Well I must say I was pleasantly surprised.

I went into the store in the **** that is Oxford Street. I had given up looking for wide fitting shoes and was concentrating on clothes. I had noticed hardly any skirts around, mostly trousers, so typical me, I decided I MUST have a skirt or two. I found some in Ann Harvey's - before I had never gone in thinking it frumpy-however I must say the two skirts I got had a bit off the price and seem to be very well made and a good quality (something you cannot always say of Evans!). I also got a lovely green top. I may well go back (when I can brave the crowds).

I know what you mean about the crowds on Oxford st. I gave up last week after I got trapped in NEXT by a surge of people !!

Actually it wasn't so much the crowds but the fact that there is more than one of certain shops - i.e. more than one Next and I kept thinking I was going round in circles sure I had just passed one so the poor feet were aching by the time I got home! However Ann Harvey don't seem to have a website so I will just have to lump it and go there next time!

I would not go on a Saturday though. I went during the week when I had time off.

Oxford Street sort of has two ends. I barely ever make it to the end with Ann Harvey but I should because the big Evans is up there. I come into Charing Cross and only really stick to the end before Oxford Circus. I never go there just to shop but my fave pub is in that area and if I am up there to meet friends I will have a look.

Right now I am starting to think about having to find a wedding dress for next July. It doesn't have to be fancy (second wedding..I am a widow)..but I don't even know where to start. I guess I will start looking harder in March(ish) so that I will know better what weight I will be then. I would be happy with just a nice dress rather than wedding dress but everything is black and Christmas like at the moment even if I can find them plus size.

I can't wait until the day that I can just go into any shop but that won't be before the wedding.

SarahJayne

My friend got a lovely dress in Monsoon for her second wedding last year. Its not a shop I'd considered but they do apparently go up to size 22.

Wrt Ann Harvey, I have been shopping there for the last couple of years for work and smarter wear. I got fed up with Evans for the poor quality and lack of decent work wear (how many black jackets and white shirts does a girl need?) Maybe I'm just getting too old now for Evans.

Kitty

May be worth mentioning but recently having gone into more 'mainstream' shops I'm surprised that some DO do larger sizes and I didn't even realise it.

Debenhams have a 'gorgeous' range which goes up to size 26 (can find it on website)
Tesco do some plus clothes (think its a new range and realise it's not special occassion but good for everyday - can also look on website I think)
Evans (is a given although quality never that great)
Ann Harvey
Monsoon actually go up to 22 (was so surprised when I found that out!)
Marks and Spencer (my fave) have a plus size selection also

When I think of some more I'll add them!

Yes I knew about all these (got a top from Gorgeous the other day and have regularly poped into Tesco. Wallis have gained a plus size I think. MOnsson do go up to 22 but guess which sizes go first!!! Yep the biggies.

Don't forget Next, I was surprised too like you, to find they do many things upto a 22 (which is too large for me now, yeah)

Kitty

Next do but mainly from the book, it is quite rare to find anything over a 16 in the shops I have found. Though in the past I have managed to get stuff in the sale in an 18.