Contributions from Caryn Franklin, Jane Galpin, Melissa Dick and Kathryn Byrne.

February

Please can you help.

I tried to order a dress from Debenhams today to be told it is no londer available. I really want this dress for my next breast cancer awareness ball, please can you help to locate one, I have tried searching the net but to no avail.

It is a Pearce Fionda Dress, Plum Matt and Satin lattice back long dress, it is also avail in black and red through debenhams. Look forward to your reply asap.
Thank you
Joanne

Dear Joanne,
The best thing to do is to get hold of a good picture of the dress and find a dressmaker who can make one up for you, the advantage of this is that it will be made to fit you perfectly and could also end up looking even more fabulous than the off the peg version!

Go to www.yell.com for a list of dressmakers in your area.

I bought a cute pair of winter white boots with about a 2 and a half inch or maybe 3 inch heal and a pointy toe - I want to wear a dark wash jean but have no clue what type or color shirt to wear - PLEASE HELP - I'm very simple too!
Ang

Hi
I would actually avoid the obvious white shirt option as it could look a a bit trashy, instead choose a top or shirt with a pattern, check or print that has white within it, this will soften the harsh contrast and co-ordinate your outfit at the same time. Prints, spots and gingham are a huge trend for spring summer so you will easily be able to find something suitable on the highstreet over the coming weeks.

Happy shopping!

I purchased these Antonio Melani boots and I want to show off the detailing on them. They have a slight western flair but are dressier. Will you please suggest some clothing options? I tried them with a pair of cropped pants (the hem of the pants was several inches above the boot) and my husband gave me an odd look. PLEASE HELP! I really want to wear them! Thanks a million!
Jane

Dear Jane,
Gorgeous boots!

They look to be in-between ankle boots and calf boots which can be quite tricky to get right. You basically have a few options: firstly invest in a skirt that is just a touch longer than the top of the boots, a tiered version with sequin and beaded detail on the hem will draw the eye down to the bottom of the skirt and boots.

Secondly they don't look quite long enough to tuck in some tight drainpipe jeans as the proportions would look all wrong, but for a dressed down look you could get away with tucking in some combats, Zara have some great ones which are fitted on the bottom and top of thigh but have volume on the leg and would look really funky tucked into your boots.

Thirdly you could just show off the gorgeous detail on the toe by wearing them under your jeans and trousers. You obviously won't see all the boot but this will certainly be the simplest way to wear them. Try some cream cords so the contrast between the cream and brown will also draw the eye down, and highlight the boots even more.

Hope this helps you Jane.

Hi;
I am a woman 61 years old, 5ft. 1 inch tall and wear size 14 and I am going on my first cruise to the Caribbean. I would like to know the proper length of long dress to wear. My daughter tells me I am too short to wear ankle length dresses. Is she right?

Thanks
Helen

Dear Helen,
At 5'1 and size 14 you need to make sure the dress has a flattering shape which shows off your figure and doesn't drown you, always wear it with a heel, whether it be a high or a kitten heel to elongate your body and give you some added inches.

Alternatively an A line dress which finishes mid calf would also look fab and is a lovely length for a summer cruise.

Have a fantastic time!!

Hi
I am 5'8" and a curvy size 16 & have a very full bust. I need some suggestions for a special wedding outfit (sister of the bridegroom) - the wedding is in Mexico so I'm looking for something light & floaty - I find it really difficult to find dresses to fit so any suggestions would be very much appreciated
regards
Janet

Dear Janet,
I would suggest an empire line chiffon dress with a v neck line. This will give you great shape and definition over your chest, the dress will fall from the fitted point just under your boobs to skim over your lovely curves, and ideally should finish at mid calf length. Team with some gorgeous heels and some pretty jewellery and a hair accessory and you will look sensational.

Have a look in our Shopping Mall for Debenhams designer range, Monsoon, Karen Millen, Oasis and Whistles for the best on the high street.

A word of warning; always avoid spaghetti straps if you have a voluptuous chest, choose a dress with wide straps so you still wear a bra without it showing, even 'clear' bra straps are visible and never look great.

Dear Caryn
Where can I purchase a black Cincher belt similar to the one worn by Kate Thornton on the X Factor...
Many thanks
Karen

Dear Karen,
Kate looked absolutely gorgeous in her belt, its a great look to adopt and very on-trend for this season. Topshop, Miss Selfridge, Oasis and H&M all have fab versions, expect to pay about £20.

Hi Caryn
Can you please tell me where is the best place to get skinny jeans for me - I am 4ft 6 ins tall and a size ten
Thanks
Yvette

Hi Yvette,
Topshop, River Island and Dorothy Perkins all have 'petite' alternatives for most of their standard collections including jeans, although I fear these will still all be too long for you. I can only really suggest buying a pair that fit great over your bottom and get them shortened. The Dry Cleaning Information Bureau will be able to advise your nearest alterations service, call (020 8863 7755).

With that in mind, Selfridges and House of Fraser stock some fabulous jean brands such as Citizens of Humanity, For All Mankind, Rogan and Sass and Bide that can fit like a dream, expect to pay at least £150 but, as with the cheaper highstreet varieties, you really need to spend a few hours trying on different brands and designs, there will be a perfect fit out there for you if you concentrate on the waist, bottom, and thigh area, a good seamstress can fix the length for you.

I'm looking for an outfit for my daughters wedding in August. I'm 5'8" size 12/14.

I would like a strappy dress and cover up of some kind for my less than perfect upper arms. I don't like short skirts and rarely wear shoes with high heels. Dont want a traditional pastel crepe mother of the bride outfit but would like to look up to date.

what can you suggest.
Katy

Dear Katy,
Dresses in all forms are a huge trend for Spring/Summer so I am more than confident that you will be able to find one that suits and looks super chic. At 5'8 you are a great height to carry most clothes very well, A simple but elegant shift style or empire line dress teamed with a cropped style jacket and kitten heels will keep you covered and looking suitably stylish and glamorous for your daughters special day. An A-line dress with a fitted jacket, corsage and hair peice would also look gorgeous.

Alternatively have you considered a sharp tailored suit in a light weight fabric and colour - think Bianca Jagger- teamed with a silk camisole its a look that always looks fantastically chic and will never date.

Have a look at the catwalk trends for this spring/summer on my www.howtolookgood site for further inspiration.

I certainly hope this helps.

Please help
I have very flat hips. What can I wear to be more flattering in my clothes
Thanks
Rosslyn

Dear Rosslyn
This spring summer will be a fantastic season for you, with volume being key on many of the catwalks. Tulip shaped skirts have been emerging over the last couple of months as a strong alternative to the pencil skirt and its a shape that will look great on you. It will create the illusion of curves on the hips which can be further enhanced by wearing one of the seasons essential accessories - a belt worn at the waist.

The Tulip skirt can be found all over the highstreet with Zara, H&M, Topshop and Dorothy Perkins having the best. Go to the shopping mall on my howtolookgood.com site for direct links to their websites.

Hi,
I want to buy a corset but am not sure where to get it from. I’ve seen lots of retailers on the internet but I’d want to try a few on (especially since they are so expensive!). Do you know of any retailers in London that have a store where you can try them on. I’m particularly interested in Vollers corsets but can’t seem to find them anywhere but online.
Thanks
Jane

Hi Jane,
You don’t mention your size or your budget but a made to measure corset will cost hundreds of pounds. That said it will be fitted to your body and will give you unbeatable posture and and silhouette.

I’ve included the following sites for a variety of corsets and their designer

www.vollerscorset.co.uk

www.beretundesigns.co.uk Linda has trained in Victorian corset making – tell her we sent you!

www.simplybe.co.uk They have a wonderful corset top by Anna Scholz for £65 in sizes 14-32 about a C cup bra