Build a foundation!

Hello this is me to you---that sad old bra just won’t do. Don’t ya know a good fitting bra is the key to your clothes fitting well.

I don’t know why but some of us are still wearing the same bra size as your first training bra. Are you wearing the same clothes size you wore when you were 12? Your breasts are like any other part of your body they change size. They are subject to fluctuation not just by weight loss/gain but also by hormones as well.

Shopping for a bra poses a problem for all women plus size or not. M&S have a pretty extensive selection of underwear and you can get up to J cup there. Back size too up to a 44. But bras are like the clothes I sell in the boutique, every range is cut differently. As painful as it is you must try the bra on to see that it fits properly. This single purchase will have the largest impact on how well you look.

So many women are self conscious of their tummy, but the poor bra is dropping their breasts down and make the tummy look bigger. Look around, you won’t need to go far to see what I mean. Just a little lift will pick your boobs off your tummy and get them out and UP improving your shape.

Another thing I see is the strap digging….I mean creating a welt in the shoulder. How can that be comfortable? If you need a wider strap get a wider strap, your shoulders will thank you.

To find your size measure the circumference under your boob (think where the band goes), and then measure at the fullest part of your bust.

So if underneath is 38 inches and the fullest is 42inches bra size is 38D. The 38 comes straight from the measurement of where the band will go and the cup comes from taking the fullest measurement (on the boob) and subtracting from the band measurement.

A=1 inches
B=2 inches
C=3 inches
D=4 inches
E=5 inches and so on

This is a guideline, it really is all about fit. I would suggest that you get a professional bra fitting even at least once. I know some department stores do them but I send people to Clodagh in Bramora. She knows bras. They specialize in large cup sizes and really know how to get a good fit. They are in Dublin for additional details click on the link http://bramora.com/contact_us.php?blink=ct

For those of you that didn't get my intro was a Spandau Ballet song--shame on you. Check them out on youtube they rule.

Stay stylish!

Aimee

Shoes, shoes everywhere and not a pair to wear

My best friend Jennifer could shop for Ireland…frankly I think the current worldwide economic downturn is due to the fact that she has cut back. She has not been to Ireland in 3 years and it might be possible for the ESRI to link the slowing of the economy to her lack of visitation.

Waterford crystal, Belleek china, Avoca throws, M&S underwear, Laura Ashley home furnishings including a rug! Yes we walked into Dublin Airport with a rug like it was a carry on bag. She brings huge suitcases that hardly fit in my small Irish home to fill with purchases. She is always over the limit on her baggage, but manages to get away with it with her special sort of charm.

Three years ago we went to Prague for a few days of R&R. This included shopping, eating, spa treatments, and more shopping. I heard there was a 3 story shoe store in the centre of the city and was very excited because I really needed new shoes. See I have US size 11 euro 43 foot and it was near on impossible to find stylish shoes in Ireland. I threw caution to the wind and took one pair of shoes with me. I thought surely with 3 stories they would have a few pairs for me.

Guess again. 3 stories of the most magnificent shoes, boots, heels, tights but not 1 pair of 43. The shoes had brought with me were Nike trainers. Oh yes I wore trainers to nice restaurants, a classical music concert, the Intercontinental Spa….everywhere. I can still hear Jen cackling at the state of me in my nice trousers and trainers.

There won’t be laughing anymore as I do not have to travel the world looking for stylish shoes for my plus size feet. An Irish company run by the gorgeous Rachel Graham has the most amazing shoes for the larger foot. Based in Dundalk, Co Louth
www.large-size-designer-shoes.com has been the answer to my prayers.

I went up to Rachel and bought some lovely shoes from a brand called Nebuloni. These wedge heel shoes and comfortable and stylish. I have worn the soles off the plain black ones I bought, but thankfully this season Rachel has them in wine (pictured above), black, black patent (sigh) and black printed snakeskin. I bought some lace up brogues and tan pumps too. As for the boots…I have the calf that time forgot, it is huge---these Italian boots stretched over my calf and then stretched into place. Fantastic!

I thought my foot had gotten wide, but when I wore Evans shoes the fit was off. Rachel would have some styles that are wider fitting then others, but this is all detailed on her very user friendly website. Alternatively, travel to Dundalk to her Shoe Rooms. They are in the centre of Dundalk next to the courthouse. You can have lunch and a cappuccino in her café and then go upstairs and indulge in some shoe shopping.

How much does my friend Jennifer like shopping? When we came back from Prague we carried our clothes on in plastic bags because our suitcases were filled with Jen’s purchases. Come back soon Jen, we miss you.

Stay stylish!

Aimee

T&S do Dublin…and Pat Kenny

Didn’t go to the Style in the City event myself although it sounded like a fab day out. In the few days leading up to it Trinny and Susannah were all over the place. I heard them on Today FM with Ray D’arcy and then like the rest of the nation I was not watching them on the Late Late. I usually would have a flick over until it turns cringeworthy. Normally it is Pat making me uncomfortable. On this particular occasion it was T&S that made me flip over.

They were doing a great job to start sharing the philosophy that I try to talk to my customers about. Figure out what you like and what isn’t so great and work around that. Then Pat got them to share with them what were their not so great points. Trinny showed off her rubbery bottom and explained that her crotch was at her knees etc. hence the need for long dresses high heels. Susannah how she hated her large chest that merged with her tummy.

I don’t mind them showing off their bits on telly, perhaps it is a way to liberate other women. They have nothing to be ashamed of, and that is part of their bit. However, when focusing on Susannah’s tummy they just happened to have behind the couch a pair of their shapewear knickers…pure shameless prostitution.

Not a huge fan of any sort of shapewear as “it” does have to go somewhere. I am a great advocate of the big knicker or tights with no underwear for smoothness. But their original magic knicker, despite the shameless promotion, looks like it could give smoothness without too much discomfort.

The key to good smoothness is getting the knicker/pants/trousers whatever over the biggest part of your tummy. I see lots of women wearing the low rise with a muffin top, not good. Sometimes the best trousers are---dare I say---the elastic waist because they can come up to your boobs if need be. Also trousers that FIT would eliminate overflow. For heaven’s sake buy the bigger size if they are going to fit you properly!

I plan to do a trial of T&S shapewear in the coming weeks. Don’t worry I won’t show my bits on the blog!

Stay stylish!

Aimee

Fashion G-spot for A/W 08

I think we all know that sex and fashion are intertwined, but imagine my shock two Sundays ago when I was lazily reading my Style magazine from The Sunday Times---you know from the country that gave us the play No Sex Please We’re British---- when in the What’s In section at the front they informed me that the clavicle was the G-spot this A/W. I blushed instantly and then got a naughty smile…but more on that later.

Then just a week ago I was watching my idols Trinny& Susannah makeover factory workers in their rage against sloppy dressing. For the first time maybe ever I saw a women who was a size 24 being made over. One of the things that the lovely Trinny was pointing out was with detailing up and around your face (beading, embellishment, etc) was very good for drawing the eye up and focusing attention on your face.

And just like that you have a fashion trend that works for plus sized beauties. I got a naughty smile because one of the new pieces in my own wardrobe is Anna Scholz’s Satin Flower Detail Viscose Top (pictured above). It has such lovely detail and nice and long to cover over soft tummy and big bum. I have been wearing it with a black and white floral satin skirt, a floral skirt from last summer that has a flower detail, on it as well, but with a patent belt. I have even worn it with jeans and my fav suede wedges. Between the cinch and flowers nobody is going below my waist...hence the clavicle is the G-spot.

Stay stylish!

Aimee

Red alert!

Have been pouring over my Vogue for the last number of days very excited about the new trends for A/W08. I find most of my customers love love love black and wear it all year round…even in the summer.

The great news for A/W 08 is that my second fave color is hot…RED. I love the mix of black red and white. Red is a particularly good color with the various shades of Irish women. Lovely pale skin, blue eyes looks great with a blue red, the reddish blond babes with sallow skin are good with the orange red…just not too orange. I have seen several lovely redheaded customers wearing red which I think is so refreshing.

Love red with black of course but also with gray. I know gray can be very school uniform for some people, but I was never subjected to that and really like it as an alternative to black.

In store this season we will have the gorg red suede jacket pictured above from Yoek. I also have a lovely raincoat in red coming from a new French collection Alain Weiz, as well as a range of crimson tops.

I think we can acknowledge that the summer is pretty much over and start looking forward to the Autumn. Start digging around for those lovely red pieces, it will freshen up your black and bring you bang up to date.

Stay stylish!

Aimee

A leg up

I have found it difficult to source tights that fit plus size especially as I have big hips and long legs. Pretty Polly XXL is usually a good fit, but sourcing them has been a problem.

I tried out a new site last week www.tightsplease.co.uk and they offer the PP XXL as well as a few other brands. I found the site easy to use and receive my order in 5 business days.

I wore a pair of Cette brand tights in the boutique on Saturday and they did not budge and were very comfy. The quality of this tight was felt in the material as it was almost silky to touch and had a small stretch that didn’t bag at the knees or ankles. Also I have noticed when I buy tights in Evans I have to stretch them to the length of my leg before I put them on whereas these tights were already quite long and when I put them on they had a slight stretch that fitted to my leg. The flesh color was very good and not too tan. Perfect for the fair Irish complexion! These were not inexpensive at 5.99GPB plus shipping but they didn't ladder on the first day or when I was taking them off.

It might be a bit chilly for fake tan bare legs and subtle tights is a good way to bare your leg. Check out www.tightsplease.co.uk and look under specialist tights.

Stay stylish!

Aimee

Footshame be gone!

I know it is like winter at the minute with the hail, sleet and snow. The reality is that any minute the weather will turn and, if you are anything like me, you will be faced with footshame.

The first time I had a pedicure in Ireland I could not believe that I was expected to shift myself around from the footspa to the chair to the bed. Or worse still balance myself on the bed while my toes were painted. This was meant to be relaxing and not equivalent to crunches at the gym.

Last week I took my plus size footsies to Mink Hand and Foot Spa in Ballsbridge where they have not just 1 pedicure chair but 10. If you aren't familiar with this paradise you must get yourself there immediately. Well maybe not immediately as there is up to a 2 week wait for appointments.

I booked in for a Marine pedicure, solar manicure and as a little treat an additional massage. I was seated into my chair offered coffee and magazines while Allesandra the technician got down to work. She didn't flinch at all when I showed my hideous hooves and put them into the water for a soak. Our only communication was her instruction to lift my foot out of the bath or put my foot back into the bath. I was so engrossed in my book and relaxed I cannot remember what went on my feet. All I know is that after an hour in the chair (with a massage feature...not for me I get a headache) my toes were soft and dare I say sexy with the red hot nail polish. Next manicure and massage. Sheer bliss.

I know you are thinking that the D4 location and THE CHAIR would make this experience an expensive one. Think again. Manicure 35 euros, pedicure 45 euros (the massage was an extra 15 euro a once off for me) pretty standard prices for non-standard experience.

Now if only the sun would shine...