I have been shopping better quality pieces this year, mainly from Massimo Dutti but also two suede jackets from Zara that are absolutely beautiful. I also buy comfortable, elegant footwear with block heels for stability and walking. I buy something when I see it, not when I need it, and sometimes buy multiples - I've never regretted it because I'm picky and it's hard for me to find something I love and I can also afford. I also keep an open mind and still check out stores like H&M, Primark because I found some great pieces there too, gorgeous baseball caps and scarves in Primark, and just last week I found my perfect dark wash fitted denim shirt at a great price too, this shirt will last me forever and is a modern classic. I invested in some great velvet blazers and trouser suits from Mango that fit my petite frame like a glove and won't need any alternations, they were reasonably priced too (their new velvet blazers are twice the price - ouch!) This year I've also been disappointed when buying from trusted stores like Marks & Spencer's, their gorgeous brown cardigan started pilling after just 2 wears and needs constant de-pilling, it's so bad I don't even wear it at home anymore (I think it's important to have nice stay-at-home clothes that you would feel good answering the door in). The new Marks & Spencer's ballerina flats look really frumpy on, and the thin sole is plastic and probably can't even be re-soled so they just seem to be indoor shoes - I returned them immediately. I'd say don't be afraid to buy but return straight away what you're not happy with, don't sit on it.
I so agree with you regarding fabric compositions - it is so hard nowadays to find the same quality knitwear and clothes that I used to be able to buy say 25yrs ago! I have some beautiful knits that are wool and cashmere blends with minimal or no artificial content, eg 80-90% wool, 10-20% cashmere, sometimes a bit of silk or alpaca also added in. Same with coats. I find that some of the high end high street stores that all the influencers rage about, while contemporary and stylish, don't come close in terms of fabric quality (or are way out of my budget now if they do). Thank you for giving space to have these discussions x
I’ve practiced not compromising this year. It’s quite difficult! The ALMOST right item is easy to rationalize buying. I’m pleased with what I’ve turned away from this year. Its strengthened my resolve. Thank you for another great video.
Your style absolutely resonates with me, I have gotten so many styling ideas from your videos. Timeless and classy, but still comfortable with a modern twist
Great video! :) I’d like to ask how we can determine whether a brand is fast fashion or not. I think it’s sometimes hard to tell since the lines are increasingly blurred. For instance, do brands like Massimo Dutti, Arket, and & Other Stories count as fast fashion?
Sometimes I feel amazing in something when I look in the mirror, but in a photo it might look as good as something I don't feel as amazing in. So should I go with my feelings or the image, or is the photo maybe not conveying the whole reality? Anyone else struggling with this?
This is tricky! I know when I feel great I will like the outfit in the photo (almost 100% of the time). It’s only when I have some doubts and I don’t feel 100% myself in the outfit I would go with what I see in the photo as this would boost my confidence. In such cases the photo is useful, because it may show you what is wrong with the outfit - maybe different shoes, maybe swapping trousers for jeans to add some tension, maybe just wrong colours. I hope it makes sense😊
Hello Dear, this is so difficult to point out very specific brands for very specific garments, because I feel like their quality is not consistent from item to item. For t-shirts I always used to buy COS or Arket, but have been disappointed with my last purchase from both. You could try these shops, but mens section. I’ve had mens black t-shirt from H&M mens premium for years and it’s still in such a great condition. I’ve been thinking of getting my next t-shirt from either Organic Basics, SANVT or ASKET. In terms of sweaters, I’ve been wearing and really enjoying my LILYSILK tops. COS has some of the softest cashmere jumpers - and really substantial. I’m not sure you have access to Jigsaw - I love their knitwear, very soft and, very well made and washes easily.
From my experience and observation, you can't really teach someone how to have style and to understand quality. People with style were curious about it pretty early in life and absorbed all the info by observing, experimenting , gravitating to quality, and loving the work it takes. It takes a lot of effort and experimentation to achieve the effortless look, Also most don't learn and or don't accept their body type-essential for a start. Your style is an example of all that curiosity and effort.
I have been shopping better quality pieces this year, mainly from Massimo Dutti but also two suede jackets from Zara that are absolutely beautiful. I also buy comfortable, elegant footwear with block heels for stability and walking. I buy something when I see it, not when I need it, and sometimes buy multiples - I've never regretted it because I'm picky and it's hard for me to find something I love and I can also afford. I also keep an open mind and still check out stores like H&M, Primark because I found some great pieces there too, gorgeous baseball caps and scarves in Primark, and just last week I found my perfect dark wash fitted denim shirt at a great price too, this shirt will last me forever and is a modern classic. I invested in some great velvet blazers and trouser suits from Mango that fit my petite frame like a glove and won't need any alternations, they were reasonably priced too (their new velvet blazers are twice the price - ouch!)
This year I've also been disappointed when buying from trusted stores like Marks & Spencer's, their gorgeous brown cardigan started pilling after just 2 wears and needs constant de-pilling, it's so bad I don't even wear it at home anymore (I think it's important to have nice stay-at-home clothes that you would feel good answering the door in). The new Marks & Spencer's ballerina flats look really frumpy on, and the thin sole is plastic and probably can't even be re-soled so they just seem to be indoor shoes - I returned them immediately. I'd say don't be afraid to buy but return straight away what you're not happy with, don't sit on it.
I so agree with you regarding fabric compositions - it is so hard nowadays to find the same quality knitwear and clothes that I used to be able to buy say 25yrs ago! I have some beautiful knits that are wool and cashmere blends with minimal or no artificial content, eg 80-90% wool, 10-20% cashmere, sometimes a bit of silk or alpaca also added in. Same with coats. I find that some of the high end high street stores that all the influencers rage about, while contemporary and stylish, don't come close in terms of fabric quality (or are way out of my budget now if they do). Thank you for giving space to have these discussions x
You always have such great videos!! Thank you for your thoughtful insights. Your style is impeccable!! ❤
Great video, Mariola! Thank you for your dedication to fashion and thank you for your wonderful videos. 💕
I’ve practiced not compromising this year. It’s quite difficult! The ALMOST right item is easy to rationalize buying. I’m pleased with what I’ve turned away from this year. Its strengthened my resolve. Thank you for another great video.
Your style absolutely resonates with me, I have gotten so many styling ideas from your videos. Timeless and classy, but still comfortable with a modern twist
These are very helpful tips to avoid wasting time and money on things that won't get worn!
thank you so much! I’m glad you find it useful🥰
Love your approach and your style. Very helpful!!
Great video Mariola, very inspiring 😊 Thank you !
Thank you for the tips!! I always enjoy your videos!!
Great video! :) I’d like to ask how we can determine whether a brand is fast fashion or not. I think it’s sometimes hard to tell since the lines are increasingly blurred. For instance, do brands like Massimo Dutti, Arket, and & Other Stories count as fast fashion?
Yes, their quality is fast fashion, I had the exact same question too
Another great video, thanks for sharing ❤
Thank you! Could you please tell sweater are you wearing?
This was really inspiring, thank you!
Great video. Could you please link the app you mentioned & possibly a video on how to utilise it. Many thanks.
First time here and I really enjoy your videos! Thank you!
❤ I love your videos. ❤
thank you so so much🥰
Great video ❤❤❤❤
I always appreciate your sound and intelligent advice. Now, how does one best work on the individual discipline?
❤❤❤
🙏🏻🥰
What is the name of the app you mentioned to put outfits together
Freeform app
thank you! yess Freeform on your iPhone or any apple device☺️
Sometimes I feel amazing in something when I look in the mirror, but in a photo it might look as good as something I don't feel as amazing in. So should I go with my feelings or the image, or is the photo maybe not conveying the whole reality? Anyone else struggling with this?
This is tricky! I know when I feel great I will like the outfit in the photo (almost 100% of the time). It’s only when I have some doubts and I don’t feel 100% myself in the outfit I would go with what I see in the photo as this would boost my confidence. In such cases the photo is useful, because it may show you what is wrong with the outfit - maybe different shoes, maybe swapping trousers for jeans to add some tension, maybe just wrong colours. I hope it makes sense😊
Do you have brands you like? And can always depend on to have high quality? Sweaters? Tshirts? ( what I'm looking for now lol)
Hello Dear, this is so difficult to point out very specific brands for very specific garments, because I feel like their quality is not consistent from item to item. For t-shirts I always used to buy COS or Arket, but have been disappointed with my last purchase from both. You could try these shops, but mens section. I’ve had mens black t-shirt from H&M mens premium for years and it’s still in such a great condition. I’ve been thinking of getting my next t-shirt from either Organic Basics, SANVT or ASKET. In terms of sweaters, I’ve been wearing and really enjoying my LILYSILK tops. COS has some of the softest cashmere jumpers - and really substantial. I’m not sure you have access to Jigsaw - I love their knitwear, very soft and, very well made and washes easily.
@SlowDownInStyle Thank you so much!
From my experience and observation, you can't really teach someone how to have style and to understand quality.
People with style were curious about it pretty early in life and absorbed all the info by observing, experimenting , gravitating to quality, and loving the work it takes.
It takes a lot of effort and experimentation to achieve the effortless look,
Also most don't learn and or don't accept their body type-essential for a start.
Your style is an example of all that curiosity and effort.
🔝🔝🔝🔝🔝🔝🔝Hello Hello 😊😊😊😊