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Original poster

Thoughts on Mint Velvet

46 replies

Honey1975 · 20/12/2017 18:15

I've never been in there before as always thought it way out of my budget.
Popped in today as sale on & really liked lots of things. Still quite pricey for me even in sale but I treated myself to a lovely jumper.
The clothes just seemed to be really nice quality so just wondered what other people thought of them.

I have very few nice clothes and what I do have is quite old & tired looking. I normally buy from much lower priced shops and the clothes don't last well.

Am thinking perhaps in 2018 I should try spending a little more to have a few really nice things as opposed to lots of tat! Anyone else do this and does it work well?

OP posts:
TheOtherGirl · 20/12/2017 18:22

I have a few bits from there. If you're not careful they can look frumpy though.

Whiterabbitears · 20/12/2017 19:02

I cant speak for Mint Velvet but I'm starting to think like you, spending more on fewer but nicer items for quality. I'm not sure what or where from though. I want this to include jewellery as I buy lots of cheap stuff but it looks cheap IYSWIM.

ApplesTheHare · 20/12/2017 20:05

I've tried on a few things that looked nice online but was surprised by how frumpy they were irl.

Original poster
Honey1975 · 20/12/2017 20:08

Oh no! In what way frumpy? I did think there wasn't much colour in there, lots of grey & black but I thought some of the knitwear was nice and cosy looking.

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ApplesTheHare · 20/12/2017 20:09

For me it was the cut and the sizing. I found everything I tried on came up too big and hung in an unflattering way. You don't know until you give it a go though!

Madbengalmum · 20/12/2017 20:12

Think its a bit mumsy at times. Seen lots of older 60+ women buying.

mrsBeverleyGoldberg · 20/12/2017 20:14

Expensive. I tried a top on in their sale. I looked like a buxom milkmaid.
My friend tried a on a top and when she bought it, they wrapped it in tissue paper. The top was great.

Original poster
Honey1975 · 20/12/2017 20:29

Any suggestions where I can get some nice quality things in the sales that aren't too pricey and not frumpy. I'm 42 & have lost my way a bit and am fed up having a wardrobe full of cheap looking stuff that doesn't last. Want to change how I shop for clothes in 2018.

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ApplesTheHare · 20/12/2017 20:37

Honey1975 that's very commendable. Have you tried Cos? Similar prices but more stylish than MV.

Mulberrysilk · 20/12/2017 20:40

I buy a lot from there. I really like it. I don't see myself as frumpy.

The quality isn't bad but isn't what it used to. Unfortunately that's the case with pretty much every brand these days.

ApplesTheHare · 20/12/2017 20:42

Mulberrysilk that's so true re: quality. Fast fashion has put an end to quality clothing in this country Sad

DavidGandyfanclubpresident · 20/12/2017 20:43

I've just bought the grey aviator faux fur filet, am not entirely sold on it, cut is a bit odd and it's quite short in the body. Quality is great and the faux fur is lovely but I'm not sure it's a keeper and I'm a bit disappointed as it looked ace online.

DavidGandyfanclubpresident · 20/12/2017 20:44

Gilet not filet Grin bloody auto correct!

Original poster
Honey1975 · 20/12/2017 20:44

No I haven't ever looked at Cos Apples, thanks will take a look. I feel at a funny age. Don't want to look like the height of fashion but don't want to be old before my time either! Definitely need some nice new items though as feel like I'm always a bit scruffy and on the rare occasion I have a night out, I have nothing to wear!

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Ragusa · 20/12/2017 20:45

I think it's OK if you are really skinny. Anything above a size 12, avoid like plague, as it tends toward sack-shaped and not designed for boobs at all - lots of slash necks and loose fitting.

I also have an issue with their lack of colour and pattern. It all seems to be black/ grey/ taupe/ white/ occasional flash of green. It's like it's trying to be nordic noir on a hanger!

Ragusa · 20/12/2017 20:48

Cos is good stuff but again, it's designed for people with no tits or hips. It's nice though.

Anthropologie has lovely women's clothing - unusual and a wide variety of cuts/ styles/ patterns. I also quite like Oliver Bonas clothing but again, it tends to not be flattering for the larger of bust. Many a thing I have loved on the hanger but had to relegate to the "lovely for friend xyz but not for these mommas" category.

Original poster
Honey1975 · 20/12/2017 20:53

Oh heck I have hips & boobs. Size 10-12 but petite 5'3" and more curvy thank skinny. What shops will work for me?

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Ragusa · 20/12/2017 20:59

I think you can get away with pretty much anywhere at that clothes size @Honey1975. Unless you have an outlier like size 30 HH boobs. Just pick somewhere that you like the look of.

ApplesTheHare · 20/12/2017 21:00

Ragusa I find Cos great and I'm not skinny. I'm petite but definitely have curves.

Parisiennne · 20/12/2017 21:02

I really like the look of their stuff and it actually fits me really well but my issue is the quality. One wash and everything is out of shape and looks awful. I'd only ever buy in the sale but really wary now as a lot of stuff only looks decent the first wear. Cos is not my cup of tea at all so watching with interest for other suggestions.

TeaAddict235 · 20/12/2017 21:34

I have a lovely satin overlay cotton underlining wine red MV long sleeve shirt with patterning that I treasure. But it is tight across my chest (true about boob limitations), and I feel that it shrunk after being washed. I bought a size 10 but wish that I'd gotten a size 12. Also it shows up my sweat patches.

I'm going to have to sell it.

taytotayto111 · 20/12/2017 21:45

This year I've been buying less but much better quality. I try things on in store and take photos in the dressing room then check on eBay for it. I love jaeger but can't afford their prices. I really wanted a new winter coat from jaeger so tried loads on in store then got one at a bargain price on eBay and I adore it. I also buy vintage M&S and again jaeger on eBay. The quality is AMAZING and the price is silly cheap. In fact I spend more on dry cleaning than some of the items cost.

PersonAtHome · 20/12/2017 21:51

I've had some lovely jeans from MV a few years ago, but notice that the ones they stock now seem to be of lower quality. Also I've got a great jumper from there. I'm in my 40s and I'm definitely not frumpy (well I hope not!). I also buy the occasional thing from Boden (sale usually), M&S (a lot of frump in there but I can usually find one or two acceptable items), I love Jigsaw but it's usually too expensive. Phase 8 can sometimes feel frumpy / older womanish, but if I choose well I can often find a top there that fits and flatters. I think for me in my 40s it's about picking out the items that really flatter my shape and pairing them with good quality jewellery and footwear. I make more effort with hair and makeup now than I did when I was younger. I usually try and mix up cheaper clothes with more expensive ones. Bought a great denim skirt from levis recently.

Original poster
Honey1975 · 20/12/2017 21:52

Tayto do you find the same things on eBay that are in the shops at the time, or do you buy similar styles that have been used?
I have bought a few things that were either awful or didn't fit me from eBay so am a bit wary but can see how it could be money saving if you get it right.

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Original poster
Honey1975 · 20/12/2017 21:55

Thanks Personathome, I've often wondered about Boden but again thought it was out of my price range. Are their clothes any good for petite people?

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