Budding stylists, please style me for awards ceremony!

[Indulgingmum]

I have to attend an awards ceremony with my Daughter at our local University. She is receiving a prize for academic excellence. It says on the invite Sunday Smart dress code. I haven't a clue what to wear. I'm a size 18 apple shape and have a budget of £60 for outfit. Will pay extra for the shoes. Please help. All suggestions welcome. X

[momb]

Unhelpful, but I misread your title and found this on googling:

No chance you are actually a Buddhist?

[Indulgingmum]

PMSL. My daughter is 14. She is embaressed that I even breathe! I think if I wore that it would finish her off lol.

[Indulgingmum]

Belly Bump

[DelphiniumBlue]

Same size and shape as me then!
I've found Phase Eight quite good for smarter events, usually a wrap type dress. TK Maxx can have some good bargains, you just need to be lucky.
If you're happier in trousers, I found lovely stretch brocade ones in Monsoon, had to size down. But they were £50, so you'd need to already own a suitable top/ jacket to stay within your budget. Are you able to get to a decent shopping centre or does it have to be online?
Congratulations to your daughter, you must be very proud!

[Indulgingmum]

Thanks delphiniumBlue, yea gonna go into Belfast on Monday and see what I can find. There is a phase eight there so I will go and Try on a few things. I think I'd predate a dress or skirt and top.

[cathyandclaire]

Some Phase Eight dresses in the sale at House of Fraser at the moment

[Indulgingmum]

thanks cathyandclaire, i can see some really lovely ones on there. x

[Dowser]

Love this, slimming elegant and on budget.

Eliza j dresses are very well made

www.houseoffraser.co.uk/Eliza+J+Cap+sleeve+sequin+waist+gown/205682655,default,pd.html

I wore one for my recent wedding

[Dowser]

Nice with navy jacket ,shoes etc

www.houseoffraser.co.uk/Dresses/S301,default,sc.html?prefn1=brand&prefv1=Eliza%20J&sz=300&spcl

[Dowser]

This would be perfect

www.houseoffraser.co.uk/Eliza+J+3/4+cuff+sleeve+dress+with+pleated+skirt/198933832,default,pd.html

[Dowser]

This is fabulous too and only £32

www.houseoffraser.co.uk/Eliza+J+3/4+sleeve+ruched+waist+dress/193588747,default,pd.html

They have it in an 18 I didn't. Heck the other sizes

[Dowser]

www.houseoffraser.co.uk/Eliza+J+3/4+sleeve+ruched+waist+dress/193958578,default,pd.html

Same style in black,slightly dearer it has your size

[Dowser]

Very pretty

<a class="break-all" href="http://www.houseoffraser.co.uk/Dresses/S301,default,sc.html?prefn1=brand&prefv1=Eliza%20J&sz=300&spcl#www.houseoffraser.co.uk/Dresses/S301,default,sc.html?prefn1=brand&prefv1=Eliza%20J&prefn2=Size&prefv2=18&prefn3=Style&prefv3=Fit%20%26%20Flare%20Dress&fix&spcl&ajaxsearchrefinement&brandTab=0" rel="nofollow noindex" target="_blank">www.houseoffraser.co.uk/Dresses/S301,default,sc.html?prefn1=brand&prefv1=Eliza%20J&sz=300&spcl#www.houseoffraser.co.uk/Dresses/S301,default,sc.html?prefn1=brand&prefv1=Eliza%20J&prefn2=Size&prefv2=18&prefn3=Style&prefv3=Fit%20%26%20Flare%20Dress&fix&spcl&ajaxsearchrefinement&brandTab=0

Your size in it as well

[Dowser]

Racy red .would accessorise lovely

www.coast-stores.com/p/jimena-textured-dress/1448958?locale=en

[Dowser]

Anything like this. Several colours

www.houseoffraser.co.uk/Trollied+Dolly+Royally+Retro+Dress/227785762,default,pd.html

[Dowser]

Looks elegant

www.houseoffraser.co.uk/Jolie+Moi+Two+Tone+Lace+50s+Dress/223342156,default,pd.html