If there is one thing we can be thankful to the weather for it is the number of early summer sales this year.

Plus size clothing specialist Curvety.com has further reduced many items in their summer sale. If you are a size 16 to 36 you are sure to pick up some fab bargains like this beautiful chiffon dress.

The latest trend for high-waist trousers and jeans can make even the smallest & pertest of bottoms look large.

When buying new trousers go for wider loose legged or straight styles. Avoid tapered trousers if you have wide hips - Boot-cut trousers will balance out wider hips.

Dark colours are slimming so wearing darker trousers with a bright top will draw the eye way from your bottom. Avoid the opposite combination & shiny materials at all costs, both will accentuate your bottom and make it look larger.

Try wearing heels with full length wide trousers long enough to cover your shoes.

Finally, if you’re going to wear a jacket it should cover your bottom. Short jackets will exaggerate the width of your bum.

Skorch magazine offers fashion, styling & lifestyle advice, but it is just for those of us who are a size 16+ (in UK sizes).

Skorch praise the halter neck dress. They say - 'Halter dresses are so in right now. This cut of dress appeals to the classic Marilyn Monroe in every woman'. Try the aptly named Marilyn Halter Dress available from UK based Curvety.com.

Curvy icon Jennifer Hudson featured as their 'get the look' - She was spotted in a stunning ruched black dress.

Skorch think you can look like a million bucks in this seasons hot trend of gold and black. As well as some beautiful accessories, they have featured this black & gold tunic also available in the UK. I agree, this is a trend with real sex appeal!

Through every season and trend, there is always the appearance of black as the colour of the moment. It has been a wardrobe staple for many years and has a way of making you feel sexy and womanly, whilst being very flattering.

Well this season is no different and this summer has seen a new rise of our favourite colour mainly due to the bad weather. However, it IS still summer so try to use the colour in some fab summer materials like this lovely black linen skirt.

Make the most of prom season with this fab black ruched dress. This dress is in chiffon which is lovely and lightweight for this time of year but has the added benefit of being lined.

Take this seasons top trend - the tunic top, and make it black. This is the perfect top as, whatever the weather you will be able to pair it with something to suit your mood.

You may remember that I recently wrote about Beth Ditto refusing a gig at Topshop's flagship store as they didn't cater for her size.

New Look are currently refusing to comment so time will tell if anything will come of this. However, it's refreshing that the high street is finally taking the possiblity of plus size seriously and following the already rapidly growing online market with brands such as Curvety.com. Even if a massive icon is needed to push them in the right direction. 

When shopping most women buy single items that catch their eye rather than an antire outfit, which can be expensive to buy all at once. But have you ever got home to find that the special item you bought doesn't quite match anything in your wardrobe?

Invest in a selection of different coloured basic cami tops which can be worn under cardigans and jackets, they will also be useful for layering.

Select a couple of pairs of jeans in varying shades in a shape that suits you but isn't high trend. jeans can be dressed up or down easily which makes them very versatile.

It is essential to have a pair of black trousers, and a skirt. Both can be used for every occasion from interview to party.

Once you have these basics you will be able to buy that perfect high fashion top that you fall in love with feeling safe in the knowledge that you will be able to wear it again and again and always look like you've splashed out on a whole new outfit.