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Original poster

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:
janeite · 03/04/2009 21:59

This is 100% cotton and quite cute - and blue!

This is a fairly subtle pattern and also blue!

As a fellow shortie I tend to have terrible problems with Monsoon sizing though.

janeite · 03/04/2009 22:00

like this one

Original poster
EachPeachPearMum · 03/04/2009 22:23

Umm- your last link is broken!

The blouse is pretty- but button-up so a no-no I'm afraid. The cardigan is lovely, but has the top 'built-in'- won't be warm enough for me (I'm so fussy, sorry)

My wedding outfit was from Monsoon actually, but yes- most of their stuff looks gorgeous until I try it on.

OP posts:
janeite · 03/04/2009 22:41

The last one was button up too, so probably no good. I was just trying to find blue things!

blue cardigan

Nontoxic · 03/04/2009 22:59

What's wrong with buttoned up things? Did I miss something?
If you're large of chest, v-necks, with or without buttons, are the way to go.

Original poster
EachPeachPearMum · 04/04/2009 04:40

Norks are usually 32E which leads to gapeiness in the button area- now 32F- even worse. Bravissimo would probably have something-I am breastfeeding though, so don't want to expose myself

OP posts:
LetThemEatCake · 04/04/2009 08:59

sorry, haven't had time to read whole thread so forgive me if repeating info

am also mid-30s and would never shop at boden, fat face or white stuff - very bland and middle-aged imo.

I'm no help on jeans as I am tall.

re breastfeeding - have you checked out the boob range, avail on lulasapphire www.lulasapphire.com or co.uk, sorry not sure which. Very functional.

For comfy yet stylish new-mum stuff (yoga pants, cashmere, wrap dresses etc) I'd suggest The Pyjama Room (google them) and Wellicious (also online)

children need me, got to run, will be back

CompareTheMeerkat · 04/04/2009 09:04

I am 33. I shop in Tesco, Sainsburys, Primark, New, Peacocks and H&M.

CompareTheMeerkat · 04/04/2009 09:05

Oh and Matalan.

Nontoxic · 04/04/2009 10:18

Have you looked at nursing vests? They clip down like a bra but you wear them over your bra and under another top/ cardi/shrug, so when you lift up your top to feed you're not exposed as the vest covers your tummy.
yummymummy.co.uk have them, also babybean.co.uk - but have a search on 'nursing bras and you'll find lots.
Re. the norks (again): the gapiness happens if you try to hide them - which makes you look fatter and as if you've got puppies up your jumper.
The trick is to open the buttons which would gape (with a vest underneath for modesty), and then you just look like a shapely, curvy woman who dresses to flatter her shape, not disguise it.

Nontoxic · 04/04/2009 10:20

Sorry www.baby-bean.com.

LibrasJusticeLeagueofBiscuits · 04/04/2009 10:54

"new mum stuff - cashemere"

cashmere? really? for a new mum?.
Do you live in Clapham?

LibrasJusticeLeagueofBiscuits · 04/04/2009 10:58

Tesco and Asda are brilliant for cheap vests that you can pull to one side or down when trying to breastfeed.
As everyone has already said Gap for trouser as they do different trouser lengths. They are also good for knits if you go at sale time (otherwise way too expensive).
Not a fan of white stuff (not slim enough atm!) but they do nice summer skirts, fat face do nice hoodies that you could bung on top of your t-shirts for the school run.
As for magazines have you tried Red? My mother likes to describe it as the magazine for those not old enough to buy Good Housekeeping.

cyteen · 04/04/2009 11:01

Oh, if you've got a bit of spare cash Reiss have some lovely stuff. Not over the top fashiony but on the sharper end of everyday wearable.

PurlyQueen · 04/04/2009 12:09

American Apparel is great for basics such as vests and T-shirts that won't shrink when you wash or tumble-dry them.

foxinsocks · 04/04/2009 12:13

it's impossible isn't it...I am nearly late 30s now (sheesh, what happened to mid 30s) and i've found myself looking at (shhh) BODEN gasp but it's very expensive

I buy stuff in H and M, M&S have totally gone off Next. Sainsburys has some good basics. I like Zara but the clothes just do not fit me at all. I like Uniqlo for basics (like cardigans)...other than that, not much out there I reckon...

compo · 04/04/2009 12:14

I found some good stuff here at Kays reasonably priced too

mosschops30 · 04/04/2009 12:21

I shop anywhere and everywhere, depending on what I want.

I love new look for basic tops, cardis and shirts and the prices are great.
I cant do Primark or H&M or TK Maxx for the jumble sale effect
Top Shop and Gap also great for basics like t's and vests, and also great for jeans.
Sometimes find the odd top in Oasis or Warehouse.

I wouldnt touch Boden, White Stuff, Kew, Hobbs, as they seem to be places that my mother in law shops and Im not quite ready for that yet

AbleSister · 04/04/2009 12:47

i think in a way its less important where you shop and mroe that you know what cuts and fits suit you. This will save oyu lots of time( which you need if shopping on the hoof with littlies)

For eg I know that Gap jeans and trousers fit and suit and that white stuff)( bit of a middle aged womans uniform imo) is too small on top for the size.
When you can confidently pick something that suits you regardless of the make( which is merely a label after all) THAT is the key to good shopping.

poshsinglemum · 04/04/2009 12:48

Warehouse
Oasis
Zara
Mango

MuffinBaker · 04/04/2009 13:03

Getting on thread for when I have money as I need help too.....

cyteen · 04/04/2009 13:19

I might just take this opportunity to pimp my friend's style blog - she is excellent at dissecting why clothes do/don't work on different shapes and sizes, and she does requests too

hotcrosspurepurple · 04/04/2009 13:26

just looked at Boden
omg
£35 for a t-shirt?

I think I will stick to New Look

Clure · 04/04/2009 13:48

Eachpeachpearmum, I'm 5'1 and have same probs as you in that I find it difficult to get tops that fit my shortish body and jeans to fit my shortish legs! I like to wear my teeshirts just on the edge of my jeans belt and so a lot of teeshirts I use wundaweb to shorten them.

I find petite sections a bit on the old fashioned side (get me I'm 41 but refuse to dress for my age Although for basic teeshirts and vests petite sections are ok.

I find jeans from River Island are great as they do the shorter leg and are good fit.

I like:
River Island
miss Selfridge
Warehouse
French Connection (only occasionally, too expensive!)
New Look

Mooseheart · 04/04/2009 14:03

I'm 33. I'm afraid my figure is nothing like yours so I may not be much help when it comes to recommending shops that suit your frame but as a general rule if you want to look 'with it' in your 30's I would recommend:

Oasis
TopShop (as a rule I find TS too young but they do have many a gem worth sniffing out).
French Connection
Toast (Some of it is dire but like TS there are some absolute gems that I wear and wear)
New Look (so cheap... so many lovely ditsy dresses and handy layering seperates and knits)
H & M
Zara
Great Plains
Reiss, Hobbs & Karen Millen (for smarter work pieces)

Finally, jeans are a great foundation for your new wardrobe. Get yourself at least two pairs of well fitting jeans - longer bootcuts to wear with heels, shorter bootcuts to wear with trainers or flip flops, (plus I love skinnies to wear under smocks with pumps or Uggs). You'll probably have to get them shortened though. (My legs are long and even I have to get some of the designer styles taken up).

Good brands IMO are 7 for all Mankind, Citizens of Humanity, 18th Amendment, Paige... Oasis and TopShop jeans are also good. For the amount of times jeans get worn it is good to invest in quality pairs as they will last longer and you get what you pay for.