Personal shopper/stylist- AMA autumn winter edition

[frillseeking]

Following on from the previous threads, AMA wardrobe/ style related and I will endeavour to help!

@Restingpotato love that mango dress too, which I'd bagged one myself now! Are you looking for something for a xmas party? And yes, definitely try leather leggings and joggers for a chic maternity look. I lived in my leather leggings throughout both of mine. I think the joggers look great with a jumper and trainers but you can also wear with a nice stripe Breton and blazer for a smarter look

Hi @frillseeking fabulous thread.

I have an interview coming up. I don’t need to wear a suit or be very formal - just look well and put together. I was thinking id be most comfortable in a midi dress with long sleeves but I can’t see one I like. My wardrobe is a bit dated and everything I have looks a bit wrong. I’m really stuck. I’m size 10 top, 10-12 bottom, curvy, fair/highlighted blonde blue eyes.

@frillseeking Aunts birthday was yesterday , I found a green , cream and grey shirt dress ( I’m old and want to call it a shirtwaister … is it just me ? ) flat black boots ( which I’ve had for ages ) and a black pashmina , which I had to take off as the food , wine and chat took off !
Thanks for the advice , it worked a treat 💐

This thread is wonderful!

looking to buy one main piece for Xmas season - something I could dress up or down. More for dinner, drinks, rather than full ok Xmas party! But something I could also wear beyond Xmas.

5ft 3, size 10, lacking ideas….

🙏🙏🙏

@Newlychosencatservant so many options for this one! I could go on and on...! I've attached some inspo images and also how I would style it for evening. There are so many options though- you could wear with a satin shirt, lace blouse, pussybow blouse, max out the sequins with a sequin cami..

And some casual ideas. You could also wear with a denim shirt, cropped cardigan, chunky long cardigan, tshirt and denim jacket or leather jacket...

Allsaints have a good mango dupe

@frillseeking thank you for the jumper recommendations. I've gone of the Jigsaw one and am browsing Free People
Question thought: how on EARTH do you stay so on top of items and trends and brands? Your brain must be like a giant spreadsheet!

@Bookaholic73 you can get a really decent quality blazer on the high street - it's something our retailers do very well. Depending on budget, I've found a few different options. This simple ruched sleeve style from M&S comes in a variety of colours and is just under £50.

Oasis have always been strong on tailoring and this hot pink crepe style is in the sale at just over £50.

I also have to mention Primark as they have really nailed the blazer trend. double breasted style £25.

My personal favourites are Zara and River Island. For a real pop of colour, this tangerine style at Zara ticks the boxes at £60. If you like a more textured fabric, such as the boucle Chanel type, then this red River Island number is a lovely style - here

For good quality basics, have a look at Uniqlo, Zara and Arket. M&S and H&M also do this area well but I find the quality varies at the moment so you have to go inshore to check what type of fabric you're getting.

@stringbean I was thinking something like this Bombshell dress might work - here. The dresses aren't cheap but they're high quality, timeless pieces that you can come back to again and again and as the name suggests, they're cut for an hourglass figure.

A little more adventurous, this is a stunning dress from the Outnet. The twist front detail at the bust would be super flattering and the slight metallic look makes it a great party option without being too over the top - here

Going to the other end of the spectrum, this pleated dress from New Look is a really lovely style that you could dress up with gold accessories for party or a nice smart boot for a lunch or dinner out - here

Great thread thanks!

Do you have a top 5 people you follow for inspiration on instagram?

and massive bonus points if any of them are in the shorty plus size club 😂

@Kath544 depending on budget and what kind of style, but I've attached three very different style of top that would work pre and post xmas.

The first one is a bustier type style from zara which has been massively on trend this year and is set to stay into next spring summer. It's actually a really wearable trend that you can dress up or down very easily. You can make the top the star of the show paired back with leather trousers or a statement skirt or wear as a great layering piece underneath a tux or smart jacket. It also looks great as a 3 piece suit with a tuxedo trouser and jacket in an understated, sexy way. After xmas, you could wear a white shirt underneath with a smart trouser or jeans for a more casual look.

The second style is the Chloe blouse from Sezane. It's a really beautiful piece that would look great with a velvet wide leg trouser or leather mini skirt and tights for a going out look but works just as well with jeans or a cute little corduroy skirt. A really versatile piece.

The third style is the Eliot sweater from ba&sh. You can see on their website how they're styled it with leather shorts and also with jeans. It would look nice with a denim skirt also and a cropped wide leg Jean with clogs for spring

All very different ideas and they may not be to your taste or budget but gives you an idea of how things can be worn in different ways. Hope that helps!

@frillseeking thank you so much. Loads of ideas there for me 😍

I’ve been invited to drinks party, from 7pm to 9pm...the invite was posted and a “proper” card. I don’t know the people well.

Any pointers as to what type of thing to wear? I’m thinking somewhere between jeans and ball gown...! I’m 5’11”, size 10/12, late 40’s.

Thank you so much @frillseeking - I actually spent a few hours the other day debating a Chloe blouse purchase! You may have made my decision!!

Thank you so much @frillseeking i really appreciate it. Love that tangerine one so will go for that.
I’ve not looked in Primark either, but might have a look later.

Thank you @frillseeking - love the Bombshell dresses, but it's given me a better idea generally of what to look for. So much choice out there, and I've hit my 50s and just lost my way with clothes - like a poster above says, never sure whether jeans or a ball gown are appropriate!

I love unique brands like Horror Vacui ad Sea New York. Any others that you’d recommend?

@stringbean absolutely, there's so many options out there, it's just about finding your way and what works for you. It sounds cliched but it all comes down to how you feel in your clothes- if you feel comfortable and confident, you'll look the part regardless of the dress code or what everyone else is wearing 👍🏻

frillseeking I wonder if you could do anything for me.

I've had abdominal surgery which has changed my shape from a slight pear to a huge pear. None of my existing clothes suit, I can no longer wear skirts and even my beloved jeans are problematic.

I'd love something to wear for a couple of lunches and casual dinners.

I'm 70, 5'6 with narrow shoulders and small boobs but newly huge tummy and hips. Probably a size 14 but my previous straight up and down pull on shift dresses look awful now.

Oh and as for budget, it's very much high street I'm afraid.

@Shitfather I think you will love Ulla Johnson. Also worth taking a look Batsheva, Love shack fancy, O pioneers, the vampires wife and Anna Mason. Love that aesthetic

Can you find me a pair of going out shoes. Not too high, platform sole, chunky heel, closed toe and heel. I’ve been searching for ages but not found anything. I like this style but sold out in black esskashoes.com/products/chaza-vegan-anthracite?variant=39802837565558. Thanks 😊

You may have luck going via trouva or atterley@MsDastardley i often get pieces via them

@frillseeking I bought the B&SH Eliot knit you linked. In ecru, to go with my leather skirt ( and a lot of other things)