Sometimes I try the cheaper/smaller shops in town as they tend to have more sensible/basic garments. Sadly they also tend to go out of business. I'm not sure what it is about chain stores (possibly the increasing attempts to stay fashionable) but they seem to have to have frills, glitter and other frippery attached to every item of ladieswear they have. H&M tend to be OK for plain, basic stuff, but Tesco is cheaper. I'm pretty sure both do trousers and shirts.
I don't know if that's what you're looking for. I buy plain stuff cos I can't figure out if I like any other stuff in shops, especially when it changes so much.
This is one area where a girly, good-at-shopping friend comes in useful. If you've got someone who has an eye for clothes/colour and is practised at trawling the clothing racks they can often spot things you didn't notice.
Alternatively you could make your own clothes, but that takes time.
There was a place called Carbon on New Street that had some fairly basic, simple jeans (not covered in embroidery or huge belts). I think it's closing/closed down now. There are a few other places around although they seem fairly trendy from outside they sometimes have some alright stuff.
I would lend you my sister but I hardly see her at the moment and I'm not sure she'd want to shop for people she doesn't know.
I'm selling loads of my clothes, most of them never worn or worn just once, mostly for £5 - £10 each.
You may not take a fancy to them, but you're welcome to have a look if you like? I won't be in Birmingham for a few weeks, but I'm seeing Tony on Thursday - I could send him back to Brum with them if you like, and you could have a rummage :)
Oh, also, I totally understand - I'm in desperate need of a new wardrobe, but I can't find anywhere that isn't catering for chavs and trendies and just plain trashy :(
seconded on the "cut to make you look pregnant" thing. seriously what is it with that? I'm also looking for wearable to work stuff that a) won't make me look like a chav, and b) won't make me look pregnant or about 50! and its difficult.
I've found a couple of tops on things in Next if you fancy trying there. I have the added problem of being very very short, so a skirt thats meant to be knee length comes at a very unflattering half mast. grr. hope you have better luck than i do!
H&M have reasonably wearable basics... Have you tried Warehouse, Zara or Wallis? They tend to be a bit more timeless (a bit more pricey also, but the stuff is a lot longer-lasting and classic).
I might have a clearout soon as I don't wear half my stuff and the other half I seem to be moving into mr_pete's house anyway (which has less room than mine). I'll give you first dibs before the charity shop. :)
Comments 18
I'm not sure what it is about chain stores (possibly the increasing attempts to stay fashionable) but they seem to have to have frills, glitter and other frippery attached to every item of ladieswear they have.
H&M tend to be OK for plain, basic stuff, but Tesco is cheaper. I'm pretty sure both do trousers and shirts.
I don't know if that's what you're looking for. I buy plain stuff cos I can't figure out if I like any other stuff in shops, especially when it changes so much.
This is one area where a girly, good-at-shopping friend comes in useful. If you've got someone who has an eye for clothes/colour and is practised at trawling the clothing racks they can often spot things you didn't notice.
Alternatively you could make your own clothes, but that takes time.
Reply
Plain stuff is fine. Just need to be smartish for work and comfortable out of it.
I don't think i know any girly, good-at-shopping people :P
Reply
I would lend you my sister but I hardly see her at the moment and I'm not sure she'd want to shop for people she doesn't know.
Reply
You may not take a fancy to them, but you're welcome to have a look if you like? I won't be in Birmingham for a few weeks, but I'm seeing Tony on Thursday - I could send him back to Brum with them if you like, and you could have a rummage :)
Oh, also, I totally understand - I'm in desperate need of a new wardrobe, but I can't find anywhere that isn't catering for chavs and trendies and just plain trashy :(
xx
Reply
There is no rush, so if it was easier to do a mutual rummage in a couple of weeks then that would be ok.
I just can't find anything in the shops that isn't covered with some garish coloured blobs, or cut to make you look pregnant.
Reply
I've found a couple of tops on things in Next if you fancy trying there. I have the added problem of being very very short, so a skirt thats meant to be knee length comes at a very unflattering half mast. grr. hope you have better luck than i do!
Reply
Reply
Unfortunately, all the summer clothes are out now so it's inevitable that they'll all be patently useless for the workplace.
How's aboot Next or BHS or Bay Trading? They're a bit bland but at least they don't overdo the glitter :)
Good luck dude!
Reply
I'll have another look in town and try those shops but i couldn't see anything in the first two last time i looked.
I think i am just crap at the whole shopping thing.
Reply
There is such thing as a frame of mind for shopping, problem is, it never coincides with when you actually need to go shopping.
Reply
Have you tried Warehouse, Zara or Wallis? They tend to be a bit more timeless (a bit more pricey also, but the stuff is a lot longer-lasting and classic).
Reply
Reply
*~K~*
Reply
Reply
Leave a comment