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Original poster

What’s happened at Whistles?

34 replies

Circeplease · 25/04/2019 11:58

Is it just me or is it awful now? I used to buy lots in there, lovely sweaters and work dresses, even coats, parka, leather jacket - everything. Now absolutely everything is boxy and huge and made for very tall people only - and their website is odd - the models even stand in a strange pose. I’ve tried a few dresses etc but all have gone back. Disappointing.

OP posts:
enjoyingscience · 25/04/2019 11:59

Their head of design went to warehouse a few years ago - maybe look there instead.

Elllllle · 25/04/2019 12:14

I find it hit and miss like most places. The great pieces are still there though. And funnily enough, I used to buy everything at warehouse and now find it either awkward or crew neck (ugh).

Notinmyduty · 25/04/2019 12:26

Haven't bought anything from whistles in ages and I keep getting their 20% off discounts and trying really hard to find something. I have lost interest in French Connection and Jigsaw too.

Original poster
Circeplease · 25/04/2019 12:35

I’m early 40s I feel I’m a bit old for warehouse and also fabrics etc aren’t quite what I like. I’ve persevered with Whistles but even when I have gone for something simple like a sweater or sweatshirt it’s never really been a favourite. Maybe it is the designer change though - or maybe fashion has moved in the wrong direction to me Wink

OP posts:
Floisme · 25/04/2019 13:20

I still quite like the look but I dumped them a couple of years ago after they pissed me off once too often with their shoddy quality. It seemed to coincide with Jane Shepherdson leaving.

NorthernGravy · 25/04/2019 13:25

I’m not paying £180 for a polyester dress!

Hullabalooo · 25/04/2019 13:54

Where's Jane shephardson moved to now?

WoahThereMama · 25/04/2019 15:18

The quality has really gone downhill whereas the prices continue to sky rocket. I wouldn’t be surprised if it ended up going into administration.

simoncowellsteeth · 25/04/2019 15:22

Oh god I've been thinking this, I only recently got in to them but have already had a ton Of shrinkages in the Wash and it's a mission to find any cotton. It's definitely not worthy of the price.

Boyskeepswinging · 25/04/2019 15:31

I tried on one of their shirt dresses. It was well over £200 for 100% polyester but it was a lovely print so I gave it a go ... But what made me Angry was that there weren't enough buttons on the shirt dress so there were huge gaps all down the front of the dress. Shoddy.

joggerbottom · 25/04/2019 15:56

I agree OP.

After the rebrand (a decade ago?) it was my favourite brand. Now there are so many brands doing the same that it seems boring. I haven't bought anything there for years and prefer some of the John Lewis range for modern basics.

TheWombat · 25/04/2019 21:31

Agree OP - I haven’t bought anything there for years. They used to do lovely dresses and jackets in good materials - now it’s all a bit strange, every item has something not quite right about it; either the print, or a weird ruffle, or a strange collar - and the fabric quality is awful. What a shame. I don’t even look there anymore..

RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie · 25/04/2019 21:33

The quality is so poor now and fabrics are awful, for ridiculously high prices. I only ever look at the very end of the sale now and only online.

DatsunCogs · 25/04/2019 21:46

I didn't know that enjoy but it explains why I've had a renewed interest in Warehouse of late. I've bought some lovely grown up (I'm early 40s) clothes over the past 18 months, worth a go for those in doubt.

All the dresses in Whistles are too short/long. Rarely see anything I like now

OxanaVorontsova · 25/04/2019 21:52

Agree, I prefer & other stories and Massimo Dutti these days, I do like warehouse too (I’m late 40s) and Me and Em in the sale

Bellebelle · 25/04/2019 23:57

Same here, used to be my ‘go to’ shop for all occasions and bought loads every season, now I don’t even bother looking. I think it’s a combination of them just rolling out the same selection of clothes each season (patterned dresses, sweatshirts, leather jackets, striped tops etc etc) but not as well as they used to. When they rebranded they were the only ones doing what they did on the high street and now they’re nothing special and very expensive for what it is. Wouldn’t be surprised if they go the same way as LK Bennett eventually.

Cos, & Other Stories and Topshop Boutique are my high street favourites now and I’m buying more and more from The Outnet these days. Places like Whistles and Jigsaw got so expensive that reduced net-a-porter stuff from brands like Vince and James Perse are more affordable and better quality.

ThankYouDebbie · 26/04/2019 05:15

Noooo don't say that. They're just about to open one 10 minutes walk from my house!

Pinkarsedfly · 26/04/2019 05:19

The one in my town has closed down, I noticed yesterday.

borntobequiet · 26/04/2019 05:26

I’ve never been able to wear their clothes, but all models in shops stand in funny ways that make them look as though they suffer from rickets or some sort of bodily misalignment. This means that I avoid looking at window displays and am constantly irritated by clothes so displayed.
Models in photographs always have facial expressions that make them look grumpy/constipated/viciously angry as well. Why is this?

Tatapie · 26/04/2019 07:18

Interesting about Warehouse, I really like some of their stuff now even tho I haven't bought much as it's not my colours this season. I was thinking of starting a similar thread for Jigsaw, what is going on there? So dull! All these shops seem to be going androgynous, utilitarian wear like Cos etc but it's a shame as there's no one to fill the gap.

BabyDarlingDollfaceHoney · 26/04/2019 07:24

I saw a beautiful dress in my local Whistles and I've been contemplating ordering it got ages. I've never bought from Whistles before though and I'm not sure of the sizing. It is one if the more skimpy stores or is the sizing generous? I totally agree about the models... They look so awkward but I must say I think they have a lot of very pretty dresses and skirts. I love Warehouse too!

BabyDarlingDollfaceHoney · 26/04/2019 07:28

I agree a bit with Tatapie there are so many stores catering for the utilitarian / androgynous style with cocoon shapes and boxy things, everything baggy etc a la Cos... And I hate that style. I often feel shops are deliberately trying to make things less "pretty" 😔 but like the PP said about Whistles for her I guess it's just a trend that I unfortunately don't like and seems to be sticking around!

NotAnotherJaffaCake · 26/04/2019 07:31

Never a big fan of Whistles - their clothes never hung right on me, but Jigsaw has lost the plot. Dullsvillle and expensive. Yes to Warehouse and Oasis who are getting more of my money.

Blankscreen · 26/04/2019 07:44

I got a dress last year from Warehouse it was about £40 and my comment was it was very Whistles-esque but 1/3 of the price.

I just can't justify the prices in whistles.

Almahart · 26/04/2019 09:03

I agree. I like Other Stories, Cos, and Monki is also worth a look (also part of H&M)

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