Contributions from Caryn Franklin,
Jane Galpin and Claire Ginzler.
September
Size 18 and wants new capsule wardrobe
Dear Caryn
I've lost my bearings - I've gone up 4 dress sizes in 6 years and am now a very curvaceous size 18 (and 5' 7"), instead of a pear with a slim top half. The hardest thing to adjust to is my big arms (they used to be quite slim).
I really like wearing trousers but am finding trousers almost impossible to find; every pair is too snug on the thigh and too gappy on the waist. I've never been a tailored look lady - prefer relaxed look, but don't want to end up in sloppy trousers and baggy jumpers.
I'd like to look a bit more glamorous and find a signature look for myself. Just now I don't feel too confident, and all the frumpy plus size clothing is very off putting.
How can I put a capsule wardrobe together that will adapt to work (executive consultancy) and play, without becoming boring run of the mill? And find those elusive stylish comfortable trousers?
Lost but Lovely Lisa
Hello lovely Lisa,
I’ve been designing a range that could have been tailor made for you!
So head straight to Simply Be in our shopping mall and check out my latest premium collection for them.
I have a black trouser that is wide leg and so will stop the snug on the thigh problem. Wear with a the red pussy bow blouse, great for day and night in fact. As for glamour I have created a purple mock wrap dress with frills (and good coverage on the arms) that still has a careerwear feel, fans of the range tell me they are delighted to find a sophisitcated look for the office that can take them through to evening. Add my printed monochrome trenchcoat and you are rocking! I could also get you excited about the party dress range I have added, that I’m sure you will love. This is a funky range not a frumpy one!
Evans is also in our shopping mall. They have a fabulous new range out for Autumn and amongst it is a 40's style floral print dress, that you can wear with black opaque tights can be work or play. If you have a bit more money also check out Anna Scholz who has some great tailoring pieces such as the trenchcoat dress and a knitted cowl neck dress. If you haven’t already look in our shopping mall in fuller section and check out the website Svoboda Style.com Jessica the designer has some sexy jeans and trouser styles too, she comes reccomended by me and of course Pink Marzipan.com.
And lovely Lisa, be sure to let me have your feedback.
32 years and wants new trendy wardrobe for home
Dear Caryn
Im hoping you can help me as im not doing too well at helping myself!
Im 32 years old, size 8/10 and 5ft 4". I have two children at school. I have been working in an office environment for a few years and have recently moved across the country to be with a lovely man I have met. I have been fortunate to keep my existing job working from home.
The problem is lately I am really struggling to put outfits together! I was comfortable in my office attire but now seem to slob around in jeans and t-shirts! I love to follow fashion but find it impossible lately to get out of this rut i have found myself in.
I want to look good without looking ridiculously overdressed at home! I feel I dress too old for my age even though I love fashion and buy on regular occasions from high street stores such as Warehouse, Jane Norman, River Island etc. The problem I have is putting all these items together to create a funky look! I have always had problems accessorising and have countless unworn belts and scarves etc. I also never wear jewellery as again I seem to have a mind block when it comes to wearing it.
It may sound like an insignificant problem but it is really getting me down, sometimes to the point where I cant face going out. I spend hour agonising what to wear and envy people who are able to throw things together and still look great. Please please help me, I would love a few pointers in the right direction!!
Michelle
Hi Michelle,
Sounds like you’ve lost your style mojo! My guess it that your wardrobe is also confused and when you look at your rail you don’t see outfits or outfit possibilities.
Do you ever stand in front of the mirror just playing with clothes – seeing what work with what? In my body shape e-book I tell you how to understand clothes and how to find your own style because there is a lot to say (a whole books worth in fact) but here I will give you a start.
Get a quick understanding of what the trends are for Autumn/Winter by having a look at our homepage and clicking on catwalk and highstreet. This will help to see what the looks are. This is necessary for your to get in the swing.
Next invest in quality basics that you can put trend items with. For example a good pair of jeans or a pencil skirt. Check out ilovejeans in our shopping mall where you can type in your body shape and they will make good suggestions. Go for a dark denim as these look smart and can be dressed up or down, invest in a straight pair and a bootcut or flare jean – these are a great cut and this season’s trend.
Next shop for the trend items such, an example of this is the "gothic romance" trend which is all about black lace, and consider purchasing a black lace blouse or top which will go with the jeans or a skirt, check out H&M in our shopping mall. 40's is also big for Autumn so look at dresses that have floral prints that you can wear with black opaque tights - great for the day. A long cardigan is also part of this trend and accessorise with one of your waist belt to add shape to a pair of jeans or the floral dress. Another great option is the blouse as they can be worn with skirts or jeans, check out Whistles who have 3/4 ruffle blouses with ruffle details, feminine and funky.
Finally don't throw out all your scarves/belts but do be a bit ruthless and take to charity the ones that you really don't like anymore. Then buy a couple of coloured, chunky necklaces/bracelets as these will jazz up any outfit, check out Wallis or Accessorize in our shopping mall who both do a great selection of this type of jewellery.
Finally sign up for our newsletter and I will write each month a letter to you telling you what to look out for and how to wear it amongst other things. Style is as much about confidence as it is about styling and you just need a little clothes coaching!
Big ribs!
Hi Caryn
I am a petite (5ft 3) pear shape - or am I? I have a rather unusual problem my measurements are bust - 38(A), waist 32 and hips 39, but my bust as you can probably tell from my measurements, is actually mainly back! In fact, it's mainly rib cage. I have a fairly deep and broad rib cage with wide shoulders and many of the tops recommended for pear shapes (slight empire line) tend to catch me on the widest part - my rib cage.
They make me look like a shot-putter. I would like to feel more feminine, but not girly.
Should I be dressing my body for an hourglass shape? Can you help?
Dany, Glasgow (40)
Dear Dany
It might help us here to think of your body as nearer to an Hourglass body shape.
This means that your goal is to create definition and flatter to your well-defined waist. You may find separates easier to buy that dresses so that you can get the fit.
Go for a-line shaped skirts to flatter your hips but also to create a balance with the top half of you. Tops that have a v-neck to diffuse your broad ribcage will always be your best bet rather than anything that is square.
A stretchy wrap style dress that sits at the waist will flatter your shape but also will give you a better chance of fit, or this one I have found at Principles in our shopping mall. Principles in our shopping mall are offering a cross-over dress with a v-neck so will flatter your ribcage. The skirt is more fitted and you could finish with a thick black belt to show off your waist.
Things to avoid are too much embellishment on your upper body or hips as these will widen where you feel your widest also avoid tight fitting or stiff fabrics around your body.
Feet!
Actually I don't have much of a problem with my body. I'm 5ft 4inches, size 10/12 with a 32dd bust. I'd have longer legs if possible and less cellulite on my arms but in general for a 53 year old I don't feel too bad. So why am I emailing you? My feet.
I had a operation on my feet about 30 years ago to have them straightened and it didn't work. I was left with scars along the inside edge of my big toe joints which are sensitive, so that rules out any kind of strappiness and they have to be soft.
The muscles of my feet have weakened because of the surgery and they are now about 25cm around widest part which is my big toe joints and my toes.
I can't wear heels as my big toe joints don't bend that well. Narrow or pointed styles hurt my toes as they are all misshapen from years of wearing shoes that are too narrow. I now have to wear orthotics as I get Plantar Fasciitis.
Heaven is a pair of trainers, I mostly wear lace up shoes which offer the best support, even Converse are a bit narrow however, and in the summer I live in Birkenstocks. I can also occasionally find a pair of flat boots that fit okay. Most of the time I wear trousers for obvious reasons unless I wear fairly casual skirts/dresses that I can wear boots, Birkenstocks, white Converse or my black Mary Jane Doc Martins.
What I would REALLY like is a look that is funky, sexy and feminine. I have tried Gabor, Van Dal and Evans shoes and I can't afford to pay to have shoes made. I've see Duo online but the shoes have to be sturdy to hold my orthotics and buying shoes online is not a good idea for me as I often have to try 5's, 5 and a halfs and 6's to get the right size.
I know it's a tall order but I could really do with knowing where to start!
Angie
Hi Angie,
Actually I just spoke to Duo about your letter.
First of all they have a large shop on the street of the made to measure world Saville Row, but if you look on their website in our footwear shopping mall you can see their other outlets.
Emily the manager at Saville Row is well used to helping women who wear supports and can suggest which style can take your orthotics.
I was in there looking at their autumn range not so long ago and I can really recommend them not just for style but for service and product too. Why not give them a call to discuss first and say Caryn said!
2nd wedding outfit for petite woman
Hi Caryn
I am getting married next June in a small (just the 2 of us) ceremony on the Isle of Skye. For both of us it will be our second wedding so it is deliberately low key and will be held in a registry office.
I had a big white wedding the last time round and don’t want a ‘wedding dress’ this time. The problem is I have no idea what to buy!
I’m 5 ft 3 and a size 14 on top and 12 on the bottom. I’m an apple shape and carry most of my weight on my tummy so something that disguises that is essential! Another consideration is that I don’t want to show my upper arms as I dislike them greatly so I’d need something to cover them up.
Any ideas please? I want to look ‘special’ as my husband to be will wearing a suit! My budget’s is less than £300.
Many thanks
Georgina
Hi Georgina,
An apple shape means that you want to take the attention away from your tummy and streamline your middle area.
A-line skirt dresses are a good style for you as are v or scoop necklines. I have checked out Debenhams who you can find in our shopping mall and they have a gorgeous oyster print dress in their petite section for £95 that i think would work well on your wedding day, as the style will flatter you shape and the dress itself is chic without being over the top.
You can easily team with an oyster shrug, Check out Coast who have two styles, one in particular is called the Camilla shrug. The dress and the shrug are relatively non-expensive leaving money left over in your budget to buy a clutch bag, necklace or earrings (again a good distraction away from your stomach) and of course a gorgeous pair of shoes.
There are two other petite steers that I want to give you. Karen Gillam and Petite Affair both in our shopping Mall under petite have some great styles.
Have a lovely day!
Pregnant and wedding dilemma!
Hi, I have a style dilemma. I am 39 years old and going to my friends wedding at the end of October. At that point I will be 8 months pregnant with my first child. My body shape is changing ralpidly and my energy levels for high street shopping is dropping. Please can you advise on any web sites that may help me choose a suitable dress for the wedding. I am 5’4”, fair skin and light brown/green eyes. I am a size 10/12. I am normally a pear shape.
Yours sincerely
bebhinn
Hi Bebhinn
With the current fashions you can choose your outfit from some non-maternity garments too, you just need to get the right shape and maybe go up a few sizes. As you are pear shaped this means that you need to disguise your bottom half (hips, thighs and bottom) and as you will be 8 months pregnant at the time of the wedding you don't necessary want to hide your bump but you definitely flatter it.
An a-line dress from just under the bust would be a good style for you to flatter as would a wrap dress. Avoid anything with a waist band for obvious reasons. I have in our shopping mall Coast who do a gorgeous print wrap dress called CORRINE JERSEY WRAP DRESS and as it is made from jersey will drape well over any bump, again just go up a size or two depending on the size of your bump, the wrap style will shape your top half and the extra sizes up with add length in the wrap. Wallis in our shopping mall also have a print wrap style dress called BERRY WINTER FLORAL DRESS, you could accessorize with a purple clutch and shoes. Their styles are always cut on the generous size so you might not need to go up a size at all.
For actually maternity wear check out Blooming Marvellous, who have an on trend silk dip dye dress which is very stylish and you could dress up with a silver clutch bag or try Isabella Oliver in our shopping mall who have a fabulous selection of wrap style dresses in vivid colours such as pink, alternatively they also have an a-line dress called Duo Swing Dress which comes in white, black or pink. Any of these would be a hit for a wedding. Wear with a fitted boloro which you can buy from Coast.
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