Gilly - if you can't affort a ticket to the US how about Easyjet to Italy. They've got some excellent stuff over there.

Brands like Nalini do some womens stuff, as do Sportful. I went to their factory shop in Italy in the summer and their latest range of womens kit is fantastic - sporty and practical, but cut and designed to fit and enhance the female figure. Very nice gear.

There's a few Sportful dealers in the UK who might be able to order the things for you.

You could also try www.wiggle.co.uk Don't know if they do Sportful but they've got a great big section on womens gear.