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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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?