Where oh where do good quality clothes come from ???? !!

[ginorwine]

I need to invest in good basics .
Jeans .jumpers .shoes .boots.bags.blouses .trousers .
I'm an hourglass shape so things like co s - hangy clothes - which I love - look terrible on me !!!!!!
Thanks wize ones !

Monsoon is usually good for trousers and silk tops (if you avoid the over-embellished hippy stuff). Their linen trousers last ages and hang beautifully, nothing like the shapeless, wide-leg, linen trousers that crop up everywhere in the summer.

Planet has decent work wear that you can pick up very cheaply in the sales, some of it a bit 'mature' but there's an odd gem and it lasts ages.

Have just started shopping in jaeger (in the sales haha). Sizing is ahem generous, which suits me fine - specially at the s16 end of the range. Not sure if the smaller stuff is neater fitting or not. Have got great bargains on John Lewis website end of sale stuff - merino wool plain tops last year, a silk top, all washing and wearing beautifully. Got 2 pairs lovely heavy wool mix trousers there Black Friday.

Not a brand I thought I'd be wearing in my 30s but hey ho!

Hobbs - have to watch the fibres.

Oddly, sainsburys clothes especially trousers can be 100% cotton, usually in the summer though. The tops not so much...

My favourites at the moment are Mistral for cotton , woolovers, for knitwear, sea salt and m&s. I think quality has gone downhill at fat face and white stuff. Joules looks nice quality but not keen on their styling. Intrigued by Uniqglo as it's constantly mentioned on here but there are no shops anywhere near me so have never tried.

One of the benefits of being over 35 is being able to shop in Jaeger. Some of the stuff these days is a little bit trendier than it used to be (or maybe I just think that because I'm old??) I've ordered lots from the outlet and frequently returned as the style hasn't suited me or whatever, but I've never been disappointed with the quality. I bought a dress from there a few years ago that I was gutted to have to send back because it was such beautiful quality. Sadly I was postnatal and it made my giant boobs look very, ahem, matronly.

I've actually just ordered a major haul from there (arriving Friday) and am a little bit scared in case I want to keep all of it...

Em- you sound the same as me! A big order coming (ordered within 5 wd, not sure if it usually takes full time?), due Friday, sort of hoping at least half goes back!

This thread has made me realise that the things I have that I love, I love because they are good quality, rather than well-designed, or fashionable or whatever. So I'm going to try and focus on quality from now on.

That said, Boden fabrics are lovely but the finishing - hems and particularly buttons - is appalling. I don't want to spend £££ on a coat to end up with a pocketful of buttons on the third wear!

Some of my online sales buys arrived today.

Joseph merino sweater (Flannels): fab. Perfect grey v neck. We were meant to be together.

MaxMara Weekend box pleated skirt (Matches): also fab.

I'm kind of hoping that something of questionable quality arrives soon, so I can send it back!

Methenyou I started out with a coat and a pair of trousers then had a massive 'oh FUCK it' moment and placed another huge order including another coat, 4 pairs of trousers, 3 tops, 2 dresses etc etc. At LEAST half of it absolutely has to go back, or else we will be bankrupt - even at outlet prices. I feel a little bit sick thinking about opening the parcels.

Thank you to whoever said Michael Kors shoes are good quality. I agree - I sent for some shoes in the sale & they are great - very comfortable and well-made. Now just got to clip off the tacky "MK" charm thing...

Thanks for all the responses
The quest has begun !!

Toast is also quite good.