Fed up I am....

Same here. That's why I search out mint-condition vintage.

I feel for you. I hate shopping for clothes, can never find what I want.

I trained to teach textiles and stuff! It isn't the making that is difficult it is getting someone to fit the garment.

I can't stand clothes shopping, either. However, take me to a computer / consumer electronics shop, or a book store and I'm happy.

As far as getting clothes I want.... I took one day to survey the area and note the shop(s) which sold what I wanted (or close to), and another day to actually go in to the targeted store(s) and a closer look. The third day was spent trying and purchasing.

Just a note: I split the clothes shopping trip so I don't have to spend an inordinate amount of time doing so in one solid chunk. Good to have breaks.

Did you try Gap? Over here they have office-type basics in all kinds of shapes, and reasonably priced.

I'm with regdog and aadams. I do all online and Gap is my staple brand mainly because their sizing is consistent and they have basics.

I don't even bother going to stores anymore unless I'm buying shoes, and I HATE that.

+++online. Most places have free returns, and some of the more established brands have really consistent sizing. I don't know what is good in the UK, but I'm sure something is. I end up sending about 20% back, but it is so much less hassle to be able to try on things AT HOME.

I was going to suggest J Crew online. That's where I shop for casual business attire and suits separates. But then I looked it up to see if you'd have them in England. And you do, but I didn't see a Sale button for the "Ship to England" site. Maybe you have to be in England to access England sale prices? I don't know how the internet works... anyway, that's my suggestion.

Oh, and H&M online. My sister gets a lot of clothes from there, and they look pretty sharp.

Online shopping is convenient, and you can usually get free shipping if you order over a certain amount. Some online retailers have annual or twice yearly blowouts with crazy prices. Only thing is you can't try stuff on before you buy. ETA: like amyash says, you can mail stuff back and you don't have to drive somewhere, stand in line, hassle with people...

Do you have Targets there? I've seen some really nice basics from Target. I bought a few of their shirts, and they hold up nicely after several washes.

mirandashell said:

Hmmm... I think what you call reasonably priced is a little different to what I call it.... LOL!

Click to expand...

I just checked it out and...oh, ouch, yeah. Big difference--especially once you factor in the exchange rate.

Charity Shops is where - with the exception of footwear and prophylactics - I buy all my clobber.

It's excellent because it is so cheap you can, and will, try and buy all sorts of things you never would've even considered when they were new and 30 quid a pop as compared to 2nd hand and 3 quid a pop.

The quality is usually very good and they stock everything from vintage to worn once all the way through to brand new end of line stuff donated by high street stores.

Ten years ago it was mostly Grandad stuff and things only Jarvis Cocker could pull off, now, well, 200 quid will get you a whole wardrobe, easy.

So, don't be fed up -- get thee to Oxfam.

(oh, and you're helping people, too)

I say we all boycott clothes!

I always prefer clothes in America. Sometimes cheaper, for starters, and better choice. The clothes shops here just don't seem to cut it anymore, not for me anyway. I don't like buying online because it's like... the fun part is going out and looking (although not so fun when you can't find anything) and staying indoors and ordering online is just being antisocial. Although, I'm antisocial anyway so y'know... lol
So I know what you mean, everything's either one style or the other, never a mix of both. grr.
P.S. I hate clothes shopping too. lol.

Oh, honey; clothes were invented so I wouldn't freak out the neighborhood.