Personal shopper/stylist- AMA autumn winter edition

[frillseeking]

Following on from the previous threads, AMA wardrobe/ style related and I will endeavour to help!

5'5 with short legs (not petite) and a size 20 apple. What can I wear to look smart, professional and slimmer (without wearing black or a tent!)

These look amazing. I've just bought a similar pair and it's surprising how warm they keep you. Might just invest in some more.
I ended up buying the Hush coat and Super dry coat in navy! I need to try them both on with my current clothes otherwise I'll end up spending a fortune on more clothes haha. I'm very determined to send one back 🙈
Could I ask another question please because your advice so far has been spot on! What bags would you recommend for the two coats? I have a small Radley leather back pack that I'm really hoping will match just because it's so easy to carry. I've seen people using the Cross over bags but it just feels so restricting.
Once again, thank you!!

@leannevb great idea, we do this in our family now too and set a decent budget so you can actually get a really nice present.

Monica vinader have some great discounts at the moment. You could splash out on one piece or get two gifts such as the classic Riva ring and some stylish hoops to match so that you'd really feel like you're getting a lot for your budget.

Love them/ loathe them, Uggs are a huge trend again this year and John Lewis have them in stock in Black and Tan and at a discount. (Something of a xmas miracle given how popular they are!) https://www.johnlewis.com/ugg-classic-mini-ii-short-sheepskin-boots/black/p5661925?irclickid=QfDyfg3OJxyNR3JQFiSrBVzXUkA0Vywu5wnhW40&irgwc=1&tmcampid=99&safcid=aff187669Content

Coggles also have some great discounts on some really great branded pieces such as this Ganni bag https://www.coggles.com/p/bags/ganni-women-s-festival-bag-leopard/12937710/

Not in the sale but I'm hoping for this classic sweatshirt from Varley, it's been on my wish list for ages! Definitely not something I'd buy for myself at that price unless it was a real treat but it would make a lovely gift. At £125, for a sporty lover, you could get that and a pair of their super stylish new socks https://uk.varley.com/products/spencer-sock?currency=GBP&variant=40293479415923&utmmedium=cpc&utmmsource=google&utmcampaign=Google%20Shopping&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI6dnT6tvC-wIVzdLtCh1Xig8uEAQYASABEgKuIPDDBwE

Hello - what are your thoughts on nude tights? Any good ones out there?
Thank you

@CrabbitBastard I've just looked at dresses and found 3 options for you. The first is from Live unlimited, a brand I really rate as they know how to cut a pattern for the curvier lady- they're not just adding on a few bigger sizes to the range and hoping for the best, their range is entirely designed for that customer. It's an easy mono print that you could wear with black tights and a smart blazer or coat or you could wear bare legged with a pump. It's got a lovely draped detail at the waist so will cover the tummy area so flattering too.
2nd option is phase 8- similar in style to the first dress with the draping but a bit more ruching going on. You could wear with black tights or go for a matching plum colour for a more trendy look. I think this would also look nice with a cardigan and a tan handbag.
3rd option is a 2 in one 1 dress from Hobbs. The contrast draws attention to the waist so elongates the lower half but the print disguises the tummy area.

Mango, Karen Millen, Next, Wallis all do good curve ranges but workwear can be limited. A lot of the high street retailers do have a broader size range now but most of them still only show their garments on smaller models so it's difficult to know how it would look on your body. Anything with ruching, draping or a tie waist is good for covering the tummy as a rule of thumb. Hope that helps

@Isthisbatcountry I think the backpack would suit the Hush coat more as it's a more relaxed vibe but on a practical note, I worry about being pickpocketed with a backpack, especially when strolling about in a city. A cross over bag is a lot safer imo. It should sit on your waist so that it's comfortable- any higher and it restricts your arms and any lower and it restricts you as you walk. Please report back once you've had a try on!

Following

@amarante imo they need to be invisible and matt- no tan, shiny dance tights look going on! You want them to create a flawless, almost airbrushed effect, a bit like make up for the legs. Heist are a British brand who spent 2 years creating their nude tights, worn by Meghan Markle. They're super soft and super light and give an invisible finish and they've also been designed with a wide waistband so no cutting/ digging in. The Wolford nude 8 do a similar job.

I'm looking for a long formal coat that's warm, but, I have a large bust and so it's hard to find one that doesn't make me look huge. I'd like a streamlined classic look. Would you be able to suggest something please?

What are your go to brands for the quality essentials - clothes and footwear please?

Thanks, have never heard of Live Unlimited before so will check them out!

@CrabbitBastard they've got some really nice pieces such as this black dress which I think is a great staple item. Their pieces do sell out quickly though- which is always the case with decent, stylish plus size clothing as the demand outweighs the supply. Another brand I've recommended on here is Ro and Zo. They also run from size 6-20 but again the bigger sizes sell out quickly. A bit of a xmas number but this dress would suit an apple shape because of the twist detail. Just a shame they don't show it on a variety of bodies.

@WildFlowerBees the wrap coat is a great style for larger busts and it's very on trend this season so lots of options around. The v neckline elongates the bust area and draws attention downwards to the waist, which is cinched by the belt. I've attached some images for ideas. The slimmer the lapel the better too as this creates a more streamline effect. Some of the coats have a really chunky, wide lapel which just makes the whole chest area look wide whereas these are streamlined. Avoid anything with lots of buttons such as double breasted as they add volume to the area and unless you find the perfect fit, you may have buttons pulling.

Another style would be a single button coat such as this style fhwt.app.link/g6SiUElGbvb
This can suit a larger bust as it's a simple, streamlined look but it's trickier to get the fit right. Make sure the button is central fastening and lower then the bust as again you'd get that horrible pulling look if it's too high up but if you can get the fit right then this is also very flattering.

Thank you @frillseeking

Great thread @frillseeking . Not really in need of more clothing now but I have made a note of Varley... activewear that hits the street looking stylish is always worth knowing about.

@savvy7 it does depend on body shape and budget (for example Hush are good for bigger busts) but in terms of the basic tshirt ,generally speaking these are some of the best options out there
Uniqlo
www.uniqlo.com/uk/en/product/100pct-supima-cotton-crew-neck-short-sleeved-t-shirt-452288COL00SMA005000.html
Cos
www.cos.com/en_gbp/women/womenswear/tops/product.regular-fit-heavyweight-t-shirt-black.0960679006.html
Arket
www.arket.com/en_gbp/women/tops/product.crew-neck-t-shirt-white.0630665002.html?gclid=CjwKCAiApvebBhAvEiwAe7mHSAMl1vSreJYyRcmIkQd6x_7mb9gWDRTpM76sbaTZzeHhjEldlG7FXBoCjNoQAvD_BwE

Also worth looking at John Lewis own brand and even H&M and Primark but you're best to look at these in store as the quality can vary between colours and batches because of the scale on which they manufacture.

For footwear, I'd suggest Russell and Bromley if the budget allows for a general all round, good quality product from boots to high heels. I always look at Zara for boots and Jones. I've also been impressed with Arket this season for footwear too.

I just bought a black jersey midaxi pleated skirt from M&S. what can I wear on top without looking Amish?? I’m a size 10 age 47. I’ve been wearing it with chunky tan suede Chelsea boots (also M&S recent purchase), which I think looks ok. It’s the top half I’m struggling with!

Thanks so much for doing this. I am 5ft10in and size 10/12 have always, always worn jeans, flares, cigarette, skinnies, boyfriend, dressing them up and down, with everything. But now I'm older I can't wear tight jeans, they're just too tight, chafing and uncomfortable. And I have all these clothes that don't go with anything else. What can I use as the 'glue' to replace my love of jeans?

Thanks frillseeking. Really appreciate you taking the time to respond.

Thanks for this thread. I’ve now bought the H&M wide legged trousers and a Monica Vinader bracelet. Thanks also for addressing the question that arises whenever trouser and jean shapes change, which is, what to wear on your feet.

@Flockameanie I'd style it with a jumper and do the French tuck which we discussed on here the other day for a modern look. Some ideas attached

This is a brilliant thread, great info thanks @frillseeking

@ScribblingPixie that's quite a big void to fill! But I'd recommend a wide leg, fluid trouser as this shape can be styled in so many different ways. Casual with a sweater and trainers, tshirt and leather jacket, smart for work with a blazer and a knit, dressy with a blouse.. I think it definitely opens up some of those outfits that you can't wear if you take away jeans as your staple. Hope that helps!

Thank you, @frillseeking ! Yes, it's a big void. I do naturally lean towards these sorts of trousers you've picked in magazines - I wish I could find some that had, I don't know, a bit of the rough coolness that jeans have. Your pics do help because that shape is what I like - so far I've just bought a couple of pairs from Zara but I think I just need to go into London and try on gazillions until I find ones that just work on me. Thank you very much!

@ScribblingPixie id also look at leather trousers/leggings. That's what I'm wearing on a day to day basis if I'm not wearing jeans as they just go with everything and they do have that edge- there's lots of different styles out there now so definitely have a good trying on session to see what you feel works for you.