I recently contacted Taking Shape to see if they would be willing to help me dress for Brit Mums Live. Since having Baby and suffering from bad SPD, I have put on a lot of weight and I am really unhappy in my own skin. Going to an event, which will be full of beautiful well dressed women is a little daunting.
I was absolutely thrilled when Taking Shape offered to provide me with a stylist session in my local store, when they would help me put together outfits for both days. I was also grateful to have some ‘me’ time, which I don’t get since having Baby.
Who are ‘Taking Shape’?
Taking Shape is a Plus Sized Fashion brand, which started in Australia, before opening stores in New Zealand and now the UK. Their ranges come in size 14-26 and are specifically designed for Taking Shape alone. The designers focus on celebrating curves and they pay particular attention to the cut of their garments.
Taking shape have three ranges covering casual wear, active wear, lounge wear, shoes, accessories, smart casual, everything you need!
Stylist Session
Stylist sessions are free and vary from 30 minutes (The Express) to 3 hours (Style Parties), depending on which type of session you go for. There is no obligation to buy any garments.
My Stylist session
I was a little apprehensive when I arrived, as trying on clothes at the moment is not much fun. As soon as I met Angela and Debbie, I was put at ease. Angela gave me some information about the company and about how the styling sessions work. We worked our way round the shop, with me highlighting things I like and Angela pulling out pieces and giving me her advice, based on my likes, body shape and the event the clothes are for. I wanted to step out of my comfort zone a little, as I feel quite drab, so was willing to try colours that I wouldn’t normally go for.
By the time I made it to the changing room, I had my own rail and a cup of tea waiting for me! Bliss! Angela recapped on what garments went with each other and I set to work trying on. Every outfit I tried on, I loved! This never happens to me. I usually have such little choice, but everything fitted well and I felt the cuts were very flattering. After slipping into each outfit, Angela would accessorise me with the most fabulous jewellery (especially designed by Taking Shape). This really did make a difference to all the outfits. I popped into the shop to get my picture taken for this post and for TS own purposes.
After I had tried on everything, I sat in their little chill out nook, with another cup of tea and my phone, going through the pictures trying to decide which pieces I wanted to take home. In the end I decided on a patterned orange dress for the first day at BritMums (as I think it is nice enough for the evening too), worn with one of TS long sleeved body’s underneath. For the second day, a purple patterned dress that feels fabulous on. I will wear it will the body and leggings. I couldn’t resist a few other bits also, lovely black and white gypsy top, a multicoloured slouch top (which scared me a lot when I first saw it), but on feels fab and four lovely necklaces. I also came home and ordered a coat and a skirt from the website sale!
My Verdict
I thoroughly enjoyed my session at Taking Shape. I was made to feel very welcome and given great advice. I am still shocked that there were so many things I wanted to buy! I would wholeheartedly recommend these styling sessions to anyone who feels they need a little help in the wardrobe department.
Disclosure: Taking Shape very kindly provided me with £150 to spend on clothes. I purchased the rest of the items with my own money.
All words and opinions are my own and are 100% honest.
Comments 60
You look gorgeous 🙂 I’m rubbish at knowing what suits me, so I could do with some help like this!
Author
Oh thank you so much, you are very kind. I would really recommend a session like this x
What a fantastic idea. You look lovely and I’m glad you found so many nice things for Britmums.
#BrilliantBlogPosts
Author
Thank you, I was so grateful for the opportunity and glad I have things to wear x
You look lovely hun! I’m off clothes shopping this weekend, can’t wait x
Author
Oh thanks so much. I hope you have lots of fun shopping x
It sounds like a wonderful company and a nice bit of a boost when you’re not feeling your best. Having said that I think you look great!
Author
Oh thank you, kind of you to say. It is a great brand x
I’m off to check them out as I’m plus size and struggle knowing what suits me. You look wonderful and I hope you have a great time 🙂
Author
Oh you definitely should, they are by far the nicest, most well cut clothes I have tried on since putting on weight x
You look like you had loads of fun.
Author
Yes it was a lovely couple of hours x
The outfits look great on you! I’ve always been large, and like you have gained more weight in pregnancy. I’ll be having a look at this brand that’s for sure
Author
I would recommend these clothes so much, as they fit so well. Thank you, you are kind x
I too am rubbish with what to wear, I really dislike clothes shopping and have to take someone (usually my husband) with me to help pick things out for me (on the rare occasions I can afford to buy my own clothes). You look fantastic in all of them!
Author
Thank you so much. I am finding it difficult now I am bigger and I can’t wear any of my old clothes and old style, so I was very grateful for the help x
Wow, you look amazing. I am a plus sized lady too and I had a mastectomy five years ago, so my body shape changed dramatically. I would love something like this, but would be really apprehensive too.
Author
Thank you so much, you are very kind. I would wholeheartedly recommend it, they will be fabulous with you and all the clothes fit so well, unlike other places with plus sized ranges, which aren’t really designed for plus size, they are just made bigger x
You look lovely, what a great treat!
Author
Thank you so much. I am so grateful to Taking Shape for the opportunity x
You look fantastic! Have a wonderful time at BritMums, I’m so gutted not the be there but also pleased not to have to glam up a by then 37 week bump!xx
Author
Oh thanks so much hun. I wish you were coming as it would have been so lovely to meet you xx
Sounds like a great idea, especially if you are not happy with yourself – it’s difficult to find anything you like when you are unhappy isn’t it. Looks like they picked some great outfits for you!
Author
Thank you very much, I am so grateful for the opportunity x
I think you look gorgeous! I feel pretty much as you do…a bit unimpressed with my body and to think I’m going to be surrounded by 500 women who gave their outfit ‘thought’ makes me break into a sweat! ;D Lovely clothes, I’m a size that this company caters for so must have a nice browse. x
Author
Thank you, you are kind. Yes it is daunting. I hope you find some lovely stuff, check out the sale x
you look fab! I love the poppy dress! x
Author
Thanks so much hun x
What a lovely treat. My wardrobe is a disaster zone since having my baby and I know exactly how you feel. I still have no idea what I will be wearing at BritMums. Looks like you have some fantastic choices now and the outfits all look fantastic.
Author
Thank you very much. I was a bit concerned that I didn’t have anything, so this was a godsend x
You look absolutely gorgeous! I have fallen head over heels for the dress on the far right of the middle row. What a wonderful offer- look forward to admiring your outfits!
Author
Aww thanks, I got that one for the Saturday of BMs Live. x
Oooh I’d love a stylist session! Since having the twins my shape has changed completely. You look lovely huni xx
Author
Thanks so much huni xx
You look lovely in all of the outfits so it must have been very difficult to choose what to buy. The styling session sounds like an excellent idea for anyone.
Author
Thank you, it was really hard to pick, but what a lovely problem to have x
You look amazing! I imagine you had a tough choice. See you at BML
Author
That’s kind, it was hard. Yes it would be lovely to meet you x
You look AWESOME! I love that pink top! I’ve stacked a load of timber on since pregnancy and have avoided any sort of fashion since. You’ve inspired me. Enjoy #britmumslive you’ll have a blast! #brilliantblogposts
Author
Ahh thanks hun, I am quite self conscious, so nearly died when they wanted photo’s but it meant I had some for this post. I feel a lot better in my new clothes x
What a brilliant range of outfits you had to choose from – my favourite is the 6th picture but they are ll lush. Think I need to get me a stylist!
Author
That’s my Saturday dress. It was a great experience x
What a great service, and it looks like they have a great range of clothes.
You look absolutely fantastic in all of the outfits, and I love your red hair!
Author
Ah thank you, that is so kind of you to say. I did have a lovely time x
What a fab service. I especially like the first dress and the pink top. Looks like you had a fun time!
Author
It is brilliant especially as it is a free service. x
You look gorgeous in the new clothes they really suit you. Great to see you looking so happy x
Author
Aww thank you so much, that is very kind x
You look fantastic and I will keep an eye out for you at Britmums! I would love a personal stylist for the day
Author
Thank you so much. I think I am coming to dinner with you on Friday! Vikki invited me x
Wow you are going to look fab. I will be missing it this year have another event on that weekend now 🙁
Author
Thank you hun. Oh that is a shame, it would have been lovely to meet you x
Looking fab, must be great to have an outsider’s professional opinion on what suits you and to always take you out of your comfort zone-love the vibrant choices and looking forward to meeting you at Britmums x
Author
It would be lovely to meet you. I think the best thing was being challenge and asked to try on things I wouldn’t normally wear x
Oh these are lovely – I must get my things ready for Britmums too! 🙂
Author
Thank you so much x
You look fantastic – what a great choice! I think it’s brilliant they have styling sessions like that – I definitely need to go to something like it. Hope you have a fantastic time.
Author
Oh thank you, that is very kind x
I haven’t heard of this brand to be honest but wow how fantastic to be treated to this! The dress you picked I think is definitely the right choice! Hope you enjoy Britmums Live, I went last year and I’ll be there again it’s lots of fun, hope to see you there x
Author
Thank you so much, It was just what I needed. I hope to see you there x