My top 10 tips on loving your clothes purchase(s) at home

How to buy clothes you'll still love when you look at them in your mirror at home.

Last week I did a corporate style event in LK Bennett's Covent Garden store, and found myself dispensing advice to lots of lovely ladies with one common theme - how they got from loving something on the mannequin to actually wearing it once they'd left the shop with it.

I heard then, and hear often, from women (and men) who have numerous unworn items in their wardrobe(s). If that's you, I dare you to calculate that cost! And then, read on for my top tips on avoiding adding more regrets to it.

My ten top tips (in no particular order!)

Try things on and do the 360!

1. Don't go shopping blindly

...know what you already own that will work with what you're about to buy - from accessories to underwear. 

2. Put on the right footwear to try stuff on with

...Why? Because, for example, heel height will change the length something appears and it will alter your posture affecting the overall impact. Trying to tip toe to the right height rarely works as we concentrate on not toppling over!

3. Be conscious of the impact of store lighting on the colour of your chosen item

...Try and get near natural light if possible or imagine yourself under dinner lighting. Don't be shy about leaving the changing room! Walking about will also help you know if something feels comfortable as well as if it looks right.

4. Know your shopping horror history

...If all your previous shopping horrors have been when you've shopped alone: go shopping with a trusted (honest yet diplomatic!) friend or better still a stylist especially if your purchase is expensive and/important. If all your mistakes have been after a few lunchtime drinks with Belle from the office - don't do that again!

“If all your mistakes have been after a few lunchtime drinks with Belle from the office - don't do that again!”

5. Step away from the mirror and do the 360

...It may look great on, face on and close up but does it look the same at a distance and from a different perspective?

6. Play with it!

...For example, as a petite I know that I might have to have something altered so I'll try and create that scenario in-store. If you think something needs adjusting ask the store if they can tape the change (eg hem, sleeve length) for you. Changing something can alter the overall look. LK Bennett, for example, will do alterations.

7. If you can, get someone to take a photo of you in the outfit

...Again, it's about seeing things from a different perspective.
Important: This is not an opportunity to criticise yourself but to critique an outfit.

8. Go knowing you

...Get to know your best colours, understand your body shape and think about your style personality - you may love the idea of something more than you'll love it on you

9. Have a place/event in mind that you know you'll wear the item or outfit to.

...We've all brought something fab and had it languish in our wardrobe for an age before having a suitable place to wear it to. That's ok with a classic piece but not a high fashion piece which may not be in fashion next year!

I know it sounds obvious, but...
10 ...actually Try stuff on! I've worked with people who hate shopping so they rush in and buy something, those who buy because they like the look of something in an ad' or on the hanger and others who don't like the hassle of changing rooms.

As with all my 'advice', the final thing is... If you really (really) love it and feel wow in it, forget all of the above and go for it!

What are your top tips?

Happy shopping!
Denise x

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Petite Pals: Look cool, stay warm.

Staying warm, staying stylish, staying seen!

It can be tougher dressing a petite frame in cooler seasons as fabrics get heavier and clothing gets bigger - that thick winter jumper that the models are wearing looks great on girls with a 'grande' scale but that sort of thing can just swamp us petites.

I personally find it challenging not to disappear under my heavy winter coat and behind my umbrella so I've put together this guide of what works for me.

My tips for petite dressing as the temperature drops (in no particular order)...

1. Wedge boots - we still need some height but stiletto heels in snow... Just no!

2. Cashmere & Merino - in your wardrobe there should be (thin yet warm) cashmere or similar, be it a jumper, cardi, dress or twin set if you're a classic style personality.

3. Coloured tights matched with a bright ankle boot allows us to stay in shorts and mini's and create the look of longer legs like nude shoes do for us in the summer.

4. Thermal undies - yes, I'm serious. A thin thermal is a way to keep warm without the bulk.

5. A cropped wooly jumper, ideally with 3/4 length sleeves - you may need to balance a heavy top with chunkier boots. However, it's best to avoid more big chunky, eg jewellery, on your top half.

6. A waistcoat (not with your wooly jumper I'd suggest) - it's another layer, shaping and stylish. For work layer with a thermal vest, shirt, waistcoat and jacket... Snug!

7. Don't forget to wear colour*, and as tempting as it is don't wear too many deep colours if they're not in your palette (and especially not as a roll neck jumper!) - not specific to petites but worth a mention all the same. Remember, top to toe colour will lengthen you.

8. Use/tie your winter scarves in a way that fits with your petite proportions, and as your scarf is near your face make sure you're wearing a flattering colour. 
(Not sure what yours are: #getyourcoloursdone!)

9. Also think about your proportions when it comes to hats - whilst a heavy wide-brimmed hat may make a striking fashion statement, it may also overshadow the petite person wearing it!

10. Personally, I love dresses and skirts but when it cools down you'' often see me in... Trousers - patterned and plain, they are a cool season essential in my book, but the frustration can be getting the length right (especially if they need to be squeezed into your boots). M&S, Topshop, Next are my high street recommendations. Need them made? Go to The clothes lady or Suit yourself suits.

Obviously we're more than our height, so your bodyshape may affect which of these items work best for you, however as a general guide and in summary: 

• Thinner materials layered up are best. 
• Don't go for anything too bulky or big. 
• Follow the usual dressing petite dressing rules, but...

...Don't abandon your inner-style rules - because worse than losing your body under a big jumper, is losing your style personality under a bundle of 'rules'!

Do you agree?

Which tips were most useful?

Are there any you'd add?

Happy Shopping!

Denise x

For more:

• Call on: 07887 643807 for a body confidence coaching session or image services
• Look at: www.damsonbelle.co.uk
• Follow at: @DenDamBelle
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Fashion Fever!

If you know me, you'll know that I don't consider myself a fashion blogger and so try to avoid 'promoting' brands and products. If you read my Twitter account, however, you'll know that I do have a wee crush on the classy, yet affordable, Fever Designs (http://www.feverdesigns.co.uk/) which I came across by accident.

In April I entered a competition to try and win yet another Fever item to add to my collection. The task was to say where you'd wear each dress, and I couldn't help but add the 'how' too!

http://www.feverdesigns.co.uk/blog/2014/04/competition-where-to-wear-spring-edition/

My opening line was a deliberate attempt to get noticed by the universe, even though they said the winner would be chosen at random. And, to my great joy (I kid you not, I was a very happy bunny because I never win anything*), I WON!

On Friday I went to the London store to meet Lauren to decide which dress to get, and though it was a tough choice I chose this one with the help of the super kind and patient staff. I'm really glad I tried them all on along with numerous other things (all lovely), as I might not have chosen this one if I'd have simply 'shopped' on-line. Like all my Fever dresses it's well made and cut perfectly for my petite frame, and the pockets are a bonus! I know it's going to become a staple - I can dress it up with heels and a pretty cardi' or down with wedge trainers and my denim jacket as just two options.

http://www.feverdesigns.co.uk/apple-dress-ink-lime-lemonade.html

Which one would you have chosen?

*I don't normally enter competitions which might account for some of this! Note to self: Enter more competitions to get clothes and save money ;-)

Until next time.....

Denise x

For more:

• Call on: 07887 643807
• Look at: www.damsonbelle.co.uk
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How to... Wear a Jumpsuit

The shops are full of Jumpsuit love!

I think it is the survival of the onesie that has lead to the revival of the jumpsuit
(and dungarees) as a fashion trend this season. I've worn them in the past
and they can look super cool but there's also the risk that you'll look like
you're wearing a babygrow (especially if, like me, you're not the height of
a supermodel)!

My top tips for getting it right are these:

1.  Make sure the proportions are right, eg does the waist sit where it's
intended to?
2.  If you're going for shorts or cropped legs, make sure they don't stop at your
widest point
3.  If it's patterned, make sure the size of the print doesn't swamp you
4.  If it's a block colour, make sure it's in a colour that flatters you (or at 

least makes you feel fab)
5.  Make sure that the fabric is flattering and that means that it's not too clingy in all the wrong places!
6.  Don't over accessorise it - one of the best things about a jumpsuit is its
relative simplicity.

However, as with everything - don't wear it just to be on trend, wear a jumpsuit
if you find one that makes you look and feel awesome.

Personally, I love my new jumpsuit (even though it's black - a bit odd for me
for those who know me well). It fits perfectly, and it's a bit lacy and a bit racy!
Here it is, ready to be worn with an array of colourful heels and bright earrings.

Thanks Miss Selfridge for this classy petite one!

Jumpsuit love by denise-12 on Polyvore

Miss Selfridge jumpsuits romper

missselfridge.com

Nicholas Kirkwood pointed toe flat

net-a-porter.com

Stella Dot blue handbag

stelladot.com

Stella Dot peacock jewelry

stelladot.com

Gold Love Script

etsy.com

Petite? There's so much more!

A report from the Petite Networking event of...

I connected with Debonita and was invited to do a talk at her petite networking event a few weeks ago. It was great to be in a crowd and feel 'average'. It doesn't happen often, not even at family events, considering that I'm shorter than even my 12yo nephew! 

The first speaker was Jess of "Jeetley Petite" who talked to us about the her petite challenges in finding workwear which lead to the creation of the label, and what goes into getting petite clothing made. I was certainly left with an appreciation of what goes into making petite clothes and that it's not just about using less material. 

We also heard from Rebecca Goodyear about skincare. Obviously, taking care of your skin is not exclusive to us petites, and you'd be amazed at what's gone (going) into our make-up over the years!

Our final speaker was the very stylish Aga of "I A.M the Brand" who went through the trends for the season and which would work for petites.

In between these was me, and the theme of my talk was that "we are not all the same but we are all more than our height" - a 'concept' that seemed to be appreciated. I talked about the rules: what they are, why they exist and - most importantly imho - how and why to break them incorporating style personality and bodyshape. Apparently it was "...epic"! (*Denise grins widely*)

It really was a great evening, and I will certainly be supporting petite brands more to make sure they stay in the shops. 

To sum up:

"Petite ain't nothing but a number, Your height ain't nothing but a thing;

There's so much more to you, That'll never change"

(Sing it to the tune of "Age ain't nothing but a number" by Aaliah"... Loudly!)

Other notes from the night:

As well as the presentations, there were a number of stalls with products not just aimed at, but designed for, petite ladies. Sadly, I'm petite in stature but not shoe size so rather than buy my favourite shoes as a treat, I enjoyed getting my nails done by @NiceNailsBaby instead. Check out the full event details and suppliers at:

http://www.petitefashionweek.co.uk

The shoes* from Petite Shoe Boutique (www.petiteshoeboutique.co.uk)

My nails by @NiceNailsBaby

*Me and my red shoe love: http://damsonbelle.blogspot.co.uk/2014/02/how-to-wear-red-shoes.html 

Until next time.....

Petite & Proud!

Denise x

For more:

• Call on: 07887 643807
• Look at: www.damsonbelle.co.uk
• Follow at: @DenDamBelle
• Check out my Pintrest: Denise Sanderson-Estcourt
• Like me at: Damson Belle on Facebook
• Join: This blog!