The strategy I use when building my wardrobe
For my core items such as trousers, knitwear and my more dressy tops I buy the best quality I can afford at the time. I am very fussy about the quality of the fabric and always read the labels. I have found that this strategy has paid off over the years.
I stick to neutrals such as black, navy and grey (substitute brown, camel and navy if you have warm colouring) for my trousers and skirts. One of the reasons for this is that I have a pear-shaped figure and dark colours are slimming. Dark trousers are also practical. I lead a busy life. I have three small grandsons which often involves crawling on the floor. Housework and cooking is also part of my weekly schedule.
A brand that creates stylish and hard wearing clothes is Winser London. I have two pairs of trousers from previous seasons and they are both still going strong.
Five years ago, Kim Winser OBE launched her womenswear brand, Winser London, to meet the modern wardrobe needs of women just like her.
Winser London clothes are suitable for different figure types, they have a trouser style to suit all shapes. The ones that work best for me are made in their Italian fabric as they have some stretch to accommodate my curves.
I would describe the Winser London brand as classic with a modern twist. Their clothes are suitable for all ages and lifestyles. They cover a broad size range from 6 to 18.
To celebrate their 5th-anniversary. Winser London is offering a £25 gift voucher when you spend £150 or more. Simply enter GIFT25 at checkout.
Double pearl earrings by Claudia Bradby. Selection of similar necklaces at Etsy. Mini handbag similar
The photographs were taken by Laura Hines, follow her Instagram, at Pembroke Lodge Richmond Park.
This is not a sponsored post I genuinely like the Winser London brand and have quite a collection in my wardrobe. The items I am wearing were borrowed for photographic purposes.
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I don't generally spend a lot on individual items because I'm too fickle and don't want to feel I must keep things that I'm bored with to justify the cost. I will spend more in sales for better quality - I have a lovely black patent leather bag which was half price from Dents but still £70. I've had it about 5 years and it is a classic style which I'll keep for a long time as I don't use it very often . Mostly I use a lightweight across the body bag, leather can be a bit heavy for me.
I remember reading somewhere that you can get away with less expensive clothes if you have good shoes, gloves etc.My Gabor boots were expensive - for me- at £150 but I really like them so I look after them. I got them soled and heeled last year before I put them away for the summer.
I've been lucky in charity shops and E-bay in getting quality things at low prices. I have a beautiful Minuet Petite suede jacket in dark teal that was brand new for less that £25. Coming to think of it I've not actually worn it.....so maybe not so much of a bargain! The weather never seem to be quite right for it somehow but I'll try again this year.
For next winter I'm finally going to bite the bullet and buy some Dents leather gloves with longer cuffs .I've been talking about doing so for years & although they'll cost about £65 but I'm so fed up with the short cheaper ones that are that it will be well worth it.
I do appreciate quality, particularly in fabrics.I made a skirt about 25 years ago from wool cloth that cost £30 then. I wore it for years, the hem went up and down, it's now too tight but I can't quite throw it out. I finally sent my only Jaegar suit to the charity shop because the shoulders were so 1990's - I don't suppose anyone bought it!
You look great in your outfits btw!
Hi Lynda
Thank you for sharing your strategy. It sounds as though you are doing an excellent job with your wardrobe and I am sure you look very Chic.
Love all these "looks". Inspirational, Josephine!
Thank you Mary.
You look great. I agree about buying the best quality one can afford. I've got ecco boots which have lasted years.
Is your navy vest from Winser?
Hi Ariss
Yes, all the items are from Winser.
Hi Josephine,
I agree that good quality items are generally worth the price and I usually buy them in the sales. I took your advice about the me and em jumper and ordered the green in Size 12. It arrived today and is beautiful. The colour suits my brown hair/green eye colouring. I like to ring the changes with cheaper items, but I’m trying hard to cut down on impulse buys which are often a mistake and the expense slowly piles up.
Hi Vicki
The odd impulse buy should not do too much harm to your strategy. I buy the odd scarf in Zara and I can't resist the costume jewellery in St.Tropez market. Glad you are happy with the sweater. I have been wearing mine a lot in this cold weather.
YOU look GREAT!I love the longer hair on YOU!
I browsed the Winser site and like the style of clothing. Unfortunately I live in Canada and a 125 BP translates to about 325 C$ including mailing, duty and taxes. This is in the price range of Eileen Fisher. Are you familiar with the quality of their clothing?
Hi Sharon
Yes, I like Eileen Fisher very much, their quality is great. However I have a similar problem as you there are two Eileen Fisher shops in London but the prices are very high, much higher than in the US. I do feature them on the blog from time to time with links to Nordstrom.
I am a new viewer of your site and love that you introduce great brands I would never have heard of. You always look smart and stylish in your photos.
Welcome to my blog Sue.
Great comment about sticking to neutrals ! When I design and make my knitwear styles I always keep to the classic, modern and versatile shades so that they'll never go out of style and can be worn with lots of different things. Shopping for these very flexible colours ensure's your wardrobe will serve you for years!
This is my first time to your blog and I must say I truly enjoy your look! I agree strongly with you on buying the best quality you can. I was raised to believe you only had enough money to buy one good piece buy that over several cheaper ones. Shoes are taken to cobblers, clothes are altered and worn for many years. I have a pair of black ankle slacks that I got a Talbots over 19 years ago and I still wear them every week at least once if not more. I admit, I never dry my clothes which I believe helps them keep their shape and last much longer. I look forward to following your blog and sharing our taste in fashion and style. Sincerely, Babette Russell