All Saints

Okay, so let’s just get it out of the way and put it out there: All Saints is insanely expensive and not the kind of shopping I can indulge in often.
This is why I’m especially frustrated that I’ve fallen in love with their tailored sweatshirts (yes, there is such a thing); their edgy, asymmetrical coats; and their anything-​but-​sloppy sweaters. All in beautiful neutrals that aren’t the typical flat grays and muddy taupes — these hues have depth, with many of the colors exhibiting that marled or heathered look. Love it!
I purchased a beautifully-​cut sweatshirt jacket in black with the most interesting zippered collar, and a heathered taupe sweater that wraps and tucks in all the right places for a super flattering fit. The customer service at the cash wrap left a lot to be desired, but the associate who helped me out on the floor was a doll.
Pro tip for Americans: I fell in love with a coat that I found online on the US site. They didn’t have it it in my size and it was definitely NOT on sale. But I did some recon and found that the UK site not only had my size, but the original price was less than the US site’s and it was offered on sale for 20% off. Free (and fast!) shipping, too! There is always a way :)

What has happened to All Saints. Once a favourite for both their edgy design and quality. Now although the designs still have a slight edge the quality of a lot of their garment is appalling. Especially Jersey garments that go to holes after just a very few washes. (This has happened many times to me) Jeans are also far from good quality. Judging by the prices you would think they should offer better. Very poor value for money.

Even though I don’t have any money, that doesn’t mean I can’t walk into an expensive clothing shop and pretend that I’m going to buy something. I quite like Graphic Tees, and All Saints had a great selection. As I was browsing through their Graphic Tees, I noticed a common trend, a price of £40.00. I have a large collection of cheap Polo shirts, and the quality of the clothing here put my clothes to shame. For some, the quality and style of the clothes in All Saints is enough to warrant the high price tag. For (broke) others, they’ll look at the prices and scoff and think to themselves, «Maybe in another lifetime…» If you have money to spend, and are looking for vests, sweatshirts, trousers, jackets, wallets, bags, hats, jewelery, ties, gloves, scarves (and tons more), it would be a good idea to make a stopover at All Saints.

The All Saints branch, recently opened on East Street, offers ridiculously expensive clothes for cool people. Why there needs to be a second branch here, when there is another barely 10 minutes walk away is beyond me, but I suppose the cool kids need another place to buy their trendy clothes from all the time. If it’s your sort of thing, All Saints will already be a staple part of your wardrobe, but if you’re like me and think it’s all a load of too-​cool-​for-​school tosh, this is no different from any other branch, apart from the very cool design, so give it a miss.
I think All Saints is the divining line for Brightonians. The cool kids swear by its anachro-​consumerist mixture of sub-​Goth anger and religious iconography, while others think it just looks silly. Still, to each their own, and if you like the sound of the above, this may be the store for you. Just make sure to bring a lot of cash: All Saints is not cheap by any stretch of the imagination. One could even say it was overpriced, although I’m reliably informed that you can’t put a price on ‘coolness’.
Apart from the clothes, this particular All Saints also has an interesting design. The shop windows are completely blocked out with old Singer sewing machines, and the inside is clearly decked out to look like a seamstress’s workshop, if the seamstress was really hip and listened to Dizzee Rascal. I don’t know quite what to make of it: is it one sewing machine for each sweatshop where these clothes are made? Or am I reading too much into it?
If you like this style of clothes, you’re probably already shopping at All Saints, and wearing one of their pseudo-​religious shirts right now. If that appeals to your rebellious nature, give it a try, just be prepared to pay a lot for that oh-​so-​precious image. Don’t say I didn’t warn you!

Located on East St. where the old Cargo shop used to stand, the windows are lined floor to ceiling with old Singer branded sewing machines, you can’t miss it let alone see in. I suppose this is to give the impression that the clothes have been lovingly and painstakingly tailored. I suppose they have. The clothes have an «edgy» appeal. A very distinct style that includes using religious iconography, romantic motifs and a touch of pseudo-​gothic flair. All in all, the particular style that All Saints has to offer will not cater for everyone’s taste. It is quite expensive, and as you are paying for well-​tailored clothes, it is not all too bad. In some cases the materials are good quality and will offer longevity even if the trend or season makes it obsolete. However, for t-​shirts and jeans, they look cool but I know from personal experience that some items do not last long if worn and washed at normal intervals. The accessories are good (if you can make rosary beads look cool), or ladies, the dresses here are amazing, but more of a «one-​time-​must-​have» than that «forever-​dress» kind of place.

All Saints store is insanely expensive… It looks like a particularly gorgeous barn conversion that a stylish maker of manikins has moved into, and brought all his sewing machines and wooden feet with her/​him. So in other words, it stands out from the crowd and looks cool. But everything in here is about twice the price of buying online… I couldn’t see myself spending £55 on a shirt, even if it is as nice as the ones here…
I over heard some of the (exceptionally stylish and attractive) staff discussing confrontations with the public over prices, with one guy retelling a tale wherein he’d been asked «have you ever heard of this place called Africa?». I wouldn’t go so far as to make passing remarks like that, but I’m not alone in thinking its expensive here… Still, if you can afford it, go ahead! Just check how much it is online before you get caught in the moment and buy in store.