The hourglass is the shape most women dream of having.  Blessed with gorgeous curves and a tiny waist, hourglasses are pretty much perfectly proportioned.  As you’ve got such a womanly figure you want to embrace your femininity and stay away from clothes that will swamp your shape as you also have a big bust and hips.  You’ll find all the clothing and accessories that will compliment your curves at The Bentall Centre in Kingston so why not treat yourself to a bit of retail therapy.

If you struggle to find the right clothes for you then have no fear!  There are ways to enhance your best bits and hide your body insecurities allowing your confidence to grow.  Once you know which styles suit you, shopping will no longer feel like a chore but a fun experience.

Hourglasses should stay clear of items with too much frill, flounces and bow detailing as big decorations and excess fabric will add weight and volume – not what you want.  Flat clumpy shoes and pointed stilettos will also shorten your legs so opt for cute round toe styles to go with your curviness.  Peep toe shoes are also another great option.

When it comes to knitwear, deep v-neck style cardigans are best you for.  They will give you an amazing shape and are versatile items to have in your wardrobe.  Dresses which lift your bust and elongate your waist will help enhance your curves instead of hiding them.  Draped sleeve detailing is an ideal finishing touch as it adds a hint of elegance to outfits.

The t-shirt style which is best for an hourglass are those with a wide neckline as they won’t swamp you – comfortable but you’ll still feel sexy.  If you wear a lot of shirts to work but find it difficult to find the right cut for your shape then the answer is this – choose a shirt where the buttons don’t go all the way to the top.  The trick is to leave your neckline open as it will give you a more flattering shape – simple!

Pencil skirts are oh-so-perfect for hourglasses!  They are super flattering, exaggerating the curve from your hip to your knee – you definitely need one in your wardrobe. 

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Peplum styles are huge for Spring/Summer 2012, putting all the focus on your lovely waist!  It is a perfect trend for enhancing curves and creating a gorgeous hourglass silhouette so is sure to be a massive hit across the country.  I’ve already nabbed a floral peplum top from H&M and I love it - looks great worn with my black skinny jeans and heels!

Yumi Spot Mesh Peplum Dress, £42.99 from New Look

Seen on the catwalks of Alexander McQueen, Jason Wu, Marchesa and Vera Wang, each designer had their own unique take on the peplum.  Futuristic styles saw dramatic chrome designs, with white and mesh giving the trend a modern feel.  Femininity was evoked in romantic peplum styles that were layered with lace or pretty frills.  Stunning when worn in the evening or to special occasions.  Gothic glamour continues into the new season as peplums were given a dark twist to create some dramatically beautiful creations. 

Lace Top with Frills, £29.99 from Zara 

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Getting back to normality after having a baby might be challenging for new mums.  Your confidence may have dropped slightly due to your changing body shape or you may just be too tired to even think about clothes.  This is where a capsule wardrobe comes in handy! 

Looking good on the outside will help you feel better on the inside too and I sometimes feel that a new set of clothes can give anyone a confidence boost!

So what is a capsule wardrobe some of you might be thinking? 

It is a collection of clothing and accessories that can be mixed and matched to create a variety of looks for different occasions – extremely versatile!  A good way to start is to go through your existing wardrobe and get ride of anything that no longer fits you or that you haven’t worn in ages. 

Your body shape may have changed slightly since becoming a mum so it’s nice to start fresh sometimes.

Choosing pieces to be in your capsule wardrobe might seem a little daunting, but once you get into the swing of it you’ll wonder what all the fuss was about!  You want to be able to create looks for casual wear, day, work and evening, incorporating some of this season’s hottest trends, and The Bentall Centre in Kingston will help you achieve this. 

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Most girlfriends and wives might find it a struggle every year to find the perfect Valentine’s Day gift for their partner.  I don’t know about you ladies, but I tend to find buying presents for guys a challenge – especially when it comes to romantic gifts. 

You may worry that the gift you’ve bought for him is too soppy and not ‘manly enough.’  Flowers and chocolates are usually bought for us girls – so what do we get him?!

Joshua Silk Tie, £20.00 from Oliver Bonas

Well fret not ladies as there is no need to panic!  Taking a trip to The Bentall Centre in Kingston will solve all your gift buying problems thanks to the amazing variety of stores to browse round.  

Nano Crown Leather Bracelet, £82.00 from Swarovski

If you want to get him jewellery then stick to something simple that fits in with his personality – don’t go too crazy with the style choice. 

A stylish tie or cufflinks make lovely gifts for men who aren’t afraid of fashion.  They can be used all the time or be saved for special occasions.  

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Celebrating the arrival of a newborn baby is a very special occasion.  They may be too young to know what’s going on but that doesn’t mean you can’t get them a lovely gift which can be treasured forever or something more fun– a great excuse to spoil them!  

Family and friends waste little time in shopping for the perfect new baby gift these days and what better place to find them than at The Bentall Centre in Kingston.

My First Small Bunny, £8.00 from Mothercare

With stores such as Mothercare, Baby Gap and Oliver Bonas to browse round, you’ll find so many gorgeous presents to give to the new arrival – boy or girl! 

Unisex Luxury Hamper Set, £45.00 from Mothercare

Whether you want to give them one of their first cuddly toys or a beautiful ornament to decorate their room – the possibilities are endless.

Silver Caterpillar First Tooth/Curl Box, £17.50 from Oliver Bonas

Mothercare is a perfect place to start your shopping hunt.  The range of gifts and keepsakes seem to be endless. 

Humphrey Record Book, £15.00 from Mothercare 

From blankets to impression kits and baby record books to luxury hampers you’ll want to leave with half the store!  A record book is a really thoughtful present as the parents will be able to document all the precious moments of their little ones all the way through to their early years.

Circus Animal Bib, £5.00 from Baby Gap

Spoil the adorable newborn baby with all the essentials such as bibs, clothing and soothers from shops like Baby Gap.  There are some really cute ones to be found at The Bentall Centre.  You can’t go wrong with a cuddly toy either!  Help start the little one’s collection by getting him or her an adorable animal friend – they’ll love it!

Pear - Being a pear shape means you are heavier on the bottom compared to the rest of your body but that doesn’t mean you’re overweight.  You have a flatter chest but are wider at the hips and thighs which means the trick is to balance this out by broadening your shoulders.  Finding clothing to compliment this shape is actually quite easy – boat neck tops are a good place to start.

Inverted Triangle - From the name inverted triangle you can pretty much guess what your shape consists of.  You have broad shoulders and a small bust as well as slim hips and lovely long legs.  Although you are not very curvy, your athletic build is perfect for the catwalk.  Flared skirts will help balance out your figure rather than disguise it.

Rectangle - Although rectangle shapes only have a slight waist you have gorgeous long legs.  Your shoulder width is the same as your hip width so you may find it difficult to find clothes that fit, especially as most rectangles are tall as well.  Look for clothes that create the illusion of curves such as angular shapes and different patterns and prints.

Apple - An apple shape is hard to dress but it can be achieved.  Your waist measurements will be significantly larger compared to your hip and chest measurements meaning you have a larger tummy.  This is nothing to be ashamed of though.  You have great legs as your strong point so stick to flat front trousers and tummy-skimming tops which are perfect for you.

Once you have determined what body shape you are ladies the next step is embracing it!  See what key points apply to you so next time you go for a little retail therapy you’ll no longer struggle finding clothes and accessories that look fashionable.  No matter if you have a big or small bust, curves or no curves you’re beautiful in your own way!

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The time has come ladies for us to gaze ahead and set our sights on trends for Spring/Summer 2012 – and there are some truly fabulous ones to get excited about!  The Afrocentric trend was seen on the designer catwalks and I love this style as there are so many aspects to it – you can be really creative!

Donna Karen, Burberry Prorsum, Gucci, Missoni and Michael Kors all added their own flare and twist to the trend to create some truly fabulous looks that any fashionista would love to have in their wardrobe.  Traditional references such as animal prints and safari suiting have still been used for inspiration but this season’s Africana also mixes ethnic prints, raffia work, tribal sketches and intricate beading.  Beautiful!

Ethnic Print Tunic, £35.99 from Zara

Anyone can sport this trend as there are so many prints, patterns and styles to play around with – you’ll never get bored.  Leopard print is still a fashion favourite and this season it can be seen adorning flowing cocktail gowns and evening dresses.  Large life size zebra stripes are not just in black and white anymore.  Be daring and bold by sporting a neon design for the ultimate fashion statement. 

Animal Print Open Back Shell Top, £16.99 from New Look

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Before your bank balance has time to relax and breathe again you realise that either a family member or a friend’s birthday is just around the corner and you have to try and find a gift which is thoughtful but also not too expensive! 

This obstacle can easily be overcome though ladies and gentlemen as the sales are still lingering in most shops - you’ll be able to find the perfect bargain birthday gift!

Take a trip to The Bentall Centre, Kingston to do a little retail therapy and have a good old rummage through all the sale items. 

Winter Wobblers Mini Hot Water Bottle, WAS £5.00 NOW £2.50 from Paperchase

You will find some amazing bargains to be had which will make lovely birthday gifts but won’t put pressure on your bank account.  No one has to know!

Rosehip Pink Flower Photo Album, WAS £42.00 NOW £21.00 from Oliver Bonas

What woman wouldn’t love a gorgeous bag or pair of shoes for her birthday?  She’d be mad to turn them down – I certainly wouldn’t! 

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With the excitement of Christmas and New Year out of the way, it’s time to get prepared for the next calendar event – Valentine’s Day!  Yes it is once again time to spoil your partners with lovely gifts and surprise them with romantic gestures.

9ct Yellow Gold Diamond and Cultured Pearl Necklace, £135.00 from Fraser Hart

Safe present choices to get for your wife or girlfriend include scrumptious chocolates, sparkling jewellery or beautiful lingerie – a cuddly toy is also a nice little surprise too! 

Me To You – Gorgeous Girlfriend, £19.99 from Clinton Cards

They’re all guaranteed to make her feel special and she’ll love you even more for them!  With the variety of stores to browse round at The Bentall Centre in Kingston you’ll have no trouble finding the perfect gift.

Vintage Playing Cards ‘LOVE’ Picture, £35.00 from Oliver Bonas

For unique gifts visit the Oliver Bonas store.  There is a huge range of items which appeal to everyone.  You’ll want to buy everything for your partner!  If you want to get your wife or girlfriend something truly original, yet stylishly simple, then treat her to the Vintage Playing Cards ‘LOVE’ Picture.  It would make a lovely addition to your home! 

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What secrets are hidden in your handbag?

The Bentall Centre has teamed up with Debbie Percy, an experienced life coach and specialist Bagologist. Basically, Debbie can reveal what your bag says about you!

The contents of your handbag tell a deeper story than you might think and Debbie has mastered the skill to understand someone’s personality and lifestyle just by seeing what is in your bag.

To find out the meaning of your handbag, just visit The Bentall Centre facebook page, ‘like’ the page, take a photo of the contents of your handbag and then upload it to the Facebook Wall.

Three bags will be randomly selected by Debbie every weekday for a detailed reading and her analysis published underneath each photo. 

Uploads must be made between 1^st January & 29^th February 2011.