Swimwear for your body shape

Want to look your best on the beach this summer? well you can now!


Top heavy body shape

Fantasie tankini

For top heavy body shapes, the key to looking great in swimwear is good support. Pink tankini top with hidden support, £42, briefs, £21,

Boyish body shape

Marks and Spencer bikini

Be brave and go for bold printed swimwear, it will look fab on boyish body shapes. Black and white stripe bikini top, £18, briefs, £15,

Apple body shape

J by Jasper Conran swimsuit

The apple body shape's best friend is the control panel, so look for one pieces with hidden or ruched support bands.Gunmetal ruched swimsuit, £35,

Pear body shape

Bonmarche swimsuit

Go for a pattern up top to ensure that attention is drawn away from your heavier bottom half. Blue and white stripe swimsuit, £14

how to dress for your body shape

Wondering what to wear to look your best? Think you can't wear the latest fashions? Our fashion expert shows you the most flattering styles to wear for your body shape, plus those extra details to give the finishing touch.


Top heavy

What are the best styles to wear if you have a bigger bust? Our fashion expert reveals the most flattering fashions for top heavy ladies

Style tips to flatter your top heavy body shape

- Deep v-necks are a top-heavy girl's dream come true because they lengthen the neck and create a super-flattering shape.

- Avoid at all costs smock-style dresses and blouses that hang directly from the bust. They make you look large in places where you are not. Instead, opt for clothes with under the bust shaping to show off your curves.

- Finding a shirt to fit a top-heavy figure is always tricky. Ensure that you choose one with a low neckline and avoid buttoning it up to the neck. Also, try to go for softer fabrics that won't cling to your shape unnecessarily.

- Balance out your bottom half with a floaty skirt neatly cinched in at the waist with a belt.

Boyish

Got a boyish figure? Our fashion expert shows the best fashions to flatter your boyish body shape

Style tips to flatter your boyish body shape

- Lucky narrow-figured ladies are some of the few that look great in skinny jeans and trousers, so give them a try. Team with pumps for a stylish daytime look and add skyscraper heels for the evening.

- Smart little jackets can really work for boyish figures if you choose the right style. One with darts at the waist and wide lapels will give you much-needed shape.

- Clothing with girly detailing adds femininity to a figure with a small bust. Go for blouses with ruffles or frills to add soft shape to your silhouette.

- Dresses are fantastic at giving shape to boyish figures. Choose one with a full or floaty skirt and detailing up top to give your figure some curves!

Apple shaped

Looking for styles to disguise your tummy? Our fashion expert reveals the best fashions for you if your body is apple shaped

Style tips to flatter your apple body shape

- Avoid skinny trousers and jeans and instead opt for flattering loose leg trousers. Choose a plain and simple pair with no detailing around the hips.

- Smock tops that gently ease out from the bust and disguise your tummy are heaven sent for apple shaped figures. Also, go for smock style jackets that work for exactly the same reason, gently covering your curves without adding to them.

- Break up your upper half by wearing interesting necklines. Deep scoop or round neck tops are perfect. Add a chunky necklace to draw the eye upwards.

- Don't be tempted to wear pencil skirts - they just don't work on apple shaped figures. Instead, choose a flat, pleated style with a front band that will hold in your tummy.

Pear shaped

Wondering what to wear to flatter your pear shaped body? Our fashion expert shows you the best fashion styles for your body shape

Style tips to flatter your pear body shape

- Dark coloured trousers are a must. Go for a wide leg style pair that are the same width all the way down and hang from the hips to slim you down perfectly.

- Avoid dress styles, like shifts, that cling to your figure. Instead, opt for full-skirted styles that flow neatly over your bigger lower half.

- Wear detail up top. Whether it's pattern or jewellery, make sure you wear it on the top half of your figure to draw the eye upwards. An on trend chunky necklace will do the trick.

- Tunics are life savers. Styles made from sheer fabric are best as they hint at your perfect top half while gently skimming your pear shaped hips.

Curvy 

Want to show off your gorgeous curves? Our fashion expert's tips will show you what to wear to flatter your body shape

Style tips to flatter your curvy body shape

- Wide leg style trousers are super flattering for curvy figures. Make sure they are perfectly cut around the waist ensuring that no extra bulk is added. Avoid flared styles that add unnecessary shape to your silhouette.

- Emphasise your curves with dresses that are knee length and nipped in or belted at the waist. Remember to keep the neckline low to break up your bust.

- Choosing clothing made from supportive fabric is best. Avoid loose flowing fabrics that will swamp your figure and go for ones that show off your curves!

- Curvy figured ladies look fabulous in pencil skirts! Just make sure you stick to plain ones in block colour. Belt it to emphasise your waist.

top 10 handbags!

LK Bennett Isabela Bag, £155

Discard that heavy winter bag and pick up this lighter straw holdall by LK Bennett for the summer. Perfect for fitting in everything you could possibly want to carry, we love this bag for everyday wear.

River Island Pink Floral Print Bag, £29.99

Flirty florals are big news this summer. If a head-to-toe look is too much for you, just work the trend with your accessories. We love this cross-body bag by River Island for it's Mad Men, early 60s style.

Malababa Blanca Bag, £235

For a go-with-everything, easy-to-wear bag, you can't get better than this should bag by Malababa. Made from luxe lambskin and featuring multiple compartments, this will become your new everyday bag.

Topshop Mock Croc Mini Doctors Bag, £32

Step up your professional side with this mini doctors bag by Topshop. Work the look at the office with a sharp pencil skirt or mix it up at the weekend with jeans and casual tops.

Miu Miu Matelassé leather bag, £995

It may have a high price tag, but how wantable is this Miu Miu bag? In this season's must-have hue, such a beautiful bag will go with any look, day or night. Snap it up now and wear all summer long.

French Connection Fringe Fancy Shoulder Bag, £180

Fringing is back, back, back for the new season! If you don't fancy a fringed coat or the new fringed shorts, give a subtle nod to the trend with this French Connection bag. Wear it at the weekend to give a fashionable twist to jeans and a tee

ASOS Leather '60s Flight Bag, £85

Give your outfit a retro twist with this ASOS flight bag. The bright pop of colour is bang on trend for spring/summer and the mutli-strap, mutli-pocket design makes it practical s well as stylish!

Zara Plaited Shopper, £79.99

If you can't leave the house without being prepared for every eventuality, you need this bag by Zara. The large cocoon shape makes it perfect for everyday usage and means it can hold whatever you throw in it

Chloe Aurore Tote, £960

If you love the ladylike look, but can't bare the thought of only carrying a small bag, opt for thisChloe tote. With gorgeous, soft tan leather, a luxe gold padlock and an on-trend shape, this bag is suitable for any occasion, day or night.

Mulberry Tillie hobo, £914

The new Mulberry is here! The Alexa's little sister,the Tillie, is the latest design by the handbag giants. As with all Mulberry bags, it's set to become the most coverted bag of the summer - snap your's up now before it's too late.

12 tips to loose weight!

Your mind can dramatically help or hinder your attempts to lose and keep off weight. Follow these expert tips 

1. "I deserve to eat/drink this because I've exercised/ I'm sad/ I worked hard today..." Using food or drink to cheer you up or to reward yourself rarely works and is a sure-fire way to put on weight. Find alternative ways of treating yourself, such as a long bath or a new lipstick. New thought: What I really deserve is a slim, fit and healthy body I can be proud of. 

2. "It's low-fat/low-GI/low-sugar/low-calorie, so I'll have more." Remember the golden rule - if you eat more calories than you burn off you'll put on weight, so no matter how virtuous a food may appear, don't overdo it. Listen to your appetite and stop when you've had enough. New thought: A low-GI/fat/sugar/calorie food won't be of any benefit to me if I use it as an excuse to eat more of it. 

3. "I'll never be thin - years of dieting has damaged my metabolic rate." Dr Prentice of the Dunn Human Nutrition Unit in Cambridge says, "There is no doubt that your metabolic rate goes down when you diet. It's the body's way of fighting back when it thinks it may be facing starvation, but we've found it recovers after a few weeks of the diet ending." New thought: My metabolic rate is functioning normally and I can make it burn an extra 200 to 300 calories with every 30 minutes of exercise I do. 

4. "If I ban the high-calorie foods that I love, I'll finally get the body of my dreams." Big mistake. The human mind is a very complex thing. The minute you tell yourself that you are not allowed to eat a certain food, it becomes even more desirable. New thought: Everything is ok to eat - but in moderation. 

5. "I can never be thin - I love delicious food far too much." No problem! You don't need to make an enemy of food to lose weight. In fact, quite the opposite - just don't overeat! Use your love of food to try out new recipes, foods and explore healthier ways of cooking. New thought: Good food doesn't need to be covered in calorie-rich creams, oils, fats and sauces to taste great. 

6. "My whole family are overweight, so why try to change my weight?" Your genes will play a significant role in determining your natural weight range, but just because your relatives are overweight doesn't mean you have to be. Eat healthy foods, smaller portions, increase your activity levels and exercise more to overcome it. New thought: I can't alter my DNA, but I can make sure I am the best that I can be. 

7. "I'm so tired I really need this chocolate/ biscuit/ cake to get me through." When you are feeling tired, a sweet snack will increase your blood sugar levels, which is why it often gives you the quick fix you crave. But this "sugar high" is very swiftly followed by an even bigger "sugar low", leaving you feeling more tired. Try to eat little and often during the day and snack on fruits, nuts and wholegrains. New thought: When I'm feeling tired, it's low-fat, low-GI and slow-releasing foods that I need. 

8. "It's a waste to throw this away, so I'll eat it." It goes against the grain to waste food, but remember - if you put it in the bin, it's gone for good; but put it in your mouth and it may hang around on your hips, thighs or stomach for years to come! New thought: If I'm not hungry I simply won't eat any more. 

9. "Skipping breakfast is an easy way to cut calories." The temptation to skip breakfast can be great. However, numerous studies confirm that breakfast skippers smoke more, drink more alcohol, take less exercise and consume more calories per day than breakfast eaters. By mid-morning you'll have very low blood sugar and can experience particularly strong urges to eat quick-fix fatty, sugary foods, tea and coffee and even an increased desire to smoke. New thought: "Eating breakfast, even if it is just a low-fat smoothie, some fruit or wholegrain toast will give me far greater control over what I choose to eat throughout the rest of the day." 

10. "I've blown it with the main course; I might as well have a dessert." Use the 80:20 rule. If you follow a healthy portion-controlled eating regime 80 per cent of the time, you don't need to worry too much about the other 20 per cent. You're then less likely to sabotage your efforts when you have the occasional slip-up by overeating even more. New thought: "One treat at a time - I've pushed the boat out on the main, so I'll have a low-calorie option like fruit or sorbet." 

11. "The label says it's ‘low-fat', ‘light', ‘lite', or ‘reduced fat', so it must be a better option." The words "lite" or "light" tend to lead one to assume that they are either low in calories or fat. However, neither is necessarily true as it may simply mean that product is a lighter colour or texture than another similar product. "Reduced-fat" does not necessarily mean low-fat. One crisp manufacturer makes reduced-fat crisps that are 50 per cent fat compared to 62 per cent in its normal crisps. Both are still high in fat. "Low-fat" may not be as it seems either. As fat gives many foods their taste, manufacturers often replace this with more sugar. New thought: I won't see labelling as a green light for a treat or extra helping. 

12. "I do plenty of exercise, so I should be able to eat what I like." If you weigh nine stone, you would need to run for just under an hour to burn off 500 calories. To eat 500 calories would take less than a couple of minutes in the form of a Big Mac, bar of chocolate or a milkshake. Regular exercise will help you regulate your appetite and eat healthier foods, but unless you watch what you eat as well, when it comes to weight loss, you'll be fighting a losing battle. New thought: "No amount of exercise will make up for an unhealthy diet or overeating."

Loose weight and feel great!

Healthy Breakfasts

Porridge

Porridge is probably the best choice you could make for breakfast, as its complex carbohydrates release slowly, keeping you feeling full until lunch. Try making it with soya milk if 
you're going through the menopause (it helps to reduce symptoms like hot flushes and night sweats) - you can hardly taste the difference once the porridge is made. Like cereal, you can top it with virtually anything you fancy - our favourites are some fresh berries, a drizzle of honey and a sprinkling of sunflower seeds.

Toast

Quick, delicious and the perfect partner to a cup of tea, toast 
is the ultimate comfort food. But it can be a healthy choice too - you just need to make some slight changes. Switch your white loaf to a wholemeal one. Wholemeal contains wholegrains, which will keep you fuller for longer, and the bread is less processed and therefore has fewer additives. Instead of butter, try a lower-fat spread. If you really can't live without butter, though, make sure it's at room temperature 
so you can spread it easily without piling on big chunks. Try mashing a ripe banana and spreading it on to your wholemeal toast. It's surprisingly delicious and satisfying, and it makes a filling breakfast that will keep you going all morning.

The best make up for tan!

once your skin is beautifully tanned, the make up you need is less covering, more colouring!

The right foundation


Ordinarily, your foundation shade would have to be a shade or two darker over summer, but many of the lastest do adapt with your skin tone- try givency photo' perfection light £30.50 and Rimmel match perfectioncream gel foundation, £6.99. tinted moisturisers are a great way to enhance a gorgeous tan glow without having to invest in a whole new foundation product. They are light and make skin dewy,to help prevent flaking and dehydration in the heat. apply to the centre of your face and the gently blend outwars so that the colour blends seamlessly into your skin.

  Quick and easy eye

A touch of mid-toned brown eye shadow across the eylids defines the contours, making your tan look effortlessly groomed. long lasting water resistant formulas will adhere to the skin, and dont smudge and smear even in the heat. L'Oreal colour infallible in endless chocolat, £6.99 is great and also the new Estee lauder double wear stay-in-peace eyeshadow in cafe au lait or mochaccino £15.50 have revolutionised my make up bag.finger tip press across the eye lid and into the sockets and they will stay there all day! Outline lashes in a great black mascara maybelline the one by one volum'express mascara £8.49 catches every lash! for colour a hint of blue is the prettiest eyeshadow to emphasise a tan! 

TALL ORDER

Want to live the high life? choose from courts, sandals, chunky heels and wedges..

A chunky heel gives an instant lift and, with extra support, the skys the limit.

 

Strappy sandals the ultimate heel, great grip and easy to walk in what more do you want?

                when comfort is the key wedges are the answer.      throw them on with a summer maxi dress