Oh dear - is this the beginning of the end?

[janeite]

I bought my first ever item from Hobbs today. How long before the blue rinse do you think I've got?

I really like Hobbs for shift dresses for work (I work in financial services, so working the sexy librarian look is never a bad thing) - but I'm not keen on their more casual wardrobe stuff.

I am older than any of you and have never bought anything in Hobbs (although I tried on a dress last week. It was huuuge). I have, though, crossed over to the dark Planet (and even, once, the Country Casuals) side. They have some nice stuff if you eliminate the frumpy prints.

isitmeor - I like Jigsaw's suits more than Hobbs.In fact never found anything I liked in Hobbs - have tried a few things but on me they seem either too big - or make me look old. I can't rock the sexy librarian look I'm afraid.

Never tried planet/country casuals/jaeger

You're right about the sizing notyummy, and I know I shouldn't like it, but the vanity sizing has been known to cheer me up on occasion. The shame of being so very shallow .

Jigsaw was where the painfully chic girls in the sixth form who had money shopped, and twenty years later I am still intimidated by their memory.

Jigsaw seems so dull now though - and so expensive for such dullness. There was a time I quite liked it.

Can be dull, yes. Tend just to go in twice a year and buy 4/5 really flattering items for work (and nearly expire at price) and thats it. Anything more 'fashion forward' I get elsewhere (Top Shop Unique for example)

MadBadetc, I am so glad someone else has defended Planet, as have just bought some beautifully cut black linen trousers there this morning (well, in the outlet) for £19 - yes there is plenty of stuff that I wouldn't touch with a bargepole, but lots of lovely classic stuff and beautiful dresses and suits. I am usually considered to be well dressed by my friends, and have to work extra hard not to be frumpy as am statuesque-ish size 18 with large norks.

TBH, if you're prepared to shop for a long time and carefully you can usually find something almost everywhere...

goes off to stroke new trousers wistfully

BeautifulPurpleShoes - Please be my new best friend. I agree completely with your theory that you can find something virtually anywhere if you are willing to sort the wheat from the chaff. I too am (ahem) amply covered with (cough) generous norks and have some lovely things from Planet which are definitely not frumpy.

Where is the outlet store? And can I borrow your purple shoes? I lurve purple.

MadBad - I have been to the one at the Lowry and also the one at Cheshire Oaks, both v good.

Purple shoes are from Debenhams here

I love them and have extolled their virtues almost daily on Mumsnet recently.

Hurray for Planet!

MadBad and PurpleShoes wave banners whilst wearing decidedly unfrumpy outfits

Oh dear. Those are too far for me to get to easily. I shall have to invent urgent business in Cheshire.

The purple shoes are fab.

If it helps MadBad I think that they are both McArthur Glen outlets if you have one nearby