I decided to spend some money, haven't shopped for new clothes for a few years (apart from the occasional replacement), so luckily i have the choice and the cash to pick and choose at the moment.
But it is dire out there. I just don't get it. Physical stores are a clusterfuck of thin, creased shite (H&M, Next, etc) with 'knitwear' that looks like it is made out of some shabby, crushed up webbing - i am presuming it is the sheer amount of elastane mixed in with poor quality acrylic and stretched up polyester.....they look and feel allergy inducing. Who is buying this shit and why?
But the real issue is higher end stores - Brora, White Co, Toast, and so on - i used to like these and purchase from them but now it seems everything is overly trend focused and either whoppingly huge or cropped to oblivion (no proper basics to speak of, just odd shapes and stuff that will date very, very quickly at £200 a pop!)
And don't get me started on sleeve length. Unless the arm is described as cropped then even long limbed models have cuffs trailing a foot longer than their hands! (yes Cos i am looking at you!)
I just wanted a loose fit, luxurious cashmere jumper or cardi that was fluid over the hips, not with a standard fitted hem. I think the shapes of a hem really help to update a garment but the 'quality' shops are still only selling stolid shapes that are a bit office-wear 2003.
So here i am with the money and freedom to choose but.. nothing! I cant find one damn store apart from Poetry that has interestingly created knits, and they never have what i want in stock for months ahead. It is depressing. I needed a handful of new jumpers and a couple of skirts/tops. Haven't managed to find a single one that isnt badly made, ludicrously long or insanely patterned (cottage core can step the fuck back a bit ok)....
The entire market is flooded with overly trend focused crap. No brand is safe from it, i cant even just find a simple cardi in a good wool that drapes well and ISN'T 4 feet wide.