Dealing with those fashion dilemmas Print E-mail
Written by Jane Garner, 2005   
Think you're a funny size or shape? Despair that you'll ever find clothes that are fashionable, wearable and suit you all at the same time? You don't even need to leave home to find what you need - and shopping can become a rewarding pleasure if you're prepared to do some research before you buy, says Jane Garner.

I think I need a shoe specialist

Q: My feet are size 8 (42), so finding shoes is difficult enough, but I can never find knee-length boots to fit me. Any suggestions?

You might suspect there's a conspiracy against women with other than 'standard' size feet, but there are plenty of specialists catering for shoe sizes from UK13 to 12 (continental sizes 31.5-43):
  • London's Little Shoe Shop (www.thelittleshoeshop.com) offers dressy and everyday shoes and boots for sizes 13-3 (31.5-34.5).
  • Varca's colourful sandals and loafers come in sizes 3-10 (34.5-43), and their espadrilles up to UK12, direct from Menorca (www.varca.com).
  • If you have a special occasion ahead, check out the Varna Shoes Collection (www.varnashoes.com) where Occasions styles start at UK4 and go up to UK8, some with matching handbags and hats.
  • Pick a colour or pattern from 125 different designs from Pretty Ballerinas (www.prettyballerinas.com), which caters for sizes 2-9 (35-42) with - you guessed already - flat ballerina pumps.
  • Don't forget the high street, where Next cater for UK sizes 3-10 (36-43) in shoes and boots, with many styles in regular and wide fit.
  • But if you want the next best thing to winter gloves for your feet and legs, check out Bath-based DUO boots (www.duoboots.com) for smart or casual boots for sizes 2-10 (35-43) in up to 20 calf fittings from 30-50cm widths.

Looking smart in the office

Q: I work in an office but find it increasingly difficult to buy suitable clothes, especially trousers, which are right for my shape and not too 'young'.

Remember, nobody (not even catwalk models) fits everything and an open mind and honed hunting skills pay off when it comes to shopping. It's worth investing in a good cut and quality fabrics for work, so explore high street and independent fashion stores and identify which brands suit your body shape. A handful of collections offer different trouser shapes which feel more comfortable and make you look good. The trend for this autumn is for dark pants with a patterned top and plain button or wrap cardigan, or alternatively a textured tweed or military-style jacket.

  • Trouser specialists Michèle have a range of five fittings for smart and casual trews as well as jeans for grown-ups.
  • Kettlewell Colours (www.kettlewellcolours.co.uk) sells a huge variety of soft tops from camisoles to shirts and t-shirts in sizes 8-18 in five cuts from fitted to oversized.
  • The Artigiano and Spirito di Artigiano collections (www.artigiano.co.uk) are dedicated to sizes 8-20 and 16-30 respectively and offer plenty of choice for workers too busy to traipse around shops.

Feeling good from the inside out

Q: I have a special occasion coming up and want to wear something that makes me feel good, but copes with my less-than-perfect bits - where do I start?

Every good outfit begins with the right underwear, which will not only enhance or disguise physically, but also boost your inner confidence by providing more than moral support. No matter what your size or shape, there's a set of lingerie out there for you. And if drastic measures are the only option, then hand over control to body-shaping, elastane-packed designs that smooth bumps into shapely curves.

Make sure you are wearing the right size bra and buy knickers the next size up, if in doubt. Comfort is your prime consideration.

If you don't have a local lingerie shop that stocks your favourite styles and size, take your pick on the Internet:
  • AmpleBosom (www.amplebosom.com) has bras for bust 28D or 30AA to 58J.
  • Figleaves (www.figleaves.com) caters for bust sizes 28DD or 30AA to 56FF and 38JJ.
  • A small bosom will appreciate the lingerie and swimwear at Little Women (www.littlewomen.co.uk) for bras from 32AAA, 30AA and 30A to 40A, plus matching briefs size 8-14.
  • More than one billion pairs of Sloggi briefs have been sold around the world and their success must be attributed in part to them being made in dress sizes 10-30. Plus they can be hot washed up to 90°C.


Q: I know I'm supposed to understand all the washing instruction symbols and how to get stains out of clothes, but I don't - where can I find advice?

Arm yourself with Cindy Harris's Laundry Hints & Tips (Ryland Peters & Small), which covers more than 20 wash care symbols, washing machine cycles, removing common stains and ironing tips. Even if you think you know it all already, you'll learn something from this neat little volume (www.rylandpeters.com).

Shopping with a difference at an 'outlet'

Q: I've never been to a shopping village or gone 'outlet shopping', but our WI is organising a day out to one soon. Have you any tips?

First of all, you're far more likely to see something different from the norm. It is not like shopping in the high street. Whatever you call them, the UK is now well served with dedicated, out-of-town shopping complexes filled with shops selling cut-price clothes and much more. Stores tend to focus on a single brand or product such as designer shoes, usually past season's stock so the choice of sizes and colours tends to be limited. Always do your homework before driving miles to shop.

Check what brands you'll see and whether there are any special events, perhaps for Christmas, coming up. And always sign up for the mailing list because they'll keep you posted all year with details about new shops and deals for loyal visitors.

But if you'd prefer to learn instead how to 'do' London successfully once or twice a year, get yourself a copy of Where to Wear London (www.wheretowear.com), which allows planning for a shopping trip by area or clothing category, taking in hard-to-find boutiques and timely restaurant stops or perhaps a foot massage along the way.

One-off 'outlets' around the country sell discounted designer brands. They are well worth a visit if you're in the area (ask the tourist board) or know you love the brand already, but it still pays to check ahead what's actually in stock.

Single best buy for this autumn?

Q: If I could buy one item of clothing that would update my wardrobe this winter, what would you suggest?

No single item, apart from a boldly patterned or coloured coat that expresses your personality in every stitch, can wave a magic wand, but a handful of clever buys will make a notable - and enjoyable - difference:

  • Tweed - a dressy jacket, everyday skirt or handbag and matching shoes;
  • Diamond-pattern knits;
  • Anything with a rosette or floral corsage - the fashionable extra for autumn;
  • A jacket or cardigan with a fur collar, preferably detachable so you get two looks in one;
  • Smart accessories - never underestimate the glamour added by the right handbag, gloves or scarf;
  • Colour - buy one bright colour that really suits you and wear it on your top half for maximum effect. The new season's reds, bright pinks and pansy purple are dense and delightful;
  • If a coat is too much, find a jacket or long cardigan with an interesting collar - oversized or fluted for a more feminine look, or a buttoned-up military style.

All information correct when Woman's World went to press in 2005/06.
 
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