Looking for style advice? Speak to Alex Moore, personal stylist, on Tues 24th June

[LocalEditorChelmsford]

On Tuesday 24th June, 8 - 9pm, we have personal stylist Alex Moore coming on for a web chat to answer all your style questions!

Alex says 'From online styling advice to a full on wardrobe overhaul, I can help women find their way with fashion, give them the confidence to wear things they didn't think they could, suggest outfits for special occasions and now to add to my list, help mummys to be rock that bump and not hide behind maternity wear that hides their figure! I will work to any budget and all I ask is that my clients come to me with an open mind and be prepared to have some fun!'

Alex has also recently added maternity styling to her list of services. So if you are pregnant she has lots of advice to take you through your pregnancy in style.

The more information you can give in your questions, the better … i.e. what size you are, where you like to shop, an idea of your budget, etc.

So whether you have a special occasion coming up, need advice on what to wear in the office, want to jazz up your current wardrobe or have a specific question about maternity clothiers and what to wear in pregnancy post your question in this thread and Alex will be along to answer them.

For more information about the services Alex provides see her listing here.

Thekitchensink
I am going back to work soon after 3 year of being a stay at home mum. Depressingly most of my work clothes no longer fit and those that do fit I don't like anymore! ??I haven't really got a lot of time to go shopping so could you suggest some online shops for me or stores where I can get everything in one go? ??I'm a size 12/14, 5ft7 with a budget of about £250-£300. It's an office environment and I work 3/4 days a week so will need a bit of variety!

Hi Thekitchensink

I think ASOS would be a great place for you to do a spot of online shopping
You’ve also got Warehouse and Oasis, which I think are great for office wear and John Lewis

ASOS and John Lewis will give you the variety of more than one concession.

Asos.com
Johnlewis.com
Oasis-stores.com
Warehouse.co.uk

Tip - Invest in a good pair of work trousers / suit that will last a few years (don’t forget you’d only wear them Autumn / Winter time) in a style you like, then each season you can spend a little less on tops to go with them, whilst still looking ‘on trend’

Hope this helps

Alex
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alexandramoore.co.uk
twitter.com/AlexMooreIAmMe

OnTheHuh
I'm past having more myself as such but wondered what you thought of the state of nightwear for pregnant and newly delivered women? I recently bought a friend something to wear and had such a nightmare trying to find adult looking nightwear for PG women- not emblazoned with stupid teddies and other childish images, not in sickly pink and otherwise infantilising. The manufacturers seem to think we give birth to our brains and maturity alongside the baby.??Are there any good nightwear ranges or styles that you can recommend?

Hi OnTheHuh

I know what you mean – I do wonder that myself, why on earth shops think just because we’re having babies, we would want to wear a nightie covered in teddy bears … isn’t that what we can put the babies in when they arrive?!!!

Try Seraphine - www.seraphine.com/maternity-clothes/nightwear.html

It’s not a vast collection, but it’s grown up and I would imagine still makes women feel good about themselves

Hope that helps
Alex
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alexandramoore.co.uk
twitter.com/AlexMooreIAmMe

Whoatethelasttwirl
I have changed job roles and this one involves sitting at a desk, all my spare fat seems to have congregated on my thighs any clues on how to disguise them until I can work it off?

Hi Whoatethelasttwirl
Palazzo pants are great for hiding your thighs, but still look great and smart for the office – they’re a wider leg trouser that hang straight from the hips

Having a quick look online it seems that ASOS, Dorothy Perkins and Zara could be worth taking a look at.

Hope that helps
Alex
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Alexandramoore.co.uk
twitter.com/AlexMooreIAmMe

Thanks Alex

Will have a peruse :)

Willemdefoeismine
My vital statistics seem fairly similar to thekitchensink. I am always mindful of Trinny and Susannah's advice about wearing 'deep necklines' to accentuate the positives of large boobs BUT it's never easy to find fashionable, affordable and flattering tops in this style (with some arm coverage too!). Where do you recommend I look for for these elusive essentials? I wouldn't really want to be spending more than £40 per top.??And is there any dress style that is becoming to the curvier shape other than the 'wrap dress'???

Hi Willemdefoeismine

I have a friend exactly the same as you with her boobs – you don’t need a plunging neckline to accentuate, but I agree that a v neck is definitely flattering as opposed to a high neck. Have you thought about a sweetheart neckline too?

Try Jigsaw, Kew, Karen Millen. Sometimes Reiss come in at about £40 a top and are good for t-shirts

If you’re curvy then you want to be showing them off – look at the wiggle dress – ASOS / Hobbs or a pencil skirt with a tucked in blouse

Hope that helps

Alex
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alexandramoore.co.uk
twitter.com/AlexMooreIAmMe

Thank you all so much for joining us tonight. Alex is still working hard to answer as many of your questions as she can so your question may still be answered!

If you would like to contact Alex for a more detailed consolation her details can be found
here.

Tobydogrocks
I'm 5'1 and a size 14/16. I've always wanted to wear a maxi dress but I only ever see tall ladies wearing them and feel I maybe too short to be able to pull the look off. What style/colour would you recommend to take into consideration my height and fat curves?

Hi Tobydogrocks

You are definitely not too short to wear a maxi dress – opt for a vertical stripe (they make you look thinner and taller) and stick on a wedge heel

You want an empire line dress that will sit nicely under your boobs and hang down to flatter your figure

Hope that helps

Alex
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alexandramoore.co.uk
twitter.com/AlexMooreIAmMe

AnnTeek
I'd like some inspiration on summery work tops that won't make my arms look massive but will also keep me cool. I can't wear black long sleeves in this weather!
I'm a 16-18 with IBS so also needs to hide bloating. Oh and I'm skint so £20ish maximum.
Can you tell why I'm struggling!

Hi AnnTeek
I'd like to look into this for you - bear with me whilst I research

Dyeintheear
After not going out anywhere which didn't have a kids' menu in about 9 years - I have got a 40th dinner in a Michelin restaurant coming up. I'm naturally more of a dress down person so would like trousers or trouser suit. If I could dress like anyone it would be Emmanuelle Alt - editor of French Vogue. Obviously though I'm on a different budget to her - more like £200 absolute max. I'm a size 10 & prefer to cover up arms

Can you help / recommend somewhere to look. I usually have about 7 minutes to shop as mum to 3 - and no time to browse. Thank you so much!!

Any tips on school run outfits & flat shoes gratefully received to!

Hi - i'd like to look into this for you - bear with me whilst I research

Tudor Mary Rose
Hi Alex, ??I'm after some clothing style tips for my new body shape. I was a classic hour glass with a flat stomach but two children later and I seem to have gained some lumps and bumps and my boobs are beginning to sag a little. I want to wear lovely spaghetti strap tops but the bras I have to wear at a 34 FF have really thick ugly straps and it ruins the look. ??Plus, now my waist has expanded, I really look more of an apple shape now as you can't really see my waist unless I put on a huge belt to cinch in which makes me look like a sack of potatoes. What would be the most flattering shape for a summer dress? Thanks

Hi Tudor Mary Rose

First things first - head to John Lewis and get your boobs measured.
John Lewis are amazing for having your boobs measured and so helpful at recommending the right bra

You can wear a spaghetti strap top, but try a camisole that will fall more looser and try a short sleeved shrug over the top to hide bra straps (unless John Lewis come to your rescue with a strapless)

You don’t need to cinch your waist in with a belt – it’s all about knowing how to dress for your new shape.

I think an Empire line dress would be really flattering for you with a lovely large bright print for the summer - here are some examples

www.johnlewis.com/ghost-mcwilliams-crepe-dress/p1520388
www.johnlewis.com/sandwich-crinkle-print-dress-storm-green/p1520198
www.johnlewis.com/east-festival-strappy-dress-black/p1518135

Also try a wrap dress - they are great for all body shapes

Hope this helps

Alex
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alexandramoore.co.uk
twitter.com/AlexMooreIAmMe

BerkshireLocalEditor
I really want to look into your questions - bear with me as I need to research

Thanks Alex

Alex is incredibly passionate about her job and is going to answer as many of the questions asked tonight as she can. She needs some time to research some of the more specific questions so please check back to see the answer to your question.

Alex - please don't stay up too late tonight!

Ann Teek
I'd like some inspiration on summery work tops that won't make my arms look massive but will also keep me cool. I can't wear black long sleeves in this weather! ?I'm a 16-18 with IBS so also needs to hide bloating. Oh and I'm skint so £20ish maximum. ?Can you tell why I'm struggling!

Hi Ann Teek
It depends a bit on your body shape, so you may need to try a few different neck lines on in the changing rooms to find one that suits, but to give you some ideas, why not look into the following:

Loose layering?
I love this from New Look www.newlook.com/shop/womens/tops/green-neon-tropical-print-crepe-kimono_313584839
Wear with a loose fitting cami top underneath – TopShop

Try a peplum top – this is great
www.newlook.com/shop/womens/jersey-tops/mint-green-peplum-t-shirt-_316813837

Simply Be is great for lightweight tops and fit your pocket to – I love this
www.simplybe.co.uk/shop/frill-detail-jersey-top/qy980/product/details/show.action?pdBoUid=1347#colour:,size:

Check out their full range here
www.simplybe.co.uk/shop/fashion/1//N-1ytvjp4/products/show.action?type=cmr&hnid=11148585?&promo=6200&cm_mmc=google--Simply%20Be--na--simply+be&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&gclid=CjkKEQjww6SdBRDls9vxsf7EoM0BEiQART_xPisxm6myRWVtitIsQf0g3e1VybXNDdPPnRHqvAktuIDw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds#/shop/tops-t-shirts/fashion/1/_/N-1ytvjoj/products/show.action?gclid=CjkKEQjww6SdBRDls9vxsf7EoM0BEiQART_xPisxm6myRWVtitIsQf0g3e1VybXNDdPPnRHqvAktuIDw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds&hnid=11148587&promo=6200&type=cmr&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google

Also give Dorothy Perkins or Primark a go

Hope this helps

Alex
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alexandramoore.co.uk
twitter.com/AlexMooreIAmMe

DyeInTheEar
After not going out anywhere which didn't have a kids' menu in about 9 years - I have got a 40th dinner in a Michelin restaurant coming up. I'm naturally more of a dress down person so would like trousers or trouser suit. If I could dress like anyone it would be Emmanuelle Alt - editor of French Vogue. Obviously though I'm on a different budget to her - more like £200 absolute max. I'm a size 10 & prefer to cover up arms ??Can you help / recommend somewhere to look. I usually have about 7 minutes to shop as mum to 3 - and no time to browse. Thank you so much!! ??Any tips on school run outfits & flat shoes gratefully received to! ?

Hi Dyeintheear

Oh wow how exciting

So I’ll start with my red herring as you didn’t say how much of your arms you want to cover, but have you ever thought of a Jump suit? Granted this is top of your budget, but if you have a leather jacket to put on over the top I think this would look amazing

www.reiss.com/womens/dresses/roco/faint-denim/

All white with a bright shoe is really in season at the moment
www.allsaints.com/women/tops/allsaints-iris-shirt/?colour=60&category=490
and
www.asos.com/Warehouse/Warehouse-Tailored-Trouser/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=3865887&cid=2640&Rf989=5000,4884,4900&sh=0&pge=0&pgesize=204&sort=-1&clr=White
Or
You could also swap the trousers for a smart pair of black skinny jeans and a heel
www.asos.com/ASOS/ASOS-Whitby-Low-Rise-Skinny-Ankle-Grazer-Jeans-in-Clean-Black/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=3807747&cid=3630&Rf989=4884&Rf-200=4&sh=0&pge=0&pgesize=36&sort=-1&clr=Black

You can order from all the websites above and have as much time as you want

School run – opt for skinny jeans and a casual throw on T-Shirt

I think Clarks actually do some great flats for just running around in and reasonably priced too

Have a lovely time

Alex
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alexandramoore.co.uk
twitter.com/AlexMooreIAmMe

Berkshire Local Editor
ohhh glad I heard about this. ??I am quite fat and short. So finding shorts that fit nicely is a nightmare. Classic hourglass figure so shorts gap at the back a lot. Also, I can't wear the short shorts they sell but knee length make me look stumpy. Help!

Hi Berkshire Local Editor
Now I know you said no knee length, but have you tried a skinny knee length? Very Marilyn Monroe (a perfect example of the hour glass figure)
They will make your legs look longer too and if you wear with a wedge heel that will lengthen your leg even more
Not sure on budget, but as an example see here
www.next.co.uk/x536254s1#890038x53

Or have you thought about trying a playsuit instead?
www.next.co.uk/x536248s2

As you’ve got a perfect hourglass figure – why not try a high waisted short or failing that, do you have some skinny jeans that are getting a bit old and can be cut down? I’ve done that and wear them every summer

Hope this helps

Alex
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alexandramoore.co.uk
twitter.com/AlexMooreIAmMe

Berkshire Local Editor
I live in trainers & and want to smarten my look up so I am more yummy mummy than vommy mummy. What can I do that is both affordable and practical so I look nice but is good for running around after a toddler and baby?

Hi Berkshire Local Editor
If you feel comfortable in a trainer then why not try a Converse? They’re great to wear with a skinny jean or a boot cut and bombing around in.

You can also wear them with summer dresses and leggings – they are so versatile.

I think these are cute and a bit more feminine than the boot or trainer
www.office.co.uk/view/product/office_catalog/5,20/2515110980

Office do a great range of flats in all different styles

www.office.co.uk/view/search?page=1&search=Flats+DRP1

Opt for a flat sandal, ballet pump, loafter or a brogue to begin your transition to yummy mummy – I could spend the rest of the evening picking out my favourites for you, but it depends how comfortable you are moving away from your trainer comfort zone. If I were you I’d start with the Converse and see how you feel from there.

The good thing with Office is they aren’t over priced and so why not get a sandal too, to see you through the summer.

Good luck

Alex
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alexandramoore.co.uk
twitter.com/AlexMooreIAmMe

Berkshire Local Editor
swimwear. I can never find anything. I like a good cossie but they are either too high leg to massive chub on or I get side boob. any recommends?

Hi Berkshire Local Editor
Depending on your budget and your figure I think FigLeaves would be a great place for you to start

They cater for all different shapes and sizes and although a little more in price than Next or TopShop, you definitely get what you pay for!

www.figleaves.com/uk/holiday-shop/all-swimwear/28294/#term=&dept=all%20swimwear&category=&subcategory=&answerhandle=28294&searchhandle=A%3dTNholidayshop+not+in+olet~B%3dTNholidayshop+not+in+olet~&pageno=1&sort=8&pagesize=28&colours=&sizes=&brands=&maxprice=190&multioptions=&deptcat=&minprice=0&islmin=0&islmax=190&fo=&cups=&bra=&clothing=&cosmetics=&shoes=&mensclothing=&productid=&productcolour=&bboost=&gender=&rating=undefined

Hope this helps

Alex
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alexandramoore.co.uk
twitter.com/AlexMooreIAmMe

Hi All
A huge thank you for taking the time to contact me.
I really hope i've been able to help you or at least steer you in a direction that you may never have thought of before and open your eyes to new styles
As Georgina said on an earlier thread, if you're interested in a further consultation then you can find me on Mumsnet Chelmsford Services.
Many Thanks and happy shopping
Alex
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