Who is going to help me out please?

[Nabster]

I am off to Bluewater on my own today and want to come home with at least 2 things.

I am 37, a size 14 on the bottom and 16 on the top, have a good bottom but a big tummy and terrible legs.

I am a full time Mum and usually live in jeans with the odd day wearing a dress or skirt.

I have only ever been fashionable by accident.

I feel too old for some shops and too young for others. Where is someone like me meant to shop?

sorry nab I have no idea
I dont do fashion
but bump

Oasis have some lovely stuff in right now

I have never bought anything from Oasis before. I am not sure I have even been in. What have they got in?

I haven't been into Oasis lately but they usually have fresh, feminine clothes there.

If you can, it's worth saving up to see an image consultant - then you'll know what colours and styles suit you and you can pick and choose fashionable clothes accordingly.

If you usually live in jeans then I would concentrate on getting some nice tops to go with jeans rather than buying skirt/dress you only wear occasionally.

I don't know your style but how about Fat Face/White Stuff. They do casual but smartish tops.

Tops would be good.

I need longer ones to cover my tummy and that don't need tucking in. I have real trouble finding them.

I don't know Bluewater so not sure what is there but the lazy shopper in me likes going to department stores (Debenhams, John Lewis etc.) because I'm usually bound to find something in them. Wallis can have some ok stuff in (but can be a bit on the older/frumpy side). Kew is good for tops. I also like Warehouse and Oasis

i am similar size and shape nabster (but i have nice legs and gigantic shoulders). no waist at all.

empire line is my friend for tops. slim legged trousers to show off hips and bottom, a- line skirts to even out difference in sizes top and bottom. nothing which shows you to be carrot shaped.

i look dreadful in shirts but you might not, try wrap shirt they can be very flattering. wrap dress is probably not good, clingy jersey and will probably wrap in the wrong place.

dresses can be good (empire again) but they have got to fit nicely at the top and not billow out round the hips.

kew, john lewis (they have lots of good concessions to save you time) white stuff, fat face, great plains. esprit (overpriced but stuff you won't see elsewhere). you could try jigsaw but they seem to be producing sacks atm.

I would wear dresses more often but only have one that is suitable for day wear really.

I think this is really pretty from oasis, does not need tucking in, but has nice details and is a beautiful colour

cherry blossom tunic

top

Although I do agree also that white stuff and fat face (and joe browns, is a little cheaper) have some lovely stuff in
www.whitestuff.com/kaftans-CW_KAFTANS/

I don't think bluewater have a whitestuff though, and online shopping can be hit and miss.

Also in bluewater, there is a mssive french connection, and they also have some great stuff in right now
www.frenchconnection.com/product/womens+Tops/72BV1/Serenity+Top.htm this is particulary nice, and can be layered over a long sleeved t shirt too. (check out the website and select tops, view all - there are loads.) French connection is very good quality too.

Don't know if there is a white stuff, but there is a fat face. Is it expensive? I don't want to go in and be financially embarrassed. £30 for a pair of socks, madam!

its mid price. i think cheap stuff is false economy, esp if you are trying to gloss over less impressive bits - new look stuff always seems to go all shapeless aftera couple of washes.

I am back from my shopping trip.

Well?

fill us in nabs

whoever posted the link for that French Connection Serenity top, it is gorgeous

Back later with pic as DD needs me.

I got

Dress - Wallis
3 books for the kids
M&S food
Pasta machine
Crisps for DH
Storage jar and muffin cases
Bottle of wine for DH
Magazine for DH.
And I had my nails done.

But I realise it is only the dress you are interested in.

dress here

one thing for yourself ???

get a grip woman !!

nice dress, though

The pasta machine and jar was for me. I love cooking.

I did want to get some converse pumps but felt too old when I saw all the young things in the shop.

no nabs, the pasta machine and jar was for the family, not for you

you are not too old for converse, buy em online instead from Ebay or Amazon

I wish I had now.

They were £34.99, is that about right?

Actually, I am happiest cooking and baking which is best for the family really.

you can get new ones cheaper on Amazon nabs

Am only pulling ya leg, you buy what makes you happy

Oh I kow. Didn't want you to think I was completely useless at shopping for myself.

the dress is lovely