Trips, Treats and Tra-La-La's!

How will you celebrate with friends and family at this special time? When I lived in LA I'd hold an 'Ugly Sweater' party every year and organise fun games to play. It's such a festive investment - buy one either cheap and cheerful off the high street, or really splurge on one worth a bit more so you can bring it out every year! I found these gems:

Santa Claus Classic - think Coca-Cola, holidays are comin' Father Christmas! £270 by Markus Lupfer.

French Connection Robin Jumper - sequined and sassy, a steal at £69.

J-Crew Embellished Llama - Intarsia Wooly only £100.

Back with sleigh-bells on is the wonderful Judy's Affordable Vintage Fair. They've returned with Christmas flare at the Old Spitalfield's Market. Featuring fabulous fashion delights as well as accessories, homeware, menswear, textiles, collectables, winter warmers, stocking fillers and an electric seasonal vibe. Popping up at various hot spots on certain weekends - check out the website for more details of different locations and dates. Free entry too!

If you are ever on the Isle of Wight, you must visit this amazingly scrummy place- Well Bread Artisan Bakery and Cafe. 53-54 Cowes High Street. Walking in for just a quick latte and some fashion mag flicking, I stumbled upon this free spirited kitchen. It was such an inspiration because it was very old school - two large long tables sandwiched between beautiful vintage church pews. The yummy huge fat cakes, buns and treats laid temptingly out all around. A 'help yourself' cafe, I made my steaming drink (hug in a mug!) and soaked up the delicious aromas and friendly family feel atmosphere. Huge blocks of butter on the table with inviting bowls of lush home-made jam.  Yum! A secret island find well worth a visit!

Wants And Wishes

Loving Tiffany & Co's new Atlas Jewellery Collection. It has the blend of new and classic, which oozes style and class.

Coat watch - obsessed with the Rebecca Taylor Wool Coat. A luxe winter jacket, shaped in a cocoon keeping it casual and loose but stylish. It has an oversized shearling collar with a neutral beige/ brown body. To finish with a sexy side, the arms are leather, padded stitching to create a quilted effect. Wear with a leather micro mini shirt, little cowboy booties and a cosy knit jumper. Add a Christmassy edge and keep the festive cheer merry and light with silly bauble earrings and dashing through the snow, Rudolph red lippy!  Tra-la-fa-dee-dah!!!

Twinkle Toes - cosy up by the fire with Ugg's glam new slipper range. Fun, bright colours, warm wooly and wonderful.

Stocking stuffers - for little ones, Little-Pip's have these cutesy bow hair clips. 50% off too -7 for a snip at £12.50! 

Have a peak at Handpicked Collection. An award winning gift shop, they specialise in a unique variety of well-priced, stylish and high quality pressies. I got my Daddy a great stocking filler this year -  a Corkcicle! Just pop in the freezer and then when having a picnic or even a dinner party, put it in the bottle and it acts as a cork whilst keeping the wine chilled! No more to-ing and fro-ing to the fridge and back! 

Sales From Santa

65% off Fenn Wright Manson - chic modern feel fashion for the sophisticated trendy woman. Check out our stunning collection from the designer in stock!

65% off Scott & Scott and London Cashmere, 70% off CK, Original Penguin and Fiona Paxton Contemporary jewellery!

Shearling Boutique also have a sneaky snowy sale with up to 60% off of their collection of luxury winter coats.

Layer up with sexy underwear too! Figleaves are pushing the seductive boundaries this season with French courtesan lingerie, robes and pyjamas.

Writing my Christmas List

Now it wouldn't be Christmas now would it without a few of my favourite things. So here's a few of my list of goodies and ideas to have a cracking Christmas. For above all, it's about family, friends, sharing, giving, celebrating and loving!

• A silly must have onesy- Primark have the whole zoo it seems this year!
• My trusted glitter and sparkle make-up and red red lipstick!
• 'Can't walk in them but they're AMAZING' new Carvella heels!

• Ugly sweater party! Get those invites out now!
• Christmas carols and cheesey tunes!
• Classic Christmas telly!
• Nuts, nuts, satsumas and a chocolate orange!
• Getting all excited about picking up my best gal from the airport! LA girlfriend here for a truly British Webb family Christmas, woop!

• Orange and clove making with Christmassy ribbon to hang above the AGA, delish!
• And of course-lots of mulled wine, laughing and loving!

Christmas 'Bethlehem' Swishes,

HO HO HO!

bethany@londonfrockexchange.com

London Frock Exchange

Wish and Tell - A Glittery Christmas Spell

With your inbox piling full with invitations galore, the party season is picking up so get your favourite Christmas frock now! Check out these gems of ours! Festive, fun and frocking fabulous! 

Reiss Red Rah-Rah Ruffle Frock

Lace 1920s Style Cocktail Frock

Biba Fever Cocktail Frock

After what feels like months and months away, I am finally back in my beloved Frock Shack after all the wonderful shows and fairs with Rhodes To Heaven. Golly how I've missed my dresses! Lots of 'new in' frocks to pop up soon so watch this space! Nab your Christmas party frock in time to rock this December!

Keep sparkly and twinkling with bold electric embellishments and add a hint of glitter in your eye make-up for that total knock out shine! You'll be the star at the top of the tree this year!

Now, I think I might have had a bit of a gift giddiness come over me recently! What with being at all the shows with lots of lovely things to see and buy, the coffee runs turned into me scooping up all my Christmas pressies! I, of course did buy a few naughty treats for myself! One being this beautiful skirt! I mentioned the brand in my last blog but check this bad boy out! I wanted to do a moody dark and dramatic look here! Not sure if I pulled it off this time, but oh well! Got my cheeky hair extensions in for this shoot! 

Moloh Silk Skirt- From £600

 It's bold, graceful, cut to wear in lots of different exotic ways and outrageously unique and exquisite! Team with a classic white shirt tucked in or an off-the-shoulder knit jumper for elegance at its best! This is definitely my Christmas day outfit!

Last year I wore a Topshop classic, which seems to be back on the shelves this year - tight, dark green, long sleeved pencil dress worn with simple pointed black court shoes or booties and black tights. The stretch fabric glistens in the light with a touch of gold sparkle. Not a dress to eat all the mince pies in though!

More Christmassy thoughts from me soon...

Warmest Festive Swishes,
B
London Frock Exchange
bethany@londonfrockexchange.com

Hot to Trot and Keeping it Festive!

Oh, the shows I've been helping at with Rhodes (Rhodes To Heaven Luxury Skin Care- delish!) have been so amazing. All the Christmassy fairs are out in force making for lovely festive cheer and of course, pressie buying! But golly, have I got some outfits to tell you about this week! 

The fur, the gilets, the suede booties and tight jeans not forgetting the pearls and jewels galore! Now, at these country fairs we see money. And I mean old money as in, 'Oh thank you Lady Grantham for being so sweet!'

A snip of a vintage diamond ring for £3000 is nothing to these fabulous British country women. Ladies who lunch is just an understatement. I must tell you their attire!

We saw a lot of rabbit fur scruffled on layers of wool and lovely fake fur ribbons draping from their necks. Long oversized dresses made of cotton and light linen saw a well to do look this season. Lots of the classic hunting tweed and tartan, teamed with leggings and suede or leather over-the-knee and just-under-the-knee boots looked very rah-rah. 

Big scarves full of pattern and print looked electric yet sophisticated. There were these wonderful soft cotton scarves with animals printed on them. Adorable! Think calm cream background shades with black or brown labrador doggies on, soft pink with bright fuchsia flamingos, dazzling purple with a hint of lilac on pale blue for the parrots...gorgeous.

My inbox is flooded at the moment with lots of treats, deals and sales for this festive season. Brand Alley keeps me updated of where the biggy discounts are.  So the hot to trot sales right now are Missoni, Halston Heritage dresses and John Lewis (who have up to 30% off on the likes of Miss Selfridge, Whistles, East and Jaeger - not forgetting beating the chilly weather with your staple leather booties at Dune.)

And why not check out my hottest brand right now, Moloh. Quirky, eccentric yet classic and smooth clothing! Obsessed! 

You know how much I adore the 'more is more look', so layer up and keep warm in wonderful chunky knits, tailored coats and denim jackets. Choose pure wool scarves worn over Italian cloth parkers and heavy jumpers under leather bikers.

Keep chic and wear bespoke blazers over the hottest knitted jumper right now - this essential has had a Luxe makeover with beaded necklines, animal prints and stripes! The look is louche suiting and illustrates the power of classic perfectly!  

Me being very silly last weekend in my chunky knit! Slouchy down time, I paired my cardigan with my fur gilet, trusted tracky bums, wild up do and added a bit of fun with a feather earring. Outrageously fun! 

Add a vibrant pop of teal to a casual neutral palette or go bold and bohemian with rich gem-tones, pairing to simple skinny jeans or my favourite, those trusted slouchy boyfriend jeans.

Don't play it safe! Have fun and add lots of warm accessories now the frost is out!

And get those dresses swapped for all those parties coming up! Can't wait to show you our December collection, coming soon! 

Warmest Swishes, 

B
bethany@londonfrockexchange.com
London Frock Exchange

Wrap Up Without Looking Like a Wreck!

So the weather has turned. We are back to miserable dark afternoons and that wet wet rain...The wind blowing our perfectly coiffed hair so that it sticks to our lipgloss...Those wonderful floody puddles, traffic delays, and general frustration. Let's get sassy this Autumn and brighten up those dreary days by wrapping up warm and staying stylish. 

Being on the road at the moment, travelling the country with the gorgeous Rhodes to Heaven, I need to not only look good but keep warm and remain trendy. So, to my look today: 

• Tight thick leather trousers   

• A shoulder-padded monochrome wool-knit sweater a la Valentino (you'll hate me, charity shop find:) )  

• Fur and wool-knit gilet 

• My bang-on-trend trusted leopard print ballet pumps with bows 

The monochrome patterned sweater matched with the animal print shoes gives edge yet elegance to this season's theme of pattern mixing.  

If in doubt, for me more is more in the Winter. A grumpy, cold woman looks old and haggard because she is cold. Add the layers of polonecks, snoods, hats and overcoat...  

You'll still look stylish but you'll be happy because you're warm!

Warmest Swishes,

B

bethany@londonfrockexchange.com

London Frock Exchange 

Autumnal Days and Nights Ahead

I think Autumn is by far one of my favourite seasons. The colours, the leaves, the wind, the peeping sun and cosy nights. I love the heat but there's something so warming about going into this season. Hot honey mugs of deliciousness, the dark dark tea times and then out comes the winter wardrobe! I don't know about you but I secretly get all excited about my new clothes! I know they're not new per se but I haven't seen them in ages so it feels like I have been on a massive shopping spree!

The other reason I adore this time of year is because I am obsessed with Halloween. The masks, the endless choice of who you'll dress up as, the toffee apples, spooky starry nights, sparklers, spiders, green punch and those gloriously lit pumpkins. The fact that Hocus Pocus is one of my favourite movies....I might just go as a Sanderson sister this year!

So what's big this Autumn? Well as always, those chunky knits are a must have. Whether it be an oversized jumper or a big woolly cardigan, dress down with boy jeans and some converse with a plain white tee or zazz it up by popping on some tight leather cropped trousers, suede brogues or heels and finish with a collared shirt and phatt elasticated belt.

Why not try an old school look and team some woolly tights (in print crochet if you are really brave!) with an oversized knitted jumper and belt. I have a jumper that can be worn as a short dress too which I wear with over-the-knee woollen socks over my tights. For my feet I wear my trusted heeled ankle brown suede booties from Aldo. I bought them years ago but the heel isn't too high and they have awesome brass stud detail round the sole for extra flare and pazazz!

Zara at the moment have got some amazing new cuts on their coat collection- big neck scoops, flared pleated capes, buttons, zips, pockets. I love the way they mix different fabrics too- leather arms, wool breast, padded elbow sleeves - paired with a classic trench coat design leaves for a stylish and edgy take on this season's trends.

I do love my scarves and schnoods too. Match the colour of your eyes with one this Winter! They're snuggly warm and will keep the dreaded wind and flu at bay!

As seen at Saint-Laurent, Mulberry, Givenchy and Versace, tartan is a real scorcher this season. Wear with stripes and other patterns for a truly dazzling 'on-trend' style. Layer check, plaid and tartan up for a morning-after-marathon-party mood! Yet eccentric Vivienne Westwood, Queen of punk ignored the trend she became a household name for, in favour of a Dark-Ages-inspired collection fused with Forties glamour-oooh la la!!!

Elie Saab's Autumn/Winter Collection this year boasts the usual gorgoeus tailoring using dark sultry palettes of midnight blues and blacks. Perfect for those dark early evenings and parties coming up! We are also seeing a lot of sparkly grunge, which shows intense adult sexiness. Adding cutesy baby doll chiffon dresses and Peter Pan collars to this electric style will turn heads at every corner. Be daring and mix it up!

We saw our gal Stella McCartney paying homage to British tradition with men's-inspired tailoring before moving onto a softer section of floaty silk dresses, nicks and flicks with masculine cuts and edgey tailoring.

Herringbone heavy variations of military-tinted pieces flowed at Ackermann's show: very post-apocalyptic vision, whilst we saw Clare Waight Keller going back to school for inspiration for Chloe's Autumn/ Winter collection.

As is in our fabulous Winter Collection, check out all our monochrome pieces. Keep it super tight and layer with knitwear for day wear then pop on those killer heels and leather or fur jacket for night! And to finish my ladies, golly are you going to be the best dressed this season, go back to prints- checks on stripes, animal print........they're back with attack!!!!

Happy Halloween girls!!!!

With Spooky Swishes,

B

bethany@londonfrockexchange.com

London Frock Exchange

Accessorise Moi! The Acceptable Accessorising Manual!

I love jewellery! Fact! I am constantly seeking out new and wonderfully sparkly, chunky, delicate, big, small, feathery, gold, colouful, beaded gems. You name it, I find it! 

Now we all have our Primani bits, Claire's and charity shop finds (NEVER EARRINGS THOUGH PLEASE!) but we should also have our real silver and gold special jewels as well, and if you're lucky enough a few diamonds too! There's nothing more classy than a gentle plain silver bangle and decent watch. 

I am insanely lucky as since my 18th birthday I have been given a silver something every year. You can imagine the difficulty I have day to day which one or ones to wear! I love wearing about 5 silver bracelets on one wrist together. From the chain chunky ones to the simple thin bangle, it looks fun and rich and classy. 

So...what are the top tips for wearing accessories? As I have started with jewellery, I shall go on, coming to bags and hats after.

Jewellery

Less is more...only sometimes! I love wearing as many bits as I can. That's just me, but generally if you are wearing something formal (a work outfit or a ball gown for example) keep the jewels on the down low. Wear a simple diamond pair of earrings or small silver studs, a watch or one spectacular bracelet.

Rules...only pick two places to wear your jewellery: Ears and neck. Neck and wrist. Ears and wrist. Ears and neck. 

This reduces the clutter and over-kill of your gems.

Now if you are going out, party time, down-time or casual...this is when you can go wild. I wear big chunky necklaces, sometimes two at the same time with ridiculous amounts of bracelets...usually on both wrists. Because my style is quite outrageous, I can get away with this but if you're more gentle with your style, tone it down with a few less pieces.

At the moment I am loving wearing one very long dangly earring. It has feathers all over it and comes down past my neck. Lush! I wear a spiky earring in the other ear, no necklace as it would be too much fuss around my neckline. Then I pop on a few black sparkly beaded bracelets and add a massive bow ring on the same hand.

The thing to remember is that you can put anything on as long as the colours and style fit your outfit. If your style of the day is a little grungy - black leather, tight skinny jeans, booties, go with edgy punky jewellery too. If you're meeting the girls for brunch on a Sunday after a night out, and you've bunged on your tracky bums and a cute hoody, just add some big silver hooped earrings and a watch. For party time, add as much bling as you want...but keeping to the two places rule.....no necklace, earring AND bracelet wearing please!

Bags

This is totally self-explanatory really. The bigger the better in my opinion! Ha! No, what I mean is if like me, you take everything but the kitchen sink in your bag, invest in a decent good quality leather bag for everyday. One preferably with an easy opening. When I am rushing out and about, I need to fit my make-up essentials, tissues, maybe an extra pair of ballet pumps, wallet, hair brush, water bottle, iPad and diary. Large bag!

I bought my classic Russell & Bromley about ten years ago. Yes it was a few hundred pounds, but it's lasted, it will never go out of fashion and it looks as good as new...well better I think as the leather is softer and more classic looking now!

As with my shoes, I do have way too many bags but we only really need three! Our everyday handbag, our over-night/going-away-for-a few-nights bag and a classic clutch bag for going out - datenight, dancing with the girls, a wedding etc.

Hats

Now this bit is tricky. You either are or you aren't the type of person that can get away with wearing a hat. And you know who you are! But the general gist to looking fab in a hat is...

If like me you have shorter hair above the neck line, bobble hats and large skater hats (the ones that flop at the back) are a big no-no. Stick to beret style hats, little bowlers, pork pie hats, fedoras and fur Cossack styles.

For ladies with luscious longer locks, you can pretty much wear all types of hat....perhaps leave the ones with added bunny and teddy ears on the shelf in the shop though!

With Warmest Swishes,

B

bethany@londonfrockexchange.com

London Frock Exchange

Key Wardrobe Pieces- Staples Explained!

I thought I would collate a list of the key items we should have in our wardrobe. I was talking to a girlfriend over my soya latte the other day and it cropped up that she didn't own a denim jacket or have a plain white shirt! You can imagine my immediate interrogation! ' Do you have this? this? that? no? whatttt!!!!'

So here are the staple items every woman should have in their collection. It's a great way of filtering out all the clothes you don't wear and it can really help when choosing an outfit, or trying to add to it or make it look better. They are our 'go to's' if you like, our trusted 'I will always look good in this, no doubt' pieces.

Keep in mind these items are long lasting, classic, must haves, so investing a little more time and money over the quality is essential! They aren't items that will go out of fashion and so will last forever!

Clothing

• Denim jacket
• Leather jacket
• LBD
• Best pair of skinny jeans- your fave choice on the cut of the leg though!
• Crisp white shirt, can be embellished but stick to medium cuffs and simple buttons and collar
• Plain scoop neck white cotton t-shirt. For bigger busted ladies you can opt for a v-neck!
• Floral maxi
• Fitted suit - preferably hand tailored. A strong smart jacket with either a pencil skirt or straight leg trousers
• Club/ Take me out dancing frock
• Cashmere jumper
• Big knit cardigan, two sizes too big
• A decent, soft and over-sized hoody and tracky bums
• Underwear...comfort, 'help me squeeze me in' and finally 'for your lover'.

Shoes & Accessories

• A 'phat' large, waist belt
• Ballet pumps - classic black or go wild with a bow on the toe!
• Small shiny clutch
• Over-sized leather bag
• 'They hurt my feet after a few hours' high heels, but they're exquisite and go with everything!
• Sloppy shoes- flip flops, birkins or suede loafers
• Knee high or over-the-knee leather or suede boots

The rest is how we add pieces and style ourselves to create that individuality. Pop on your tracky bums with a white t-shirt and add your leather jacket and flip flops - you're already in dress-down mode but still look effortlessly chic and comfortable! Throw on your skinny jeans, white shirt and heels and you have a casual sexy look. Don't forget your push up bra, silver chunky bracelet and big earrings for that extra va-va-voom!

I'll be letting you know where to find the best of these key pieces soon, so watch this space ladies!

Warmest Swishes,

B

bethany@londonfrockexchange.com

London Frock Exchange

You Buy, You Get Rid-Simples!

Your guide to sorting through your over-flowing wardrobe in a simple and calm way.

We all do it. We all go out shopping and buy another pair of black jeans, another handbag, knowing full well that the three we already have are perfectly fine and we don't really need the new purchase! But, maybe you're like me, I love to shop and that lovely feeling of 'Oh but this pair is just a little bit different from my other pair and would look fab with those shoes!' The only problem with this is that our wardrobe space gets more cluttered and things get moved to the bottom of the drawer and forgotten!

If I didn't do the following, my wardrobe would be as big as a small warehouse and I wouldn't ever wear the same thing....well shouldn't, because I have plenty to even change my outfit 5 times a day with more clothes to spare. We never wear everything in our wardrobe. It's only when we have a big clear out every 3 years, or when we move house, that we find 'oooh that top, and oh, I remember that skirt!'

To rectify this on-going palava just follow my helpful tip and you'll be on your way to a beautifully spaced out wardrobe - able to find exactly what you want to wear in no time. I also find that doing this makes us look after our clothes better; we fold them more neatly, hang them up as soon as we take them off, colour co-ordinate etc. The rule is..... less is more. I have another blog coming soon that tells you what your key pieces should be, so soon you'll definitely have a gorgeous wardrobe filled with clothes you love and more importantly take care of and wear! Now here's the science bit....

For every new piece of clothing or accessory you purchase (unless you're swapping that is!) you get rid of the equivalent. De-clutter in a simple, pain free and slow way.

The decision is made usually in the first three seconds so don't be scared, be ruthless. We just have so many things in our wardrobe we don't wear. We think, 'Oh but I will wear it, want to but..but...but....' and so it stays there, hidden, alone, sad, gone to waste! If you haven't said YES to the item within 3 seconds of picking it up, it's for the no pile. Golly, I told you I was ruthless!

Now there are actually two 'no' piles so don't worry! One 'no' is a real 'no'! The second 'no' pile is a 'I think I am a bit attached and really unsure so I will save and hold it.' Go away, have a cup of tea or a whatever, come back and then decide.

A really good tip to remember when you are throwing out, donating or selling your clothes, and the fear hits that you might miss them or wish you hadn't (which is why we hang on so much to things we don't wear!!!) is that there are millions of the equivalent thing out there still. Unless it's a sentimental item like a gift from someone or something you wore to a life-changing occasion, I am positive that you can always replace things that you once had or got rid of. It's ok! Nothing is ever as bad as it seems with the coming and going of clothes. The only bad thing is the faux pas in some of the styling some people have in wearing them! Hah!!

Now you know what I'm going to say next.....if you swapped your clothes and beautiful frocks, none of this pickle would be an issue now would it?! I'll be bringing you some awesome swapping sites for other things in the future, so we can all add to this fabulous idea of recycling our wardrobe...saving us money, time, being amazing to the environment and keeping us ladies looking and feeling great! 

Any further tips I can help you with just contact me directly and I'll be happy to help! Even a home visit to help you in person!

Happy swishing ladies!

B

bethany@londonfrockexchange.com

www.londonfrockexchange.com

The Pear Shape

This juicy, lovely shape is when your hips are larger than your bust and your waist is slightly smaller. We need to elongate your figure here so that you look less bottom heavy.  Bring out your best and balance out your delicious curvy bottom-half, with dresses that are bold and bright at the top and synched in at the waist. Or try dresses with large collars, lapels or sleeves - a wonderful selection of embellishments! 

Nine West Summer Holiday Frock 

Reiss Purple Frou-Frou Party Frock 

Ted Baker 1920s LBD

Whistles Strappy Number 

What dresses suit my Pear Shape?

• Embellished frocks

• Prints, checks, striped and floral frocks

• Frocks with large lapels, sleeves and collars

• Any frills or fancy bits

Best to avoid...tube, pencil and fishtail skirt dresses, especially tight fitting ones as they will only emphasise your hips and behind, which we don't want! Show off your cute and petite top half with daring patterns and lots of detail! Also avoid anything cut on the bias! 

You share this shape with the beautiful Kate Winslet, Jennifer Lopez, Beyonce, Shakira, Kim Kardashian and of course our very own stunning Sarah Caverhill! 

Warmest Swishes,

B

bethany@londonfrockexchange.com

London Frock Exchange

The Top Hour Glass Shape

Well, very lucky ladies! Your bust is larger than your hips and your waist is well defined- bish bash bosh! Not too different from the Hour Glass shape but you just have  bigger boobies! It can also be known sometimes as the 'strawberry shape' but we liked Top Hour Glass much better! 

LK Bennet Silk Cocktail Frock

Jaeger Hot Fuchsia Party Frock 

Coast Classic Cocktail Frock

Meaghan Pink and Gold Shimmer Party Frock

Sail To The Sea Frock

Choose frocks with fuller and wider skirts, bright colours on the bottom half with simpler details at the top. Of course go for lots of plunging v-neck necklines and wrap effects at the top and waist. Add your staple waist belt and remember to always wear the correct bustier! If in any doubt, I have the best place to go to and get measured properly! More on that soon! 

Choose dresses that cinch in at the waist and are fitting but not too tight! Stick to simple fabrics such as linen and silk and avoid super heavy and over sized styles.

What dresses to suit my Top Hour Glass Shape?

• Low neck line frocks
• Pulled in at the waist frocks
• Prints and bold colours on the top or bottom half of the frock-remember to keep it more simple on the top!

Stay well away from anything with shoulder pads or a tapered bottom half.  Puff sleeves, epaulettes and halter-necks are a huge no-no!

You share this shape with....Jennifer Saunders, Dolly Parton, Charlize Theron. 

Warmest Swishes,
B
bethany@londonfrockexchange.com
London Frock Exchange

The Diamond Shape

This shape can be tricky but just remember, you're a diamond! Every girl loves diamonds! Your waist is larger than your bust and hips, so we have to create the illusion that it's smaller by wearing longer dresses, no shorter than the top of your knee and adding plunging neck lines or smocked under the bust styles. Opt for dresses that are tight under your bust and fall straight down to your toes, such as empire lines and try low necklines to draw the eye up. This will shorten your top half and elongate your height.

Diane Von Furstenberg Kimono Mini 

Dave & Johnny Luminous Two-tone Cocktail Frock 

Coast Classic Cocktail Frock Front

Floral Fun Frock

Flower Flirt Me Frock

What dresses suit the Diamond Shape?

• Empire lines
• Low cut necklines
• Shoulder padded frocks
• Wrap dresses
• Capped sleeves

Avoid short boxy frocks and pleated or tiered dresses!

How utterly fabulous! You share this shape with the stunning.....Oprah Winfrey, Beth Ditto and Rosie O'Donnell!

Warmest Swishes,
B
London Frock Exchange

The Hour Glass Shape

You are the exquisite Marilyn! You are blessed with a very sexy shape where your bust and hips are approximately the same size and your waist is well defined, so stay clear of baggy styles or you'll drown that voluptuous shape out! 

Coast Classic Cocktail Frock 

Stick to solid bold colours, dark with vertical patterns and pleats. Opt for soft fabrics with stretch that reduce and prevent any bulkiness. Knits and silk blends with scoop necks, sweethearts and slimming necklines are all your cut! 

Grecian Nights French Connection Cocktail Frock 

Jaeger Strapless Chanel-esque Number 

Ronit Zilkha Cocktail Frock 

Floral Fun Frock 

What dresses to suit my Hour Glass Shape?

• Well-tailored frocks
• Scoop-neck frocks
• Vertical stripes
• Solid dark colours
• Sweetheart frocks

And avoid... ruffles and bows and other dimensions that add volume. It's a no go on baggy or oversized frocks unless adding a belt at the waist. Put it back on the rail if you see any wide neck-lines like boat necks and squares since these make you look more top heavy than you actually are! 

You share this shape with....Scarlett Johanson, Salma Hayek, Marilyn Monroe, Anne Hathaway- before Hollywood took her!

Warmest Swishes,
B 
London Frock Exchange

The Column Shape

Basically this is a very common shape... Please don't think if you are this one, we're saying you look like a teenager! When I am at my smallest, I am this shape. You learn to love it! It doesn't mean you don't have a bust or lovely waist, it just means your shoulders, bust and hips are approximately the same size straight down (not from the side!). It's the shape where you can basically get away with wearing most styles because there's no main area to minimise.

Stick to over-sized dresses with big waist-belts, or team a shirt-frock buttoned up to the neck with a stylish tie and knee-high leather boots - riding or heeled. You're the lucky ladies that can wear bandeau dresses too, off the shoulder and tight micro-mini dresses.

Define your waist by adding a thick belt, or accentuate your hips so they appear wider with a low-slung sash or belt. Over-sized kimonos like our blue DVF would look fierce on this shape - hitch up the skirt a bit so there's a little overhang on the sash and you're ready to go. Bigger column-shaped ladies, wear these types of dresses loose with no belt added and use bright chunky scarves or jewellery to show-off your figure.

Stick to structured dresses that synch in at the waist to create a curvy effect. With a small bust, you can get away with wearing more tricky and fussy high neck-line dresses. Go for it and also dare to bare your back in low-slung or backless frocks!

Petite Soft Grey Rebecca Taylor Cocktail Frock 

Pink Bow Audrey Number 

Philip Lim LBD

French Connection Foxy Frock         

Reiss Red Rah-Rah Ruffle Frock

What dresses suit my Column Shape?

• Micro-mini - long sleeved, t-shirt and vest
• Strapless frocks
• Puff-ball skirted frocks
• High-waisted belted frocks - short and long length
• Over-sized dresses and maxis/ kimonos
• Racer-back shaped dresses
• Backless frocks
• Puff, capped or shoulder-padded dresses
• Frocks with lots of detail and flare

What to avoid.....sheath and smock dresses!

Some wonderful examples of a column shape would be Jessica Alba, Kate Moss, Gwyneth Paltrow, Mel C, Rachel Hunter, Kate Middleton, Cameron Diaz, Nicole Kidman, Natalie Portman... They are still athletic and beautiful but without a curve.

Warmest Swishes,
B
London Frock Exchange