Desperately seeking curvy and chic

~ 7th July 2010

Why oh why is it soooo difficult to find beautifully-cut, quality clothes if you have a bountiful, curvy figure?

I am having a bit of a panic at the moment. Yesterday morning, I managed to corner my other half over his plans for my imminent 40th birthday … the idea of a party fills me with horror, but I know he has something up his sleeve. So I needed to know exactly WHAT kind of attire did I need to have in mind for wearing on my birthday eve?

“Smart evening wear” came back the response … and I could already feel the panic building, as when an Italian says that, you know you need to be turning up in Summer prom chic!

Disaster. I cannot fit into anything that I already own – my own fault, I know. But I have a week to find something which makes me feel – and look – beautiful *aaarggghh*

I adore Chesca’s ultra-feminine range which is always beautifully-cut and very flattering. But it only goes up to size 24. Hmmmm. Anyhow, you can find Chesca in John Lewis in Oxford Street (also at Ely’s in Wimbledon, I found out recently) and also at their online store www.chesca1424.co.uk
Beige Plus have some truly beautiful clothes at their shops in London so maybe they will be worth a visit, even ‘tho I know that the type of dress I have in mind rarely sells for less than £300 in their stores … a little bit over my budget (by £200+ really!).

I had seen a beautiful dress on Curvety but delivery is 2 weeks. Hmmmm.

I am not a fan of Evans or Ann Harveys – I’ve found most of their garments are of poor quality and/or poor cut in my humble (personal) opinion, although one of my favourite dresses (too dark for summer wear) is from Ann Harveys, from 11 years ago!

I’ve fallen out of love with Marks & Spencer since their decision to take anything over a size 24 off their shop-floor … so they are happy to get the fat-pound, they just don’t want us trailing around in their shops! Anyways, I’ve noticed their size 24-28 range getting smaller and smaller, so it doesn’t really bode well.

M&Co, who used to be Mackays, sometimes have the odd article of nice clothing but nothing which could be deemed as really dressy for the evening …

Even my beloved favourite – Spirito di Artigiano – are out of stock of the prettiest pink dress I’ve seen in a long time ….

(although some of their items can be quite pricey, I really cannot fault their cut or quality of material in any way – and it arrives beautifully packaged, it’s like opening up a precious Christmas gift! Even better, they have their Summer sale on at the moment with up to 80% off so do have a look!)

So … if anyone out there has any ideas, I’d be soooo grateful to hear them … the countdown is on!!!