I am enjoying this chat about body size in menopause and being kind to ourselves, I can relate to it too, so, so much.
I had a little trip to Toast yesterday to look at some of the new drop. I specifically wanted to look at the two new skirts - the space dyed check wrap skirt, and the painted tweed cotton linen skirt.
The wrap skirt is lovely - woven fabric with the pattern printed on @gobbl , and I may yet purchase it in the future, BUT the 12 was very snug on the waist. I consider myself to be an average 12, menopausal but not with a huge waist. I was with my DH so didn’t want to linger too much but should have tried on a 14. So, the summary is, I think the waist is snug on it but it is a lovely skirt.
The painted tweed cotton linen skirt is a work of art. The fit is perfect and although it has an elasticated waist, it doesn’t bunch up like some of the Toast waists, but stays flat. It is the print of the fabric that is so lovely, really looking like it’s been painted. I tried on the matching top too and wish I hadn’t as it too is exquisite, looks great with the skirt but would also look perfect with some plain trousers or another skirt. I came away with both pieces, plus an unexpected piece - I tried on the cotton jersey shift dress in washed black and the cut is really flattering, skims the curves without being too clingy, well placed slightly front of side pockets, and just generally felt very good. I wondered it the medium was a tad small but the large swamped and when I retried the medium it felt much better. It is very long on me, longer than the model suggests, and I am 5ft 5 so not particularly short. I think I will get lots of wear out of it.
I also tried on the two botanical shadow flower tops, initially in the blue but ultimately preferred the green. I now can’t get a Joules top out of my head (nothing wrong with Joules but it isn’t a brand I buy from) but I was tempted by the green one. They are thin and malleable poplin (ie, not too structured) and I tried the medium and the small thinking the medium was a bit big but they are a slightly oversized fit and the small was a weeny bit too small. I would probably have favoured a size between the two. I really liked the top, and the dresses in the same print looked very nice too but I didn’t try them on as it isn’t the time of year to be buying a half sleeved dress.
I also tried on a Chloe tee shirt: I already have a couple but love the cut of them. I didn’t buy one though as I had spent enough.
Staff at Hampstead were super helpful and the shop was busy.
My husband bought me the Helena Rohner Miyuki Oval Necklace in tomato as part of my birthday present. It is delicate but lovely.