How to dress for your body type

One of the biggest problems women face is that they do not know how to properly dress for their body types. There is always something that we, as women, do not like about our bodies, but if you know how to correctly address your “trouble” areas, then your confidence will increase and your inner beauty and personality will come shining through.

There are six different body types: round, inverted triangle, hourglass, pear, diamond, and straight. While many in fashion industry today have replaced the six different categories with two terms, “bottom-” or “top” heavy, as a woman I think it is important to know how to solve all problems, as everything is interchangeable.

So let me first start out by explaining the terms “bottom-” and “top-” heavy. If you are bottom-heavy, it simply means that your hips are wider than your shoulders and that your thighs are round (this is also known as the pear shape).

If you are top-heavy then you have larger breasts, with narrower hips, and slimmer legs (this is also known as the round shape). There are many different ways to address these problems, but by knowing which one of the six body types you are, you can employ a few visual tricks to hide what you do not like, put together outfits that complement your shape best and learn how to develop your wardrobe.

This is exactly what every woman needs as they put away their winter clothes and re-evaluate their wardrobe for spring and summer!

Aren't sure what your body type is? Try Teresa's body type quiz.

In my next post I'll be talking about Dresses that flatter your body types and What NOT to wear. Don't miss it!

Some tips for buying clothes.

Buy clothes not as a reason for necessity, but as an expression of wanting to display artistry. With this in mind you will be able to spend wisely, avoid buying anything and everything, and also make a desirable impression.

Buy clothes that are a little loose rather than a little too tight. Too tight an outfit makes you look heavier.

Note: E ven the most carefully chosen clothing won't do a thing to make you feel or look good unless it fits you properly.

Resist the temptation to buy a dream clothes just because you're able to fit into it if the size is smaller than you normally wear. It will make you look and feel uncomfortable.

Don't buy a jacket even if it is perfectly tailored if the sleeves are too long. The sleeve should be just long enough to cover the top of the wristbone. Unless you want the look of a baggy, prefer a fitted jacket. It looks better in any occassion. Check the sleeve length carefully in a full-length mirror.

When you're not sure of what to buy for the evening, remember that there is a difference between daytime and evening clothing.

Daytime clothes are more casual and sporty while evening are more formal, dressy and delicate. Black is the basic color for evening and lighter shades are the basic colors for daytime.

Remember that artificial lights tend to wash out cosmetic colors so wear a little more to compensate less lighting.

Wear make-up everytime you wear black to ensure proper look. Red and hot pink for lips and cheeks are the basic tones for the evening. For the eyes, dark tones are better for many occassions at night.


Clothing can help you determine where you are most ashamed of in your appearance. Clothing can also help you show that portion of your body you wish to emphasize. These makes clothing a personal choice and it is your responsibility to know exactly what to buy. It's easy enough just to buy clothes, but be aware that merchandisers know "sales talks" as well. It's ups to you to judge if it's something you need for any particular reason.

BONUS TIP

How often have you bought some clothing item, and gotten home only to find that the seam is torn, or there's a snag in the fabric? Then you have to go back to the store to either exchange or return it, or even worse, if it can't be returned, then you have to pay to get it fixed...IF it's possible to fix.

So get into the habit of checking your clothing item carefully once you have selected it for purchase. Hold it up and look for makeup (esp. around the neck), dirt (especially near the floor), other stains, snags, or other marks on all sides. It is best to do this while you are trying it on, if possible (but don't forget to check the back). Then take a close look at the stitching...the seams, the hems, buttons, any decorative stitching/beading.

This is especially important for things like formal dresses where most sales are final (due to the sad practice of some girls trying to return dresses after they have worn them). If you find a problem, then try to find the same item without damage. If you can't find one and REALLY want the item anyway, try to determine if you think the item can be washed or fixed, but still point out the damage and ask for a discount.

In the end, even if you're mesmerized with something you see and like, and can't think straight, and your old self is getting the better of you, and you forget everything you have just learned- worry not. Just ask yourself these 6 simple questions and they'll get you right on track :


1. Does the clothes you are buying do what it should? (Does it work well with your broad shoulder?)
2. Is the style up-to-date?
3. Does it complement the rest of your wardrobe? (ie. separates or accessories)?
4. Does it complement your skin tone and hair color?
5. Is it a quality outfit?

6. Is it worth your money?

Bag Trends for 2008

Why Big Bags Are IN ?

A big bag is a dramatic way to make a style statement and is instantly slimming at the same time. What more could a woman possibly want!

This season, handbag designers are pushing larger bags in all shapes and sizes, from satchels, messenger and totes to vintage-style doctor bags.

The Pros

* Big bags have the effect of making most women look slimmer. Unless you are extremely petite, oversized bags make their owner look delicate in comparison.

* The big bag is practical rather than precious.

* For women with young children all those pockets and compartments provide great storage for items they can’t leave home without!

* For lugging around a vast array of electronic gadgetry in addition to cosmetics, books and other paraphernalia, the big bag enables women to carry one single item.

* Oversize bags are perfect for traveling

The Cons

* It seems the bigger the bag, the bigger the price tag.

* Big bags may mean big backache. The larger the space inside, the more inclined women are to fill it. Carrying around three or four kilos daily undoubtedly takes its toll on your health.

Note

Be sensible when buying a bag. No matter how much space you have, try not to be tempted to load it more than you actually need.

How to Wear Your Bag

* Grace and poise is likely to go out the window. It’s hard to look demure when sporting a bag that is almost half your size, not to mention the weight equivalent of three house bricks. This is all very well for celebrity icons with a stretch limo at their beck and call, but for most women it’s a question of getting from A to B without dislocating a shoulder.

* Carrying it by the handles, over the shoulder or in the crook of the arm are three possible options. The healthiest way is to actually spread the weight of the bag diagonally across the shoulders and chest.

* "Balancing the equivalent of a small suitcase in the crook of your arm is the least advisable", according to the Daily Mail’s Claire Colman. This puts more strain on the body as it is further away from the center of gravity. Combined with tottering down the street in a pair of this year’s trendy rainbow-colored, four-inch stiletto statement shoes, this is a sure way to wage war on your back!

BIG Bag Theory

If you are really into fashion, you'll know the feeling: lusting madly over a gorgeous new handbag each season. Not talking about logo standbys, but really fun, fresh handbags that will absolutely complete your wardrobe.

BIG BAGS are basic element for a fashionable look this season.
From oversized hobo bags to large structured styles, the bold bag is this season’s must-have. While luggage-sized satchels are around, the most manageable sizes are slightly oversized.

I'm absolutely gaga over HOBO bags.. and can you really resist buying these ?? ;)

Big brown bag

I love the earthy of this hobo bag comes in.This casual bag will look great with dark denim jeans & flat sandals or flip flips this summer.

Classic Designs for your party needs :

"Falling leaf" hobo bag by JMacc @ Etsy.com
























This one is with traditional one with Japanese style butterflies:




Slouchy, Casual Hobo Bag

Image Courtesy of Zappos.com


Juicy Couture 'City Girl' Velour Hobo Bag



Adorable Juicy Couture plush velour grey hobo decorated with the signature crest in vibrant pink and topped off with a bold black fabric flower !


Crystalyn Kae’s Monarch Hobo Bag

Loop Sweet & Vicious Olive Vintage Tattoo Butterfly Skull Vegan Hobo Bag
image borrowed from alternative

Cool Cool Summer

Summer reminds you of sweat, heat and a weather when it's very difficult to look fresh and chic. Summer is a season of fizzled hair, wrinkled clothes and bad make-up. Well if only it would be possible to stay at home and take care of your skin and hair. But that's not possible. So here we are bringing you tips to take that special care during summer to keep you looking fresh at all times without too much of effort.

Follow the simple rules and summer will no longer be hot and sultry:

Use The Right Fabrics
The right fabric will make you feel good and cool in summer season. Synthetics, like polyester and rayon, do not breathe hence should not be worn. Natural fabrics do. Think cotton, linen and silk. Of course, these are the ones that need the most ironing. Still go for it. Don't worry about the wrinkled look! It's comfortable, casual (which summer fashion is all about) and you'll feel so much cooler.

Wear Loose Clothing
This summer loose clothing should be 'in' and body hugging clothes should be 'out'. Looser clothes are a better bet in the hottest months because your skin needs to breathe and if you wear tight fitted clothes you will feel hotter. It's logical, isn't it? Wear the free flowing knee-length skirt. It's very comfortable in summer. If pants you have to wear then let it be baggy or the loose fitting pants. But trust us, skirts are cooler.

Go Sleeveless
Sleeveless has been a fashion trend for years, even on brides. Sleeveless looks hip and stylish. It's a more flattering look than short sleeves or mega sleeves. If you're uncomfortable going sleeveless or if it's wrong for your workplace, then go with three-quarter length sleeves. They're classy and still cooler. However don't forget to apply sunscreen while going out in the sun.

Cover Your Head
Use hats or umbrellas coz you need them to cover your head and face from the uv-rays. Straw hats or baseball caps work the best. The idea is to keep the sun out of your eyes and off your face. Choose a hat or an umbrella that accentuates your outfit and mood. Girl, you are gonna rock the town this summer.

Hair
If it's time for a new look, cut it shorter and see how much cooler you'll feel! If you don't want to cut it, wear it up off your neck and off your face. Even tucking it behind your ears makes your head feel cooler!

No Jewelry Please
Avoid wearing jewelry in the summer. The less jewelry you wear, the cooler you'll feel. Accessories yourself with beautiful purses, shoes, scarf's etc.

Make-up
The less make-up you use, the better for your skin. Let your skin breathe during summer. Full face make-up is not in style any more (no matter what your age). Use a tinted moisturizer rather than a regular foundation. It will even out your skin tone and is so much lighter. If you want to wear foundation, use a non-mattifying make-up. It's less oily and keeps your face fresh. Wear as little powder as possible. Try just using it in the "t-zone" that might get a little oily. Please apply sunscreen which is an absolute must-haves in summer.

Fragrance
Keep your summer fragrance light and fresh. Don't use heavy perfumes as it tends to make you weary and dull. You can always go back to your regular or a heavier perfume at first frost.