Advice needed on wardrobe overhaul please

[happynappies]

I'm in a bit of a rut clothes-wise. I had ds#2 last Feb and it took me ages to get out of maternity clothes, and spent the Summer in cheapy t-shirts but I've ended up wearing them through the Autumn and Winter now (with vest underneath brrrrr) because I can't find clothes to fit me! I am a size 14, and keep buying long-sleeved t-shirt style tight-fitting tops from e.g. Boden, and after one wear I'm conscious that they are too tight and ride up on the waist. Dh thinks I keep buying the wrong style - he's not being mean, just practical, and I'm loathed to admit it but I think he's right, these tops must be for women with waists! Anyway, consequently I have literally nothing to wear. In the morning I put on my ill-fitting jeans, and generally zip up a fleece and that is me. I don't really need 'going out' clothes, but will be returning to work part-time soon, and need practical yet hopefully stylish clothes to wear when looking after the children. Would like some tops, some warm clothes, perhaps some great trousers, but money v. tight so would just be so interested to see if anyone could recommend some really good buys. Sorry this is a bit long-winded - but please help!! Thanks

Monsoon is outrageously expensive (by my standards) but I find they do make clothes to suit real-sized women with real figures and it's good quality stuff. Some of my Monsoon dresses (£20 each in the sale) are still doing good service after four years and umpteen machine washes!
At the end of the January sale they often do a 75% off deal where things end up much more affordable - I suspect it'll be coming up soon so keep your eyes peeled.
I'm a 12-14 and can usually find something in there to suit. A couple of nice frocks (their jersey ones look great on curvy girls and tend to hang really well), some funky knitwear and a nice shirt will set you back £80-100, but you'll look the biz!
Best of luck!
Polly

Failing that... charity shops in posh places are always a good place to look. Lincoln's good, and the Cheshire market towns (Footballer's Wives territory) were always good hunting grounds - think of anywhere people are silly and rich enough to chuck out unworn M&S, Principles, Wallis and Karen Millen with the tags still on!

It may be that you just have a long back (like me). I always have problems with tops riding up. The only style I find I can wear, and which are very comfortable and wear well, are C&C California. I often buy them (new) on ebay from the US, and they are a lot cheaper than buying here.

take this, for example

Work-wise, how about some long line, lightweight knit tops, or some basic blouses from M&S. I bought a selection of these when I first returned to work. They wash and iron up surprisingly well and can be jazzed up well with scarves/ long dangly necklaces etc.