Is Hobbs hot or not? - Fashion - Life & Style - Evening Standard
       

Is Hobbs hot or not?

On first entering Hobbs, it feels bland. Very Guildford. It comes off as a store for the smart, not-too-adventurous working woman who wants a wardrobe of easy separates that work well together without her having to think too much about them. Nothing wrong with that.

But close inspection reveals a raft of excellent buys that would integrate into many different sorts of wardrobe — even those of more adventurous customers who may be put off by its conventional appearance.

In a retail landscape where many high street chains, smarting from the recession, seem to be reducing quality while viciously upping prices, Hobbs comes off brilliantly: quality is uniformly excellent for the money. A sleeveless Fair Isle pullover was a bargain at £59, as was a plum-coloured jacket in the Chanel style (£110).

Footwear, too, was excellent value: black patent mock-croc boots looked far more expensive than £199, while a low-heeled patent court shoe, at £99, would be invaluable for work. It's well worth popping in — you might be surprised at what you can find.

Staff: very helpful
Changing rooms: adequate
Price: pitched firmly in the mid-market range
Quality: excellent for the price
Our pick: beige wool bouclé jacket, £110

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