Toast but cheaper...?

[spiggydit]

I really like Toast but not the prices (I'd love to be able afford them - but just can't) where else might I shop that has the same vibe but more affordable prices?

For cheaper, I’d suggest looking at Kin at John Lewis, and possibly Uniqlo for some items.

For alternatives to Toast that are not massively cheaper, there are lots of interesting brand suggestions on the Demographics thread (current) and the Monty Don thread form (old - search and enjoy!)

If you are a smaller size Olive has some similar looks.

Muji is also worth looking at.

Olive is barely cheaper, at all! (not to mention the proliferation of eco vero or whatever it is and polyester).
I also think Kin is more attuned to an oversized version of COS, aesthetically, than Toast - there's nothing crunchy or organic about those shapes.

I would honestly try Ebay. I have made most of my favourite purchases from Toast and similarly priced brands this way. In the long term, i f possible, it might be better to save for one good, higher priced item than a pile of them from a cheaper, less well made brand.

However, if you prefer to just play with the aesthetic without the cost, I'm not sure outside of buying second hand, and many are as new.

Carrier Co are worth a mention - much less stock and not remotely fashion focused, but somewhat more modest and realistically priced.

For good knits Finisterre do lovely Donegal and wool stuff, but whilst a bit more affordable, they're still not cheap.

And can i just post this picture to put it to bed that Kin is nothing whatsoever like Toast?

Vinted!

here it is, apologies.

Loving the Olive stuff - thank you

You’re right LadyH, those Kin items are not at all what I expected

In my mind, Kin make basic workhorse trousers, skirts and shirts that are more like Toast than COS in terms of fit, fabric and colour, but your picture tells me I need to rethink that.

I guess as well it depends what you want from Toast - if it’s chunky knits, there are plenty of great independent brands (Bosie, Donegal, Carrier Co as PP noted above)

I try to buy in the Toast sales. Sizing is hit and miss at the best of times so buying on vinted or ebay is risky.

I really like the Olive catalogue.