Archive for October, 2009

Fixing Common Dressing Mistakes

Friday, October 2nd, 2009

Fixing common and sometimes ignored dressing over sights can be easy.
Preserve a crisp hemline when hemming a pant or jeans by having a good tailor reattach the original hem so the original seam is in plain view and keeps the original shape at the bottom.
There’s nothing worse than a visible Ped, which tends to look matronly. To prevent blistered feet try partial Peds, (Hue Toe Covers $12 for 3 pairs at Macy’s) which will cover only the front half of the foot and provide a little padding.
Jackets, blazers, skirts, and some tops come with vents that are tacked together. Don’t forget to snip the threads, especially before taking a large step or reaching for a high shelf, which could rip the garment.
If your shirt shrunk a bit and the buttons are screaming to hold on, sew a small piece of Velcro between the buttons or use double stick tape. “You don’t want your coworkers staring at your chest, waiting for a button to pop off onto the conference table,” says Clinton Kelly, cohost of TLC’s What Not to Wear.
Even though no one may see them, I always encourage women to wear a red bra and panties to feel sensual. However, when wearing white, wear a bra and panties that are close to your skin color, not white.
Use a seam ripper to remove annoying tags or cut with small scissors right below the tag, especially on sheer blouses, scarves, or any article where the label shows.Remove labels from cuffs or handbags even though you may want to flaunt a designer name. It’s just tacky.
How about panty lines? A visible panty line will draw attention to your backside making it look larger. Wearing a thong may be one answer but another solution is to wear a brief with a flat seam that is only 1/8 inch wide. This will prevent them from cutting into your skin creating a bulge. Spandex briefs are also another alternative to give your bottom a better curve.

Flattering Tips That Hide Five Pounds

Friday, October 2nd, 2009

Choose a handbag in proportion to your body. Square shape bags flatter a round figure and  a round shape will flatter a square figure. Be sure the strap length doesn’t fall near a trouble area giving you volume in the wrong place.
Use soft, light weight layering pieces to lightly camouflage, not cover you up.
High heels will give you more length and sleek legs, especially when wearing a pant. Be sure the opening at the ankle is not too narrow. Let the shoe show. Sandals and pumps with a 2 or 3 inch heel will also work.
Dressing in one color  will give a slimmer look but be sure to add color in your accessories or a soft or sexy camisole to draw the eye to the face.
Wear a body shaper. A light weight Spanx will do the trick in smoothing  you out, but don’t go too tight. It comes in a variety of styles and sizes. You can find them on line or in Chico’s or JC Penneys.
Be sure to wear the correct size bra. A larger size that fits properly will make you look thinner and your clothing will drape properly showing only your assets.

What’s Your Internal Dialogue?

Friday, October 2nd, 2009

One does not have to look further than the daily newspaper to see what people will do to improve their physical self-image.Everyone has opinions about their appearance.
Many people look at mostly the negatives that they see when they look into the mirror. It is important to do what we can to be our best and then accept ourselves for what we look like. Get into a new habit of being nicer to yourself.
Improve the way you talk to yourself and keep your self talk positive.
Don’t allow others to bring you down. Stay away from negativity.
Recognize your strengths. You probably have more than you think.
Change is good and represents growth, embrace it
It does not matter what others think; what is important is what you think.
Stop being what others want you to be. Become an expert on yourself.
Take action. Concentrate on yourself and focus on what you do well. Base your value on you own internal standards.
It’s not just what you dress yourself in, but what your internal dialogue is.  They two are intertwined and you cannot look good on the outside unless you possess confidence on the inside.

How To Measure Your Self for the Right Size Bra

Friday, October 2nd, 2009

How to Measure Yourself for the Right Size Bra
* Use a standard dressmaker’s tape measure.
* Have someone else measure you for best results.
* Buy the larger size if you’re between sizes.

Follow these 4 guidelines to find the perfect fitting bra:
1. Band measurement
* Take a snug measurement around your rib cage, under your bust and shoulder blades.
* Add 5 inches.
Example: 40″ + 5″ = 45″

2. Determine even band size
* If you get an even number in Step 1, this is your band size.
* If you get an odd number in Step 1 (like 45), round up one (to 46) to get your   band size.
Example: 45″ + 1″ = 46″

3. Bust Measurement:
* With bra on and clothes off, take a loose measurement around the fullest part of your bust.
Example: 50″

4. Determine Cup Size:
* Subtract your band measurement (from Step 1) from your bust measurement (from Step 3).
Example: 50″ – 45″ = 5″
* Use the chart below to determine your cup size.
Example: 5″ = DD Cup

If difference is:    0″    1″    2″    3″    4″    5″    6″    7″    8″    9″    10″
Then cup size is:    AA    A    B    C    D    DD    DDD & F    G    H    I    J

Getting the “Girls” Where They Belong-Wearing a Correct Fitting Bra

Friday, October 2nd, 2009

Wearing the proper fitting bra will improve your posture, appear to make you look thinner and your clothes will look and fit better.
A bra’s main support comes from 90% of the band and ONLY 10% of the straps.
A new bra should be fastened on the loosest (first ) hook and should be the same level all the way around.
The bust should be midway between the top of the shoulder and the bend of the elbow.
Your bra band should feel tight and firm with enough space to insert two fingers under the back band.
The whole breast should be contained in each cup with no bulging or spillage on the top or the sides and the cups should not pucker or wrinkle.
If the bra is an under wire, the bridge or center gore should lie flat against the chest wall.
Wash your bra by hand or in a longerie bag in a mild detergent. Cool water rinse will refresh a bra by shocking the elastic stretch memory to return after wear and NEVER put it in the dryer.
Don’t wear your bra two days in a row. The elastic needs a day to relax and bounce back.
Have a  professional bra fitting once a year or if you have change in weight, level of activity or pregnancy.