Monsoon always makes me feel pretty! (Monsoon)

Member Name: englishrose

Product:	Monsoon
Date:	27/03/09 (218 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Beautiful clothes in a nice atmosphere

Disadvantages: A bit over-priced

Monsoon is not just a shop, it's an experience! Yes, the clothes are beautiful but I really enjoy just being in there, soaking up the atmosphere. I love the way the shops are decorated, and how the lighting is so flattering, everything smells nice and looks attractively presented.

Monsoon sells clothing for ladies, men and children, plus there is a homeware department and an accessories department: The sister store to Monsoon is Accessorize, which has seperate shops, but there is always an Accessorize department within Monsoon stores too.

The ladies clothes seem to be in sizes 8 to 22, and there are different collections within the store, to cater for different customer tastes. I find the sizes to be on the generous side too, which is great: Who doesn't like a bit of flattery?

The thing that makes Monsoon stand out for me is the colours: Yes, many of the designs are available in cheaper shops, but the colours Monsoon use are always slightly different: I like how they are a more muted version of a colour, so everything looks more tasteful and pretty.

There is casual wear such as jeans and soft trousers, sweaters and t-shirts, then a smart casual section which could also be used for workwear. T-shirts will start at around £10, with jeans at around £20 - 30.00 and then upwards of that for the smarter stuff. Winter coats come in some special designs and will be over £100.00 typically - but they do offer something unusual, and when I am out and about and see someone wearing one, I like to think I can usually spot it.

A speciality of Monsoon that I see instore over and over again, is the beaded top: They have always done this, and these tend to be very expensive as they are hand-finished. Reading the label, they will usually be dry-clean only, and made from 100% silk, in some gorgeous prints. These will start at around the £60.00 mark.

Another section of the shop that I love to browse in, but have never had reason to buy from, is the evening and formal wear: They sell ballgowns and evening dresses which are just eye candy , absolutely beautiful. These tend to start at around £100.00 plus, so it's real special occasion wear.

I believe Monsoon sell wedding dresses too, although these tend not to be out on display.

The menswear department: Well, I have only seen this from a distance so I cannot really comment, to be honest it looks like any other menswear: The same sludgy colours and same old shapes, sorry!

The childrenswear: now this section is absolutely beautiful, with little beaded tops, everything covered in bright prints or sequins, and lots of matching shoes, bags and hats. This would be the place to head for if your child needs a special occasion outfit , for going to a wedding for example.

The accessories: or should I say the Accessorize ? Gorgeous, hippy inspired jewellery, hats, bags and shoes, plus seasonal extras like bikinis or scarves. As is usual in Monsoon, prices are at the higher end of the high street, but you can get something unusually different.

I tend to window-shop in Monsoon whenever I go into a town centre, as they have a branch in most major towns or cities now. It's normally a little bit beyond my budget, however they do have a really good sale with great reductions, several times a year: Items will start off at 50% off, then after a few weeks, a lot of items go down to 75% off - Time to strike!

My experience of the clothes: When the sales are on and I have bought a few things over the years, the experience has been mixed: I had a pair of black cords which were great casual wear but the belt loops ripped after a few washes. However, I have had a few of their beaded and/or silk tops , which have lasted the distance really well (probably because I have only handwashed them!).

My favourite bits of jewellery were from Monsoon and these have lasted well without any bits breaking off etc.

The staff: There are always loads of sales assistants around, and a noticeable amount of security guards too. I have always found them helpful and friendly. I once bought a silk top in the sale that had the size label missing, so the sales assistant let me buy it for £10.00 after a bit of negotiation. Brilliant!

The bags: Worth a little mention, i just love the Monsoon printed paper carrier bags, gorgeous designs as nice as the clothes! (I know I am sad).

Monsoon Outlet: Monsoon have several discount outlets around the country at shopping villages. These sell ex-store stock at reduced prices, and these outlets take part in the 75% off sale as well, so this is a good time to go. I know of one in Cheshire and one in West Yorkshire, and I am sure there are more.

Monsoon Online: Monsoon have a really good website where you can browse and shop online, and everything instore is also available here, including sale prices. The site has the same lovely muted colours as the shops and is easy to navigate. I have never bought anything from it, so can't comment on service, but have browsed it often and found it really good.

Overall: I would give the full 5 stars for everything else, but I have had to take a star off as I find it a bit overpriced.

Summary: Quality high street wear