Peony what a brilliant service- that’s inspired!
On the topic of those nursing vests, Primark do them now, the exact same as the very pricey Hot Milk one I got first time round (I always gag at the name of that brand) for a fraction of the cost. The fabric of both means they’re better suited for winter, but agree that they’re so handy.
On buying expensive clothes:
For the look – Yes sometimes the high street does good copies of certain looks and some styles lend themselves more to being copied at a cheap price point that others, but for certain items the high street can IMO only offer flimsy imitation. I’m thinking of some of the saturated silk print dresses I own, with beautifully aligned patterns. The closet thing I see on the high street – inevitably polyester (even at high-end high street) just doesn’t come close. In a similar vein, embellishments often fall short when they get translated to the high street with skimpy application meaning you just don’t get the sumptuous look of a designer piece.
For the quality – This is definitely not a given. I’ve clicked into lots of thins lately and been surprised at the fabric / price combination – I’m looking at you Proenza Shouler. I’m also really disappointed in the way the quality has declined in the diffusion lines. I have several old pieces from D&G or McQ that are lovely quality, but lately I feel like their offerings are much more akin to what you’d find on the high street in terms of fabric / construction which is a real shame because they used to provide a real bridge. So yes, quality is not a given and you can find quality on the high street. When you get it it’s great though – good lining fabric which makes the garment hang properly and generous seems to allow alteration. Trousers come long or unhemmed which is brilliant for me as a tall person. Some jackets have weighted chains sewn into to the hem which makes them hang beautifully. Bra catcher clips, spare buttons, proper pockets…
For the convenience – This is probably a big one for me. You can definitely find fabulous items on the high-street or second-hand, but you need time. Time to browse, time to try, time to alter. I am very time poor at the moment, so if I need work trousers I could try to find a spare 2/3 hour to browse in town at the weekend (unlikely) or I could order a pair or two from a brand I know online. I know if I buy from somewhere like Max Mara there is a high chance, provided I pay attention to the online description, that the trousers will be suitable. Of course there are occasional duds, but my hit ratio is much, much higher. Playing into the convenience is consistent sizing. I find I’m the same size in most designer brands and sites like NAP give excellent fit advice so I rarely have to return based on wrong size. This fit may be off, but the sizing rarely is. Ordering online from H&M is another matter. Returns are generally much easier from designer sites, just arrange collection, no need to go to the post office.
For social / environmental reasons – As discussed extensively. I’m trying to better where I can in terms of plastics at home and sustainability extends to clothes too. I do like that most garments are manufactured in the EU guaranteeing reasonable worker conditions, but I worry about protectionism too.
Because it’s expected – tricky one this. In my work it’s definitely expected that you present a certain appearance at certain times, no labels on show or anything brash like that. A canny shopper could definitely achieve the look from the high-street / second hand, but it’s tricky. Cheap shoes mostly look like cheap shoes and polyester trousers probably won’t cut it. That said, there are definitely things out there that are moderately priced that look “more than their money”. They’re the real gems. Cos is good for that.
And lastly because I can afford to – I say that only because I think sometimes there’s a lot of rhetoric about it being “worth it” and an investment and it rarely is. It’s not worth stretching yourself over and if it’s a choice between travel or a designer item, choose travel. I don’t like to think of people getting into debt over it.
Some of my most work pieces are high-street though – some old H&M, one M&S Autograph dress – before that range went to shite.
botemp I like those shorts, perfect length and what a bargain on the shoes! Where do you get the nip stickies from please? I should try them with camis.
Growing up between Ireland and Glasgow I have had a rather hmmmm intense experience of Catholicism and Protestantism with not a small amount if violence thrown in too.