Lord - I've gone back and had a look again at the Cos post, with your comments in mind. I agree that I should have tried the blue and the grey dresses in a size down (I will be going back to Cos soon, anyway, so will try again), but apart from that I think this might just be a difference of opinion. I still like those dresses, and I smiled at your tube seat pattern description of the graphic print I love. The dresses are a straight cut, so need to be worn as small as possible, but size 8 fits on my shoulders and hips, so I continue to think they look good. Still, you loathe them and I'm appreciative of you taking the time to post to let me know. All feedback is really helpful for me.
Stokey - it's mid-season sale time already - haven't we just finished sales? Anyway, good news.
IMO Banana Republic have some great workwear pieces. I have an old wool suit from there, that they still do. I do think, though, that Banana Republic and Jigsaw, which were two of my go-to places for suits, need to keep an eye on their tailoring, as some of it looks dated. Why, for instance, aren't Banana Republic doing wool cropped, slim trousers? Instead, it's the full length, straights (Martin, for instance). J Crew do (the Paley), but they are spendy. Banana Republic has the fabrics, and a great price point, so I hope they copy J Crew a bit.
Noddy - I like the fit of French Connection, so I'll have a look (I love pencil skirts).