Stylish and funky? Help!

Have a wee look at www.popsyclothing.co.uk who go from size 6 up to size 22. I have 3 of their dresses (with pockets, yeehaw!) and they are so comfortable. Also think of www.joebrowns.co.uk who go up to size 18 and have such gorgeous funky clothes.

I feel your pain, East was my go to clothing shop. I have to save up but have indulged in a couple of purchases from Sahara for special occasions.

I miss East badly but the good news is that their stuff was so well made that it’s still going strong in my wardrobe. It was never high fashion just quality clothing that was distinctive and easy to wear.

Yes, as MagicWand have said, Sahara. Also Masai and Gudrun Sjoden. Although all 3 of those can tip over into frumpy if you don't pick carefully. GS are lovely, but it is about building an image with them. Individual pieces are often nothing special, it is the overall look you have to put together.

Same here bambamgran, most of my clothes came from East, and the new East is nowhere near as good.
I have replaced it with Sahara, Ralston, Hush and Oska.
But it’s not the same, much harder work, and lots of stuff sent back!

Magicwand
Yes, I still have quite a few East items, but they’re dwindling, I think anyone considering Sahara, needs to be aware that they are at least a size bigger than most brands.

I loved East for the colours and embroidery especially the going out jackets. I buy from Mint Velvet, Boden and Phase eight now but not very satisfactorily. I used to like White Stuff but the quality has gone right off.

Another East lover. One dress left, which I bought in 2014 and wear regularly and one white shirt I bought in the closing down sale.

I have recently discovered 'Culture Vulture'. Initially the catalogue was like an upmarket Oxfam catalogue, but obviously any clothes they had in the catalogue sold well, so there are more and more clothes in it. It's style is Boho and Asian, but they suit my style.

I also like a few things from Toast, but their dresses tend to be sleeveless, and I don’t do sleeveless any more, unless I’m on a beach.

Try Weirdfish, Fatface and Mantary and also there is an in store selection from a company called Roman in our garden centre might suit xx

If you are on Instagram, try following people whose style you admire to find brands you might want to try. I like “alternativeageing”. Have fun!

I love Jo Brown very funky styles you buy online.

Have a look at Gudrun Sjoden - unusual & ethical clothes.

I liked East too and only have a couple of items left now.

I have lost heart with clothes buying lately; White Stuff and Seasalt are more me than the more funky styles but even the quality of some White Stuff items is not good. A linen jersey t-shirt I loved stretched and stretched then developed holes fairly quickly. It made good dusters though.

Hush, great quality and on trend.

East is available again but only online

www.east.co.uk/

I like Baukjen, which also has good environmental credentials.

Just looked at the web site, lovely clothes - but the prices!!

I saw a denim skirt on the East web site two years ago, decided it was too expensive, but waited until it appeared at a reduced price and bought it. I'm hoping it will fit round my non-existent waistline this summer.

I've got an East top that I love. I wear it with denims and I've had it for about ten years.

Ted Baker if you like loud and flowery.

Look at Jessie Juniper, stupid name, formerly Katie Kerr. They sell a wide range of different makes.

Thanks everyone! I am working through your suggestions. When will the UK fashion houses provide properly for our age group!! I bought all my none-East favourites in America, where they really know how to look after more mature women. I have ordered some things to try out now though, based on your suggestions. I will hope to update you soon with my successes!

Good news for East aficionados! In addition to the lovely brands suggested above, I have found two more, which I am going to try out. "Thought" uses organic cotton and hemp, in relaxed but stylish designs and pretty colours.
"Aspiga" is slightly more expensive I think, but also looks very promising. Here's to a lovely Summer to enjoy our purchases!

What a coincidence Bambamgran I was looking at Thought this morning! Some lovely tops and good prices too.