I have a small timeslot to go shopping in - I need an evening top for a party at a friend's house

[DANCESwithTheMorningOff]

Where should I go? I'm thinking Monsoon, possibly coast but maybe too much £££. Any other suggestions? I love Kew but I think they are too casual for evening do(?)

What kind of top are you looking for, to get us started?

debenhams/jl
if you are lucky it'll have concessions from Coast, phase 8, principles and others, not to mention their own stuff, so you can do them all in one fell swoop

Oh um, I don't know. Have large norks, and a bit of a muffin top but also have bridget jones-esque pants to deal with. Not quite sure what to wear. Party is at a friend's house and I think she's having it catered, largish number of people - she says she is wearing a dress but not sure what sort. Live in moral fear of over or under dressing...

what bottoms have you?

what haev you ahd int he past thats uits
slevvelss or wiht sleeves?
shirt or glittery?

size

Our local debenhams is a bit crap. Never find anything there, actually I've been less and less impressed over the years. Though the concessions idea is a good one, could try John Lewis.

Do you want strappy or cover up type top and what is gpoing on bottom? What size are you?

Oh short sleeves if poss as have fat arms. Happy with glitter or not, don't mind. Not black.
Have black trousers, black skirt with coppery sequins at the bottoms (which is beautiful but can never find anything to go with it) or floaty black skirt (just below knee length). I love dresses but a bit worried I'd be overdressed in one.

Oh, size 12-14. If strappy top, need shrug type thing to go over it.

Oh I have a perfect grey chiffon strappy top with layers around tummy area to conceal and velvet straps and a little beading. Would something like that appeal? It was from a couple of seasons ago at least though.

I shopped in every shop known to women in Herts this weekend looking for something for my date and I must say that River Island of all places had some lurrrvly pretty tops. Monsoon should be a safe bet though. do a pre-shop on line??

Lovely but I think you're right about the norks issue...

3/4 length sleeves can be more flattering, if you're worried about your arms.

Do you have an M&S near you? Saw some lovely stuff in Per Una yesterday. Will try and find a link

quite like this but trying to avoid black. Don't usually wear glittery things.

Yes there's a big M&S near me, had forgotten about them actually.

newlife - just saw your post...yep, that sounds perfect. Generally I get scared and have to leave river island, usually muttering under my breath about how loud the music is

what abotu a plain top wiht fab jelwllery

not per una after all, but looks pretty?

ok usulal marks rules but oyu coudl order onine

www.marksandspencer.com/gp/product/B000RZ4ERS/sr=1-56/qid=1189361109/ref=sr_1_56/026-3059310-0092432 ?ie=UTF8&node=&m=A2BO0OYVBKIQJM&keywords=&mnSBrand=core&size=9&rh=n%3A43077030&page=7

wiht big silver earrigns

I like the black monsoon top Dances, are the capped sleeves okay on you?

My norks are DD but I have a small frame otherwise and most tops are okay except high neck ones ot halter style.

Ok, one thing I forgot to mention is I am short (!) so long tunic thingeys make my legs look about 12 inches long. I'm happy with plain tops and fab jewellery but still want the top to look 'special' for lack of a better word, rather than everyday.

Love the pink one Cod.
Newlife - bless you, how polite of you not to yell 'YOU CAN'T WEAR CAP SLEEVES WITH BINGO WINGS...' you are, of course, quite right, cap sleeves aren't great with my arms

I'm 5'2" so I totally know what you mean. I went shopping with a friend which was frustrating as it took her ages to get what I meant about being short and having to make sure one still looks long limbed!