At a loss where to buy stuff

[Sarcelle]

After a period of not buying stuff due to expenses elsewhere I wanted to buy a few things for the summer.

Me, early 50s, my preferred style is pared down - i.e can't afford it but Armani/Jennifer Anniston. Occasionally like some colourful stuff (Anthropology etc.)

I have recently been to Bluewater, Kingston and Guildford - all good shopping areas but I could not find anything. I am a slim hourglass but find a lot of stuff just hangs with no defined waistline, or has a high neck which is no good if you have a bust.

The High Street is in a shocking state. No wonder shops are closing. No effort is being made by retailers. The Primarkification of the High Street really has filtered down to all shops. They don't present the clothes well, they are crammed on, creased. Why would you part with cash to buy this stuff?

The clothes on offer are a sea of polyester, dowdy, shapeless or leopard print. What is it with leopard print, after a winter of it they have continued it into this season. Fashion has not moved on at all.

Zara used to be a great place for a bit of affordable continental styling, but most of the outfits in their border on fancy dress costumes - who is buying it? Their stores are packed but I don't see people wearing the stuff in the streets. (A colleague told me she went to Spain recently and the Zaras there have much better offerings.)

Guildford has lots of vacant stores. The demographic of the town is wealthy so thats worrying. The big Debenhams there is closing down. Its on a great site by the river, no doubt it will be sold for luxury rabbit hutch flats, as I think John Lewis( who would be a natural fit) won't be taking over the site. The House of Fraser there, which was one of their better stores, is now a dowdy mess. Marks and Spencer is still lacking. They seemed to have improved the Per Una range (never thought I would say that) but one of the offerings from that range is a £250 leather biker jacket. A nod in the right direction but who is going to buy a spendy item like that from Per Una?

It's very depressing and I am now making do with what I have. Unless you can tell me otherwise....,

Just having a rant really.

Have you had a look in John Lewis? Maybe you could try the personal shopper experience there?

I love Whistles - their shops are run like boutiques, so you have a nice experience. It is quite expensive but most things are reduced at Sale times. I imagine, based on how you describe yourself, that Reiss would work well for you too.

Best of luck!

Yes, tried JL. Bit boring. I looked at Whistles, a few niceish tops but not worth the money. I don't mind spending money but not if the clothes aren't worth it.

This is one reason why I switched back to buying second hand - it was the only way I could afford brands like Joseph and Margaret Howell. I don't know Guildford but, if's it's an affluent town, I would imagine it has a few dress agencies, selling barely worn designer names. I would go in and have a thorough try on. (There's also Ebay but, if it's second hand, I want to see before I buy.)

Back on the high street, the only store I know where the quality impresses me is Cos. I know it's divisive but it's worth a look. I've heard good things about Arket too (same company) but not seen it for real. I've also been hearing good things on here about M&S so if you can get to one of their big stores, that might be worth a visit too.

I have been in a few Cos branches but it all looks a bit Amish. I don't have a problem with that look but it does not suit me.

I have been in big branches of M & S. Nothing inspiring. Lots of high neck tops. No good for me, need a bit of a dip neck otherwise it all looks shelflike up top.

In general there seems to be a shorter top thing happening. Not sure how many people feel comfortable in those.

My problem is I am out of kilter with the High Street and as it seems to be demising, that might always be the case. I have a waist, so the shapeless stuff does not suit, I have a bust so high necks are out. Don't like garish prints or glitter. I don't want disposable fashion but don't want to buy designer. Might check out Reiss as a PP indicated.

I don't like second hand clothes. I wish I did but can't get past that somebody else had worn it. No offence meant, I have tried!

Not on the high street unfortunately (well, I think both have a store somewhere in London but they are predominantly online) but sounds like Winser London or Me and Em might be your sort of thing? Maybe Baukjen. Arket are cheaper than them, and I really rate them for basics, great quality at a fair price (I always use welcome for 10% off, works every time if you don't log in) and decent ethical credentials. Refunds can be slow but their telephone customer service is brilliant.

@Sarcelle I feel your struggles. I'm similar age and spent hours yesterday in our local city centre looking for summer wardrobe to come away with nothing.

Luckily we have a big independent store near where I live that stocks brands such as gerry webber, Betty Barclay , gabor etc,

They aren't trendy labels, but I find the cut and quality good and sit between high street and designer. John Lewis used to stock these but no longer in the shops - might need to order online.

Try www.peterhahn.co.uk/women

Have you tried uniqlo the fabrics in there are good and last.also love jigsaw in sales for good quality

Totally agree with you regarding Primarkification of the high st it's a horrific polyester nightmare

Completely agree with what you've said. I wouldn't dismiss Cos though, I did for years and eventually went in and tried some items and was pleasantly surprised. They are great for well cut basics, my 3 year old sweaters still look new.

I always find stacks in Zara (am 49) but other places I shop:

Other Stories
Me & Em
Arkett
Essential Antwerp
Sezane
Sandro
J Crew (not much from here TBF - Boy ‘neat’ for me)
The Outnet
ASOS

I am working in central London and just been in a Zara. They seem to have a better, more grown up range than the Bluewater/Kingston/Guildford branches. It was a smaller branch but the clothes seemed to be tailored to a different demographic. I am going back after work to have a proper look.

Thanks for all the other suggestions. Some good leads. There was an Arket in Bluewater but I did not go in, so kicking myself.

I believe Zara still has a good reputation for tailoring so maybe the central London stores stock more of it?

Massimo Dutti? I don't know it well but it's Zara's bigger sister.

I second Me and Em although they have a lot of high necks.

I dismissed Cos for years. I was wrong.

Yep this. 110%. Everywhere seems awful!!! So many dowdy colours, Bardot tops or leopard print.

I don't want to look like I'm on a night out!

I've tried Cos but feel like I'm too short and dumpy and everything is really boxy. Need to give Arket a go

I’m roughly the same age and shape as you. My last purchases have been from fat face, white stuff, Boden and jigsaw - cotton or linen.
Trousers generally fit but every top I've bought this year, I’ve had to take in around the middle.
I could have worn all of it when 7 months pregnant. Really annoying.

I wonder what tourists from places like Italy, Spain and France think about our shops?

I know Primark has extended its tentacles into mainland Europe so perhaps they are going the same way.

I am sure places like Primark have their place but it just encourages disposable and shoddy fashion.

When was the last time you bought something that gave you a real buzz rather than "that will do"? I genuinely can't remember. I have more disposable income than I have ever done but nowhere to spend it.

On the plus side there are some nice bags and belts but I am all accessorised out.

I get a lot online from Esprit

Mid fifties, former Guildford shopper now living in France. Have spent a lot of the last two years in mainland Europe and believe me, the British high street is the best!

France and Italy are full of man made materials, think Per Una. Italians seem to love bling.

Germany better than most.

Spain is great for multiple branches of Massimo (my favourite), Zara and Mango.

poetry and/or wrap?

I know you dismiss M&S but the last time I got a buzz was trying on the new "lily" slim jeans. They were absolutely perfect and exactly what I was looking for. Last tops I got excited about were Ines de la Fressange x Uniqlo, all natural fibres, lovely 1940s style blouses and wool trousers. Last dress I got excited about was cotton from Bombshell HQ online.

Massimo Duti is very European chic, as near as Armani as you'll get on the high street.

Arket’s good, I’m wearing a top from there today. Cos looks much, much better on than on the hanger.

I came here to say Massimo Dutti too, as well as Karen Millen, Reiss, The Fold, COS, Winser, Ralph Lauren, Pure, Bejauken, Pepper berry, Mango & Warehouse.

Unfortunately, you have to spend a lot for fitted, well tailored clothes.

I recently spent some time in Germany and the clothes there were amazing (if you like the Jennifer Aniston look).

Try to find some independent boutiques near you and also shop in the nicer parts of London. Up here its all frilled, floral, off the shoulder jumpsuits...

I’m a Guildford shopper too, similar age and know exactly what you’re saying. Also disappointed that Debenhams won’t be a John Lewis! I tend to buy basics from Hush, used to use Baukjen but it’s got somewhat frumpy recently, MeandEm is hopeless if you’ve got boobs. Used to use LK Bennett but they tend to be high necks with bows/frills and prissy! If you do find a solution please let me know 😁

Yes, Guildford is a worry. A monied area, the right demographic for some great brands and yet it seems like it is on the road to a slow death. If that town is struggling, not sure if there is any hope. I used to be an Oxford Street/Regent St shopper but it is such a stressful experience I have given up going there.

House of Fraser used to be a good branch in Guildford. It is such a shame it is going downhill. I gave up on the Debenhams years ago.

There are lots of leads on there which I will investigate.

Thanks to all that recommend Massimo Dutti. I do like their clothes - but mainly the autumn/winter ones.

I miss Banana Republic.

Cos T shirts are the best and their simple cotton shirts are first class. I’m a huge fan of Arkett. Massimo Dutti are quite a young look for summer but good fabrics. I also use Poetry and Wrap. Occasionally Boden but only in the sale. I like Jaeger linen and the mustard M&S linen double breasted jacket is brilliant!