Where to shop.....? Size 18, 41yrs old....totally lost my way!

[CantWont]

I've been plus size (28/30) for the last 18 years and now I'm not :) I'm hourglass shape, 5'4", size 34G/H bust but pretty average 18 everywhere else, the odd 16 top. Shapely calves, ok knees, tummy needs camouflage due to skin issues at moment (altho giant knickers are a godsend!) but otherwise I've been very lucky in that respect.

I'd like to look casual but smartish, I'm not good in much above kitten height heels. I currently own:
One pair jeans
A few ls tshirts
A couple of fitted shirts
Loads of roll necks .... was feeling the cold!
A tunic or two

And that's about it other than the usual work wear drabbery.

Funds are not unlimited and I'm still dropping a size every couple of months, but where to start??

Thanks in anticipation!

I like Simply Be, which you can get on ebay. Or just get the stuff cheaply on ebay and sell it when you're done. Congratulations on your success!

Mantaray in Debenhams, John Rocha in Debenhams, Monsoon...experiment!

Well done - sounds like you deserve a shopping spree

Oh and Fat Face and The White Stuff are classics too.

John Rocha is awesome for hourglasses!

Thank you all! Have been browsing Ebay and not v inspired - I have no idea what suits me really, which doesn't help! I think I need to wait til I can get out and have a huge try on and then take it from there - like the shape/style of lots of the brands you have mentioned above, but so much BIG pattern which is something I not used to!

I had this problem when I lost a lot of weight CantWont it is very tricky - you don't realise how used to wearing the same shapes you get.

I had a massive try on. I did it in bursts and took my Mum or SIL or dh with me as I trusted them to be honest with me.

With an hourglass I found the best things were things which showed off my little waist. I like the John Rocha stuff as it often has ties at the back so you can pinch in the waist but there is still room for boobs and hips.

I also find v necks are flattering on the boobs, although it can be tricky to find ones that aren't too low cut.

3/4 sleeves are also flattering that way - I have no idea why but they seem better than full length or short sleeves.

I buy stuff from John Rocha in the Debenhams sale, managed to get some trousers this time which also fit my hourglass! Very, very happy - often find for trousers that only American "urbanwear" designs fit.