This week I’ve enlisted the help of the lovely Alex from Odd Socks and Pretty Frocks who kindly agreed to write a guest post to answer this question:

Help me dress for my new shape! 

I’ve recently lost a lot of weight and have reached my target. The thing is, after years of taking no interest in fashion and dressing to cover up, I have no idea what I should be wearing. I’m now a size 12 (which I am going to maintain) and am a bit pear-shaped. I still feel self-conscious in clothes that are revealing and am not used to my new size yet.

Alex’s reply:

First of all, huge congratulations on the weight loss! I know from personal experience what a long, boring slog it is so a big well done from me on getting to your target weight.

This may be a little more general than Sarah’s last Style Counsel answer as it’s tricky to suggest specific styles and items without knowing your personal sense of style. However I think we’re in a similar position so maybe sharing some of my tips will help you out a bit.

I think the first thing to do is take a good honest look at yourself in the mirror. Don’t see the shape that you used to be – see the shape that you are now. You mention that you’re a bit pear-shaped but what are your good points? Do you have cracking legs or a tiny waist or enviably good boobs? If you’ve been overweight for a while then it becomes sort of second nature to ignore the positive comments you receive but seriously, start listening to them. What do other people think of your figure? What sorts of things do they think suit you? 

Once you’ve got those points sorted out, start looking around for ideas. Most of the big high street store websites have great sections on current trends which should be a good starting point. Have a look at blogs and see the sorts of outfits that girls who are a similar shape and size to you pull together. I’m not a great fan of fashion magazines personally (too many unattainably skinny and beautiful models and celebs) but if you like them then they can be a great source of ideas. Most of all though, what do you like? I bet you’ve always wanted to try a certain style or a particular item of clothing. Trust your own taste, even if you’re not sure exactly what your personal style is just yet.

I recommend setting aside a day for a great big shopping trip. If you can book a cheeky day off work and go on a weekday, the shops will be much quieter and there will be less pressure when it comes to trying things on and noseying around. Have lunch somewhere nice as a breather and enjoy yourself. I know there’s a school of thought that says you should never go shopping with a friend as they never give truly unbiased advice but personally I think that’s rubbish.  Pick the right friend and they’ll be honest about what suits you and what doesn’t and they may even persuade you into trying on something wonderful that you’d never have considered yourself. 

Very importantly, don’t rule anything out. Try on anything that takes your fancy, even stuff you’d never have thought of wearing in a million years. Some of it will look terrible (I am destined never to wear shorts, they make me look as if I’m a size 24 again) but some things will totally surprise you. Try shops that you would never have gone in before.  Being a mainstream size is hugely liberating after being restricted to plus size options. The choice can be a bit mindboggling at first but I guarantee that you’ll soon start to love shops that you wouldn’t have considered before.

It can be a bit of a shock to the system to go from hiding your body to showing it off but remember, flattering doesn’t have to equal revealing. It took me ages to make the shift from bootcut to skinny jeans but they suit my figure so much better that I wonder now why I ever thought they were on the banned list. Going back to that list of your good points, try showing them off. 

If you have great legs, layer tunics over leggings or try some short skirts or mini dresses. With autumn round the corner, you can team these things up with lovely tights and it means that you show off your best parts without looking tarty.

If your top half is your best feature then take advantage of all the beautiful blouses around at the moment. River Island has a few surprisingly pretty options and H&M had quite a lot of nice pieces in stock last time I was instore. Tucking them into tailored trousers (which should be available everywhere ) will be classic and elegant without being too revealing. Just be careful of proportions.

Belts can work wonders too. Empire line or round the waist, thin or chunky, leather or elastic – grab a few, try them over some of your tops and see what works. Primark usually have a great range available and they’re cheap enough for you to pick up a few different types for minimal cost.

When you get to feeling a bit more daring, don’t be shy about bodycon. I was wearing bodycon skirts (with tights and loose tops, obviously) at a size 16/18 so at a size 12 there’s no reason why you shouldn’t embrace it. This dress is absolutely stunning and the long sleeves mean it’s quite demure really.  Treat yourself, you deserve it!

I hope this helps a little. I know how daunting it can be to face the challenge of having to buy a whole new wardrobe when you have no idea what suits you but just be brave!

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A huge thank you to Alex for writing this post and giving such great, inspiring advice.

Do you have experience of shopping for a new shape? If so, let me know what your recommendations would be.

xx

Spent the day in Edinburgh yesterday and saw Tim Vine’s comedy show with my friend Ros. He’s been awarded the Fringe’s funniest joke prize for this gem:

“I’ve just been on a once-in-a-lifetime holiday. I’ll tell you what, never again.” (boom boom!).

Some pics from the day:

Braveheart here is a lovely guy called Adam Watters who gives up his free time to pose for pictures with tourists in exchange for a donation to charity – over the last few years he’s raised thousands of pounds for leukaemia charities. His enthusiasm and friendliness are second to none. 

At the Pleasance comedy venue:

It was absolutely freezing in Edinburgh yesterday, so I bought this cardi in Zara and was wearing it before I’d left the shop!

Slept over at my parents’ place where I shared a room with my nephew who was also visiting for the night (Robbie in the big bed, Auntie Sarah in the little bed – not sure how that happened!).

We went to Gorgie City Farm this morning. My outfit was pretty much the same as last night’s – the leather mini wasn’t entirely appropriate for a farm visit but I hadn’t factored that into my plans!

Hope you had an equally wonderful weekend.

xx

Cardigan: Zara / Leather Skirt: Topshop

This Kookai jumper was a sale bargain – down to £18 from £59 in House of Fraser (seriously, would anyone pay £59 for a little jumper like this?). I like that it’s a classic shape but has the studded shoulder detail and a gold sheen on the fabric.

Here’s last weekend’s outfit. I chose the dotty tights as I thought they’d tie in with the shoulder studs to create an integrated outfit (actually that’s a complete lie – they were the only tights I could find that were clean and didn’t have holes in them):

Everything gets the giletfication treatment at the moment – this is the biggest clothing crush I’ve had in a long time:

I know it’s crazy logic but in my mind I’ve saved myself £40 that I can now spend on treats this weekend – books ‘n’ booze ‘n’ chips ‘n’ chocolate…

Happy weekend!

xx

Jumper: Kookai / Shorts: New Look / Gilet: Topshop / Shoes: Office

Help, I’ve been brainwashed by a trend!

I’ve never liked aviator jackets. Even the images from the Burburry Prorsum show weren’t enough to sway me (gorgeous though all the clothes were):

Strange then that last week I found myself grabbing this from the Topshop ‘Buy it now or regret it on your deathbed’ rail as if my life depended upon it:

It was the very last one, my size and only £58 (it’s not leather) – as opposed to £350 for the ASOS one or gazillions for the Burberry.

I can’t decide whether I genuinely like it or have become convinced it’s a must-have after seeing the style everywhere! In its favour, I do think it looks good on other people (*waves to Gem*). 

What do you think – keep it or return it? Log your vote, I’m counting on you to help me make my mind up!

xx

5/10/10: Edited to say: Thanks for all your feedback. I wore the jacket twice, decided it wasn’t me and eBayed it. x 

Had last week off work but, for one reason or another (mainly the lack of any good last minute deals), the Greek week didn’t happen. However I had a wee break with a friend at Stobo Castle spa for a couple of nights.

Stobo’s one of those places where you can be as healthy or otherwise as you like. We chose borderline otherwise and had a lovely indulgent time.

The castle:

Japanese water gardens in the castle grounds:

The loch (no monsters in here):

The locals pose for the camera:

Ah, Scottish summertime – perfect weather for shorts and a T-shirt (and a cagoule and waterproof trousers and wellies and a hat…):

My new man – he’s the strong, silent type:

I’m wearing a tunic from Dorothy Perkins. Had managed to resist all the Miu Miu inspired cat prints that are around, but cracked when I saw this:

Have you succumbed to a Miu Miu ‘tribute’ from the high street (or maybe been lucky enough to get the real thing)?

xx

PS Thanks to all the staff at Stobo Castle for providing such fantastic service and helping to make it a great couple of days.

The black and cream Camper shoes I’ve been wearing recently in a few of my outfit pics came from Sarenza’s Continental Collection:

The lace cardigan is from Urban Outfitters (down to £9.99 from £32 in the sale, instore only I think):

Sarenza have kindly offered to sponsor a giveaway, with a fab prize of a £60 voucher to spend on their site. To be in with a chance of winning, just leave a comment with the name of your favourite Sarenza shoes and your email address.

The winner will be picked at random on 31/08/10. Open to UK residents only (sorry international readers, I will do a giveaway for you soon, promise!).

xx

Welcome to Style Counsel – a new feature on WeShop. The idea came from an email I got last week from my friend Jo, who’s just had her second baby (congrats Jo and family!). Here’s Jo’s style query: