:Fashion:Personal Stylist

Had a favourite shopping haunt but not sure that it’s you anymore? We all go through that period when we go back to an old favourite to find that it may not be a favourite destination anymore.

Flicking through the racks you’re not sure if it’s you or the store, but either way you’re not getting any younger and something isn’t quite right. Whilst it’s not a good idea to abandon your old favourite straight away, we show you some other options which may get you more excited about shopping again!

Shopping in your 20s

1: Denim A Line dress $99.90 and belt $29.90 from Portmans
2: Geometric necklace $22.95 from Portmans

You used to shop at: Valleygirl or Glassons
New chains you should try: Portmans, Cue, Kookai
These Aussie chains manage to get the balance right between the super trendy items and pieces that will live in your wardrobe for a while. All offer some suiting options (perfect for your first few great fitting, but affordable suits). If you’re in your late twenties you may be flicking through the racks of sheer tops with a little cynicism - it’s usually somewhere in your twenties that you look to pick up a few investment level items and the higher-end chain stores should be a first port of call.

Shopping in your 30s

1: Scoop Neck Tab Sleeve top $AU89.95 from Witchery
2: Long Sateen pant $AU119.95 from Witchery

You used to shop at: Cue
New Chains you should try: Witchery, Country Road, Gregory
Witchery and Country Road offer pieces that have timeless appeal and well structured cuts. And whilst there are pieces for the mid-twenties girl, the thirties woman will be well served by well cut shirts, dresses and staples like knitwear and suiting. Accessories here as well are key, with great quality boots, shoes and leather goods. And you can guarantee the colour palette and approach to design will keep you feeling confident and looking great. It’s more than likely that you are spending some of your hard earned cash on designer delights so these goodies may just fill a gap that those pieces leave.

Shopping in your 40s

1: Tie shirt $69.95, waistcoat $69.95 and pant $89.95 from Sussan
2: Canvas tote $39.95 from Sussan

You used to shop at: Country Road
New Chains you should try: Jaqui E, Mitchell by Liz Mitchell, Sussan, Identity
In your forties not only are you looking for clothing which fits well and is fantastically tailored, you are also after clothing that is cut for your body. Liz Mitchell is one of those kiwi designers who really gets the cut for New Zealand women, plus she’s made it accessible through her diffusion line Mitchell for Liz Mitchell available through Farmers. For women wanting a point of difference, or pieces that make you feel special, its hard to go past Identity, whilst Jacqui E offer office wear with a difference and Sussan have had a pleasantly suprising more mature take on the last few seasons.

Shopping in your 50s
1: Patch n Stich skirt from Merric
2: Ueneku wrap $259.00 from Untouched World

You used to shop at: Jacqui E
New Chains you should try: Line 7, Untouched World, Merric, also see Ricochet.
At 50 you know what you like, you have an established sense of style, a palette of colours you like to wear and a set of favourite shapes. If you don’t that’s fine too, but you would probably have an idea – after all a life of experience leads you to something. One of my favourite places to snap up something gorgeous has to be Ricochet – probably not the most obvious of choices but their knitwear is hard to beat and their cuts are some of the most flattering out there. Things like the Kenny, and their new wrap knitwear hug the body and fall in all the right places.

What do you reckon about Anya’s picks?
Have you found yourself feeling out of place in your favourite store?
What’s your favourite clothing stores for women your age?

By Anya Merryfield
Last updated: Thursday, September 18th, 2008