“Yes, but a Miele is on par with a BMW M5” says Ali-B, only to be ‘corrected’ by the originator hodgy0_2 who states “not quite, imo, Miele is akin to what Merc were in the 80’s and 90’s built by engineers not by accountants”. Of course, these comparisons aren’t for everyone, but while Matteeboy says “Men arguing about washing machine brands - whatever next?!”, J4CKO couldn’t disagree more – “We bought a Miele as I [didn’t] want the doom and gloom from the missus when the washer broke down again, £700 plus quid and a ten year warranty, so £70 a year for me not to have to think about it”.

A good point well made sir! Join the conversation here.

1. Firstly, tell us a little about your site?

The Luxe Chronicles covers the luxury and fashion industries as well as occasional goings on in the art world.  I try to write from my own perspective as a consumer.  There is a great deal of hype surrounding the fashion and luxury industries and I find consumers’ interests are not always well represented.  I try to look beyond the hype and provide insights and information that can be helpful to my readers.  One of my areas of interest is fashion history so I try to interject a bit of historical perspective in my posts where I can.  I’ve been blogging since October 2007 and I still really enjoy it.  I find it especially rewarding when my readers engage me in debate or add their own insights to posts I’ve written.  It confirms that I’m not shouting into the wind so-to-speak.

2. How’s your personally tailored Jasper Garvida creation getting on?

It is absolutely beautiful as you would expect a Jasper Garvida creation would be.  It is quite a glamorous gown so I look forward to having the opportunity to wear it out.  It has a very 1930’s feel to it which corresponds to one of my favourite fashion periods.  I will treasure it always.  I joked with Jasper that I look forward to loaning it out to museums one day when he’s a rich and famous designer and the subject of museum retrospectives.

3. How important is garment care to you as a fashion enthusiast?

It is absolutely essential.  I’ve never believed in the whole “fast fashion” movement.  If I buy something, it’s because I truly love it so I obviously want to wear it for as long as I can.  This obviously entails taking proper care of it.  This is as true for my Zara purchases as it is my Azzedine Alaia pieces.

4. How do you care for your investment fashion pieces?

I try to follow the instructions on a garment’s care label as closely as I can.  I’m not a huge fan of the solvents used in dry cleaning so I tend to  spot clean as much as I can.  Otherwise, I try to use the most gentle washing cycle I can and never wash clothing in very hot water.  Storage is also important especially with delicate fabrics or embellished pieces.  The hardest thing is finding clothes hangers that are sized properly for things like jackets and blouses.  Otherwise, garments loose their shape over time.

5. Any tips you would like to share with others?

Unscented baby wipes are quite useful for tiny spots especially when you’re travelling.  I also believe in pre-treating stains prior to washing.

6. Any eye’s on any Miele additions to the household?

I would dearly love one of their rotary irons.  I never did master the art of ironing properly and Miele’s rotary irons look like they were designed with people like me in mind.

7. If our readers should hit one blog other than yours, what should it be?

I’m a big fan of both “Make Do Style” and “Business of Fashion”.  Make Do Style is written by Kate Battrick and her blog is as irreverent and amusing as she is.  Her book “Make Do & Mend” is on my reading list for this summer.  ”Business of Fashion” is written by Imran Amed and offers a glimpse inside the business aspects of the fashion industry.  Both are very informative on different aspects of the world of fashion.

Thank you Helene – now go and bookmark The Luxe Chronicles…

Greatminds, obviously not a pet owner, questioned “Why would you want to vacuum a cat and dog?” while jaydeeuk1 suggested “We have a different model Miele. Brilliant piece of kit, far better than [another brand]”. Sponge too says “This is a great deal and hopefully others will be able to benefit too. If I didn’t already have a Miele vacuum, I’d be getting this one.”

Back to Ferf1223 though – who finishes up stating “In addition to how well it seems to pick up the cat hair, we’re also really impressed at how much fluffier the carpet feels - and it was my husband who first pointed it out…so you know it must be true.” Read the full conversation here.

After terrible troubles with another brand – MrsKitty suggests “Miele is the way to go - Yes, they’re expensive but they will last for 20+ years” and while sammysamsam wasn’t too keen on the price, he still “second[s] Miele. Too pricey, but great results”. Qally can only agree further “Agree with ABetaDad. Miele are the only brand that aren’t designed to die just out of guarantee”. Go and have your say over here.

Cattie steps in to say that “Miele appliances are said to last 20+yrs, so worth considering if you are looking for long lasting appliances”, while mikeandrach believes “Miele are superb” with the caveat that they don’t have the ‘biggest drums’.  

Last line has to go to CKdesigner though – who clearly knows what he likes, “they [Miele] last 20 years, they wash better than any other washing machine, they are quieter, and more economical. These are indisputable facts. Miele build products without compromise. Something you cannot say about any other manufacturer.”

Have your say over here.

First up - Alex from Princess and the Recipe:

So first question – tell us a little about your blog?
My blog is called the Princess and the Recipe. I started it when I lived in Hong Kong as a diary of where and what I was eating. I then got hooked on blogging and kept going once I came back to the UK. It’s a bit of a hodge-podge of recipes, restaurant reviews and foodie events.
What did you enjoy most at the St Patrick’s Day event with Miele?
I loved trying out all the Miele gadgets and meeting the other foodie bloggers. And of course eating the Bailey’s Chocolate Cheesecake!

Have you made anything from the Miele recipe book since St. Patrick’s Day? Bailey’s Chocolate Cheesecake maybe?
I have made a version of the Roscommon Pudding, with plums rather than rhubarb. I’m saving the Bailey’s Chocolate Cheesecake for a BBQ later in the summer.

Are their any Miele appliances on the horizon you are tempted to install in your kitchen?
I’m very tempted by the steam ovens, although it would have to a freestanding one so I wouldn’t have to leave it behind when I moved house.
What other events and activities you would like to see Miele running in the future for passionate food bloggers like yourself?
Just keep up the good work! Anything where I get to play with new toys, eat and meet other foodie bloggers will keep me happy.

And finally, can you link us back to a perfect recipe on your site for the Great British Summer?
Here’s a recipe for gorgeous greengage sorbet

BigT meanwhile is strident in his support for Miele as a brand saying “Miele S380 can be had for £100. I don’t know that much about that specific model but the Miele I have is infinitely better as a vacuum cleaner than any of the [other brands]”. Arknor meanwhile suggests “getting a Miele cat and dog [vacuum] like [his] parents have”. Go and have your say over here, or let us know what you think below.

Oldraver doesn’t have a Miele herself but “uses [her] friends Miele and it is much better” and SomeGuy “Would recommend Miele”. To see all 29 posts and have your say though, head on over to mumsnet.com and have your say.

Scottland agrees, suggesting “+1 for the Miele. Had one which never missed a beat and as far as I know is still going strong after 8 years” while burty bought [another brand], replaced it with a Miele and commented that “the build quality is incomparable”. “It’s also incredibly quick.” If you have any views, jump into conversation over here.