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Look and feel fabulous whatever your shape and size

Chances are that you have got a less than perfect body. Unlike the stick insect models who have been airbrushed to flawless and goddess like perfection, you will have a few bits and pieces that are not quite what they used to be. A bit bigger maybe, or not as firm, toned, or pert. But the good news is that if this is you then you are certainly not on your own. You are a member of the club.

What club? the club of real women of course, with real bodies, wrinkles, cellulite and the rest. No team of make-over experts, no plastic surgeon, no personal stylists, no trick photography, no soft focus, and definitely no airbrushing.

So we are all less than perfect- no surprises there but that does not mean that we cannot look and feel fabulous. Dressing for your shape rather than worrying about your size will help you to feel more confident and look so much better. Knowing how to play up your best features and minimise your least favourite is an essential starting point in achieving effortless and on going style.

You may have found your garment in the right size but if the cut, shape, length, fabric, pattern, colour, neckline, bows, frills, buttons, zips, beading, sequins etc are all wrong for your shape and proportions, it will have been a big waste of time and money and you simply won't look and feel good.

Relying on the enthusiastic 'suits you madam' comments from retail sales staff will not help either, many are driven by commission, don't have the knowledge and are not impartial. They are there to sell and not to educate.

So here are some general pointers to help you to make the most of what you've been given:

Want to look slimmer ?

·        Make sure you buy the right size. It might hurt when you realize that you need the next size up but you will look so much better. Clothes that are too small don't sit properly and will draw attention to your size. Straining buttons and zips look unsightly and cheap. If you don't like the size you can always cut the label out.

·        Go for good tailoring and straight clean lines. If you are big don't dress your self in shapeless, baggy clothes. They don't look good on anyone.

·        Look for clothes with vertical or diagonal lines and avoid deep horizontal stripes

·        Avoid small jewellery and bags and choose bigger sizes that are the right scale for you. Small pieces will make you look bigger in comparison

·        Dark matt materials are slimming. Light shiny ones are not, so be careful with your use of white in summer months.

·        Avoid thin heels and ankle straps and go for chunkier shoes and heels

·        Get a good well fitting bra- get yourself measured if you have not in a long time. Support is very important if you have a big bust and the right bra will give you the lift and shape that you need

·        Choose single breasted longer length jackets ( but not too long if you are short or you will look swamped)

·        Avoid trousers with gathered ankles or a tapered leg

Big Boobs?

This is a double edged sword. They help you look sexy and all woman but you have to be more careful about how to dress them. Too much cleavage and you look cheap. But too much cover up increases their size further creating the illusion that you have two small puppies under your jumper. Separates are always a good investment.

Good underwear is essential and always keep the neck area open, a deep v or scoop neckline is good for this. Avoid polo necks at all cost. If you find that some tops reveal too much cleavage buy a few camisole tops to wear underneath. M&S stock a good range of these in stretchy lycra and lace.

Big Tummy?

Very few of us have the flat stomach we would like. Those that do are often boyish in shape and not sexy curvy divas- well that is what I like to think and it makes me feel better when I look at mine.

Avoid straight skirts and tight clingy fabric. Lines that finish on the stomach will draw attention to it so think about where the bottom of a garment sits on your body. Keep attention away from the tummy area by focussing around the face and upper part of the body. Cosmetics, statement jewellery and good use of colour can help achieve this.

Big hips and thighs?

The key here is about balance. Your aim is to balance out your hip and thigh area with your shoulder line. Go for tops that broaden your shoulders and give halter necks a miss. Avoid tops that finish on the widest part of your hips and keep away from leather or suede for lower body garments as they add inches where you don't want them.

So all you real women out there, what are you waiting for?- It is time to change the way you look and feel forever.

Contact Elaine Hollands now on t: 01707 377780 m: 07891 973270 elaine@intrinsicstyle.co.uk www.intrinsicstyle.co.uk http://www.intrinsicstyle.co.uk
'Look good, Get noticed, Be remembered'