I remember many many years ago when money was quite tight visiting the Boden shop at Park Royal, London with a good friend. I fell in love with one of their patterned cardigans, it was a Spring/Summer style and had multi-colours on it. I decided to buy it and as I was paying I was worrying about the cost (I think it was about £50). I wore and wore and wore that cardigan, it came out early summer every year for many many years. I got so many compliments. A quick search online and I found one for sale on a selling site. Not the best photo but it gives you an idea - it went with everything, looked great with jeans and a simple t-shirt under it and had 3/4 length sleeves. Anyway, my point is Cost per Wear! Spend vs Save. If I choose well and get it right then I find it is so worthwhile spending. Of course I can't always guarantee I will get it right. There have been items in my wardrobe that I have invested in only to find that they quality is not great after all or I simply don't feel good in them. I find it impossible to embrace Primark or TKMaxx. I'm not even that keen on Next. I need a clean and tidy shop, I prefer to browse simple, minimalism and hate being overwhelmed by too much choice. I like to see outfits displayed together. Suggestions of what works well together. Think Jigsaw or Hobbs on the High Street. I like a bit of personal service. I don't want to be crowded but if I need help, or suggestions, then I like to know there is a helpful assistant available. I think Next is good for basics (and if you purchase online) but I hate that I see their items everywhere - I was out on Friday night and saw someone in a jumper that I have, I had been unsure about it anyway but seeing it on someone else confirmed it. Onto eBay it went! But I do love their Coated Jeggings however! Two recent shopping experiences stand out. Karen Millen at Westfield Shepherds Bush were so helpful when I was choosing my dress for my 50th birthday party. And in fact I went back in January and purchased a few more items in the sale and a full price jumper using the discount card I had been given before Christmas (Karen Millen Geo Print Jumper). I have one Karen Millen dress that I paid £150 for probably at least 8 years ago, again it was one of those purchases that I was a bit worried about the cost but it is a classic that I keep coming back to time and time again. And last week I went over to Wendover to visit my good friend, she works at a high end boutique called Brookes. The shop was fairly quiet and I had an opportunity to try some lovely clothes on and get one to one help from my friend. Fortunately there was still lots of choice in the sale section and I purchased two blouses at a great price. I also purchased a full price jumper. I am deliberating over a pair of grey Citizens of Humanity jeans and a belt! I may go back! These items are classic wardrobe staples that I hope will serve me well on the long term.
I do however have some 'disposable' items in my wardrobe. Things that are purchased for one season and then I replace the following year but they tend to be basics, t-shirts from Gap maybe or higher fashion 'trends' like the 'statement sleeve' jumpers I have recently purchased from Marks & Spencer. But for me it is 'spend; rather than 'save'. Not that I am averse to a good discount. If I can spend in the sale or with a promotional discount then even better. I have long since accepted that Primark and TKMaxx are not for me. What do you think? Love Michelle xx
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Michelle ...Welcome to Fifty & Fab, a lifestyle blog to inspire you. I am a blogger with a passion for writing about style, beauty, health and fitness with a focus on the over 50's. I am based in Marlow but work across London and the South East. Subscribe below to receive regular updates by email:
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Hi, I’m Michelle and my blog Fifty & Fab is all about my journey into and through my fifties. I share style tips, health and fitness inspiration, I talk about my holidays and days out and I tell you about my beauty regime and my lifestyle. I hope you might pick up a tip or two and get some inspiration!
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May 2022
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