Your questions answered...

Hi there,

A few of you posted questions on the blog, I hope my answers help!

This question is from Alison Crawford and is quite a common issue for larger women...

I am a size 20 (22 - 24 in coats and dresses) and I would like to buy a dress for myself but am a good old-fashioned 'apple' with a large chest. I like the look of the Tiana B range but am not sure which dress would be suitable for me, also being a big girl patterns and striped frighten me, and I don't want to look too old fashioned which is what usually happens if I buy from high street stores.

I am so pleased that you like the look of the Tiana B range, I love these dresses. With the dress being a key look this season its well worth buying into this trend, as far as being a full figured girl you shouldn’t be afraid of prints.

In answer to Jan's question...

Hi Glen,

It's good to get style tips for us top heavy girls Glen but can you suggest ways of getting round the restricted choice?  I have a wardrobe full of v necks. I would love to wear scarves but I just feel and look like a trussed turkey up top.  Any suggestions please?

Jan Kitching

Hi Jan,

For you and all other the top-heavy girls out there you can sometimes get stuck in a rut and stick with one style.  There isn’t a problem with V-neck tops but what I would suggest is you try layering in contrasting colours.

For example a red v-neck top underneath a black v-neck cardigan - you should fasten two or three buttons around your bust allowing a splash of red to come out at the top and bottom. The darker cardigan will reduce the bust while the splash of colour will draw the eye in.

You should also play around with cowl necks, boat necks or any other top that has detailing around the shoulders and neckline. Take a look at the Kim & Co range, she has over a hundred tops for you to look at.

As far as scarves go they are still a hot trend that you should work with.  As far as feeling trussed up you should be wrapping the scarf around your neck and tying it in a loose knot at the front. Once you have done that put your hand in the loop around your neck and give it a wiggle to loosen the effect so that you can see the length of your neck with the folds of fabric draping loosely.

Hope this helps Jan,

Love Glen x

For Glen's suggestions, you can check out our fashion range.

In answer to a question posted last week...

I am 18 years old and I have my big end-of-year prom coming up in two weeks. I've bought a gorgeous halterneck floor length dress which is black around the bust and neck and the rest is silky with lots of purple and pinks.
HOWEVER i am a size 16-18 and my arms are horrible and flabby, and i dont want to show them off as everyone else going has nice normal and toned arms. Is there any shrug or something which would hide my arms but look good with my dress that you could advise me to buy?
Thanks,
Maz
Hi there Maz,

My first choice for your cover up would have to be a Pure & Simple pashmina - they are the lap of luxury and you will feel very special with one draped over your shoulders. A pashmina is also a fab year-round accessory, as you can wear it as a scarf and team it with casual outfits as well as your special occasion clothes.

You could also try Beth Terrell's metallic shrug - this may work with your dress if the print is more bohemian-abstract rather than floral. The shrug can also be worn as a scarf by just unbuttoning the sleeve buttons.

Hope this is of help to you Maz.

Have a ball!

Love Glen x

How to dress your body shape... ladies with a larger bust and smaller bottom half

Last week Rose left a comment asking about how to dress her figure. She has a large bust and a smaller bottom half. This is a common issue for women, so I thought I'd give you some tips and tricks on how to flatter your figure.

The essentials…

Most importantly, a good supportive bra is your number one essential. Without this clothes will not work as well.
Next you need clothes that separate and define your waist from your bust. This will instantly make a difference, and will show off your womanly shape.

More of your fashion questions answered...

Hi all,

As promised here are some more answers to your questions, I hope they are of some help.

I need to know if item number 137336 (IM jacket winter white) would work with item number 137841 and 128691 (Kim & Co top and trousers in the Praline colour.
Linda

Hi Linda,
The colours will work beautifully together  - with the neutral tones of the Kim & Co jersey top and trousers and the statement detail of the Indigo Moon jacket. Is this outfit for a special occasion? Do let me know.

Glen answers your questions

Hi everyone,

Hope you're all well. If you've posted a question on the blog recently, check out my answers below. If yours isn't here, don't worry, I'll be answering more next week.

Will you ask all the lovely presenters to give the sizes of garments ASAP especially when there is a one time only.
Norma Peters

We do try our best to give the sizes as soon as we can, but sometimes it isn't possible. But I will pass on your comments to the rest of the presenters.

I am enjoying my faux sherling coat by centigrade item no 141349 so much I wondered if Glen would think it was possible if I bought another one to cut it to make it into a thigh length jacket?
Gay Codd

Yes you could probably take off about 38cm - 43cm (15" - 17") if you're good with a sewing machine. But to be safe, it would be a good idea to get it professionally altered. You'd get great results and it wouldn't be too expensive.

I am having great difficulty in finding jeans to fit me, even though I would say I am average height and build, being 5ft 7inch and between sizes 14 and 16. I find that jeans that say they fit the natural waist don't in my case, and they're never high enough in the rise and therefore too small around the hips. Would the Diane Gilman range be suitable for me, and if so do these jeans sit on the waist?

Yes, I think the Diane Gilman range would be good for you. Her jeans do sit on the waist, and they're great as they have a fashion edge. The pockets on Diane's jeans are placed very well too, so they will flatter your bottom.

When oh when are you going to start mens clothing shows?
Can I suggest that shirts, leisure wear, outdoor and jackets would be a good start.
I understand that QVC USA offer mens clothing, why not here?

I've desperately wanted to do a menswear range here at QVC for a long time! It's something I'm pushing for, so I will keep you updated.

Am very pleased to hear that petite ranges may be on their way.  Meanwhile, I understand that 7/8th trousers are hot for this summer. Can I wear them as full length given am only 5' 2"?  Or would it spoil the design cos they would look like 7/8ths on a very short person?  Am size 14 so not a skinny petite (wish I was lol).

You could absolutely wear these trousers - they would look like a great pair of full-length, tailored trousers on you.

I love to be trendy and like the bold colours and patterns of the Tiana B dresses, but at 73 years old I haven't the legs now to wear short clothes. What can I do about the bottom half??

Aren't Tiana B dresses fabulous! Opaque tights are a good solution for you, or you could always wear the dress as a tunic with some 7/8th trousers (the latest trouser look for spring and summer) and a belt to cinch in your waist.

Can you tell me why there is such a big difference between large and XL in measurements sometimes? It makes it impossible to purchase many items as one is too small and the next too big because there can be as much as 5" difference. When I first started buying fashion a garment went up by just 2", which was great.

With XS - L sizes there's generally a 2" difference between them, however with the larger sizes there does seem to be a trend for a bigger difference between the two. Have a look at the Kim & Co range as I believe there isn't such a big difference in the larger sizes.

Your questions answered part 2

Hi everyone,

As promised, here's the rest of the answers to your questions.
 
Jane: I'm a five foot nothing stick insect (size 8) and I thought I heard mention of small girls being catered for by one of the designers? Even Kim & Co petite trousers are a bit on the big side but I turn the waist over and put on a baggy top.

As far as I'm aware there are no immediate plans for a petite range, however due to the number of comments asking for one, I'm going to talk to the buyers about introducing petite sizes. I'll keep you updated.
In the mean time you could try Casual & Co cropped trousers, they should fit you in the right places.

Your questions answered

Hi all,

I've noticed you've been posting a lot of questions on the Style File, so I've done my best to answer them for you. As I've had so many, I'm going to answer half today and the rest tomorrow.

A lot of you have asked for more petite ranges - rest assured I'm going to talk to our fashion buyers and see what we can do for you.

Evelyn Little: I'm a very difficult size to fit. I've expanded to a 2XL and I'm 5ft nothing with my shoes on - a really wee rolly polly. The trousers I buy have to be altered and this is expensive. Please QVC buyers have a word with the makers and ask them if they can make two lengths in trousers their usual 31" and small leg of 28" for us wee tots.

I have passed your request on to the fashion buyers Evelyn. In the mean time, a good brand for you to try would be Warmspun - it's a relatively new range, but their clothes are made from high-quality, luxury yarns and feature really nice drapes. Their clothes are really comfy, soft and flattering.

Answers to your party season fashion questions

Hi everyone,

Here are the answers to your party fashion questions, I hope they help.

Hello Glen, I do have a problem with my Belly. Most of the clothes, are too short and do not cover any belly at all. Same with most Fashion designer's. I'm sure I am not in the minority. Most of the tops for instance are all cut just above the natural Pelvis line. However, with a Belly that's got a mind of its own, whether through operation's loosing weight. We are not catered for very often, so I really don't watch much of the Fashion you bring to Air or any other designer's. It is a shame as the sizes are quite often there, but for the width not the length. Jeanninex

Glen: Kaftans and tunics are perfect for your figure. You need to make sure you get a top that fits well on your shoulders, that is loose towards the base and has a slightly A-line shape. You should have a look at the tunics from Casual & Co and Dreamkeeper. For an on-trend 'layered' look for winter, you could try wearing a polo neck top underneath the tunic.
I'd also recommend control underwear - I think these Slim 'N' Lift high-waisted control pants would work wonders for you.

Answer to your party season fashion question...

Hi Glen,

I am going to my sister's 60th on the 2 January which is in a sort of social club. I am 54, 5'1 and a size 14. I tend to favour black trousers and a top, but would like some inspiration. I am going to the Trafford Centre on Friday.

Hope that you can help!

Many thanks,

Bernie

Hi Bernie,

As an alternative to black trousers and a top, I think you should opt for a black or coloured dress or a black skirt with a coloured top. 

If you go for a black dress or skirt, add a pair of opaque coloured tights. Fern Britton from This Morning is working the coloured tight thing really well, she's looking pretty hot!