Basics

[janeite]

Okay, after my frivolous spending on silk dresses, I still have very few actual basic "pieces" in my wardrobe and far more bottoms (mainly silk skirts in quirky patterns or boring black trousers and jeans) than tops.

So what I need is a collection of plain, flattering tops that will go with the bottoms. I am size 12, busty and suit scooped-square neck type tops (if that makes sense), little cardigans over camis or fitted v neck jumpers. SO where would be good places to buy good quality basics of these sorts please?

Not Primark quality and not supermarkets but not really expensive either. I find that the M & S ones never wash desperately well and Gap tops are generally a bit strange-fitting on me.

Am I asking the impossible? Thanks!

Kew and Jigsaw do lovely things like that.

Try H&M, I found some nice square neck knitted tops (thin viscose knit fabric which drapes) in the sale at £10 each, in various colours.
Try Principles and Monsoon for fitted jumpers.

Ooh had forgotten all about Jigsaw. Do you know when their sale is, as they are a bit pricey otherwise if I remember rightly? Thanks! Tried looking in Kew yesterday but dd2 had a huuuuuuuuuuge nosebleed and I had to shuffle her out after begging loads of loo roll from the assistant, so didn't get to look at the clothes! Will have a look online now.

What about the M&S Limited Collection or Autograph.. or how about Wallis or Principles....

it is v difficult to find anything mid-price and good quality. am sick of stuff going bobbly and don't mind handwashing either. kew and jig are good suggestions, also try hobbs and coast. they all do lovely teeny little things which my gigantic shoulders won't fit in.

Jigsaws sale always starts annoyingly late, when I've got no cash. Don't think its on yet. They have an outlet shop in Bicester if you're anywhere near there.

Coast - never looked in there for tops, only dresses, so that's a good idea. Principles and Wallis seem to be dreadful for sticking embellishments everywhere but Principles are a good fit on me so I'll have another peek there. I'd really like 3 or 4 styles, each in black, grey and one other colour!

betty jackson at debenhams - I got a scoop neck top in the sale the other day in black with a green and black silk trim around cuffs and black silk trim down front with three silk covered buttons on it

£10 - down from £30

It's lovely - there are some nice tops at debenhams.com - I've ordered 5 in the sale - all about a tenner from various of their 'designer' ranges - haven't washed any apart from the first one yet (washed lovely)

Thanks - I'll have a look in all of those - and if I come back with more silk dresses instead, I will come back here and repent my sins.