Contributions from Caryn Franklin, Jane Galpin and Claire Ginzler.

March

Hi
My daughter's getting married in May.  I have bought a spring green suit from Kaliko 2007 Spring collection but what to wear underneath ?? Didn't like their camisole (not right for a 60 year old!) Also what colour fascinator suitable for someone with pale blonde hair - gold/beige ones simply tone in.  Refuse to wear a hat !
Chris

Hi Chris,
It’s always hard to colour match without seeing the fabric but my suggestions for the top would be a cream which is kinder to skin than white. Try other light colours like beige, fawn etc.
If a cream fascinator (lighter than gold or beige) and cream shoes etc is not right for your colouring then you could try navy which has a sophisticated edge obviously with navy shoes and bag.

Failing that you could try for a printed top which has just a touch of the green in it and then pick out another colour from the print for your fascinator and shoes.

Caryn, I have several questions for you.

First is, What do you mean by same tone or colour grouping?

Next, How well do shawls do with petite/curvaceous?
When you refer to trousers, do the same rules apply to jeans and slacks also?

Also, what do you mean by lights not brights with pale skin? Pastels or what?

Last is, how well does a tan skirt (length is just below calves) with white shell and pale pink 3/4 length sleeve, button up shirt (not buttoned) make my petite frame look? Cut in half or wider than taller?

Thank you for your time and your book,
Salina

Hi Salina,
I’m glad you are finding the e-book helpful. These are tools you can use for the rest of your days.

Same tone or colour grouping helps to elongate the body. Mat tones of brown and aubergine merge into each other when you half shut the eye and don’t break the line of the body up and a colour grouping of say dark pinks and light pinks with a splash of red are a way of keeping everything co-ordinated and harmonised.

A shawl is a good devise for you to create interest at the top of the body drawing the eye up towards the shoulders and face.

Yes trousers, jeans and slacks are all the same type of garment.

A light colour has less pigment in it and could be a pastel or a lightened version of a rich colour – mint green or soft khaki as apposed to a shrill notice me green.
A bright is vivid and attention seeking like a bright orange or magenta.

As long as your skirt is fairly plain this is a good combination because the lighter top colour attracts the eye. If the skirt has lots of embellishment on it and the blouse is plain then the eye is drawn to the bottom half of your body. This will make you look shorter.

I hope this helps.

Hi,
I've just discovered the latest tunics in bold prints, that are perfect for covering up my resistant post baby belly! However I'm not sure what to wear them with. I'm pretty sure I can where them over jeans but as for leggings/footless tights I'm not sure how to carry it off. My legs from the mid-thigh down are in pretty good shape, but if I can't find the confidence to wear leggings can I wear opaque tights instead? And whether with leggings or tights what shoes do I wear?? (bearing in mind I can't wear really high heels and have very flat feet...)

Many thanks,
Louise

Hi Louise
You are right tunics are great in covering up unwanted lumps and bumps and currently everywhere in the shops (one of the key fashion trends at the moment). If you are going to wear them with jeans ensure they are straight as this give you some shape. Solid dark jeans (blue, black or white) are also better when wearing with bold prints (check out Miss Selfridge in our shopping mall, who have a huge range of jeans in store now). Alternatively opt for opaque tights that are no less than 60 denier which I would suggest you either wear with flat pumps or flat ankle or knee high boots.

Hi
I hope that you can help me. I had a baby in 2004 and have finally got round to filling in my 'Baby's First Years' book (over 2 years later!!!).

I have come across a point where I am supposed to note what people were wearing at the time.  Are you able to e-mail me back please with details of what the high street fashion was in July / August 2004?  I would really appreciate your help.
Thank you
Dawn

Hi Dawn
Yes I can help you! The fifties trend was very big on the high street, colour started to come back in fashion. Flower power was on trend as were bright colours. Evening wear also consisted of the 20's and 30's figure hugging bias cuts, drop waist lines and pearls. Feminity was back in fashion.

I have a big wedding to go to in July and I will be 8 months pregnant-I have seen a lovely raspberry coloured dress on the  Isabella Oliver website but am not sure what colour shoes to wear with it?

What do you suggest?
Thank you,
Becci

Hi Becci
As you will be 8 months pregnant by the time of the wedding you are obviously going to be needing to wear flat shoes for comfort and safety. I would suggest that you look for aubergine or brown (on the lighter shades), a popular shoe colour that will work with raspberry. To help the balance you could purchase a matching clutch bag and a necklace to go with your outfit.

Take a look at our footwear section in our shopping mall, 'Isla' £35 from shoe studio is a pump with a ribbon tie that could work. The other option is to take a look at Ivory of bond street which sell flat pumps that you can dye to match your dress.

Hi
I just want to know do tall girls look good wearing high heels.  I am 179cm tall and have been told by other women that I am too tall to wear high heels.  I love them and would love to wear 6cmm heels do you think I would look silly.
Thanks  
Katrina

Hi Katrina
You should definately follow your own desires and ignore other women's advice on this one. Many women would love to have your super model height, so stand tall and be proud. To answer your question - yes tall women look great in heels, on and off the catwalk!

If you want to invest in a really beautiful pair check out our footwear section in our shopping mall and click onto Christian Louboutin or Georgina Goodman two of the fashion worlds best known the fashion worlds best known footwear designers.

Enjoy!

Hi Caryn,
I am about to turn 24 next month, and my friends have arranged for us all to go blackpool for a night of fun and clubbing, I have no idea what to wear and coming from a small town in mid wales there are not alot of places for me to choose from. I am 5"5 with a standerd/curvy shape and a size 12.  I have 2 children so my stomach isn't in the best shape, when i do go out i always seem to wear the same clothes (black trousers/black top) and always seem to feel daggy and fat compared to my friends who all have great figures. I love all the latest fashion but have never brought myself to buy anything 'trendy' as i always think i'm a mum i'm too old for trendy. Please help me i finally want to buy something thats not my usual! Hope you can help??

Thank you.
Sian.xx

Hi Sian
Yes help is at hand...one of the hottest fashion trends for this spring summer is volume and for tops this is either on the sleeves or in the shape  e.g. a smock top or a-line. The great thing about this trend is that you can cover up your problem areas but also show off your curves and this can be acheived by wearing the top with skinny trousers and sexy high heels. Avoid the obvious black colour which you have lots of and instead purchase a bold statement in the form of an abstract print or if you are not into print opt for white or a plain bright colour such as orange or yellow (key colours of spring/summer). Go to our shopping mall and check out H&M which has is selling a lot of this style in not only tops but also dresses which you can also wear with a pair of high heels. Also there are still plenty of empire line tops and dresses and these will giver you definition at the bust and then camouflage your tummy area wonderfully. Take a moment to log on to the sites to get ideas of how these looks are styled and this will give you confidence when putting your looks together.

Finally, why not try a firm control body underneath the look, these bodies have a front panel to pull in your stomach; you can buy from the lingerie department at Marks and Spencer (also in our shopping mall ), which will also give you extra confidence on the dance floor. Enjoy your night with the new you!

Hi, I am travelling to Washington in April '07 for about 1 week' holiday. Weather might be wet and mild. I will not be doing any shopping whilst there and would like any advice you can give me on what to wear travelling there and whilst there. I am a standard 12 with a flabby tummy and 5ft 6" tall. I know I might sound easy to dress but I'm thinking jeans and trendy tops but how do I put them all together? Please, please help me.
Mo

Hi Mo
Don't worry help is at hand! As you are going long distance comfort is top priorty. Planes can make you feel bloated so i would suggest wearing loose fitting straight trousers with an a-line top and flat pumps (so you can take them easily of to stretch out your feet which is very important when travelling long distance. During your stay 3/4 trousers worn with smock tops are great for covering hips, Check out Marks and Spencer from our shopping mall who are selling a variety of cotton pleated smock tops perfect for your trip. You could also wear your jeans, ensuring you opt for stretch ones as they keep their shape. Finally as it could rain take a fun light weight mac (check out Boden in shopping mall and last months "whats new for February" page)

Enjoy your trip.

hi caryn.
I am 15 years old and a size 12 bottom and 10 top. i am bottom heavy. could you recomend any smart trousers that arnt black that would flatter my figure. Any other tips or advice would be greatfully received thanks
Pen

Hi Pen,
Dark blue jeans with vertical seams will be great for you especially if you match with a lighter or brighter top to create focus.
The patterned geometric print smock tops tops will be perfect for you to – they are slightly voluminous and will create balance at the top of your body. The only thing to remember is not to wear a top that cuts across the widest part of your hips as this will attract attention to the widest part of your body. We all have small features that we want to disguise on our bodies and yours is the most common amongst women – and by far the easiest to disguise.

My daughter is top heavy with a full tummy and thick ankles

She's in college and not liking herself very much. What line/style caters to such people?

She's 19
180 lbs
5' 7""

I really want to buy her casual clothes that she'll look at and know it's from someone who cares rather than someone who wants to change her aka  her Mother --
Anything I buy her is a red flag that I want her to look nice.

She wants to look nice but not on my terms. Any hints?
Is there one fashion that's better than another?
IS there one line of clothes or store that caters to those body types

She used to like J. Crew but I think that she is getting too busty - a 12 is too snug.
Thanks - in advance.
Stef

Hi Stef,
An empire line, soft jersey top or dress will create subtle definition around your daughter’s bust but camouflage her tummy. She needs a garment with some shape but not fitted. Avoid boxy jumpers and swear as these will bulk her out.

The empire line has been very popular for a few seasons and will be perfect for her. For a top, the best choice will be a plain and darker colour like indigo, brown, aubergine khaki etc, (if you can find a style with some vertical line features like a subtle vertical print this will be even better) and this can be worn with lighter colour cargo pants. The darker colour will always minimise the body while a lighter colour creates focus and in your daughter’s case balance.

For an empire line dress she can wear it over jeans and it will look fantastic.

An empire line is a shape where the waist line seems to be placed up under the bust and then the fabric flares and falls away from the bust. It is very good for your daughter’s shape. Gap would be a good place to start to look for it.

Hi Caryn
I love the smock top look but remember leggings the first time round! Although I’m often mistaken for being younger don’t want to look like mutton dressed as lamb! So what alternative bottoms could I wear with a smock?
Thanks
Janice

Hi Janice,
Yep know what you mean!
Choose either slim fit jeans which are like structured leggings and can be worn with ballet pumps, boots or a heel. This type of jean works wonderfully with a longer length smock top or tunic as you get the coverage at the hip and thigh. If you like shorter length tops then choose straight leg jeans as the perfect accompaniment. Coming through also is the flared leg jean but if you did the seventies the first time round too, then avoid. I have been out shopping recently and can recommend GAP for their jeans which have just the right amount of stretch fibres in to make even the slim fit very comfortable but remember they do cut them on the generous side and you will need to drop a size to get the best fit.