Summer fashion

Summer fashion is still on your mind, but let’s talk autumn / fall 2007 fashion trends too!

Yes in my mail sack this month you want to talk about summer fashion and ‘why not,’ I say - the weather is only just hot enough again to get out those lovely dresses. So you’d better give them a good airing because autumn/fall fashion 2007 trends are already hitting the shops.

And before you go out on your next shopping trip, find out more about how to dress for your body type I can promise you it will be time well spent and will help you to look your absolute best…

Now let me show you what I’m recommending this month as I answer five reader’s questions. And if your question isn’t answered here then go through to ‘Ask Caryn,’ where there are another ten solutions to your style dilemmas.

Question: “Dear Caryn
I have just had a baby girl and can’t exercise for a few months yet, which is really frustrating, as I want to loose some of my stomach bulge. I am breast-feeding so feel assured from my friends that the weight will drop off soon! In the meantime can you suggest anything that I can buy on line that will cover my bulge? It needs to be a bit dressy so I can wear it at my husband’s family BBQ, and something I can wear with my leggings. I am also trying to only buy from fair trade companies. I’m average height and size 12-14 on top. "
Lisa aged 38

Hi Lisa,

congratulations on your daughter. Of course you want something a bit special for this BBQ to help you feel like you again. I’ve been talking about ethical trading companies in my newsletters recently and we have just created a directory entry where you will find plenty of sites to enjoy. I have found a great look for you from Adili, which is the Swahili word for, ethical and just. It’s a wonderful printed blouse that is elegant but also loose fitting so will cover your post pregnancy curves. It is great for summer but will also work when the autumn/fall 2007 trends get in full swing as a more layered look with a heavy ribbed cardigan over the top.

Adili
Silk hand painted ethical blouse
£100
Sizes 8-18
www.adili.com

If you want to know what to wear to flatter your body shape then select an e-book specially written for you by Caryn. This is styling advice that will last you a lifetime and there are 19 different shapes to choose from. One of them is just right for you.

Question: “Hi Caryn
I am looking for clothes that are a bit more individual than the high street and don’t look cheap. I am a size 24 and I think I am quite fashionable but currently don’t like the fashion in the shops, as a lot of the styles make my boobs look bigger or are too girly. I like prints but not ones with flowers on them.  I like my figure although I don’t like to show my legs as I suffer from water retention around my ankles, which makes them look bloated. I want to shop where I feel they understand my needs. Please help me."
Sophie

Hi Sophie
You can find styles and shapes that suit you and are individual; you just have to know where to go. This is where I come in. I would straight away suggest you look out for some long printed skirts, tunic style shirts and wide legged or boot cut style trousers. These shapes will work around your shape. If you want something a bit different but also elegant I have just the solution for you. Beulah has lots of very individual styles in fabulous prints and caters for the curvaceous figure. I love this wonderfully cut tunic that is longer at the back, very stylish!

Beulah Clothing
£138
Sizes 18/20-26/28
www.beulahclothing.com

If you want to know what to wear to flatter your body shape then select an e-book specially written for you by Caryn. This is styling advice that will last you a lifetime and there are 19 different shapes to choose from. One of them is just right for you.

Question: "Dear Caryn
I have a big personality and I am a size 28, I have lots of curves, which I love and want to show off at my 40th birthday party next month. Have you seen anything that is colorful, fashionable, will pull in my waist and hide my flabby arms?"
Jenny

Hi Jenny
Arms can easily be covered up by a-line or angel sleeves. Waists can be pulled in by belts and also good underwear such as support pants available in sizes 12 - 28 from www.simplyyours.co.uk

Now for my best style tip. Purple is a strong colour and will go well with your personality; it’s also a key colour this season. I love this dress below is ideal for you in terms of shape and can be dressed up for the evening with accessories such as high heeled shoes or boots and some big sparkly earrings.

Simply Be
Belted jersey dress
£40
Sizes 14-32
www.simplybe.co.uk

If you want to know what to wear to flatter your body shape then select an e-book specially written for you by Caryn. This is styling advice that will last you a lifetime and there are 19 different shapes to choose from. One of them is just right for you.

Question. “Dear Caryn
I want to buy a new suit for work. I am petite, 5ft and work for a bank as a PA so I have to wear smart clothes everyday. I hate having to plan what to wear so I want something that goes with the rest of the wardrobe and is versatile and I can wear all year. Any ideas where I can start? I have seen a lot of short suits, are they ok for the office? I also have a budget of around £100. "
Sarah

Hi Sarah
August is apparently going to hot and we are expecting a heat wave - at last! So with summer fashion still with us, you probably need still to think of a suit that is smart but also cool to wear. The short suits that are everywhere look great on but are not easy to wear to work and some come up quite short! So you could opt for a longer suit such as the one below, which is still smart and good to wear in the city heat. The great thing also about this suit is it comes with other separates so you get more for your money - a waistcoat, longer legged trousers and the cropped trousers and jacket and is just around your budget!

Colours available- beige, black and brown
Sizes 8S-20L
Freemans 

If you want to know what to wear to flatter your body shape then select an e-book specially written for you by Caryn. This is styling advice that will last you a lifetime and there are 19 different shapes to choose from. One of them is just right for you.

Question. "Dear Caryn
I have been invited to a wedding in Italy and I want to wear something really summery. I am Asian, 4ft 10 in height and size 14, my problem area is my hips.  I went shopping last weekend but got frustrated by all the sales going on and couldn’t find anything. Please help me. "
Charlotte

Hi Charlotte
Don’t worry there are still plenty of choices out there. Your hips can easily be disguised by an a-line skirt or dress like the one below. Yellow is also an excellent colour for you skin tone and very much in fashion and as this dress has hints of yellow you can accessorize it with a pair of yellow shoes and accessories too. Take a cardigan with you, which you can purchase from Monsoon for the evening chill. I love this site – Debbie the owner is also petite and wanted to create clothes that are excellent quality. She is also having a sale but I think this one could be to your advantage

Petite Affair
Lemon silk dress
Sizes 6-14
£85
www.petiteaffair.co.uk 

If you want to know what to wear to flatter your body shape then select an e-book specially written for you by Caryn. This is styling advice that will last you a lifetime and there are 19 different shapes to choose from. One of them is just right for you.

Sign up for your free e-zine personally written by me.

Each month I'll be recommending my best online buys gathered from a whole month's surfing on your behalf, there'll be the latest insider fashion news, my styling tips for the month and I'll give you a behind the scenes peak at my world, from fashion shoots to programme making. Best of all I report on the best celebrity quotes of the month from the smart and not so smart. There's even the chance to give me your opinions and feedback on particular topics to be printed on the site. Sign up now!

Please be reassured we do not give out your address to anyone.
Click here to subscribe