Realistic fashion advice

Maw the coats look great. Attractive, comfortable and useful after the wedding.

I do like the coats very much; what I'd really like is a short kimono style jacket.
When I looked at the East website they were out of stock of all sizes of any of the dresses I liked - apparently they could trawl the country to find one.

It is a bit worrying that they are out of stock online of so much, I do hope they're not going the same way as CC.

Chewbacca don't get me started on linen trousers! There are plenty of baggy ones, tie waist etc but none with zips/straight leg in a more tailored style for 'best'. As for lengths and sizing someone in the ordering department needs to buy a tape measure.

In my mind the words fashion and realistic don't really go together. Perhaps a fraction closer than fashion and practical, but that's all. Style is an altogether different fish and can be whatever one makes it, in my case always comfortable, always suitable for my purposes, not caring one jot whether it's fashionable. If I like a fashion and it fits the comfort and practicality requirements, I'll wear it. Otherwise Elsewise (gotta use it once, just to get the feel ?), nah.

I couldn't afford to shop at East for day to day items but would really think of looking their for weddings, etc.

I need a dress for a special occasion, smart but not wedding-type, but I think I've given up the search now.

Cagsy A bit late in the discussion I know but U-tube do a good tutorial on how to tie big scarves for maximum effect a few practices and you are good to go.
Also ladies who don't do dresses Box2 have some beautiful wider trousers and matching tops/floaty jackets ideal for day time parties/ lunches.

Have you tried Kaleidoscope Jalima? They do some lovely smart dresses and are not too expensive.

Thanks DannieRae, that's an idea.,
They used to put a leaflet in with magazines, haven't seen one for ages.

If there's time

I've also been looking for a smartish dress Jalima and so had a look in JL on Friday. Phase 8 are usually pretty good for me but everything seemed to have lace or frills, or worse, flouncy sleeves that just make the upper body look even bigger. Another thing I noticed was that a lot of the fabrics used are very thick, almost industrial weight crimplene! Not good for summer at all. And like you, I can't even find smart linen trousers or even casual ones.

As a change from politics can I just mention what a poor example Theresa May is for the older woman. She buys expensive clothes but has no idea how to wear them. I don't know if she goes bare legged or wears flesh coloured tights, but it's not a good look with above the knee skirts and her flamingo like posture. The short jackets she wears don't help either. Now she's taken to wearing ankle length trousers which, with her long legs, make her look as if she's borrowed them from her short friend. This morning I saw her in a high waisted pair that nearly came up to her bust. Perhaps she could invest some of her clothing budget in a decent mirror!

Phase 8 had some very pretty dresses with blouson tops - and unflattering tight skirts.

Yes, the fabric is thick and reminded me of the days of crimplene, surely we've advanced since then?

Kaleidescope website is being rebuilt.

There is an outlet not too far from me so I may take a trip there tomorrow.

Fabrics seem to be awful at the moment. I thought it was just M&S but they all seem to be the same. What ever happened to natural fibres?

I don't know, and some of the fabrics are so thick which is not suitable for a summer's day (if we get any!).

Even the cardigans and summer jackets seem to be made of very thick fabrics this year. No sign of cotton or linen at all. The only pure cotton dresses I saw were full length, strappy beach dresses; no good for work or weekends. Come back CC and Jaeger

CC is back with an extremely limited range.

Not really fashion advice, but I have a friend who is around the same age as me ( on our way to 60 ) and she often states I can get away with wearing such and such because clothes look better on me. We are the same size but the only difference is I wear a good bra whereas her poor boobs are facing south and in need of a good hulk upwards. I've tried suggesting she adjusts her straps but she says she prefers comfort. Get those boobies up ladies ! ??

Woolovers have cotton and linen jumpers and, maybe, cardigans. They often have offers so I've just bought 2 jumpers.

www.woolovers.com/women/jumpers/womens-linen-blend-textured-v-neck-off-white-5400?gclid=CjwKEAjw9_jJBRCXycSarr3csWcSJABthk07Nz3dIiQcMPgt3kqgV1wfirntd06rAJqOb7bknGxunhoC3UTw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

Like this.

I just got a silk and wool cardi from Woolovers, to go with the tartan dress and orange tights ?

This is, and always has been, my attitude to "fashion": pish.

This is my attitude to style: find your own; bugger trendy or fashionable.

I take lessons from soop, who is one of the most stylish women I've ever met. Her style isn't my style but I think we have the same attitude: do your own thing. There has never been so much choice so make the most of it.

Wow! So many fashionistas. I invariably slop around in a pair of jeans, a shirt and Skechers. Had to dress up for work so it's probably a reaction, but I don't care.

I wear jeans all the time too but like variations on my top half!

Likewise kittyl
However, having guddled around in the wardrobe I seem to have a disproportionate number of pairs of jeans including some I am presumably keeping for the day when I might fit into them.
I am also finding that my favourite "bootcut" while OK with boots with a small heel, look a bit baggy and saggy with Skechers. Skinny won't do it ( my legs are not skinny) and variations on straight are not always successful. So, not quite there yet.
It occurs to me that have had as many threads on jeans as we have on going grey.
Is this the Granny equivalent of the search for the Holy Grail?

Kitty thanks for the reminder.I've bought several things from Woolovers, and I'm always pleased with them.
I've noticed lately though that their wool and cazshmere jumpers "pill" quickly.
Must have another look.
The choice in the shops here is very poor - awful quality fabric, made to last for a year or less. Even 2nd hand from a market stall are better, I've had some bargains, favourite is a red and white cotton vintage dress, perfect condition.

I bought the Woolovers defender thingy which is quite successful

Beeping jeans. Lands End did some dark denim trouser jeans which were a good fit so I ordered the lighter denim which I could hardly get over my hips and certainly not do up and continue to breathe. They went back with a stiffly wordedketter. I've not heard back yet

I keep saying that I will treat myself to some NYDJ or the like but can't quite bring myself to pay that much. I daren't order them off ebay as I don't know what size to buy!

Wow! So many fashionistas
Not me, even though I am looking for a dress!!
If I was a dressy person I would probably have no difficulty finding one, it's because I usually slop around in jeans/chinos and tops and the inevitable clumpy shoes or trainers.

But just occasionally, trousers and even a nice top will not do.

The dress or nice outfit then sits in the back of the wardrobe, to be pulled out for the next occasion and then stuffed to the back of the wardrobe again ('why on earth did I buy that?')

[sigh]