Zaeobi, I am pretty curvy on my lower half (10 inch difference between waist and hips) and the Mombasa Rose skirt fits me around the hips with room to spare. Waist is elastic so it’s forgiving. The only thing I’d say is that the actual colours are more muted than they appear on the website. Which may or may not be an attraction. I can understand not wanting to risk it. I hate “return for store credit” policies.

Veronika Maine fit is variable. I’ve had a lot of their things over the years. I’d hold out for a more A-line style. They regularly do them. This skirt (a couple of years old) is still one of my favourites. I wore it twice last week

Another Australian retailer you might consider is Birdsnest. They are an internet only retailer and carry lots of Australian brands. They have great customer service (they usually have actual measurements for their items). Good styling suggestions too.

https://www.birdsnest.com.au/

Zaeobi, my Ministry of Style items are now 2 years old. The most worn item is the skirt (worn at least 60 times over the last 2 years), but has developed a small hole. I will try to repair it, but it is getting close to being worn out. The shirts, especially the pink shirt has been worn a lot and is still good. I will buy this label again as I love the light ramie fabric that is not sheer and long sleeves to provide sun protection.

Zaeobi, YES, I knew about the direct MTR line from Central to Shatin. The Shatin school location is temporary - new school is being built in the old Mid Levels location.

YES, to defining your waist. That's a figure flattering priority FOR YOU when you wear draped outfits. Good job fine tuning the details to make looks work your way

@Brooklyn we sound like we have similar measurements (also a 10" difference between waist & hips - I'm either a pear or hourglass). Muted colours are a good thing for me so long as they're also deep (not pastels). Maybe I'll sit out Veronika Maine for now then but maybe try out Mombasa Rose when I have a little extra money to burn (the end of the academic year is almost here - will have a little extra money to burn over the summer break, which should be a good time to test drive some casually floaty/ lightweight floral maxi skirts

I like how Birds Nest has clickable flat lay outfits for outfit inspiration - what a seamless use of technology for Fashion: https://www.birdsnest.com.au/womens-outfits

@Bijou Ah I see. So it feels like the fabric around the hole is also thinning? It sounds like the ramie fabric is more robust though, in your experience, right? That staycation blouse is still on my mind, so I might 'add to cart' & mull it over for a bit first - my wallet is going to be giving you both the side eye in a month lol!