shopping in leeds on a budget

[jetcat]

hi guys

(i do remember how much you helped with DD1's dress, and i know i promised to put a pic up - but my bluetooth isnt working - just so you know i havent forgot>>

anyways....

i am off shopping this saturday in leeds with a lovely mnetter I have never been to leeds, so no idea what it is like clothes wise.

I need 2 outfits, i jeans and a top (smart for a night out), and a dress and shrug (incase i feel braver than just wearing jeans)

ideally, i would like shoes to go with both outfits, to keep the costs down

Size wise, and cost wise i guess, i am still losing weight (although very slowly) and having come down from a size 32 top/26 bottoms, i have no idea what to go for. Cant afford to buy clothes that may only last for a couple of months IYSWIM

Size wise, i am about a 16-18 bottom now, and i think a 20 on the top, so still quite large

maximum budget is £200, although if i could get it for less than that it would be fab, as my DDs would actually get fed this week

I also have very few accessories, so may need to try for some to match.

all help would be greatfully received, to save poor yank from being dragged in and out of every shop in leeds

[jamaisjedors]

Didn't want your post to go unanswered - I used to go to Leeds University in the dark ages a while ago and there is loads of choice in Leeds and all quite close together.

As I recall, avoid the Victoria shopping arcade where the posher shops are and go for the city centre (top shop etc;)

hth a teeny bit and have fun!

[jetcat]

thanks jam. sadly i think the days of me shopping in top shop have far gone, but i get the drift

[Lizzylou]

What sort of style jeans do you want?

This is nice, figure flattering but not tight

Nice, could wear it over leggings/jeans

This would really suit your colouring

Debenhams have loads of nice things in, am I on the right track in any way??

[Alicetheinvisible]

Dresses:

I think this is nice and quite a 'safe' bet iyswim? You could dress it up or down (leggings and flats or high heels and nice jewellery)

this would be flattering on a curvy figure

[Alicetheinvisible]

How funny Lizzy! We have both linked to the same dress!

[Lizzylou]

Tops:

[http://www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10001_10001_057010212933_-1?breadc rumb=Home%7EWomen%7ETops Again, thin k colour would suit you]]

I love this one, would be good with black jeans/trousers

How high can you go in shoes?

[Lizzylou]

Alice, it is a sign!

[bellavita]

Jet - this would look nice with jeans

[Alicetheinvisible]

Jeans:

good classic pair

For the price, these would be worth trying on. they come in blue or black too

[bellavita]

nice too!

[bellavita]

and this would look soooo pretty

[jetcat]

i like the next green tunic, but will that be dressy enough? and would it be ok with leggings?

the second one looks like it has an arrow pointing somewhere Not sure i could wear that one

i really like the third one lizzy - may just have to try that one on! And as Alice linked as well, it must be nice!

Alice, i really like your second one as well - god this is so confusing! I am guessing that first off we should go to debenhams!

Lizzy - i cant wear horizontal stripes - dont they make you look even bigger?

re the shoes, not sure. Not really high (am 5.6) as i feel i look like mrs doubtfire but about 3" should be ok i think.

Jeans - again, no idea. I normally go for bootcut, as they are slimming, but are they dressy enough?

[Lizzylou]

Horizontal stripes don't make you look bigger, it is all a lie, I saw it on QI so it must be true!

I've been wearing stripey Bretons and have been amazed that they flatter. Have you tried on the one I sent you? That is my most flattering top atm, I have it in the blue and white as well.

[bellavita]

these jeans are a good price

[jetcat]

x posts, sorry bella

i really like that grey top - with black jeans, yes? And the black top! I like that they have some kind of sleeve, as i have awful arms...

bella, the dress is lovely, but you have seen me - would it look soooo pretty on me?

[bellavita]

Horizontal stripes are better for you!

[bellavita]

It would look lovely. Jet, you need to get it into that pretty little head of yours that you can wear these things!!

The grey top with black jeans would look a treat as would the black top.

[jetcat]

thanks guys

Lizzy, yes i tried it on, a little too small though so couldnt really get a good sense of what it looked like.

at it being true if it was on QI - i never know which is true or not on that show!

Bella - thanks hun

[TotalChaos]

Right so I think all are agreed that Debenhams is a good starting point . I am big Deb's fan too, lots of different ranges, and own brand stuff v. reasonably priced, a touch cheaper than say M & S/Per Una. I love that Betty Jackson dress Lizzy linked to, and Mantaray has plenty of nice print summery dressed and tunics.

a tip - I always thought black was uber slimming - but I have had loads of compliments from people at work about my weight loss when I have worn brighter turquoise/green tops with a dark skirt instead of my usual black v necks with dark skirt. So a touch of colour seems to be the way forward.

[Lizzylou]

That black top Bella linked to, with jeans and a big "statement" necklace in say a turquoise (going off your colouring and Total's wise words) would be fabulous darling.

OK< so, shoes? Have had a look on Debenhams and not found any I love.

Do you think wedges?

[jetcat]

ooh lizzy, i have a lovely beaded funky necklace and bracelet set my best mate got me for xmas - it is more deep blue than turquoise though I may take that with me on sat and have a look

I like the idea of wedges, though have never worn them. Would have to be a wide fit - so i usually end up in either new look or evans!

by the way, i am typing up a list of all your fab ideas to go with, will look like a but of a tool in debs, but never mind

[Lizzylou]

Deep Blue sounds great!
How exciting, you won't look mad, just well prepared

[bellavita]

do you like these?

[bellavita]

or these come in wide fit and are nice

[jetcat]

i think i prefer the first ones bella, but doubt they would fit. I do like these although not wedges. Or these

i am going to have a look for some wedges i think - i just need to get out of my comfort zone