Please help! Shoes and bag

[HypodoomicNoooodle]

I need help!

I haven't worked in years, youngest has just gone to school so it's back to the workplace for me. With this in mind I've bought a couple of pairs of smart trousers and tops (short sleeved tops - honestly I'm properly clueless!).
I've had a phone call from an agency today asking me to go in to meet with her tomorrow which is great. However I haven't got around to getting shoes yet, I literally only own 2 pairs of trainers and 1 pair of wellies, I may not be totally up on workwear fashion but I'm thinking I need new shoes in a big hurry! Interview is tomorrow afternoon so I have the morning to go shopping. I'm thinking boots maybe? I'm no good in big heels (or medium ones truth be told). Where should I start? Nowhere too expensive please.

The other issue is a handbag of sorts, I carry my things around in a scruffy fraying fabric bag with an owl on it, I love it but it is not at all professional. Where can I look for a handbag that won't break the bank?

Any hints and tips very gratefully received

[HypodoomicNoooodle]

Oh, and I could do with loosing, say, half a stone overnight too. Any ideas?

[frankietwospots]

Well done you on getting the interview with the agency! First of all, can you tell us what shops you have nearby? No point recommending stuff from shops that you don't have, especially as time is precious! Do you have a big Sainsburys for example? Or New Look?

[HypodoomicNoooodle]

Thank you!

Yes to both big sainsburies and new look, also debenhams, M&S, BHS and the like. Having a total blank on what else is in town but it's a fairly sizeable town so I'm hopeful I'll be able to find something suitable

[frankietwospots]

Not sure how cheap you need things to be so here are some non-leather options:

How about a smart tote bag like this? www.newlook.com/shop/womens/bags-and-purses/black-double-zip-tote-bag_318090301

For boots, I'd go for something simple and smart like these: www.newlook.com/shop/shoe-gallery/boots/black-zip-side-block-heel-boots-_334589201

I know they have a block heel but they should be fairly easy to walk in and a bit of a heel always looks smarter than a flat ankle boot I think.

Looking at M&S, this tote bag looks smart: www.marksandspencer.com/drop-lock-tote-bag/p/p22298227

Chelsea boots here: www.marksandspencer.com/suede-panelled-pointed-toe-chelsea-ankle-boots-with-insolia/p/p22327856

[frankietwospots]

oh and I really like this bag from Next: www.next.co.uk/x54336s6#672445x54

[HypodoomicNoooodle]

Fab info, thank you.

I went into next to have a look at the bag but couldn't find it, I did however find a perfect pair of boots in there. I've ended up borrowing a bag from my mum. She also found me a lovely jumper to wear as the long sleeve tops won't be warm enough