Contributions from Caryn Franklin, Jane Galpin and Claire Ginzler.

January

Can you tell me where my mother-in-law can find petite clothing. She is 79 and and trying to find classic 'everyday' clothes, in particular skirts.
many thanks
Caryn

Hi Caryn
Petite ranges can be found in a lot of stores now. I have taken into consideration your mother-in-law's age and can suggest that the two strongest retailers that your mother-in-law should check out are first Principles who have a good range of clothing that are classic with a modern and fashionable twist, and offer a good selection of skirts. The other is Wallis who have increased their fashion awareness recently and really improved on their styles and designs without going overbroad.

They offer probably the best selection of skirts in various styles, lengths and fabrics. Other places to check out also are Debenhams, Country Casuals, Elvi and Ann Harvey if she has a fuller figure. Remember many petite women use a local alterations service or dressmaker to shorten hemlines. Take a look at our Petite section in our Shopping Mall.

Hi Caryn
I want to buy some more pj’s that are feminine and sexy (I have a boyfriend) but also must be comfortable for me to wear. Can you suggest any? Thanks
Esther

Yes Esther I can! Check out our shopping mall and click onto Marks and Spencer they have a huge range of pj’s in bright colours such as red and pink that you can mix and match for fun and also pj’s in lighter fabrics with floral embroidery that are feminine and worn with a little camie top - definitely sexy.

Hi Caryn
I am starting my new year’s resolution off with a big kick and heading straight to the gym, the problem is I don’t want to look grungy and ask you to suggest what things I should buy that are fashionable.
Thanks
Tina

Hi Tina, it’s that time of year when the gym is busier that the streets! I highly recommend you take a look at SweatyBetty (www.sweatybetty.com) who have stores nationwide and are also on line and have an excellent range of gym and yoga separates including the adidas range by Stella McCartney.

I am off on holiday and need to know what I can wear to cover my bulging stomach; are there any miracle cures or magic swimwear that will make it disappear? Help me please! I am 45 years old and size 16.
Sally

Hi Sally
Next have a great selection of Kaftans that are in fun prints and colours that look great over swimwear, you could also check out them and Marks and Spencer in our swimwear section in our shopping mall (who offer a range of swim suits with support that will help to hold in your stomach.

Hi Caryn, can you tell me where I can find a good sports bra, I am a size 32E and love to run so need the support!
Sarah

Yes check out Figleaves from the underwear section in our shopping mall, they sell a huge range of fashion brands in underwear including sportswear. In particular look at the Shock Absorber, it is not underwired but has fantastic support for D+ bust. It also has a double inner layer and amazing cushioning. It is simply one of the best support bras, so excellent for your high energy work outs and a good price at £26.

Hi Caryn, I am trying to find a pair of slippers that don’t look ugly. Now the cold weather is here I need something to wear indoors. I am also a size 8.
Thank you.
Poppy

Hi Poppy
Mules are just as warm on the feet and less ugly than some standard slippers. Check ASOS in our shopping mall, they currently have a moleskin pair in sizes up to 8 that are fashionable enough even for Charlotte Church to be wearing something similar.

Hi Caryn, I am getting married in the spring and am looking for a corset to wear under my wedding dress that comes in my size, I am a size 14 with 34G bust. Can you recommend where I can start looking near to me (Manchester) or online.
Tori

Bravissimo is a great website that have two stores one of which is actually in Manchester and can sort you out no problem. I have checked out their website and they offer two corsets, one in particular comes in ivory and has built in boning for added support that goes up to 34G. For their website and other great online stores, check out our underwear section in the shopping mall.

I have my sister’s wedding next month and she has asked everyone to wear a hat. I really don’t suit hats and not sure what to do. I have been to other weddings and seen feather type hats in people’s hair, where can I get them from or what do you alternatively suggest as I don’t want to upset my sister’s big day?
Debra

Hi Debra
Hats don’t have to be big and bold like the ones worn at Ascot, a lot of people are now opting for fascinators which is probably what you have seen at the other weddings. They are a lot smaller and can be easily placed on one side of the head with a grip and with hair up or down, and usually have feathers attached. John Lewis’s hat department has a good selection of fascinators in many colours. Also check out Next (website available in our standard shopping mall) who sells a selection from as little as £9.99.

Hi Caryn
Can I begin by saying how fantastic it is to see you back with the Clothes Show! I love the new format, it's really buzzy.

I was wondering if you could help my daughter with her problems? She is 30 years old and has suffered with an eating disorder for the past 16 years. Just over two years ago she was nearly killed in a cycling accident and has been left with a hideously deformed left leg and hates everything about herself. Although she has made a fantastic recovery, she can't find clothes that make her feel feminine. Because of circulation problems, her left calf is twice the size of the right. Also her left thigh is a different shape to the right and trousers/jeans can be a problem. Skirts have to be long because she has to wear a pressure stocking 24/7.

I do hope you can help!
Happy Christmas.
Kind regards
Sue

Hi Sue,
Thanks, I'm glad you are enjoying the show.

It sounds like you and your daughter have been through a lot.

Actually I can help. Wide leg trousers are very fashionable at the moment and widely available in stores (check out Mango and Dorothy Perkins in particular) and would be a great way to disguise your daughters calf. They are very flexible and can be dressed up or down. She can wear them with
chiffon or a satin blouse, Zara have a fantastic range of them available in all colours and prints and teamed with the trousers will not only look very feminine and fashionable but also comfortable. Alternatively she can wrap up in a simple piece of knitwear and a long cardigan and for a splash of colour a scarf.

The maxi length is also now very much back in fashion for Spring/Summer and the shops early next year will sell this long length in skirts and dresses (Miss Selfridge already have them in store now). They are very feminine and slightly 70's inspired. Wear the long skirts with a belt around the waist or on the hip, whichever is the most comfortable, this will give her shape and take attention to the middle of her body and add femininity.

Help her to create focus and definition elsewhere by adding a statement accessory. Try also adding a belt at the waist or a fitted jacket which will also help to define her body shape.

The thing for her to prioritise is building a wardrobe of clothes that flatter her body shape whatever the trend. Longer length skirts have a retro classicism that she can make her own and by changing the tops and accessories to fit in with more trend oriented designs she can feel current and up to date.

Clothes are a small thing at the end of the day compared to our health but the knowledge that she is looking wonderful will boost your daughter's confidence and that is what will help her with her continued recovery.