£1200 to spend on..

[SuddenBeetE]

I’ve recently inherited a small amount from a much loved aunt.

She’d stipulated that I made sure some was saved just for fun spending on me, not the DC! Leftover I have approx £1200 to play around with, and as my aunt was a fabulous dressmaker and all round style queen I think a wardrobe update would be a fitting tribute.

I don’t really wear proper jewellery (I can’t at work) and have a work uniform so non office stuff. I’ve got my eye on a cashmere scarf but aside from that I’m a bit stuck. I do love trainers but that seems a little boring.

I’m 5ft 4, 10-12, hourglass shape.

Book a session with a stylist in house of Fraser or John Lewis

They can put together a selection and you can pick as much or as little as you like

Enjoy!!!

Thanks Winner. I tried a John Lewis personal shopper once before and I hated everything she brought me, it was all dresses and too formal. Perhaps I was just unlucky!

Slightly wrong time of year, but maybe a winter coat?
A good one will last for years and you can remember your aunt every time you wear it

Again wrong time of year but some smart boots that can last you years.

Surely if you’re stuck it means there isn’t anything you really want?

I could spend that amount in the blink of an eye - but I have a very long list.

If you’re determined to spend it now - I suppose it depends on which area of your life you want to dress for. Do you have any significant events coming up for which you’d like to be particularly well dressed? Do you take part in a sport or exercise that requires specialist clothing?

Do you need new glasses frames? Or dentistry?

The sales are on. You could look for some beautiful classic pieces - or splurge on something great - coat, boots etc for the autumn.

I think there’s lots of things I’d like, but I’m worried it should be a special, statement sort of thing and not just replacing things? Maybe you’re right. It’s harder than I thought!

A leather jacket from All Saints
Cashmere scarf
A great pair of jeans
Some decent white leather trainers that go with everything
A blazer that can be dressed up or down

I'd have no problem

Where do you usually shop?

I usually shop at H&M, Uniqlo, French connection, some warehouse, jigsaw. Fairly casual really.

Handbags - one smart day one for plane travel, going out for lunch etc and an evening clutch. These things never date, hold there value well so if you ever need the money (or most of it) back you can get it plus they make any outfit look instantly better. And will last for 20+ years....

I've no idea what this would cost but, if your aunt was a dressmaker, could you get something custom made in her honour?

I had a piece of jewellery made with the birthstone of a very close family member. It's a constant reminder.

I think the idea of a really good coat/jacket is great.

• you can wear it multiple times as people only expect you to have one or two coats
• it's obvious and therefore quite a statement
• you're likely to get really good cost-per-wear from it.
• it can go over the most boring clothes, even a uniform, and remind you of your aunt and make you feel better

Perhaps get an analysis - Styled by Susie is fab and inexpensive, and then use that as a basis to update your wardrobe? They give loads of suggestions of what suits you and where to buy. Whatever you do, I hope you enjoy it - it sounds like that's what your aunt wanted for you

I'd go for one big classic thing that wont get worn out in 2/3 years.

My vote is a bag or a coat, perhaps a classic Burberry trench?

Beautiful watch?

Go to a London for the weekend and make a thing of it.

This is what I would personally buy with £1200

www.russellandbromley.co.uk/cadogan/373117

www.longchamp.com/gb/en/products/tote-bag-L2686944882.html

uk.coach.com/coach-designer-crossbody-crosstown-crossbody-in-pebble-leather-/53083.html?dwvar_color=LIBLK&gclid=CjwKCAjwuqfoBRAEEiwAZErCsqPC9o5JlwrA4nd7CoyxvwQbz84CAY75e-q5BA5U4Z4WGKWV7C1iMxoCAegQAvD_BwE

www.elemis.com/pro-collagen-essentials-collection.html

m.lookfantastic.com/jo-malone-london-tuberose-angelica-cologne-intense-50ml/12079200.html?affil=thggpsad&switchcurrency=GBP&shippingcountry=GB&thg_ppc_campaign=71700000047040822&adtype=pla&product_id=12079200&gclsrc=aw.ds&&gclid=CjwKCAjwuqfoBRAEEiwAZErCssoOh-CQ6kxrFFGMQfFk8sOd1HLhse1uG6JaFdP5AA0GQE8A8S4AgxoCH6sQAvD_BwE

www.allsaints.com/women/leather/allsaints-estella-biker/?colour=5&currency=GBP&nst=0&gclsrc=aw.ds&&gclid=CjwKCAjwuqfoBRAEEiwAZErCskbGMs54eAsKosTOhFNRf6j-bb3RP46iAawT7yz2yCHIKvv_3URqdxoCMLwQAvD_BwE

I would buy some bits from DvF. Her dresses are beautiful.

I'd second a leather jacket. A good jacket or coat can make you feel amazingly put together.
Alternatively, a timeless, high-quality handbag to use outside of work.

Oh to have your problem!! If you have a decent wardrobe already, I'd be fanciful and buy something or a few things to transform it. If not, I'd be ruthlessly sensible and buy classic items for every day, like jeans and sweaters that cost double your normal replacements.

Ok, so I like the coat idea and the nicer versions of my usual jumpers and jeans. I’m drowning in handbags really.

Ok if I was starting from scratch and upgrading quality of basics (and if I already had my bags) this is what I would do:

Barbour or similar jacket for winter casual
Tweed jacket for winter smart/casual
Beautiful wool coat for winter formal/evenings
Very good quality pair of knee length boots, brown
Very good quality pair of ankle boots, black
One pair of gorgeous heels
One pair of flats (brogues, loafers or similar)
Cashmere scarf
Blazer for summer daytime
Blazer for summer evening
Jacket for casual summer
Three summer dresses, cotton or linen, short to mid
Long summer dress, white, cotton or linen
Long summer dress, black or navy, cotton or linen.

That would be all of the budget gone, I think.
Might be enough left for a good pair of jeans.

oh poo I forgot about jumpers.

Oh a silk blouse and a silk dress too!