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Archive for the ‘Body Styles’ Category
The Perfect Swimsuit
Wednesday, February 17th, 2010
If you are going south for the winter or preparing for summer, finding the perfect swimsuit can be difficult. Don’t be afraid to spend a little extra money when you finally find a fabulous suit that is comfortable, compliments your figure and is guaranteed to turn heads. Inexpensive suits don’t fit well or last more than one season. Shop locally as resorts prices can be astronomical and you want to spend your leisure time having fun.
Take your measurements before you shop and use those numbers to find a correct fitting suit not the manufacturers sizes as every swimsuit is cut differently. Remember that you are looking for a style that helps balance your figure and shows your best assets while hiding troubled areas. Luckily two piece swimsuits are now sold as separates so you can create a custom fit.
If you are a swimmer opt for a one piece suit. There are many styles that offer control panels and show less tummy in a stretch fabric that don’t ride up the backside. Draping around the waist and hips also helps to conceal. The tiny designer bikinis are meant for so few and by all means wear them if and while you still can you lucky girl.
If you are smaller on top look for a top with some padding, an under-wire, or a demi-bra style which creates a great bust line. Adjustable straps around the back and shoulders are important so you can tighten it rather than have it altered. Ruffled details as well as bandeau tops work best.
If you are bigger on top you will need a suit with structure like an under wire, a shelf bra, or one with soft foam cups which will give you extra support. Halter tops provide support and look sexy. Tank or straight cut bust styles helps avoid the “spillage ” effect and looks sporty. Avoid strapless and spaghetti straps and go for wide straps which are more comfortable and don’t dig into your shoulders.
If you don’t have many curves, create them by selecting styles with a belted waist band, surplice, or draped details that come in at the waist. Solid suits with a floral waist band, embellishment, curvy patterns, solid bottoms with a print or stripe top, will all flatter your figure. Bikinis with ruffles, rings, or bows on the hips will add shape. Stay away from horizontal strips or solid colors.
If you are a plus size woman, show some skin in the right places to look and feel sexy. Sheer cover ups work well but don’t wear too much fabric or go too skimpy which tend to make you look bigger. Deep V necks are great and I love the suits with the dark panels on the sides. Avoid neon or white colored suits.
If you have a full bottom avoid frilly, skimpy cuts, boy shorts or ruffles and a lot of details on the hips. Keep detailing on top to create more volume.
Balance is always the key word no matter what size. Finding the right swimsuit and a luscious cover up will be worth your search when it makes you look and feel glamorous.
Tags: balance, Bathing Suit, Bigger Top, Bikini, Custom Fit, No curves, Plus Size, Smaller Top, Swimsuits Posted in Body Styles, Swimsuits | 1 Comment »
Jeans, the Dress of Choice Today
Friday, December 18th, 2009
While jeans seem to be the dress of choice today, finding the correct pair can be a nightmare. We are all in search of finding the “perfect” pair that fits correctly flattering the figure yet maintaining a certain level of comfort.
Wearing the proper style will enhance your figure. The right pair of jeans will lengthen your legs, flatten your tummy, lift your butt, and create curves in all the right places. It requires knowing which style will flatter your figure.
And when you do find the “perfect” fit, buy two pair, one in darker wash denim and one lighter. Then shorten one pair for flats and the other pair for heels. You may have to spend more for the right pair but it’s better owning one or two pair that fit great rather than five pair that don’t do a thing to flatter your body style.
Then there’s the question of how to look stylishly dressed when wearing them.
Jeans are appropriate in finer settings when they are paired with dressy tops and high heel dressy shoes or boots. Simply replace the traditional basic black pant with dark denim for evening and light for daytime.
A trouser leg will also look dressier and very chic. Pair it with a blazer from a suit and add a sporty or glitzy top or sweater. And of course, don’t forget to accessorize. Traditional or trendy chunky pearls look great with a crisp white fitted blouse. Also try using gold or silver sandals or shoes and jewelry to pump up the fashion.
Get rid of jeans that don’t fit correctly. The right pair will fit your curves but doesn’t gap at the waist. Jeans with premium stitch denim hugs curves and maintains its shape after washing.
Offset seams will flatter fuller hips and thighs. Zipper free styles will make the tummy look flatter. Stay far away from narrow legged jeans. They will only add volume.
The width at the ankle should not be smaller than the width at the knee. It should be the same width or wider or it will make your hips and butt look larger. This is a very common mistake.
On a narrower figure, a pair that hits below the navel will accent the waist. A hint of stretch will work with your curves instead of against them. A wide waistband and lower pockets with details like stitching or buttons will contour and define.
Every manufacturer cuts differently, so the first rule of thumb is to not let size become an issue. Forget the numbers. Just buy what fits right and what is comfortable. If they are too small they will look cheap and tend to make you look heavier. Avoid the “muffin top” look at any cost. Wear a longer rise that covers and holds you in.
If they are too big, they look sloppy, unattractive, and will not flatter your figure. Too big doesn’t give more comfort it will only add unnecessary volume. Be patient. You will find the proper fit without having to sacrifice comfort. Also, if they are to long, they tend to make a shorter person look shorter and boxier.
There are simple ways of making improvements that will make a big difference. With just a few small changes, anyone can easily enhance their figure; update your look and feel and appear younger.
Whatever the style or color, the most important thing is comfort and fit.
Tags: buying, finding jeans, Jeans, perfect pair Posted in Body Styles, General, Jeans | 13 Comments »
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.
Tags: Dressing, Mistakes Posted in Body Styles, General | 1 Comment »
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.
Tags: flattering styles, Hide Your weight, Look Thinner Posted in Body Styles, General, The New You | No Comments »
Tips that Flatter All Body Shapes
Thursday, September 24th, 2009
Four Fashion Tips that Flatter All Body Shapes
1. Wearing the correct bra that gives you lift and support. Your breasts should fall somewhere between your shoulder and your elbow.
2. Shape wear is essential to looking smoother and thinner. Use shape wear to slim the hips and thighs and smooth the mid section.
3. Tailoring is needed on many items of clothing to achieve the proper fit. Whether it is a hem, raising a shoulder line, tapering, or taking in at the waist. Get to know who a good tailor is and get it done.
4. Trying on as many clothes as needed to find the proper fit for you.
Tags: Tips for All Body Types Posted in Body Styles, General | No Comments »
Looking Good is Feeling Good!
Tuesday, September 22nd, 2009
Looking good is feeling good!
If there is one thing that I have learned in my dressing both men and women, its that the individual who feels good about the way they he/she looks is an empowered individual. People who like the way they look exude beauty and project confidence. The key to looking good is recognizing your body style and understanding which styles flatter your body shape. It is the art of learning the art of dressing which means recognizing the whole package from head to toe. Mastering the element of this art is the key to gaining control over this path of empowerment.
How many of us are guilty of having a closet full of clothes yet we still have nothing to wear? Busy schedules and emotional attachments get in the way of the much needed weeding out. We usually hang on to the clothing that doesn’t fit any more, vowing to some day be able to get back into them. And, we hang on to the clothing that reminds us of what we used to look like or how great we felt when we wore them.
We go shopping and there is nothing to buy because the racks of styles appear too young or too old. So we buy nothing or another pair of black pants, which match the other five pair we already own, or if you are like me- another pair of shoes, which always fit. The end result is wearing a handful of comfortable, easy to put together outfits (usually the way we initially purchased them) again, and again; never changing, never getting out of our comfort zone. Why, because we get caught in a vicious cycle of being stuck and not knowing what to do.
Breaking out of this cycle is a matter of being ready, willing, and open to learning some simple lessons in the art of concept dressing. Each and every individual has the ability to attain the empowerment of looking good regardless of age, weight, or lifestyle. At the core, concept dressing is about creating balance and proportion. The answer is not covering up. It is about gaining awareness of your body type and selecting styles that accentuate the positive areas and masking the imperfections. The ultimate goal is to be your self, be comfortable, and be in style.
Looking good is feeling good. To be empowered, individuals need to make the conscious effort to invest time in them selves. Only the level of commitment limits the payoff.
Tags: feeling great everyday, hello new me, Looking Good Posted in Body Styles, General, Making a Good Impression, The New You | 3 Comments »
For the Genetically Gifted Hour Glass Figure
Saturday, September 19th, 2009
For the genetically gifted hourglass figure, showing off your curvy assets is a must.
Hour glass means you are naturally proportioned. Your shoulders and your
hips are the same width, with a small definition of your waist.
Show off your shoulders and draw attention to your chest with V- neck, sweetheart or scoop necklines which are flattering to the collarbone and neck and square off the shoulders. Wear clothing that follow your frame, keeping shoulders and hips balanced, while accentuating your waist. For a classy look, tailored blouses with the first few buttons left open, work well and are great to wear with correct fitting jeans. Full, pleated, A-line or pencil skirts will look great especially if they have a strong waistline. Slender belts tied around your middle make a small waistline slimmer. Wrap dresses are a must. Wear a fitted blazer rather than a boxy cut. Low rise pants accentuate your bottom half. A belted trench coat looks classic in the right length.
Tags: Hour Glass Posted in Body Styles, General | No Comments »
Styles That Add Curves Look Best.
Tuesday, August 25th, 2009
If your shoulders are about the same width as your hips and your waist is undefined, think curvy. Balancing this body style is achieved by emphasizing your shoulders and playing up your hips.
Tops and jackets with strong or wide shoulders will make your waist look smaller by comparison. Look for back waist details.
Shorter fitted jackets, without shoulder pads, breaks up the mid section.
Wear the same color on top and bottom breaking it up with other color belt creating the illusion of a waist. Try it. It may take getting used to.
Pleated and A-line skirts that fan out from the waist will give you curvy hips.
Tunic tops that land at your hips or drop waist tops with detailing at the hips works well. Seamed ( without tucking in), peasant or low ruffle blouses look really good.
An empire waist dress that hugs the bust will create an imaginary high waist.
Low rise pants and skinny jeans work well because of the narrow leg and will make the hips look wider. Bold jewelry draws the eyes upward and pointed toe shoes will lengthen legs.Sexy wrap dresses adds curves.
Tags: add curves, create illusions, define your waist, details, flattering looks, play up the hips, same color Posted in Body Styles, General | No Comments »
Best Style Tips For a Bottom Heavy Figure
Thursday, June 11th, 2009
If your hips are wider than your shoulders and your thighs are round, a few
visual tricks will help your problem areas disappear.
Avoid anything too tight. A-line skirts that fall around the knee area will flatter
your figure, while mini skirts will accentuate heavy thighs.
Pant waists should be below your natural waist for a better fit. A boot leg works
well. Avoid wearing a pant that has a split on the ankle. This is too narrow of a leg
and will accentuate your backside. Stay away from cargo pockets or excessive
details around the hip area. Never, ever, wear pleated pants.
Tops that are too tight will make you look out of proportion; too big, will make you
look larger. Don’t tuck in too tight. Wearing a padded bra will tend to make you
look curvy and smaller at the waist. Wide neck sweaters and off the shoulder will
widen narrow shoulders.V-necks, off the shoulder, ruffled, or embellished
necklines will draw attention to the face. Jackets and blazers should be worn open
and never be longer than the widest part of your hips. Fitted jackets with
shoulder pads will add shape to the upper body. Dangling earrings or bold
accessories draw attention to the face. Be sure “the girls” are where they should
be. If they are too low, you will look matronly and short waisted.
Tags: balance, boot leg, Full bottom, full thighs, pear shape, pleated pants, tight, wide hips Posted in Body Styles, General | 2 Comments »
Flattering Style Tips for a Rectangular Figure
Sunday, March 22nd, 2009
Your shoulders are about the same width as your hips and your waist is undefined. Styles that add curves look best.Balancing this body style is achieved by emphasizing your shoulders and playing up your hips. Think curvy. Tops and jackets with strong or wide shoulders will make your waist look smaller by comparison. Shorter, fitted jackets, without shoulder pads, breaks up the mid section.
Wear the same color on top and bottom breaking it up with any other color belt in the middle creating the illusion of a waist. Any size belt, thick or thin, will pull the eye inward and define the waist. Pleated skirts that fan out from the waist will give the illusion of curvy hips. Seamed, untucked, peasant blouses work well.
Add volume to your bottom by wearing a tunic top that lands at your hips. Another way is to wear a drop waist top with detailing at the hips to put width where you need it (like a fabric band). Low rise pants and skinny jeans work well because of the narrow leg and will make the hips look wider. An empire dress that hugs the bust will create an imaginary high waist. Sexy wrap dresses and flare skirts (paneled cut) adds curves. Bold jewelry draws the eyes upward and pointed toe shoes will lengthen legs.
Tags: balancing, belts, color, create curves, emphasizing shoulders, fitted jackets, playing up hips, rectangle Posted in Body Styles, General | 2 Comments »
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