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Your favourite clothes shop?

33 replies

LottieandLisa · 04/11/2023 13:56

I want to build up a nice wardrobe as have been living in leggings and t shirts for years. I’m looking for good quality that will last, mid range prices, mainly casual but stylish clothes with a couple of nicer outfits for going out. I’m early 40s, size 14 and 5ft2. Where do you recommend? Thanks!

OP posts:
RandalsAunty · 04/11/2023 14:08

I’ll be following this thread with interest. I’m shorter - 5ft1 (on a good day 😂) and I struggle with the current fashion as everything is too long - midi is maxi on me lol! I like Massimo Dutti but they come up very tall so I rarely buy “bottoms” from them. I have re-discovered Reiss recently and they do a petite range now. They are not the cheapest but they have good sales. I have bought few things from Mango recently. Not keen on likes of Zara,H&M, etc - I don’t think I’m their target demographic.

KirstenBlest · 04/11/2023 14:17

You could have a personal stylist session at JL to find what might suit you.

You could look for a small independent boutique near where you live (in my case, in a nearby more well-to-do town).
In my case, I'd try some of the nicer shops in London (e.g. in Floral Street) and look for one outfit.
I'd probably try to recreate the looks with what I already have.

PiglingQuartet · 04/11/2023 14:56

I don't think I could trust a personal stylist, we might not have anything like the same tastes, and I strongly doubt they could capture your essence.

I currently can't find any brand that I like, for the first time in my life of 49 years. Everything feels the same, boxy and badly designed or in lurid 70's upholstery colours. I suit none of these things. I also can't abide high waists, which often touch my boobs and look lumpy under tops of any length or style.

I think trends have become so ubiquitous that barely two brands have a real, discernible identity anymore, unless they are edging towards the avant garde like Toast, or have a unique peculiarity like Cabbages and Roses. The high street is reminiscent of one, mighty huge store to me, and I can hardly tell the difference between one store and another, even if some offer higher quality.

I like sleek fits, fine knits and cuts that flow close to the body without hugging. I like mid rise (and no the shops do not offer many, the online images prove they are still high!) and wide/scoop neckline. This year I can't locate one single long sleeved white tee that doesn't have a choking neckline. It's all very guillotine inspired Grin

I can find some decent linen for summer at Wrap, Poetry, although much of it is oversized. I like the White Company in theory, but prefer their pyjamas.
In fact, I would live in my White Co PJ's if I could, as they are the only clothes on the market that bloody suit me. I am slim and average height. This shouldn't be so hard.

I also don't think much of those £400 dresses that keep popping up in dress threads by the same handful of posters. I am tempted to believe they work for these brands....And most of these items are simply more exaggerated versions of what's flying around at Zara, Toast or Kin. If I am going to dry clean a dress, it ain't for every day!

Britpopbaby · 04/11/2023 18:45

Fellow petite here. I have bought cropped jeans from both Mango ( Sienna- flared jeans) and Zara ( high rise mini flare). I have also bought a few of Mango’s elevated cardigans. Boucle jackets are in Mango and other stores. I like &Other Stories for some of their more basic items.

KirstenBlest · 04/11/2023 19:00

@PiglingQuartet , it doesn't cost anything and you're not obliged to buy. It sometimes helps to have an objective opinion. I usually shop on my own or with someone I know will be honest and helpful, not say that everything looks great.

I also don't think much of those £400 dresses that keep popping up in dress threads ...
Me neither. I used to love Toast but I rarely like any of their clothes these days but they're ok for inspiration as is Plumo.

Zara and the like are a bit hit-and-miss.

HipVakum369 · 04/11/2023 19:03

Target and Jcpenny.

OneRingToRuleThemAll · 04/11/2023 19:03

I buy basics from Next and M&S but this season have bought a cotton dress from Ralph Lauren and a leather jacket from Ted Baker.

I get one or two higher end High Street pieces per season and build up a collection.

lunepremiere79 · 05/11/2023 07:26

Cos and Arket are my go to these days although Cos in particular is starting the downhill journey already. Massimo Dutti could be good as well as Poetry and Wrap which have all been mentioned

KirstenBlest · 05/11/2023 07:40

I like going into the Arket shop but I've never bought anything there. I've never seen anything I like in &OtherStories and I don't get the love for Cos.

It depends where I am and what I need which shops I go into.
Most of my clothes were bought in charity shops or on ebay.

Britpopbaby · 05/11/2023 13:29

I went in to Arket over the summer and couldn’t understand the fuss. Then again I wasn’t particularly impressed by very much in the shops over summer bar stuff in Mango.

PiglingQuartet · 05/11/2023 13:36

This silhouette is everywhere at the 'quality' end of the market and I can't get along with it. It's down to personal taste of course, so I appreciate others do like it.

Your favourite clothes shop?
KirstenBlest · 05/11/2023 13:51

@PiglingQuartet , what shop is that please?

PiglingQuartet · 05/11/2023 13:59

It is Carrier Company, can highly recommend their quality, I have a few knits from there!

SoupDragon · 05/11/2023 14:02

I buy most of my clothes from Esprit (online rather than a shop though).

This year I can't locate one single long sleeved white tee that doesn't have a choking neckline.

@PiglingQuartet Esprit have some.

PiglingQuartet · 05/11/2023 14:04

Thanks Soup, I haven't looked there in a while!
I did find two last night, new on ebay, from fat face. Nice, plain and thick with long sleeves and a scoop neck for £10!

KirstenBlest · 05/11/2023 14:25

@PiglingQuartet , Thanks. The clothes look good quality but the photos make it look like it should be captioned 'Maya, size 6, 5'9" is wearing the shirt, jacket and trousers in XL'

Nitgel · 05/11/2023 14:28

I like jigsaw and baukjen, plus uniqlo. Jigsaw have good sales.

caramond · 05/11/2023 14:34

I know they are not particularly popular on MN but I love Seasalt for their quality and mostly natural fabrics. They also have their own eBay outlet and I have found some bargains there. I also buy a lot of basics from M&S - they are also my go-to place for trousers and jeans that are not too long for me (I'm 5ft3).

SoupDragon · 05/11/2023 14:35

PiglingQuartet · 05/11/2023 14:04

Thanks Soup, I haven't looked there in a while!
I did find two last night, new on ebay, from fat face. Nice, plain and thick with long sleeves and a scoop neck for £10!

I'm a big fan of a V neck and they are equally difficult to find so I know what you mean about the search!

KirstenBlest · 05/11/2023 20:04

@caramond , Seasalt is great for quality basics. I'm not a print person but some of the clothes are lovely. M&S is great for jeans and leggings.

GonnaGetGoingReturns · 05/11/2023 20:10

PiglingQuartet · 04/11/2023 14:56

I don't think I could trust a personal stylist, we might not have anything like the same tastes, and I strongly doubt they could capture your essence.

I currently can't find any brand that I like, for the first time in my life of 49 years. Everything feels the same, boxy and badly designed or in lurid 70's upholstery colours. I suit none of these things. I also can't abide high waists, which often touch my boobs and look lumpy under tops of any length or style.

I think trends have become so ubiquitous that barely two brands have a real, discernible identity anymore, unless they are edging towards the avant garde like Toast, or have a unique peculiarity like Cabbages and Roses. The high street is reminiscent of one, mighty huge store to me, and I can hardly tell the difference between one store and another, even if some offer higher quality.

I like sleek fits, fine knits and cuts that flow close to the body without hugging. I like mid rise (and no the shops do not offer many, the online images prove they are still high!) and wide/scoop neckline. This year I can't locate one single long sleeved white tee that doesn't have a choking neckline. It's all very guillotine inspired Grin

I can find some decent linen for summer at Wrap, Poetry, although much of it is oversized. I like the White Company in theory, but prefer their pyjamas.
In fact, I would live in my White Co PJ's if I could, as they are the only clothes on the market that bloody suit me. I am slim and average height. This shouldn't be so hard.

I also don't think much of those £400 dresses that keep popping up in dress threads by the same handful of posters. I am tempted to believe they work for these brands....And most of these items are simply more exaggerated versions of what's flying around at Zara, Toast or Kin. If I am going to dry clean a dress, it ain't for every day!

I’m actually quite similar to you. 52, and over past year or so there’s not a lot really which has grabbed me style wise.

There’s the odd thing from Cos (a pointelle knit) that I like, but they’re not my usual shop.

I did see a nice silk green top from Jigsaw which I liked recently but not enough to buy.

I did get a nice floral top from Baukjen a year or so ago and it’s nice but again, not sure I’d buy from there again.

GonnaGetGoingReturns · 05/11/2023 20:12

KirstenBlest · 05/11/2023 07:40

I like going into the Arket shop but I've never bought anything there. I've never seen anything I like in &OtherStories and I don't get the love for Cos.

It depends where I am and what I need which shops I go into.
Most of my clothes were bought in charity shops or on ebay.

I’ve bought two things from Arket, a dress which I wore to a christening and a top which I do love. Last time I was in Arket anything I like wasn’t in my size.

startingoveragainagain · 05/11/2023 20:16

I'm 5ft and overall I would say Reiss Petite is probably where I get most things from, River Island for petite jeans. This winter I've got a few jumpers from Whistles petite.

DGPP · 05/11/2023 20:20

Jigsaw, Sezane, Baukjen, Reiss, occasional bits from White Company, M&S (especially cashmere) and even Fat Face. Some of this is pricey but I shop in sales or buy fewer things and wear them more.

Growlybear83 · 05/11/2023 22:03

I love Sahara. The quality of their clothes is really good and they suit me really well. They also sell other brands like Grizas.

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