Things that you suspect you’ll never find in your search for the ‘perfect’version?

[Niftythrifter]

What ‘perfect’ version of an item have you given up on?

For me it’s the perfect Bretton stripe cardigan and jumper.

Also for those looking for bags, I have several of varying sizes from Cambridge Satchel Co. They’re not lined but are beautifully made and when you look at each bag, click on the Size Guide and it will give you a rough idea of what you can fit inside.

https://www.cambridgesatchel.com/pages/womens

After much searching for a long waterproof light longline coat I got this from Sweaty Betty that I'm v happy with

https://www.sweatybetty.com/shop/tops/jackets/motion-longline-parka-SB8478FrenchNavyBlue.html?dwvarr_SB8478FrenchNavyBlueecolor=frenchnavyblue&oldpid=SB8478FrenchNavyBlue

The perfect black leather parka. When I was a teenager my SIL had one from Warehouse, which had just been launched by Jeff Banks. I have coveted that coat for years, it was slightly oversized with a fishtail, and had a bright quilted lining. Nothing I've seen since is quite right.

I can't find the post but thanks to the clever person who suggested waterproofing an ordinary trench, I suggested this very thing to DH about a chore coat he likes and am about to do it to a 'showerproof' jacket I have doubts about, no idea why I didn't extend this to include a trench coat.

For anyone looking for t-shirts, Kettlewell has a variety of styles in loads of colours. They're not cheap or very fashion forward but the cotton tees are well made. They do a lot of viscose jersey ('silky') tops too which are smooth so good for layering under knits.

Max mara ?

The perfect backpack with lots of pockets, gorgeous soft leather but not heavy, charging port for phone, drink holder but looks handbaggy enough to not only be a work bag. Ideally, a fancy leather version of the fjallraven kanken but with more internal pockets

If you can still find it - Diorific Limited Edition Lipstick No. 360 Élégante?

@crochetmonkey74 please please let me know if you ever find one - it’s my dream bag!

Like wise please! I don't know why more companies don't use that shape. It's perfect. The top handles, the side pockets. Add in an extra front pocket and a back one too. I've even considered doing a bag making course to make my own

@crochetmonkey74 @Gensola might not quite fit your requirements but have you looked at Gaston Luga backpacks?

https://gastonluga.com/gb/splash-eco-black

@CaveMum have seen those backpacks before , and thanks for looking but they don't fit my elusive perfection. I am considering finding a leather maker to do a bespoke one. Thank you for the link though!

I have that one too, in a sort of stone colour. It looks great but I find it very clammy and sweaty. Hoping it'll be more comfortable in the cooler weather.

White shirt. I have 4 or 5 which are nearly perfect.

A minimiser bra that actually does that.

The perfect mid season waist length coat/ jacket. That isn't not puffer anything, not a blazer/ mother of the bride, not parka, no cargo anything pockets, not outdoorsy, not denim. I don't know what it is but I've spent my life searching.

Years ago a friend had the perfect trench coat - fitted into the waist but then a full, long skirt so it swished around and kept your legs dry. Big hood that didn't squash your hair but kept it and your face dry. Never found one like it.
I have problems with white shirts - never shaped for my bust, long enough, go in and out at the right places. They are supposed to be a wardrobe staple but yet I never find any.

@FrillyGoatFluff try knickers from Long Tall Sally. A revelation in pants being long enough to not wriggle down

I love the idea of a soft leather kanken. Found this one but it’s £££££.
https://www.harberlondon.com/products/leather-backpack?variant=31683447193711

or this but reviews are mixed.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/handoledercouk-Leather-Vintage-Backpack-Rucksack/dp/B07JQV7QP2/ref=asc_df_B07JQV7QP2/?tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=309842981919&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=6333580421219532003&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9046895&hvtargid=pla-616315766324&psc=1

Screamingadabz
Thank you
I had a look at this and it's still not quite right buuuuuut it reminded me of a Dior lippie I had a couple of years ago that I loved.

I hunted high and low for it in the house and, amazingly, managed to find it!!!
It's called Dior Addict Stellar Shine 260 Mirage.
It's discontinued of course but I've managed to find it for sale online.

Now I have to decide if I want to part with £37 for it 😂

Two things that have eluded me for years but I’m not giving up on:

• a lightweight jacket for spring that isn’t cropped but isn’t a trench. Not denim. I always end up having to make do with a casual blazer (which can also be very hard to find) and it’s not quite what I want.
• walking sandals that don’t turn me into a sturdy toddler. I don’t have slim ankles and anything with a thick strap across the ankle looks hideous on me. Love my various pairs of Birkenstocks but need something with a suitable strap for longer walks. Oh and need them ideally to be suitable for both dog walking and not looking like an obvious tourist on holiday.

@RhodoliteGarnet have you looked at the safari jacket shape? I have one from Zara that has a pull cord through the waist to nip it in, that looks cute on. Materials and colours tend to be limited though.
Similar to this but with a nipped in waist

Thanks @anon2022anon I’ll have a search. I live down under and it’s coming into spring now so fingers crossed!

I'm looking for a shopper bag in a wintery fabric, preferably corduroy. I'm usually a backpack fan but this summer have loved my shopper bag and want a wintery version. Maybe in a nice mustard or burnt orange.

@Swearwolf there's quite a few corduroy tote bags on Amazon if they're the sort you mean?

Kind of, but I need some pockets and things so all my stuff doesn't jangle around. I saw one in Accessorize but the straps were really flimsy.

If it's tote style you're after, keep your eyes on Typo- they're the best totes I have by far. No idea if they have cord in stock, but they change regularly.