save me please, come and help me shop. sorry long

[WildThongyoumakemyringsting]

Ok so I am 48, 5'4 and size 16. Hardly ideal but I'm not ready for Eastex or Dash yet.
I want to wear good thick jersey leggings with ballet flats or knee boots. I would love to find longer length soft layering separates that are smart enough for office and for weekend too. I have a couple of naice scarves already, a neutral hedgehog design and a purple bluey firebird one from Oasis. I saved a bit so can spend about £200 but pls dont tell dh! I always see other ladies looking cool and effortless dressed like this and I really want to be like them.
All suggestions welcome!

Ps no offence meant if you like Eastex and Dash.

Have you tried the M&S jeggings? Much nicer than leggings and dirt cheap. I'd try some of those and then buy a lovely longer length jumper to wear with them. And some boots.

thanks remus

I have heard good things about the jeggings so will definitely give them a try.

Anyone else?

i just had a huge leggings score at TK Maxx, three really lovely pairs for £7 or £8 each. Plus 2 pairs of Falke footless matt tights for £4 each.

I think TK Maxx isn't a bad place to start if you're looking to layer. The kind of look you're describing works well with decent fabrics. Loads of merino, cashmere, etc etc in at the moment. Decent jumper dresses too.

The House of Fraser sale online has quite a lot of nice stuff at the moment. Floaty jersey frocks in neutral colours that would layer well.

I also love the M&S jeggings-the pull on ones [with an elasticated waist] as they prevent muffin overhang.I have them in the dark blue and black and they are very slimming.I am also 48 ,5ft 3 and size 14 and have ishoos with my belly[as in its size].I layer t shirts with very long vest tops underneath.Recent buys have been Matalan's zip backed t shirts,Matalans et Vous silk trimmed t shirt in pink and the Zip front seamed black leggings[worn with the long cotton vest tops].I also love Wrap and have 2 Eliza tops from the recent discounts.I buy scarves and coats from Tk Maxx as i love cashmere and silk and this is the only place where i can afford them.

damn, the jeggings are sold out online, the power of mumsnet I daresay!
I'm now on Matalan and HoF, determined to buy something tonight

I am apple shaped. I have lost a bit of weight lately so am revamping my style but owing to my waist or rather lack of I still need a 16 if clothing is in anyway waisted.

At the moment I have had a bit of success at Next, Dorothy Perkins and Peacocks.

From Next I can recommend their high waisted slim leg jeans. I got the black petite ones and they are seriously flattering. The high waist holds everything in and doesn't drift around like lower slung ones do on me. You get a better line too because of zip placement. Stay true to size in the black but size down for blue ones as they are more stretchy from reading the reviews.

I am VERY happy with the suede knee high boots that actually cover the kneecap but are flat from Next. They have an elasticated gusset at the back so they will fit a sturdier calf like mine
I tried the grey but didn't like them much but the black are good. I wore them today and they were great.

I got two sequin knitted dresses from here too. They are a good length and not bulky. I sized down to a 12 and this is perfect to streamline but not cling.

From D.P. I bought two knitted tunics, navy and claret in the sale for £20. Size 14.They can be layered up underneath and the sleeves have a cable effect and are elbow length.

From Peacocks I picked up some thick seamless leggings. They feel like very thick tights with lots of elasticity rather than the cotton feel ones. They are more supportive than the usual kind.

Hth

all very helpful

I haven't had much success tonight online, so I am going to drag my lazy butt to the shops over the weekend, but will keep looking on here too!

www.next.co.uk/g482210s2

boots

sequin jumper dress

Thanks Queenie - those boots are lovely! I will head into Next after work today.

I also have my eye on a cobweb knit cardigan that's in Frasers, it looks like it will be good over longer length vests - just need to find the best jersey vests now.
I think someone on another thread suggested Gap or Uniqlo.

Queenie, I don't usually venture in Next but that grey sequin dress looks interesting.
Does it come up large ? Also the one review of it isn't good but I guess you disagree. Like most pieces it probably looks better on some shapes than others.l

poly I would say that it does come up large but it depends on whether you like a slouchy oversized look or a more fitted one. Because I am short I need to have my clothes more fitted. I am currently 14-16 and I got a 12. I have a wide waist, wide ribcage and hips that are in proportion.....I just don't go in in the middle so I can't do waisted anything. If you look at the reviews for the black one- it fairs better there.

What I will say is that it is soft, warm without being bulky,not itchy and not too high around the neck. The sparkles aren't overkill.

I bought both I was so impressed I am a fussy moo