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

July

Hi Caryn
I'm bridesmaid at a wedding at the end of June. I deperately need some ivory satin shoes to go with the gorgeous dress I'm wearing. The problem is I have size 9 feet and can't find anything that's big enough!
I hope you can help
Thanks
Lisa

Hi Lisa
I’m sorry if we have reached you too late. More and more websites are springing up to answer the need for a wider size range, this is because they don’t have to keep the stock on site in a shoe shop and therefore can offer much more. Have a look in our footwear section in the shopping mall for exactly this reason. A great website with a wide range of shoes, including a vast bridal section, is called Designer Shoes. They are available in sizes 6-15 in varying widths. So you can get the perfect fit.

You can find Designer Shoes in our footwear section in Shopping Mall. You’ll also find some high street brands, Topshop go up to a size 9 and Barratts also do a range called Tall and Small, that go up to a size 10. There are lots of websites out there that are now catering for you!

Have a lovely day!

Hi Caryn
I am four and a half months pregnant with my second child and, with a normally pear shaped figure, my bottom and hips have got bigger but so has my usual saving grace – my tummy (of course). How can I dress to flatter this (what I consider) depressing new shape? Nothing seems to look good.
Help!
Anna

Hi Anna,
Congratulations!
Have you looked in our maternity section. There are now around 60 different companies that are offering great clothes. One new company with a real angle on trends is a company called Fun Mum they are listed in our Shopping Mall maternity section.

My best tip to you is the empire line dress. I have seen this in many maternity collections including the Next Directory.

The great thing about the empire is it fits around the bust creating a good looking neckline and bust line and then flows from just under the bust, to cover the shape of the tummy. It happens to be the most popular style in the shops as it is a big trend to come off the catwalk with everyone from Chloe to Donna Karan doing it. Put it with a pair of gold flats like the ones I feature in this month’s What’s new and you are sorted.
Do also download our free maternity e-book for lots of style tips on all matters maternity.

Have a good pregnancy

Hi I am having trouble getting something to go with my green Principles skirt, I have large bust and a round tummy, all jacket seem to make me look bigger, I am 5ft 1in, my skirt is calf length. Please could you help with colour also. Thanks a lot
Janet

Hi Janet,
I recommend going for a top in a darker green, having the darker colour on top will minimise your bust and tummy, but keeping them in the same colour group will help elongate your body making your you taller and slimmer. If you are struggling to find the right colour match then settle for a neutral or even brown or black colour. Go for V necks as these help draw the eye down the centre of the body and open neck lines are great too.

Empire line shaped tops are great to as they give definition under the bust and then skim over the tummy area giving a slimming effect.

Don’t dismiss jackets though single breasted style can be flattering, especially one button jackets that fasten under the bust and create definition as well as helping to narrow your silhouette.

Hello,
What is the difference between the standard pear and fuller pear shape, and what shape am I?

I am 5'4", medium skeletal and muscle frame. I do not wear "petite" sizes because my shoulders are about 1 inch wider, so I wear the misses sizes instead.

The hip measurement is 9 inches below the waist.
When I am very fat, my measurements are (Bust, Waist, Hips) 37.5 29.5 40

When I am fat, my measurements are (Bust, Waist, Hips) 35.5 27.5 38

When I am at my normal weight, my measurements are 34.5 26.5 37

Thank you for your help.
Regards,
M

Hi M,
It’s not about measurements it is how you see yourself.

Standard and pear is for someone who can buy clothes easily and but feels their body is wider at the bottom and out of proportion with the top.

Fuller and pear is for someone has a much curvier body and wants to dress to flatter her curves but not add volume to make make herself any curvier. She will also be wanting tools to help stream line her body generally but still wants to know how to draw the attention away from her hips and bottom.
I leave the choice down to you, here is the link to our e-books

I do hope this helps.

Hi
I have an adorable white below the knee strapless cotton dress form J Crew; the same design as below.

Can I wear this to an after wedding party, which will be held in a trendy bar/ restaurant in the day/ evening OR will I look as if I am competing with the bride?

I would wear it with high gold sandals and a vintage straw clutch with my hair in a low ponytail.

Or should I dye it black and buy a gold clutch to match my sandals for a more sophisticated look??
Thank you for your advice.
Zoe

Hi Zoe,
I like the picture you have sent me the dress looks lovely.
Wearing white however is generally discouraged because the bride is the one who needs to stand out and feel very special.
There are things you can do to make the dress appear less white – add a colourful belt, bag, wrap and matching shoes. I would not recommend the black colour mix you ask about it will look too heavy.

If it was me however I would ask the bride how she felt about it and take my guidance from her. It is after all her big day and it could be too uncomfortable for both of you if you just took a chance and turned up in white!

I am having difficulty finding my shape. My measurements are 36 1/2 " bust (36C bra), 27" waist, 32" low waist (tummy), 35 1/2" hips.

I have been told that I have an hourglass shape, but I think that really means that my hips are 12" wider than my waist, and mine range from 8 1/2" to 9" larger. I am very short waisted. There is only 1 1/4 inches between the bottom of my ribs and the top of my hips. I think I also have a low bustline.

I am 5'3 1/2" and 43 years old. What classic shaped dresses would look well on me? Please tell me, what is my shape?
Melissa

Hi Melissa,
It is always hard when I can’t look at your body myself but from what you are saying I believe you are a petite and curvaceous bodyshape.

You need a good bra first to give your bust as much lift. Make sure your bra straps are not slack. I have found many a waistline by doing this.

A wrap dress will give you the definition you need.

Here is a link to my e-books if you would like more information.

hi, i have short hair and a square face, can u tell me how to postion a fascinator?
Maureen

Hi Maureen,
A fascinator is a great look for weddings and special occasions. It is easy to wear and many women now choose on instead of a hat.

Usually a fascinator is placed slightly to one side of the top of your head and not too far back. It does also depend on where your parting is and the size of the fascinator. As you have short hair you can use the fascinator to add femininity and drama by placing it a little further forward on your head.

Stand in front of your mirror and move it around until it creates a balance with the rest of your face. The cap area should never be resting on your forehead – this is too far forward.

Caryns quick tips for fixing a fascinator.

• Avoid placing it centrally on your head it must always be to one side.

• Do not place it near the crown – you have situated it too far back if this is the case.

• Make sure you can see most of it when you look in the mirror as this is what will be recorded in a photograph.

• Always let your hairdresser know you are planning to wear one if you are having your hair dressed for the day, they can even help you place it.

• Add extra grips for security as the plastic comb may not be enough if you have short hair,

• Spray a little hairspray on the area you will fix it to as this gives some stick!

If you consult your hair dresser they would be able to give you the best advice about where it should be positioned.

im 5'8 and size 14. i want to know if skinny jeans will suit me. I really like the look of them with boots or stillettos but i dont know if they will just make me look bigger round the hips and bum.
thanks
rebecca x

Hi Rebecca,
You sound like you have a great shape and if you are tones and in proportion this shaped jean will show off your curves perfectly.

Whilst there are still many skinny jeans available in the shops, the general consensus is that they have had their day as on trend items. If you really love this shape then ignore that as they will still be working right into autumn for those of us who enjoyed wearing them tucked into warm boots so and go ahead and select a pair.

You may even find you can get them in the sales about now! Or if you want to buy online take a look at our Jeans category in Shopping Mall.

If you feel your hips are proportionately larger an more noticeable than you’d like there are two great tips to use.

The way to make sure skinny jeans don’t look unflattering around the hip and bottom is to wear them with a longer top that covers this area, if you choose a smock top that has some flare in it then this will instantly shrink the bottom half of your body if you have chosen skinny jeans. There are many of these styles still in your stores. Also choose a dark denim colour as this will have a minimising effect.

New jeans styles coming through have more fabric in them and the ‘Boy Cut,’ is generally easier to wear as it has more fabric in the leg and therefore will give more balance to your hips and bottom.

This is a first for me so here goes!

Basically I'm a rubbish shopper, if it's casual wear then that's ok as jeans & a top tend to do the trick but anything for going out in is a nightmare! I usually ask my sister to come and help me as she has a flare for these kind of things. If I am going out, clothes buying is last minute possibly the same day, yes people can do it but I panic and start to get upset, sometimes the thought of it is daunting so I spend the least time shopping.

This may sound silly but if I buy something for me I get annoyed with the fact that the money for whatever I bought could go towards something on the house as the past two houses my & my partner have done up. I love seeing unusual styles & colours, I always want to dress differently and stand out but it's knowing what suits and what would flatter my figure instead of being conscious of what's sticking out here, not showing too much cleavage as you don't want people staring at you.

At the end of the day its lack of confidence, I'm 5ft 3 and a size 12, my bust size is a 36C. Am I a standard, pear, fuller......what??

The picture I've attached was from a barbecue last year, the paisley dress was a present from my sister this just gives you an idea of my build.

I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Kind Regards
Colette

Hi Colette,
I think your question represents what a lot of women think. And firstly yes there is much more to life than how we look but having said that clothes are a visual statement of how we feel about ourselves. They are the chance to celebrate who we are and can be about pleasure, sensuality and joy. Others respond well to that statement about ourselves too.

You understand that it is all about lack of confidence, that comes from not knowing what suits you and feeling insecure and vulnerable when you step out of your comfort zone which is jeans and a top.

You do need some easy to use styling tools to help you create an image that works for you. This would go a long way to bolstering your confidence about you ability to make great clothing choices for yourself. Once you begin to get compliments from other women you will really notice the difference to your self esteem.

I do believe from the bottom of my heart that the projects and tools in my e-books will be of enormous benefit to you but only if you believe you are worth taking the time to learn these basic tools. I think this is an important point because from your letter it sounds as though you would rather make do and spend the money on the house!

The fact is you can’t have it both ways. Women who seem effortlessly stylish are that way because they have already mastered the basic styling tools needed. Fashion editors and stylists look so well put together because they spend their day working with clothes, proportion, colour, trend and fit. And of course celebrities pay someone to do it for them!

My point is if it matters to you, you can do something about it, but like any project it will take a little time. The petite range of e-books (they are short and concise) will have what you need and there are some great tools for creating the illusion of height. I’ve added my guide to selecting the right shape for you but if you are still not sure come back to me. Let me help you to enjoy clothes Colette!

Caryn say’s...

‘If you are not sure what shape to buy, let me help you make up your mind now!’

Top-Heavy is when your bust measurement is the most dominant part of your body because you have a large and curvaceous bust and small hips and/or bottom by comparison.

Apple-Shaped is when you have no waist, perhaps you feel your tummy is large and round.

Curvaceous is when you have an hour glass shape with large breasts and and curvy hips and/ or bottom.

And Pear-Shaped is when your hips and/or bottom are the largest part of your body and your breasts are smaller by comparison.

If you feel you have a fairly even figure but would not describe yourself as slender, still choose this one because there isn’t a woman in the world who doesn’t want to know how to make her bottom look smaller!

Finally Slender is when your body is slight with small breasts and hips and/or bottom.

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!

Now that Summer has finally arrived and I have dug out my t-shirts from last year, I am still not convinced that I am wearing the right style of strappy/vest t-shirt for me

I am a size 12/14 with broad shoulders and rather chubby upper arms (family gene fault!!!)

Only a size 36C, so not too top heavy but still feel the tops I choose are not very flattering.

Any suggestions as to what would suit
Many thanks
Suzanne

Hi Suzanne,
Avoid anything with spaghetti straps or cutaway designs - these are the shapes that are currently out there that look like a feminised version of a sports vest. Sports vests are designed to make the shoulders look more powerful, that is not for you. Halter necklines will also maximise the shoulder area.

However if there are some strappy designs you like you could always wear them as part of a layered look with a darker colour top underneath to minimise your shoulders.
I want to recommend two styles that will give your shoulders and arms some definition and balance – these will be your best buys for high summer

Firstly there or lots of style tops that are made from cotton and Lycra that are being called gypsy tops or gypsy tees these have a soft ruffles or frilled edging at the neckline and edging at the sleeves. More importantly there is slight puff to the sleeve which can add a flattering volume to the top of the upper arm making the arm below the sleeve appear smaller.
A vest shape will also look flattering but the straps must be wide apart and a good width this style will also minimise your shoulders.

If you are looking for a classic t-shirt make sure you choose a v-neckline and a sleeve that that doesn’t cut across the widest part of your arm. A dark colour again will minimise.
Curvy arms and big shoulders can also look great in a strapless or bandeau style top and since you are a c-cup you will find that with a good strapless bra this shape will work for you.