Really good quality clothes, shoes, bags etc

Astrowife

Hi all

Please give me your recommendations for places I can look for really good quality clothes, shoes and accessories!

Where have you found the lovely things that you treasure and that have lasted you for years?

I am fed up with buying cheap and buying twice! I do like trawling charity shops, vintage shops, TK Max, sales etc for bargains, but I wouldn't mind paying a fair amount for things that are lovely and will last - I just don't have a clue where to start looking!

I'm only short and have a difficult body type to dress - old-fashioned hourglass. I like old-fashioned hourglass clothes too, I don't wear trousers (except jeans) and I prefer quite girly things. I looooooooooooooooove shoes and bags but don't want to spend a lot if they're not well-made (I heard a horror story about Loboutins that died after one wear...)

Where should I be looking???

verynewmoneysaver

Have a look in the sales. Debenhams sale on at present. They have some nice stuff.

goanmad

I love great quality, beautifully made clothes and accessories but am far too stingey to pay much, prefering to spend my cash on travel, music and having fun. Rather than compromise on cheap stuff my wardrobe consists of second hand, vintage and handmade stuff I've picked up in India.

My favourite places for shopping are jumble sales, car boots, charity shops and eBay. It does take a lot of commitment to get out of bed early to queue outside a draughty church or rummage around a chilly field but the rewards pay off dividends.

If you like vintage stuff keep an eye out for vintage clothes fairs where you can pick up a genuine Dior gown for hundreds or old unsold stock bargains for under £10.

One great event holder is Blind Lemon: http://www.blindlemonvintage.co.uk

Little_Vics

I LOVE boden (online), Kew, East - places like that. East have an outlet shop at Cheshire Oaks if that's of any interest!I agree - I hate wearing things that fall apart. A new jumper from M&S has lost it's shape after just 1 wash, and I'm really disappointed. grr.

glowgirl_2

If you are in or near London I can recommend a great exchange shop and also some designer sample sales.

Tigerlily31

Have a look at Laura Ashley too- great when in sale- not sure if their end of season sale has now ended but it's usually super cheap!!! Their clothing is pretty good and accessories also good although I would never pay top whack!!!

Tigerlily31

Oh and of course good old ebay

fc123

If you are familiar with a brand (so know the fit and sizes) www.asos.com during their sale is great...but wait until the last week.

Also click on 'outlet' on top bar. Some real bargains on branded/labels/better made stuff. Much of it from cancelled orders so can be in season.
Their own label is just usual High St standard but not that bad when marked down to a few £££.
It's the best place for better quality labels though.

The last week of asos sale I cleaned up on stuff for hubby, Bruns Bazaar, Junk de Luxe shirts etc with mark downs like £70 to £16. Then the prices went back up.??
They also don't always mark down slow sellers but reduce, sometimes, to clear warehouse space.

Sample sales are especially good if you are in London but it helps if one is sample size which is 8/10.

GFN123

I would say the key to good quality clothes is down to the fabric used, and the way the clothes are cut, as well as dressing to suit your shape

Like you, I am fairly short & hourglass. I have finally discovered dressing to suit me, which means well tailored clothes & things that flatter my figure, I look best in quite fitted stuff that accentuates the curves!

Given that you have already discovered vintage etc I'd say you have a good idea of what shapes are best for you, so really it is about going round the shops, finding that styles that will look good on & being sure of the quality of the garments! Also, what are you buying clothes for? Do you need work wear, dressing up stuff, or more day-to-day clothes?

Places I have found that are good quality include:
Reiss - beautiful tailoring & not cheap, but they do some really classic items, especially suits.
Monsoon - their skirts are always too long for me, but they do lovely fitted feminine blouses & shirts that I wear for work but also look great with jeans, in lovely silks and cottons.
Karen Millen - I would say her dresses look especially good if you are petite and curvy, I have bought nice tops from there also.
M&S - yes really! The cotton T-shirts that were 2 for £8 were excellent cotton and fitted perfectly. A white t-shirt is a staple item! Good basics are an essential
Coast - very girly and more going out stuff, but I have bought lovely little jackets from there that work in different ways.

Shoes - LK Bennett. Not heart attack expensive but lovely, very feminine styles & I have had years of wear from my pairs. They do nice clothes as well, although I found some of the styling a little 'old' for me, but could be worth trying on to see if they suit you.

Bags - I'm not into designer labels, but I do love bags. I either buy vintage for 'occasion wear' or look for really good real leather stuff in quite funky styles for day/work.

I don't know where you live, but Spitalfields Market in London had some of the most fantastic clothes when I went. All the stalls are like a mini boutique (not market tat!) by individual designers & some of the stuff I saw was truly beautiful & well made, as well as very unique.

Astrowife

Thanks everyone! Sadly I do not live in London and am not a sample size, but I do always have a good old shop if I am down there.
Some of the shops recommended are ones I don't frequent so I'll check them out next time I go shopping.
Someone asked what I need clothes for - I could do with some decent stuff for work (in an office but not too formal) but I am terrible at buying what I need, I usually just go for what I like, which works out OK but I want to buy things I LOVE.
If anyone has recommendations for shoes (I have tried LK Bennett but find them a bit too "mumsy" for me, I only wear flats or high, high heels - the bags are gorgeous though) I would love to hear them!
There is a Reiss accessories store here, they seem to have some nice stuff but I'm not sure if the quality warrants the price?

researcher

I've recently made a fantastic discovery in Bromsgrove - a Vintage Clothes shop called Echo's - but better than this, the woman who runs this will alter anything to fit (if it's possible) - I've been amazed at what she has done for me and would highly recommend this to anyone.