Supermarket Chic

Image showing a 50 plus woman in a colour block jumper and skirt posing by barges

My recent post about vintage and thrifted chic was very popular so it got me thinking: how about looking at clothes you can buy in a supermarket?

It's fun to pick up the occasional jumper or pair of metallic socks at Sainsbury's. Last year I found a few gems including this tartan skirt and jumper, but lately I've been getting the shopping delivered - the pitfalls of working full-time - and haven't had much chance to browse the TU aisles.

I arrived too early on a Sunday - they've changed their opening time to 10.30 - and had to wait for a while. My overall impression of the clothing aisles was: eeek. So much stuff, some very lurid colours and patterns, and no cohesion in terms of being able to identify easily what you would wear with, say, a pair of trousers.

Image showing a 50 plus woman posing by barges dressed in a smart wool two piece from Sainsburys

I'm always a bit wary about buying "cheap" fashion. Not because I don't like it, but because I'm troubled by the stories we hear frequently about workers in India and Bangladesh being exploited.

Usually the big stores like Primark shrug and say they had been assured the staff were being paid well for the local market, that children are not employed, and that they will look into it.

I don't get the impression they care all that much because at the end of the day, women want cheaper fashion and the retailers want to make big profits. Sainsburys' policy on ethical trading reassured me somewhat, though you have to go to their corporate site to find it.

Sainsbury's have a new Premium range which is supposed to be better quality for higher prices. But I found it very disappointing. The clothes are not displayed very well and Sainsbury's is missing an opportunity to sell across its range by not having mannequins wearing the Premium range and other Sainsbury's accessories. There is enough room in the store I went to, Chingford Low Hall.

The silk shirt (below, far right) was very creased on the hanger and felt rough to the touch. There was a shapeless dress / tunic which is not surprisingly now half price (normally £35). The size 10 was HUGE, I kid you not, and I had no idea how you would wear it or who it might flatter. But I liked the psychedelic print dress, left, and the subtle Christmas jumper, now in pale pink only, (centre) with sequins is pretty for £20

Four collaged images showing items available for women in the fashion aisles of UK supermarket Sainsburys

The jewellery in Sainsbury's is worth a look - it's fun to pick up low cost pieces. I bought a pair of blue pearl drop earrings in "rose gold," and a matching pendant, but I didn't wear them with the outfit in the end. They have a burgundy cloche hat which I would have bought, if I didn't already have a burgundy hat.

Some of their shoes and boots have touches of high fashion - pearls in the heels, for example. But the overall finish is cheap looking and stompy, with ugly round toes. They should take a look at what Marks and Spencer is currently doing with shoes (KILLING it, ladies).

Image showing woman over 50 seated on a bench overlooking a canal wearing a colour block wool two piece outfit and over the knee boots

I'm wearing a necklace made for me by Pam Neri. The beads were made from recycled records. Pam is on Instagram, @pamnerinecklaces, and her website is here.

Image showing a woman in her 50s by a canal wearing black over the knee boots and a black maroon and paprika red jumper and knee length skirt

Outfit Details

Colourblock skirt, £18, and colourblock tie sleeve jumper, £20, Sainsburys. Necklace, Pam Neri, see above. Over-the-knee sock boots, Next, £50. Leopard print bag, Next, last season.

Sharing this post with: Visible Monday at Not Dead Yet Style, Catherine at Not Dressed As Lamb; Fake It Until You Make It at Fake Fabulous, Creative Mondays at Claire Justine, Spread the Kindness at Shelbee on the Edge, Emma at Stylesplash, Jess at Elegantly Dressed and Stylish, Ashley and Laurie Link Up, Fabulous Friday at A Pocketful of Polka Dots,Fancy Friday at Nancy's Fashion Style and Top of the World Style at High Latitude Style

*No items were gifted

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