Introduction

While this is naturally the most fabulous website ever, indispensable and life changing, its information will have absolutely no effect unless you have appraised your shape. Oh God, what a vile and hideous thing to have to do. We are certain the idea of standing starkers in front of a full-length mirror makes you want to reach for the nearest plastic bowl to vomit in. We are convinced you won't want to compound the horror by making your rear view available to criticism via a hand mirror reflecting the image of your butt in the bathroom looking-glass. For sure, an order from us to do it twice in one day (morning and night) will make you wonder whether we are writing from the goodness of our hearts or a sick desire to make you feel like shit. As we have always said, deciphering your flaws and assets is a crucial part of looking your best. If you won't do it, give this book to a friend who will and watch her blossom.

It took us a long time to realise the importance of body assessment. What we conveniently forgot was the fact that our bodies had changed over the years. Faddish diets, pregnancy, exercise and lack of it had left us with bodies we no longer recognised. As the changes had happened slowly we weren't aware that our figures were no longer lithe and lean and consequently we were buying all the wrong clothes. To let you into a secret, we only put ourselves under the microscope five or six years ago. Yes, we had a good knowledge of clothes, but this only became the 'science' upon which we've built our careers after prodding and poking our parts with the precision of two neurosurgeons. And, girls, you absolutely have to do this, however painful it might be. Decoding your shape is not easy, especially as age-old misconceptions and insecurities get in the way.

How do you know whether you have saddlebags, if you are an hourglass or a pear, or if your arms should be hidden at all times? It helps to do this with a good friend because the comparison will make you more aware of the way you are built. Introducing your eyes to your good points must be done in the morning before breakfast. We all feel thinner then, and more open to see what we like. The bad points become glaringly obvious at around 6pm, just as you are about to have a pre-dinner guzzle.

In both instances, take note of whether you are top or bottom heavy. Carrying the weight up top invariably means you have big boobs, fat arms, a wobbly tummy and a shorter neck, while your legs, butt and skin will be the envy of all your friends. Bottom bulk will often be topped by a long back, which means a flatter stomach because your intestines quite literally have more room. Your breasts will be smaller and your arms more shapely. Talking legs, they too have variables and their shape and fat distribution will dictate what shoes and tights you wear. Same with a neck. If you think you look daft in a collar your neck is probably short. If thin chokers get lost, then your neck will be longer.

One time when a woman must re-evaluate her shape is during menopause. The most common change is a thickening of the waist where the stomach takes over as a main body flaw and can become bigger than your chest size. You must learn to accept your figure at every stage of your life. Look to your mother as to how you will fare at menopause.

Only when you accept your body shape will you have the courage to move on. We sympathise and know this is an awful thing to ask of you, but please take our advice - it is the first step to a new you.