January 2005: Start the year with a few key pieces.

Lots of you have asked about spring fashion in your questions this month and how to understand and work with spring 2006 and fashion trends. Next month we will be unveiling our big seasonal update to help you understand spring fashion from catwalk to the high street. So to keep you going I’ve compiled this month’s question and answer session with spring 2006 and fashion trends that are up and coming.Buy it now and it will see you through to next autumn.

Question: ‘I was into the gypsy look last summer and bought lots of tops and dresses to wear over jeans and a big belt, which I found very flattering, as I am a curvy size 16. I am going shopping for new clothes in the January sales and want to know what this season’s look will be - what do you suggest?’ Esther

Boudoir is the new gypsy. The look is still soft and romantic but for spring fashion, dresses and tops come in fabrics such as lace and satin. You can still wear these looks over jeans, however I suggest bearing your legs, as (quoted recently in Vogues top 100 and seen on many of the catwalks) bare legs are in.

This La redoute dress is ideal; as it can be easily worn on its own for the day and then glam it up with heals for the evening. It’s cut on the bias so is suitable for your curves, as the bias covers lumps and bumps.

Caryn says. To know more about dressing your curves, download an e-book specially written by me for your individual body shape
Click here

La redoute Cacharel Silk satin dress, sizes 8-18, available in dusty pink or black. Was £109 now reduced to £64.40 www.laredoute.com

Question: ‘I saw Victoria Beckham in a magazine wearing a lovely pencil skirt. I love her style and I and really want to buy it, however I am sure I can’t afford her one, do you know where I can get one similar?’ Ann

Victoria was no doubt wearing the Roland Mouret design, so popular last autumn. Good news however, spring fashion trends from the catwalk are still favouring the so-called ‘lady-like’ look. Pencil skirts teamed with shirts or short sleeved knitwear were seen at the Jasper Conran show in London and since he picks up on the more mainstream trends, I’d say you are safe to buy this shape of skirt and enjoy it all season.

ASOS have an identical skirt to Victoria’s pictured above. It comes in a herringbone pencil skirt, with two front pockets and leatherette piping trim on sides and waistband. Team it with heels for the total look.

Caryn says. To know more about creating curves if you are slender, download an e-book specially written by me for your individual body shape
Click here

ASOS Pencil skirt
in sizes 8-16, £25

ASOS

Question: ‘My boyfriend has booked us a holiday to Spain this month as my Christmas present. I’m worried as I put on a bit of weight over Christmas and the New Year, and I now don’t have much time before we go. I am dreading revealing myself on the beach, do you have any suggestions?’ Jessica

You’re not alone on that one. Many women feel conscious about revealing their body after all the cosy winter comfort eating. The solution is simple – buy a fab tunic top to wear over swimwear. This will not only look good on the beach, but also après beach too.

Take a look at this one from a large online company called Kaleidoscope. It’s made of crochet, which is a key trend from the catwalk, and will jazz up any swimsuit or bikini.

Caryn says. To know more about dressing your curvy body, download an e-book specially written by me for your individual body shape.
Click here

www.kaleidoscope.co.uk
Sexy crochet tunic £40 -
sizes 10/12-18/20.

Question: ‘I dread the warmer weather as I can never find a vest that I can wear, that doesn’t make me look flat chested, help me!’ Lorna

Vests are a great spring fashion staple and work well under other tops to create an on trend ‘put together look,’ however if you are lacking curves, they can be unflattering as you have rightly noticed.

But this doesn’t mean you cannot wear them. Just choose a vest that has some clever fabric detailing at the bust to create volume.

This top from LX direct is exactly the thing you need not just because it is a great styling device, but also ruffles will feature in spring fashion trends.

Do also invest in a good uplift bra with clear straps and a seamless cup to ensure that you get a flawless look under the vest. There are plenty of sites like ‘aa lingerie’ and ‘max cleavage’ in our virtual shopping mall that specialise in smaller cups

Caryn says. To know more about creating curves if you are slender, download an e-book specially written by me for your individual body shape
Click here

White jersey frill top, sizes 8-16, £16.99 www.lxdirect.com

Question: ‘I have been invited to a spring wedding. I am 35, 5ft 4 and a small size 10. I will see a lot of old classmates that I have not seen since I was a teenager and I want to stand out. I have looked everywhere and have tried on numerous dresses and tunic tops but can’t find anything that looks fashionable and doesn’t make me look too skinny. Have you seen anything that I might look good in?” Charlotte

Being on the petite side I would suggest you stay away from anything that will cover you up to much, instead go for something that flatters your shape and shows off your neat and trim frame.

This 60’s style shift dress would be a good choice because spring fashion trends have produced the white shift dress in abundance. This style will also suit you perfectly because it has an empire line, which is a great device for focusing the eye at the top of the body to create the illusion of more height. It’s also available in lilac.

Caryn says: To know more about dressing your petite frame to create the illusion of height, download a book specially written by me for your individual body shape.
Click here

Duchess satin shift dress trimmed with a neat bow, sizes 10-20. £55 www.kaleidoscope.co.uk.

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