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'Old Lady shops'

(220 Posts)
Rocketstop2 Sat 02-May-26 19:02:42

I made myself laugh today as I saw something I liked in a leaflet for what I used to term 'An old lady shop' ! It kind of put me off, although I have sent for the clothing to try.
It got me thinking, even though we are older now, are there still shops you feel you might be too young to buy from? I aim this at all ages too, as we are all only a certain age in our own heads.
I can remember as a young girl wearing Marks and Spencer stuff that My Mum had bought and vowing 'When I'm grown up I shall NEVER shop at Marks and Spencer.' (I did !!)
So, anyone else??

kittylester Sat 02-May-26 21:42:12

I suspect the point Rocketstop was making was not about the cost or the style of the clothes but pure concept of buying from Damart. I might buy something very similar from somewhere else - just not from Damart.

Allira Sat 02-May-26 21:45:24

kittylester

Was it Damart? A leaflet from them came today and I just put it straight in the bin on the basis that it's an old lady brand......and i'm definitely not an old lady!!

I bought three Damart thermal vests last winter 😁
Kept me toasty and warm.

Allira Sat 02-May-26 21:50:34

LadyGaGa

I have recently discovered the most comfortable jeans I have ever worn. (I know you won’t tell anyone, but they are pull up ones from Cotton Traders 🫣👵🏻 )

Ooh, just ordered some!!

I bought a top from EWM the other day and everyone admired it. It was the only one I liked, though.

If I like it, I might buy it. If you're that worried about brands, just cut the label out and say you can't remember where you bought it if anyone asks.

How can anyone tell where they one from?
Precisely merlotgran.

Casdon Sat 02-May-26 21:50:50

Cossy

sixandahalf

I think it's rather unkind to posters or friends who shop at these places.

They are on the whole cheap and do the job.

We can't all manage Seasalt, Sahara,Jigsaw and so on.

Well said!

I don’t think it is unkind, because it’s just down to personal taste. It would be different if we were saying we liked top of the range designer gear, but we aren’t, I like Sainsburys clothes as well for example, because they have quite a few items that are stylish, plain, and in natural fibres, but the shops I don’t like, don’t.

Allira Sat 02-May-26 21:54:30

kittylester

I suspect the point Rocketstop was making was not about the cost or the style of the clothes but pure concept of buying from Damart. I might buy something very similar from somewhere else - just not from Damart.

My vest doesn't show, kittylester because I usually wear something over it 😁

Although, I suppose I should remember my Mum saying "never go out with a pin in your underwear in case you have an accident".

Magenta8 Sat 02-May-26 21:54:36

I had a great great aunt who lived to be 99, she only missed being 100 by a few weeks. She would only buy clothes from shops "That didn't just cater for old dears" and she never wore black because it made her look old.

Primrose53 Sat 02-May-26 22:11:38

Silvershadow

The trick in any shop is to shop wisely. When I’m at home doing chores or gardening a pair of Bonmsrche jeans is fine, equally M&S straight leg joggers. I’ve never worn designer clothes to do household tasks and I’m not starting now. I’ve had years and years of Jaeger (before it was in M&S) and Jigsaw, Kew and those types of brands. But that was then, and this is now. We adapt as we age, our bodies change and our lives change. Certainly if I were to dress up in designer clothes for housework or the garden my DH would be sending for the men in white coats. Regarding Damart their thermals are very good value. I’ve not tried anything else. My old dad liked Chums and always wore their cord trousers and checked shirts.

That’s a good point! For housework, gardening etc I wear stuff that’s not good enough any more for going out in. I also buy cheap tops and trousers from Asda or charity shops.

Last week I bought some white wide leg trousers from Asda for £12. Thought they’d be nice for summer. They are nice and floaty and 100% cotton. I also bought a WhiteStuff top in a charity shop for £5 to go with them. Black and white small polka dots which are very on trend this summer.

MiniMoon Sat 02-May-26 22:16:38

As I write, I'm wearing a Cotton Traders sweater, it's my favourite. I bought a pair of straight leg trousers from Bonmarchè and a bonus sweater as it was in the sale.
I don't mind where my clothes come from as long as I like them and they suit me.

Allira Sat 02-May-26 22:23:05

I'm wearing a very old Dash top bought from a designer outlet years ago, straight cotton trousers from Cotton Traders and an ancient M&S cardigan which is a linen mix and has worn well.

But I'm Not Going Out.

Has Dash gone into administration? Haven't seen any of their clothes for years.

MissAdventure Sat 02-May-26 22:40:56

Nah, o simply don't care.
We used to take the mickey out of mum for buying from her Chums catalogue.
I feel rotten now.

Allira Sat 02-May-26 22:43:47

MissAdventure

Nah, o simply don't care.
We used to take the mickey out of mum for buying from her Chums catalogue.
I feel rotten now.

DH bought some summer trousers from Chums years ago. They are ok and have lasted well, just plain cotton chinos.

Not sure about womenswear.

Sarnia Sat 02-May-26 22:48:58

Scribbles

I will never be old enough for Damart or Chums!

Good for you!!!

MissAdventure Sat 02-May-26 22:49:15

I think its the name "Chums" that does ot a disservice. That, and the contraptions that say "never be caught short again, discreet, foldaway.."

Wyllow3 Sat 02-May-26 22:49:37

I'd never heard of Chums before now.

Most of my clothes are charity shop, (which includes Seasalt and even more upmarket) M n S for undies,

and what I like in Sainsbury's.

Sketchers shoes, bought online from Amazon: summer sandals, Clarks, online: lovely nighties, Amazon, one Cardi and one pair trousers from Next, Gym wear from Amazon basics range: I have not dresses or skirts that are not charity shop or reduced in Sainsburys.

My well off Sis shops online at Boden, she's a wee things and they do lots of real size 6's.

MissAdventure Sat 02-May-26 22:51:14

Sorry, my o is next to my i, and I'm having to useu right hand, and my sausage fingers (surprising on one as small as I, I know)

Wyllow3 Sat 02-May-26 22:51:40

Oh and of course the wonderful (mentioned upthread) M n S cotton rich straight leg joggers. £16.
They do 4 leg length sizes and smooth not gathered elastic waist. I wear them when new for going out, then when they wear a little for everyday.

Allira Sat 02-May-26 22:52:16

MissAdventure

I think its the name "Chums" that does ot a disservice. That, and the contraptions that say "never be caught short again, discreet, foldaway.."

Yes, it is the name which is offputting.
Old-fashioned? A bit 1950s? Jolly good chums?

Must look up this contraption, it sounds interesting 😀

Allira Sat 02-May-26 22:53:40

MissAdventure

Sorry, my o is next to my i, and I'm having to useu right hand, and my sausage fingers (surprising on one as small as I, I know)

I use a stylus.

It does tend to make typos but better than stabbing the keyboard with my fingers.

Allira Sat 02-May-26 22:54:20

my o is next to my i
My imagination is running riot 😲

MissAdventure Sat 02-May-26 22:55:15

grin its a shewee with a lid. (I just happened to browse it.. (of course i wouldn't have if there was anything more suitable)

Allira Sat 02-May-26 23:02:23

Well, better than climbing a fence .....

MissAdventure Sat 02-May-26 23:07:30

Climbing a fence?!?
I don't think I'd trust a shewee.

Still, if Chums say its ok to use in the car, who are we to argue?
Never mind the fact that I haven't got a car...

monk08 Sat 02-May-26 23:32:08

Allira Bon Marche sell Dash wear.

MissAdventure Sat 02-May-26 23:34:55

Does anyone remember Ethel Austin?
I think it had branches elsewhere, and i loved the clothes.

pably15 Sat 02-May-26 23:35:46

I've never heard of Hotter, but I buy all my trousers and tops from Bonmarche