I've spent a year in shorts and thongs.. what do I need for winter in the UK

[robinpud]

I'm coming back in 36 days time . I need to update my winter wardrobe, not having bought anything for 2 winters.
What key pieces?
What colours- is grey still in
I do not want to look like my 11 year old dd.
I need smart casual- shops I like are white stuff, principles, jigsaw,
size 10 top and 12 bottom.

HELP!

suedonim - glad you are having fun here . Agree on haircuts and beauty treatments - that market is much more developed and sophisticated here than in the UK. I tend to buy quite a few of my clothes in the UK, though - partly because then I don't have the same as everyone else and partly (mostly ) because my mother looks after my daughter while I go shopping.

suedonim, put up some photos then!

What book is this about French women not getting fat? I believe you though, rarely seen an overweight Frenchwoman. I was deadly thin when I went to Paris from Venezuela where people had always been telling me I was the thinnest person they knew etc, yet I definitely didn't count as thin in France.

This is the book, Sandy. www.amazon.co.uk/French-Women-Dont-Get-Fat/dp/0099481324/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1196166875&s r=1-1

I'm back in Nigeria, as of last night. We had a fabulous time at ds2's wedding and now my brain is fizzing away with all we saw and did in Paris - including almost bringing C deG airport to a halt yesterday!