fashion tips for beginners????

[Nicos]

OK- I know I need some help please peeps!

Living over here I'm noticing how prettily most of the women seem to dress- even the toothless farmers wives have a pretty scalf slung over their shoulders when they nip out for bread!

So...having spent most of my adult life in a uniform at work, in horsey gear, or gardening gear ( but having had to scrub up from time to time for balls etc) I'm now re-evaluating what I wear.

Problem is I'm not exactly a petite size 8...and I've found it almost impossible to find larger sizes here

Anyway, today I took the plunge having seen a very pretty top which looked like it might actually fit me..and lo and behold it DOES - maybe even a teeny bit too big

Anyway- I googled the name and found they sell on line.
Has anyone ever heard of them? ( they're probably very famous knowing me!)
Fashion World | Home shopping catalogue for fashion sizes 12-32, lingerie and wide fit footwear | Fashion World | Fashion World

The clothes look different and pretty and I'm wondering maybe if I should put in an order if they deliver to France.
I've never mail ordered before so am rather cautious.

Advice please!!!!

( I won't be around that much over the next few days- but PLEASE natter to me- the more advice the better!!)

Ta! xx

[shirlthegirl43]

Nicos, are we related? My wardrobe used to contain riding gear worth a fortune, ball gowns worth similar and outfits for work!

Now I live in jeans and v-necks and Madmax is always on at me to dress in a more feminine style. I will watch this thread with interest.

I can help out with a lace scarf or shawl if you fancy one sometime

[jackie j]

Never heard of them but if they deliver oversea's they possibly charge for postage.

[jackie j]

Try Bonmarch on line I have bought some bits from them and they fit like a dream, trousers in a 14 or 16 normally too small or too big but from there they fit and they fit on the waist. Some of it is a bit fuddy duddy so you need to look.

[Bigmallly]

Mrs BM swears by these and they deliver in France.

Next International

[Pumpkin Becki]

Yep, I've purchased from Fashion World in the past with no problems at all, and returns are just sent back to them through the post. I think they might be part of the same company as 'Simply Be' who do a similar size range.

Thumbs up from me - you can purchase with confidence!

[Nicos]

they fit on the waist. .

What's a waist???

[janeyo]

I think the French as a nation in general could dress themsleves in a binbag tied with old rope and look good. They make it look effortless. When I lived in Perpigan I felt like a right frump, yet here I am told I look good.
The key is to wear anything with a bit of confidence, like you say a bright scarf, some cool sunglasses, a pair of heels, a well placed item of jewellry even if it's just a bracelet or earrings... they can all transform an outfit, even your jeans and a t-shirt. Or a smart new handbag.
And invest in things that will last like more than a season, a good pair of well fitting jeans, or a proper coat... they pay out in the end. And don't be afraid of colour!
And always always always stick to styles that suit you and your body shape rather than what is in fashion. And never ever ever leave the house without a slick of lippy on. In the right shade for your face!

*blimey, just call me Gok Wan PMSL

and no I'm not suggesting you clean the chooks out in your heels!

[Patchninja]

Come on, Nicos, give us some size ideas - I'm sure you can buy here and it's SO much better to try on before you buy. I'll take you on a shopping trip - you're not that far away! I think you'll be surprised! I'm not a size 8 either!

[HeyWayne]

I've heard of Jacamo (the mens bit). Can't help with dresses.

[Patchninja]

I was thinking along the lines of La Halle aux vetements or Kiabi. They both cater for the cuddly woman.

[Flummery]

What's a waist???

Waste of time in my case!

[Jeanied]

Nicos I have been disappointed in the quality of some of the mail order stuff - so make sure you have the returns policy all sussed to begin with before ordering. I ordered 5 things and only kept 2 the last time I mail ordered - which is why I made a little rule to myself not to do this again. That was when I discovered the delights of a personal shopper at my local Debenhams - maybe you could find one over there? Or fix it for your next trip over?

[taff]

never heard of them but that's no indicator.. if you are going to buy from catalogues, find out what kind of fabric it is if you can first. I've ordered stuff in the past that I thought was cotton only to find it was nasty viscose or something.
Other than that, I don't think I've had any other complaints.
And yeah, damn french always looking good, same when I visit my family in italy,it's only a tiny village but all the women look like they stepped out of vogue....not the best contrast to an ageing ex-goth

[jackie j]

What's a waist???

The bit between your b***s and your b*m. What I meant was if like me you cant stand things to be on your hips / low waist these are comfortable and dont show half your b*m.