Mary Queen of Shops

Wendy and I were asked by the BBC to take part in a show "Mary Queen of Shops" ( atelevision show where Mary is to struggling retail fashion shops, what Gordon Ramsey is to restaurants) and so yesterday we were filming at Wendy's house. Wendy is the real star out of the 2 of us, as she is just a natural in front of the camera and the mike (as her radio appearances on BBC Radio Berkshire, LBC, Delta FM and County Sound attest).

I however, am less comfortable with it - so was a little mortified when they decided that the clothes I had been given (which I hated) were going to be used as the "before and after" example!! I have very simple tastes, and clothes are made to be worn and forgotton, whilst looking ultra smart. I was put into a leopard print vest top thing, with an over jacket which was just hideous. The trousers had no shape to them at all and I was just swamped and felt completely fat (although I am not slim, with the right clothes on, I do at least feel like a woman)and ugly -yeowch.

I was redressed, and whilst I was not completely comfortable with the new outfit (partly because it was not my size and partly, because once again the shirt was just too fussy) I did at least feel a little more like myself!

It was actually very interesting to hear Mary's views on how Wendy, myself and a lady called Sue had been dressed, as she was very astute. She said that the clothes chosen by this particular boutique lady "deconstructed" our figures (and if I may so, our personalities), and that the message she got from us, was that we may be larger ladies, but we still want to flatter what we have and be true to our preferences rather than all be dressed the same...

Personally, I would rather not buy new clothes if they did not a) feel good b) looked good) and c) made me feel like I could concentrate on being me, rather than what I wore.

Reflecting on yesterday, the lesson for me was very much about recognising that each of us is very different, and that one size most definitely does not fit all!