Contributions from Caryn Franklin, Jane Galpin and Sharon Tyler.

April

Party Dress - Please help??

Hi Caryn,
Please help I am going out for my birthday the weekend and want to try out a new look. I have bought really cute black dress with buttons on top and short sleeves and a puff skirt on the bottom, however I am stuck on how to brighten it up a bit!!

I am going to be 28 so not at all nervous about trying new looks and having a bit of fun however I do want to look good as well... I am size 8 and have no bust what-so-ever so I have to rely on my legs and high heels to help make me feel girly!!

I am thinking about either neon pink shoes or tights or both, or even completely different coloured tights and shoes?? Also accessories like big jewellery and bangles?? I don’t want to over do it though too.

Many thanks in advance for your time and I look forward to any help you can give me.
Jenni

Hi Jenni
Thanks for your email. Coloured tights or shoes are a great way to brighten up your black dress.  Team your coloured tights with black shoes or perhaps try black tights with a coloured shoe and clutch bag.  I would keep jewellery to a minimum.  Pink shoes instantly perk up a black dress and tights in berry tones or burgundy with black shoes could look both fun and stylish. Topshop and New Look have some great options on coloured tights and clutches – their websites are featured in our shopping mall so have a look there for colour and style options.  Alternatively you could try a coloured cropped jacket or bolero with your dress – also have a look at Mango and Warehouse who have some great coloured pieces.  Personally I would team black lace tights with a coloured clutch.  Experimenting is to be encouraged though – have some fun and road test your look before the evening of the party.

Tall Styling Advice

Hi! I am finding my e book absolutely fantastic, but need some guidance for a special event....

A leaving party, for me. I was hoping to break out of the sporty casual mum look and try something a little more chic.
In this vein, I have a lovely pair of patent nude slingbacks and hope to pair them with a smart pair of jeans. I love the look of blazers with a casual or feminine top underneath but find I can't quite 'pull it together' into a great look. I would be happy to splurge a bit on a cami or blouse that I can wear again.

I am quite tall and use your tall and pear shaped guide and run about a size 16/18 depending...

Much thanks in advance...
Dione

Hello Dione
Thanks for your message and I am really pleased to hear your feedback on the ebook.  A blazer worn with jeans can be a great casual chic look.  As you mention you are a pear shape I would go for a nice pair of dark bootcut style jeans and team this with a coloured or printed blouse and black jacket.  Single breasted jackets are generally most flattering and you should choose a neat shouldered jacket that defines your natural shoulder line rather than a big shoulder look and also one that falls below your hips.

Check out Debenhams in our shopping mall for a range of black jacket options. Choose a printed or coloured blouse that has a slightly drapey fabric as this gives a more feminine edge against the masculine feel of the jacket.   Next and Marks and Spencer have a number of excellent printed and coloured options – take a look at their websites in our shopping mall.  

Finally some beautiful drop earrings also add a lovely feminine edge and a clutch will finish off the look.

What Shoes to Wear with a Maxi Dress

Hi Caryn,
I’m going to the races for a friends hen do this year and have bought a fab maxi dress from Mango.  It’s multi coloured, strapless and I’ve added a green belt to show off my waist.  I haven’t a clue what sort of shoes to buy.  I wanted gladiator sandals but not sure where to get some nice ones and I’m not sure about the colours, do I stick to a colour that matches the dress or could I get away with tan? I’m tall and can wear heals but can’t do with a thick platform sole.  Also, its early April and wanted to wear a jacket but don’t know what type?

I was thinking a short denim one an dress it up with big earrings and a big necklace?  Hope you can help!  
Lindsay xx

Hi Lindsay
Thanks for your message, your maxi dress looks great and I like that you are accentuating your waist with a belt.  Gladiator sandals would be a great option for this dress – Faith shoes which are featured in our shopping mall are offering a great selection at the moment. Tan or chocolate sandals would be a great option especially as the print of the dress is strong and makes a statement in itself.  You could also try a wedge shoe if you do fancy wearing a heel.  Dorothy Perkins have a really nice chocolate wedge or try Dune who have a nice tan option.

A denim jacket would be a good option (maybe best beforehand to check out any dress code recommendations as some racing events can be very formal) with this dress – Zara have a fantastic pastel blue jacket which is a modern update on the denim jacket or River Island have a lovely traidional wash option. Go for a cropped denim option so that you do not loose the shape of the dress and show of your waist which you are accentuating with you belt.
You could also try a knitted crop cardigan – Monsoon have some great berry options which would work well with your dress and brown accessory pieces. I would keep jewellery to a minimum but a wooden bangle or necklace will add a nice effect.  All the brands I have mentioned are featured in our shopping mall so take look at them to build ideas before you hit the shops.

Awkward Feet

Hi there, I have a problem with my feet that has recently resulted in surgery.  I have now been told I can't wear heels, or strappy sandals and my feet are now very wide at the front so many styles of shoe don't fit. I'm 54 and in the past I have enjoyed wearing sexy high heels in the evening and don't want to end up looking like an old lady. Can you suggest what I can do to help me feel smart and sexy again with flat, possibly laced up shoes?  I'm happy to go down the quirky route but need to know where to start!
Angie

Hello Angie
There are a number of companies in our shopping mall which offer bespoke shoe services. Selve and Shoogle offer a unique shoe and boot customisation service whereby you can choose your preferred style, colour, heel measurement, lining colour and sole options from their collection of shoes and they will make that shoe to your measurements. Their collections are quite extensive and they so have some nice fun and modern options. These bespoke services are more expensive so you could also try a company called Duo which offer wider fit shoes and a vast range of calf width boots from narrow to broad and these are at high street prices. 
 
I hope this helps.

Yummy Mummy Style Advice

Hi Caryn,
I love Lousie Redknap's style, the way she layers her clothing, the knits and jersey cardigans. Like Louise I am also mum to a young child so my clothes need to be practical but feel that I have no style at all! I am due to graduate as a social worker in June and want to start this new chapter of my life looking and feeling fabulous and stylish. Please help!

Thanks you very much,
Tracy
 
Hello Tracy
Nice to hear from you.  Louise Redknapp’s often wears timeless essentials like jeans, jackets and cardigans while embracing some fashion trends of the season.  Like Louise, create a foundation of great basic pieces in your wardrobe upon which to build on.

Try starting with these – a good pair of jeans, a two piece suit, a white shirt, a selection of simple tops and t-shirts in a variety of colours, a fine knit or cashmere cardigan, a pencil or a-line skirt and a simple shift or jersey wrap dress. A good pair of ballet flats, black heels and knee high boots form a good basis for shoe options.

Before you hit the shops you should have a rummage through your own wardrobe as you may have some of these pieces already there.  You can start to develop your own style by experimenting on how to wear these basics together in different ways.  It’s the little twists and touches that make the difference and accessories are a great way to do this.  Add your own touch to a look for example with a bow, belt or brooch.  You can also buy some inexpensive trend pieces of the season to bring your basics up to date.  Have a look at the catwalk and high street sections on our website to see which looks are coming off the catwalk this season and how the high street has interpreted them.

Louise Redknapp often adds a scarf to her look and this is a great way to add colour, interest and your own individuality.  Colour can really bring your look up to date and you could experiment with inexpensive additions such as scarves but also t-shirts, belts and jewellery.

As you start to develop your style, you should also get a sense of what your body is really like. What colours do you love that make you feel great? What trouser/dress/skirt/jacket shape do you feel most comfortable in? Gradually, you’ll understand what works for you and makes you feel comfortable and look great.  You should have a look at our body shape ebooks on the website for more understanding on what shapes and cuts you will be best suited to.

I hope this information is helpful and best wishes with your new career.

Plus Size Dark Indigo Jeans

Hi Caryn
I've been trying to find some plus-sized dark coloured jeans but having a real problem. It's not the sizing, it's the dye. Every pair I've tried on has a warning label attached saying it shouldn't be worn with light coloured tops, which I think means no white t shirts! I' ve also seen warnings that you shouldn't sit on light coloured furniture in case of "transfer"! This isn't just cheap supermarket stuff, I noticed Monsoon and M&S have a warning on their jeans as well. When I've tried some of these indigo jeans on, the dye has come off on my hands in the shop and turned my fingernails blue! Is this a new thing? I don't remember this being a problem in the past with dark coloured jeans. Where do you recommend I go for jeans that I can wear with light coloured tops and sit down in safety? I work in London and am looking for a size 24-26 depending on style.

best wishes
Julie

Hi Julie
I'm not too sure if running dye is a new problem with dark wash jeans, I think that all dark denim will loose a little dye but denim brands are now covering themselves more with "disclaimers."  A tip I have found to is to check the inside pockets of the jeans.  If the pocket lining is white then this usually means they have not been pre-washed and if they are blueish then they have been pre-washed and so the dye is less likely to run.  I've heard some tips about adding vinegar to a cold wash cycle or dry cleaning the jeans prior to wearing and although I can't vouch for any of these tips, it might be worth having a look on the internet.

I’d also say check out Jessica Svoboda’s website which is featured in our shopping mall.  She designs a collection of premium designer jeans which are of a higher quality and promise no fading or distressing of the jean’s wash. It is an american website but they do deliver here to the UK.