wedding outfit

newleaf

Newly_retired wrote: »

I don't think my sister could cope with all the decisions and the fitting sessions etc, but thanks.
Today I made a very rare shopping trip, just to see what is there. To be honest, almost everything in the shops is unsuitable for me for every day wear, never mind my sister and the wedding. I am a plus size, not barrel shaped, but everything I saw in general clothes shops and in debenhams is for young people or those who can wear things suitable for the young. Now I like to wear classic styles and none of these would suit me. The long dresses are all sleeveless and I guess I am not alone in not wanting to reveal upper arms. Some are very short, others full length, nothing in betweeh. Lost of smock type short dresses/tunics which won't suit my legs even if I wore dark tights . Frilly short puffy sleeves don't work on me either.
I know there are more expensive shops like country casuals but given the buying power of some older shoppers why don't more shops cater for the more mature lady?

There's a very long thread about finding decent clothes for us big gals here:
http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=1988865
It does take a bit of wading through, but there are some very good website links recommended by other forum members.
For nice wedding outfits I would look at Box2. http://www.box2.co.uk/collections/wedding-and-evening/default.aspx
Not exactly in the moneysaving realm, but the clothes are lovely and for a wedding maybe you want to push the boat out a bit?

Newly_retired

Great link thank you. Past my bedtime so haven't read it all but lots of ideas.

NGlady

My brother in laws mum had this problem for his wedding, what she found FANTASTIC was the personal shopping service at Debenhams, now it might just be the branch in Nottingham where its particually good i dont know, but the lady REALLY listend to what the Mum wanted and liked, SYMPATHETICLY explained possibles and unpossibles, acted as a friend rather than a sales person to her and generally made mum feel a million dollars. She loved every minute, would completely recommend.

margaretclare

Newly_retired wrote: »

I don't think my sister could cope with all the decisions and the fitting sessions etc, but thanks.
Today I made a very rare shopping trip, just to see what is there. To be honest, almost everything in the shops is unsuitable for me for every day wear, never mind my sister and the wedding. I am a plus size, not barrel shaped, but everything I saw in general clothes shops and in debenhams is for young people or those who can wear things suitable for the young. Now I like to wear classic styles and none of these would suit me. The long dresses are all sleeveless and I guess I am not alone in not wanting to reveal upper arms. Some are very short, others full length, nothing in betweeh. Lost of smock type short dresses/tunics which won't suit my legs even if I wore dark tights . Frilly short puffy sleeves don't work on me either.
I know there are more expensive shops like country casuals but given the buying power of some older shoppers why don't more shops cater for the more mature lady?

There was a discussion on here not too long ago about clothes for older women. From that, a suggestion came about M&S Classics. Also there's PennyPlain: https://www.pennyplain.co.uk I've had quite a lot of clothes from there. David Nieper also do classic styles.

STRAWB

These might help for hats also free delivery at the moment! https://www.HatMegastore.co.uk

Newly_retired

Many thanks for all your wonderful suggestions. I am very happy to report that the outfit has been purchased!!!! I found this place on the internet www.moirasreflections.co.uk which is handy for my sister, so my niece took her mum on Saturday.
Their service was absolutely spot on, they showed every consideration without ever being patronising. The fourth outfit she tried was the one she chose and I am told it really looks right for the occasion - in lilac/lavender. She will look good on the photos. A small alteration in length is needed which the shop will do for £15 - money well spent. My niece even managed to get shoes - from a different shop - cream this time, so now it is just hat and handbag to find, neither of which should cause too many problems.
What a relief! I just need to get myself sorted now.

Newly_retired

Well the wedding was yesterday and my sister's outfit was a great success. My niece had found shoes, hat and bag at MSE prices and the whole lavender outfit looked perfect. The bride's mother had provided a matching corsage for her too. Just such a shame that my sister was far from well, mentally, so I don't think she'll actually remember anything of the day, sadly. I am so disappointed for her as she was on top form the last time I saw her about 10 days previously. We know she was aware enough of what was going on to be moved to tears by her son's (the groom) kind words about her in his speech. However the weather was lovely and it was obvious how happy both bride and groom were.

lilac_lady

I'm glad the wedding was a success. It can be very stressful and I'm sure you're sister appreciates all the help she's been given. Perhaps you could frame a picture of her at the wedding so that she can look back and see how fabulous she looked when she feels a bit better.

Newly_retired

Great idea, thank you.