...something bargainous, something blue

You'll have to be quick with this one, but Collectif are offering 30% off everything for orders placed before midnight saturday (14th). Coupon code is 'LOVE'. They've some new dress styles and a new print, but I'm rather peeved because all their new designs only go up to a size 16. Half the point of Collectif was that it stocked to a size 20/22. I've a good mind to write and express my frustration. What do you think?

Secondly, my gorgeous friend and colleague writes:

Does such a thing as a bright blue dress wrap dress exist anywhere? And would it suit my gingeryness? I have a real hankering. It haunts my dreams but I have searched and searched and can't find one.

To fill in the uninitiated, she is a tall, molten-copper-haired, hourglass-figured goddess. She'd turn heads in a potato sack, but yes indeed - a bright blue wrap frock will look amazing on her. Blue is a great colour for redheads - remember learning your complimentary colours at school? Orange and blue set each other off powerfully. For maximum impact, a deeper auburn should choose greenier blues, while a strawberry blonde should opt for iris-like shades. But that's a bit pernickerty, and at any rate, my friend's hair fits squarely into the middle of the spectrum.

(The other benefit of light, bright blues is that they flatter pale complexions. Remember this when choosing a swimsuit.)

I suspect that what appeals about the wrap dress is its slinky, figure-hugging qualities - as seen in DVF's archetypal jersey wrap dresses. Unfortunately, unless you want to spend DVF prices there aren't any bright blue wrap dresses around. The one I have found is more like a wrap version of a tea dress (you'll be seeing a lot of those this summer). It's by Jasmine Guinness at Oli. £46 reduced from £85 and available up to a size 20. This may not look much in the photo, but on my friend's dangerous curves it would look sensational - and I adore the stars. It's silk - so perhaps not for everyday (although - why not?) and the slightly darker blue is fabulous even for the end of winter.

But I'm fairly sure our girl had a different shade in mind. And it seems a shame not to go for really bright blues simply because there doesn't seem to be a wrap dress of that hue. Dotty P's have a couple of contenders. I like the wrap-influenced empire-line dress (£25), while I suspect my friend will be drawn to the cleaner lines of their pencil dress (£35).

All I want for Christmas...

The boyfriend has finally gone out shopping, so I can comment on fantasy shopping without him thinking I'm hinting at things I think he should buy. Oscar Wilde may have been right when advising men never to buy anything for a woman that she can't wear in the evening, but I'm about to mention some truly costly things, and spending that kind of money doesn't come easily to him.

So - if money were no object...

Diane Von Furstenburg wrap dress in Confetti Red, up to US size 14 (approx UK 18) £306

Why? Well this dress is the perfect shape for me. It enables my hourglass curves while disguising my heavy upper arms. It's timeless and smart, but cute and fun at the same time. My favourite colours too.

Gina Zeta sandals reduced to £185, but only available in size 3.5 - otherwise, Gina sandals tend to be around £350.

Why? I don't know about you, but when wearing red-carpet couture, I always struggle with what to wear on the end of my bare legs. Or maybe not - but the principle remains the same. Many glam frocks require bare legs - these sandals elongate the apearance of your legs and are effortlessly spectacular. Gina sandals became de riguer for A-listers way back in the nineties, and haven't changed much since, and of course there are hordes of more bargainous imitators. Go for the old gold colours - silver contrasts too much with your fleshtone.

Vollers call this corset V1114, 'Little Miss Mischief' and certainly, it does seem a lot of fun.

Vollers are the last word in corsets, but a traditional overbust corset doesn't pull many punches if you're a boobilicious girl and can leave the assembled company wondering where to land their gazes if you sport them as outerwear. This design has a little more coverage and the contrasting darker fabric may make the boobs look slightly smaller - I can but dream... £155.

Merry Xmas to all of you, and I'll see you for the sales.

The Incredible Shrinking Shopper

Not me, sadly - but I've had a request for tips on shopping when you are mid-weightloss.

My first tip, and I've mentioned them before, is the wrap dress. It's in their nature to fit more flexibly than a tailored garment. They flatter most body shapes if you have boobs bigger than your tummy, and are endlessly versatile, timeless and easy to wear. Had I the money I would invest in a heap of them by the Queen of the Wrap dress, Diane Von Furstenburg: I particularly love these two (above) from her current collection because of their collars - balancing out the weight of the boobs. Her clothes are available up to a UK 18 - but the plain black one is £235 and the print is £306. *Sigh*.

Of course, if you're between sizes you don't want to spend a fortune anyway. Marks and Sparks have this very pretty printed wrap dress for £35 which would be suitable for work or nights out, I think - it even has sleeves! Keep your eyes peeled though: when you see a cheap wrap dress, pounce on it.

The other style of clothing that can be effectively 'cinched' in, to fit a smaller you, is the empire line top or dress which is fitted with ties at the rear. Remember the caveat for empire lines - they do make your boobs look bigger, and for some of us, that's a bridge too far - in which case, look for those which create diagonal lines: V necks, kimono-style crossovers, or empire seaming which meets at a point, rather than a straight horizontal. Because you're going to be pulling in extra fabric as you lose weight, avoid anything too bulky, but also lightweight silks / viscoses where the extra folds at the back will crease and crumple, drawing attention to the fact that you're cheating the fit.

This dress from, what has to be a contender for shop of the season, Dotty P's fits the bill perfectly. It comes in grey, purple and black as well as teal and at £25 it's good value. No sleeves though - so invest in a lightweight cardigan. Buy a smaller size - so long as you can get your arms into it you're fine, just don't try to do it up until you're down to the next size!


Lastly, trousers - and this is much harder. You don't want to wear trousers that are on the small side, as you can with the dresses above to a certain extent. Trousers which are too small have a tendancy to split and lord knows, we don't want that. So to get length of wear from them, you're going to need to keep them after they're too big. The best option, then, is midweight fabric (no cords, no denim), and a high waist which has beltloops. I like these by Rocha.John Rocha at debenhams (£35) for work and weekend wear. These ones are petite, as the lady who inspired this posting is, like me, fairly short. Bear in mind - as you loose weight, your trousers will be longer as they become less troubled by your hips, thighs and bum. If you know you're losing weight and you've a choice between two lengths - both wearable now - go for the shorter ones.

A final word. If you are size 18 and above and changing size, look at ebay for clothes. There's a very healthy trade in larger clothes, and it makes sense not to spend too much if you're not sure how long it's going to fit. Smaller sizes are available too, of course, but there seems to be much more dross to wade through.