I’m sure by now you’ve heard of Taking Shape. The plus size clothing brand from Australia taking over the high streets of the UK. It’s made quite an impact to be honest, as the larger women among us have struggled to shop on the high street over recent years.
Plus size clothing seems to come and go in stores quicker than the trends themselves and with only a handful of shops around (if you’re lucky) catering for those over a size 16 it’s nice to know there is now a friendly face on the high street embracing the curves and inviting women of all ages and sizes to add a spring to their step.
I have to be honest; I haven’t had a ‘try on’ session in a clothing shop for years. There just hasn’t been anywhere to go, especially with the local plus size shops closing down over time. But there is a change on the horizon and it’s started with Taking Shape.
I went to Taking Shape Kingston on a gorgeous sunny day and I took my mum with me. Taking Shape had kindly arranged a Style Session for me and my mum. You can arrange a styling session yourself just by contacting the branch you want to go to. They do sessions for ALL sorts of reasons. Special occasions, be the first to try their new range, find out what suits you or just have a bit of fun. You couldn’t miss the Kingston shop. It’s large, modern and bright. It isn’t hidden away in the corner somewhere. Its there, proud in the middle of the street.
My mum trying on some bright floral prints. – she opted to layer it up!
We were greeted by Amy, the stylist who is one of the nicest people I have ever met. Her enthusiasm for the brand and fashion in general really came through and she was a gem at running around grabbing other sizes, looking for items and an all-round star! She had already got some pieces together for us. She had checked out my style from reading my blog and she had a vague idea of what my mum wanted. She chose some great items and with some working together we came up with some pretty awesome outfits!
Taking Shape are really into layering for so many reasons. You can create different looks and styles. You can work with layers to really flatter your shape and it lets you mix up your wardrobe. The top left picture of my mum is a lovely example. She wears a floral dress over the top of a tiered skirt like the Carrie Tulle Skirt here. It can be worn by itself or layered under dresses and skirts for some oomph!
Two of my favourite pieces from the style session.
I loved the tropical print maxi dress before I even saw it and it was in my wish list post that I need a while before the style session. I also couldn’t resist trying this matching monochrome two piece. It shows that Taking Shape can cater for all tastes and ages. These Carnival Rose Trousers were so comfy, I literally spent about 10 minutes prancing around the super large fitting rooms!
The outfits my mum left with.
These were the two outfits that my mum decided she wanted. As it was the week after mothers day I said I would treat her. I think she looks fantastic in both of them. I love the layering of the floral dress along with the bright purple summer jacket. It can be worn with so much and it’s nice to see my mum in bright colours looking rather trendy! She also liked the plane shirt dress and zinged it up with the beads. These beads are amazing! I bought myself one of these Crystal Necklaces. They have pretty magnetic clasps which can be pulled apart to create a bracelet, shorter necklace or a double necklace. It’s definitely a versatile piece that you get your moneys worth from.
The two outfits I left with.
I opted for the Olivia dress which is SO much better then it looks on the website! It’s a busy busy pattern but I think it’s a lovely Summer piece and I’m lusting on the side pockets which I REALLY like on dresses as long as they are made well and don’t give me any extra hip. I have enough of that already thanks. The material also felt lovely on. The second item I bought was the pretty starflower blouse. It’s comfortable and a gorgeous design. so easy to wear.
Mother & Daughter rocking the monochrome look!
We had SO much fun at Taking Shape and I did have a lovely picture of Amy who was fantastic but my cameras memory card bailed out on me, but if you do decide to have a styling session, as for Amy! Her passion is catching and she is just a really nice lady to have around. On another note, the shop itself is clean, fresh, brilliant big changing rooms and lots of space to browse.
Amy in the top middle picture! Ask for her in the Kingston branch!
A massive thank you to Taking Shape for organising the style session for me and my mum. It’s nice to try clothes on in a shop rather than at home and its great that it’s a range both me and my mum can wear!
Have you been to a Taking Shape store yet? Thinking about booking yourself a style session?
