Showing posts with label Dorothy Perkins. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Dorothy Perkins. Show all posts

Monday, 4 November 2013

Rock the Dress

It's definitely the season where looking good in "Christmas photos" is at the forefront of our minds, and what better way to talk about it in relation to dressing your temporary figure? Now I'm aware that not everyone is on corticosteroids that temporarily blow you up - and yes it is temporary, you will slim down again - but everyone goes through a phase where your body is being unruly and weight loss isn't happening quick enough. Don't stress out over it, you'll reach your goals in due time.

Everyone has an item (or 3) in their wardrobe that is their go-to outfit - mine were my Skinny Jeans. However, I got so bloated that I had to give them up for a while because they made me look bigger than I actually was. This can happen to anyone, but here's the cure...buy dresses that flatter your figure. "Why dresses?"...I'm glad you asked lovelies. Well, mainly because dresses don't have the tendency to cut you off like jeans do. There's no muffin top, or giving yourself third-degree burns because you have to tie the belt so tight. I'm telling you, dresses will rock your world! If you're worried that dresses won't suit you, they will, you just need to step out and own it. You're probably used to wearing Jeans or Trousers, but a dress is most definitely the answer to take you from feeling frumpy and lumpy to sassy and gorgeous!

To kickstart the party season, try these 3 key styles that'll keep you looking fabulous darling!

The Simple Shift

Shift Dresses suit most body shapes and sizes because their loose fitting design means it won't accentuate problem areas. Because of this, you won't have to shy away from prints or bold colours, be confident and try something different. I tend to find that some Shift Dresses fit better than others, in these instances, I tend to size up so that I feel comfortable. Pair with a Biker Jacket and boots for the day, and a blazer and heels for the evening. If you don't want to wear heels, wear some show-stopping flat shoes or boots - with tights, of course.

Navy Tapestry Shift Dress
Dorothy Perkins - £42

Black and White Shift Collar Dress
Dorothy Perkins - £18

Crepe Tee Shift Dress
Topshop - £45

The Sensational Skater

Skater Dresses are a personal favourite of mine because they pull you in at the waist and flare out to a full skirt. To emphasise a narrow waist, place a skinny belt at the narrowest point, but don't tie it too tight...remember, we're avoiding third-degree burns. You can't go wrong with a Skater dress, you'll feel and look feminine and classy whenever you put this on. Wear with an oversized cardigan, Chelsea or distressed boots for a casual relaxed day look, and glam it up with a cropped blazer (so that the hem of the jacket sits perfectly over the flared skirt) and courts or shoeboots for a night out.
Black Metallic Paisley Jacquard Skater Dress
New Look - £29.99

Ivory Lace top 2in1 Dress
Dorothy Perkins - £22

Grey Boucle Panel Skater Dress
River Island - £32

The Marvellous Midi

The Midi Dress is the perfect solution when you want to throw on something that is simple but elegant. Midi refers to the length of the dress, but I'll be showing bodycon dresses as I can't get enough of them this season - it's a style that looks great on everyone. They come in petite too, so no one should feel excluded when purchasing. For a casual day look, wear with any comfortable flats - I love wearing them with my vans and a biker jacket. By night, team with high heels, a blazer and a statement necklace.

AX Paris Burgundy Snakeskin Midi Dress
New Look - £25

Paisley Textured Midi Dress
Miss Selfridge - £35


Dark Red Necklace Trim Midi Dress
New Look - £22


A word of advice, and no I'm not crazy...Try the dresses on in the shop and glam yourself up beforehand. I'm guilty of going into shops when I feel and sometimes look a mess. Believe me, it can cloud your judgement regarding a particular outfit. By doing this, the outfit will instantly look better on you because you've made an effort. It's not always easy to visualise how well you'll look if your appearance says something different. (I can't be the only one out there that's guilty of this, can I?)

There are plenty of dresses out there that will help transform your mood as well as your image. Sometimes the right outfit is all you need to give your confidence a boost and take your mind off of weight problems and health issues. But keep this in mind, just because you may have piled on a few pounds doesn't mean your any less charming than when you were a little slimmer. Avoid wearing greys and blacks all the time and apologising for your larger frame to people who make comments about it. Work what you have and be the sassy, charming and beautiful person you always have been. Go on, swap your comfort pants for a beautiful dress and dazzle this season! 

Always remember to keep smiling and stay fabulous,
Sam xx

Saturday, 22 June 2013

Dressing After Weight Gain

Everyone knows that each day requires a great outfit, right? Of course!

And everyone knows that you should look your best to feel your best, right? Yes. 

Well, I get this knot in my stomach when I think about outfits for occasions or outings - could be Crohn's related - because although I love fashion and all things beauty, my post-steroid body is not as it once was. I'm losing the weight now, but I still need clothes that fit.

Steroid weight gain means that you could go from a size 10 to a size 16 in a matter of weeks - this happened to me - and the most noticeable place it goes to is your face and your stomach. I'm not saying there is anything wrong with being big at all, but when your weight gain is drastic, you feel like a fish out of water. Then when the invitations come to go out to simple things such as the cinema, dinner, or to the Zoo - random I know - you immediately want to decline because you have nothing that fits.

I've learned to stop stressing over the clothes that no longer fit, or trying to squeeze into them, and have bought clothes that compliment my current body and make me feel great.

If you're currently undergoing treatment that causes your weight to rocket, firstly I truly empathise. *teddybear hug* 

Secondly, I think it is important that you wear clothes make you feel fabulous and don't cut you off in the wrong places. For instance, I'm a big jeans fan and while low-rise jeans are great, they will make your stomach appear more round when worn. Opt for High Waisted Jeans that will pull in your tummy so that you don't feel conscious that people are staring at you - or is that just me? 

These are two of my favourites.
New Look - £22.99
Topshop - £40




















If they feel too tight, or the waistband is uncomfortable on your stomach, try Dorothy Perkins' Jeggings instead (I consider them a wardrobe staple). I have at least 4 pairs that I rotate often. They fit like a glove, and can be dressed up or down. They are available in other colours, but if you aren't daring enough to go bold, these two will look just as great.

Dorothy Perkins - £20 
Dorothy Perkins - £20
Buy Quick as they are on sale! 

Topshop also have some amazing Jeggings that look great with just about anything.

Try not to get hung up over the size that you're buying either, there are more variations in body shape than there are clothes sizes. Fact! Focus more on the fit. This was once easier said than done, but if you refuse point blank to wear a size that you aren't happy with, find an alternative. 

What works for me are Topshop's Heavyweight Leggings. They are available in lots of colours, and they work wonders for shaping your thighs! They too look great dressed up or down. I'm emphasising this point because your weight gain is temporary, so you don't need to spend a fortune buying everyday Jeans, smart Jeans, casual Leggings and dressy Jeggings. Be practical with what you buy as you don't want to regret losing the weight and having lots of great clothes you can no longer fit into.

Topshop - £18
Topshop - £18

Now to truly feel fabulous in any of the bottoms, you need great tops. For me, I prefer H&M's loose fitting Blouses that skim over the stomach, as opposed to tight fitting tops. 

For the more casual outing try NewLook's Boyfriend T-Shirts, and because they are loose fitting, they will definitely hide the problem areas. They look great hanging loose, but if you want to wear it a different way, tuck about 2 inches into your Jeggings so that it creates a bubble hem. 

You could also wear Primark's sleeveless Shirts, which are finally available online. Confession: I only added this in because I was excited about them joining the digital world; it's only taken forever! However, they are nice options for a daytime look.

If you want to up the ante and create an hourglass figure, or enhance it, wear a Peplum top - they look amazing whatever the occasion. Either plain, or with bright floral patterns, you'll feel great. I particularly love New Looks range because of the print - I'm obsessed with floral - and they make me feel girly.

New Look - £14.99
New Look - £14.99
There are plenty other styles that will hide a multitude of sins and keep you looking on trend regardless of your size or body shape. Make it work for you and don't be defeated!

Let me know what you think, and show me your favourite styles.

Stay beautiful and keep smiling,
Sam.