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.

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.

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

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.

When it comes to bras that fit, I’ve resigned myself to the fact that only a handful of brands can really cater for the fuller figure. All of them charge upwards of £25 for a decent bra, so buying pretty new lingerie quickly ends up costing a fortune.

So I was happy to discover BraStop.com, who offer all the brands I’m familiar with (Panache, Kalyani, Freya etc) along with one I didn’t – Curvy Kate – with discounts all round. The money off ranges from a couple of quid to around 50% off, and with one Curvy Kate bra on special offer at £10 this week, I thought it rude not to give it a go…

I have to say I was thorougly impressed. First of all, with BraStop’s service. I didn’t specify next day delivery, but I ordered the bra in the afternoon, it was dispatched within hours and it was on my doormat when I got home the next day, prettily wrapped in tissue paper beneath the plastic shipping bag.

The bra itself was a real surprise. For £10, I wasn’t expecting much (I didn’t note the £26 RRP at the time). Even Primark charge £6+ for its D+ bras and I’m used to paying around £30 for Panache and Kalyani, but the quality was on a par with those other brands I’m used to. The choice of style is limited (there are about 6 bras in the range, all fairly similar) but each comes in loads of colours and prints so when you find the one you like, you’re set!

Like most of us, I vary between a couple of sizes depending on the brand, but I decided to go with the smaller back size on this occasion given that Curvy Kate is a specialist brand and they tend to be slightly more generous around the band than high street D+ ranges with their padding, frills and over the top detail.

I was right to do this. The bra I tried was called Portia, and I’d liken the fit of it to similar styles from Panache – the cups are quite wide and the back is fairly generous (if you’re between two sizes, go down as there’s quite a lot of stretch). Most importantly, it’s incredibly comfortable. I often find the bones start to dig in after a day’s wear but with this I couldn’t feel a thing. The straps didn’t slip at all, and nothing itched or rubbed. All in all, I was suitably impressed. It’s great to discover another brand that fits and flatters, especially one so affordable.

Prices on BraStop for Curvy Kate range from about £12 up to £16 and right now there’s free shipping with the code JAN10PAY. I’m definitely going to be investing in a few more!

disclaimer: I paid for the bra and received no incentive to write this. I just loved the brand!

Regular shoes usually fit me fine around the foot, but I often struggle to fasten ankle straps because of my chunky ankles and high arches. And boots? Forget it. They all seem to be cut for women with insanely tiny ankles and calves. So I’m always impressed to see more retailers branching out into wider fit shoes and boots.

Very.co.uk are the latest to take the plunge, and they carry a decent selection of wide fit shoes to compliment their size 16+ So Fabulous! range. I was lucky enough to be sent a pair to try recently…

The shoes are Very’s ‘Lisa’ style, a classic black satin peep-toe with some stitched detail around the front. According to the blurb, they’re designed with comfort in mind, which explains why the heel is a moderate 3.5 inches and fairly substantial. They come in an EEE fit which classifies as ‘extra wide’, but they’re actually not as wide as I was expecting.

One of my feet is a half size larger than the other (yep, I’m a freak, but I bet you are too!) and I often have to squeeze it into something that’s technically a bit small, but the wider fit of these shoes gave that bigger foot more room for manouvre, which was an unexpected bonus. However, it also meant my feet weren’t so well supported, and the other shoe felt a bit loose – with tights on the shoe kept slipping off my feet because they weren’t grabbing around the foot enough. Without tights on they were great. I imagine they’d be even better in Summer when my feet are a bit swollen with the heat, that’s when I often find regular shoes are a bit pinchy and uncomfortable. I would probably be better off with a slightly less generous fit, however.

If you struggle to find wide-fit shoes that aren’t too old-fashioned and designed purely with practicality in mind, the So Fabulous range offers up some good options. As far as ‘Lisa’ goes, the heel is a bit too low for my liking, given that the satin makes them quite a formal style, and I have a tendency to go for far more ostentatious designs. But as a basic, classic shoe to stash away for the right occasion, it’s a safe bet.

Trinity, a real fashion-led platform Mary-Jane may be a better option if you want something more adventurous, while I think the red patent ruffled ‘Heather’ is a retro winner.

All the shoes and boots in the range come in sizes 4 – 9 in EEE fit.

disclaimer: these shoes were a gift from Very. However, the review is honest and I was not paid to publish it.

Being comfortable with your curves is the key to looking great, and I have so much admiration for voluptuous women who wear what they want regardless of the fashion ‘rules’ (who wrote them anyway?). They are the women we should be looking up to. But the truth is many of us still have confidence issues and would kill to look a few pounds slimmer, hide the lumps and bumps or conceal the bits we don’t like very much. Whether it’s your tum, bum, boobs or thighs that you struggle to dress, I don’t think there’s anything wrong with admitting you have bits you’re not so happy with. Until you have the confidence to say “to hell with it, I’m gorgeous!” dressing to flatter is key to feeling good about yourself.

However, hiding it not an option! So throw away those shapeless sacks and work with what you’ve got instead…

1. Belt it!
If you’ve got a big bum and big boobs, chances are you’ve got a killer waist to go with them. So don’t hide it. Bigger women – especially those of a certain age – seem to be inexplicably obsessed with low-slung hip belts. This has to stop! Accentuate the narrowest part, your natural waist, instead. If you’re a 12 – 18, you can go with a wider belt, perhaps an elasticated number or something with a big buckle. If you’re larger, try something narrower, and don’t fasten it too tight. Remember you need to be able to breathe!

2. Go opaque
My less-than-secret weapon for feeling great is a good pair of black or very dark coloured opaque tights with a semi-matte finish. We all know black is slimming, and nothing makes your legs look better than some great opaques with a pair of killer heels. They also smooth bumps and conceal thread veins, cellulite and ‘corned beef’ legs. Some of the heavier deniers can even have a shapewear-like effect.
The best in the business for lasting power are Wolford’s Velvet DeLuxe. If you can’t afford their £18 price tag, Accessorize do a 90 denier pair for £6 that are a dead ringer on a budget. Also look at brands like Falke, Tabio and Cette, as well as good old Spanx. And remember, tights are so super-cool now so you can wear them pretty much year-round. Look at tights fans like Zooey Deschanel, Gwyneth Paltrow and Leona Lewis for proof!

3. Go tailored
If I had £1 for every bigger woman I’ve seen drowning herself in shapeless layers of clothing, I’d be a very rich woman. As tempting as it is to throw on a baggy t-shirt under a man’s shirt and scarf and hide your lumps and bumps, you’ll look much better if that t-shirt is long, v-necked and semi-fitted, and the shirt is a blouse cut to fit a woman with a waist (you have a waist, remember?!) I’m not suggesting you suddenly shoehorn yourself into skintight bodycon (unless you want to!) but remember the more bulk you add in shapeless layers, the bigger you’ll look all over. Pick things that subtly nip you in, and you’re onto a winner.

4. Stop camping it up if you’ve got a chest!
Trapeze and A-line dresses (ones that flare out from the neck or above the bust) work brilliantly on women with small boobs, big thighs or round tummies because they skim those areas brilliantly, but they’re the worst possible choice for anyone over a C cup. There’s nothing worse than a tent-like dress with a spindly pair of legs poking out. You’ll get ’shelf boob’ and you’ll hide all those amazing curves, and what’s the point of that? You’d be far better off with a good heavy jersey wrap dress with a deep v-neck, or something that hugs the waist, perhaps with a darker panel or belt. Just stick a spanx slip or cami underneath to cover those annoying high-rise D+ bras.

5. Fake it!
I don’t advocate sun-worshiping, but a tan does give you confidence, and bronzed skin can make you look healthier and more radiant. So if you’re fair to medium skinned and conscious of how fair your skin is, why not get a fake tan if you’ve got a big event where you want to look your best? Professional spray tanners can even use the airbrush to ’sculpt’ your body, adding extra shading to the cleavage, the collarbone, the sides of the stomach etc. This is hard to copy at home but you could try tanning all over on day one, then topping up on the ’shaded’ bits with a mixture dilluted with moisturiser on day two. I also use a gradual tanning moisturiser throughout Spring, Summer and early Autumn when I’ve got my arms and legs out. It really makes a difference, but you’re less likely to go streaky in the heat.

6. Balance out big hips.
The key to hiding ‘childbearing’ hips is balance. Avoid wearing skinny jeans with short tops (go for longer tunic styles), throw out those hip belts and instead try bootcut trousers or flares teamed with long, fitted or body-skimming tops. Skirts with knee high boots (especially ruched or slouchy to add bulk to the calves to balance out the upper thighs) or dresses with detail on the shoulders also work to even out your proportions. Big shoulders are back in fashion at the moment and they’re a great way of balancing out your hips.

7. Buy the right size.
Ladies, many of us wish we fit into a size 8. But let’s face it, most of us don’t. Most of us don’t fit into a 10 or 12 either, and it’s about time we admitted it. Measure your hips, waist and chest (at the widest part) and compare it to the size charts of the shops you most frequently shop at. Try that size if you’re not wearing it already, you’ll probably find it’s a much nicer fit. One of the worst things a woman can do is try to squeeze into something that’s too small (or drown in something too big)…and I speak from experience here because I’ve done both. But it’s time we learned. Try things on, and only buy things that fit perfectly. Chuck them out when they don’t fit any more. Don’t hang onto stuff that you’ll never wear. Sell it on eBay and buy something else!

8. Get the right undies.
I will never stop rambling on about the importance of being fitted for a good bra. You’ve probably read countless times that 80% of us are wearing the wrong bra size. Stop just assuming you’re one of the other 20%! Get measured! Weight loss, weight gain, the fact you were last measured in M&S when you were 14…all of these contribute to the fact we’re all clueless when it comes to cup size. I promise you that a trip to Bravissimo will give you a new lease of life. In the right bra your clothes will fit better, your boobs will look twice as perky, and your straps will stop falling down all the time. On a side note, stop buying knickers that are too small, too. Go up a size, don’t be ashamed to be a 16 (or 18, or 20, or 32…) if that’s what feels most comfortable!

9. Get a new ‘do
I think part of feeling confident is about having a whole look that feels young, fresh and stylish. So many big girls (myself included) have a tendency to hang on to their hair for dear life, hiding behind waist-length locks that are desperately in need of a tidy up. So if you want a new lease of life, consider a new hairdo. A shorter, choppier cut will lighten up your hair and give it more body (long hair is full of weight that makes it look flat). I’m all about the big hair – it looks fun! so whip out the big velcro rollers, invest in some heavy duty hairspray, and have fun!

10. Get active
Big Girls Browse is all about looking good whatever your shape, so I’m not going to preach at anyone to lose weight (unless they want to). It’s taken me a long time to get to this point, but now I realise that life doesn’t end when your dress size goes up.

That said, so many voluptuous women have been knocked down so many times they eventually give up and hide away. And that’s a crying shame, because nothing beats the radiance a woman has from being active, going out, doing stuff and living her life to the full. So stick two fingers up to the haters, put on your favourite outfit and go and DO SOMETHING!

images above: Bravissimo shirt dress,Torrid checked shirt, Caryn Franklin belted dress, Simply Be Pom-Pom trim dress.

Forget the corsets and girdles of old. The new breed of hold-you-in foundation garments give you a sleeker silhouette without the pain of more old-fashioned alternatives. Since we’re bigger on average than we used to be, it’s no surprise that women are queueing up to buy products that’ll make them appear slimmer or more toned. But which do you go for? To help, I’ve tried everything from smoothing tights to powermesh slips in my search for the best shapewear…

Spanx Higher Power high waisted briefs £27 Figleaves.com

Many would consider Spanx the ‘original’ shapewear. Obviously they’re not (just look at undies from fifty years ago) but as far as the modern revival goes, this brand does really take things to the next level, and ‘higher power’ is the star product for those who want to flatten their tum, lift their bum and define their waist. It was the first product I tried, and since then I’ve been hoooked on the power of good shapewear.

With a waistband that sits directly under your bra, these beat old tummy-control knickers because you’re not left with a roll of flab over the waistband. They shape you from hips to waist. On the legs they’re more like low-denier tights, slowly graduating up to a powerful, thick fabric that’ll definitely give you a slimmer appearance.

Spanx work because they’re powerful without being painful more mildly uncomfy) they don’t roll down as easily as some other products, and they definitely make you look slimmer. However, they’re not sexy; the nude ones give you the appearance of a sausage in its casing, and there’s a hole at the crotch with two ‘crossover’ gusset sections that allow you to go to the loo without removing them – this isn’t exactly attractive but it does the job!

8/10 – marks lost for the ugly factor!

Flexees Waist Nipper $26 Maidenform

Like a simpler and less attractive alternative to the corset, this does a similar job; helping to hide ‘muffin top’ and smooth the stomach and waist to create a more hourglass shape. While it doesn’t make you drop inches in the way a good steel-boned corset can, it does help to create a smooth line and stop any wayward flab from spilling out (mmm, nice) without the pain of a corset. The hook and eye fastening is extremely secure; mine is quite a tight squeeze but I’ve never had the stitching come loose or a hook break or bend. It’s made from a stretchy, control fabric similar to what you’ll find on most bodysuits and girdles, and because it fits in the gap between bra and knickers, can be easily sneaked off if you suddenly need to impress. I have this in nude and find it works really well under trousers and slim-fitting tops to create a smoother line.

9/10 - Works well, does the job perfectly, except under very fitted items where the hooks show.

Gok Wan ‘Sex Kitten Corset’ £45 SimplyYours.co.uk

Many of my clothes are quite fitted at the waist because I like that 40s/50s bombshell look, and this corset is very good for creating that nipped-in silhouette, but also has the added bonus of looking attractive in its own right. You can team it with nice undies and you can go to the loo like a normal human being. It looks pretty, gives a flattering shape and definitely hold everything in. So far, so good.

Like the other pieces from the Gok Wan shapewear range, a good deal of though has gone into the construction of the garment. Though some of the branding is a bit in-your-face (I could have done without the bright pink ribbons with ‘Gok’ scrawled on them) I did appreciate the attention to detail; the ‘modesty panel’ under the ribbons, the fact the lacing fastens at the waist and not at the hips (gives more ‘pulling’ power!) and the double hook & eye fastening to secure it properly at the bust. It also has a really nice sweetheart shape at the neck, rather than being straight across and giving a shelf-like effect.

However, I would warn you to be careful. I actually managed to bruise the skin under my boobs by pulling this too tight the first time I wore it. Don’t be tempted to yank it too tight if you’ll be wearing it for more than a few hours. Corsets improve your posture and keep everything well and truly strapped in, and overall, this is probably one of the pieces I wear the most, but it is restrictive (I rarely sit down / eat when I have it on)!

8/10 – Marks dropped for the overt Gok branding and the bruising!

Firm control low leg knickers £16 Marks & Spencer

As ‘big knickers’ go, these are some of the best. The waistband is thick enough that I avoided the awful muffin top (just about) but others might not be so lucky. I found these were great to wear with jeans (and long tops, natch) to help avoid too many lumps and bumps, but they began to dig in a bit by the end of the day. For the elevated price, I don’t think they’re as good a buy as a the even higher waisted M&S pants, a waistnipper or a pair of Spanx.

They wash well, you can tell they’re good quality and the anti VPL cut around the hips and upper thigh is clever, but overall, I think the price is too steep.

6/10 – Work well, but too expensive considering the potential for rolling flab at the waist!

Gok Wan Sassy Slip £55 at Simply Yours

Wow. Once I’d shoehorned myself into this thing, I was impressed, but I do have one tip when you’re shopping. If you’re a graduate of the Bravissimo school of bra measuring (ie. you’re quite curvaceous, but they’ve measured you as a narrow back size with a big cup) go up at least one back size when ordering this. Trying to get myself into 34DD was tantamount to getting an egg through a sieve. However, when I finally did it, I looked like I was about to be painted by Alberto Vargas.

This is the closest to a proper old-fashioned girdle you’ll find without buying vintage / repro vintage. The top is cut like the bra from the same range – a padded deep plunge with a slightly irritating bell charm on it. It’s got adjustable straps to make it halter / crossover if need be, and the hook and eye fastening extends all the way down to the hips. Then the rest is cut from a seriously hard-working powermesh that holds in all your wobbly bits to create a smooth line. It’s topped off with removable suspenders (four of them). Inside is a gusset with hook and eye fastening that makes getting it on even trickier.

All in all, though the results are amazing, I found this one quite a struggle. I’m sure if I had a bigger size it would be fine, and it’s perfect if you want to look amazing for a big night, but don’t want to have to reveal ugly shapewear at the end! However, just beware the powermesh really is powerful, and you’ll feel quite constricted.

7/10 – In a bigger size, this would probably get higher, but still loses a mark for that god-awful bell charm!

Spanx Hide & Sleep Full Slip £57 Figleaves

If you wear a lot of jersey pieces, wrap dresses, sheer items or fabrics that cling, this stretchy, full slip is a lifesaver. Though it’s not as shaping as some of the other items from Spanx, what it does is create smooth lines under your clothes, giving medium control to keep things where they’re meant to be and also stop VPL. Though it’s expensive, I thoroughly recommend it as I’ve worn my black one frequently (in fact, I have it on as I’m writing this). Unlike other options, this doesn’t feel restrictive or tight, and as an added bonus for those with big boobs, it can replace a ‘modesty cami’ if you wear the black version under something with a low neckline.

For the very brave, I also reckon the black version would make an amazing body-con dress!

10/10 – Comfy, flattering, and works brilliantly under fitted dresses.

Cette Magic Knickers Support £16.99 TightsPlease.co.uk

Imagine a pair of stretchy tights knit so finely together that they’re the approximate size of a postage stamp when you’re not wearing them. You’re not far off these babies if you have that image in your head. Probably the least attractive of the bunch, these super-powerful pants really do suck in your tummy, bum and thighs just like Spanx, but there are a couple of downsides.

Firstly, the shape is cut fairly low on the waist, resulting in the famous muffin top. There is a higher-waisted alternative that I’m sure would be a better option. Secondly, there’s no gusset opening which means every time you need the loo you have to wrestle with 140 denier of sheer torture. They do hold you in and they’re slightly more comfy and breathable than Power Panties, but all in all I don’t think they quite compete.

7/10 – They do the job but they’re ugly and going to the loo is a nightmare.

Slimming bodysuit £14.99 JML

I wasn’t expecting great things of this bodysuit, sold through infomercials by crazy purveyors of mad gadgets JML. But actually, for £15 it’s not that bad. A sort of Spanx-lite, it doesn’t have the suck-you-in power of the more specialist products, but it does help to give a smooth line under a fitted dress or pair of tight trousers, and the added bonus of spaghetti straps means it stays up better than some of the cheaper underbust shorts. All in all, I was pleasantly surprised by this, but it doesn’t sit up there with the ‘megabrands’ in shapewear terms. It’s also worth nothing the gusset has an unflattering hole (with no crossover section for modesty) and the fabric is very thin in places meaning you must buy the right size or it’s likely to rip.

6 / 10 – Ok, but nothing special.

note: parts of this feature were originally published on my old site, Catwalk Queen.

At the blogger’s preview of Beth Ditto for Evans I got the chance to see the pieces from the collection up close and there were loads that caught my eye. However, I decided if I was going to give this collection a go, I may as well go for one of the stand-out, ‘famous’ pieces. The body-con domino print dress was the item Beth herself chose to wear to the launch party, and I loved that the super-fitted shape and bold print were so unusual for a plus size range. Beth’s known for sticking two fingers up to convention so I decided to do the same. Keeping away from the pieces that were more ‘me’ (like the strapless stained glass dress) I put in an order for the domino dress. And I must say, it was a novelty to be ordering the smallest size for once!

It takes a brave Big Girl to pull off a fitted dress like this, but I was really impressed to see that Evans have done a lot to help you on your way. The dress is far heavier and of a better quality than I expected, lined throughout with another layer of quite heavy stretch fabric. This saved me whipping out the spanx slip I usually wear under anything fitted, though I did put on my trusty magic knickers – a body hugging style leaves little to the imagination around the tum and bum.

Shape wise I had my usual problem of excess fabric at the waist (I’m resigned to always being a size smaller on the waist than I am on the hips and bust!) which is good news for apple shapes…though this probably isn’t your ideal dress shape. But the whole point of Beth’s collection is about giving larger women the chance to try things that aren’t normally available to them – fitted shapes, bold prints, interesting shapes and sequins galore.

Speaking of those Beth signature elements, the domino print takes a bit of getting used to, and I have to admit I usually tend to stay away from anything with too much white in with my pale, flabby skin. I’d probably throw something over the top and put on a pair of killer heels to help streamline the look a bit.

Overall, I’m surprised to say I think this dress is a success. Obviously, I’m at the smaller end of the sizing scale when it comes to this collection, but I can definitely see this working on brave larger women.

As for me, I’ll probably only wear it on days when I’m feeling brave, and I’ll be ready for a lot of standing up straight and breathing in! I’m afraid I’m just not as confident as Beth in terms of ‘letting it all hang out’ but I’m definitely working on it!

The Beth Ditto at Evans range can be purchased here. The Domino dress is £40.

I am a sucker for a new gadget, gizmo or wonder product. But when I heard about Fitflops, my first thought was ‘what a load of rubbish’. A flip flop that tones your legs? Ha! But then, as usual, I got sucked in by the marketing, the good press, the celeb fans and the great reviews. What interested me most, besides the supposed toning / cellulite busting qualities of these new-wave flipflops, was the fact they were supposedly so comfortable…

I’ll admit it, the rumours were true. While I don’t agree with the many people who say they’re comfy from the moment you put them on (like all flip-flops they take a certain amount of wearing in around the big toe) wearing these babies does feel like walking on air. They’re super-light, soft and shock-absorbent, and are so much nicer than flat, hard soled rivals. I’m a big Havaianas fan and thought they were squishy and soft – these are a hundred times better. I’d go as far as to say they’re the comfiest shoes I’ve ever worn.

On the downside, that well-designed, comfortable sole does mean a clunkier shoe in general. The footbed is quite wide and chunky, which is great news for Big Girls with wide feet, but it can limit what you wear them with. I’m quite an overdressed person by nature and these don’t go very well with my floaty dresses. However, pick the right colour (I went for gold Walkstar III’s) and you widen your options. There’s even a sequinned option, but it does tend to sell out as quick as it’s restocked!

Now onto the bit you really care about. This alleged ‘workout while you walk‘. Well, let’s make one thing clear straight away – fitflops won’t make you thin. There are no magical fixes for that as well all know! However, you do feel the burn in your calves when you first begin to wear these for long periods of time. The sole is designed for a better push-off on the toe, more energy output through the middle and more shock absorbency on the heel, which basically makes you work just a tiny bit harder as you’re walking. I notice it most on stairs, but it’s not an uncomfortable exertion, just a slight difference that you get used to very quickly.

Overall, I think these are definitely worth the money if only for the comfort. The toning action is a plus that will make a small difference over a long period of time, especially to your calves, but don’t expect miracles.

Fitflops range from £35.24 to £68.86 at Rubber Sole (including winter versions – boots and clogs) or £36 to £55 at Shudoo.