I am back from my trip, walking there and back so clocking up 23,000 steps in the process. I tried on lots and bought three things.
The patch pocket linen cotton skirt looked tiny on the hanger in a size 10 and I expected it wouldn't go near me but was surprised that because it sits high and on the waist, that it did up. However, I wondered about wearing it all day and eating and if the waist needed to be a tad looser but they didn't have the 12 in store for me to try on. The 12 might also look too volumous below the waist. It has a zip and button fastening so no room to move buttons. I might order the 12 to try.
The green cotton linen shirt dress: fab on and very flattering. the 12 was too big and the 10 fitted but there was the merest hint of a pull on one of the buttons at the bust which has made me question it. I suspect a size 11 would have been perfect. I may try it on again but it is very expensive so it has to be perfect.
The Vale Print Circle Neck dress is fab and perfect in a 10. It is one of the items that I bought despite aready having the shirt.
I also bought the Spring Check Ruffle Neck Shirt. The medium felt perfect for my size 12 body. The body of the shirt is panelled and neater fitting but with the lovely sleeves that are deepset towards the waist. I had not noticed from the website that it doesn't unbutton all the way down. The shirt is as light as a feather so you could wear it in summer and feel cool. I couldn't pass it by and I know I will wear it lots.
I tried the indigo pleated trousers on in a 12 and while they fitted, they did nothing for me. I think they are more suited to a pear shape than an apple shape. I already have the Annies and the Ashley jeans so don't really need another pair.
I had a good look at both of the Viva bags: there is one from last season (with two press stud fastenings) and one for this year. Last year's one is more of a tan/orange leather while this year's is much browner. I was able to compare them side by side and on balance i prefer last year's version (the more tan one) and i bought it. I will post photo's of where it sits when worn cross body. They also had the Bleu De Chauffe Bijou Bag in store and goodness, it was beautiful. I would have bought it in a flash but the internal compartments meant I would get my iPhone X in but struggled to get it out again. It is a lovely piece if you have a normal sized phone. The Viva easily fits my phone.
I tried on the Alix gingham trousers in a 10. They fitted well but they looked wrong around the crotch as someone said upthread.
I looked at the cord dart trousers on the hanger but they looked very heavy and wintery and so I didn't try them on.
A few things that I hadn't gone to look at: the seamless neat sweater in orange (coquelicot) is lovely in the flesh. It comes up really big. The XS fitted although the S was probably a better fit. A really lovely jumper but i didn't buy it. I also tried on the Gingham Cotton Wool top in a 10: really lovely with a neat body but great sleeves. I was very tempted. Finally, I saw the Loop Back Jersey trousers when I was flicking through the nightwear/leisure wear. I would never have looked at them online but in store they are lovely. They only had the M and I think I could have sized down to an S and so will order them online along with the matching top. They will be really lovely for lounging around in.
That was it, helpful sales assistants as ever. My husband told me i had been in there exactly an hour when I emerged. One of the sales assistants was wearing the Lofty Alpaca Cable Cardigan and it looked lovely. I tried it on and it is so soft and such a lovely shade, slightly two tone (with white threads showing through) which I don't think is clear from the website. Again, very tempting but a lot of money....
Photos to follow!