Where do you shop? Too old for topshop (?), too young for boden etc

[Sunflower100]

I am shortly to emerge from maternity clothes hell (I have been strictly buying no clothes as have been putting money aside for splurge(ish) when I am a vaguely passable size.) Could take a while but hey I'm feeling optimistic. But where to shop? Having spent a few hours on t'interweb I can't see anything I love in my usual topshop etc....... so where do you all shop? I'm 34 btw and normally a size 10 with a sadly depleted chest area (since dd1), normally fashionable-ish with slightly hippy tendencies.

Joe Browns - definitely. Not too expensive, some stuff smart enough for work and lovely casual gear. Get onto their website NOW (no I don't have shares in the company!)

Also, I remember reading about a bra that you can pump up. Claire Sweeney advertised it for M&S.

I am also normally a fan of Topshop but am finding it challenging to find much in there just now - this 80's revival doesn't do us thirtysomethings any favours.

Do a google search for a shop called Bohemia, it is a boutique in Edinburgh which does mail order and has some fab clothes in a range of prices.

Think that Warehouse and Oasis have had a bit of a revival recently so worth a look and I think that some of All Saints stuff is great but a bit like Topshop in that you need to look past the stuff for the teenagers. Don't know how much you're looking to spend but if you want to buy some things which will last Paul & Joe Sister has lovely stuff. Also Uniqlo is fab for basics.

Have you tried Wallis? They are on line. They do free delivery over £75 and the stuff is good. Their current range has slightly hippy tendencies as per the lovely soummer stuff I just bought.

I know how you feel Sunflower. I've just found myself on the hunt for somewhere to get clothes - combination of the usual places not having anything I like or that is cut to suit my figure. Good Luck.

Gap. I was in the other day and they have lovely basic clothes that perhaps you could mix with stuff from topshop, plus they have a sale on at the moment

Not sure how to answer this one since I shop at both Top Shop and Boden . Have you tried Zara? They do a whole mix of ranges - from their classic, tailored styles to floaty, chic-hippy stuff.

In terms of bras.....I hear ya on the depleted chest area issue. I tried all kinds of push-up and padded bras but have found that this style from La Senza gives the best support and shape. It isn't padded but has moulded cups instead. I have it in about 5 different colours .

top shop is shit

I'm the same age as the OP and have a similar dilemma

Would agree Warehouse and Oasis are worth a look. As is H&M. I quite like Kew for some stuff (although its on the older side) and Monsoon for the occasional item.

The quality of Joe Browns stuff can be a bit hit and miss but I've had a few nice things from there

I have to agree about Joe Browns' quality on occasion - I'd forgotten that as the things that have lasted are the ones left in my wardrobe!

Topshop is so over-priced for what it is and the quality is poor. I like Gap for basics, especially jeans and for cute skirts and dresses; M&S Limited Collection for long sleeved T-shirts and occasional nice silk camis or tops; Warehouse again for silk camis.

Warehouse, Oasis, Zara, French connection and Ted Baker.

I have bought a few nice things from topshop last summer and have not been in for a few months, Zara have some lovely stuff in right now. I have been tempted by Boden but never gone that way, I have a feeling I would keep the item but always choose something from my wardrobe more a) fashionable and b) more funky.

Next, Dotty P's H&M,Zara, New Look (fav), RiverIsland.

There's only one shop where I like almost all the clothes - The White Stuff. Funky but not designed for skinny 14-yr-olds.

Another vote for Uniqlo for inexpensive, good quality basics.

I had a lot of help on this thread earlier this week

I like Noa Noa - but you can't buy online.

Gao have some goregouse colours in at the moment. Very simple cuts in very vivid summer colours. If I had managed to shift the post pregnancy lard I would have got myself a sunflower yellow skirt today. I'm 32 by the way.

New Look, Fat Face, M&S Limited Collection

Comptoir des Cotonniers, Aubin & Wills?

Thanks all sorry not posted sooner - thought I might actually be in labour but alas not!! Glad the topshop thing isn't just me. Maybe the decline is to do with them losing Jane Shepherdson. I also used to love Zara and Oasis and have found them much less good than I used to. Maybe its me!

I've never tried Joe Browns so I'll give that a whirl. I always like the look of Gap but never actually find stuff I want to buy in there but its a long while since I looked. I'll take a look at Warehouse online. Oooo and I'd forgotten about Ted Baker but quite expensive. I love Ted Baker- Im off there now!!

And thanks for the bra recommendations - Im planning to bf so for a while I will have the chest I have always dreamed of....but then I'll be back to chicken fillets!