Well, this is the final instalment of a three part feature that I pulled together for Andrew Jackson and his Viva Boudoir photography package. In the other two posts I talked about the importance of wearing the right underwear, and about how understanding your body shape and its proportions will help you make informed decisions about which underwear is going to be best for you.

Now I want to take this a step further and arm you with the information to go out there and choose underwear that will not only give you the support you need, but be flattering too.

For this you not only need to take into consideration your body shape, but also your bust shape. Everyone’s breasts are different in shape; some are closer together and some are fuller, so it’s really important that you choose the right shape bra to give you the best support and shape.

Bust shape

Full or heavy breasts that are full above and below the nipple.
Opt for a full cup, plunge or soft cup.  The key is to avoid styles that dig into the breasts and creating bulging.

Long/shallow breasts that are shallower on the top and fuller from the nipple down.
A full cup or firm balcony style will prevent wrinkling at the top of the cup due to it not being filled.

Body shape

Neat column shape with a small bust
Opt for styles that will add curves and softness to your shape.

Bra set Floozie by Frost French at Debenhams

Curvaceous hourglass shape with good sized bust
Opt for styles that enhance your fabulous curves and highlight your waist.

Ann Summers Ava bra and high-waisted brief

Broad apple shape with fab legs and good bust
Choose styles that enhance your waist and broaden your hips.

John Lewis Phoebe Lingerie

Pear shape with a tiny waist and small bust
Choose styles that highlight your waist and make your hips look narrower.

Presence longline bra Marks and Spencer

Accessories and enhancers

Don’t forget, there are plenty of bra accessories and breast enhancers that will help you to create the perfect fit and shape.

Accessories from Marks and spencer

Last night I spent the evening surrounded by beautiful people, champagne, and lingerie at The Private Vintage Club in The Opium Bar in Bath.  Normally I head to local fashion events on my own, but this time my husband came with me.  Can’t think why....maybe it was the thought of the lingerie models that would be shimmying down the catwalk?

I’d never been to The Opium Bar before but I think it might be my new favourite place to head on a night out. The decor is gorgeous with vintage furniture set against seductive lighting and painted ceilings.  Unfortunately I turned up fashionably late which meant that all the seats had gone by the time we arrived.  We had to make do with standing at the end of the catwalk which actually ended up being a great spot.  We were near the photographers, the bar and the lovely Christina Sim from www.justsofashion.co.uk.

We enjoyed Champagne and Mojito’s while the models showcased beautiful lingerie from Hannah Dulcie and fabulous vintage dresses from Scarlet Vintage.  They looked amazing. 

Despite the Mojhitos I managed to take quite a few photos and even attempted a short video.  I won't subject you to all the photos, just my favourites.

I was delighted to be invited to Cribbs Causeway’s fashion show again this season.  I’ve been to a few local fashion events recently and have started to see the same friendly faces.  Working for yourself can get a tad lonesome, especially if you’re stuck behind a computer for a large part of your working day, so it’s great to get out and meet other fashion bloggers.   This time, we decided to meet up for a coffee and a catch up before the show started, it was great to see Gina from MyStreetChic.com, their new student ambassador Harriett and Sarah from Ship Shape.  Hopefully, next time we’ll be able to get a bigger group of us together.   

This season’s show was as I’d hoped - well styled and brilliantly choreographed.  It kicked off with fabulous fashions from John Lewis.  I have to just say at this point, that John Lewis’s fashion department is getting stronger and stronger with each season helped by the likes of Whistles, NW3 and Reiss (I can feel another post coming on...watch this space).  The outfits didn’t disappoint, bold prints, tweeds and coloured tights created a brilliant concoction, think heritage but with a twist.  I loved these burgundy tights teamed with pillar-box red shoes (apologies for the appalling photo – must invest in a decent camera).  The men were sporting tweed jackets and denim, with coloured shoes adding a splash of personality. 




French connection were up next and in stark contrast to the previous burst of colour, we were treated to sharp tailoring and sultry silhouettes.  Dark colours highlighted the sixties shapes creating a striking collection.




Phase Eight embraced clashing prints, a favourite of mine (see my outfit post here).  People are often scared to mix prints, but when it’s done right it can look brilliant.  If you want to dabble in a spot of print clashing then the easiest way is to team simple stripes with a bold star or spot print.  As long as one of the patterns is stronger than the other and there is some synergy between the colour palettes – it’ll work.  Menswear was from River Island and channelled the Nordic trend.  I really liked the clever mix of textures with the chunky knits and oversized scarf’s.




Republic was very much as you’d expect - urban street-wear for men and women that’s practical and on trend.  Not my favourite but I can see that it will have big appeal.  Gillett’s, checked shirts and denim were uniform, with coloured chino’s breaking up the repetitiveness.



Marks and Spencer’s showcased the sixties trend.  Red, black and white was the theme, and patterned tights added a spot of drama.  Spots are a refreshing mini-trend this season, hopefully marking a departure from strips which have filled the high-street for years.  If you’re not a fan of spots then little stars or tiny birds in repeat is a cute way to work this trend.




The fetish trend had been overlooked until H&M took to the catwalk. The models strutted out in not so easy to wear outfits, but looked fab.  The guys looked just as good and sported amongst other items, leather trainers – a great way to dip your toe in the trend.  I love the fetish trend that’s around this season; and will be mixing my leather skirt from last year with chunky knitwear and towering heels as soon as the weather’s gone back to normal.   When working this trend, try and go for real leather if your budget will stretch to it.  Not only will it look so much better, but it will last longer too.  In fact I think Leather looks better the older it gets, the same can’t be said for imitation leather.




Wallis looked like they’d transported their models straight from the sixties. Geometric prints, block colours and mini lengths were the theme.  The guys showcased Burton’s collections and looked trim in slim cut suits with a nod to the mod’s.



Marks and Spencer showcased a second collection, this time it was less sixties, and more forties.



River Island’s collection was a real mix straight from the seventies. Bold prints adorned trousers and dresses and fur trims were on everything from boots to coats.  Prints were clashed and had a real Mary Katrantzou feel to it which as I've mentioned in previous posts, is a favourite of mine.   The men clashed plaid shirts with striped cardigans and rust coloured trousers; totaly autumnal.





John Lewis returned to the stage with colour blocking, proving it’s a wearable trend whether you choose to wear a statement dress or to accessorise with a bold bag.  The starkness of the colour was cleverly softened by mixing different textures together.  The men looked dapper in sharp slim suiting that was set off against bold patterned ties and strong coloured shirts.



This season is set to be a good one.  The shops are already bursting with fabulous autumn collections so why not head to Cribbs Causeway and experiment with your own style.  But of course, if you feel you’d like some direction then get in touch!

This is one of those love it or hate it trends.  But if you hated it last season, then you might find yourself warming to it this autumn, as this time round it’s grown up into something much more wearable and versatile.  The fringing from summer is still hanging around, so if you loved it like I did, then you’ll still find plenty of bags overloaded with it.  However, the fringed skirts and tops have all but gone and in their place are the far more conventional tassels, dangling from necklines, shoes, bags and belts. 

Moderation is the key to getting this look right.  Don’t be tempted to wear too many fringed items at once and make sure you keep the rest of your outfit simple.  It’s a trend that can be worked into your everyday wardrobe, if you’re careful and choose items that suit your own style.

This bag laden with fringes is perfect for my everyday style.  I wanted the bag to blend in with my outfit in a rock chick kinda way, so I’ve teamed it with my black skinnies, silk top, leather jacket and animal print pointies.

Bag – Topshop, £75 Silk top – Topshop, £35 Black jeans – Oasis, £48 Animal print shoes – Oasis, £40 Leather jacket – years old! Ring – House of Harlow, £45

 For work, I like things to be a little more polished.  I’ve accessorised these tailored trousers and blouse with a tassel necklace and pair of statement tasselled,shoes.  They nod to the trend, but keep the look clean and simple.

Blouse – Monsoon Fusion, £48 Trousers – Zara, £29 Belt – Came with trousers Shoes – River Island, £60 Necklace - Topshop, £12.50

This trend isn’t the preserve of festival goers; it really can be worked into your everyday wardrobe. But don’t forget, moderation is key, and less is more!

See my full column in this months Folio magazine.

Well, this is a bit different!  I've literally just finished taking a regular client of mine shopping for her autumn\winter wardrobe and am now sitting in the middle of Cabot Circus, typing this post for my blog live!  It's a little hectic and to be honest with you, quite scary.  I'm not a natural writer and generally spend ages typing up posts in Microsoft Word, before checking the spelling and pasting it into my blog.  To say I'm a little outside my comfort zone is an understatement.  Anyway, I'm here to write about the show, not tell you how long it takes me to pull together posts for my blog. 

Well, the show was short and sweet and the outfits looked great (bar one that I just couldn't get my head round - blue cord shorts and a pale fringed leather jacket just doesn't do it for me).  Fashions from House of Fraser were showcased covering adrodgyny and colour blocking for women, and sharp retro style tailoring and heritage for men.

My favourite look had to be girl meets boy, masculine tailoring for women.  I loved the the edgyness of the leather and sharp tailoring contrasted with soft feminine silk and naughty lengths.  This outfit was the star of the set.  I love the leather shorts - if only I had the legs.

Colour blocking was done in easy to wear shades and even more wearable shapes.  Simple dresses were finished off with statement accessories that popped against the outfits. 

This colbolt blue dress and sunshine yellow bag looked fabulous and prove it's not hard to pull off this trend.