Contributions from Caryn Franklin,
Jane Galpin, Melissa Dick and Kathryn Byrne.
December
I am in despair! I went to a bridal sale on Saturday full
of hope, excitement and expectations! What a joke. We could only
try 5 dresses on because of time constraints and I chose what
i thought would suit me but the sizes were very confusing? I am
a 12-14 'normal and yet a 20-24 designer!!
The dresses I was 'helped'into would not fasten up the back
as I had chosen designer and they were too small? I had also chosen
the 'ballerina' type dress. Oh. My.God!!! I looked like a bloody
demented snowball that had accidentally turned up in a cottonwool
ball factory by mistake!
I have cried all weekend? I just think I am going to be the ugliest
bride ever- too old-too wrong a shape and too ugly! The photo's
will be a waste of time! What can I do? PLEASE HELP!!
Karen Colpitts xxxxxx
Dear Karen,
I'm so sorry to hear of your experience. Nobody should have to
feel so sad on what should be a positive occasion, although I
know from my letters that you are not alone.
I want to give you three recommendations of companies I have
personally worked with who will all give you the support you deserve.
I too am confused about the sizing of the dresses you tried on.
A 12-14 does not translate into a 20-24 in the bridal market or
anywhere else.
Do say I sent you won't you.
1.The Bridal Gallery based in Coventry Tel 02476 506111 www.bridalgallerycoventry.co.uk.
We work with them often and know that they have sample sizes up
to a 36 so that any sized bride can find a range of dresses to
try on. Always give a brief of your style and what you are drawn
to in terms of shape but also take on what each company recommend.
They have worked solely with brides for years and can tell which
shapes will flatter which figure.
2.Beretun Designs based in Milton Keynes Tel 01908 281971 www.beretun.co.uk.
She specialises in corsetry and this will give you a fantastic
shape for your photos. She may not have so much to try on but
can design according to your ideas so try on the corset with a
range of skirt shapes and work out what you want together.
3.Finally itfits with London based designer Navin will work
with you to design the dress you have in mind from scratch. He
is a sensitive and thoughtful person and will interpret your ideas
into a drawing first before he makes a toile to try on in your
first fitting. Tel 020 7435 9379
www.it-fits.co.uk
If it is a ballerina style you really like, don't give up on
it because one dress will be differently proportioned from another
ballerina style by another label or designer. Just tell each person
your thoughts and ideas and they will work with you.
Come and see us at the National Wedding show in Feb www.nationalweddingshow.co.uk
if you have time and we will introduce you to these people personally.
I read about wraps and tubes in the maternity section but
cannot think what they are - can you explain or show a picture
please ?
Regards - Nicolle
Dear Nicolle,
The tube is the best maternity investment you'll make in the early
days of your pregnancy. Harry Duley is the designer who makes
them www.harryduley.co.uk
Think of a lycra tube that in any other circumstances might
be worn as a mini skirt but in this instance is hitched up to
be worn round your growing tummy. What it does is bridge the gap
between the top of your skirts and trousers and the bottom of
your t-shirts and blouses so that you don't have an expanse of
tummy poking out!
It can also be worn in harmony with your tops to give a funky
flavour when you use a complimentary colour to the top you already
have. Perhaps the best thing to do is phone up Harry herself who
is a lovely woman to find out whether she has a stockist near
you (we give her telephone number in our maternity directory section
but here it is specially for you) Tel: 020 7485 5552.
A wrap is a large rectangular scarf. I got mine from India (its
not a maternity item as such because to my knowledge maternity
shops don't sell them). You will find them in large department
stores though and they are mostly worn as evening wraps round
the shoulders or as luxurious wraps around the neck to add some
colour to a winter coat.
Can you tell me the best place to shop for boots this winter?
Tracy Hastain
Hi Tracey
If you don't have a particular style in mind Faith is a great
starting point. Whether you are looking for a flat boot, wedge
boot, smart boot, cowboy boot, knee high boot, ankle boot, lace
up boot or this seasons must have round toed boot, Faith have
so many styles you really are spoilt for choice.
There are stores nationwide including concessions in Debenhams,
Topshop and Allders, plus they have a very comprehensive website;
all the styles are on there and you can order direct from the
Faith Direct service, although it is worth bearing in mind that
you do have to pay for postage and packaging. Even so, Faith prices
are some of the best on the high street (starting from around
£40 upwards) and sizes go up to size 9.
I have a couple of long haul flights to do this winter and
I want to know what to wear that is comfortable, but doesn't make
me look like a creased slob when I arrive at the destination!
natsx
Dear Nats
Avoid linen clothes at all costs! A good choice would be a loose
pair of cotton combat style trousers from somewhere like Gap or
Marks and Spencer in a darker colour (as dark colours tend not
to show off creases so much). Team with a vest and a lightweight
wool sweater or little cardigan and keep a poncho rolled up in
your hand luggage in case of temperature changes, it can even
double as a blanket or even a pillow.
Loose fitting denim is also a good option. Oasis are selling
a great jeans range at the moment which are lightweight and flared
at the leg, super comfy with minimal crease.
Finish off your travel look with some funky footwear. The original
cotton style Converse All Star trainers are a great light trainer
option, or if like me you prefer to be able to wiggle your toes
when travelling, choose super comfy Birkenstock sandals. Both
are available in loads of fab colours and are comfortable enough
to allow for any swelling of the feet, a common problem when flying.
Finally; It is also worth considering investing in Flight Socks.
Deep Vein Thrombosis is a serious risk when flying for more than
four hours, now specially designed socks have been developed as
a good preventative measure. Available from Scholl, they look
just like normal socks and are clinically proven to improve blood
flow and leg discomfort when flying.
Call Gap on 0800 427789 or visit www.gap.com
Call Marks and Spencer on 0207 268 1234 or visit www.marksandspencer.com
Call Oasis on 01856 881986 or visit
www.oasis-stores.com
Call Converse on 01727 883555
Call Birkenstock on 0800 132 194 or visit www.birkenstock.co.uk
Call Scholl on 0870 1222 690 or visit ssl-international.com
Enjoy your travels!
That’s all for this month - join
us next month for the answer to your question.
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