A Beautiful Day

A dear friend of mine recently went into hospital for a stem cell transplant and after much thought about what would help him through the ordeal, I was reminded how much music helped me through the dark days of chemo.

For me music lifts my spirits and the right track helps me stay positive. And, as those of you who know me will testify, I can’t resist a dance which is sure to raise a smile (not sure if that’s me smiling or others laughing at me - but who cares if it brings happiness, what’s not to like?).

Anyway that got me thinking that it would be good to write a “feel better playlist” for anyone needing a lift. I have a few suggestions below but I’d love to hear your suggestions and between us we could create a fantastic bit of sunshine.

So my top tracks are;

Here Comes The Sun    Steve Harley & Cockney Rebel  (this song was my way through chemo; I had my chemo in the winter and it reminded me that the dark days would soon turn into sunshine)

Ac-Cent-Tchu-Ate The Positives     Bing Crosby

I make my own Sunshine        Alyssa Bonaguru

A Beautiful Morning   The Rascals

Rhythm of Life    Sammy Davis Jr

Don’t Stop    Fleetwood  Mac

Feeling Good    Nina Simone

Three Little Birds    Bob Marley

Don’t Stop Me Now.       Queen

So if you have a great “pick me up track” please share it, and give us a boost. Or tell us about ways you stay positive.

Cami Love

For The Love Of The Cami

I feel I must write about the star garment in my post surgery wardrobe after I met a customer last week who was upset that her favourite chiffon blouse was going to be consigned to the charity shop.

I can’t begin to tell you how much I love a cami; they are truly magical especially when it comes to summer dressing. Got a wrap over top or dress that is too low or gapes; solution- the humble cami. That low cut neckline on a pretty tea dress, answer; don a cami. Love the sheer tops and blouses in the shops, wear the right cami and they work a treat.

Or why not wear two cami’s together, one for coverage underneath and a skimpier or V-neck one to add interest in another colour over the top. Go for bright colours and get the colour block look that is so current this summer.

I have a whole rainbow of camis but they all have one thing in common, a straight neckline. A V shaped plunging neckline is never going to work (unless of course your working the two cami look), so seek out camis with a more straight across neckline that is not too low. It is always a good idea to try them with your mastectomy bra before you buy, but remember under a dress or top you can get away with a cami that doesn’t quite cover the top of the bra as only the centre portion of the cami will be on show.

Another customer wears her cami back to front as often the back is higher than the front, never thought of that!

A cami is truly a remarkable inexpensive addition to your wardrobe, you can buy two packs at lots of high street retailers as well as pretty ones from designer brands and of course at post surgery clothing companies you can buy pocketed camis. I’m always looking out for vintage styles especially as these often have higher necklines and gorgeous lace.  Look out for cotton/lycra ones to ensure they keep a good shape or why not treat yourself to a luxurious silk one that will look stunning under a chiffon top.

Such a versatile little number with so many possibilities.

Do you have any miracle garments that you wouldn’t be with out that we should all know about? Please let us all in on the secret.

Christmas glamour

Christmas is a time for celebrations, but in this winter weather finding an outfit that still makes you feel fabulous and not feeling like you will catch your death is a tricky task! We have found some wonderful full length gowns and jump-suits that will keep you looking gorgeously feminine and ready for any thing, rain, wind or snow!

We have looked at some high street stores and online collections and picked out our favourite piece for you all to experiment with, enjoy!

This black satin dress is a timeless piece, the cut brings out your waist and the flared skirt adds the classic touch of elegance. With perfect coverage around the bust detailed with the over sized bow this is a very up to date Audrey Hepburn-esq!

This Jumpsuit by Ted Baker is one of the most easiest outfits to dress up, taking the glamour from Dior's Sheath dress from the 1950's, The double breasted front gives the suit a bold touch and is a great piece for anyone wanting to conceal their bust. Make this look more glamorous by adding gloves (the cap sleeve's will disguise the top of a lymphedema sleeve) and fabulous heels, to finish off this stylish piece, add a clutch bag and a delicate waist belt for a soft touch and don't forget to drop some pearls in too!

Another simple yet gorgeous outfit! This Jumpsuit from Next is perfect for a lymphedema sleeve hidden at the shoulder by the loose sleeve's and you can easily decorate your wrist with a few bracelets of your choice, fabulous coverage! and the round neck line is a great cut for woman who don't want their chest exposed. Slip on a pair of your favourite heels and a thin patent belt around your waist and you'll be ready in no time! The classic white and black fabrics has a timeless appeal.

So we have shown you the fabulous Tux outfit's and given you a peek at our beautiful Lace styles we have loved. Now its time for the piece every woman should have in their fabulous wardrobes, the little black dress! Perfect for any occasion and a timeless piece you can wear over and over again, simple, feminine and always bang on trend! Why not try a hot little number with long sleeves for that all important arm coverage, and look for strategically placed mesh or voile panels to add interest and give the appearance of a less covered look whilst keeping your modesty intact.

Take inspiration from Helen, Lisa, Michelle and Tilda who work the look to the max.

From top to bottom- Helen Mirren, Lisa Kudrow (Friends), Michelle Obama and Tilda Swinton

These are the celebrities we thought were fabulous, classically feminine and bang on trend!

Below are the similar dresses we have searched for and found perfect!

From Top to Bottom- Damsel in a dress sparkle maxi by Next, Wrap dress by Phase Eight, Tiered Dress by Reiss and Damsel in a dress cut work sleeves by next and Mesh Tape Work dress by Phase Eight

Your Christmas party wardrobe.... continued!

From the perfect Little Black Dress to something a little more eye catching, we have made a little collection of fabulous dresses to help you through your Christmas celebrations with style and confidence, all from the high-street stores, so effortless style right on your doorstep!

We absolutely love lace! bang up to date, perfect, easy and feminine. A great investment piece, lace has timeless appeal and reveals just enough for a sexy Christmas outfit. Long sleeved lace styles are a perfect cover up for a lymphoedema sleeve. Choose styles that are lined or with an under slip for discrete bra wearing. High neck styles work really well, giving coverage with a seductive hint of exposure.

Scarlett Johansson and Felicity Jones on the Red Carpet, looking sophisticated and beautifully eye catching.

Take a look at the gorgeous lace piece's we have discovered for your fabulous look.

Left to Right, Asos flocked mesh midi dress.

Oasis 3/4 sleeved dream dress.

Left to Right- Tesco's Flutter sleeve dress. Debenhams mid length floral lace.

Your Christmas party wardrobe!

Welcome to our latest post ladies, it’s that time of year again! Celebrations, presents and lots of family and work gatherings! So we’re here to help you out with your Christmas party wardrobe.

Gathering ideas from the Catwalk, red carpet and High street and twisting them into our own styles, to bring back your confidence after your treatment and surgeries. Take a look at what we picked out from the online stores and what we adored on the red carpet, all to bring out the best of your feminine beautiful shapes just in time for Christmas! FABULOUS!

Lets start with the Christmas party and evening wear

THE TUX-

This look will always be a winner, the powerful well fitted blazer is a strong feature. Dressed with the perfect heels and a bold lipstick, it says confident, feminine woman.

You can team this with a pencil skirt or cropped or peg leg trousers. Or why not be bang up to date with dressy shorts and sheer tights as a great alternative that will draw attention to your fabulous legs and away from your upper body, Having a well tailored crisp white shirt or a sexy silk blouse is perfect coverage for those of us who want to avoid bearing our upper bodies, and the soft bow gives a feminine elegance to this look!

below are a few celebrities who have added a twist to the Tux look!

splash of colour and sparkle!

polka-dots and mini shorts

Or a cheeky bit of stocking!

About the Girl’s Bra Bank: The Uplifting Recycling Scheme

About the Girl’s Bra Bank: The Uplifting Recycling Scheme

Here at About the Girl, we understand how difficult it is dispose of your old bras after breast cancer treatment, but we definitely don’t like to see a good bra go to waste.

With this in mind we’ve teamed up with BCR Against Breast Cancer’s, Bra Bank Recycling Project:

http://bit.ly/jwzM5R

Their joint aim is to ‘help raise vital funds, for their dedicated research to improve detection and survival.

The campaign urges you to give all your old bras a new lease of life and help raise money for breast cancer research. By depositing no longer needed but wearable bras, in the Bra Bank and they will be whisked away to Africa, where there is a short supply of affordable bras. Against Breast Cancer will receive a donation based on the weight of bras we collect – so every bra counts.’

We thought this was a great idea to cut down on waste and benefit the global environment. However, we felt the Bra Bank would be specifically appropriate for About the Girls customers. Amy recalls:

“It was after my lumpectomy and mastectomy, during the grueling chemotherapy and radiotherapy, that I felt at my lowest ebb. I remember taking out all of my beautiful bras from the drawer and dumping them in a plastic bag. There was no point in keeping them”

This, (combined with the lack of pretty feminine and comfortable post surgery lingerie) were the inspiration behind About the Girl. So we really understand how offering a Bra Bank would be especially therapeutic for our customers; to know when they visit At Forty One, for their new mastectomy wear, there old bra’s weren’t being disregarded in vein.

That’s much better.