Body Shape: Curvy

Curvy women should show off their waist by selecting clothes that are structured, nipped at the waist, and form-fitting.  Form-fitting does not mean tight.  Look for clothes that skim your curves.  For example, A-line skirts and dresses, empire waist shirts and dresses, color blocking, tonal dressing, pencil skirts, and pieces that come with a belt.  Curvy women will notice pants and jeans fit your bottom, but leaves a gap in the back.  Have the jeans or pants tailored at the waist.  Avoid large patterns, as they will only make you appear larger.

What is your body shape?

The secret to looking great is selecting clothes that look like they were made just for you.  You can achieve this by taking your measurements to determine your body shape.  Wrap a tape measure around your bust at the midline.  Measure your stomach by wrapping the tape measure around your body at the belly button.  Take the measurement around your hips or thighs, whichever is bigger.  There are four body shapes.  A woman can be curvy as an hourglass, top-heavy, boyish as in straight-up-and-down, or bottom heavy.  Plus-size women will also fall into one of these categories.  Once you know your measurements, you can save a lot of time when shopping, especially online.  You can also select clothes that flatter your body.  Look below for examples of the four body shapes.  These photos can help you to determine your body shape also.

The New Neutral for Fall 2011

Fall's new neutral for 2011 is heather gray.  I'm loving this color.  It is chic and glamorous.  Don't get me wrong, I still love my black pieces.  However, too much black all of the time can seem boring.  Heather gray is just as soft, sexy, timeless, and elegant as black.  One can pair pastel hues with heather gray for as a nod to Spring or select head-to-toe gray for a streamlined effect.  I prefer wearing this hue from head-to-toe.  How do you feel about this hue?  How will you incorporate this gray into your wardrobe? 

Happy Belated Birthday, Isaac Mizrahi!

Isaac Mizrahi was born October 14, 1961 in New York City.  After his graduation from Parsons School of Design, Isaac worked for Perry Ellis, Jeffrey Banks, and Calvin Klein.  Isaac started his own business in 1987.  He took the fashion world by storm.  The New York Times recognized him as "this year's hottest new designer."  Isaac Mizrahi's creations appealed to women of all body shapes and every aspect of a woman's life.  I admire Isaac for his ability to capture the glamour and chic of Manhattan during the 1940s and 50s.  Isaac briefly left fashion to pursue a career in the performing arts throughout the nineties.  He returned to fashion with a bang.  From 2003-3009, Isaac collaborated with Target stores.  The collections were brilliant, just like the designer himself.
  Isaac Mizrahi Resort 2001

Beyonce's Bombshell Glam

I admire Beyonce for her talent, grace, relationships (with her mother and husband Jay-Z), and undeniable style.  She makes a lot of songs that I, as a woman, can relate to.  Beyonce is a modern style icon.  Her look is a throwbak to a time when women dressed up to go to lunch and prefer dresses over pants.  Her clothes have definition (a cinched waist, a high, but demure hem), her accessories are glamorous and she loves sky-high heels seven days a week.  Beyonce is my inspiration.

Nicki Minaj Gets Her Own OPI Line

Nicki Minaj will collaborate with OPI for the rapper's own line of nail colors.  The OPI line by Nicki Minaj will hit stores in January 2012.  Minaj is known for her love of vibrant colors and over the top style.  Expect the line of nail colors to be the same.  There will be a two-toned polish that combines metallic and confetti glitter for one amazing hue, neon green, and more. 
Would you wear them?

Beauty Products I Want to Try!

• Clinique Pore Refining Solutions Instant Perfector, $18-This product claims to minimize the look of pores and keep your skin matte all day.
• Murad Acne Spot Treatment, $18-This product assures the buyer of its ability to get rid of pimples. 
• Listerine Whitening Pen, $11.99-This is an on the go whitener that contains hydrogen-peroxide.
• A Tinted Moisturizer to even out my skin tone in a more natural way while concealing imperfections.   I plan to shop at M.A.C. for this product.

• Curel Hand & Cuticle Therapy Cream, $5.99-This product will soften hands and rid your nails of unconditioned cuticles.

This Bra's for You

Did you know 70%-85% of women are wearing the wrong bra size?  Bra experts suggest getting a professional fitting once a year or if you've experienced weight gain or loss, or had a baby.  The right bra can actually make you look ten pounds lighter by making your waist appear smaller!  Many high end stores offer a free, professional fitting.  For example, Nordstrum, Bloomingdale's, and Dillard's.  I choose to have my fittings at Victoria's Secret.  So, the next time you are at the mall, stop in to get a proper fitting.  You owe it to yourself to look fabulous!

It's All in the Jeans

I've told you how much I dislike shopping. Either I shop online or my stylist selects clothes for me.

My exception to this scenario, is jeans. Jeans are very tricky, as there is so much to consider. I usually reserve a whole morning or afternoon when shopping for jeans. A woman must consider the wash, rise, shape, fabric, and pockets. The most flattering wash is either black or dark blue. A... lighter or faded wash will make your hips appear huge. A rise that hits just below your belly button is your best choice. Anything too low screams teenager or I'm trying too hard. Jeans that go above your belly button are called "mom jeans." A high rise jean makes your tummy, butt, and thighs look bigger. Straight leg and boot-cut jeans are ideal shapes, as they balance your hips to the rest of your body. Skinny jeans will give you the dreaded "ice cream cone" affect. Jeans with 2% or 3% spandex will hug your curves and move with your body without pulling or tugging. Finally, the right pocket size and placement will give your butt a good lift. Small pockets will make your butt look larger. Larger pockets that take up most of the seat area will visually give your butt a lift and minimize your hips. My pet peeves are slouchy jeans, the pancake butt aka uni butt, and jeans that makes you ask, "Where is her butt?" or "Did she take a dump?" Jeans should make your butt look fabulous and flatter the rest of your body.

My Top Ten Favorite Designers

This was a difficult list to create.  There are so many designers' collections I love, but I needed to narrow the list down to ten.  The designers on this list are in no particular order.

• Isaac Mizrahi
• Oscar de la Renta
• Versace
• BCBG Max Azria
• Badgley Mischka
• Salvatore Ferragamo
• Diana von Furstenberg
• Carolina Herrera
• Chanel/Karl Lagerfield
• Valentino

How to Look Younger and Thinner

When I was younger, my lingerie armoire consisted of pretty bustiers in every color, lacy undies, and complicated garter belts.  Now, my lingerie is sensible and more supportive.  The older we get, the more support we need.  The answer is... SHAPEWEAR!  They lift, shape, smooth, and take away inches and pounds.  Shapewear is appropriate for all sizes.  Yes, even a size 2!  Many Hollywood women have embraced shapewear.  It is the secret to looking fabulous on the red carpet.  There are three types of compression.  Light smoothes bulges and prevents VPL (Visible Panty Line).  Moderate stops jiggling and Firm can make you look a few sizes smaller.  The best brands, in my opinion, are Spanx, Maidenform, and Lipo in a Box.  Check them out and you will be on your way to looking fabulous!