Tell me what to wear

[BoatieBird]

Personal shopper The thought terrifies me.

Me too, maybe one day I'll be brave enough.
Happy shopping!

 

[Fad011]

have you looked for tops in Bravissimo ... they have some nice cross over tops (which look great with big boobs) & theres are built for bigger boobs.

Monsoon are pretty generous in sizing & some styles are more suitable for bigger boobs, i brought a gorgeous dress in the sales last week, very similar shape to the red one posted above & it is clevage tastic ... (ideal as it stops people looking at my fab tum ..lol) they go up to a 22, so you could always go up a size (for more boob room) & then have the waist taken in.

 

[mrsfran]

have you looked for tops in Bravissimo ... they have some nice cross over tops (which look great with big boobs) & theres are built for bigger boobs.

Monsoon are pretty generous in sizing & some styles are more suitable for bigger boobs, i brought a gorgeous dress in the sales last week, very similar shape to the red one posted above & it is clevage tastic ... (ideal as it stops people looking at my fab tum ..lol) they go up to a 22, so you could always go up a size (for more boob room) & then have the waist taken in.

I have looked in both, but unfortunately of the things I've tried on, if they fit my top half, they're much too long for me. Monsoon in particular.

 

[butterfly child]

I generally frequent two shops.

Ulla Popken & Larger Than Life.

Ulla is in Walton on Thames and LTL is in Kew.

Admittedly, height is the problem... and I am a relatively GIANT at about 5'3 but LTL have some very able seamstresses.

 

[FiFi]

Oh MissFran I envy your height! I'm even shorter than you and have REALLY big boobs (and bottom).

I go in at the waist, but nobody ever notices because I have to dress to fit the top and bottom.

I am reading this thread avidly and taking notes.
I am determined to try and smarten up a bit, especially now I no longer have to wear a uniform to work.

Also, I really shouldn't dress like a scruffy student now I'm almost 40!

 

[madamv]

I have looked in both, but unfortunately of the things I've tried on, if they fit my top half, they're much too long for me. Monsoon in particular.

A seamstress will soon fix that....

Take pins with you when shopping. If you find something you like, just stick it up with a couple of pins in the front so you can see what it would look like at the right length...

I am a shortie too, fatter than you, but also with boobage. I dont like patterns, I think they clash with my face iykwim... I cant do 3/4 length trousers for this reason, I cant decide if I am in short longs, or long shorts

 

[butterfly child]

A seamstress will soon fix that....

Take pins with you when shopping. If you find something you like, just stick it up with a couple of pins in the front so you can see what it would look like at the right length...

I am a shortie too, fatter than you, but also with boobage. I dont like patterns, I think they clash with my face iykwim... I cant do 3/4 length trousers for this reason, I cant decide if I am in short longs, or long shorts

I bought a gorgeous pair of fuschia pink trousers the other day...

The owner of the shop said "Oh, I bet you'll like these, they're culottes"

"They may be culottes on you" I said "I daresay they'll be normal length on me. In fact, they'll be too long!"

And they were.. but one of her seamstresses took them up for me and they're fab! Just waiting for the right time to wear them

 

[mrsfran]

A seamstress will soon fix that....

Take pins with you when shopping. If you find something you like, just stick it up with a couple of pins in the front so you can see what it would look like at the right length...

I am a shortie too, fatter than you, but also with boobage. I dont like patterns, I think they clash with my face iykwim... I cant do 3/4 length trousers for this reason, I cant decide if I am in short longs, or long shorts

For some reason, I always think getting something taken up/shortened is going to be a massive hassle. I guess it isn't really? I should try it.

I know what you mean about 3/4 length trousers. It's a shame, because I love them, so when I go on holiday I go to Matalan and buy what should be above-the-knee shorts, which become 3/4 length on me

 

[mrsfran]

Spangles really is your woman, as she understands how to dress women with boobage and lack of height. I'm a completely different body shape to you.

You really are teeny - have you tried shops with petite ranges, like Wallis? I quite like this dress.

The more I think about this dress, the more I like it. I hope they have it at Westfields.

 

[Ms T]

The more I think about this dress, the more I like it. I hope they have it at Westfields.

I'm not at work today or I would check for you. It is a great colour.

I'll gladly go shopping with you if you like, missfran. I love shopping, and I think you need someone to make you try on things you would normally dismiss, ifyswim. I should warn you that I'm a total fashion victim though. You may end up with a jumpsuit.

 

[mrsfran]

I'm too shy to go shopping with someone I don't know

Are you coming to the Urban lady's night next weekend?

 

[Ms T]

I'm too shy to go shopping with someone I don't know

Are you coming to the Urban lady's night next weekend?

I can't, I'm afraid, as I'm going on holiday.

 

[BoatieBird]

I quite like the look of this one from Debenhams petites - a bargain at £35 too!

http://www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_10001_10001_61538_1004485_-1

Would the 'waterfall' effect bit at the front be good for hiding a wobbly tum (mine I mean!)? or would it just accentuate it? I'm no good at all this fashion stuff

 

[Ms T]

I've just had a quick look at some Petite ranges and I'm beginning to see your problem. You definitely need to find a good seamstress who can take things up for you.

These cropped trousers from Dotty P are quite good though, and only £12.

http://www.dorothyperkins.com/webap...category_rn=51561&productId=1031865&langId=-1

Here's another nice dress, from Debenham's Petite range:

And this is nice too - I know you said that patterns aren't good for you but spots suit everybody:

You definitely need a wide-legged trouser, imho:

I would also get a classic beige mac which you can wear with everything come Spring/Summer:

http://www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_10001_10001_61540_689499_-1

 

[BoatieBird]

I've just found this info on the Debenhams site:

PETITES BUYING GUIDE

Petite explained
Know your body shape
Useful tips

Petite explained
Petite is a term used for women who are 5ft 4” or shorter but the term is mainly used for those with a smaller body frame. Some women may be only smaller on either the top or bottom half of their bodies so need to mix and match clothes from the standard and petite range. This can also work in reverse some taller women may also need to buy clothes from the petite range so it is important that you know your body shape. We have put together a useful guide so that when you go shopping you don’t sell yourself short.

Know your body shape
There are different body shapes and once you know which shape best describes you will determine the best styles to suit your shape.

Long body and short legs - If this best describes you then you should accentuate your the top half of your body. Avoid wide legged trousers as this can make your legs look shorter. Beware of wide legged and cropped trousers as these styles make your legs look shorter. Knee length skirts will help to make you look taller and long line jackets look great if you have curvy hips and thighs.

Short body, long legs – The key with this body shape is to make the top you’re your body look longer and to accentuate your long legs. Low waist trousers are a great look for this body shape, teamed with short fitted jackets or fitted tops make the perfect combination. Dark, plain colours can also help to make your body look longer so stick to one colour and accessorise to add a splash of colour to your outfit. Avoid high-waisted trousers as this will make your body look even shorter.

Smaller above the waist than below – This is a classic petite body shape and you need to accentuate the shoulder and arm areas. Strappy and sleeveless tops are a must-have but avoid anything that draws attention to your hip area. It is not recommended to wear pleats and gathered skirts. Darker colours are great for making you look taller and give a more proportionate look.

Top heavy, narrow hips and thighs – With this body shape it is important to stay away from horizontal stripes and polo necked tops. Fitted V-neck shirts and tops will flatter this body shape and three quarter length sleeves will flatter your arms. You can also wear wide legged trousers and long skirts which is ideal for those who have narrow hips and thighs.

Useful tips

Scale down, for instance if wide belts are in fashion then get a slightly thinner one so that you will look in proportion with your body frame and height.
Be careful when buying big, bold prints, opt for smaller more delicate prints.
Fit is the most important factor for petite women so don’t be afraid to mix and match and from petite and standard ranges to ensure the fit is spot-on.
Accessorise, it is true that darker, solid colours look great on petite women but you can add a splash of colour to your outfit with a fabulous pair of shoes and jewellery.

 

[Ms T]

Couldn't get all the images to work for some reason. I'll try again:

http://www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_10001_10001_61539_689363_-1

http://www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_10001_10001_61538_857994_-1

 

[BoatieBird]

Here's another nice dress, from Debenham's Petite range:

That's the one that caught my eye - I might have to pop into Debenhams at the weekend...

 

[Ms T]

That's the one that caught my eye - I might have to pop into Debenhams at the weekend...

It's lovely - great colour - very "on trend". Can you tell I'm addicted to Grazia magazine?

 

[Ms T]

So, to summarise: on your shopping trip this weekend I think you should aim to get

a dress
a pair of wide-legged trousers
a wrap top
a shrug
a mac

Have you tried wrap dresses, miss fran? Spangles swears by them and they're great for ladies with boobage.

 

[Ms T]

Did I mention that I have bossy tendencies?

 

[Ms T]

I quite like the look of this one from Debenhams petites - a bargain at £35 too!

http://www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_10001_10001_61538_1004485_-1

Would the 'waterfall' effect bit at the front be good for hiding a wobbly tum (mine I mean!)? or would it just accentuate it? I'm no good at all this fashion stuff

You obviously posted that while I was doing my mammoth post!

I reckon it would be fine - the ruffle will draw the eye downwards, hopefully away from the tum. Hard to tell without trying it on though.

 

[Ms T]

There are lots of nice macs around at the moment, in great colours. M&S has some good ones, and H&M. In fact, I'm loving H&M at the moment. Might be worth trying them, although not all of the shops stock their bigger sizes.

I'll shut up now.

 

[BoatieBird]

So, to summarise: on your shopping trip this weekend I think you should aim to get

a dress
a pair of wide-legged trousers
a wrap top
a shrug
a mac

Have you tried wrap dresses, miss fran? Spangles swears by them and they're great for ladies with boobage.

Why the wide leg? Are they more flattering for us short-arses?

 

[Ms T]

Why the wide leg? Are they more flattering for us short-arses?

I may be completely wrong here because I'm 5'8 so not used to dressing short arses. But I think they're flattering in general and quite versatile. Also miss fran wants to smarten up a bit I think.

I'm not as good at this as Spangles, but I have some time on my hands today!

 

[5t3IIa]

I am 5'4 and pretty much a whale and I say: hang worrying about what you look like and wear what you fancy!

This isn't exactly advice but soemthing I try to live by. As long as it actually physically fits I wear all sorts of crap and feel great. Wet look leggins on a bum the size of an armchair? FUCK YOU!

 

[brix]

I am 5'4 and pretty much a whale and I say: hang worrying about what you look like and wear what you fancy!

This isn't exactly advice but soemthing I try to live by. As long as it actually physically fits I wear all sorts of crap and feel great. Wet look leggins on a bum the size of an armchair? FUCK YOU!

 

[mrsfran]

So, to summarise: on your shopping trip this weekend I think you should aim to get

a dress
a pair of wide-legged trousers
a wrap top
a shrug
a mac

Have you tried wrap dresses, miss fran? Spangles swears by them and they're great for ladies with boobage.

I have tried wrap dresses, but again - while they fit on top they're invariably much too long and the hem rests at mid-calf level, which is not a good look which you're short and stubby.

I've just found this info on the Debenhams site:

PETITES BUYING GUIDE

Petite explained
Know your body shape
Useful tips

Petite explained
Petite is a term used for women who are 5ft 4” or shorter but the term is mainly used for those with a smaller body frame. Some women may be only smaller on either the top or bottom half of their bodies so need to mix and match clothes from the standard and petite range. This can also work in reverse some taller women may also need to buy clothes from the petite range so it is important that you know your body shape. We have put together a useful guide so that when you go shopping you don’t sell yourself short.

This is exactly my problem - they're made for a smaller body frame. While I am very short, I do not have a small body frame Anything that is scaled to fit my height does not fit my actual body

 

[mrsfran]

I appreciate the advice though, btw.

 

[Ms T]

Apparently Monsoon have a petite range. This dress would be gorgeous for weddings:

 

[5t3IIa]

Phwaor look at that green