DOES MY BUM LOOK BIG IN *THIS*?

Ladies, Ladies, never mind your bum! When was the last time you had your bra properly fitted? Would you believe that according to professional bra fitters, over 60% of British women are regularly wearing the wrong size bra!

Do you have any idea what this is doing to your figures? Worried about a tummy? Did you know that wearing a good bra will immediately lift everything up, smoothing out those bulges and do wonders for your silhouette?

A professional bra fitting needn’t be painful. For starters, a fitting should be a free service so don’t be conned into paying for it. Whilst M&S are great for pretty basics such as knickers, tights and socks, I am yet to be convinced by their bras or the fitting service. I would always recommend you go to a specialist bra shop, such as Rigby and Peller or one of the larger department stores such as House of Fraser, Selfridges or a good Debenhams with a dedicated department with trained staff and a range of stock for all different shapes and sizes. A word of warning: don’t let someone encourage you into a bra you don’t feel comfortable in simply because they don’t have the stock!

A good bra fitter will instantly put you at your ease and in the long run will save you a fortune on buying bras that do nothing for you other than brighten your underwear drawer!



So what should you be buying? Whilst lacy bras are great for making you feel sexy in the evenings, every woman should have a good t-shirt bra for everyday wear. It might not look the prettiest but a skin coloured bra will work wonders under most tops.



And lastly… if that bum really does worry you, why not take a leaf out of Bridget Jones’ book and invest in some control undies? They needn’t be torture… there’s lots of shapes and fabrics to choose from. A good alternative would be M&S’ control tights – perfect for maintaining a sleek silhouette under that clingy skirt or dress… It’ll even smooth a tummy if the bra hasn’t done as much as you would have liked!

Credit Crunch Shopping

Credit crunch, credit crunch… I don’t know about you but I have stopped watching the evening news and buying the paper along with my morning coffee… it’s all too repetitive and somewhat scary! There’s credit crunch lunch, credit crunch cars and you’ve guessed it, there’s credit crunch shopping!

With the current economic slow down I find that my clients are increasingly concerned about how they are spending their hard-earned cash. They’ve taken a good hard look at their finances and all unnecessary fripperies are being culled. Not only that but they are also increasingly aware of fair trade products and want to know where their clothes are coming from, who’s making them and whether or not they’ll be added to a scrap heap after a few washes because they’ve fallen apart or the dyes have faded.

With all the wonderful new clothes hitting the high street and the long awaited opening of Cabot Circus what’s a girl to do with her tighter budget? Take it from a Stylist, you can still look great this season and pay the mortgage! You just have to follow a few simple rules.

Credit Crunch Shopping is not quite the same as investment buying but it runs along the same principle. Buy clothes that will last and that work with your existing wardrobe. You don’t have to follow a trend right down to the last accessory. It’s about looking in your wardrobe and digging out those faithful black trousers that have seen you through the cold winters and updating them with a few key accessories… and this season is perfect for that!

Although colours for the coming Autumn are rather muted (to suit the current economic climate, some have wondered) the season is full of wonderful items that when teamed with last year’s coat, jacket or tops, will immediately bring them up to date and ready for Autumn 08.

Black patent is making a comeback after it’s rapturous reception last year. Update last season’s black patent shoes with a matching handbag or invest in the new pointier wedges… Think detail – buckles, straps and height!

If you only buy one thing this season, have a look at a new coat. Let’s face it, it’s the perfect weather for wrapping up warm and if you start early you’ll have the pick of all the new ranges.

Big necklaces and jewellery are also a key look for the season and that plain black jumper will look fantastic with some bold and bright jewels at the neckline. If you’re feeling naughty what about picking up an oversize clutch in a matching jewel shade. There are going to be hundreds to choose from and they’re fab for taking an outfit from day to night.

If you’re looking at your casual wardrobe, think about teaming three bold bangles with one of the new ruffled tartan blouses (available in every price range) and a pair of the fab new shoe boots to give your favourite jeans look a bit of a boost.

You really don’t need to spend the earth to look good this season. All the big designers are very aware that people aren’t going to be shelling out for the big lux items as they might have done last season. If you’re looking for a treat have a peek at their smaller secondary labels for some trend inspired hints of luxury with a smaller price tag. And remember, if you need help spending wisely, there’s always a helpful stylist out there to guide you along! www.parlance.co.uk