I've got one of these (Viper LA Special Forces Vest) and for £33 I think it's a good bit of kit.
http://www.patrolbase.co.uk/airsoft-rigs-plate-carriers-assault-vests/viper-la-special-forces-vest-green.htm#.V7RiYdSLTDc
Unfortunately, Viper gear gets a lot of stick from people on here and on Zero In for being cheap.
I can understand why people spend higher amounts of money on their gear, but this does the trick for me for now, the quality is good and I see it lasting ages
You can keep shed loads of stuff on you at a time.
I've got my M9 holstered in the first pocket on the left hand side of the zip, M16 mags in the others and then a waterbottle on the far right.
The pockets on the chest are perfect for spare batteries. And I keep my Keys, phone and wallet in one of the huge inside pockets. So you're not short of keeping things on you.
If you're small, you should still be find to wear it - it's incredibly adjustable. The lace up sides will keep it tight round the middle and the velco straps over the shoulders should prevent it from hanging around your crotch.
Again, I appreciate they aren't to everyone's tastes, but for the budget conscious 'softer I recommend it.