Size matters... (From The Argus)

Size matters...

8:19pm Monday 16th November 2009

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by Emma Laurence

Size is a difficult subject for any woman, and one which most of us would probably rather avoid. Too often though, it feels as though it’s all we ever talk about.

Whether you’re an 8 or 18, I’ll bet there’s something about your body you wish was just that little bit smaller or bigger, curvier or flatter…

If you really want to do something about it, then of course you should. But unless you can learn to like what you already see in the mirror, believe me, changing that one thing won’t make a blind bit of difference to how you feel.

I’m on my way to Size 12, the place I feel most at home and most like myself. Right now though, I’m somewhere in the region of Size 15 (WHY does this not exist?) and my available wardrobe suddenly lacks the magnitude it once had.

It’s always tempting to rush to the shops when you’ve lost a bit of weight, but the joy is often short-lived when you’re inbetween sizes. Forgive me if I fail to see the funny side but I’ve worked my generously proportioned arse off to shed the pounds and now that I have, nothing fits!

This pains me to say, but if you’ve ever found yourself in my predicament you’ll know that the beautiful game – shopping, of course – can, at times, lose its thrill. Rest assured, though, it’s only temporary and the taste will be all the sweeter when your appetite returns.

In the meantime, here are my top tips on eking out the lifespan of your existing wardrobe and showing off the best possible you until the new one is ready to come out.

1. Spanx. Literally the best thing ever. If you don’t know what I’m talking about, I beg you, Google it. Now.

2. Jeans. I live in them and have a size-ordered stash ready to mark the day I cross each border. While you’re still en route though, why not embrace the “boyfriend” look – not that I could ever get into my boyfriend’s jeans, mind you. Wear them low, roll them up, team them with a vest and heels and you’ve got an effortlessly sexy look that should take you right through from day to night.

3. Belt up. A good high-waisted belt will take you from shapeless to streamlined in an instant. It cinches you in at your narrowest point, making the most of your curves and stretching out the life cycle of ill-fitting tops and dresses.

4. Heels. Heels, heels, heels, heels, heels. I stand by my belief in the many powers of the high heel, now more so than ever – it will be your best friend when nothing else seems to fit quite right. Just slip on a pair of killer heels with your favourite oversized t-shirt or jumper and it’s immediately saved from the reject pile.

5. Finally… Have fun with your body – love it or loathe it, it’s the only one you’ve got.