If you are a size 14, on a modest budget, and manage to look fab at work....

[NotAnotherNewNappy]

Please tell me how you do it?!

I'm 36 yrs old, 5'6", size 14 - I'm pretty happy with my figure but sometimes have problems disguising my mum tum. I want to look smart, a bit creative and hopefully nice. I am a middle manager in the civil service.

But... I have run out of places to shop, I can't afford Hobbs, Next has gone through the floor (shapeless chiffon anyone?) and I am in serious danger of considering per una. I sometimes like Monsoon, not the hippy shit.

Please help. What should I wear? Where can I buy it?

Bumping. Everyone I know swears by Cos but I know it's not to everyone's taste.

Hobbs sale? Tail end of Jigsaw sale? Banana Republic?
H&M are excellent for very cheap work tops, to enable you to save your budget for skirts/trousers/jackets.

I love a bit of baukjen, their ruched dresses are v flattering. I also like ted baker and coast.

Oh come on everyone! Modest budget? It's got to be H&M, surely? Doesn't the whole world live in their black straight leg trousers? With slightly nicer tops from French Connection in the sale. And nice belts.

Oh, sorry Mrs Tiara. You were right all along.

I don't think there is an easy solution I use the internet and mags to have a clue about trends that would suit my size 14 39y body then keep an eye wherever I go though I can be a £5 shirt from sainsburys clearance or £70 dress from Hobbs sale one thing I hate now I'm older is the sheen of artificial polyester type material that screams cheap, so I tend not to buy from H&m, new look and primark as much as I used to

What about Oasis or ASOS? I've got quote a few bits from both.

quite

Go to Hobbs but not so often? That's what I do. But as I don't wear trousers (I look revolting from the rear, trust me) my options are limited too.

Phase eight?

I have just ordered from Balkjen for the first time - in the sale . It's all just arrived and I am really pleased - very goid quality and very smart but comfy ... Recommend !

I like cos as I like plain items I can jazz up with some jewellery. Looks smart and not frumpy.
Please keep away fro per una!

Was just about to say Phase Eight. Ignore the mother of the bride/ cruisewear stuff and they usually have some good work dresses, they always have 20% off somewhere.
Or try great plains online,I have recently discovered them and their sale is on at the min. M&S also occasionally has something decent or Fraser's in the sale only as Linea v overpriced for what it is.

French connection sale can be great. Phase eight do some fab dresses-recently got one (called meredith, black with cream panel down the middle) )for 40 odd. House of fraser clearance is good. Hobbs outlet. Recent success with a few dresses from closet too-I think if you search closet drape waist dress you'll find it.

On phone but will add links later as I'm similar height and size

Phase eight in the sale, for really smart when I'm meeting evil private sector types, otherwise whitestuff, fat face, boden and tu sainsburys, for my usual tree hugging public sector education work. If I wore phase eight the whole time people would think I worked for ofsted or something.

What about Great Plains too?

at chalk !!!

I'm a size 14 but I am tall, not sure if that counts. First rule is to do tummy exercises. It doesn't matter if you don't do anything else, exercise your stomach and clothes look much, much better.

I get the majority of my clothes of Ebay and from boot fairs, that way you can shop several brands up. If you make a mistake, just sell it on.

Buy summer clothes in the winter and winter in the summer to get the best price.

It's taken me a while but I now have a gorgeous wardrobe full off lovely pieces that cost very little.

Asos and cos if you do want be creative. Asos tops are cheap but last quite well. Zara is quite reasonable and wallis do good trousers and wrap dresses normally. I am size 18 and 5"8

Asos and cos if you do want be creative. Asos tops are cheap but last quite well. Zara is quite reasonable and wallis do good trousers and wrap dresses normally. I am size 18 and 5"8

I agree with Notonaschoolnight - there isn't an easy solution - it's hard work to look fab when you are busy and have a modest budget. You need to read a lot and research a lot and ask every stylish friend and colleague their tips and recommendations.

I comb the sales in every shop (especially French Connection, Whistles and Reiss) for dresses and skirts.
Avoid polyester - even if it looks OK it makes you feel sweaty and unprofessional
Don't rule out budget places - I have some (cotton) dresses from Primark that get lots of compliments
Go on blogs, EBay and register on Dressipi
Work out your colours and make sure you are generally well groomed
Good scarves can be found cheaply and help diversify your outfits. I have some gorgeous ones from Forever 21 of all places
Dorothy Perkins and New Lookare great for colourful mid height court shoes
Have a good handbag - I constantly fail on this point :-(
Go to charity shops in well to do areas - I find a lot of stuff there
Only buy something if you love it.

Oh and I've missed the obvious one - have you had your bra intervention?

Hobbs outlet for dresses
Banana republic I live in their trousers for work
Gap - with VIP code
Mango do nice tops
H&m
Debenhams - Betty Jackson (if they still do it) well cut tailoring