velvet type top?

[Libra]

I was going through my wardrobe this morning to find something to wear for work and have discovered that everything - really, everything - that I have is black. I have a lot of black dresses and black shirts and black trousers.

What I need is something a bit brighter to wear with them.

Discussing this with DH (not necessarily a good idea) he thought that a velvet shirt/top in a jewel colour would be a good idea so I have been searching the internet for the last hour, but can not find anything. Obvioulsy velvet is not in this year. I thought it would be a good idea because I could also wear it with jeans to dress things up a little.

Can anyone suggest anything? I am - ahem - a 16 and in mid-forties. I work in a university so need to look different from the students but don't have to live in suits. We have Hobbs, Debenhams, M&S in our town, but I am happy to order things from t'Internet.

Please feel free to tell me that the whole idea is stupid. I don't want to look like a hippy but at the moment I look as though I am about to attend a funeral.

[TapselteerieO]

Maybe instead of a shirt this kind of top, dressy but not too "office".

[Libra]

Umm. I need a v-neck otherwise I can look very top heavy. Was also looking for something in a heavier material that wouldn't need a jacket over it all the time - I wave my arms about a Lot when lecturing.

[TracyK]

I like these www.mintvelvet.co.uk/search?keywords=lipstick
Also try H&M - they have quite a lot of jade coloured shirts/blouses.

[Libra]

I really like the Mint Velvet stuff. Have you bought from there? What is their sizing like?

[pissedrightoff]

Bloody hell! Mint velvet are selling items which are NOT grey.

[TracyK]

I've just taken delivery of the lipstick silk sleevless top - it is a lovely colour. I'd say they were a wee bit on the generous size - but not massively. I get a 16 - which fits perfectly and I'm sometimes an 18 in cheaper shops.
Boden had some nice velvet tops last winter - maybe have a look on ebay for someone selling it?