate buying at full price, but I occasionally do if I love something and have been looking for it for some time.

I tend to buy quality for classic items and the odd statement thing but cheap for others so I have the best of both worlds, some things last forever, others are worn a bit then gone. (Agree that "older" brands last well, I have an Elvi cardigan that is almost 20 years old and going strong!)

Most people cannot tell anyway. I had a friend who is quite discerning but on a budget complain recently that she couldn't have outfits like the one I was wearing (trousers, top, long ruched waistcoaty thing, scarf and boots) due to cost. In fact only the waistcoat was quality, the rest was supermarket.

Enjoy your shopping!

Please can anyone tell me where to buy good quality basics and shoes ? I just don't know where to start . Thanks .

I really like H&M for basic tops and tees. Clarks for shoes.

Great ideas here so marking place!

ginorwine - maybe start by looking at capsule wardrobe threads (on here or elsewhere), then do an audit & try on of your existing to work out what you need before the shopping starts... less fun but your ££ will be end up in the right place

i think for basic jeans/t's that gap, m&s, uniqlo are all pretty ok for the money. I think that supermarkets are a lot cheaper but I don't have the experience of owning supermarket stuff for long enough to know if it lasts

Hi,
I used to love having lots of things until I realised I only wore the same things again and again. Someone once said to me that what would rather someone said: 'X has got a new top again' or 'X is wearing that lovely top again'. A bit simplistic but it kind of rang true to me.
Although to reiterate what others said, I would NEVER trust my husband to buy my clothes. I have to truly adore something to wear it a lot and my husband just isn't that great at that stuff. I'd have a load
of dresses and low cut tops ??!

Ooh and just a word of warning- check any eBay/ second hand knitwear for moth larvae. They can be on second hand knitwear will nibble their way through your clothes.

Same as jennyblonde, If I let my H buy clothes for me I would be dressed in low cut, bodycon mini dresses, with tons of cleavage on show.

Some of my best loved clothes - that I'm still wearing years later - are from H&M. It's a totally random shop but I think some of their Basics range is very wearable and great quality for the price.

i agree with pp who said knit wear quality and durability can be variable. That said my best bits of I go through my wardrobe,made from all saints, and zadig and Voltaire (tend to buy on sale though)
Agree with others who said get a well fitting, well made coat, blazers, shoes, boots and denim as a wardrobe staples then build from there.
Tops and t shirts - variety of places some nicer ones all saints, out net, net a porter, and mixed high St.
Like variety in my wardrobe and get tired of the same stuff all the time, I love having lots of choice to dress according to my mood and season so some classic higher end pieces mixed with less expensive works for me :)