Wanted! Large clothes, not made of crap.

[TheSkiingGardener]

I am desperately in need of smart black trousers in a size, ahem, 24 and I really struggle to find ones that aren't made of that crappy stretchy material that just highlights my big belly by moulding themselves over it. I know, horrid thought! Does anyone know where I can get some nice ones?

Any suppliers of good eveningwear in the aforementioned size would be wonderful too, especially those that allow for a rather large bust on top (literally) of everything else.

Very very grateful for any links.

Marina Rinaldi (plus size label of Maxmara) would be a likely place for smart trousers. I have some good pieces from them (I'm a 22). They do evening wear too. But they're not online - have a shop in Bond St. and one in Edinburgh. And they are pricy. Their shops in Italy are a far better hunting ground than the limited range available here.

If you're near London, a company called Beige Plus has a couple of shops which specialise in quality plus sizes - the Chancery Lane one has some Marina Rinaldi formal trousers.

Some people like Spirito di Artigiano online. I'm not a fan myself, as I find the trousers far too baggy (my legs are slim) and the styles generally frumpy, but you may want to have a glance at their website.

I think Frank Usher do evening stuff in larger sizes, though have never bought them myself. And I've seen links to an online firm called Curvety, though again not tried them.

Anna Scholz (online) also do evening dresses - I personally don't like the bright patterns they use and, again, they're pricy, but some people like them a lot.

Sorry not to have more positive suggestions. As I no longer work in an office and don't go to masses of formal events, I'm more into casual/ smart casual stuff and tend to rely on usual suspects - M and S Autograph and Boden - which is a lot easier.

Can't help with the trousers but this site looks nice for evening stuff?

PS Have just looked at your age on your profile and IMO you're much too young for Spirito, or Frank Usher.

Thanks both. I'll follow up the links. Unfortunately not near London so those are out but hopefully the web links will be good.

I agree polyhymnia Frank Usher is a leetle old for me! Probably worth a look in case though.