Contributions from Caryn Franklin,
Jane Galpin and Claire Ginzler.
April
Hi Caryn
I want to do my bit for the environment and want to stop using plastic bags so much! I am looking for a bag that is also practical and fashionable but will store very small.
Kerry
Hi Kerry
Envirosax bags are perfect for you. They have an exclusive range of eco friendly reusable and stylish shopping bags. Design-led, inexpensive and colourful bags that roll up and becomes a lightweight, portable package. IÕve already test driven mine and they carry an enormous amount of heavy grocery shopping as well as being completely indispensable when I go clothes shopping.
Check them out at www.envirosax.com
Hi
I am 54 but work out, so at 5 feet 6 have kept a slender quite toned figure of 9 stone 2.
My measurements are 36 bust, 28 waist and 39 hips with slim arms and legs (31 inside leg) (thigh 21 and calves 13). I can't wear bias cut clothes. I wear trousers all the time but would love to wear skirts more often. I find that some styles make my lower legs look particularly skinny as I have very little calf definition so I would like advice on the style to choose. I find summer clothes particularly difficult, especially choosing which skirts to wear with which shoes, particularly for work, with my thin ankles clumpy shoes are not an option.
Diana
Hi Diana,
As far as skirts go I expect you are wearing mid calf which will accentuate your slender lower calves. In winter you can wear boots with this length but in summer why not try a higher hem. With good hosiery or Sally Hansen leg spray on your legs you can feel confident with a 'just below the knee length' because your upper calf with give you some fullness and shapeliness. Or try a maxi length that has a lovely floaty element to it, in the summer then you can wear pretty flats like ballerina pumps or jewelled flat sandals.
You are right to think that clumpy shoes will make your legs look even more slender. For shoes avoid platforms, chunky heels and heavy soles. Instead go for a small wedge or kitten heel in the winter and in the summer enjoy delicate strappy shoes with feminine embellishment.
Dear Caryn
I have tried on so many hats to find that not many fit, they are too big. Is there anything that I can buy to enable the hat to fit.
Hi,
We just came back from the National Wedding Show and I thought I'd give my Special Occasion friends at Familytique (you can find them in our shopping mall under special occasion) a call.
There is a band that you can buy from John Lewis stores but the general report is that it's too uncomfortable to wear for the day. What these specialist outfitters do with their hats is stitch the inside band tighter by overlapping it.
The other option for you is a Fascinator. This is a wonderful head piece that can look very dramatic and is so easy to wear. It can either be clipped or pinned to the head, or rests on a small satin cap which is then pinned into the hair. They come in all shapes and sizes and I bet you will look great in one. The above mentioned boutique have a very friendly service and are one of the biggest special occasion outfitters in the country, so why not give them a call when you visit our shopping mall for their number or website.
Hi Caryn
I am 36, a petite 5' 1" in height, 29" inside leg and a size 8 - normally! However, I am 5 months pregnant and am having terrible difficulty searching for trendy reasonably priced clothing. I have been looking at maternity wear but all this is not cut for the petite frame with the tops and dresses all being too long in length, plus, I have to say, very plain and non-inspiring. I would like to follow the trend of the season even with my bump! I would be looking to wear some of the items for a while after baby. The other difficulty I has is that I live on a remote island where I rely on internet shopping.
I also notice that in all fashion items on television etc, never is the subject of dressing for your bump raised! I am sure there are many frustrated mums-to-be out there and they and myself would appreciate your assistance.
Thank you and Kind Regards
Beatrice, Shetland Islands
Hi Beatrice
Thanks for your question. I quite agree that the bump is never really talked about in fashion items especially considering how many pregnant women there are and always will be.
In answer to your question you are actually pregnant at a very good time in terms of fashion and I don't think you necessarily need to go to a maternity boutique or for a maternity brand until much further down the line when your body has change shape more noticeably. Forties tea dresses and tie back dresses are everywhere this summer and very roomy too! Check out Warehouse in our 'standard' shopping mall. I would suggest buying a size up or two to accommodate your body as it expands. In terms of trousers, up to 5-6 months try high waisted jeans with a good stretch, again go up a size if need be. They are actually very comfortable and support the bump. Alternatively you can wear leggings under longer length roomy tunic tops or dresses. If you really want a pair of low rise jeans check out the TopShop maternity range in our shopping mall who do shorter lengths too.
Hi Caryn
I can't wear high heels, but want to wear some dark denim jeans for evening with a smart jacket. What style jean is best and what style low/flat heel would look smart. I'm size 12 with regular leg length.
Angie
Hi Angie
Try a dark blue or black skinny fit jean (look in Oasis in our 'standard' shopping mall) and team with a pair of patent round toe pumps - sexy and smart. Check out French sole in our 'footwear' shopping mall for the pumps or why not consider a pointy kitten heel, always a classic LK Bennett again in our 'footwear' shopping mall who do a good selection of smart kittens heels.
Alternatively you could try wearing a pair of front pleated dark jeans, check out Warehouse or Oasis in our 'standard' shopping mall as both do a good fit in jeans. Try wearing them with a wedge shoe which are fairly high but extremely comfortable, unlike high heels! or again wear with a low kitten heel.
Hi Caryn
I am consistently asked when I am due. I am not pregnant but everyone thinks I look like I am. Any suggestions on how to avoid this.
Thanks
Katie
Hi Katie,
There are many things you can do!
First try on a pair of spanx or high waisted knickers which you can get from figleaves in our underwear shopping mall. These will instantly pull you in and give you a much flatter appearance and are especially great when wearing fitted clothing or for special occasions where you really want to look your best.
I would describe you as apple shape and many women feel they have a noticeable tummy just like you. There are lots of streamlining techniques and distraction techniques that I describe in my body shape e-books and they work.
Here are four examples...
Look for empire line dresses this summer that are fitted around the bust to create focus here. And distraction around the tummy where there is usually lots of fabric to disguise the shape you are.
Use detail at the top of your body and around your bust to draw the eye upwards away from the tummy. Beautiful chunky pendants at your throat.
Volume blouses such as frills and puffed sleeves in bright colours will create extra shape at the top of your body to effect a balance when you wear darker colour, say a navy skirt at the bottom of your body.
Wear dark colour Like a wrap dress all over, then add a bright colour like a long cardi, light trench coat and wear it open so that we can see a vertical stripe of dark colour that lengthens and streamlines your torso.
Hello Caryn
I am 55 years old and I like to think stylish, I am size 10 - 12, 5'4" tall with slim legs. I am looking for a pair of smart bootleg jeans that won't break the bank but that I could wear for work with a variety of tops (I am an interior designer). I quite fancy the indigo jeans out now.
Thank you in anticipation.
Sandra
Hi Sandra,
Jeans are a classic and you will look great in yours. You are right to chose a dark indigo bootleg. This design is by far the most flattering fit.
Check out ilovejeans.com in our shopping mall and look up 'Paige Premium denim' who do a jean that looks like a denim trousers called Coldwater jean in a celestial, for £170. It's a great working jean. Alternatively on the cheaper end there is a jean called NYDJ tummy tuck jean for around £120. The tummy tuck flare jean with embellished back details is a good darker smarter jean.
Hi,
please help me, my name is Andrea and I'm stuck in a rut.
Me and my husband moved to Cornwall 17 months ago following his 22 year Army career coming to an end.
He seems to have adapted (or rebelled) not sure which, to his new found beach/surf look and has left me standing.
I will be 40 in August and have always had my own style, be it more smart as we socialised within the mess and at functions, but now I feel like the enclosed picture suggests that "the fashion police" have got me and thrown me in the jail! I am 5ft 6, size 12 but with a 32f bust. I do feel smarter and slimmer in tailored pieces, I dont seem to be able to do casual but I need to be practical......
thank you
kind regards
Andrea.
Hi Andrea
Check out straight away Boden in our shopping mall. They have the perfect mix in smart casual wear showing you clearly how you can mix tailored items with more relaxed pieces to give a semi smart look that will look great but also be practical for Cornwall.
Don't worry you won't have to completely change your look, just slightly adapt. For example take a pair of your tailored trousers and wear it with a more relaxed top such as the dot print printed cotton top by Boden; some flat pumps and then finish off the look with a soft day bag.
Wide leg tailored trousers worn with pumps, t-shirt and cardigan or loose fitting top will look great too. Alternatively take one of your tailored jackets and wear it with a pair of jeans, khaki pants or 3/4 trousers (check out Next in our shopping mall, a simple t-shirt and a wedge shoe - perfect for the summer.
Hi Caryn,
Spent all day yesterday trying to find an outfit for my niece's wedding on 3rd May. I'm 5ft, bust 34F, so have to go for 14/16 tops & size 12 /14 trousers.
What I really want is a elegant 3 piece trouser outfit, its going to be a long day so need it to stay crease free for quite a while, train journey to London, wedding @ noon, followed by champagne reception 2p.m. & wedding breakfast 17.00 onwards.
I've been looking for silk/crepe - trousers + camisole or simple vest/top, with long coat/jacket to complement, or a chic Kaftan/trousers outfit as an alternative. - only shop in the Cambridge area is one that specialises in the kind of thing is Box2 in Sawston www.box2Cambridge.co.uk. but all them are huge & I don't think can be cut to fit..I saw an outfit by Peter Martin on a MOB outfitters, Mary's of Enfield, in Hoddesden Herts, but I don't want to really spend more than £300 or be 'over the top'/spoil my sister & her daughters day.
All the high street outlets in Cambridge yesterday seem to have strapless/shift dresses in floaty summer fabrics none seem to be catering for summer trouser outfits.
I'm happy to travel to Norwich/London etc if needs be, to get something in this kind of style any suggestions where I can find this sort of outfit?
Carol
Hi Carol
I have just been to the NEC Wedding Show and spoke to one of our favourite 'Mother of the brides,' boutiques Florentyna Ltd. They offer elegant 3-piece suits in dupon silk that works with your body heat to pull out creases. The brand in particular to look out for is Linea Raffaelli.
Their jackets are also shorter in length so won't drown you.
Check out also Yvonne Gillon in our shopping mall. Slightly more expensive but well worth the money. She offers made to measure and specialises in trousers, slip tops and embroidered jackets. She is used to working with all body shapes and can definitely work with you.
Both the above are made to measure. But there is also petite specialist called Karen Gillam who is offering good prices for her special occasion wear which we have featured in this month's 'what's new' all of these are in our shopping mall under petite and special occasion.
My final tips are:
Avoid linen as this definitely will crease on your journey.
Finish off the look with a fascinator to add height.
Best of Luck
Hi Caryn
Im 21, 5ft 3 and a size 10 on the top, 10-12 on the bottom. I need advice because I am going to a wedding at the end of March and have already bought a strapless green and cream knee length dress, but I need something to wear over it. I had originally thought of a wrap or a shrug, but the weather suggests I'll need something heavier.
Any ideas?
Katie
Hi Katie,
Best bet is a pale trench coat that will see you through summer.
Next have one in their directory for £55, they also have an elegant knee length white Duster coat for £65.
You could also have some fun in second hand stores and get a vintage frock coat that will add a real individuality to your look.
I would love to purchase one of your e-books but am not sure which one to get. I am 5ft 4in tall, my measurements are 40in bust, 31.5in waist and 42in hips. I am in the progress of following a low fat healthy eating plan and managed to loose 4lb last week so I now weigh 11stone.
Please advise me as to the best book for me.
Marlene
Hi Marlene,
It's more to do with how you feel about your body and which bits you want to play down so I've enclosed a guide which I hope will help. I would advise you to buy fuller because at 5'4" and 11 stone your body will be rounded in areas, so choose from the shapes below.
Caryn says...
If you are not sure what shape to buy, let me help you make up your mind now! First of all it isn't about measurement or size. This book is about how you see yourself let me explain....
Top-Heavy is when your bust measurement is the most dominant part of your body because you have a large and curvaceous bust and smaller hips and/or bottom by comparison. This e-book will help you to balance out your figure using minimising techniques around your bust.
Apple-Shaped is when you have no waist, or perhaps you feel your tummy is larger than you would like. This e-book will help you to streamline your middle and create the illusion of a waist.
Curvaceous is when you have an hour glass shape with large breasts and and curvy hips and/ or bottom. This e-book will help you to understand how to create streamlining effects through your body.
And Pear-Shaped is when your hips and/or bottom are the largest part of your body and your breasts are smaller by comparison. This e-book will show you how to minimise your bottom and thighs.
Finally Slender is when your body is slight with small breasts and hips and/or bottom. This e-book will give you tools for creating more curves where you want them.
If you feel you have a fairly even figure and do not feel curvaceous, but would not describe yourself as slender, still choose this one.
Standard height is between 5' 3" or 157.5cms and 5'10" or 175cms
Anything under 5' 3" or 157.5cms is petite.
Anything over 5' 10" or 175cms is tall.
Hope that helps!
Hi
I would like a career in fashion. I was just wondering, would you have any contacts or advice?
I live in Ireland and would like to get my foot in the door of the fashion industry.
Can you put a message on your site regarding this. I am sure there is maybe a person out there wanting help with a fashion line.
I know it is alot to ask, but I would consider any role, just to get more experience.
It is a great site with lots of good advice and tips.
Thanks
Claire
Hi Claire,
You have to go to college to really understand everything that is involved here.
There you will learn the skills you need to begin working in fashion.
Clothes Show Live is a great way to look at the work that the colleges do. It is at The NEC near Birmingham in early December. www.clotheshowlive.com for more details.
Dear Caryn
Although I see your books seem to cover any issues up to + 40 how about in the 70's? I am 73 and although a size 18, my brain still seems to tell me I'm 40 going on 20 when I shop for my clothes. I have unfortunately among the size 18 a largish stomach (because of the two stone overweight that I can't drop however hard I seem to try) I also have the problem of having had a hysterectomy some years ago and a hiatus hernia which makes it really difficult for me to wear anything tight, but 'the belly' ruins all the lines of any of the clothes I like. I'm 5'6 with good legs and bust and waist. So which of your books should I choose?
Sincerely,
Shirley
Hi Shirley,
Choose fuller and apple shaped.
There are plenty of tips for streamlining your body and the apple shaped book highlights all the garments that will work to create more flattering elongation through your torso.
Seventy three is a great time to vamp up your image. There is a great section in the book that will help you look at your existing wardrobe and work out what you need to update. Have fun and let me know how you get on.
Dear Caryn
I have read your site, but I am still not sure which of your ebooks would help me.
I am plus size (22 top, 18 bottoms) and have no waist, however, my shoulders are the biggest part of me so that I look like an inverted triangle rather than an apple. However I do have fantastically shaped enormously long legs.
To make matters worse, due to spinal curvature, one of my shoulders is hunched and I am very very self-conscious about it. This means that the bottom of my rib cage touches my pelvis, so there isn't anywhere to put belts or waistbands, which have to be elasticated so that I can breathe.
Which book do you think would help me, is there one for asymmetric figures?
This isnt a wind-up, I could send you a photo if it would help
regards
Maggie
Hello lovely Maggie.
You don't say how tall you are but I would recommend an apple shaped e-book
There are tips about working with wide shoulders in there and I feel strongly that apple shape addresses the area through the middle of your body which you need help streamlining.
Many apple shapes can't wear belts either, but there are plenty of other ways to create a great style as we explain in the book. Once you have digested the information in the book you will understand the features on the clothes that can help balance you and this will give you more tools when working with your shoulder shape. There are lots of tops at the moment that have ruffles and frills around the upper body and these can blur the lines of the actual body underneath as well as distract from an uneven shoulder shape.
Hello
I am really confused about my shape, which has considerably altered over the last 4 years. I am 64 years of age, petite (5'1"), not strictly pear-shaped, although my hips are the largest part of my body, but my waist has now disappeared and my tummy sticks out. I look a mess - my arms are also large, so I have difficulty with sleeves not having enough fullness in them - which book should I purchase for my shape?
I would value your advice please.
Many thanks.
Christina
Hi Christina,
I think Petite and apple shaped would be your best bet, because we give you streamlining techniques for your body which also help to create the illusion of height. There is a lot of information in this book that will really help you to turn your image around.
Let me know how you get on.
Hi
I am interest in subscribing to your email Personal Book "How to Look Good"but am undecided on my shape.
I am 5.2" with a bra size of 38B although my bust does not appear large but I have a fat back which I try to disguise.
I am usually a size 12 in trousers/skirts but can be a size 14/16 in tops. I think I may be apple shaped but would like confirmation.
I am 62 years old but I am definitely not into elasticated waists and frumpy shoes.
Are you able to advise, please
Thanks
Pam
Hi Pam,
Yes I'm not into elasticised waists either!
Now then, without seeing your body it's hard to confirm which shape you are. It's more about how you feel. Your measurements sound like you could be petite and top heavy, but you say the fullness is not necessarily in your bust. If you feel your tummy or lack of waist is the problem for you, then you could be apple shaped.
Here are our guidelines which I hope will confirm for you which body shape you are...
Caryn says...
If you are not sure what shape to buy, let me help you make up your mind now! First of all it isn't about measurement or size. This book is about how you see yourself let me explain....
Top-Heavy is when your bust measurement is the most dominant part of your body because you have a large and curvaceous bust and smaller hips and/or bottom by comparison. This e-book will help you to balance out your figure using minimising techniques around your bust.
Apple-Shaped is when you have no waist, or perhaps you feel your tummy is larger than you would like. This e-book will help you to streamline your middle and create the illusion of a waist.
Curvaceous is when you have an hour glass shape with large breasts and and curvy hips and/ or bottom. This e-book will help you to understand how to create streamlining effects through your body.
And Pear-Shaped is when your hips and/or bottom are the largest part of your body and your breasts are smaller by comparison. This e-book will show you how to minimise your bottom and thighs.
Finally Slender is when your body is slight with small breasts and hips and/or bottom. This e-book will give you tools for creating more curves where you want them.
If you feel you have a fairly even figure and do not feel curvaceous, but would not describe yourself as slender, still choose this one.
Standard height is between 5' 3" or 157.5cms and 5'10" or 175cms
Anything under 5' 3" or 157.5cms is petite.
Anything over 5' 10" or 175cms is tall.
Hope that helps!
Hi,
I want to order an e-book but am not quite sure of which one. I am 5' 3.5" so should I order petite? I am also curvy I think. (38C bust and size 10 pants) about 141 pounds.
I just want confirm if petite and curvy would be the correct choice, and Thank you!
Lisa :)
Hi Lisa,
Petite and curvy is indeed the right one for you.
Hi Caryn
I am writing from New Zealand so I don't see your show, but I do receive your newsletters.
I am 60 years old (only just!) enjoy fashion and am often told I don't look my age. In fact until recently had my own boutique.
I had breast cancer three years ago and received chemo, radiation and a mastectomy, but I was advised to wait before having reconstruction surgery. I always found it difficult to find clothes that suited. When wearing most necklines it was obvious that I had only one breast - even with a prosthesis. I wore a camisole under most tops, but as they went straight across it emphasised the uneven chest, so V necks were often better. I don't always want to wear tops that go right up to my neck, but undoubtedly it's easier to find suitable clothes in winter - I approach summer fashion with dread!
I could never find any fashionable swimwear in NZ so bought some nice tankinis from Nicola Jane in the UK. (They have a website)
Most TV makeover programmes encourage women to 'celebrate their breasts, relish being a woman, show off your feminine form'. There are none to show you how to do this when you don't have breasts!
I have recently been diagnosed with breast cancer in my remaining breast, so after more chemo am awaiting surgery for another mastectomy. I am quite looking forward to being flat chested and probably won't bother with reconstruction at all! After years of being DD I relish the thought of buying B cup prosthesis!
However, I wondered if you had any fashion suggestions for women with this issue - after all there are a lot of us!!
Regards
Marilyn
Hi Marilyn
So glad you wrote in about this because I had the chance to focuss on your points and I agree there is plenty to say here. First of all the good news is Yes you can choose clothes to create great camouflage on your upper body after a mastectomy.
What you are looking to do here is to create loose volume around your bust, this way the eye will not register an uneven body shape after a mastectomy. This applies whether you are choosing to wear a prosthesis or not. And these tools also work if you are looking to add volume to your bust line after you have had the other breast removed too.
You have already identified that tops with a horizontal line across the décolletage will draw attention to any uneven areas at your bust, this is because a straight line is the simplest neckline and therefore has no distractions. If a neckline is more complex and with other features for the eye to focus upon, there is more distraction. Now you can choose garments that have other features too like tops and blouses with a certain amount of volume and embellishment in them, pussy bows, ruffles and frills are all great devices for adding volume and fullness around the bust area. The extra fabric makes you look fuller..
V-necks that aren't too low are a great option because in summer you don't always want high necklines, but another way to work the higher neckline is to go with a style of top or dress that has exciting features at the arms like a cutaway shoulder or a halter-neck style with plenty of fabric in it. This way you can still enjoy the feeling of showcasing your body rather than covering it up when it is hot. To this look you can add a wrap if you prefer to cover your upper arms as many women over forty do, but you will still have the benefits of shapely shoulders on show.
Fabrics are key so choose a fabric that has the ability to hold shape like a cotton with flouncy water fall collar, or a jersey with gathering and fullness, or even a chiffon with pin tucks and pussy bow. The thing to avoid is a sheer fabric like Lycra that has no embellishment or a plain t-shirt that again has no femininity.
Pattern and print design can be a great way to create distraction and camouflage, so investigate bold rounded prints that will have a life of their own and wear them in soft blouses or contemporary tunic styles that billow around the bust area. Don't go for repeat prints in horizontals or verticals because these will not give the softness and ambiguity your body needs. Prioritise swirly rounded prints, psychedelic prints, large paisleys, bold florals and the like. If you do want a bold but more sombre print for the office then go for a bold and colourful chevron style.
Invest in some colourful Pashmina style scarves that you can wrap around your neck twice and wear as a loose cowl. This another way of adding volume and focus (it is the scarf the eye will see no the area underneath it, and it can be worn over other fitted items of clothing that you have or indeed knitwear. A good sized long length scarf is a great tool and you will find you can start to make a wonderful collection of scarves that will double up as wraps.
Finally think about jewellery and the part it can play here in creating yet another distraction. Go for big bold chunky styles of necklace or pendants that sit at the collarbone drawing the eye straight to them and then of course to the face because the pendant is worn high. When we are looking at those wearing dramatic jewellery we cannot help but focus on these fascinating details. It's human nature to be interested in bright or sparkly things to the exclusion of other details so start collection exciting pieces of jewellery to do this.
Think of all of these features as styling tools you can use any time you need.
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