Wearing - Topman Wool Bomber Jacket c/o Voucher Codes, Uniqlo Lambswool Jumper, Levi's 511 c/o ASOS, M&S Scarf, ASOS Wooly Hat, Vintage Gloves, Wigwam Socks, Red Wing Chukka.
Finding quality for an affordable price on the highstreet is tricky business, especially when it comes to outerwear. Two weeks ago I was challenged by Voucher Codes - Most Wanted to scour the highstreet and internet alike to find the perfect winter coat for under £80. The criteria to consider for the challenge was - Style, Durability, Comfort, Quality and Value for Money. Let's just say my Jewish (money saving) heritage took over!
The Market
Over the past few years I've found myself shopping on the highstreet less and less. It's in my nature to search for the best value for money at all times, so I'm prepared to save for a piece if I know it's going to last me years. My new Red Wing boots, pictured above, being a fine example. But as always, I went into this challenge with an open mind.
I visited several well known stores and in the majority I either found slightly over-designed or poorly constructed pieces. But that's not to say there isn't quality items out there. If you're willing research and consider fabrics then you will find some decent pieces within an £80 budget.
Topman Wool Bomber Jacket
After a week of browsing I finally found this Wool Bomber Jacket by Topman. I've not had any outerwear from Topman since I was a teenager, but I must say for the price this jacket out-trumps everything else I found. For under £80 it's excellent qualify and being made from heavy navy wool it's going to keep you nice and toasty, with a few extra layers of course! I'm actually very impressed with it for £60. For me it doesn't scream highstreet and if you claimed it was by COS no one would bat an eyelid.
The shorter style might not be suitable for everyday, but for crisp, sunny days it's a winner! It doesn't have any diminishing features which I associated with the highstreet either. Varsity numbers, fictional sports teams and coloured stitching are nowhere to be seen. Size wise, it's quite small but I assume that's because Topman's core customer is skinnier than I am, I bought a large and it fits me perfectly.
Over the past few years I've found myself shopping on the highstreet less and less. It's in my nature to search for the best value for money at all times, so I'm prepared to save for a piece if I know it's going to last me years. My new Red Wing boots, pictured above, being a fine example. But as always, I went into this challenge with an open mind.
I visited several well known stores and in the majority I either found slightly over-designed or poorly constructed pieces. But that's not to say there isn't quality items out there. If you're willing research and consider fabrics then you will find some decent pieces within an £80 budget.
Topman Wool Bomber Jacket
After a week of browsing I finally found this Wool Bomber Jacket by Topman. I've not had any outerwear from Topman since I was a teenager, but I must say for the price this jacket out-trumps everything else I found. For under £80 it's excellent qualify and being made from heavy navy wool it's going to keep you nice and toasty, with a few extra layers of course! I'm actually very impressed with it for £60. For me it doesn't scream highstreet and if you claimed it was by COS no one would bat an eyelid.
The shorter style might not be suitable for everyday, but for crisp, sunny days it's a winner! It doesn't have any diminishing features which I associated with the highstreet either. Varsity numbers, fictional sports teams and coloured stitching are nowhere to be seen. Size wise, it's quite small but I assume that's because Topman's core customer is skinnier than I am, I bought a large and it fits me perfectly.
Here's a few other noteworthy coats/jackets I found -
Navy Peacoat - ASOS
Light Down Jacket - Uniqlo
Padded Parka - H&M
Parka Jacket - Nanny State
This is actually one of my favourite outfits I've featured on the blog in a long time and I'm really pleased with my purchase. Did I make a good choice, what do you think? I'm also keen to hear your views on shopping on the highstreet, please do share.
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Great choice. I agreed with you on the COS comment 100%
ReplyDeleteVery nice outfit!confortable et cute!
ReplyDeleteI have scarf envy!
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Love this outfit!! You put everything together really amazingly! Plus, I just love a red beanie!!
ReplyDeleteI really like your shoes! Good choice on the coat, a nice shape and I can imagine the wool is lovely and soft.
ReplyDeleteThese are all good coats you have chosen. I am looking for something longer (preferably below the knee) and warmer and usually end up wearing a couple of coats when I am on the street all day. I glimpsed that you were starting a new job (couldn't find the post again). Have you started yet? What rae you doing/going to do? Xxx
ReplyDeleteNice outfit and some great looking boots!
ReplyDeleteOh Matthew, I am totally loving this outfit. It's so cool, it actually reminds of an illustration I did a while ago!! The red hat and the jacket are perfect!
ReplyDeleteAwesome look
ReplyDeletelove those pics so much
great job
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Great you found the best choice in Topman for a decent price. It looks great on you, especially as you've marked all the items bang on - including the beanie! It's also cool to know you're of Jewish decent, I had wondered if you had any european bloody in you, I was actually thinking Italian though!
ReplyDeleteI do shop on the high street due to not being able to afford designer prices, even though I do like some designer items like the Charlotte Olympia Cat Flats, but I'm not at a stage where I can justify splurging so much on a pair of shoes. In the back of my head I think that money can pay towards my rent for next year for instance. At times I want to ignore my sensible thoughts and just treat myself. I've only recently started buying clothes again, but even then it's just a simple jumper that would go with many of my old clothes. I'd absolutely love a capsule wardrobe. I really admire folks who can minimalise their possessions and be happy!
I find a lot of items of clothing over designed too, I wish things were kept more simple. I've not shopped in Topshop for quite some time as the clothing seems either really bold or too edgy. I tried on a pair of mom jeans a few months ago but they just don't agree with me even though they look so damn cool!
I'm the same too with holding onto things due to memories and things, I think the best of us are! I've got the bin bags out today to get rid of a lot of stuff, it's insane the amount of emty boxes and paper I saved thinking they would be reused when I just haven't haha.
ReplyDeleteWinklepickers ay? I don't see those much now! I've still got skateboarding shoes somewhere around the house!
Ooh great job finding this jacket. I mainly shop on the high street due to money constraints but I'm pretty picky with my fabrics and quality (which is probably why I don't end up buying much, generally). I like how practical this one is!
ReplyDeletelooking dapper!!
ReplyDeleteYou made an excellent choice Sir!! The jacket is lovely, it's a nice simple classic piece which you certainly can't tell is a high street buy. I love your whole outfit, especially those shoes which are absolutely gorgeous!!
ReplyDeleteI tend to have to shop on the high street as that's pretty much all I can afford but I often find it takes me a long time to find items that suit me and which are nice and simple, you did a great job finding that jacket though as it definitely ticks those boxes. Through years of experience I've learnt which shops to stay well clear of and which are ok for me, I'm sure you're the same!
Great jacket! It fits you very well! I like the addition of the scarf and hat to add some color!
ReplyDelete~Sara
Sincerely, Sara
you look handsome with that lovely red hat!
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I met some guys recently and they both had on really killer suits from Topman and I was flabbergasted to discover that was where they got them from. They looked very dapper. So maybe Topman is having a moment?
ReplyDeleteLove this outfit on you. Especially the red hat. Very festive but not in an obnoxious way. xx
Well done!!! Yes, the jacket is amazing however your choice of pieces ties it all together. Looking smart, kid!
ReplyDeletenice layers, as always!
ReplyDeleteBrilliant look! Love the scarf.
ReplyDeleteVery impressed with your choice and styling! I have only recently started steering away from the high street and actually looking for better quality clothes that are going to last me longer and also like for longer
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