Please come help me spend some money!

[DeliaMcNab]

I'm about to start a new job and I need to invest in an appropriate wardrobe.

I'm aiming for a really professional, sharp image but I'm a bit lost (it's been a looong time since I bought work clothes!).

I want to look really well dressed and elegant but without looking like I'm trying too hard (IYKWIM!)

I'm bought one lovely suit from Hobbs but I'm struggling to find anywhere else to buy nice tailoring. I like LK Bennet but can't really quite afford to shop there until I start receiving my new salary.

BTW I'm a size 12, about 5ft5 (short legs!). Pale skinned brunnette.

Can anyone help?

You are same size and colouring as me - I get a lot of trousers and dresses from Hobbs for work. Phase eight I also find good for work. I'm quite girly (I put this down to having a house full of boys) and like prints on tops and dresses- I've a few things from warehouse and French connection.

Good luck with your new job. I started a new job in June after 11 years in the same job and it's been tough but a good move.

Where are you based OP? I am about to RTW myself and went to Bicester where I came away with some great tailoring from LKB and Gerard Darel. I spent c. £300 and got a black dress (LKB) and a black pencil skirt, black slim leg trousers and two beautifully cut shirts - one classic white, one military style black (Darel).

I also found a lovely cobalt Cynthia Rowley shift in TK Maxx, and a midnight blue leopard print wrap dress from LKB on eBay. I bought a couple of good quality ribbon trimmed t-shirts (plum and steel grey) and black leather ballerinas in Banana Republic. Add to that a pair of navy patent courts from the Russell & Bromley sale and some pink pointed Louboutin courts from the local dress agency and I have myself a work wardrobe of good brands which will last, all for about £500 in total.

Unfortunately I'm too far north for Bicester but I hadn't though of outlets and there are some not too far from me so that's a good idea Amber.

i'll have a look on Ebay as well.

Rozzy had a look online at Fench connection but found their site a bit difficult to find anything on. Think I'm going to have to go there in person.