As every woman knows, there is one aspect of growing older that is particularly pleasing - the onset of higher spending power. Here’s some tips on where to splash that cash.
With the hard-earned expertise in your work life equating to a higher salary, what better way to reward yourself than with a little retail therapy? Of course, a great investment piece such as a Chanel 2.55 bag or a pair of classic black Louboutins are the pinnacle of the wish list but the high street can be full of other gems.
Still thinking along the lines of investment pieces, there are certain items a well-dressed woman’s wardrobe should never be without. For these pieces, the higher end of the high street is the best place to look as spending that little extra cash should ensure a better cut, quality fabrics and finishings.
Whistles was not long ago rebranded by Jane Sheperdson (the woman responsible for turning Topshop (for big mens clothing) into the mammoth success it is today) and her vision has seen it become one of the most exciting shops at this end of the market.
Trend led enough for those women wanting slightly more cutting edge design, yet still flattering, Whistles ensures that the stylish woman has somewhere that caters to her tastes once she’s outgrown River Island. House of Fraser in Milton Keynes and John Lewis in Cambridge are both stockists.
For a more classic, chic sensibility, look to Hobbs for their good selection of colorful blazers and dresses to suit all. Reiss is particularly strong on tailoring with a range that includes both classic looks like the one button jacket and pencil skirt to the more modern silhouettes of the sleeveless jacket and city shorts. Again, it’s a much more grown-up look but still keeps a younger twist to its garments, which are also always made with high quality fabrics and are beautifully crafted.
To move down the scale, Marks and Spencer’s (also famour for their big and tall mens clothing) Autograph collection, which constitutes a range of covetable design classics with a modern edge, in luxury silks and cashmere, easily rivals that of Reiss and Hobbs but at less of an investment price. Gap, as always, is a one-stop shop for quality basics - its chinos, jeans and white shirts are particularly well designed to be flattering to all body types and change very little each season, ensuring the longevity of their items.
Zara is another more trend led brand with a seasonally revolving collection, yet there are plenty of garments that would be deemed “too sensible” by a teenage daughter. They always have a good selection of tailoring but usually like to take inspiration from shows such as Balmain, to add a current feel. Their accessories are particularly good too; oversized leather bags, lawn cotton scarves and gemstone encrusted sandals are reason to visit alone.
For more accessories, many of the other shops mentioned also have strong accessories ranges. Whistles also acts as a bit of a boutique so some pieces - especially their accessories - are from other brands. Their Made collection is exceptionally beautiful; heavy, brushed metal necklaces and Massai beaded bracelets make great statement pieces and have also been ethically manufactured.
Gap has also turned to using designer collaborations and, for just over the past year, has been teaming up with the shoe designer extraordinaire, Pierre Hardy. His covetable design ethos has been translated into a more wearable, affordable but equally as desirable range of boots, pumps and for this summer, wedge sandals.
Tags: autograph collection, chanel 2, cutting edge design, pencil skirt