i want to buy a blazer and a tulip/pencil skirt - where should I look?

[philopastry]

I have had good advice here before and thought i would get your advice before I hit the shops in the morning

1. Blazer - I am broad shouldered and big boobed (34F) so do not want shoulder pads or anything double breasted - any advice on where i can get a well cut blazer cheap ish (about £50 if poss) I am thinking GAP is the obvious place to head but if anyone has other suggestions please send them over. Don't want black ta.

1. Suspect it is a tulip skirt I am after to wear with the blazer but maybe a pencil skirt would suit my figure more? I am a size 14, huge norks. Quite like print/ brighter colour on skirts. Budget: modest (£40 max)

What can I wear show wise with the above - don't really fancy those cage sandal things but would like something 'now' am trying to look a bit more with it!

Thanks if you can help

shoe wise!!

these would add colour to a neutral outfit ie natural colours

in keeping with the nautral colours I'm assuming you will be buying some heels would look great. Too cagey? But they are BANG on trend.

Zara have lots and they are pretty good value too.

As for shoes - peep toe wedgies are really cool with a tulip skirt.

this could work really well with different textured blazer

Dorothy Perkins had lots of tulip skirts a while ago...

Ooh - a whole section!

I wouldn't wear a tulip skirt, they are rarely flattering.

Zara, Urban Outfitters, H&M, maybe try a department store too?

I like this. It would nip in under norks

with this skirt

I agree, too much faric in a tulip skirt to sit well under a blazer. A pencil is a better option

vote for pencil skirt. I'm size 8 and tulip skirt looks awful on me (imo) the denim new look pencil skirt mrsmaidamess suggested is lovely. I've tried it and its got a bit of stretch but holds it all in!

black pencil skirt

not quite so tight pencil skirt

I tried on a tulip skirt and looked like a tellytubby.
I don't think that they are aimed at big-hipped gals though.

Pencil skirts look good on me though, bizarrely, I have a great high-waisted one.

Ooh - I only went down for my tea and I've come back to all of these - thanks so much and esp. to Mrs M for those inspired choices - I did not even think of 'new look' but that blazer and skirt is just the kind of thing I want. Love those prices too! And actually despite not wanting 'cagey' I really like the Dotty P shoes too. Dozy question but do they have to be worn with bare legs or could I do tights if it is really cold like today?

So, if this isn't too too cheeky - and since you have got the look I want in mind better than I have - Mrs M can you suggest the perfect top to complement this outfit? You might as well complete the ensemble!! I can still just about trust myself to choose my own underwear don't worry!

Also thanks everyone for the gentle hints that a tulip skirt might not be such a good idea in a size 14 - gotcha Am never quite sure what I can get away with!

another vote for pencil skirt rather than tulip

and you want a fitted single breasted blazer. rever collar , buttoning below bust .

buy a size to fit your back/shoudlders not your norks and don't fasten it up ( i speak from experience here as also have huge norks)

philo, I am very good at reading peoples minds

Let me look for some tops for you. You have small back, big boobs, yes? What size top do you normally wear?

Oh and anything peep toe in a shoe must be barelegs IMO.

i have both

tulip skirt was DP

blazer - linen mix zara

this is mine

i think mine has two buttons

I think a simple v neck tee shirt or vest(maybe in a red, nautical?) would look good. That skirt will go with anything and you can wear the jacket over jeans and dresses. As it is fitted, don't have anything too voluminous under it.

My blazers nicer

Mrs M - I am not small of back (alas)... think athletic female swimmer build (on top only!)
I usually buy a 14 and v. ocasionally a 16
Anything empire line does not fit - never enough room to get over the norks - thinking something v or cowl necked. Quite fancy a t shirt with a picture on it (not sure what of but have seen blazers with cool t shirts and that looks quite good doesn't it?) ...but I am 36 and not sure if this is 'appropriate'?

I am feeling strangely confident now that you are on board Mrs M - am looking forward to your next link....

nice skirt by the way early - love the colour but as you have seen the MN-ers have said no to the tulip and yay to then pencil and i am doing what I'm told - you lot seem to know what you are doing

Oh yes something with a picture on would be fab! ANd TODALLY age appropriate (as long as it's not my little pony or something)

I'm just going out in a moment... but reckon you should have a trawl through top shop and Dotty p's for print tee's...

(btw, I'm glad I inspire confidence in someone!)

xzara have t shirts with "tasteful" prints

i have big hips and the skirt looks so much better thanI expcected.
have good legs though.
fat legs would beshit