Quality over quantity

When it comes to clothes, I've always believed that more is better. My ginormous walk-in wardrobe room should be enough of a clue to that! But lately, I've been stuck in a fashion rut and have found that that's partly down to having too many options, as well as wanting to look more chic and expensive (stylish over fashionable, essentially). So I've been on a mission to choose quality over quantity for a change and to branch out into some clothes of a higher standard. Nothing insane of course (I'm not made of money), but a slight step up from fast fashion and back into a number of brands that I used to know and love, as well as some I've discovered more recently.

So for some reason the link to this top appears to be broken on ASOS, so if you did want to have a look at it, you'll need to search 'Miss Selfridge textured bunny tie angel sleeve blouse in lemon' (random technical issues). Miss Selfridge was actually one of the brands that made me first fall in love with fashion. The shop they used to have at the top of clumber street in Nottingham is one that I'd longingly walk round as a teenager, dreaming of the day I could buy all the clothes I desired. It's also the brand responsible for some much-loved pieces that have been in my wardrobe for nearly a decade. So it was them I turned to in search of some key quality pieces and I fell in love with this top. I love the sherbet colour so much and I was keen to mix up the shape and fit of the clothes in my wardrobe so I was a fan of this style. It's just going to be so lovely for summer!

Shop Pieces mesh square neck top

Shop Topshop twill trousers in cream

Pieces isn't a brand I can say I've heard much about before, but when I was searching for a pair of flared jeans earlier this year, it was them who delivered. And I mean they really delivered. The jeans were such a perfect fit and fabric that I decided to see what else the brand had to offer. They're a similar price point to the likes of Miss Selfridge, so not bank-breaking but not what you'd call a bargain either, and they have some really lovely pieces (haha get it). This top caught my eye because I don't think you can ever have too many options in the jeans-and-a-nice-top department. I love the green animal print and the mesh sleeves and think it'll dress up so many different outfits. I also love that it goes so well with cream because one of my favourite pairs of jeans are the same shade. Unfortunately, these trousers were not a contender for a new favourite. Topshop was another formative brand for me in my teen years and obviously they're different now (being owned by ASOS) but I thought it was still worth a look. These trousers are a really cool style and I liked the look of the button details. Unfortunately, they'd already sold out of the size 10 and 12 (the two options I'd go with based on whether I wanted something fitted or looser) so I decided to risk a 14 since they were on sale. The 14 was just way too baggy; I could've worked with a baggy waistline but they were weirdly baggy in the crotch too. Pair that with the fact they're essentially see-through, they earned their way a trip back to the post office. So much for quality!

Shop Pieces puff sleeve high neck blouse

Shop I Saw It First tailored flared trousers in berry

Anyone else who hasn't heard of Pieces before, you may want to check it out because we have another top from them up next! And this one was on sale for only £10 so naturally I couldn't resist. I love a puffed sleeve top and I think the key to quality in clothing is all about the fabric. Textured fabrics can often feel more high end, so this cutwork style was a winner for me; quality without the price tag. Another winner was these trousers, which I fell instantly in love with. I think the colour alone was enough to get me to buy them, but the fabric, the fit, the flare; everything is a dream. Although I can sometimes get put off from ordering from I saw it first because of their totally random and prone-to-change pricing (hopefully ordering via ASOS eliminates that a little though).

Shop Bershka wide leg slouchy dad tailored trousers

A key staple that I really felt was missing from my wardrobe was a lovely pair of summer trousers. Something light in colour, light in fabric and loose fitting, that would look perfect with a straw bag and sunglasses. Bershka were the ones to answer my prayers this time with these "dad trousers" (whatever that means??). I found a number of lovely pairs on ASOS which were pretty similar, but most of the others from brands such as Mango and 4th & Reckless were between £35 and £40. Still not crazy for a wardrobe staple if you did want to spend a bit more, but I thought that at £25.99 these were bang on. The fabric is so lovely, they fit perfectly (not too tight) and I like the black button detail as a bit of contrast too. It just goes to show that you only need to increase your budget a little bit, to get a lot back in terms of quality.