I was going to suggest looking at the Trek WSD (their women's line) U frame/Stem throughs.

I bought mine about 2 years ago. I'm totally new to biking and such so bought the lower end 7000WSD. It's been great so far. When I've been sore or had discomfort it's been my out of shapeness and a mixture of some minor seat adjustments.

The bike I have is nice looking, it's black. I bought some Basil Dutch panniers which look great on it.