Making the most of a once-in-a-lifetime shopping spree

[HastyShopper]

My granny has got me a 2K gift card and a personal shopper appointment in Selfridges.
Apparently she doesn't believe in inheritance but does believe in the power of well cut clothes. I've recently got back to size 10/12, babies not babies any more, a few years off 40. To paraphrase - she wanted to get my mojo back and have the satisfaction of seeing me launched into the next decade looking fabulous.

Problem is - luxury stores are really not my natural habitat. Most expensive item of clothing I own is Levi's jeans; a lot is supermarket & second hand. I am a SAHM & wear clothes very hard - lots of time in the park with the kids etc. I am careless at laundry and never dry clean.

Can anyone guide me to where I should aim my unexpected windfall - so that the benefits really last? *
*
I am a bit scared of the prices - and a bit scared of wasting/ruining/mis-choosing stuff.

She has said I am expressly not allowed to eBay off my loot to convert it to cash .**

From what you say about your lifestyle I would have thought a couple of pairs of nice boots, a bag, and a decent coat would be a great starting place.

Oh gosh, what a lovely gift - I certainly would not be insulted or feel it was controlling! Selfridges have lots and lots of different concessions as previous posters have mentioned, so you could really stretch the money if you don't wear designer type stuff.

If it was me, I probably would buy a lovely leather bag, as I could never afford something like Mulberry (or justify it if I had the spare cash). I'd also buy an amazing perfume, which would remind me of my gran every time I wore it. Maybe a nice necklace with the same philosophy. Other things I would get would probably be around the Whistles price point - jeans, leather jacket, dresses, stuff that could be worn throughout the year.

Enjoy spending your lovely, generous present.

Grrr! Hastyshopper! I blame you!! If I hadnt read your thread , I wouldnt have just bought that Radley backpack (burgundy) that I recommended up thread !! Your Gran owes me £189!!

Actually, I saw someone with that bag in town today and loved it, (which is why I recommended it ) , and was going to look it up anyway . but if your gran does want to give me ££ I wouldnt mind!

What an amazing present!
To make sure what you get really does last without dating, I'd go for a tailored wool/cashmere winter coat, a trench, a handbag, and maybe a larger, weekend/carry-on type leather bag. Personally I'd put that at the top of my list as I don't have a really lovely one.
I think anything else- suits, jackets, boots etc- probably would date eventually.

I'd mainly get accessories which last me longer than clothes: sunglasses, watch, gold bracelet, tan handbag, knee boots, sandals. Then perhaps a wool winter coat and a blazer. If any money left over some perfume or make up. Lovely dilemma to have!

My last 'expensive' buy was a wool coat 7 years ago for £400. It's been really fab. Even if I looked like a dogs dinner in ASDA jeggings and baby snot underneath, slipping on the coat covered it all up and gave me confidence and a decent look on the school run.

I'm not aiming for a whole new me - but some workhorse key pieces which easily make slapdash-normal-me look funky and put-together.

I'm loving these tips. I have a glass of prosecco in hand, and now gonna start working the style blogs and researching.

A bottle of lovely perfume is a brilliant suggestion.

Shopping vicariously on your behalf:

Comfortable boots for the school run: www.selfridges.com/GB/en/cat/dune-rayner-shearling-lined-leather-boots_942-10105-0073508050004484/?previewAttribute=Black+leather

Flats for playdates:: httpww.selfridges.com/GB/en/cat/dune-gondola-tassel-trim-leather-loafers_942-10105-0076506660020700/?previewAttribute=Pale+blue-leather

Backpack for trips to the park: www.selfridges.com/GB/en/cat/herschel-supply-co-classic-backpack_193-3001622-1000100007OS/?previewAttribute=Navy

Practical leather bag: www.selfridges.com/GB/en/cat/ted-baker-albee-pop-handle-leather-tote_870-10003-133359/?previewAttribute=Taupe

Jumper: www.selfridges.com/GB/en/cat/ted-baker-albee-pop-handle-leather-tote_870-10003-133359/?previewAttribute=Taupe

Jumper: www.selfridges.com/GB/en/cat/ted-baker-charo-wool-blend-jumper_870-10003-134195/?previewAttribute=Pale+pink

Silk scarf (chic but wearable with kids): www.selfridges.com/GB/en/cat/aspinal-of-london-summer-field-silk-scarf_528-10005-051197005720000/?previewAttribute=Blue and www.selfridges.com/GB/en/cat/max-mara-silk-shawl_168-82052654-BUSSOLA/?previewAttribute=Pink

Jeans to suit your shape.

Belt: www.selfridges.com/GB/en/cat/lk-bennett-gena-patent-leather-belt_524-10018-0307503530022345/?previewAttribute=Nat-fawn

Burberry trench

Leather jacket:
www.selfridges.com/GB/en/cat/ted-baker-lizia-peplum-hem-leather-jacket_870-10003-134869/?previewAttribute=Natural

Blazer: www.selfridges.com/GB/en/cat/sandro-single-breasted-woven-jacket_786-10081-V6819E/?previewAttribute=Navy+blue

Ok enough wishful thinking from me.

Enjoy your treats OP!

Ooh - thank you for the linkys.

What I really love is good tailoring. I used to love wearing suits in the office- and I will always notice an unusual cut of jeans or an unconventional jacket. One thing that is tedious about being mid-high street is that so much of it seems to be cut to the same safe and predictable template. When I do get time to shop - I often go vintage - and I think I'd hope that my windfall would give my 'quirky' a more sophisticated layer. I do love properly made stuff - if it doesn't need too much care.

How about a bright red trench

http://www.selfridges.com/GB/en/cat/maje-goldie-cotton-gabardine-trench-coat_670-10082-E17GOLDIE/?previewAttribute=Rouge

step away from the red??? www.selfridges.com/GB/en/cat/claudie-pierlot-clemence-leather-biker-jacket_5005-10150-81C8E17/?previewAttribute=Rouge

I think this is true kind of jacket that made you happy every time you wore it http://www.selfridges.com/GB/en/cat/maje-beril-suede-jacket_670-10082-E17BERIL/?previewAttribute=Camel

But could I sustain the colour?

That red leather is bloody gorgeous OP!!

If no one had told be that the Mac was the go to investment spring jacket - I'd be sorely tempted by a parka >> parka

Whose style do you admire?
Anything you like on Pinterest?

What a wonderful attitude your granny has

I haven't really done Pinterest but that is a good tip to prepare for my appointment.

Why is investment mac Better than investment bomber jacket?

Maybe a sexy swimsuit to move on from black adudas?

Good semi smart coat
Supportive underwear
Shoes/boots
Sunglasses
Bag

That's your 2k gone!

What a lovely Granny, I would take it in the spirit that I am sure it is meant.

I would get a Burberry trench and a bag or accessory. That would be your budget there.

It doesn't seem so much now I've got the scent!

How about wife leg trouser ?

Diane Von F wrap dress

I probably would play safer and get something that won't date- I am no style guru though.

the trousers are fantastic.

wouldn't do the wrap dress - too Kate middleton.

what about a great pencil skirt? can style upo r down, but cut will make the difference.
do they have Rixo London in there? the silk tops can dress up jeans to a great vintage gucci evening vibe with a fantastic pair of sandals

Remember to mention any major events that are coming up that might need a new outfit, eg a wedding, but explain to the shopper that it needs to have an onward life. Be honest about your lifestyle, and don't be afraid to say no! They won't try to flog you a couple of high price items and blow your budget, and you don't have to spend anything through the shopper if you don't want to, b

Oh, ffs I hadn't finished and have lost my train of thought now......

Just don't blow it all on a few really expensive things, nor fritter it away on the usuals. Maybe get a decent coat, a really nice handbag etc ie decent quality basics that will last for years

Have fun - v jealous!!!