Can I ask for some wardrobe inspiration please?

[meladeso]

I have a very special occasion coming up and am struggling for something to wear.
Close relative BIG birthday.
Hot place.

I'm not good in the sun, and don't like to flash the flesh.

So, I need a dress:

• not too skimpy / clingy
• not above the knee
• I want to be comfortable and cool as I have 2 DC to wrestle with during the day
• I'm open to wearing a hat to dress up something simple
• I'd like something wonderful!
• Happy to spend up to £350 for the right one
• I'm a size 12 with fairly big boobs
• Really hoping to not find someone else in the same outfit, so have been trying to avoid all the standard special occasion shops (ie Coast, Monsoon)

Any help would be so gratefully received!

L K Bennett have lovely dresses. I like Hobbs too. I know these are high street but not so often seen as some of the others such as Phase 8. House of Fraser has some interesting brands in Westfield London. Are you near London? Finery are different and Self Portrait are fantastic, but small. Florals are around a lot and pale pink is in!