Suggest clothes shops that I might like

[Ismeyes]

I am due to buy some new work clothes and I need some inspiration before I end up in the same old stuff. This is me:

I'm size 14, 5'9'' and I have big boobs and hips.
I'm 30.
I work in mental health and I need clothes that look professional but absolutely not office-y or monochrome
I am not afraid of colours or patterns, but I am an introvert so no shocking pink or tribal/animal print

I rather like to look arty/bookish and ever so slightly rumpled
I have a soft spot for fly boots and converse, or odd looking shoes
I do not like surfer or 'aspirational' stuff i.e. Fat Face, Animal, Joe Browns and the like.

Where can I shop?

I'm struggling a bit with what aspirational means so might badly misjudge this. Have you looked at Brora dresses e.g. Liberty print wrap dress. Good for your figure and height, subtle pattern, smart but not traditional officey.

Sorry to state obvious but slightly rumpled librarian image suggests dresses from Boden or maybe joules to me.

No you are right about Boden and joules, but that is not what I am after either - its really hard to explain what I mean, maybe it only exists in my head! Somewhere inbetween smart and unconventional/arty leaning more to the unconventional but not 'LOOK AT ME!!!!'.

I will look at Brora.

Toast?

something not monochrome from cos? stuff from there always looks rubbish on me because I'm only 5'4, but you are tall enough to carry it off

Toast
Anthropologie
Brora
Vivienne Westwood Anglomania
Hobbs
Jigsaw
Coggles (great plains and some smaller designers)
Margaret Howell
Ally Capellino

If you live in a decent size town, don't forget charity shops. I've had some great stuff but obviously you need the time to rummage.

Tk maxx, likewise.

Jigsaw?

Zara is fab, I think - great patterns and good value. I am not the same shape so don't know whether it works for the more buxom among us.

I typed Zara last night but then thought they are probably not for a curvy 14, though good height wise. What about banana republic? Also little local boutiques worth checking out. There is one near us frequented mostly by vairy comfortably off ladies who are largely older than me. The overall effect in there is a little overwhelming but they have individual pieces by makes like noa noa, nougat, inwear which are very nice. Very expensive but once you've got a feel for what you like you can then search on eBay and pick up lots of bargains in makes like that.

Thank you for the further suggestions. Zara is definately not for me - not enough boob room! Lots of suggestions there that are beautiful, lots that is spot on what I would like, but will have to get saving!

I just looked at your that site Josey - beautiful pieces and I also love quirky jewellery, I might have to buy!

You sound a bit like me ! I am introverted and would like my dress sense to be decribed as arty or a bit ex indie kid (see whole other thread)
I really do not think its where you shop but the clothes you choose from each shop.
I tend to mainly shop from Ebay for new and used things. I have found things I like from Boden,French connection,Gap,White Stuff,Warehouse .I got some beautiful jeweled ballet pumps from Joules in the past so I don't rule them out either.I love Fly footwear too. Javari has unbeatable prices and free next day delivery.

Joy

Kerstina, yes that is exactly it - a bit ex-indie kid! I couldn't find your other thread though. I hanker after the days when my hair was messy, badly dyed and I lived in adidas gazelles, but I was 16 and so I could get away with it!

I will try and find the ex indie kid thread and bump it for you

Phase eight
Lk bennett

Irregular Choice for shoes

Kerstina, you are me.

But I'm not introverted. I meant the ex indie kid scouring eBay bit. That is me me me.

Morriszapp is it you that keeps outbidding me?

Oh yes, I love irregular choice but my feet are too big

If we all start bidding on these clothes is it just going to get expensive?

I share your ideas on clothes OP and achieve "the look" best when I mix something plain and interesting, like my taupe Toast velvet skirt with a bit of vintage cashmere off ebay or a jacket my mother gave me from the 60's. I'm very miffed that i forgot to bid on a Welsh wool tweed pinafore dress on ebay last week. If you forget what the models look like Brora can be good - especialy the jersey print dresses which will machine was and even tumble dry for a year and still look like new. I saved for a year for one of their cardigans, but spent the money on a rescue dog and his dentistry instead - must try again. If I think of something I want, like, say a long dark blue linen skirt I just ebay that description and quite often find a really good make for very little money.