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

September

Dear Caryn,
I bought your e-book “petite and pear shape” last year and I think I now have a pretty good idea of what suits me. However, because I need to wash my clothes very often (I have young children), I feel like all my nice clothes get dull and shapeless after a few months. I work in healthcare, and though our dress code is casual, I don’t want my patients to see me wearing tatty T-shirts and sweats (like some of my colleagues!). But when I pick up my youngest from daycare and we head straight for the playground… well, I end up covered in mud and sand. Could you think of some “work to play” outfits that would enable me to go from health-professional to happy rough-playing mum while saving my best clothes? I was thinking of a dress over pants combination, but I am not sure I would pull it off… I am 31, a size 10, 5f3 with a medium to high budget and I like a romantic style… Thanks !
Marianne

Hi Marianne
Great that our e-book has helped you to understand what styles and shapes suit you.

A lot of mums today are juggling work, kids and play - so you are certainly not alone. I would first suggest you use wash your clothes on a lower temperature and use a sensitive washing powder, as these don't contain as much bleach and are therefore kinder to your clothes, also try to flat hang knitwear and delicates, as this will stop them loosing their shape.

I would then suggest you shop for a few basic items that will give you a good base for your work/play wardrobe. These are:

1. A pair of jeans (no holes or over bleached jeans please as these look grungy)

2. A winter coat (black or tweed) that will smarten up any outfit

3. A pair of long boots. These can be worn under jeans and with skirts

4. Some camie style tops (pretty and romantic)

5. Cardigans (go for black and then a colour one such as red)

6. A-line skirt (print)

I have suggested the 6 key items above as they can be mix and matched together (the start to a perfect wardrobe). Try also to buy a few accessories such as earrings, necklaces and a scarf, as they can glam up any outfit for when you are going out in the evening.

Good luck and get shoping.

Hi -
I am a 46 year old construction engineer and I am out on the project site about 75% of my work week. The rest of the time is spent at the office or in informal meetings. So my wardrobe consists of khakis, jeans, polo shirts, various sweaters for the winter, and steel toe boots. I've never liked to wear dresses or anything frilly, so these clothes are what I've worn all my life and I do like them - comfort is much more important than style to me, but as I've gotten older sometimes I'd like to have a little bit of pizzazz to spruce myself up while I'm standing outside in the heat with a hard hat and safety vest on amongst all the men. It can't be frilly or girly, and it has to be comfortable. I just don't know what that something is, so I'm hoping you can help me.

I am 5' 8" tall and weight 130 pounds. I have very broad shoulders and need no shoulder pads, ever. I believe I have a standard slender body style, with nothing up top. So with my very short hair, manly clothes, and no curves, I guess I'm just looking for something that will make me look feminine, but in a rugged sort of way.
Is that too much to ask?

I have not purchased your book yet - I have a dial up connection and I don't know if I can download the book successfully, but I am going to try.
Thanks for any advice you can provide.
Gale
Virginia, USA

Hi Gale,
Your questions is more about styling choices as much as it is about body shape choices. The Standard and slender e-book will tell you how to create curves and feminise your body.

But to develop your style whilst at work on the construction site, I would suggest good cut of jeans (the boyfriend fit with straight leg will suit) together with gently fitted shirts that have added femininity because of the colour. Pull it together with a good belt and some classic pilot style shades.
But I have a great mental picture of you and can’t resist suggesting you enjoy your down time with a slightly dressier look.

I would use the Old Yves Saint Laurent template. Fitted trousers suits, frilled blouses and trousers, fitted waistcoats etc but with dramatic make-up and focus pieces of jewellery like statement earrings. This look give you the chance to maximise your elegant model like shape and keep within your comfort zones by not wearing anything too girly.

I am almost 5 ft 7 and barely weigh 50 Kg, so fairly tall and skinny. I work in a consultancy environment and need to look smart, although a suit is not essential every day. I am more comfortable in trousers than a skirt and think that trousers suit me better. However, my challenge is to find suitable trousers that fit - invariably they are too big around my waist or bottom - that is if they are long enough. Do you have any recommendations please?
Joanne, London

Hi Joanne
You should check out this seasons must have "the wide leg trouser". You will find they are perfect answer and you can concentrate on getting the fit around your waist spot on. A lot of the retailers are selling them in either a tweed, herringbone or check fabric and so are also smart enough for your work. Take a look at the style of these wide leg trousers by Next featured in our September page Or browse our shopping mall as they are all over the high streets.

I really need your help. My older sister is getting married next year and myself and my younger sister are going to be bridesmaids, however we have a problem, none of us can find dresses to suit all of us however my older sister wants us both to have the same outfits. Our shapes are as follows:

Tracey (Bride, aged 34) Size 14 5 foot 8 very slim on top and has a tiny waist, flat bottom and average thighs, however her problem is very large hips.

Myself (Bridesmaid aged 32) Size 18, 6 foot 2 so long dresses are never long, carry all weight in my thighs

Gemma (Bridesmaid aged 22) Size 14-16 5 foot 7 pear shaped carries weight around stomach. Tracey is really starting to worry that she will not get a dress that suits her and also find dresses that are going to suit both me and Gemma. Can you recommend what we can do or where we can go?

Many Thanks in advance
Paula

Hi Paula
Weddings are always stressful especially when trying to source the right dress or dresses as in your case. Tell your sister not to panic as help is at hand. I think Tracey would look great in a dress that has caped sleeves or build up straps, this will help to difuse her slim top half, she should also go for a dress that has some sort of detail on the side of the waist and consider A-line or a fishtail dress.

Check out Amanda Wyatt in our bridal section on Shopping Mall, look at the dresses named Briony or Denise. The detail on the sleeves and side of the waist is simple and will be extremely effective to her figure.

For you and Gemma i would suggest A-line dress, this will cover your thighs and enhance Gemma's pear shaped figure. Bows are very trendy in fashion at present and you could opt for a dress that has a tie bow around the waist which will also flatter you both. You didn't mention your bust size but if you have a big bust i would suggest a dress that has straps. Check out Monsoon in our Shopping Mall, they have a silver dress in the bridesmaid section callled Clara Taffeta dress.
Good luck

hi
i was looking at your site and hoping for some advice i am 24 yrs old have 3 children have become the normal housewife baggy trouser trainers etc, i have my cousins engagement coming up and would love to look more like a girl than a frump i have put a bit of weight on i was a 12/14 and was going to the gym part dieting as i would say and then lost interest all of a suuden everything i used to wear does not fit. can you give any advice i am 5'4 i would not say i look very big but i am fairly bulky but quite femine and manly figure at the same time i would love to wear a dress one day, do u have any fashion advice on how to look femine and sexy without looking like a beached whale dragged through a hedge backwards. haha thanks
Charline

Hi Charline
Yes i have lots of advice to give you.

First you need to consider your underwear, 90% of women are wearing the wrong bra size, and i think you need to go and get measured and then invest in a good bra that will lift your bust up and believe me this is a good start to feeling sexy! Then you need to also consider magic briefs that pull your stomach in and will help you to get a bit more shape.

For the outfit opt for a dress that's preferably has caped sleeves to add feminity to your manly figure and something with a fitted bodice to pull you in around the waist and add shape, try Dorothy Perkins who have a premiun bodice dress that would work, to find their website click here.

The dress is black but you could add colour with red shoes and accessories.

You could also opt for a 50's style dress with straps, this is a good shape if you don't feel 100% happy with your present weight, and wear with it a little cardigan or shawl and accessories or even a belt around the waist.
Finally, wear a pair of patent peep toes shoes (very fashionable at present), check out Aldo in our Footwear section Shopping Mall.

Enjoy the party.

Please help I am 5 foot 2" with a 32FF bust, am a size 12 and have a wedding to go to in september I have no idea where to start looking let alone what to look for. If i buy dresses they are always tight on mt boobs and look wrong else where. I like to think of my self as a cool dresser the only things I have seen that will fit me are more Margaret Thatcher than Marilyn Monroe! I am in London next week can you give me a few tips or hints on where to start? Thanks
Gilly

Hi Gilly
I think the best place to start is here! You should open out your options and look at skirts too, you dont just have to wear a dress to a wedding.

On-line and shops are full of lots of beautiful printed skirts, go for a A-line skirt to balance out your figure and team it with a V-neck shape top and a jacket. If you definately want a dress then also go for a V-neck style A-line dress. Check out on-line Additions shop in our Petite Shopping Mall, and when you're in London go to Zara as they have a great selection of skirts, jackets and dresses which will look fab for you wedding.

Hello Caryn

I have just bought a beautiful diaphanous, bias cut silk dress in red, for a wedding. I have never owned anything like this before and want to look immaculate. The dress has spaghetti straps with pleating/ruching over the bust, then fits like a glove over the torso down to my thighs. It then gradually flares out and flutes at the hemline. My problem – what to wear underneath? I am a size 8/10 and I am fairly toned, but because of the nature of the cut, my hip bones stick out and even my flat stomach looks like a little pot belly. I have spent a fortune on the dress and I don’t want to ruin the line with lumps and bumps. I’ve tried a g-string and no VPL knickers, but I can still see the waist band line on the pants, the VPL and my bumps. The dress has built in cups (I’m a 32C so not entirely sure if I should still be wearing a bra) so I’m not sure if I should by buying a slip, briefs, pants and bra or what? . I want a smooth look but just don’t know how I am going to achieve this.Help!
Julia

Hi Julia
You are certainly right in the fact that you dont want to show any lumps or bumps. What we wear under garments is equally as important. So don't worry as i have found the perfect solution.

Your dress has spagehetti straps so you don't want any bra straps showing, therefore I recommend you wear a strapless all in one which will mould and shape you and also allow for no bumps to be seen.

Marks and Spencers have one they call the magic firm control multiway, which is also low leg so you want have a VPL, it retails at £32. You'll feel very comfortable wearing it and will be able to relax totally allowing more time to enjoy wearing your gorgeous dress!

You'll find Marks and Spencer and similar all in ones in our Lingerie Shopping Mall.

Hi Caryn, I am desperately searching for some elegant white (or dyeable) silk / satin boots to wear at my wedding in December. I just can't seem to find what I'm looking for and I need to order them in the next month or 2 so that I can have them for my dress fitting. Can you help?! What I thought would be an easy and fun task is turning into a nightmare! Many thanks in anticipation
Jenni, London

Hi Jenni
I know just the place for you to get your boots for your wedding. The shop is called Ivory of Bond Street, London, W1 London. Downstairs they have a huge selection of shoes and boots, the boots are elegant, and available in a variety of styles. They come in white but also offer a dye to match service.

You can check out their offer on-line in our Bridal Shopping Mall.

Have a great day.

hi caryn.
Was wondering if you could suggest anywhere (not too expensive) to get skinny jeans to fit people with large calves? Im a size 10 to 12 on my waist and thighs but have quite large calves so find my legs look a bit like sausages at the bottom! Ive got a couple of black pairs that i wear with heels, but i fancy some more casual ones to wear with flats... Am quite likin the look of them not being skin tight, but going up a size makes them too baggy on my waist.. Or do I just need to accept that they are not for my shape?!! Any help would be much appreciated..

Hi
A lot of the skinny jeans in the shops come in variety of different fabrics, I would suggest you opt for jeans that stretch and therefore give a bit more around your calves. Also, it's all about the 'cut', look for a straight leg style rather than uber skinny cut. Ask shop staff for their assistance as they are so familiar with the styles.

However, I would also consider that skinny jeans are on their way out and fashion is bringing back flares and the bootleg. The time to buy jeans is now as this transitional period between late summer and early autumn means there are a lot of different styles of jeans in the shops at present.
Zara has a pair of fantastic bootleg jeans that are £40 and will certainly cover your calves. Find Zara in our Shopping Mall.

Get shopping!

Hi, I have just bought a bold white and red print skirt from Debenhams. It has a long red sash belt attached. I am having a bit of a fashion blank though, deciding what shoes will look good with it! It is knee length and quite full. I would like to wear it day – evening on holiday but I am starting to think it is a bit of a bad buy! Is it a disaster or can you recommend anything? Thanks
Rebecca

Hi Rebecca
Your skirt sounds lovely and certainly isn't a bad buy, and you are right to consider what shoes to go with it, as shoes can make or break an outfit. I think you have a few options here. The first one is a pair of flat pumps (round toe or pointy) that are everywhere in the shops at present, don't go for black as this is too hard for your red and white print skirt. You could also (for the day) wear flip flops for a more casual look, if you team the skirt with a vest top and then for the evening try another seasons fashion, the wedge, again stay away from black and opt for chocolate or straw colour wedge heel.

Hope this helps you and enjoy your holiday.