Why Settle?

I’ve been spending a bit of time back in Portugal and whilst I have been here I have been enjoying the amazing tomatoes, cherries and other seasonal fruit. It has led me to do that typical Brit abroad thing of questioning why the tomatoes we get in the supermarkets back in the UK just don’t taste as good. It’s not that we can’t produce them - I can be transported back to the memory of the smell and taste of the tomatoes that my Grandad used to grow in his greenhouse every year.

It got me thinking about how much we have become willing to settle, accepting of poor quality because that’s just the way it is and being ok with buying “it’ll do” items.

I touched on this a few weeks ago when I talked about fabrics and the difference in the types of fabrics used now versus those used by high street retailers 20-30 years ago. I know I’m risking sounding ancient by harking back to the good old days! I think that so many people have become so used to being able to buy items so frequently at a reasonably low price, that quality has become lower on the list of priorities. In the past people were buying clothes to last, now it has become the norm for people to buy something to wear for one night out never to be worn again. I often hear comments like “it doesn’t matter if I don’t wear it again - it was only cheap”.

I think it does matter! Here are a few reasons why;

• The obvious one is that it’s not great for the environment

• If you like something you should want be able to wear it again

• By settling for something poor quality just because it’s cheap you’re subconsciously telling yourself that you don’t deserve better.

• The only way we are going to get better quality in the shops is by not settling.

It isn’t about just buying more expensive things, it’s about knowing what a quality item is. Making sure that what you are buying is well made and going to last and not settling for anything less. You have worked hard to earn your money and you deserve the best from it.

I was equal parts disappointed and pleased last week after an online shopping experience with a client. I selected and recommended a dress to a client from a brand that in the past was known for its quality. She ordered and when it arrived she messaged me with details of the poor quality - it was sent straight back. I was of course disappointed that the brand wasn’t what it once was but pleased that I have taught my client well and she will not settle anymore!

5 things to look for if quality is important to you;

1. Check the fabric
   Good quality clothes usually use better fabrics that feel substantial, smooth, and hold their shape. Try to avoid fabrics that feel thin, plasticky, rough, or overly stretchy.

2. Inspect the stitching and seams
   Look for neat, even stitching with no loose threads or puckering. Quality garments have straight seams and clean finishing inside.

3. Test how the garment holds its shape
   A well made item should sit properly on the body and recover after being scrunched or stretched slightly. Cheap clothing often wrinkles or loses shape quickly.

4. Look closely at the details
   Strong zips, secure buttons, good linings, and properly finished buttonholes are all signs that something is well made and is going to last.

5. Think about long term wear
   Ask yourself whether the item still seems like it would look good after many washes and regular use.

Remember you’re worth it and deserve the best. Don’t settle!

A few things that have caught my eye this week

Harvey Nichols have got some great reductions if you download the app and become a member. This Demellier bag is reduced by over £100.

I really like this jacket for this time of year, it could work well for both work and casual.

I think these mules might be a bit of a marmite item! Are you a fan like me?

I think this shell buckle belt would look great with a long white maxi skirt

I hope you have found this newsletter helpful.

You can find all of my shopping recommendations on my ShopMy page

If you would like to find out more about working with me please take a look at my services at www.allisonbuckley.co.uk or email allison@allisonbuckley.co.uk

I am determined to keep these newsletters as free advice and I hope you find them helpful. If you found a post particularly useful and would like to buy me a coffee, I would be extremely grateful.

Have a great weekend,

Allison x

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