A bit of a departure from the shopping-related norm today…I want to talk about my latest rediscovered hobby, sewing!

My mom taught me to sew when I was about 12, and I made quite a few of my own dresses when I was a teenager. Nothing beats the thrill of putting on a garment you’ve made yourself. Not only is it a guaranteed one-off, but if you struggle to find clothes to fit all or a specific part of your body, learning to sew means you can make things fit perfectly. So few women make clothes any more, which I think is a real shame. We can buy things so easily (and often so cheaply) that it often seems a waste of time to sew our own clothes. But I think it’s a real shame that we’ve stopped at least learning the basics, as it’s a really good skill to have.

That said, the last time I did any ‘proper’ sewing was when I made my dress for the school leaver’s meal. Since then, apart from the odd cushion cover or armchair cover, I’ve not really had the time to get behind the sewing machine despite having one at my disposal. I have a handful of patterns and a box full of fabric but actually sitting down and finishing a project seems to have eluded me to this point.

But then my friend Kat said she wanted her bridesmaids dresses made from Liberty print fabric. I was her maid of honour, so I offered to make my dress (her mum made the others). The joy of sewing for yourself is that you can tailor things precisely and try on as you go, meaning a perfect fit by the end, and I do love a good challenge!

Kat picked the fabric (a Liberty pink and cream pansy print) and the pattern, which was McCalls 5319, a now-discontinued 50s inspired party dress with a ruched waist panel, full skirt, and crossover bust with wide straps. It’s definitely a pattern designed with the curvier woman in mind. In fact the other bridesmaids eventually ended up with a different dress because this one swamped their slim figures.

I won’t go into reams and reams of detail about the pattern, except to warn that the sizing is really off, and though I cut the size that corresponded to my bust, hip and waist measurements for the toile (a practice in a much cheaper fabric – see left on the photo) I ended up having to take it in a lot, and went down almost two sizes by the time I made the real thing. I did lose some weight during that time, but definitely not two dress sizes! I also had to take the waist up by about two inches. I have a short torso anyway, but this pattern does appear to have been made for a giant.

Sewing it was fairly straightforward, however. If I could follow the pattern after almost 10 years of not sewing, then I’m sure nobody else would have trouble. Technique-wise, it was a bit fiddy in places – there are a lot of gathers (on the bust, back, waist panel and skirt) and at times you’re sewing up to four layers of dress and lining at one time, which can be tricky. I’d advise people to use a similar colour thread to tack and gather the waist section rather than a contrasting one, because removing multiple layers of tacking thread can be difficult once you’ve sewn all the layers together, and you do end up with lots of tacking thread as you secure various layers and gathers along the way.

Here I am with the wedding A Team (the gorgeous bride Kat and our fabulous friend Darika) in the finished dress (topped off with a Miss Selfridge lace cape). I was really happy with how it turned out. The fit-and-flare shape is a favourite of mine anyway because my waist is my smallest part, but I rarely wear light colours because of my pale skin, so I had to get used to that! I’ve got a fair amount of fake tan on in the pictures, would you believe!

The one thing I did learn a bit too late with this pattern is that the dress is far more revealing around the bust on photos than it seemed in real life. I’m quite big up top and constantly aware of showing inappropriate amounts of cleavage, so I fiddled with the dress a lot! If I made it again, I might cut a larger bust section and cross it over more in the middle for a bit more coverage, or perhaps adjust the gathers to accommodate.

Now I’ve got the bug again, I’m going to start sewing a lot more. I’ve been given an early birthday present of an adjustable dressmaker’s dummy, so I can now pin and fit to my measurements in the future. Next on the list is a vintage 50s sundress in peach with white polka dots. So watch this space!

With my passion for 40s and 50s fashion, it’s perhaps a surprise that I’ve never really tried a proper corset before. I’ve worn bustiers and cheap alternatives, I’ve sewn plastic bones into the top of a prom dress, and I’ve even given corset shapewear a go. But until True Corset got in touch, I’d never laced myself into a proper, high-end steel boned number!

So I was excited to be offered the chance to try a really gorgeous burlesque-inspired corset that promised to create the ultimate hourglass figure. I was sent the ‘Dita’ corset in black with polka dot panels, a longer line corset that was supposed to be perfect for curvy girls…

Let’s get down to the nitty-gritty first. This is not a corset for the faint-hearted. While it’s not quite as killer as the waspie numbers worn by its namesake, the Dita means business. It retails at just over £100, has three layers of fabric for comfort, and was made by just one corsetiere for the personal touch. It has 12 steel bones that really sculpt and shape, and the results are pretty amazing. I didn’t feel any pain or digging in, but it was restrictive. Don’t expect to be able to sit down much, corsets are for standing around looking glamorous!

Overall, I was really impressed with the corset. It’s beautifully made and the satin is really heavy and not too shiny. I like the polka dot panels, but those wanting something plainer can get it in plenty of other colours.

As for the fit, I couldn’t really fault it. The corset easily whittled my waist down by 2 inches without any pain, and the longer line shape is really flattering for curvier figures – I’m not a fan of corsets with pointy fronts.

The top part is also really well designed for bigger busts (and conversely may be too generous for A and B cups so check sizing). I think one issue you have with corsets if you’re big up top is you can end up with your boobs around your neck. The sweetheart shape and generous cups of this corset gave a little more wiggle room and looks less fake. I did have to be careful how I laced it – too much at the top and it looks too tight – but once I’d got the hang of it, it was fine.

The only real downside is that getting in and out of it takes some practice, though I would probably do a better job with someone to help! The front fastening (busk) is made up of two wide steel bones with steel clips at intervals. Getting them fastened wasn’t a problem, but I had trouble trying to manoevre myself so I could undo them again. In some ways this is good – it means they’ll never pop open – but it did mean I was fidgeting my way out of it for a while, even after loosening the lacing. I’m sure I’ll learn the knack eventually!

Now I just need to decide if I’m brave enough to wear it as outerwear…

The Dita Corset in Black With White Dots is £102.18 at True Corset

Disclaimer: True Corset sent this product free of charge for me to review. However, the review is honest and I was not paid to publish it.

Just a quick note to say that I’m honoured and excited to be involved in the latest project from UK-based size 14+ retailers Simply Be. I’ll be helping out as one of the judges of their search for the new Face of Plus Size Fashion.

This is an amazing opportunity for all those women who feel they could give the current crop of plus size models a run for their money (and I know there are a lot of you). There are no height or weight restrictions except that you need to be at least a size 14 (and over 18 years old). The prizes are amazing; you’ll become the face of Simply Be’s Style Files, you’ll win a massive £10,000 to spend at Simply Be and you’ll get a consultation with 12+ Model Management.

Click here for everything you need to know to enter. And good luck!

It’s no secret that I’m a big fan of shapewear. I love the 1950s nipped-waist silhouette and wear a lot of wiggle dresses that benefit from a good foundation (and no VPL). That said, I see shapewear as a smoothing, shaping garment, not a miracle fix. I don’t really subscribe to the whole ‘magic pants will make you thin’ idea – this is about creating a shape with the curves you have, not making them disappear completely!

In the past I’ve tried – and been impressed with – pieces from the previous Gok Wan collection for Simply Yours. I was recently offered the chance to try something from the new range, and I jumped at the chance to see what they’d done to improve it.

After trying the corset and the slip last time, this time around I decided to go for the bodysuit, called the ‘Curve Controller‘. I went for the black, which has a nude trim and animal print detail, but it also comes in nude and turquoise.

My first impressions were that, once again, the product was high quality (to match the fairly high price tag). A lot of thought has been put into the construction to make sure it works for larger sizes, and the detailing gives it a bit of edge. Though you’re never going to want to slip it on for a hot date, the body looks less matronly and a bit more alluring than some shapewear, and the nude trim is a nice touch. The back has a long hook-and-eye fastening which is tricky to put on, but works well once it’s fastened to keep everything in place. There’s also ruching down the bum to hug curves – great under trousers or very fitted dresses.

The powermesh inside is the bit that does all the hard work, helping to create a smoother line under clothing. Luckily, it does this without feeling too tight and sweaty. It’s constrictive, yes, but it’s not like wearing a corset – you can still slouch a bit and because it’s a bodysuit, you don’t get the irritating roll-down (or fleshy overhang) you might get with big knickers.

For the redesign, the powermesh (which was hot pink in my older pieces) comes in animal print. I guess this is a bit of a marmite design detail. I love a bit of OTT glam so it gets my vote, but others might think it’s a bit much, and I’m not so sure it works on the turquoise version. But the main thing to consider is that it doesn’t show once the garment’s being worn, so it’s just a little bit of fun!

I was glad to see one of my least favourite elements of the previous range – the jingly bell on the centre of the bust – had been ditched in favour of a little ‘G’ charm. It’s meant to stand for ‘Gok’ of course, but since we share the same initial, nobody need know that!

The other good news, for me at least, is that the style of the bra on these pieces has also been changed. It’s gone from a plunge to a balconette, which I find a much more comfortable shape. However, I did find the cups on this body to be a bit big and quite…pointy! Once I was in it was fine, because the cups are smooth, have small half-cup pads and maintain their shape, but I think I could have easily gone down a cup size, maybe even two.

A close-up of the cup and internal powermesh

The body itself runs fairy true-to-size, bearing in mind it’s shapewear so it’s meant to be tight-fitting. That said, it comes in cup / back sizes rather than dress sizes, and if you’ve been measured for a bra somewhere like Bravissimo where they fit very close to the body with small back sizes, you may wish to go a band size up or fastening up the hook and eye closure will be a nightmare. I went up one band size and the fit was perfect (though that may go some way to explaining why the cups were a little big).

The final consideration with this body, of course, is the gusset. It fastens with a hook and eye mechanism too, which I have to say is the biggest problem for me. It’s a complete nightmare when you’re in a public toilet trying to contort yourself to fasten it! I would have much preferred good quality poppers or press-studs, though I understand why the hook and eye has been chosen. As shapewear is so fitted, there’s a lot of pressure on the seams and joins – poppers may well have just popped open all the time, and the hooks do hold it securely. It just takes some getting used to. And I definitely wouldn’t recommend it if you know you’re going to be out drinking!

I’ve worn this body a few times now, mostly under close-fitting dresses to give a bit of a smoother outline down my torso. It’s comfortable, it does the job it’s supposed to and it never budges. On the downside, it’s quite hot (rest assured it will not be worn to any Summer weddings if the weather continues to be as beautiful as it has been) and the hook and eye gusset takes a lot of fiddling to get used to.

However, overall, I think the pros outweigh the cons by a huge margin and if you need something to wear under a dress with a close-fitting waist, it’s really good for creating a bit of an hourglass look. It comes in big cup and back sizes and is really well made to suit a more voluptuous figure.

Disclaimer: Simply Yours sent this product free of charge for me to review. However, the review is honest and I was not paid to publish it.

I remember writing a review of Project Catwalk during its first season and jokingly photoshopping a pair of devil horns onto Julien Macdonald’s head after he made one too many nasty comments about the contestants.

In early episodes of the show, it quickly became obvious that the Welsh designer was filling the Simon Cowell role in the show, a comedy villain who loved nothing more than tearing the contestants to shreds.

And it seems nothing changes. Madonald will soon return to our screens, this time judging models, not clothes, in a new series of Britain’s Next Top Model. And whilst the show has a new look and a new face at the helm – Elle Macpherson – one thing it will no doubt be recycling is Julien’s tendency to spout unnecessary vitriol.

This week’s gem? Well, apparently, “If you’re a size 14 in room full of size eights – you’re in the wrong room.”

It seems ‘larger’ women are the current target of the man behind many a skimpy little party dress. Wales Online spoke to the designer about the new series of Britain’s Next Top Model and asked him if plus size models would be given the opportunity to compete (following a win for a US size 12 model the American version of the show). His response?

“This is a serious show. You can’t have a plus size girl winning – it makes it a joke.”

Indeed. I know I laugh frequently at Crystal Renn, Hayley Morley and co. They’re just frickin’ hilarious. Also, I’ve seen BNTM and the one thing it’s not is serious!

Macdonald goes on to justify his comments by explaining that being a plus size girl in a skinny girl’s world is difficult. So we’re to believe he’s trying to save wannabe plus size models the embarassment and humiliation? I’m not convinced.

“It’s not fair on them – you’re setting them up for a fall – I know what would happen to them afterwards. They are looked down on, they’re frowned upon.”

Frowned upon by who? Not by the editors of US Glamour, French Vogue, Tush, V or any of the other magazines that have featured curvier girls in recent issues. Not by Mark Fast or Jean Paul Gaultier. Even Karl Lagerfeld, known for his hatred of ‘big’ girls, has begun to realise just how stunning more voluptuous women can be, using Crystal Renn as a model for Chanel and working on a plus size shoot for V.

Macdonald may pretend he’s doing girls a favour by sparing them the ‘pain’ later on. But what he’s really doing is pandering to a terrible part of the industry that makes any girl above a size 6 or 8 feel inferior and overweight. He’s making nasty, hurtful comments about women who don’t deserve it. By all means say “plus size girls have a tough time in an industry that traditionally favours slim models”, but to call the inclusion of a plus girl on BNTM a ‘joke’? To say they have no right to be in the same room as straight-sized models? For me, that’s taking it too far.

Surely a man who’s been vocal about banning women who’re underweight from the catwalk should know better than to attack the alternative – curvier, healthier women who look like they enjoy life. Most plus sized models aren’t even classified as overweight due to their height, so you can’t even use the ‘health’ argument. Bashing plus size models is just an easy bandwagon to jump on to get a few column inches.

When I read Macdonald’s comments, my thoughts soon turned to Debenhams, for whom he designs clothing, accessories and homeware under the ‘Star by Julien Macdonald’ label (see pictures).

Debenhams have – up until this point – really impressed me with their move towards a more inclusive approach to fashion. As a high street store, they cater to the size 14-16 average British woman, so it’s been a great initiative to trial size 16 mannequins in some stores, cut down on airbrushing and use models of all shapes and sizes in advertising campaigns. Making fashion accessible to the average shopper is a great move, and Debenhams are trailblazers.

So how would they react to one of their designers making such ill-advised comments about size 14 women (who, might I add, are not really plus size). I approached Debenhams for a comment, and sadly what I got was a bit of a cop-out.

“Julien Macdonald’s comments related to the fact that most sample sizes within the industry are a size 6 or 8 making it more difficult for plus size models. In fact, the Star by Julien Macdonald collection at Debenhams ranges from a size eight to size 20,” said Ruth Attridge, spokesperson for Debenhams.

Well, Macdonald may be happy to pocket the cash from sales of his high street range to larger women, but I refuse to believe he was just talking about sample sizes in those quotes. He was talking about there being no room for larger models next to slimmer ones – the exact thing Debenhams is working so hard to ensure!

However, “Debenhams continues to lead the way for inclusivity in fashion with our size 16 mannequin campaign and commitment to only using size eight and above models.” Attridge continues.

Perhaps they should start by giving Julien Macdonald a massive public slap on the wrists?

[via Fabsugar]

This Summer’s high street collections have had me both in raptures and totally disappointed in equal measure. I love the floaty fabrics, maxi dresses, pretty florals, retro touches and cutesy, childish looks. I’m not so sold on pastels and pale colours (I’m pale enough – I like a bit of contrast), leather shorts (squeak!) or the myriad of longline godet tops with naff prints that I’m sure will go the way of built in skirt-over-trousers when it comes to trends we’d rather forget in a few years time.

But that hasn’t stopped me investing (or very kindly being sent…) a few pieces for the new season, some of which are below, if you fancy a peek into my future wardrobe!

After a serious investment in wiggle dresses and vintage / vintage inspired pieces last year, I’ve now got a good stock of those styles and have returned to something a bit more bohemian for Summer. I’m all about maxi dresses, little cotton sundresses and statement accessories. I’ve also got my mitts on two things I thought I’d never wear – a playsuit (albeit one that looks very much like a dress until you look closely!) and denim shorts, which so far have only been worn over leggings. I’ve never, ever found a pair of shorts that fit properly, but these are great and a bit longer than the hot pant style ones in Topshop and so on. Good old Dorothy Perkins can always be relied upon to take a trend and mumsy it up just a bit!

I haven’t completely forgotten that retro love – I did give in and finally buy an Esther Williams bikini after going on about them for a couple of years. It was money well spent, the fit is perfect and the style is fab. I can’t say enough good things about the style. And those Irregular Choice cherry sandals I just couldn’t resist for a bit of pool glam – they should arrive Saturday and I’m crossing my fingers they fit!

The long-awaited vintage-inspired Ruby Belle dresses have finally arrived at Evans, and I couldn’t wait to snap one up. I’ve been a fan of Fever Designs for a while, so I’m really glad they’ve teamed up with Evans to offer this range in larger sizes. Ruby Belle normally only goes up to a UK size 14 and while the size guide suggests that should fit me, my experiences trying on other Fever items suggests otherwise!

So I was waiting very impatiently for the dresses to be recut to Evans’ slightly more generous sizes – and given that it has a stretch top and full skirt, I risked it and bought the sailboat dress in a 14. And I love it! It fits really well, and I’d say it’s true to size, though I would warn potential shoppers that there’s not a lot of give to the wide band of elastic in the back of the waist, so getting it off can take a bit of wriggling about! The skirt is quite a flimsy cotton, but it is fully-lined so it’s not see-through. The top is quite thick jersey, so hopefully it’ll wash well. Shape-wise, I’m sold. Anything vintage-esque gets my vote, and I love the pleats and the nautical print.

Now that I’ve seen how it fits, I’d be really interested to try the mainline version in the same size to see how it compares. I much prefer the black and cream colourway of the Evans version, which is why I waited for it and didn’t attempt to squeeze into the main range (where the dress is hot pink which on me is just a bit too Barbie) but there is a £16 price difference; money which I hope has gone to good use developing a better fit in larger sizes. If nothing else, I’m going to guess this is a bit longer, and probably has a slightly larger waist.

If you bought one of the dresses, do comment and let me know how you got on. I’m sorely tempted by the short-sleeved flamingo dress!

- Shop Ruby Belle at Evans here.
- See more fab Ruby Belle reviews by Em at Oh The Places You’ll Go

Despite the fact we’re on the tail-end of a recession, prices seem to be going up all over the shop and it’s getting increasingly difficult to find anything (even lunch) for less than a fiver. So what’s a girl to do when she’s got an urge to shop, but very little cash to last until payday? Well, there are a few gems for less than a fiver still to be had. You just need to know where to look…

Collection 2000 Shimmer and Shade in ‘Pink Me Up’ £3.99 at Boots

Collection 2000 has come a long way since the last time I used it – back when I got lippies and mascaras free with copies of Shout magazine when I was 14. Now the budget beauty brand easily rivals more expensive rivals with well-packaged, fun cosmetics that are great for experimenting. This blush / bronzer / highlighter pallette is one of my favourites for a really quick natural flush. It goes a really long way and looks natural and pretty. Just use a decent brush and remember you’ll need a mirror – there isn’t one in the compact, but for £4, I’ll let that one go!

Vero Moda fine knit batwing top £5 at ASOS

Clearance sales are perfect for stocking up on basics, and you don’t get much better than these £5 tops from ASOS. The sheer jersey is great for this time of year, and the longer length and batwing sleeves give it a slouchy, easy wear shape that’s great for lounging about. I like the hot coral, but it also comes in aqua and grey up to a size 14 (which, looking at the shape, would probably fit most 16s too).

Goldtone and ivory drop earrings £5 Desire Clothing

I love cheap jewellery for finishing a look. These earrings come in black or cream for only £5 and they’re perfect for a bit of a dramatic touch with a simple outfit. Rules suggest big earrings look best with an up-do, but I quite like them poking out from big Cheryl Cole waves too.

Neutrogena Deep Clean make-up remover wipes approx £4
(available in Supermarkets, Boots & Superdrug. This is a new formulation & I can’t find it online yet. Picture nabbed from the wonderful A Beauty Junkie in London)

Ok, these are less of a treat and more of a neccessity, but I had to mention these new wipes from Neutrogena. I was recently sent them to try, along with the cleansing lotion from the same range, and I was really, really impressed. I’ve tried various brands and never found a cleansing wipe that actually removes all my mascara without making my eyes go red. But these did! They’re oil-free, so good for younger skins, and though they have quite a strong scent, it’s not as horrible and synthetic as some rivals. I found these not only removed all makeup, but also really refreshed my skin. In fact, the moment I finished the pack I was sent, I went out and bought another one!

Red Y neck animal print vest top £5 George at Asda

This is an essential Summer staple in a well known print in a slightly unusual colourway. Asda stuff is known to wear and wash well considering how cheap it is, and I bet if you buy this you’ll find you wear it far more than you ever thought you would. The longline style is great for layering, and helps avoid that irritating gap with a low-slung pair of jeans. I have a very similar blue leopard print top from a couple of years ago which I’ve worn to death.

Metallic kohl in First Light £5 Topshop

I’m so excited by Topshop’s new makeup range! I have very fond memories of ‘Kiss and Makeup’, the range offered by sister shop Miss Selfridge back in the early 90s, and if this is anything like that, it’ll be full of trend-lead colours at good prices, all of a decent quality. Topshop are offering all kinds of products, but the metallic kohl’s look like some of the most dramatic. I love the polka dot packaging – so cute!

Florence & Fred mutton sleeve top £5 Tesco

It’s meant to be Spring, but since we’re experiencing some of the coldest May days ever, you might want to snap up a long-sleeved top for the next few weeks. This one has the ever popular power shoulder for a bit of detail, and it comes in a variety of colours for £5. Wear it under your Summer dresses until the sun finally decides to make an appearance!

Bow buckle waist belt £5 at Matalan

Nothing tops off a retro dress like an elasticated waist belt. I like the prim Emma Pilsbury feel of this mint green bow detail offering (it also comes in coral and cream) and it’s a bargain at a fiver. And if you don’t have that dress already, you know where to look!

Bourjois So Laque Ultra Shine nail enamel in Beige Glamour £5.49

I’ve sneaked this one in even though it’s £5.49, because with the special offers and advantage card points at Boots, it’s highly likely when you go in that you’ll get this for a fiver or less. Well, that’s how I’m going to justify it, anyway! I’m a chronic nail biter so I can’t really wear bright shades, but I find this peachy beige looks alright even on stumpy nails, and stops me from biting them quite so much. It’s also a great suits-all colour for toenails on the days when I don’t fancy my usual blood red.

I know many women finding the perfect swimsuit or bikini a shopping nightmare. I love swimwear when I find the right piece, but hunting down something well-fitting is on a par with finding the perfect pair of jeans or the ideal winter coat. In short, it’s a nightmare!

Once you’ve narrowed down your basic choices (swimsuit or bikini, skimpy or full-coverage, plain or printed) there are so many other things to consider. Luckily, this season it’s pretty easy to find something for everyone. In last few years more brands have latched onto the fact that not all women are the same size all over, selling bikinis as separates (ideal if you’re big up top or pear-shaped) and increasing the cup sizes and choices of bottoms. The swimsuit is also back in fashion, so those who feel more confident in a one-piece can wear it with no fear of feeling frumpy.

A while ago, Debenhams very kindly offered to send me a piece from their swimwear collection to try. I decided to give the new modern one-piece a go, and opted for a black and white palm print halter swimsuit by queen of the beach Melissa Odabash…

The swimsuit I tried is £40 – not cheap for swimwear but a far cry from the £150+ you’d pay for something from Melissa Odabash’s mainline range. I liked the look of the halter top and was intrigued by the tummy control panel, but I also liked the fact there are loads of accessories and cover-ups to match, because I am all about the pool glam!

This wasn’t my first piece of Designers at Debenhams swimwear. I have a Butterfly by Matthew Williamson bikini and matching kaftan that I love so much I refuse to throw out even though it’s yellowing inside from all the suncream! That bikini’s seen me though a fair few Summers, so I knew to expect a good quality piece.

And that it is. There’s a lot of attention to detail in this swimsuit. The front is fully-lined, and the ‘tummy control’ comes from a powermesh panel that goes from under the bust right down to the crotch. The back is low and not lined, but the fabric is thick enough that even when wet, it didn’t go see-through.

The halter top has textured silver rings to attach the straps to the cups. I’m always cautious of metal trims on bikinis that might get hot in the Sun, but a quick bite (not even kidding) assured me these are plastic and perfectly safe. The cups and empire band are trimmed with shell-style beads, tiny pearls and seed beads, which is a nice touch. Odabash is famous for her zebra print swimwear, and the black and white palm print of this swimsuit is a cool way of imitating that for her cheaper line without just recreating something she’s done before.

Being between two sizes, I often struggle to get swimwear that fits properly. I tend to go for the smaller size to avoid saggy bum syndrome when wet, but sometimes that can mean it digs in around the top of the thighs. Designers at Debenhams pieces are notoriously generous size-wise, so I went for the smaller size in this swimsuit, which fits well. It could perhaps be a couple of inches longer in the body, but apart from that, it’s great. The Tummy Control panel really does seem to smooth and flatten the tummy, too. It doesn’t work miracles – I’m not saying it makes me look a size 10 – but it would definitely be a bit of a confidence booster!

Next up, and probably most important, I should talk about how it holds up in the boob department. I’m not a fan of padded swimwear really (as my friend and I discovered one year, the padding soaks up loads of water meaning you have to squeeze your boobs in a completely non-alluring manner when you get out the pool or you’ll drip for ages!) but they are flattering when you’re sunbathing or sat at the bar. Luckily the ones in this cossie are removable, so I get the best of both worlds. The cups manage to contain my boobs which is a minor miracle, and I suppose a lot of that is down to the support you get from a halter neck. However, I do find I sometimes get a mark on my neck wearing a halter swimsuit or bikini because I tie it too tight in an attempt to hoik up the girls – a lesson to be learned there, I think!

Overall, I’m impressed by this costume and will definitely be taking it away with me in the Summer, though I suspect it’ll become a swimsuit more than a sunbathing suit (I’ve got a retro bikini for that). That said, I’m sorely tempted to get the matching kaftan (down to £28) just in case!

Disclaimer: Debenhams sent this swimsuit free of charge for me to review. However, the review is honest and I was not paid to publish it.