I'm pear shaped too. I have exactly the same problem.

My solution was to learn to sew or buy whatever fits at the hips and alter clothes to fit me. It is a pain. My first criteria when I look at any ready clothes is how easily I could alter it to fit me.

If you think about it most of the designers are men (no disrespect intended) using Ally McBeal as their dummies to fit the clothes on. Half the population (especially the women) just do not belong to that group.

{My friend ( I sometimes wonder about my use of this word) lectured me ...} lecture is a well used word in my family circle too! It conveys the meaning instantly, better than any other. On an international Forum I am careful as it is open to lead to misunderstanding. Take no notice of the lecture Ororo. We pear-shaped ones are ideally designed for babies! I reckon God forgot the day would come when women would be doing a whole lot more and spending very little time (if any) in their life span to childbirth!!

Do you not have this problem in the States?

Take care.