Where to go for plus size workwear and great bag?

[saturdaysnitching]

I am in need of some work wear but am currently a size 22ish getting smaller sloooowly.

I have an interview this week and have nothing to wear so need to go shopping.

If I was thin I'd buy Westwood but I can't find their stuff in bigger sizes. Hobbs also seem to have nice basics.

Jackets look awful on me... I think. I also like skirts well below the knee. But I need to look good - I'm going for a very senior job and I do worry what I look like will go against me. Could I wear a plain black skirt and great shirt/blouse if I make myself look polished enough?

Willing to spend what I need to though as I will obviously wear what I buy again.

I'd also like a great new bag!

Shoes are heels, plain black suede. Good at doing hair/make up etc so no issues there.

I have just come back from a very unsuccessful shopping trip where I bought exactly nothing.

My best finds were in next, some very nice tailored suits, but if they had the trousers in my size that didn't have the matching jacket and vice versa. They also had some really nice dresses, but I don't wear dresses.

I loved their flares, but I am not sure I can get away with them for work. They were gorgeous, though.

Sorry, absolutely no help from me. My next ports of call will be the massive M&S in another town and John Lewis.

What kind of great bag are you looking for?

Biden who do workwear go up to 22. Worth trying?

I think this would be a fantastic interview outfit.

What job are you going for? Just say which field it's in if you don't want to mention the exact job

What kind of bag do you want? Size/colour/style/budget etc.?

M&S has some good basic stuff actually. Lots of khakis, black and navy. I'm probably going to have a look at their black jackets.

'Very' senior job was probably a bit much but I do need to look good! Senior management.

For great bag, just something smart and simple, black leather. If I had the money I'd like this www.net-a-porter.com/products/405376 or www.net-a-porter.com/products/453778 and a bigger version of the mulberry Alexa with silver (very handy with the long strap) www.net-a-porter.com/products/378441

I have some very forgiving dresses from Osca, Rundholz Black Label and Ischiko. I tend to buy them in a local Osca shop but I get them on eBay as well.

They tend not to be what you would think of as traditional office clothes, but our Chief Executive (similar size, shape and age as me) has started asking where I get them so I figure they must be OK. I spotted her in an Osca skirt last week.

Betty Barclay goes up to 22 & is available from John Lewis so you could get loads on click & collect (if you have a waitrose near you?) try them all on at home and return what doesn't work?

They also have Violete by Mango which I sometimes find good items in.

Check Ebay for handbags- they have masses of styles and you'll nab a bargain. :)

FOSSIL do some really nice Totes bags, well made and mid priced, check out their website.

I've bought totes before but they get soft and lose their shape but the FOSSIL sydney tote I bought has kept it's shape and is great for chucking in a laptop/tablet, lunch and all your bits.
(I'm a bit biased)

I got a lovely Jersey work dress from Monsoon in a 20 or 22. Looked good and great quality

Thank you all - all very helpful and brands I've not heard or thought of before.

Marisota are good, quick delivery and accurate sizing

If you are in London, Beige is the shop to go for upmarket plus size clothing. Main shop is in New Cavendish St.

I'm not convinced about Beige. I always walk out empty handed. The name is a fairly accurate description.

I will have a look in Beige. I like very plain stuff and then accesorise with better scarves, bags and jewellery - like every fat woman does