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WHERE, oh where are people my age supposed to shop? (mid 30s) I need serious help please!

80 replies

EachPeachPearMum · 03/04/2009 12:13

I need some new clothes, as most of my wardrobe is too smart/formal for home, and I'm on a year's maternity leave, but WHERE am I supposed to find nice comfortable quality clothes that aren't frumpy but not made for 18 year olds? That will keep their shape, not necessarily require ironing, and haven't been made by 12 year olds? Natural materials usually (ie not polyester) Oh, and that are nice enough to wear to drop-off/pick-up DD from school...a new experience for me as she starts after Easter.

I am 35, 5' 0" and normally size 10, though DS is only 8 weeks old, so I'm closer to a 12 atm, but it's going down. I have a very, very short back (legs more normalised length) so a lot of tops I cannot wear as they tend to come mid-nipple- not a good look! V necks and boat or slash necks suit me much more than scoop or round necks. Am ample of nork (32 F at present) so buttoned up tops are not ideal, hence 10s are harder to fit in atm too. 3/4 length sleeves are usually a good length on me. I am very pale, with brown hair just past shoulder-length. Eyes are green-grey. There is no way on this earth I will be posting a pic on my profile

I have 1 pair of jeans, lots of t-shirts- the majority of which are fine for at home with the children, but I wouldn't want to wear them on the school run IYSWIM. I tend to wear blues (favourite colour), greys, blacks, and greens and browns (obv trying to look taller by emulating trees...) I am not a schiaparelli pink type person.

I am bf, and will be doing so for a while- so separates are a necessity. I am not a dress person- normally I wear trousers every day- even in the height of summer, though we haven't had one since 2006... when I was on mat leave last time (so going to be a scorcher this year, I promise )- I do own a couple of summer skirts though. I think I'd secretly like to be a dress person, but it isn't practical, and I get cold too easily. I usually wear 'plimsoll like' trainers or flat soft leather shoes (el naturalista).

There don't seem to be any magazines that are aimed at me either- I have no idea what to get or where to get it...

I have a good range of shops available, and am not completely penniless, though obviously I don't particularly feel I can justify spending thousands... just don't know where to start.

I need another pair or 2 of trousers/jeans, a couple of waist length cardigans in cotton (wool is too scratchy on DS' face) and some 'tops'. Open to any suggestions...

Help!

OP posts:
boogeek · 03/04/2009 12:19

I really like White Stuff - vaguely surfy/casual but smartish too; lovely quality fabrics and colours. I have short legs so their skirts don't fit me so well, but I can always find something in there to want!
Principles, sometimes, though very hit and miss. Ditto fat face. Not Next, unless you have a particular desire to see your clothes on every other person you meet ;)

lauren61 · 03/04/2009 12:19

Try dorothy perkins and bay... even more affordable is peacocks they do good stuff in the bigger stores..

new look for the cardigans, they do loads, affordable and variety of styles and colours and lengths etc

EachPeachPearMum · 03/04/2009 12:24

What is the quality like in new look/peacocks? (I sound like a pepperpot arf!)

OP posts:
giantkatestacks · 03/04/2009 12:26

Joules? Though they are a bit boden - good value in the sales though as I've always found their stuff very well made.

What about somewhere like Kew as well?

corblimeymadam · 03/04/2009 12:29

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themoon66 · 03/04/2009 12:33

Was going to say White Stuff, but I see someone has already mentioned it.

Kalico and Phase 8 are good quality.

EachPeachPearMum · 03/04/2009 12:44

I like kew... but the store near me closed down!
Phase8 always looks a little 'per una'y when I walk past.

OP posts:
theDreadPirateRabbits · 03/04/2009 12:48

Are you anywhere near a Fatface? Some of their tops are lovely, and they do good trousers and crops too - sort of White stuff but even more relaxed...

giantkatestacks · 03/04/2009 12:50

This idea that you can have one shop where you get everything always strikes me as odd as well - I mean I get jeans in one place and summer tops in another, dresses in lots of other places iyswim.

Can I just ask why you wouldnt want to wear tshirts on the school run as well? I've never understood this dress up for the school run thing.

On another note - most of my trousers come from uniqlo - as do all my jumpers and cardis...

anniemac · 03/04/2009 12:52

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anniemac · 03/04/2009 12:53

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anniemac · 03/04/2009 12:54

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fircone · 03/04/2009 12:55

The problem is with White Stuff is that their stuff is for people of at least 6'10".

I am 5'3" and I understand the problem of a low necked top reaching down to your navel. And as for the trousers...

Kew is nice but they do seem to have closed a lot of shops.

Kookai I saw has some pretty clothes this season. Quite pricey though.

anniemac · 03/04/2009 12:58

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TheProvincialLady · 03/04/2009 12:58

It is tough being short because the better quality brands tend to be made for taller, bigger women. I am 5'2", size 6 and 34, and buy a lot of stuff from Next (I know it is hated here but at least their stuff fits me and is small enough all over) and Principles. Some Zara and Mango stuff fits me but never trousers. Other than that, I buy quirky things from H&M.

EachPeachPearMum · 03/04/2009 12:59

giantkatestacks- my t shirts are all a little old and saggy... school is an unknown quantity atm, but as I will look completely harrassed and chaotic (3yo and a 8week old!) I would like to make a vaguely decent impression! I know- I shouldn't care, but I do...

OP posts:
WilfSell · 03/04/2009 12:59

Perhaps you need to scour shops with good 'petite' ranges to try more styles that might fit better?

I have no idea why the -mid30s bit is a concern? Surely once you're past 21, everyone pretty much dresses similarly anyhow?

What's wrong with high street? If you're a 10/12 you'll fit into the stuff and then just buy what you like?

Or find some more upmarket ranges - go to Selfridges and Harvey Nicks.

I'd suggest magazines like Grazia and Easy Living cater for women in their 30s and 40s. But they can veer towards the 'high fashion' end, not comfortable. You need then lots and lots of catalogues from the above mentioned shops and you can buy online.

anniemac · 03/04/2009 13:01

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frazzledgirl · 03/04/2009 13:02

Gap have fab cardigans at the moment, long 'boyfriend' style, in heavy knitted cotton.

In red, white and blue, and reduced to £19.99. Bought a white one today and I love it.

anniemac · 03/04/2009 13:02

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giantkatestacks · 03/04/2009 13:03

EachPeach - no its fair enough. I would concentrate on getting some well fitting jeans and some boots then - its all everyone seems to wear on my school run. Oh and a nice jacket - then you can hide your tshirts underneath.

Mind you am not really qualified to give advice as last year on a school run a granny asked me if I was the au pair presumably cos I was dressed like a student...ho hum.

EachPeachPearMum · 03/04/2009 13:07

Maybe it was a compliment as you are youthful looking?

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anniemac · 03/04/2009 13:08

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giantkatestacks · 03/04/2009 13:09

bless you EachPeach... but no I think it was the Converse...

Pannacotta · 03/04/2009 13:20

I am 38 and shop at H&M (not Divided range but normal range) where I often find good things, House of Fraser as lots of labels, Oasis, Phase Eight (sometimes), Principles and Great Plains (on line or in dept stores)
www.greatplains.co.uk/.
Top Shop sometimes has some good bits among the trendy clothes. Gap usually has a good range of jeans.

I find Kew a bit plain and am not keen on M&S. Agree with anniemac that Fat Face/White Stuff can be a bit casual.

Suggest you get a good coat, jeans and shoes/boots and go from there.