Designers of the future will have better knowledge about fashion design, if, like students at Edinburgh College of Art, they have worked with ordinary women during their training.

I’m delighted that this is something All Walks (the initiative I co-founded) has helped to instigate as a result of a sustained appeal to educationalists to encourage students think about the life of the garment beyond the catwalk.

I visited Edinburgh college earlier this week at the start of the project featuring realistically proportioned women who have agreed to be part of the project. Many of these muses are older and curvier by far than the usual catwalk model

Ordinary Scottish women are delighted to be in such a powerful position and I bet know the first thing they’ll ask for!

Innovative design WITH SLEEVES!

The ballet flat is the classic daily staple for women looking to soften jeans and render frocks casual or just simply to get from A to B with ease!

And now French Sole have launched Pirouette – a new range of ballet pumps for those with larger feet. It’s by no means a token gesture with a collection of 60 designs in sizes 9-12.

A step in the right direction we think you’ll agree. Discover a whole range of styles at www.frenchsole.com and prices start from £94.

If you’ve not comes across Yours Clothing before then let us introduce you…Yoursclothing.co.uk is a great shopping destination for women offering garments in sizes 14-32. Not only do they have a huge range of choice in clothing, accessories and footwear but their collections are trend inspired so you can pick up some great statement pieces.

What we love most about the site is you can shop by trend and/or outfit and to get plenty of inspiration and ideas on how to style up and create your own individual look.

Just like with this lace top jumpsuit that has been styled with clutch, jewellery, shoes which are all available on the website and so you’re good to go! They’ll even show you the appropriate under- and controlwear options to work with your outfit and to enhance your figure for added confidence.

This is a great look if you’re pear-shaped as the purple lace top will balance out a bigger bottom half while the black trousers will flatter larger thighs and hips. The bolero covers the tops of arms but actually adds and individual twist to the look.

Lace Top Jumpsuit, £30, Sizes 16-28

Black Cap Sleeve Shrug, £10, Sizes 16-32

Black Patent Peep Toe Shoe, £20, Sizes 4-9 Available in EEE fitting

Jet Hinge Bangle, £10

Purple Split Necklace, £12

Assorted Leaf Earrings, £5

All from www.yoursclothing.co.uk

Report by Sharon Tyler

Jane and I often wax lyrical about the Debenhams personal shopper service…Why?

Because we think it is a great way of working with a personal stylist and having an effective shopping day for no cost…really it’s a free service. As you know we have done quite a bit of work with Debenhams ourselves to promote fashion for women like us…older sassier and well frankly minted compared to younger women! Our own free Ageless Style e-books go down a storm with you as we know.

Great to learn that this week they also became the first major retailer on the British high street to offer a tailored shopping service for blind and partially sighted customers. Having worked with the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) to identify the main obstacles faced by both the customer and personal shopper, staff can now explain the touch and feel of sequins and embellishment, how to describe heel height and style, the difference in look, touch and function of different fastening methods and how to communicate sensitively yet effectively to the customer. RESULT.

The service will be available in all 167 Debenhams stores across the UK and Ireland. To book an appointment  whether you have sight difficulties or not call 08445 61 61 61.

Pass it on!

As you know I’m all for using realistic models in fashion shoots and I like to think my All Walks campaign (having done just that in the last two years) has inspired lots of others to do the same. And you know we love to work with women just like you in our roadshows.

So I was delighted when I came across Fashion label Jane & Marilyn who use realistically proportioned women for their first photo shoot.

Women with careers ranging from data solutions manager and chartered surveyor to violinist and tree surgeon, many of whom are also busy mums, were transformed into vintage Hollywood inspired glamourpusses, to promote the flattering and female friendly designs you see here.

“I loved doing the photoshoot,” say’s Lyndsey, golfer and mother of two. “Being a mum is one of the most demanding roles and I don’t often get time to myself.  The photoshoot not only made me look positively regal but it allowed me to see just how accessible the designs are – fabulous!”

“I can’t believe that’s me!” say’s Sally in red a tree surgeon and mother of two. ” I had a great time – thank you so much!  It was a wonderful experience and I really did feel very feminine.  In fact I felt like a real “femme fatale!”  My boys are amazed – Mark says I look like a doll, Charlie says I look cool – praise indeed from my 12 and 15 year olds!”

C’mon You’ve got to have a look at their site.. if not just for the pictures… but while you are at it, why not consider one of their great ‘cocktail glamour,’ dresses for your forthcoming special occasion. They also offer bespoke and alterations services so it could be better… add them to your favourite sites…I know we have and quite frankly I’ll be featuring them again for the sheer pleasure of it. Jane and Marilyn – good women indeed!