I don’t want to boast but the debate I took part in last night at the Cambridge Union came to a satisfactory conlusion for me.

I was for the motion ‘Fashion is Elitist,’ along with Guardian journalist Hadley Freeman. I think I could have argued it either way but predictably I chose to use the work I have been doing in recent years with ‘All Walks,’ to broaden the body ideals we see in our media to draw upon for my comments. Of course women feel excluded when their bodies aren’t taken into consideration…that is in itself elitist, but don’t get me started.

I’ll be frank…I had over prepared…my scripted oration was…well a bit long, and I had to cut it short but we won and for this deeply competitive fashion hack it was a crucial outcome.

Now on to the important stuff! I can’t deny I thought about what to wear…I wanted a look that said ‘fashion, knowledgeable about the industry and approachable.’ I felt comfortable in my vintage leather pencil skirt by Jasper Conran, stripy t-shirt from Hobbs and quirky tailoring by Junky Styling. Something old something new something recycled and I’m good to go go go!

My thanks to Jane Stockdale for the photograph.

Spring/Summer 2012 is set to shine and is all about a subtle radiance. Foil printed lace, high shine sateen silk, patent heels and metallic detailing make up this look.

Shiny textures work in the same way as light colours and can expand your figure. Matte textures act like dark colours and will contain your figure. Use sheen and no-shine to highlight or camouflage appropriately. For example, to compliment a large bust, a (light-coloured) skirt with shine and (dark-coloured) matte top is for you. Here are some ideas on how to make shine work for you and your shape…

All items from Mint Velvet

Report by Sharon Tyler

I get a nice cosy feeling when I look at the highstreet retailer Evans, not only have they have enlisted the design duo Clemments Ribeiro to do a signature range, but as I and Jane are consulting on their standard range, I know how much work they will be putting into all their future collections.

Above you can see the body shapes the store have identified from customer feedback. Apple, Hourglass, Pear, and Busty are the descriptions they will use to design a more knowledgeable collection

Having had a life time of styling bodies that aren’t model shaped, Jane and I can safely say we know what curvy bodies need and can make any woman look great. You will start to see clothes that have considered everything your body shape needs when you visit Evans from now on.

Now that’s progress!

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.