This thread is about as French as a Sainsbury's baguette

[AuldAlliance]

But we'll still enjoy it...

Oh I know that post sales shopping feeling very well, it's a bit how I feel after binging on cheap milk chocolate. It's partly why I went back to buying 2nd hand wherever possible - means I can feed my habit without creating further landfill while supporting a charity (although I'm a bit more sceptical since Oxfam) or just a local independent business. Although before I disappear up my own virtuous arse, it also means I can afford better clothes.

Looking forward to seeing your purchases Bo.
Peony has also been sale shopping (in Harrogate). I feel naughty rather than nauseous. Nothing on my wish list but I think I’ll get good wear out of all the items.
Pale grey cotton tshirt from Jigsaw. It’s silky in finish with interesting sleeve cuffs. I think it could be dressed up or down. Paired with a red skirt I bought earlier this summer from, ahem, Boden. The skirt needs taking in slightly on the waist but I like the colours together.
Also bought a long cream cashmere cardigan from Jigsaw. It was too lovely to leave in the shop
And finally a navy cropped vintage style collared cardigan from Brora. Probably wouldn’t have bought that if I’d hit the Jigsaw sale first... But I think it will be nice with my work pencil and a-line skirts.
Interesting to read what others have said about fast fashion. My spending has been through the roof recently (must rein it in), but I haven’t had any buyer’s remorse. I think that’s because I’ve been buying quality items and thinking very carefully about what suits me and what will go with what. Finding that this thread really helps me to make well-considered purchases.

No harm done Bob, I agree and actually feel it is part of the spirit of this thread as discern is a huge part of it. It was unsettling as I am more of a contemplative buyer usually. It felt excessive to me even if it wasn't financially.

It'll seem silly to some but I've decided to return the seamless undies set and buy a more expensive pair from Hanro I had been planning to buy (but were out of stock in my size). I bought them because they were cheap and were available and I was already heading to the register but I hate the idea of having that extra white pair which I find horrific looking and just will never wear. So I'd rather someone else buy those and actually wear them. Everything else is useful and/or was on my list of things to look out for, except the playsuit but that was something I instantly loved.

Pics attached, the playsuit has buttons down the middle so can be worn a bit more demurely but I prefer the camisole look. The silk camisole I'll probably wear tucked in rather than flowing out as the proportions work better for me that way as visible in attached pic, the wide on wide has magically turned me into a short pear with a long upper body. I could wear it over my one and only pair of skinnies but I'd need to wear heels with it to balance out the distorted proportions but I think it would feel very dated. I've tried it tucked in with my Dries van Noten and Toteme trousers so far and it's a really lovely colour and fit with both, much more exciting than my planned black or white. I'm really pleased with it as it plays down my boobs which makes it more relaxed looking, a lot of the other camisoles I tried gave me that 90s globular look which felt too much like lingerie to me.

Pumping have you been MN bra intervened with that size? I'm not a fan of it for me but it does seem to make a massive difference for those that are more full chested. I do think it's worth doing a few of those online body size calculators as hourglasses are quite rare and there's variations of it. I'm a classic hourglass but that's very different to dressing a fuller hourglass.

Peony, that cream cardigan is absolutely lovely, as are your other purchases, but that one definitely should not have been left behind. I haven't owned a cardigan in years, you're making me reconsider now.

Peony, the Jigsaw cardigan is lovely. Does it come in any other colours? (Cream doesn't suit me).

Bo, enjoyed the photos. I like the playsuit both ways - it's great it's versatile enough to be styled in completely different ways for different occasions/moods. From the photo also like the camisole tucked in. It's an orangey-red, no?

I'd call it vermillion, Sophie, it's different than the tomato-reds with an orange base that have been around for a few years (and aren't that flattering on me, I can work with it, but it's not my best match and I find it looking a bit flat in a lot of fabrics, regardless of whether it suits someone or not. I'm seeing quite a bit of the vermillion in the shops at the moment, the Cos cotton sweater I tried on previously (above) was more of a punchy orange though. For whatever reason I am drawn to a sort of 70s colour palette of brown, sludgy green, mustard, and orange at the moment. I think it'll be nice to transition into in the autumn as well but I may think very differently by then...

I agree Bo as the saying goes, you buy cheap you buy twice. It is also true that a prefect purchase, even if expensive does not usually cause buyer’s remorse. For me a perfect purchase fits into my existing wardrobe and my life and somehow enhances what I already have. I am cautious with fast fashion as I have had bad experiences with H&M and next, although the odd piece can be really handy.

Sorry Sophie it was just in cream and looks to be sold out online now.
Bo, I can’t believe you’ve been anti-cardigan! They are so useful, but I think you have to play with the proportions / length to avoid descending into frumpsville. I really like cropped vintagey style ones too, worn done-up with high waisted skirts or trousers. For me, they either have to end on the waist or be super long. I also don’t get on at all with waterfall style cardigans.
Like the sound of that colour palette too, Bo. But not on me, I don’t suit all those lovely sludgy warm shades.

I completely understand about taking back the cheaper underwear, especially as you weren't going to wear it anyway, bo. I know what you mean about being a contemplative shopper, I used to be well-known for having lots of clothes . But, now I have really streamlined my wardrobe and I very much enjoy spending time considering what I want/need. Not that I don't buy things spontaneously too, just not so much.

Last year, I seemed to be all about the jumper, but I've worn more cardigans recently. Love the jigsaw cardigan! On warmer days, I have a couple of very fine knit linen cardigans also, a pale green cashmere, more vintage style one. I have some longer, wool ones for spring or autumn, one from Celtic & Co, which is very long at the back and another circular one in blue/grey mohair. I quite like interesting/sculptural shapes in clothes .

Thank you, quirky :) I love it. The other nice thing about vintage is that the vast majority of sellers will let you pay for things in instalments so in a few weeks' time, I shall send off the final instalment and it shall be mine!

Flo I am often disappointed by real life vintage stores in the UK - I seem to end up wading through piles of 70s polyester and 90s tartan to get through to anything remotely midcentury. The significant exception to this is Blackout II in London. I think the US is much better for midcentury (presumably because of the shorter rationing/war period?) and you can access those places online.

I like the idea of doing a 3 month clothes-purchasing fast, bo. I simply do not need any more clothes. I have enough beautiful things to last me a lifetime! Etsy is pretty decent for 90s stuff but it's amazing how prices for everything are creeping up. I am not sure what came first: my proportions or my love of the 40s style. I suppose I did grow up on a diet of black and white film femme fatales which must have had some influence! I know what you mean about not wanting to look like a time traveller... I try to keep everything else super modern (I never do vintage shoes or hair). Partly because I find vintage shoes uncomfortable but mostly because while I admire those who go for the costume look, it simply would not wash in my workplace in the City (nor is it really my style). 40s would work well in your proportions, I think, but so would the slimmer-hipped silhouettes of the 50s and early 60s.

I love the idea of a tiny waist club. I like my waist now (having discovered an excellent seamstress and vintage) but I remember going shopping with my teenage friends in Topshop and River Island and feeling deeply disheartened that nothing seemed to fit.

Hello pumping - I know a couple of vintage ladies of similar stature and they swear by the 40s draped maxi dresses. One lady also mentioned that with her longer torso, some of the dropped waist (still very fitted until the top of the hip) 50s dresses by e.g. Anne Fogarty worked well. I think the 40s silhouette could work well on your proportions (there is a ton of stuff for a 29" waist too) - how do you feel about strong shoulders? If the answer is "slightly nervous" then perhaps later 40s would work better?

I meant to add, lovely pictures, bo, great that you can wear the playsuit 2 ways, the silk camisole is gorgeous what a lovely colour.

I've not really got into proper vintage clothes Gah, but like, flo I do like charity shops (and have bought quite a bit lately ) as they allow me to have something different and I agree, often things I would not normally be able to afford. I like the idea of pairing with something in an older style with something more modern. I do have some 90s clothes that were mine, still going, I think it shows how the quality has diminished a lot.

Style magazine has an article about sustainable clothes that I've only skimmed saying people should buy more thoughtfully as fast fashion relies on impulse buys.

Vintage shops certainly aren't what they used to be Gah and it doesn't help that some owners put their best stuff straight online. But there are still a couple that I go in regularly where they know what I like so put things to one side for me. I got a lovely fifties tailored jacket that way a few weeks ago, and the dealer could tell me a bit about the original owner which was really interesting. I find the grunge shops can still be good for silk shirts and Harris tweed and proper velvet and 80s trousers. I just prefer real shops basically. But I know I'm a dying breed - my son thinks it's very quaint.

I'm still having a bad run with charity shops quirky but I did walk away from an Acne Studios dress recently cos it was too flowery so maybe things are starting to look up.

Interesting vintage tips Gah81 I used to buy more vintage stuff when my waist was smaller and I still have two lovely dresses I can just about squeeze into. I am a former member of the small waist club. I was put on probation after the birth of my first, but my membership has been well and truly revoked at this point! It has made it easier to shop on the high street now and I’m much more of a standard size whereas previously I had to have a lot of items altered so I am sympathetic to your plight (such as it is!)

peony I love that cream cardigan too. The buttons are a nice detail and elevate it nicely. Navy cardigan is a solid workwear buy.

I like the playsuit botemp Then length is exactly right. I often find it hard to hit that sweet spot where it’s short enough to looks youthful, but not so short it looks scandalous. I’m still drooling over the black version of the Toteme trousers. I saw that Camille Charier has the cream pair too. I still have no idea who she is, but follow her on Instagram and there is a lot of crossover with the pieces that are picked out here.

I like your description of binging on fast fashion being akin to having too much milk chocolate Floisme. It’s spot on. I agree that more sustainable purchases are the way to go. One thing that is pleasing is that I haven’t thrown out any clothes in a long time. Buying better quality means that I’ve been able to sell on Vestaire, give to family / friends or donate to charity which feels much more satisfying.

I do identify, guiltily with what you’re saying Bob and that it definitely a rabbit hole I’ve fallen down – “Now I need the perfect belt….”

I’d never heard of Zeus and Dione – some nice looking pieces there, fabrics looks nice, but what a shame they’re not manufactured locally any more.

I love Cos too, but agree that it really needs to be tried on in person. This blue shirt has been a great workwear buy, the volume works well with skinny trousers. I can wear some of their stranger pieces, but don’t always want to!

I tried on the wide-legged Jaquemus trousers again and I’m going to keep them. I tried them with the top in this picture and I liked the overall look. Incidentally that top is 6 years old and still going strong. I’ve ordered the culottes in a size up. I like the idea of them for going out and could swap out the ribbon for a belt or dark ribbon which I think might make them feel more work wear.

Pfft I weathered the start of the online Zara sale last night. Took me over half an hour to check out Not buying anything new, just being a cheap fucker as I'm still begrudging paying the price I did for the white knotted linen blouse. As a result it's been sitting with the tags on, still unworn. I had decided to return it if it hadn't gone on sale as it just felt overpriced for what it is. Only problem is I need to return the one I have within the next few days which means I'll have to go into Zara with their ridiculous sale crowds. Argh. Lesson of the day, being a cheap fucker has its price.

I've never had terrible experiences with H&M, Bob. I do tend to buy exclusively from their premium lines though (the pink label Trend line, the colabs and special collections). I've mentioned before that as a company I consider H&M one of the better ones when it comes to fast fashion. I've never shopped at Next but I'm not in the UK but I wouldn't shop with them, I'd rather not do business with companies that encourage irresponsible shopping habits by offering credit to those who can't really afford it. I know they can be a lifeline to those in need when they need it but that's not how those schemes are designed and they're really exploitative of vulnerable groups. Perhaps it's more innocent in the UK but similar companies here have done a lot of damage, continually offering to up and extend credit (and the credit rate) when it was clear they were never going to be able to pay it back, etc.

I'm not anti-cardigan peony as that would put me in the anal bleaching camp but they're a bit too busy on my body shape, the boobs become really pronounced alongside the shoulders and it's just too fussy. A traditional cardigan I will only wear back to front. It's when cardigans become fashionable that they're of use to me, like the waterfall cardigan, wrap cardigan, the boleros of yonks ago (which surely means they'll be back again any time now), etc. Those giant manly cardigans in highly textured materials were okay but they made me a bit short looking but I have to say I was very bored with jumpers all winter so a bit of variation would be good.

There are some amazing 'proper' vintage shops in Paris around the Louvre but I only ever dare look in the windows as it's all couture grade stuff that costs thousands at minimum. They're quite selective though as the normal vintage shops will have high end labels from the covetable decades but it will all be very costume-like. They really value the timeless pieces but anything too pronounced and there's no interest for it. Saw some beautiful 50s coats last time, was very tempted but they weighed a tonne and needed a lot of alterations to fit me.

I'm a bit wary of shopping vintage online, if I could return things I'd be more inclined.

Charity shops are a bit shit here. I give them a go now and then but I've never come across anything good or heard of anyone finding anything good. Their main USP seems to be that it's really cheap, and little else. Lots of online trade though.

Elle love the Jacquemus trousers with the Dries top (at least I think I recognise it as a Dries). It's a really different look for you but it really suits you.

Incidentally when I was attempting to check out my Zara order last night I was biding my time by watching a web series (I'll link them up later) on women in fashion (spoiler alert, almost all of them were Parisians) and it featured Camille Charier. She used to work in finance, then turned blogger/Instagrammer which is probably why she's stylistically of interest here as her style started out very much in relation to corporate workwear. I think our conversations on this thread have really exposed to me how much of a demand there is for workwear beyond just being dressed and appropriate, conveying the right message, how to navigate dress codes as a women with an interest in style, etc. Yet all media (especially social) seems to focus on casual, the highly conceptual, and well whatever it is Instagram style is, it's a bit contextless.

Gosh, Elle, that top is fantastic. It's fortunate that you've had it a few years, or I'd be hunting one.

Bo's playsuit is very cute but I must rule out any emulation on the grounds of age and thread veins.

Three months shopping abstention sounds like an excellent plan; I have all that I need until autumn and July is the month when everyone I know has a birthday, so the credit card will need a break. I am even going to give my favourite shop's summer sale preview a wide berth.

It would be great if you could link that series botemp. I totally agree with you about workwear being a neglected spot. It might not be the most exciting spot for a brand, but lets face it most of us need to work for a living. Of course there are industries where the avant garde or very casual looks work, but I think far more of us are trying to negotiate a line between appearing suitably corporate, but also injecting a bit of personality. I would love to find more pieces like that Dries top and the Dries trousers where the items provide a bit of interest in a subtle way. It can be tricky to get right. I love fashion, but I fear if I incorporate too much into any given outfit it risks being distracting or being seen (wrongly, but it's not the point) as frivolous.

I totally agree that workwear is a neglected area. I like to look corporate with a twist, but that’s surprisingly tricky. Keep posting your outfits Elle as your style is bang on what I’m aiming for.
Interesting to hear what you say about waist size increase, Elle. After baby #1, I’m 1 inch up on the waist. Given how much I put on with #1 , I’m pleased to have ended up where I am. Breastfeeding massively changed my physiology but now that it’s several months since I stopped, those changes appear have mostly reversed. Not keen on the idea of further increases! I still have my big bottom, so need a smaller waist IMO. We are hoping to get #2 cooking before the end of this year. I have mixed emotions on this subject. Obviously a baby would be a wonderful blessing, but I do not relish the thought of all the changes to my body that are wrought by pregnancy, birth and breastfeeding. This might sound a bit bonkers but I think this is why my spending is a bit excessive at the moment: each month since coming off the pill in April I think “oooh I’m not pregnant, let me celebrate still being able to wear lovely clothes and buy some more tight fitted things”.

Workwear is so difficult. I am trying to find some casual work-day looks that aren't nice jeans/neat jumper/top/boots and am failing.

I've just bought this - shop.mango.com/gb/women/dresses-short/fitted-textured-dress_21073688.html?c=52 - which actually works well for smarter-ish days. It's just above knee length on me.

I'd also love a more casual shirt-type dress, but one with this sort of fitted skirt rather than a flared one - which makes my bottom half look huge - does anyone have any ideas? I've tried a fair few and none have been quite right.

Our charity shops are a bit shit too Floisme. Maybe all their best stuff goes on ebay as well!

I'm probably being slightly unfair and over-dramatic Peony. Waist size is just 2 inches bigger and lower tummy a bit less flat, but it's probably as much to do with the lifestyle changes as the pregnancies. I just don't have the time to exercise as much as I used to. I completely know what you mean about taking joy in clothes. Between pregnancy and breastfeeding I had basically 4 years of not accessing my "full" wardrobe and I am loving rediscovering all my clothes.

There's lots of lovely looking things in Mango's new collection, but I'm not sure how they'll look in person.

To be honest I used to moan like hell about the charity shops here and it was only when I upped my game that I started having any success. I realised it wasn't just about looking in the more affluent parts of town, that being close to parking was just as important (easier for donors to drop off). And I began doing a regular circuit - ideally once a week. I can still go a few months sometimes without seeing anything at all. Summer is particularly bad. A few years ago I wouldn't have had the time to do it.

flo we're still quite lucky with our charity shops, there's a few next to each other, so I think they've had to up their game. The prices are going up, though, one had handbags in the window for £50, whereas similar were under £10 previously.

peony I know what you mean about changing your body shape with pregnancy, we are under such pressure to conform to certain body shapes, and then pregnancy throws it all out. I also felt completely shit when I was pregnant, which didn't help either! My feet grew with dd1, and I had to throw out all my shoes .

Here you go, Elle, coincidentally it's called 'Elles':

I have to say it's a lacking a bit of depth and any critical balance but it's entertaining enough. The episode on photography could really have been expanded more IMO because as female as the industry may be, the lens is still predominantly held by men. I think that's one of the few positives I do see in the Instagram (fashion and style) world, it always initially starts as self-portraiture and even when it evolves into professionally photographed blogs it primarily caters to a female audience.

Catherine, Ba&sh often cater to that silhouette of more relaxed on top, fitted at the bottom dresses but you might have to wait out the for the A/W season stuff as these are the only one in pic 1 I can see on their website at the moment and that's more a fancy t-shirt dress. It's something that would work well for me but I think more formal environments the soft 100% cotton fabric may be too casual?

I've tried this Equipment dress in pic 2 on in person. It was very large on me but it wasn't very flary despite looking like it is, but looking on their website the one in pic 3 may fit your criteria better, it's final sale though so non returnable- I've linked to their US website as that's always easiest but I'm guessing with the dress name you should be able to find it online elsewhere without the final sale issues and import duties and taxes hassle.

I saw a few new bits in Mango about a week ago, Elle, it looked pretty decent but the true workwear stuff is always let down in A/W by their choice in fabrics IME.

Floisme when you say there was nothing is it you find a few things but they're not your size/impossible or not worth it to alter, or after trying it on it's all a bit of a disappointment, or is it going through every single item in the shop and nothing even gets a lukewarm response? For me it's always the latter, I had some time to burn yesterday as the Zara line at the cash register was to the door -will attempt to make my return again today- so I passed by two 2nd hand shops and the only thing that had any potential was an Amani dress (one of the diffusion lines) in a lovely crepe silk garnet, looked to be my size but they were charging over a hundred euros for it and I'd never get much wear out of it to justify that price. I may attempt a more regular circuit in the fast fashion abstention period (despite starting yesterday I still have to decide what really counts as FF, what's everyone's opinion on something like COS or Arket?) on a weekly basis, I'll have the time for it from next week onwards as my business closes down for the summer, and frankly I'm bored with the prospect already. Not the charity shops, I should clarify, the not working bit.

bo it's a bit of both I suppose. I'm still seeing the odd thing that's bargainous but when I try it on, it just doesn't work for me e.g. the Acne dress I saw recently was just too floaty and pretty. But I don't get on so well with summer clothes anyway plus I think people here tend to buy cheaper in the summer cos some years it only lasts a couple of weeks so there seems little point in spending a lot, which then has a knock on effect on donations. I'm sure it will look up come the autumn.

My best second hand (not vintage) shop is a dress agency - not sure what they're called in Europe but 'consignment' in the US. I think the affluent women round here don't need to bother with Ebay but they're not so well off that they can afford to give away their best stuff, so they use an agency and take a percentage. There's a a brilliant one not too far from me and I will be devastated when she retires.

If it helps I wouldn't count Cos as fast fashion as so much of their stuff is repeat lines.

Cheers bo - I will see if I can scare some of those up.

It's a very casual office thankfully unless it involves some client meetings.

Oh...regarding Mango they are SO hit and miss. Sometimes a thing that looks lovely on the site arrives and the fabric is just impossibly flimsy and cheap. And sometimes it's good. I think I like their accessories best.