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Feel so deflated after the shops today.

79 replies

Lightsandtights · 23/09/2023 20:00

Everything is black, white, beige or khaki. It’s just all so dull and I can’t wear any of those colours. Zara had some lovely pieces but boxy or oversized jumpers just make me look massive. I’m a size 12 with boobs. Today was just so difficult and I couldn’t find anything smart causal. If I wanted a bog standard hoodie, puffer jacket or gilet, these were in abundance. I just wanted one or two nice tops/jumpers. I tried Zara, H&M, New Look and Primark. I’ve got marks and Spencer while DS is at rugby tomorrow.

Has anyone else been shopping recently? Have you found anything lovely?

OP posts:
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Banoffeecoffee · 24/09/2023 09:15

Similar issues here but saw Sugarhill Brighton recommended on another thread and have bought quite a few jumpers and dresses. Really pleased with them and super quick delivery etc.

VanCleefArpels · 24/09/2023 09:16

Search Vinted for the colour and style and brand you know suits you - you can filter for brand new with tags so no quality concerns. Seriously the only way to go when everything in the shops is so dreary

Lucia574 · 24/09/2023 09:22

Sézane knitwear is absolutely beautiful and comes in a range of colours. It’s pricey but often on Vinted.

Echobelly · 24/09/2023 09:24

Sugarhill Brighton is good for colourful stuff as well.

Lorrymum · 24/09/2023 09:49

Uniqlo has some lovely jumpers. Lots of styles, colours and natural fibres.
I ant stand all the recycled polyester stuff that is proudly declared on so many clothes at the moment.

nopuppiesallowed · 24/09/2023 10:06

Kettlewell (mail order) do brilliant basic t shirts and jumpers which wash well. I love bright yellow, orange and reds and bright blue suits me, too. I don't work for them....

MerryChristmasToYou · 24/09/2023 11:00

@Lightsandtights , I included the Jigsaw top as it was not drab and the shop is on the high street. My other posts suggested Sainsbury's (which isn't on my high street but it's nearby). I'm not sure why you thought your post was helpful.

@Lightsandtights , roll necks are out for me too. I'm busty and shouldery so would look like a box.

NoWayRose · 24/09/2023 11:35

I collect brands I like from Vinted: M&Em, Wyse, etc. Pay less than new Zara prices. I find you have to wear things a few times to find out if they don’t suit/ride up/material irritates/bulge in the wrong places.

If the preloved things don’t work, then back on Vinted they go.

Darhon · 24/09/2023 12:08

If you’re a size 12, there’s potential to get the boobs looking ok in a really good bra. It normally helps. Crew neck with well supported boobs can look good. Remember, the look at the moment is oversized so bear that in mind.

NatashaDancing · 24/09/2023 12:44

Aixellency · 24/09/2023 06:06

Tbh, @Lightsandtights, if you’re only looking in physical shops in a limited area you’re really not going to find the best of what’s available.

You might find it enjoyable to browse:

American Vintage
Colenimo
Community Clothing
Farm Rio
Sister Jane

Just for fun. See if anything appeals. Some of the above have excellent sales; the others should be discoverable pre-owned if they’re outside your budget. Either way, it really is a waste of your time, energy and money to stick to legacy brands on your local High St.

Community Clothing's new website is a bit of a surprise if you're not familiar with the brand! But good call and I have ordered some Welsh pants.

This dress is just soooo wearable (not quite as dramatic as Casey Casey but a lot more affordable)

Colenimo dress

Typewrighter Cotton Dress / Green

Japanese Cotton fabric dress Loose airy fit, 100% cotton natural fibre, garment wash finished Hand tuck Pleats details with two side slash pockets. British made plastic free Corozo nut buttons (made from the nuts of Palm trees) on front. Washable at ho...

https://shop.colenimo.com/collections/dresses/products/typewrighter-cotton-dress-green

MerryChristmasToYou · 24/09/2023 12:50

@Lightsandtights , I do apologise, it should have read:

@MsRosley , I included the Jigsaw top as it was not drab and the shop is on the high street. My other posts suggested Sainsbury's (which isn't on my high street but it's nearby). I'm not sure why you thought your post was helpful.

BeaLola · 24/09/2023 12:52

Banoffeecoffee · 24/09/2023 09:15

Similar issues here but saw Sugarhill Brighton recommended on another thread and have bought quite a few jumpers and dresses. Really pleased with them and super quick delivery etc.

Can I ask what sizing and quality are like - have seen a couple of things that look good online , thank you

Banoffeecoffee · 24/09/2023 13:22

I’m a size 12 and both jumpers and dresses are pretty standard sizing. Also happy with the quality - wash well!

Themaghag · 24/09/2023 13:55

If you want brightly coloured, reasonably priced, v-neck sweaters, try Uniqlo. I can really recommend their Merino wool range, which is soft against the skin, fairly lightweight, so excellent for layering and when machine washed on a wool/delicates setting, last for ages! Their lambs wool and cashmere are also very reasonably priced and wash very well and there are loads of colours to choose from!
https://www.uniqlo.com/uk/en/women/knitwear/jumpers-cardigans?sz=36

Women's Jumpers | Knitted & Wool Jumpers | UNIQLO UK

Discover women's jumpers and cardigans at UNIQLO. Explore a selection of knitted and wool jumpers and cardigans in a variety of styles.

https://www.uniqlo.com/uk/en/women/knitwear/jumpers-cardigans?sz=36

AngelinaFibres · 24/09/2023 15:05

Lightsandtights · 23/09/2023 22:06

Thanks for responding everyone. Big boobs mean no high necks unfortunately. I do like that jigsaw tabard but it would just make me look huge.

I will take a look at Oliver Bonas so thank you for suggesting there. I will also look at Joe Browns. Hopefully M&S will give a couple of options tomorrow. I did also visit Next today but I left fairly quickly. They’ve still got a sale on and it looked a bit like a jumble sale.

I seem to suit deep V necks or a boat/slash neck in tops. Long sleeves and fairly fitted. I’d like some decent trousers too.

My mum is very short and wanted an outfit for her grandsons wedding. She booked an appointment with a personal stylist at John Lewis . The stylist did a pre appointment phone call to establish height, weight etc but also things that were important/ non negotiable. For you Op that is V necks, bright colours . She was brilliant. Mum bought a dress she would never have chosen otherwise and she's worn it to other events too. No charge and no pressure to buy. They know the stock, what's on sale, what comes up big/ small. Absolutely worth a try

WomanOfSteel · 24/09/2023 17:12

Lightsandtights · 23/09/2023 20:00

Everything is black, white, beige or khaki. It’s just all so dull and I can’t wear any of those colours. Zara had some lovely pieces but boxy or oversized jumpers just make me look massive. I’m a size 12 with boobs. Today was just so difficult and I couldn’t find anything smart causal. If I wanted a bog standard hoodie, puffer jacket or gilet, these were in abundance. I just wanted one or two nice tops/jumpers. I tried Zara, H&M, New Look and Primark. I’ve got marks and Spencer while DS is at rugby tomorrow.

Has anyone else been shopping recently? Have you found anything lovely?

I’m in exactly the same position. I got 3 or 4 jumpers from m&s last year as I could at least turn the sleeves up. I’ve struggled everywhere else. Everything is so baggy, blandly coloured and crap quality (and I can’t afford £249 for a jumper, plus I refuse to as I will be wearing them in a school). I want something more fitted, 3/4 sleeves and to have a bit of something different to it as I don’t follow fashion or want something with an ‘inspirational’ message on it. I used to like Oasis and Warehouse but don’t like the look of them online. I’m a size 10 with 32ff boobs (and I do wear a good bra 🙄) but even the size 6’s are massive, have go-go gadget arms and just make me look like a little kid in her mum’s hideously bland looking jumper. I’m still wearing jumpers that I got over 10 years ago and they are starting to get really tatty but they fit correctly.

SummerDawn2000 · 24/09/2023 17:36

vinted for quality branded clothes is good.

rookiemere · 24/09/2023 17:45

I've bought a few things from here. They do take longer to arrive as made when you order, but usually some nice colours and not boxy thisisunfolded.com/collections/collection-08

Wafflesandcrepes · 24/09/2023 19:31

I don’t bother anymore. I follow Styleupwithabby on Insta and wardrobe sorted!

D1nopawus · 24/09/2023 20:12

3Tunes · 24/09/2023 07:33

Have a look here - I’ve sorted by v neck and there are quite a few colour options https://www.nearlynewcashmere.co.uk/collections/womens-v-neck

Thanks for this recommendation. That's a great website. Have already ordered a jumper.

MistyBay · 24/09/2023 20:46

Totally agree. I want nice colours too but it’s all dull dull dull. Im 50 and cannot find anything I want to wear. Seen it all before and didn’t like it then. No oasis, warehouse, top shop
on the high street anymore so all my old faves gone.

sad.

SnapdragonToadflax · 24/09/2023 21:42

I agree, nothing seems to fit me anymore. I tried on five things in Fatface and four in White Stuff yesterday, both companies I've bought from before, and everything fit weirdly. Very unflattering, too baggy in some items, too tight or cropped in others. I came away feeling very fed up and like my body was at fault... but then I have a wardrobe full of clothes that fit me well. So what's happened?

Also yes, the beige. Hate it.