Once upon a time fuller figures were all the rage. Think Marilyn Monroe, Jane Mansfield, Sofia Loren, Elizabeth Taylor. Those women were voluptuous and proud of it.

It is said that Marilyn Monroe, was so proud of her curves that she wore her clothes a size too small to emphasize her figure. Those women understood that "Every girl should use what Mother Nature gave her before Father Time takes it away", and they succeded at it.

Today, it is figures like Salma Hayek and Kate Winslet who flaunt their curves proudly. And probably it is thanks to women like them that some designers are changing and making clothes that look better filled out with luscious contours.

The best thing before you get out shopping on the January sales is to look around you at the curvaceous girls and see what suits them. Remember that having curves is not being fat or frumpy. On the contrary it is sensual.

Only remember a few rules:

1. Less is more. Show off your curves in well-fitting clothes. If you try to cover up in baggy clothes you'll look like you're fat. Instead, emphasize your thinnest part, just underneath your bust with belts and wrap dresses.

2. Flaunt. Always go for fitted, scooped or v-necked tops rather than baggy turtlenecks or polo necks.

3. Do not look at the size. I know for a fact that I can fit in anything from a skinny 36 to an ample 42. It all depends on the make and the style of what I am trying on. Of course, I find secret pleasure in buying a size 36 but sometimes it that just won't do and I need to get a 38, a 40 or even a 42 for some tops. The lesson to be learnt? Always try on clothes open minded and see what looks good on you rather than always buying the same size.

4. Buying jeans. If you're curvy, it's best to wear them long in dark colours, boot cut and not too high or too low a rise on the waist. As a finishing touch add high heels to look ravishing, your legs will look longer and your bottom perkier!

5. Buy quality underwear. The type that offers good support on the right places. There are plenty of lovely bras, panties and even girdles that look sexy. Try them on, it might be uncomfortable the first few days, but after a couple of days you will not know how you did without them. If you have a big bust you can try Glamorise Complete Comfort Plus Bra- for a perfect hold and shape.

6. Buying a jacket. A curvy woman should invest in tailored jackets with a nicely fitted waist that emphasizes her hourglass silhouette.

Remember that confidence is a key ingredient for every girl. Even more for curvy girls. Beyoncé wouldn't be quite so voluptuously imposing if she played the wallflower. Like Mae West said: "It is better to be looked over than overlooked".

It you have a "strong point" show it off, be bold. Stand up straight, smile and walk confidently into a room and you'll have men quivering with lust and women of all shapes eyeing your assets enviously. Do not forget that your true strength lies in your feminity.

Remember that if you treat yourself as special, others will believe it. They will mirror you. They will end up thinking that you are a very special lady... and of course... You Are!