Fashion Fix

Slimming fabrics?

I was wondering which fabrics I should choose to help me look slimmer and which ones to avoid? Many thanks, Paula.

Hi Paula,

I would suggest you stay clear of any synthetic fabrics that are thin and hug the body -think skim rather than cling! Opt for more structured fabric such as cotton or a denim but do avoid stretch denim as it will do your shape no justice. Other fabrics to avoid are chunky knitwear and thick cord fabrics.

Try and ensure that the fit of the garment is good and get familiar with your body shape as this will help you choose clothes that will flatter your overall shape.

Pregnancy wear

I am three months pregnant and was wondering about the best sort of clothes to buy that will see me throughout my pregnancy? I still want to look fashionable but I don’t want to spend a fortune on a new wardrobe. Any suggestions? Thanks Maura

Hi Maura,

Well I think the best advice I can give you is to stick with the classic basics, such as a good pair of stretch maternity jeans, and an array of v-neck tops and extra- long vest tops that will help to flatter the bust line while the body changes.

These days there is a good choice of maternity wear available, I think we have all found ourselves at some stage admiring an item of clothing and then realising it is a maternity range and getting out of there fast! The days of the pinafores and smocks and raiding your partners wardrobe are well gone.

In Kilkenny we have a wonderful choice as we have our own maternity wear shop, (Nine Months) which is on Kieran Street. It is a must for all your wardrobe basics.

Dunne Stores have a maternity range and Benetton on High Street stock maternity as do Winstons (a trendy range) and Dorothy Perkins in Goods (good affordable pieces). Warehouse have also recently started selling their own maternity range. 

All of these shops will have you looking fashionable and above all comfortable and don’t forget jewellery and accessories – both inexpensive ways to dress up your outfit and help you feel nice even on the very bloated days! If you find another brand or shop that stock nice maternity wear do let me know as I can share it with other readers. Enjoy your pregnancy.

Disguising large hips

I have large hips and was wondering how I could disguise them without having to wear long jackets all the time to cover them up. Thanls Angela.

Hi Angela,

The best way to minimize your hips is to wear darker colours on your bottom half, wide leg trousers are very flattering especially worn with heels, Also try a bootleg or flared trousers as they will help to balance out your shape. If you like skirts and dresses opt for an a-line style, as this shape will skim not cling!

Guide to Internet Shopping for Wide Calved Boots

• Having problems finding boots to fit?
• Don't have the time to spend hours trawling the internet?
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• No adverts, no affiliate deals - just my guide to the best places to shop.
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Screen shot of the list of retailers who sell wide or large calved boots - click on image for larger size.

About the Guide
The 30 page guide is in 3 parts:

1. A general guide on how to buy boots on the internet covering issues such as sizing and how to have boots altered.
2. A guide to the best brands for wide or large calves - 4 in total
3. A guide to the best online retailers for boots - 13 in total - that are rated for their Choice of Styles and Clear Calf-Width Information

A sample retailer review from the guide can be see here - click on image for larger size

Special offer - was $12.50 - now $8

To buy the guide please click on the link here. This will bring you to a page where you will be asked to enter your Paypal account details. The guide is currently on special offer for $8 (normal price of $12.50)

Martina Bohanna
__________________________________________________

Additional Information on the Guide:

It focuses on footwear brands and online stores which have been recommended by other women in the same position. It was compiled by doing extensive online research of forums, consumer-rating sites and other places where women shared their experience of shopping and searching.

I then spent time in each online store or site looking at their styles, sizing advice and shipping. I excluded a couple of retailers whose current selection of styles is poor and whose information on width was inadequate.

It focuses on stores and brands in the USA and the UK.

I will be incorporating the feedback and suggestions from readers of the guide into an update at the end of January 2007. That will be free of charge to everyone who purchases the initial version. 

Support:

If you have any queries, questions or issues please contact me using my email address: martinabohanna AT gmail.com. I am in the GMT time zone and will try to respond to your email query within 24 hours at the latest.

Paypal

I am using a service called Payloadz which allows you to use the Paypal service (the most common method of payment on ebay). This has two advantages for you:

1. You do not need to give me your credit card details
2. You can download the Guide immediately once you have made your payment

For a link on how to set up a Paypal account click here: www.paypal.com/help

Payloadz

You can log into Payloadz at any time to get details of your order. Please use the following link:

http://www.payloadz.com/d1/lookup.asp

How can I disguise my tummy area?

I have had a couple of babies and am trying to lose weight but it seems to be taking forever! I still have a jelly belly - how can I disguise my tummy area? Thanks Julie.

Hi Julie,
For most women the tummy area is the main problem. We are bombarded with pictures in magazines and on TV. But the reality is that most of us are hanging out over our jeans! So here are some handy slimming tips to disguise your tummy area.

DO

• Go for a low waistband.
• Front or side zip.
• Ruched tops
• Wrap tops
• Fitted jackets
• Flat panel skirts/trousers
• Last but not least slimming pants (think Bridget Jones) - a pair of these always come in handy for little black dress occasions or just when you need a little extra help!
• Avoid tight jeans/trousers

DON'T

• Lycra
• Hipsters
• Drawstring trousers
• Tight or short tops
• Avoid tucking in tops
• Straight cut skirts
• Flimsy fabrics - remember skim not cling!

Best of luck with it.

Skirt for large calves

I am small in height and slim but I have large calves. I want to buy some skirts for summer but I am unsure what style skirt would flatter me most. Thanks, Helen.

Hi Helen,

I would suggest you avoid bias cut skirts that end mid-calf as this is not a very flattering length and doesn't show enough leg to elongate it. Try a longer A-line skirt or a flared style as these will create an illusion of balance.

The shoes you wear with your skirt will also play a big part in flattering your legs - avoid straps around the ankle as they will add width and shorten the leg and  also avoid thin heels. Go for a thicker sturdy heel as they work better on thicker ankles.

Large upper arms

I hate to show my upper arms off, as they are quite large. Can you give me some help on choosing the correct top that will hide my arms? Thanks Maeve.

Hi Maeve,

The best sort of tops for you are ones with three quarter length sleeves or soft floaty sleeve as they will help to disguise your upper arms and won't cling. You could also try a wrap-style top as it will divide the bust and give illusion of a slim waist.

A wrap style dress would also be a good buy for your shape. Avoid tops with spaghetti straps and cape or puff sleeves, as these will only draw attention to your arms. Best of luck.

Dress for curves

I am invited to a friends wedding in Italy in June.  I would like a nice dress but always have problems finding clothes to fit me as I am a curvy size 16. Any suggestions appreciated. Thanks Steph.

Hi Steph,

I would suggest something light and floaty like a chiffon dress - as dresses are big news this summer you should have a good choice. Maybe try on a v-neck or a empire line as these styles will help to flatter your shape. A dress that will fall from just under your boobs will skim over your curves and would look good.

Don’t go for a dress with spaghetti straps try one with wide straps which means you can still wear a bra and you don’t have to worry about straps showing. When you get your dress then have fun teaming it up with a pair of heels and some nice jewellery and a little bag. Let me know how you get on and what style dress and label you went for in the end as other readers might be interested to know. Enjoy the wedding.

Disguising my Tummy

Dear Martina

I like to wear jeans but I never know what style top to wear as I want to disguise my tummy and everything seems to cling to that area. Any ideas? Thanks, Rebecca.

Hi Rebecca,

I suggest you try a top with a little volume that drapes over your tummy area. They sometimes end in a point and I am sure you have seen them in the shops as they have been around for a while. This is a very flattering style and very feminine. Happy shopping!

Tops to fit

I am a size 12 but I have a large bust and I always have problems getting tops to fit properly - shirts always gape at the bust which is annoying and I am quite self-conscious in a lot of tops I buy. Any suggestions for me,Thanks Sue.

Dear Sue,

The first thing I will suggest is check you are wearing the right size bra for your size as a well-fitted bra is the most important item in your wardrobe. Make sure it is made in a smooth fabric - avoid lace and decoration as a plain bra will be a lot more versatile. Having the correct size bra will do wonders for your size and shape and there is such a vast choice in the shops these days.

When buying tops go for a v-neck or a wrap-top or cardigan. Both will work wonders  and cardigans are especially good as you can loosen or tighten the belt as much as you want. They will help to show off a small waist which is an added bonus.

Try and avoid polo necks and high round necks. When buying knitwear avoid chunky knits and all cable knit jumpers as these will add pounds to your upper body -  something you want to avoid. Hope this is of some help to you.