kerrieann - please, please don't buy a bra without trying it on first. Getting the right cup size is crucial for comfort - the wires should sit on the body and definitely not dig into the breast. I have gone up 3 cup sizes in the last 10 years and I haven't actually put on that much weight. EVery make of bra will be a different size as well so you could be a 36 DD in one make and 38 E in another.
If you are curvaceous then go for softer lines generally. Avoid highly tailored, angular clothes. Softer, finer fabrics skim the body and create a slimmer look. I can help a client loose half a stone by dressing in the right way. Never wear anything too tight or too loose buying the right size is very important. One of the tricks I used to use is : get the client to put on an outfit from their wardrobe that they feel really suits them, is comfortable and possibly brings compliments from others - try to analyse why it works for you - is it the shape, colour, neck line, does it pull focus to your best features e.g. legs, bust, shoulder line? i found many women don't know their best features which is terribly sad - most of us have such terrible self esteem. It can be a disaster to have a friend or relation help you buy clothes as they tend to choose things that suit themselves and not you. When you try things on - take several things into the changing room (sometimes a couple of different sizes of the same item) and try each thing on and look at your self at a bit of a distance if possible. Try to forget it is you and just try to work out whether it is looking balanced - what is your gut feeling about it and very importantly do you feel comfortable ? My big bug bare is dressing rooms - the lighting is usually terrible (highlighting all our cellulite and bulges!!) and the mirrors make our legs look shorter. I often wonder if these stores actually want us to buy anything!!!!
Sale time can be very dangerous as we tend to buy what I call 'Compromise items' - things in the sale are in the sale for a reason - nobody wanted to buy them!!!! There are only the occasional random bargain finds and will usually be in the more expensive shops.
GEt your foundation garments sorted (bras and pants) and then treat yourself to a lovely V neck top that skims your body and in a lovely colour. DG x