What would you spend £1000 on?

[Lolabear38]

I’m a SAHM and don’t really buy new clothes for myself very often. DH has just had a new job and a nice bonus and he has gifted me £1000 which i’d like to spend on new clothes. I’m looking for good quality, well made, fashionable and both every day staples and more dressy for the rare times I go out! (Not black tie, thinking more out for dinner and occasionally out to a nice bar etc).

I’m 41, 5’6 and usually a size 12. Shops I like are Zara, Mango, Lulus, Warehouse etc. What would you be buying if you were me? I’m stuck for ideas and looking for inspiration! Links would be much appreciated too!

Oh and maybe a denim midi and some black trousers

Also a couple of’going out’ tops to wear with the jeans

I'd go for some very good leather ankle boots, a good winter coat, a pair of wide leg trousers, knee length boots, a midi skirt, a dress and some silk/merino etc. woollens if anything was left.

Classics in quality fibres that will last you forever. These are the things that although I’ve had forever I will never get rid of.
Cashmere knitwear, jumpers, cardigans, scarves, gloves
Soft leather jacket, it will look better with time.
Silk blouses or shirts.
A beautiful, useful size leather bag.
An item of beautiful jewellery that you love & will be a keepsake of his generous gift.

Hire a camper van for a week and go solo. This is what I would do if gifted 1000 from DH

Have you done a colour analysis OP? I read about them and never got around to doing a 'formal' one but I started paying more attention to colour and the difference was fabulous - I got lots of compliments.
Also shape - I'm tiny (5 "1 size 6/8) and normal sized clothes were often disproportionate. So I buy from the petite ranges or if I can't find exact fit have it tailored. Again, huge difference!

R.e. 'what to buy' you need to work out your style. I prefer things like ribbed shirts and jeans I can dress up with a fancy coat or 'quirky' jewellery when going out. Good shoes also an investment one set of normal 'walking' shoes summer and winter. One set dressy

For that money OP I'd definitely go for a personal shopper or stylist like the John Lewis already recommended who will help you put complete outfits together, otherwise you might end up buying some random pieces you never really wear.

Plus keep some for a nice haircut to complete your new style.

Just to add, I wouldn't got for jeans personally. They're ten a penny on eBay and Vinted, very mundane and disposable and not really a big spend purchase IMO. Plus the styles change very quickly.

Agree no need to spend big on jeans. Still a good idea to have a couple of new pairs to base a casual wardrobe around though.

Oh and I’d add a short black dress and a black print midi dress too, as my basics.

Is the John Lewis personal shopping experience free ?

Yes, and there's no obligation to buy, but chances are you'll want to.

If you have enough clothes, I would buy a MaxMara coat and then a handbag with the change.

Something that will really last and also make your husband happy that he provided you with such a quality gift.

If you went for the little-worn, high end designer stuff on eBay the money would go really far!

I’m maybe hard to style (scruff) but I did a shopper experience once and it was…. okay.

Stylist went for her style, not mine, and you can only choose what’s in this season.

Lots of people rave about getting their colours done?

Just going to say exactly that.

I bought myself diamond studs (1/2 carat natural diamond in each stud) for this amount recently, after receiving an inheritance.
They are so beautiful and I've wanted them for so long, but haven't worn them yet as I feel they're so decadent!
I will definitely be wearing them at some point in the future.

All saints, Ted Baker, pull & bear, phase eight.
Buy less items, better quality and will last longer

You know John Lewis does a personal shopper thing that's free with no obligation to buy

Aw love this for you, wish it was me!!

bootcut has been in out in again and is currently back out (IMO)

If it was me I would buy a timeless designer bag that makes every outfit look that bit more special.

Wherever you choose though hope you feel £1,000,000,000 every time you take it out the wardrobe! X

You're wrong, you need it. Get it

@Britpopbaby
These are timeless and last forever.

Maybe a naughty something for when you're in a sexy mood.

Enjoy!!!!

@RainbowFlutter, I should have thought so, it's already been mentioned a few times

All Saints leather jacket
River Island boots
Ted Baker handbag
Ted Baker earrings
John Lewis bras
Carvela + Dune shoes
A good winter coat
Next for everything else

Enjoy!

https://importantenough.com/essential-items-you-need-for-the-ultimate-timeless-wardrobe/

Musto winter coat
Durbarry County boots
Antique drop pearl earrings
A spaniel puppy

I follow someone on Instagram and they were saying colours that always look good on women are brown/beige

Ummm what? All women? Of all different skin tones and colours? Really?

Personally I look like a bag of sick in beige, it totally drains me.
Might be worth in investing in a colour/style analysis if that appeals to you OP.

I can vouch for the John Lewis shoppers they have always been fab.

My priorities in order would be:

Decent bras properly fitted by an independent- NOT M&S where half the staff still seem to do the very outdated "add 4 inches" crap that belongs in the last century. All your clothes will look better with a proper bra, no matter your boob size. Get these first so you can see what the new clothes look like with them on.

A couple of lovely jumpers - cashmere type even if not 100%

4-6 of best quality shirts/tops/tshirts you can find that fit well (with your new bras)

2-3 pairs of well cut but casual trousers

A fab coat in a colour that makes you smile every time you reach for it

A great pair each of super comfy boots and trainers