Contributions from Caryn Franklin, Jane Galpin and Claire Ginzler.

November

Hi, I am 36; 5’8’’ and a size 12/14, with a 34DD bust having lost a stone and a half over the last year. However I am quite badly proportioned with a long body and short legs, and I carry my weight mainly around my hips and thighs. I am going to a very posh wedding at the beginning of December and need something knock-out to wear, I am also spending Hogmanay in Glasgow and will probably be doing something trendy (bars / clubs) but still quite upmarket whilst I am there and I would like at least part of my outfit to be suitable for that. I will also need a capsule wardrobe for the rest of my stay in Glasgow (1 week).

Budget is not too much of a problem, I can probably spend £500 or so on the wedding outfit, plus accessories.

Hope you can help!
Sarah

Hi Sarah,
Your proportions would be perfect for an empire line. This is where the cut of the dress is moulded to the bust to create definiton and then flares out over the tummy and thighs. This way no one would see where your waist sits or the curve of your bottom and thighs. Having just seen the House of Fraser look book I can recommend a trip there for this style, there is a wonderful vintage crystal empire line dress by Nocturne for £350 leaving plenty for your peep toe patent shoes.

There are cheaper dresses however labels to look for once you get to House of Fraser are ‘Derhy’ for their velvet devore empire line dresses, plus ‘Naughty’ these come in at £100 to £150.

I’ve also made a shopping list of other items to include in your search fro a capsule wardrobe there.

Wide flare trousers – to flare from hip.
V- neck sweater to minimise bust.
Oversized long line wrap cardigan to be worn with wide leather belt.
Herringbone or subtle houndstooth coat.
Empire line day dresses to be worn with dark tights and knee high boots.

Enjoy your shopping spree.

Hi
I’m going to a Gala Dinner on New Year’s Eve and would like to wear a long dress but not sure if it’s a bit dated for a woman of my age – early 50s. The evening consists of the dinner followed by a casino, live band and disco and held in the Abode Hotel in Exeter which is an elegant hotel overlooking the Cathedral.

I am quite fashion conscious so any advice would be appreciated.

Regards
Vanessa

Hi Vanessa,
Long dresses are classic so it’s ok but I would recommend structure in the dress such as boning or corsetry but look for ones with a flared skirt avoiding really full circle skirts. Also, it may be a good idea to use figure defining underwear from www.redcarpetundies.com

Enjoy the Gala Diner

Hi,
I am getting married next July and I am specifically looking for victorian lace-up wedding boots, ideally calf high. My wedding dress is 'Carousel' by Ian Stuart and I feel that shoes are to dainty for this dress. I've found some on American website westernweddingboots.com, however I can't seem to find any boots anywhere in the U.K which, I would prefer to buy from. I've asked at the shop where I bought my dress, looked all over Bath and feel like I have exhausted the internet for options (I could only find non-leather). At the moment I'm considering both satin and leather as well as white and off white as my dress is pale blue on the corset and light champagne on the skirt (sound sickly but it isn't!). I hope you can help!

Thank you
Kirsty

Hi Kirsty
Check out Ivory of Bond Street in our Bridal Shopping Mall, they have a two styles of victorian boots available in white satin priced at £159 and £199 that you can also dye to match your dress. They stock sizes from 3-9, including half sizes.

I am looking for boots this season, but always have a problem as I have narrow calves. I would prefer kitten heel styles if they are available. Any ideas where I can go? Many thanks
Tracey

Hi Tracey

Jane tells there is a great pair of black pull on boots which she used on the 10 Years Younger TV show on someone with very slender calves from Marks and Spencer which retail at £25.

Or try Duo Boots who cater for narrow calf width boots, I recently used a fabulous pair of these on the Clothes Show TV again for someone with a very narrow calf width and she has not taken them off since!

You'll find both of the websites on our Footwear Shopping Mall.

HI
my name is Katy and I am an 18year old who needs a confident boost through a pair of jeans that fitr well! I know it sounds dumb, but jeans really do make all the difference. I have short legs and large hips. I am a size ten so I’m not fat or overweight. Is there anywhere you could suggest for me?

Money is no object.

Hi Katy
For your shape I would suggest you try on bootleg jeans, which will diffuse your hips. A lot of brands and retailers offer shorter lengths. Try H&M that now offer a bigger range of jeans in store in a variety of shapes and start from £30, you'll find a link for H&M in our Shopping Mall.

For a more designer jeans you could try Radcliffe designs. Here is the website for UK stockists and they also sell them in Selfridges nationwide www.radcliffedenim.com.

They are extremely comfortable and are one of the best jeans around at the moment as they have special fasteners on the hems so that you can shorten the jeans as much as you like depending on what heel height you are wearing.

Hello

I bought a pair of patent leather knee high boots from a shop that was closing down for £55. I wanted to wear them to work in the office but someone said they look to sexy and looks like I am into bondage.

The heel is thick and about 3" and squared toed ( this might be old fashioned). What do you think? I am in my 40's. Most people think I am 10 years younger and I take a size 14/16 and am 5' 11"

Thanks
Anne

Hi Anne
I would agree with your work colleague, knee high boots are too sexy for the work place and definitely best to wear in the evening.

For a more safer and stylish work look chose a pair of knee high boots, check out Aldo in our Footwear Shopping Mall, they have a fabulous selection of boots that you should check out the ladies Boot section under "city" . They can easily been worn with a skirt, under or over jeans and that way you save your new boots for special events.

Dear Caryn,

I wonder if you can help me. My sister is taking me on Caribbean Cruise next February to celebrate my birthday (its a landmark one - I'll be 60 although I don't look my age). The problem is I need help with what I need to take. I would like to look great but I really don't know where to start. I look forward to hearing from you.

Jennifer

Hi Jennifer

Lucky you!

The first advice I am going to give you is on packing. To avoid creases you should either wrap in tissue paper or roll up, once you arrive and unpack hang anything that has major creases by the shower and let the steam be your iron. Ensure you pack hair products and toiletries in a waterproof bag and if you can put shoes into shoe bags.

Now for the garments you need to think about what you will be doing on the boat and the events you get to go to. You will definitely need eveningwear to attend all of the evening functions and cocktail nights, take a few fabulous dresses and some key separates that you can dress up or down with accessories such as jewellery and shoes. Also you will probably be wise to take a wrap to keep you warm for an evening stroll on the deck. For day trips, some smart casual trousers and skirts, perhaps a pair of wide leg trousers or an A-line skirt and team them with a shirt or blouse and some light cardigans and pumps.

For the pool area take a couple of your favourite swimsuits, check out Figleaves website in our Swimwear Shopping Mall and look at the La Perla Aquasuit which crosses at the front giving an elegant look and team with some brightly coloured sarongs, good pair of sunglasses and a beach bag. A lot of cruises also offer yoga or deep stretch classes so take a comfortable pair of drawstring trousers and some basic t-shirts.

Have a wonderful trip.

Hi, I am size 12, 5ft 8 mother of 3. Considering this my figure isn't too bad, but I am desperately trying to find non-stretch jeans, ie. 100% cotton. I have looked everywhere for a pair of bootcut 100% cotton jeans, but no one seems to make them without elestane anymore!! I have found one great pair in Principles, but only in a regular leg, and I need a 33 leg!! Can you help, does a pair of non-stretch bootcut jeans exist???

Looking forward to hearing from you,
Victoria

Hi Victoria
You can find non stretch jeans at the bigger brands such as Levis and Diesel, Diesel in particular have a great selection of non-stretch jeans in all the different styles, you can call them on 020 7833 2255 and find your nearest store to visit or look at our Jeans Shopping Mall.

Non-stretch are great for the first day but after that they lose their shape and that is why the majority of jeans include elastane. Perhaps you should look at trying on jeans with a small amount of elastane too e.g. 1-2%.
Zara currently sell jeans for around £45 that only contain this much. You will find they will keep their shape longer than non-stretch variety. You will also find Zara in our Jeans Shopping Mall.

Hi

I really want to look sexy and sensational at an party which is next month. The code is smart casual and i'm desperately trying to find something bright red either a party dress or party top and trousers/skirt. i really need to find a key outfit as i'm 5"2 and slender although very slightly curvier on my bottom half. Can you recommend a high street retailer as i'm a young 30ish woman.

Thank you
Tilla

Hi Tilla
For your figure you should go for empire line which will give you perceived height. A-line will also hide your curvy figure, Dorothy Perkins currently have a red ponte bow shift dress that is in the sale at the moment for £10 or alternatively you could try Miss Selfridge who have a pepper ruffle trim top that would look great with a pair of jeans or black trousers or a tomato chiffon bow dress for £50 both these. Debenhams also have a red waterfall dress which is empire lined and has a pleated front for £50. Red is a key colour this season so you shouldn’t be stuck for choice.

You'll find all of these websites in our Shopping Mall.