Ask Caryn – December 2009
Image Consultant
Hi there,
Can you please recommend a style/image consultant that I could work with to help me revamp my image and to get a new wardrobe?
Many thanks,
Leena
Hello Leena
I’d like to put you in touch with my colleague Claire Ginzler who is a fantastic stylist and works with me on many projects as well as being Fashion Director of On/Off at London Fashion Week and working behind the scenes of How To Look Good Naked and 10 Years Younger. Her website is www.claireginzler.com which also has her contact details. She will be very pleased to speak to you and give you any advice you need.
Petite & Pear Shape Advice
Dear Caryn,
I am a sophomore in high school and I am 5ft 1 inch tall. I am a slight pear shape, but I could pass for an hourglass shape if I wear the right clothes. So what are these clothes to wear? I am not comfortable wearing short skirts and short shorts, so except for those, what types of clothes should I wear more and what types should I generally avoid? Thanks so much!
Rosie
Hello Rosie
Thanks for your email. Don’t worry there are plenty more options for you than short skirts and short which many of us don’t feel comfortable with. You just need to think about evening up your body symmetry – that is minimizing your bottom half and playing up your top. Look for tops that create extra volume – choose anything will frills at the front, ruching or loose fabric gathers. Go for darker coloured bottoms, ones that are lower waisted and de-emphasize the curve of the hips. Straight-leg, flat front trousers work well as well as A-line skirts and dresses as they slim your hips and take inches off the thighs. Bootleg jeans worn with a heel will enhance the length of your legs and also balance out your silhouette.
This is just a starting point and I would recommend my petite and pear ebook which will give you much more extensive advice about how to dress for your shape.
Advice for Fuller and Top Heavy
Dear Caryn, I need some help I am approaching 56, 6 feet tall, 38f bust, size18-20 top, size 16 hips, flat bottom, 36inch inside leg, long arms, short body, quite slim legs with slim ankles and size 9 feet. I have let myself go recently after an illness and finishing work, I have put on about 2 stone and am now about 14 stone. I have lost a lot of confidence and i suffer from depression. I would be grateful for any advice you can give me as finding clothes for my size is difficult.
Mary
Hello Mary
Thanks for getting in touch.
First of all I would recommend you start with my fuller and top heavy ebook which will give you an extensive array of knowledge and learning about how to dress for your shape and also how to create a wardrobe of staple pieces that will work for you. Style confidence evolves over time learned from trial and error. Using this as your basis I would firstly think about underwear. Control underwear is a great secret weapon – designed to hold you in in the right places and give you a sleek silhouette. Most importantly it will give you confidence and this will reflect in how you wear your clothes. Also make sure that you are wearing a well-made, properly fitted bra. This is a must and will minimize and shape in the way nothing else can.
Have a look in the underwear section of our shopping mall for an extensive range of retailers.
What you want to do is even up your body symmetry , minimizing the top half of your body and maximising the bottom. In general look for clothes that give you subtle definition (fitted shapes) especially around the bust. Try soft feminine fabrics that are not too stiff or boxy.
I hope this helps as a starting point.
