Where to invest in those all important wardrobe staples.

I spend a lot of time sorting out client’s wardrobes and helping them to build a hard working collection of clothes that they can develop each season.  I’m often faced with wardrobes bulging with less-expensive items that are tired and ill fitting and, in my opinion, not money well spent.  The key to getting the most for your money and creating the perfect wardrobe, is to have less items, that mix and match cleverly and to invest in the staple pieces - the items that are going to be worn again and again. 

Each season make a list of the items you need to purchase and set yourself a sensible budget.  It’s worth putting a large proportion of your budget towards the staple pieces on the list, the items you’re going to wear most of the time.  Purchasing good quality, higher end products that will last for years will enable you to gradually build up a collection of key items each season and  to pull together a hard working wardrobe that can be easily updated with a few less expensive, on-trend items. 

Harvey Nichols, Bristol

Bristol is the ideal city from which to build this perfect wardrobe.  It’s always had a great selection of high street shops and independent boutiques, but until about three years ago there wasn’t much in the way of designer shops.  However, with the opening of Cabot Circus came Harvey Nichols, and with that came a strong following of other boutiques selling higher end designers,

The moment I step inside Harvey Nichols I feel the stress and hassle of the high-street disappear and am transported into a magical world of beautiful things.  You’ll find small collections from most of the designers you’d expect, a great choice of premium denim (a definite wardrobe staple) and an absolutely fabulous selection of beautiful shoes and handbags. If you’re into make-up then you won’t be disappointed either.   And it’s not just us women who will enjoy the experience; they have a whole floor dedicated to you guys to. 

True Religion flared jeans available at Harvey Nichols

Just up from Harvey Nichols is John Anthony, two floors of men’s clothing, for the guy who likes to be noticed.  Paul Smith is sold here, along with other quirkier names like Vivienne Westwood.  If you’re looking to add something a little more quirky to your wardrobe, then The Garment Quarter is the place to go.  It opened last year and stocks both womenswear and menswear.  It’s is a great boutique, offering edgier designers such as Twenty8Twelve by S.Miller and Comme Des Garcons PLAY.

Bristol really does have it all now!  Adding top end designers to the already eclectic selection of vintage, high-street and independent boutiques has put Bristol firmly on the map as a shopping destination and makes it the perfect place to invest in the perfect capsule wardrobe. 

Article recently writen for Guide2Bristol
Images thanks to Lisa Piddington