Dear Caryn

I am on a….Mom Budget, as I like to call it. So buying a whole new wardrobe is out of the question.

Trying to buy clothes, when I do, both cheap and fashionable, is a nightmare! I have a small bust (34 B), wide hips, and a baby belly that I just can’t get rid of! Does this make me a Pear?

Finding clothes I like, goes a little something like this:
- Too tight around the belly

- Perfect at the belly but, my boobs don’t fill the top

- Dresses are the worst and usually a no-go – mainly because of my small bust not filling the top

- I love jeans, but they either don’t button (high-rise), or they define my belly even more (low-rise)

What am I doing wrong?! Am I shopping in all the wrong places? I get so depressed and lose any self esteem I may have.  This is how I came to find you! Shopping is supposed to be fun, not a disaster!

Any tips you have will be VERY much appreciated!  Thank you for your time.

Hello Mrs R

From what you say it sounds like you are petite and pear shaped. First point of call is to download one of our free ‘Petite and Pear’ ebooks which will give you plenty of advice and ‘tools’ on how to dress to flatter your figure and showcase your body in the best possible light. Do not blame your body, it is what makes you unique and your gorgeous self! It’s just about learning to read clothes and make them work for your body. It shouldn’t be the other way around.

Instead of dresses focus on separates which will ensure that you get a good fit in all areas. Also experiment with different stores/brands – it may be that you get a great fit around your hips in one store and so that’s where you go for trousers and skirts. But perhaps you get a better fit around bust and tummy from another label. Once you find the fit, stay with the store.

In terms of tops look for fit around the bust first and foremost and if you need a little more room around your tummy look for styles such as empire lines that are fitted around the bust and flare over the tummy.

For jeans look for pairs that have a good percentage of lycra in them. Around 2% stretch is about the right amount to give contoured support and structure. Take a look at www.ilovejeans.com where you can find expert jeans style advice tailored to your shape.

You don’t need to spend a fortune – you just need a few staple pieces that show your body off to its best and can be mixed and matched together to create different looks.

We hope this helps.

Best wishes

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