I want a couple of summery holidayish hippyish frocks of the sort Cod would think completely inappropriate to a lady of my age and station...

[motherinferior]

...and, er, that's it.

Not shirt dresses. Not particularly respectable ones either. A couple of packable, sink-washable, pretty (to my mind) dresses which bring to mind drifting around hazily at a festival or along a beach. The holiday will be hot so sleeveless or - even better - with a slight covering over my shoulders, which tend to burning. I like to flash a bit of nork too, if at all humanly possible.

I am completely aware that I am a respectable middle-aged lady, thank you very much, but I'm a fairly personable one and anyway I'll be on holiday. Any suggestions?

Please....

monsoon?

a greek island market?

Cheap high street shops like QS.

ghost? or that ghost shop in west norwood?

Loads of floaty boho skirts around which look good at our age, got one on now with a vest top and belt to the middle. Put a little crochet cardi over when it gets nippy. Dont forget your dangly earrings and jingly bangles. Always wear nice flat flip flops with a bit of sparkle on.

Er..what's QS? Thought I knew every damn cheapo outlet there was.

Tenalady, where do you get little crochet cardis? I gave up looking last year.

dannie, Mackays or MC as they are now know. I think ive got that right.

Look at Next Online Tie Dye Crinkle Dress it has a very flattering v neck, purple or dark blue and turquoise. £21-99.

QS is like MarkOne or New Look.

M.I \link{http://fiftyplus.co.uk\try here

Ah, you know, I saw that dress and I thought it was just what I was after. Do you think I should just cut the hassle, buy one in each colour, and shut up?

oh pooh. www.fiftyplus.co.uk

saw some gorgeous two peices in M&S linen collared but no sleeves top and lovely floral cut bias skirt, nearly bought em but dh was lurking

I could see you in \link{http://www.marksandspencer.com/IWCatProductPage.process?Merchant_Id=1&Section_Id=2651&Product_Id=1988175\this}

Fat Face, White Stuff, Jigsaw, East, or more cheaply, H&M.

\link{http://www.marksandspencer.com/IWCatProductPage.process?Merchant_Id=1&Section_Id=2651&Product_Id=2050198\nice but would have to see with your ample norkage / colouring}

Bah! cant see them on the M &S website

Mmmm not liking the safe black and white though

Nice twiggers, ample norks could be a problem with those straps eh

\link{http://www.whitestuff.com/WhiteStuffSite/girls_dresses/0007487.html\plain strappy}
\link{http://www.fatface.com/bin/venda?ex=co_wizr-productgrid&bsref=fatface&step=shopcartmulti&invt=13819&ordercol=alphanu&layout=productdetail\lovely floral halterneck}
\link{http://www.kew-online.com/kewwebshop/shopdetail.aspx?season=0601&sty_num=6019&sty_qual=070\a bit more cover}

monsoon doesn't let you link but its the perfect place for floaty, hippy wear for the beach IMO

I am now salivating over a lovely little number for £65

I like the 'bit more cover' one

But this is for a hot holiday? I wouldn't wear viscose in serious heat.
Is it for going to the beach in the day, sitting in cafes, or what?

Cafes, tavernas and restaurants are v casual indeed in most holiday places, comfort is all.

It depends on the weight - Ghost dresses are viscose and very summery.