What kind of style (if any!) would suit.......

[countrysidemummy]

... a person who is 44 years, 5' 10" and a size 16 verging on 18 but on a fitness kick so hoping not to get to an 18?? I am hopeless, totally hopeless! I either look like my granny or a bag lady, sometimes even both together! I love Joules and Boden but only buy them for dd as i feel i'm too fat to look nice. I have big boobs, hips and calves and like comfy clothes and flat shoes but still want to look nice and kind of casual / yummy mummy, if that is even remotely possible. Dh is giving me a (small) shopping budget for some spring clothes and i have no clue where to even start! Please take pity and help me out before i resort to shopping with my mum in Eastex!!
Thank you sooooo much :-)

Have you had a brouse through new looks inspire range ? some really nice bits and bobs in there at the moment, are you looking for day wear/evening/work or casual weekend ?

Why not have a look on ebay for some boden/joules stuff? I found

this tunic £15 down from £50 and brand new so there is probably bargains to be had...check the sellers returns policy in case you want to send back but otherwise happy shopping!

Personal shopping always comes highly recommended on here (and in RL). Haven't done it myself yet but considering it. John Lewis or Debenhams do it. Sure someone will come along whose done it and tell you more about how it works.

Im 5' 7" and a 16 and my spring wardrobe consists mainly of indigo straight leg jeans (try Gap or Boden for nice straightlegs), nice stripey tops , loving my new one from Mint velvet here , a jersey boyfriend blazer (mines is from last year but Boden have similar here and some nice pumps, I like these from m&S

Gillybobs, those are lovely, thank you :-)

Glad you like them. I find deciding on a daily "uniform" and then buying a few similar pieces that suit me and go together makes dressing much less stressful.

Remember to let us know how you get on.

Totally agree Gillybobs, I'm a 14/16, curvy, my 'uniform' for spring is floral/embellished/'hippyish/floaty tops (I have built up quite a collection ) with either straight leg jeans/chino's with flat boots or shoes, with a plain (black or navy) casual jacket.

I like to go for relatively simple style so mostly plain items with one (eg top or scarf) being patterned or more girly. Think looks more stylish or 'chic' that way.

I shop in M&S, Debenhams but usually buy jeans/trousers from New Look (to avoid frumpiness)

these chinos nice

this top

As you're tall, I bet the longish tunic and straight leg jean (or even skinny jean) look will realy suit you. I'm tall and large and love it. Adding in some ballet flats is so easy too. Go for it if you fancy it.

Imelda I love those chinos . They would look amazing with a stripey top and blazer : )

This jersey blazer is nice too. :)

I just had a personal shopper appointment at Debenhams. It was fantastic. I struggle to dress in the spring / summer, I'm a 12-14, long-waisted and very pear shaped so live in dresses and leggings in the winter, but can't pull dresses off in the summer (v white legs). I needed bottoms!

I just told her that and off she went. I tried on LOADS of stuff, ended up with a maxi skirt, cropped jeans, cropped black trousers, wide legged trousers and some (basic Dotty P) tops. She found things I wouldn't have looked at twice, I have some really gorgeous new outfits. I spent £200 in total but could have spent less, I had two hours but I think you can book for 1 or 1 1/2. You can book online.

Totally recommend it. I'll be going back for occasion shopping.

MrsSeanBean, I have something v similar to that from New Look, its nice but a bit short to cover any, erm, "problem" areas. I like a longer boyfriend style blazer for that reason!

I try to be cautious with New Look or other particularly 'young' style shops & usually only get anything from there if it is classic style and not too 'trendy' so then am wearing something that is a little 'on trend' but not likely to date or look too 'young/cheap'