IS there a high street store that you know is always there but just never think to shop in?
For my work bestie and I, that store is Peacocks.
We’ve heard other pals tell us they get great bargains there and see fashion influencers getting great hauls.
But we’ve just never shopped there – until now.
Me and my work bestie Katy are fashionistas with very different figures.
At 44 I am a size 10 mum who’s self conscious about my post-kid wobbly bits.
Meanwhile, Katy is a self-confessed big-boobed 33-year-old gal with a petite size 18 frame.
We are now trying to step out of our comfort zones to help our fellow fashion fans find the best stores for size and age inclusive looks.
We’ve been scouring fan-favourite supermarkets and high street stores to find the right outfits for every occasion – and for everybody.
So this week, for the final instalment of the first series of our YouTube haul show, we tried a wild car with Peacocks.
And it was hit and miss… with some hidden gems in there.
First up, we were both drawn to a pleather, oxblood min dress that screamed 60s chic. It’s available in sizes 6 to 24 and is just £28.
We both loved the colour, in that deep burgandy of the season, and the gold, front zip detail.
I paired mine with a black polo while Katy went for a long-sleeved t-shirt. But neither of us were happy with the fit.
Katy went true to size but felt it didn’t flatter her curvy frame. Meanwhile, for me, it didn’t fit well anywhere.
However, I tried a little hack that made the dress instantly look and fit better – I wore it backwards.
For some unknown reason, the gaping I hated wearing it the right way round disappeared, and the zip detail at the back looked even nicer. A fashion miracle!
We paired the dress with little black pumps, which we both loved. At £15 they are a comfy bargain that will be perfect for the office.
Next up, was our casual look, which was a pair of grey leopard print leggings, which come in sizes small to XXL and are £16, and a cosy borg oversized jacket, which is available from an 8 to 24 and costs £35.
I loved these leggings, they are a total bargain at the price and are super soft, sucking you in at all the right places.
But it was disappointment again for Katy. In the large size these were a disaster, they were not holding anything in and were baggy round the ankles and backs of the knees.
So top tip, if you’re getting these, try sizing down.
Meanwhile, we were both in love with the jacket. Wearing this, as Katy says, is like getting a cuddle from a cloud.
It’s soft, cosy and really chic looking with its contrast buttons and chunky collar, giving way more pricey vibes than its £35 tag. This is going to be a much worn piece for both of us over the chilly Scottish winter.
Finally, we tried our dressier look – and this was a big hit for both of our sizes.
We opted for a silver pleather skirt – way out of my mum comfort zone – paired with a asymetric design jumper.
And this skirt, ladies, run don’t walk to grab it. There is so much to love.
It’s a bold statement while also remaining classy, with its little front slit and midi length. It’s lovely and soft and – big plus point – has pockets. Coming in sizes 8 to 24 and is a steal at £22. This is going to be my festive go-to in the coming months.
And the colour block jumper is also a gem. We both loved the flattering pattern and chic neckline. This comes in sizes small to XXL and is another bargain at £20.
Finally, the only accessory we tried – an adorable borg shoulder bag with black straps. I’m usually a cross-body girl but this was a lovely change-up and ideal for dinner or drinks at £20.
In all, Peacocks was a bit hit and miss – more misses when it came to the plus size range for poor Katy.
But for somewhere we’ve never tried before we found some cute staples and a couple of hidden gems.
