Another day another photo shoot, this time it took place, rather eccentrically I think, in full view of shoppers in Birmingham with the largest prop this side of Newcastle.

The purple chair and I are  promoting the How to Look Good road show to take place in September 23^rd to 25^th September in the Pavillions Shopping Centre as part of the Style Birmingham Live Weekend hosted by George Lamb.

Decked out in new season John Rocha and enjoying my latest acquisition from Kurt Geiger (a pair of kitten-heel sling-backs finally making their way into my wardrobe) the moment of serenity was challenged, when one helpful shopper pointed out that I had committed the ultimate style faux pas by leaving the lable on the underside of my new shoes.

Ha Ha, I had to take myself off and smack my own bottom, as she twittered furiously of my foolish amateurishness for all to know.I quashed the internet chatter by asserting that Marc Jacobs is considering a new collection of clothes featuring labels sticking out and I was merely ahead of the game. …I think they all bought it!

Normal service will be resumed in time to deliver top style tips for the Pavillions audience. See here for more details. http://pavilionsshopping.com/news/latest/Page38/

At this time of year many of you have weddings to attend and we get lots of emails asking advice on guest outfit ideas and styling tips. Take a look in our shopping directory for a whole range of occasion wear designers and retailers to find that perfect outfit you’re looking for.

One of the great designers you’ll find in the directory is Classy Rags which has been established for over 20 years and has a collection of stunning outfits to make you stand out from the crowd (just not quite enough to upstage the Bride mind!) and to suit your body shape.

Ariane Poole

When putting an outfit together for a wedding or, come to think of it, day to day it’s not just about the clothes but the whole look. Let us remind you about Ariane Poole, a top international make-up artist who regularly works with us on our projects including making-over Brides and Mother of the Brides live onstage at the National Wedding show.

As a leading name in her field, Ariane has worked with many of the top fashion and beauty photographers and an impressive list of celebrities, models, pop stars and even royalty.

Five years ago, Ariane launched her own make-up range of innovative products which are fashionable, quick and easy to use and rid the need to have a make-up bag overfilling with unnecessary and time-consuming products. Her products make you look effortlessly stunning and are designed to enhance your natural beauty. Her products are also particularly effective at enhancing and beautifying a more mature skin.

www.fabatfifty.co.uk

Finally as you know here at www.howtolookgood.com we love to inspire and be inspired and so we wanted to introduce you to www.fabafterfifty.com – a website for women over 50 or women who want to be fabulous when they reach 50!

Fabafterfifty is a community where experts and guest contributors inspire, share and inform on topics from health and finance, fitness and diet, empty nesting, style, re-launching careers as well as a whole range of other issues.

The philosophy is to create a community where likeminded women can come together to learn, share and inspire to help each other navigate their way through the coming decades fabulously.

Why not join up to see what others are making of this time in their lives and share your experiences.

Report by Sharon Tyler

Chandelier Earrings

An eye-catching pair of earrings such as these beauties from Butler & Wilson will stylishly finish off any looks whether they’re casual or dressy. A glitzy pair of danglers will work really well against simpler daytime ensembles, instantly lifting your looks sans the effort. Try teamed with the tee and trousers, Breton top and pleated skirt or with the denim tunic. For a chic evening ensemble team with the maxi or trench dress.

You might not have thought about the figure enhancing qualities of a pair of earrings but a longer drop pair are flattering for curvier women and the bigger the pair the smaller you’ll look. They’re also a great tool for drawing focus upwards away from other areas such as tummies, hips and thighs.

Large Oval Drop Earrings, £58, available in blue, green, purple and red, Butler and Wilson

Flat Sandals

A pair of flats is an essential summer staple but they don’t just need to be a relief for tired feet or only for those relaxed environs. Flats this season are just as much statement shoes as their towering sisters and can really add that extra something to any look. This gorgeous pair from Clarks has a hint of gladiator together with a jeweled trim which means that they can dress up or down and can chameleon into a variety of looks.

With flats you lose the height so you have to be cautious of straps and where they cut across your leg/ankle. These rose coloured sandals are tonal and so won’t cause too much foreshortening.  The jeweled trim is not only a gorgeous detail but will also draw a lengthening line down your foot.

Team with your maxi or pleated skirt and blouse for a polished look or team with your denim tunic or fringed jacket and wide leg trousers for a more-off duty look.

Clarks Sunday Girl Sandals, £44.99, sizes 3-8, available in Nude Pink and Denim Blue, www.shoesonline4u.co.uk

Skinny Belt

A skinny belt is every wardrobe’s staple style weapon – instantly drawing focus at the waist and creating and complimenting curves.  Use it cleverly to break up a long line with colour, draw focus away from a heavy bust or legs and enhance the waist and optimize height (with a darker colour belt).

A patent skinny belt such as this one from House of Fraser will add a great pop of colour to any outfit as well as a just the right amount of polish. Try it with your maxi dress, trench dress, Breton top and pleated skirt or blouse and wide leg trousers.

Linea Skinny Snake Waist Belt, £15, sizes S, M & L, House of Fraser

Report by Sharon Tyler

Curvy

If you’re curvy then use print to your advantage – one with a darker base shade will give extra flattery to your curves. Alternatively a solid, one-piece swimsuit with a plunging neckline creates a long, lean appearance. If you are ample busted then you will need some extra support – underwired bra tops and wide shoulder straps will help to give you that extra lift and support.

Apple

Look for a swimsuit that has built-in fabric support or a pleated surplice bodice to hold and mould your tummy. Keep the shape simple and opt for plain, darker shades.

Pear

Try a swimsuit with a bold design on the top half and a block colour on the bottom. This draws eyes away from your bottom and hips, giving you a slimmer appearance. Go for swimsuits cut high on the hips to lengthen your legs. Show off your shoulders with a halterneck or this season’s hot asymmetric neckline.

Slender

If you’re small on top then look for a swimsuit with a touch of padding or an underwire, balconette bra style to softly enhance your bust or try a halterneck. You can also experiment with brighter shades, prints and frills, ruching or ruffle detailing. A suit with a form fitting waist will also create the illusion of curves.

Short legs or Long torso

A suit that is cut high on the thigh will make your legs look longer. If you have a long torso then a tankini is an alternative option to still give you good coverage yet break up that long line and give you easy fit. Vibrant prints or colour will also break up a long line.

Swimsuits from left to right:

Silhouette Swimsuit, £38, sizes 12-30, Fifty Plus

Together Classic Swimsuit, £42, sizes 12-32, www.simplyyours.co.uk

F& F Nautical Swimsuit, £12, sizes 6-22, Tesco

Limited Collection Print Cut-Out Swimsuit, £29.50, sizes 8-18, M&S

Report by Sharon Tyler

The red drape dress from Vero Moda Very is perfect if you’ve got a tummy as it will deftly conceal while still giving you structure and shape. The wide cut sleeves will also give you some coverage and flatter arms.

An asymmetric neck line such as the one on this blue dress by Pied a Terre will show off shoulders and balance out a bigger bottom half, as will the tulip shaped skirt – covering your hips and thighs if you are pear shaped.

The strapless rouched neckline of this yellow dress from Untold at House of Fraser will add volume to a slender frame. The slight flair of the skirt together with the belted waist will also add curves, creating an hourglass silhouette.

If you have already got an hourglass shape then this dress from Phase Eight is just right for you, perfectly encasing those delicious curves.

From Left to Right:

Vero Moda Very Colour Block SS Drape Dress, £54, sizes 36-44 , available in red and white, House of Fraser

Pied a Terre Stitch and Panelled Dress, £115.50, sizes 8-16, House of Fraser

Untold Crinkle Bustier Dress, £77, sizes 8-16, available in yellow and coral, House of Fraser

Nadine Cap Sleeve jersey Dress, £37.50, sizes 8-18, Phase Eight

Report by Sharon Tyler

There is a growing change as the fashion industry embraces bodies that are womanly and aspirational…after the two aren’t mutually exclusive.

And when I saw this picture of Tanya Gervasi, modelling in the Rome couture shows for Gattinoni, I just had to share it.

THAT’S WHAT I’M TALKING ABOUT! Of course as designers fit each garment in a bespoke way to the individual model it is the perfect way to showcase more diverse bodies.

It’s great to see small changes step by step and this comes as more colleges agree to sign up to the All Walks diversity pledge to bring more curves to the training of students of design for Ready to Wear. As you know I recently collected an honorary fellowship for the work of All Walks and I’m feeling rather pert myself!

I’m hoping images like these will become less of a rarity. But for now enjoy!