Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Flexible and made to last.

Meet the Other Phone.
Flexible and made to last.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Style and beauty

Looking for style advice? Chat all about it here. For the latest discounts on fashion and beauty, sign up for Mumsnet Moneysaver emails.

Original poster

What would you spend £1000 on?

83 replies

Lolabear38 · 09/10/2023 21:37

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!

OP posts:
mdinbc · 11/10/2023 23:11

I think if I were you I would get two total outfits for going out, including shoes or boots and coat, then if there is anything left, get a few items for everyday.

One going out outfit, more casual: trousers or cords, fine knit sweater (maybe with metallic), heeled ankle boots and a nice fall jacket.
Next going out outfit a bit dressier; all round simple dress in a good solid colour for you, nice shoes. Maybe can you wear the first jacket?

That's 6 items right there, and that would eat up most of your budget. For everyday items, just get what you normally wear, but a bit elevated.

Original poster
Lolabear38 · 12/10/2023 01:37

soupweather · 11/10/2023 06:30

For me I would start with a couple of cashmere jumpers. I’d then move onto a good pair of boots and a good pair of trainers. I’d also look at a coat/jacket for winter.

I would then buy a new bag and possibly a purse, a lovely perfume and I’d get some bras.

With what’s left, it would be a mix of trousers or jeans and a couple of tops.

I also suggest an appointment with a John Lewis personal shopper.

Thank you! I don’t live anywhere near a John Lewis otherwise I would love to do this.

Good bras is a great shout too!

OP posts:
Original poster
Lolabear38 · 12/10/2023 01:38

mdinbc · 11/10/2023 23:11

I think if I were you I would get two total outfits for going out, including shoes or boots and coat, then if there is anything left, get a few items for everyday.

One going out outfit, more casual: trousers or cords, fine knit sweater (maybe with metallic), heeled ankle boots and a nice fall jacket.
Next going out outfit a bit dressier; all round simple dress in a good solid colour for you, nice shoes. Maybe can you wear the first jacket?

That's 6 items right there, and that would eat up most of your budget. For everyday items, just get what you normally wear, but a bit elevated.

Yes I think I’ll definitely get going out wear. I don’t go out much but when I do I’m always stumped and never have anything to wear so I inevitably just ‘make do’ or rush out and buy something cheap and cheerful! It would be great to have something ready. Has anyone seen any nice fine knit sweaters with Metallics? I love the sound!

OP posts:
Original poster
Lolabear38 · 12/10/2023 01:40

Whatthefuck3456 · 11/10/2023 20:26

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

Gosh I love this idea!! In a dream lifetime I would but as a SAHM or two young children there would be nobody here to take care of them while DH works (and he works really hard for us, so I would feel bad for leaving him to do it all!)

OP posts:
Original poster
Lolabear38 · 12/10/2023 01:41

Darklane · 11/10/2023 20:22

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.

Some fabulous ideas - and I’ve actually been looking for a decent quality bag. I’m very much leaning towards a couple of more expensive pieces which will hopefully be classic and last well x

OP posts:
Original poster
Lolabear38 · 12/10/2023 01:42

I actually haven’t done a colour analysis but I’ve heard some really great things about them! This has just reminded me so thank you - 100% going to look into it properly!

OP posts:
Original poster
Lolabear38 · 12/10/2023 01:43

Lolabear38 · 12/10/2023 01:42

I actually haven’t done a colour analysis but I’ve heard some really great things about them! This has just reminded me so thank you - 100% going to look into it properly!

Sorry this was in reply to @ImADevYo !

OP posts:
Original poster
Lolabear38 · 12/10/2023 01:45

vipersnest1 · 11/10/2023 22:00

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.

These are beautiful! I hope you get to enjoy wearing them really soon… just gorgeous!

OP posts:
SquirrelFeeder · 12/10/2023 01:46

I would take my child on a well deserved trip to Haven. She's not had a break anywhere in years because her mum is always broke!

As for clothes, I don't think I could find £1000 worth of clothes to fit me! I have a long torso so I have to wear tunics as tops and I'm plus size so they have to fit & be stretchy etc etc 🙄

NewtoCruising · 12/10/2023 11:01

@SquirrelFeeder
I know it's not 'only' but we've recently had a break to haven holidays and it only cost £49. We did spend on food etc but you could restrict this. I booked just after Christmas x

readingismycardio · 13/10/2023 09:01

Vocaladvocaat · 11/10/2023 20:12

Trying not to buy this Reiss jumper right now asI don’t need it, I just want it.

It's beautiful!

Tapex · 14/10/2023 18:55

Nice handbag and gucci trainers (ace) and belt. Versatile and will always fit.

Nothingorthebest · 14/10/2023 19:45

Well, from psychological point of view , your husband looking forward to change not only one aspect as the clothes . Because I am sure , in Zara and similar shops women buys pretty often doesn’t matter stay at home mum or working mum. From time to time we all buy something new . It means we spend 50-100£ for an item .
your husband gave you more . It shows clearly he wants more changes not only the fashion outfits , but …god forbid don’t take me wrong , I am a mum too, we don’t have such a luxury to live relaxed lifestyle after giving birth . Apart kids , we still have a husband . I am talking about haircuts, hairstyles, maybe occasional sports, nails , still need to put a smile on the face , still need to be attractive, self confident .

Jaxhog · 14/10/2023 20:41

RosesAndHellebores · 10/10/2023 09:49

I'd spend it on investment pieces:

Good coat
Good boots
A dress?
Good jeans (luckily for me Per Una fit best)
If there's anything left over, probably a couple of tops.

I wouldn’t blow it on a plethora of bits from Mango/Zara.

Absolutely yes. And go to a good store and get a personal shopper to help you do it.

ErcolSofa · 14/10/2023 20:45

Nothingorthebest · 14/10/2023 19:45

Well, from psychological point of view , your husband looking forward to change not only one aspect as the clothes . Because I am sure , in Zara and similar shops women buys pretty often doesn’t matter stay at home mum or working mum. From time to time we all buy something new . It means we spend 50-100£ for an item .
your husband gave you more . It shows clearly he wants more changes not only the fashion outfits , but …god forbid don’t take me wrong , I am a mum too, we don’t have such a luxury to live relaxed lifestyle after giving birth . Apart kids , we still have a husband . I am talking about haircuts, hairstyles, maybe occasional sports, nails , still need to put a smile on the face , still need to be attractive, self confident .

Not quite sure what you are saying but

My first thought was save it for a divorce. If you are a SAHM and he needs to 'gift' you £1000 from 'his' money for clothes then I would be saving very penny to get the hell out of the marriage.

Jaxhog · 14/10/2023 20:46

" I have a long torso so I have to wear tunics as tops and I'm plus size so they have to fit & be stretchy etc etc 🙄"

Me too. I used a personal shopper a few years ago, and she found clothes I had no idea existed, never mind in my size. She greeted me with a glass of bubbly and a rail full of gorgeous clothes all in my size. She then took me around the store for accessories e.g. shoes. I just sat there while she brought them to me! I only had £500 to spend.

Paperbagsaremine · 14/10/2023 21:01

I had a JL personal shopper. I would do it again but this time I would try to book a PS of about my age.

Worth doing is having a think about what you normally do, what you wear doing it now, and whether you're happy with that or not.

And if you have stuff you live but it's just worn out or cheap and you want "like that but better".

E.g. I could do with...
a couple of nicer workout outfits for yoga ;
an "out out" outfit (and I suppose shoes, aargh) for Xmas meals & the like;
clothes to make 5 "casual lunch out and having coffee, shopping etc" autumn/winter outfits, plus...
one slightly punchier version for less rural locations...this probably also includes shoes :/

Also think about how much time you have for ironing and stain removal! I now have more time so I can have shirts - in the old days long sleeved black jersey tops were my friends!

Last of all, if you try something on and you don't like it don't buy it!!

VitoCorleoneOfMNMafia · 14/10/2023 22:21

MariePaperRoses · 10/10/2023 10:10

Bootcut jeans are the only cut that flatters me when worn with shoes or ankle boots. I use Next's bootcuts and their skinnies (which are more generous in the leg than everywhere else's painted-on skinnies) for wearing with long boots.

shumbuffle · 14/10/2023 22:25

Sézane - after much research I've recently created a small capsule from this brand alone for less than £1k and it's wearing and washing well. The sizing guidelines are useful. I went with delicate tops, skinny trousers, a mini skirt and a couple of sweatshirts. I've had loads of compliments since wearing the new clothes in and outside of work (they fit both scenarios). It takes a little while to arrive from France but the returns process is straightforward and free. Their Instagram is also helping me with how to tuck things in Smile

All Saints ankle boots took it up to £1k - they are high yet comfortable (big platform). I'm tiny so I need the height.

VitoCorleoneOfMNMafia · 14/10/2023 22:30

ErcolSofa · 14/10/2023 20:45

Not quite sure what you are saying but

My first thought was save it for a divorce. If you are a SAHM and he needs to 'gift' you £1000 from 'his' money for clothes then I would be saving very penny to get the hell out of the marriage.

Show quote history

Seconding this, but also go for a bra fitting somewhere like Bravissimo.

Notajogger · 15/10/2023 07:34

ErcolSofa · 14/10/2023 20:45

Not quite sure what you are saying but

My first thought was save it for a divorce. If you are a SAHM and he needs to 'gift' you £1000 from 'his' money for clothes then I would be saving very penny to get the hell out of the marriage.

Show quote history

Yes I thought the same! Divorce fund. If not for now, for when it becomes more apparent to OP that it's needed! 😬

queenofarles · 15/10/2023 08:45

My first thought was save it for a divorce. If you are a SAHM and he needs to 'gift' you £1000 from 'his' money for clothes then I would be saving very penny to get the hell out of the marriage
WTF? How did you get that from a post about a husband sharing his bonus with his wife ?

RosesAndHellebores · 15/10/2023 09:15

I agree with @queenofarles. When I wasn't working and the dc were small, decades ago now, DH used to sometimes give me money to buy new clothes. I could have bought what I wanted rather than needed from the household account but didn't because all needed day to day were jeans, leggings, jumpers, etc., because Inspent most of my time on the floor or in the park.

Nothingorthebest · 15/10/2023 11:02

i meant you need to make overall changes . Not only buying the clothes (it’s so easy to spend 1000k. It’s not the rocket science . Go to harrods and buy some branded stuff).
my concern is why he gave you 1k. It means he wants changes . He wants to see you different . All stay at home mums are saying the same , that they are wearing sports wear , no make up. I am suggesting to spend that 1k, on new hairstyle, new perfume , new underwear (believe it or not , sounds banal, but men pats attention to it ), do the manicure to look more sophisticated.
because once the husband gave you money you concentrated on material things , but you forgot to ask yourself , why he gave you money more than you need for example Zara expenses . I’ll repeat myself , it means , he is looking forward to improve your overall looks . can someone agree with me !?

CesareBorgia · 15/10/2023 11:07

I'd spend it on something like jewellery or a watch rather than clothes.