“At my biggest there were only a couple of shops I would go to, I felt embarrassed if anyone saw me go in them. There are some pieces from the Weight Loss Wardrobe that instantly make you look slimmer and define your shape. I’m still on my journey but having dropped four dress sizes already, I feel like a new woman!”

When I first joined Weight Watchers I was a size 20/22 and am now a 14/16. I had lost 5 stone but I didn’t quite get to goal and slowly the weight crept back on. I have always found weight loss especially hard as I suffer from PCOS. Then last year we booked a holiday of a life time toNew York/Las Vegasfor mine and my husband’s joint 40th birthday and decided that I didn’t want to be fat, frumpy and 40 – so I turned to Weight Watchers and haven’t looked back.

Clothes shopping was something I did alone. I would walk into a shop and felt sure that the shop assistants were looking at me as if to say “nothing will fit you in here.” I’d never ask them for advice; I’d just leave if I couldn’t find what I was looking for. Online shopping was easier – at least them I could return them ‘embarrassment free’ if they were too small.

The lighter I have become, the easier I have found exercise. My weekly routine now includes six classes including Zumba, Spinning, Body Pump and Bodycombat classes. I have just completed a charity bike ride.”

• Day One
• Day Two
• Day Three
• Day Four

For those of you who don’t know what the Weight Loss Wardrobe is, we’ve teamed up with Debenhams and this capsule wardrobe is designed to empower slimmers all over the UK to embrace the clothes shopping experience, whatever their shape, size or how confident they feel. This gorgeous capsule wardrobe has been hand-picked by TV presenter and stylist Louise Roe to specifically meet the needs of women attempting to shed pounds and to guide you through a more enjoyable shopping experience.  We’re so excited to be collaborating with Louise because anything she doesn’t know about fashion just isn’t worth knowing.

Anyway enough about us – here’s Tors final outfit of the week. If you’ve enjoyed reading her tips, come back next week when we will be seeing some stunning styles from Reena at Fashion Daydreams.

The quality of this gorgeous patterned dress by Betty Jackson @ Debenhams is amazing. It’s fully lined, and it feels fantastic. To be frank though, it’s designed for a woman slightly older than my 28 years. But because I loved the pattern so much I experimented and teamed the dress with a grey cardigan cinched in at the waist instead.

That’s the beauty of fashion really, isn’t it? Any ten women could take the same dress, and style it so differently you’d never notice. The important thing is just to keep experimenting: even if you make a few fashion faux pas on the way. Believe me, my foray into wearing leg warmers did not look good, but at least I gave it a go! Look at your wardrobe, really look, and you’re likely to find pieces you’d forgotten about. Add a belt, a chunky necklace, some layers, and it could turn out to be your new favourite piece: what have you got to lose?!

I’ve really enjoyed experimenting with the Weight Watchers weight loss wardrobe this week, and I can’t wait to keep incorporating the pieces into my existing wardrobe over the weeks and months to come!

Today I’m wearing:

Betty Jackson Black dress, Debenhams (Weight Watchers Weight Loss Wardrobe)

Gold medallion bracelet, Debenhams (Weight Watchers Weight Loss Wardrobe)

Grey Cardigan, DKNY

Clutch Bag, Zara

Peep toe sandals, Office

Sunglasses, River Island

Necklace, ASOS

Love Tor xx

Check out Tor’s looks from day one , day two  and day three of her week and if you want to see more, read on to see what she’s wearing today.

Ahh, palazzo pants! Fashion gals love them: gals like me, with thighs, will look on them with trepidation. But actually, there’s nothing to be frightened of! They skim over your hips, make your legs look longer, and look business-smart at the same time. Really, what’s not to love?!

And speaking of love. I love blazers: and if you’re heavier of bust then my number one style tip would be to invest in a blazer or two. Now. I have several in my wardrobe (in a variety of patterns and colours) and I really couldn’t recommend them enough when it comes to minimising my bust, skimming my hips, and creating a flattering shape. It’s the one piece in my wardrobe I couldn’t live without!

Mixing these two pieces together has resulted in my favourite outfit of the week so far. It looks young, fashion-forward, and knocks of those all-important few pounds. I’ll definitely be wearing this look again!

Today I’m wearing:

Camel satin palazzo pants, Debenhams (from the WW weightloss wardrobe)

Black vest, Topshop

Snake print blazer, River Island

Thick black and gold bracelet, Debenhams (from the WW weightloss wardrobe)

Necklace, Debenhams (from the WW weightloss wardrobe)

Handbag, vintage

Love Tor xx

Here’s her inspirational story:

“I first joined Weight Watchers in 1977 and have been a loyal member ever since. I’d always been slim before that, but I put on weight when my mother died. I was getting bigger and bigger until my friend suggested joining her at a Weight Watchers meeting. Back then, the plan consisted of five fish meals a week, liver once a week and no alcohol – how times have changed!

I have had some hideous shopping experiences, especially being petite – even now I still think I need to wear ‘bag wear’. Knowing what suits your shape and having the confidence to try new styles can be extremely tough. Shopping has been an intimidating experience, especially the shop assistants – I always felt embarrassed asking for a larger size but not anymore. It’s useful to have fresh pieces that you can wear on your weight loss journey; they may not cost too much but will help boost self esteem along the way.

Except for during my four pregnancies I’ve been attending Weight Watchers to maintain my weight – I love how the plan has changed and been adapted over the years. I trust Weight Watchers to give me up-to-date advice and it’s an entrenched part of my life. I definitely couldn’t live without Weight Watchers Online!”

We think that Jackie looks absolutely stunning in the Woman photo shoot and check out some of her pictures below from before and after her weight loss journey.

This gorgeous capsule wardrobe has been hand-picked by TV presenter and stylist Louise Roe to specifically meet the needs of women attempting to shed pounds and to guide you through a more enjoyable shopping experience.  The wardrobe has been masterminded to help our members embrace fashion at every stage of their weight loss journey, without breaking the bank in the process.

Tor has looked fab on day one and day two of her stylish week, read on to see how she wore the Weight Loss Wardrobe today.

Today’s outfit will be the most casual of the outfits I’m going to show you this week. I have a day of running around to different appointments, and that means comfy jeans are a necessity!

I know a lot of women think they can’t wear skinny jeans when they’re losing weight. And I agree that jeans that are too tight won’t look flattering. But that doesn’t mean skinnys are out of the window: just look for a relaxed skinny fit, that doesn’t cling too tightly to your curves. Practice makes perfect when it comes to finding the right pair of jeans: and sadly the only solution is to keep trying them on until you find the pair you love!

I think the main tip I want you to take from this outfit though, is that sometimes it’s OK to break all the rules. When I was sent this gorgeous cardigan as part of the Weight Watchers Weight Loss Wardrobe I knew it would be really figure flattering worn unbuttoned over a pretty dress; if you don’t like your upper arms, cardigans like this are the perfect cover up.

But, despite my larger upper body, I broke the rules and wore the cardigan buttoned up. I used a necklace, rather than the line of the cardi, to lengthen my torso. And whilst I’ll admit it would be more flattering unbuttoned, I don’t care. I like the way it looks, and it makes me feel good!

And frankly, isn’t that all that matters…..

Today I’m wearing:

Coral cardigan, Debenhams (from the Weight Watchers Weight Loss Wardrobe)
Green wedges , Faith @ Debenhams (from the Weight Watchers Weight Loss Wardrobe)
Long line necklace, Debenhams (from the Weight Watchers Weight Loss Wardrobe)
Relaxed skinny jeans, Topshop
Head band, Topshop
Satchel, Betty Jackson Black @ Debenhams

Love Tor xx

Gulp. That was my exact reaction when I saw this red shirt dress. If you’re looking for a frock that screams ‘look at me!’ then this is it. I’ve never owned a red dress before. And I only own one other shirt dress: when your bra size is 34H, finding a shirt of any kind that won’t strain across your chest is a bit of a struggle. But actually, once I tried the dress on I was pleasantly surprised. Lesson one: sometimes you have to go outside of your comfort zone and try new things!  

This dress is cut for curves, and goes in and out at all the right places. If you’re wearing a strong coloured dress like this use it to emphasise your shape even more, and nip in your waist with a waist belt. This will showcase your curves and create the perfect hour glass figure.

For the truly brave this dress could be colour blocked with lovely jewel-coloured accessories. As I was wearing it for a day in the office, I opted for more corporate black accessories.

Here’s how I’m wearing the outfit:

Red Shirt Dress, Debenhams (from the Weight Watchers Weight Loss Wardrobe) 
Black waist belt, Debenhams (from the Weight Watchers Weight Loss Wardrobe) 
Black ankle boots, Georgia Rose @ Sarenza 
Black bangles, See by Chloe
Black studded handbag, Fris & Co
Gold watch, Marc by Marc Jacobs
Black and gold detail mac, Stella McCartney 

You may have noticed that in every outfit I’ve styled so far this week, I’ve always been carrying a big handbag. Even my clutch bags are oversized! I have a theory that if you carry a big handbag, it makes your body look smaller. I apply this rule to other accessories too, and prefer to wear chunky bangles, rings, and oversized necklaces. Anything big will make you look small: it makes logical sense when you think about it!

Love Tor xx

The Weight Loss Wardrobe is available in Debenhams and is designed to empower slimmers all over the UK to embrace the clothes shopping experience, whatever their shape, size or how confident they feel.

This gorgeous capsule wardrobe has been hand-picked by TV presenter and stylist Louise Roe to specifically meet the needs of women attempting to shed pounds and to guide you through a more enjoyable shopping experience.

Today, Fab Frocks is sporting the trench coat and ring – read on for her guest post:

Day 1 – A lazy lunch with friends

Mustard is one of my favourite colours, so as soon as I saw this mustard Mac in my Weight Watchers Weight Loss Wardrobe package, I knew it was the first piece I wanted to try out. I’m also slightly obsessed with colour coordination (my finger nails always match my toenails!) so I dug out my comfy mustard sandals knowing they would go with the mac perfectly!

My plan for the day is a lazy lunch with friends, followed by a spot of (read: a lot of) shopping! So I wanted to wear something comfortable but stylish; my favourite leopard print dress teamed with the Mac is the ideal combination. I have several Macs in my wardrobe, and think that they’re the perfect wardrobe essential for this time of year.

Here are my top tips for wearing a Mac:

-          If you’re big busted then opt for a single-breasted mac. If you fall in love with a double breasted mac (like I did with this one!) then don’t button it up: double breasted buttons will only make your chest look even bigger!

-          If you want to create an hour glass figure, a belted mac will be your new best friend! Cinch in or create a waist using the belt, whilst leaving the coat unbuttoned so your outfit is still on show.

-          Finally, be brave and opt for a brightly coloured mac. A black mac will help you blend into the crowd, but a coloured mac will attract all the right kinds of attention!

And here’s what I’m wearing with mine:

Mustard Mac, from the Weight Watchers Weight Loss Wardrobe wardrobe

Silver ring, from the Weight Watchers Weight Loss Wardrobe wardrobe

Necklace, from Accessorize

Sunglasses, from Rock & Republic

Mustard sandals, from Sarenza.co.uk

Brown handbag, from Marc by Marc Jacobs

Leopard print dress, Jarlo @ Fashion Pony

 Love Tor xx

“I have always loved fashion, trends and new looks but before I lost weight with Weight Watchers®, I was never confident enough to embrace them. My wardrobe used to be 99% black, baggy and it took me a long time to finally let my clothes go after losing three stone. I’ve always been a confident person, despite my weight issues and tried not to let my weight ever intimidate me. I rarely shopped with others whilst I was at my heaviest because it would force me to admit my size to others (18-20) so instead I shopped very unsuccessfully with my mother which usually ended in tears.

For many years I tended to use my hair and makeup to detract from my weight. I found that larger clothes often made me look frumpy and feel middle-aged. Transitional items as you slim are a great idea, especially if you have a lot of weight to lose as it can be quite expensive as you move through dress sizes. Weight Watchers has given me the confidence, choice and a size 12 figure that I love to show off – no more baggy tops. Never at any stage of losing weight have I felt deprived, its brilliant. Now I have to pinch myself when I subconsciously go to the back of the rail in shops.”

Here’s Fay before her weight loss journey…

  ….and here she is now, looking fabulous in the new Weight Loss Wardrobe

LA fitness and Weight Watchers have teamed up to provide new opportunities to combine healthy eating and an effective exercise routine to help you finally lose that weight and keep it off for good, even if you’ve never stepped foot in a gym before.

LA fitness has 80 clubs throughout the UK. They offer sparkling clean pools, the latest gym equipment, over 60 free classes a week including yoga, aerobics, aqua fit and pilates, plus free personalised programmes. All of which can be used to help you burn more calories and accelerate weight loss, helping you achieve your goals quicker.

With a structured exercise programme designed around your personal fitness levels, your aspirations and the amount of time you have available, you are more likely to achieve a healthy lifestyle.

Their friendly and qualified fitness instructors are on hand to welcome you, show you around and make sure you know exactly what you need to do to get started – so now there’s no excuse not to give exercise a go! Take a look at our health and fitness tips below:

1.       Create a plan you can stick with:

Everyone knows what they need to do to get fit and lose weight: exercise regularly and eat sensibly. The problem isn’t in the body, it’s in the mind – and that’s where you need to focus your attention. One way to ensure that you don’t falter too often is to create a practical, sustainable exercise plan

2.       Set realistic goals

Figure out why you want to lose the weight – there’s usually an emotional driver – and write it down. Reviewing this is a powerful tool when the going gets tough. When you’ve chosen your goals, break it down into smaller, achievable steps, you’re much more likely to achieve them this way.

3.       Give yourself a pat on the back

It’s very important to celebrate success, so each time you reach a goal make sure that you reward yourself. It doesn’t matter what the reward is, what does matter is that you recognise what you have achieved.

4.       Try yoga:

Yoga is considered therapeutic in that it helps you become more aware of your body’s alignment and patterns of movement – with psychological as well as physiological benefits. It can help the body become more flexible and help you relax – even in a stressful environment – along with promoting a feeling of being fitter, more energetic, happier and peaceful.

5.       Increase exercise:

Cardio – whether it’s using gym bikes, treadmills, steppers etc. or taking aerobics or group exercise classes, cardiovascular training is usually considered to be the best fat burner.

Weights – what some people fail to recognise is that weight training is also a great fat burner and, as an added bonus, your metabolism will continue to burn calories long after a weight training session.

Bottom line: cardiovascular exercise (doing things you enjoy) in combination with a well-structured weights programme is the way to go if you want to maximise the number of calories you burn in the gym.

6.       The benefits of Pilates:

Pilates focuses on six key principles: centring, control, flow, breath, precision and concentration. Among many other things, Pilates can

• Improve posture
• Develop muscle tone
• Strengthen and stabilise the core
• Enhance flexibility
• Build better balance
• Improve bone strength

7.       Change your perspective:

As with many things, the mental aspect is at least half the battle. Try to remember there will be times when you hit a plateau and don’t seem to be getting anywhere – mixing up your exercise programme will sort that out. There will also be times when you simply fall off the wagon – it happens to us all. You can beat yourself up if you like, but it won’t make any difference, so why bother? It is water under the bridge, so put it behind you, get refocused and carry on.

8.       Toning:

Toning means giving your muscles better definition without gaining any significant muscle bulk, and the best way to do that is lots of repetitions off an exercise move with lighter weights.

Toning will also help to slow the aging process.  As we all lose muscle naturally as we age, toning helps to preserve that muscle and prevent some of the degenerative conditions that old age brings.

9.       Think of exercise as ‘me’ time:

Some people work under the misconception that when they go to the gym they are somehow cheating on their job, their family, their friends, or whatever. Let’s put this one to bed right now: spending a few hours a week working your body, clearing your mind and filling your soul is quite possibly the best thing you can do for your boss, your kids, your partner, your friends and yourself. This is mainly because when you do go to work, play with the kids, make love to your partner or hook up with your friends, exercise gives you the energy to give 100% of yourself.

Plus! Dive in for free with a complimentary 7 day gym membership.*

LA fitness welcome you to try out their great facilities and meet their friendly team – completely free!

So you can see what makes them the UK’s number 1 health and fitness brand.

To get your free 7 day gym membership, visit lafitness.co.uk/ww7day

*Terms and conditions apply, visit lafitness.co.uk/terms. 7 day pass available to download until 30^th June 2012.

To highlight all the great work you do in your meetings each month we’ll be showcasing our pick of the bunch – all you have to do is tell us why your meeting should win! This month we’re delighted to announce that Michelle Garvin and her inspirational Great Sankey meetings have won with their fab entry.

“We have focused on activity this month with lots of exciting things happening in and outside of the meetings. In April we have lost 205 lbs at the Monday meeting and 193 lbs at the Tuesday meeting both held at St James Church, Great Sankey, Warrington with me Michelle Garvin.

One of our members has lost 92 lbs by following the ProPoints plan and changing her sedentary life to an active one. She started out by walking in her local park but once she had lost some weight and felt more confident she joined a Zumba class. She loved it and set herself the goal of being the instructor at the front of the class. So in just over 12 months she has achieved her fantastic weight loss and transformed herself from couch potato to a fully qualified Zumba instructor. She has been an amazing inspiration to the members not only at her meeting at Great Sankey but also at all my meetings via our Facebook members group. Then she organised a free Zumba class. It was a fantastic turn out and brilliant to see so many members who were new to activity. The feedback we got was they felt so much more comfortable going to a class where there would be lots of Weight Watchers friends there.”

And it’s not just Great Sankey’s Leader, Michelle, who feels this way, here are some thoughts from her members:

“I feel like a million dollars. That’s it. I don’t hide anymore, I’m out there in the real world, living a lifestyle that is fabulous and completely family friendly. I’m not on a diet, I’m living my life and I’m in control of what I eat and I hope I’m showing my daughters that determination and willpower, but overall the support of those who are close to you, mean everything in life.”

“Our meeting is enjoyable, motivating and extremely friendly and well organised. Our Facebook group is brilliant too and keeps you going and you can get lots of ideas and support from all the other members that way. The texts messages and notes that Michelle also sends keeps you on your toes and reminds you that it is worthwhile doing.”

“I enjoy coming to the meeting. Michelle always makes it fun. The meeting is lively, very chatty and everyone is happy to pass on tips. Everyone encourages each other, everyone is supportive and I couldn’t have managed my weight loss without attending my meeting. I am so pleased I joined.”

We had such great entries this month that we also want to give a special well done to the following meetings that we’ve awarded “Highly Commended” status to:

Sarah Nicholls (Featherstone, Southall)

Wendy Osbourne (Derbyshire)

Angie Ross (Radlett, Herts)

Sarah Bell (Havant)

Have the Great Sankey meetings inspired you to Move More in May? Do you want to win a fab prize from Weight Watchers? Do you think your meeting has something which makes it special? Then why not enter our May Meeting of the Month competition here.