ideas for some new clothes, new style size 16 -18 ish ?

[sazchocs]

Inspired by the thread on new clothes on a budget I wondered if I could have sme advice on some new clothes. I haven't bought anything for months and always seem to wear the same things. I haven't got much money and am a curvy sized 16 - 18. Am 34FF so narrow back, defined waist and big thighs and bottom ! I still have a little mummy tummy so feel quite self conscious of covering that up and I don't like the tops of my arms.
I like the idea of the dress, leggings, ballet pumps combo but would I be frumpy rather than funky being 37 and wearing that sort of stuff ?
Some inspiration would be gratefully received

Hi there

I'm not a fan of the whole leggings revival but if you have a look here...

www.asos.com/Women/Day-Dresses/Cat/pgecategory.aspx?cid=5158#state=Rf-300%3D1370%2C1371&parentID=Rf- 800&pge=0&pgeSize=20&sort=-1

and on the subsequent pages there are lots of cute dresses that would look good over leggings and that would suit your shape and also that aren't too young

These few for example?

www.asos.com/Asos/Asos-Plain-Fitted-Waist-Dress/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=483718&cid=5158&Rf-300=1370 ,1371&sh=0&pge=0&pgesize=20&sort=-1&clr=Red

www.asos.com/Asos/Asos-Double-Hem-Pocket-Dress/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=419955&cid=5158&Rf-300=1370, 1371&sh=0&pge=1&pgesize=20&sort=-1&clr=Mink

www.asos.com/Cameron-Diaz/Asos/Asos-Pocket-Front-Dress/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=250280&cid=5158&Rf-3 00=1370,1371&sh=0&pge=4&pgesize=20&sort=-1&clr=Purple

www.asos.com/Asos/Asos-Little-Flower-Dress/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=457730&cid=5158&Rf-300=1370,1371 &sh=0&pge=4&pgesize=20&sort=-1&clr=Print

Just had the most depressing internal conversation,
"Mmm, I like that dress - but I am too fat - people will wonder if I am pregnant - No they won't -I look too old to be pregnant - oh shit"

That IS depressing....but probably completely unfounded

Which dress?

The second of the group of 4. I really like it but it is much too young for me.

How about this? Stylish yet sophisticated

Nice with leggings here

http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/40371 beautiful

sorry here

Um mrsruffallo op says she hasn't got much money to spend so I don't think net-a-porter is exactly ideal!

Plus that safety pin jumper is HIDEOUS....

Glinda - I don't think that dress would make you look pregnant at all as it's quite fitted round the waist...it's lovely in the lack and the mink...not convinces about the lilac though!

Trouble is I am also v long in the body and the fitted bit would be just below my norks rather than anywhere near my waist. I have a lovely skinny teenaged daughter and I secretly want to be able to dress like her

I was trying to inspire
I think the kaftan is glorious

I think Fat Face is brilliant for someone our size. I am normally a 14 but tend to pack it on in pregnancy and so am a 16/18 until I can lose weight which based on dd won't be til I stop breastfeeding. It's difficult to get used to dressing a new shape but it is one shop I know I can go in and things will look alright. I have this dress that I wear over jeans, and this top in navy, it's not online but is in store in the sale. Skirts are good too - I almost bought this one it's a very flattering cut and length- I may give in when the weather finally gets nicer. I think accessories help too, get some nice necklaces and earrings, wear one or the other rather than both at a time and as nice bag, not a small one as it will make you look even bigger.

Those FatFace bits are lovely littlelamb especially the last one, the bolivia skirt. Might take a mooch in there at the weekend.

I know what you mean about breastfeeding - whoever says it makes the weight fall off is lying.......or very very lucky

wow - thanks everyone. I like some of the asos stuff but I am not sure that I am loving the leggings and dress idea but do like the idea of something to wear over jeans.
Thanks MrsR for net a porter links - I like the stuff but as I have £50 a month max to spend on clothes it would take me a loooong time to save up for some of that stuff.
I have been in Fatface but always thought it was too small for my size so think I will go back there and have a look. I have just stopped breastfeeding so am hoping the rest of the weight will drop off and I can then fit into all my old clothes or buy some lovely new ones

Is this more like it sazchops?

saz - i am not sure if the leggings / ballet shoes look works unless you have slim legs and ankles

its just you mention that you have generous thighs.....[treads carefully as not wishing to offend]

this cadi is quite flattering for fat fuckers like moi

get this book

thanks for suggestions. My thighs are more than ample and although my legs do have some shape I am also not sure that leggings would be my best look and there is that funky/frumpy balance too.
GGirl that cardi looks lovely - I will go to Fatface and have a look as all the links to there have shown some nice stuff and its not somewhere I would have thought of going previously.