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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