Yesterday I promised to bring you some more outfits from the style event that I was running last week. The clothes weren't in my size, which is why they are being modelled on "Grace."
Before I start though, a few ladies have left messages for me highlighting the difficulties they have finding fashionable clothes on the High Street, given that they are so tall. With that in mind, I left a message on the Boden fb page asking them if they were likely to do a "tall" range. I selected Boden as their customer service is brilliant and they are good at catering to a wide market. Their clothes go from a 6 to a 22, they do a maternity range, a petite range and a longer length in clothes - although the trouser leg length, at least, is not long enough for the ladies who left me messages.
Boden's response was that if there was sufficient demand, they would certainly look into it. So I would like to urge all ladies out there, tall or otherwise, to leave a message on the Boden fb page asking that they look into this further. Having worked with lots of tall ladies, I have concluded that they are probably the least well catered for on the High Street out of everybody. I realise that if Boden did develop a tall range, it would still only be available by mail order but it would be a start. Anyway, here's the link to the page where you can leave your comment, if you felt so inclined. http://www.facebook.com/JohnnieBoden?ref=ts
Things won't change unless the brands are aware that they need to make changes so if you feel strongly about something, let them know. Facebook is a great forum for this because it's so public and the brands have to be seen to be responding. [Lecture over.]
Anyway, on to the outfits.
This first outfit comprises a broderie anglaise navy jacket from M&S, a yellow knit from Limited Collection at M&S and some palazzo pants from Per Una - I know, Per Una! Actually they are great.
You can see from the picture below that they are flat over the tummy but supportive too. They have small pleats which start a little lower down and they are really flattering for any ladies who carry more weight on their hips/thighs.
Said outfit minus the jacket but with the H&M yellow bag (I have now seen another yellow bag in Zara which has replaced this one as my favourite yellow bag of the season.)
Here's a closer picture of the navy broderie anglaise jacket from M&S. A lovely alternative to a corporate style jacket in a flattering style. It could be worn equally well with jeans and a breton top as to the office over a plain shift dress.
Yellow knit from Limited Collection at M&S which has little buttons down the back. It's quite a creamy yellow so not too difficult to wear.
This too is from Per Una. I came across it the other day when I was doing some work with M&S and had to review their Per Una range. I love the print on it as it reminds me of Orla Kiely or the Scandinavian fabric brand, Marimekko.
This dress has a real 1950's feel about it and again, is good for anyone with heavier hips and legs. A fitted bolero would work well over it, keeping the silhouette neat.
Do any of you remember the furore caused by the "Carrie" skirt at Whistles last summer? It sold out nationwide, although Birmingham has since confessed to me that they told everyone who enquired over the phone that they didn't have it when they did! This pleated skirt, which is very similar (largely because it too is a pleated skirt) is from GAP and comes in this lovely vibrant red and also navy. The sizing is a little out though - you may well need to go down a size or two in it.
I put it with this cute cardi from Oasis which obviously has a nautical theme about it. It would also look great with jeans, chinos, cigarette pants and over dresses. I like the addition of the turquoise to it - rather than it being just red, white and navy.
This pink skirt is from GAP. Casual skirts can be tricky. They can either feel quite dressy, as the pleated one above, a bit too work like - as in a pencil skirt, or too denim, short, and teenagerish (if there is such a word!)
I liked this one because of its softness, the vertical row of buttons down the front which is flattering, the bright colour and the fact that it isn't too short. I have styled it with a white shirt and the navy blazer with the sleeves rolled up, a Topshop belt plus some gold wedges. It would look equally good though with ballet flats or converse. (I haven't put a scarf with it - that's just the model.)
Tailored shirts are great for ladies with a curvier bust as the neckline is flattering and the darts mean that you still get a neat silhouette. Pepperberry is a good brand to try as they do shirts and tops in three bust fittings - meaning that it's not necessary to go up a size just to get a top to fit your bust.
Here I have put some coloured jeans (Gap jeggings) with a M&S Limited Collection bird print top. The jeans are really comfortable and a lovely colour.
The top is likely to suit ladies with a small to medium sized bust but hey - there are plenty of us around!
Lastly, another M&S Limited Collection top, this time with seagulls on it. It is a pretty 1950's style top with a pink trim on the collar.
