Friday, October 29, 2010

Rectangles: Does symmetry exist?


Good Day to everyone, woke up this morning reading the messages and one message asked for the use of real people, instead of celebrities.  I thought it was a great idea, however the famous figures are only used as examples because we all are familiar with them when trying to get a visual of that particular shape.  I also want to state most if not all of the "celebrities" clothing come from the same stores where we shop, it's all about how you put it together and work it.  That is why this blog is important, I want us all to know we can achieve the same look seen on television and runaways with a little knowledge.  As we continue on this journey, I'm pondering on if I would like to use real women because honestly "celebrities" are real women who have either mastered dressing their body type or still are in the exploring stage.  I want to say right now money doesn't make the clothes, we do, our esteem for ourselves, our confidence,our ease in the clothing we wear.  Some of my favorite pieces in my closet have came from thrift stores, Target, and my Mom's closet - I want to be clear that knowing you are fabulous doesn't cost a thing.

So, on to the rectangle all experts claim this is the best body type to have because the body is balanced.  Let me just start by saying this body type is best when you are a size 0, us real women aren't size 0.  Again, I'm gonna give it to you in the real. This body type has excellent balance with the shoulders and hips, however once you gain weight most times the weight lands right in the center creating a larger a midsection.  So, let's come up with solutions to camouflage the midsection and create a fabulous waistline.

Overtime, we have been made to believe adding material covers and/or solves the problem.  I'm sorry to say it does not, adding larger, baggy garments to a problem area only makes the problem look larger.  That is why undergarments are extremely important (check out Tuesday's post) because they offer the convenience of minimizing and shaping.

With the rectangle shape you can wear a variety of clothing from skinny jeans, to bootcut, to pencil skirts, to empire waist and even mini shorts and skirts (this body type seems to always have fab legs). With having so much variety it is very important to be mindful of the midsection. Creating a waistline is simple and we some it up in three steps.

1. Elongating the body begins with posture, I know you say what does posture have to do with my midsection. It has EVERYTHING to do with your midsection.  The more we are aware of elongating our bodies, the more we hold in our stomachs. Try it, when you sit or stand up straight it is a natural reaction to pull the stomach in.

2. Another great option is garments that already have a waistband built in.


Queen Latifah is a great example of the rectangle body type, the waistband in this dress creates the elusion of a smaller waist.
I added this picture, just to give you a visual of the rectangle body type.

3. Find garments that in the design or layout of the print the construction becomes smaller at the waist (color blocking great example) - this hard to explain but the image below will allow you to see exactly what I'm referring to.


By looking at this garment, the placement of the black fabric creates a waistline.

This dress has the waistline and the color blocking which accentuates her waistline.


Now I add this picture because the placement of the fabric, creates a waistline.  If you look at the center there is dark shading that gives the silhouette of a smaller waist. Small details make all the difference.
Have a great weekend, we'll catch up on Monday!!! :)

I like this visual aid, it is a realistic look at the different body types.

Thursday, October 28, 2010

Triangles & More Triangles

Hi All. I want to start by saying thanks for the support and encouragement, it's tremendous when you have a passion for something and are able to live it daily.

I want to get back to our discussion about body types.  I received a few messages about the inverted triangle and wanting more suggestions on want would be the appropriate bottoms to create balance. Let's start with slacks/ jeans, remember you want your waist to appear to be the smallest part of your body. Bootcut and wideleg pants are great because they create a continuous straight line down the body from shoulder to shoe. 


Fading and a little stitching/embellishment on the back pockets is find because it adds attention to that area and deflects the attention from the areas we want to hide (please keep in mind this doesn't apply for all body types)


Triangle
The triangle body type has features that are great small waist and wider hips, most people with this shape would disagree because its more of a challenge to find clothing that fits appropriately without tailoring (tailoring is another topic we'll discuss at a later date). The key to finding the right garments are exactly the opposite of the suggestions made for the inverted triangle. You want to bring the attention upward, blouses with prints, full tops, and you can actually wear the big sleeve trend it looks amazing on smaller shoulders.
Mary Mary are great examples of the triangle body type and their personal stylist does an excellent job bring the attention upward.
As for bottoms...prints and loud colors bring more attention to the hips.  In my advice, any style of pant is okay except for the capri.  Capris cut the leg the off, add pounds and compress the body creating a compressed look, basically elongation doesn't exist with capris. As far as skirts, a-line ( the a-line silhouette looks good on everyone) and pencil these silhouettes look amazing on wider hips. A-line create a diagonal line deflecting the attention away from the hips and pencil skirts lengthen the body.

Hope today's information was helpful, looking forward to tomorrow as we continue our journey.      

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Undergarments Make The Garment

First, I want to thank those that took the time and subscribed.  I am truly passionate about finding the beauty in every woman, because we all are fabulous...it's just time we recognize and SHINE.

Now back to business :) the topic for today is extremely important, before we go any further in the fashion world.  I want us all (subscribers and onlookers ;) ) to get the myth out of your head that undergarments do not apply to all. The main purpose of all undergarments are to lift, tone (stop the jiggling), and shape.  Does Kim Kardashian wear undergarments??? Yes. Beyonce??? Yes. Oprah??? Yes.  Let's just solidify this topic by saying undergarments are essential.

Ladies, I want to begin with the brassiere often times when I tell women my size they are completely shocked. Why??? Because ladies it is important that you get fit appropriately. Do not go to Victoria Secret or Fredrick's for a fitting, because they carry a limited amount of sizes.  Their job is to sale the merchandise, so they are going to fit you for the sizes that they carry. Believe me, when I was in denial I walked in many times and left with brassieres that did not lift, tone, or shape.  I must say though once you get fitted at a store that specializes in a variety of brassiere, it is perfectly okay to go to Victoria Secret or Fredrick's and buy; I just want you to know the correct size. There are a variety of stores that fit, but before you get fitted walk around in that department because you want to ensure they have a vast variety of brassieres (remember their objective is to sale). Two stores I recommend are Intimacy and Nordstrom, they both have a knowledgeable team that will fit you and explain sizing.  Ladies if you know of others please post, let's share the wealth :)

Now to the waist and below. Waist cinchers are the best, BEST friend, not the ones Mom and Grandma wore.  It's a new day and age, you can feel good, comfortable and definitely breath in the modern cinchers.



You do not have to pay a tremendous amount of money for these, Bali's, Hanes, and Spanx carry them. I'm a bargain shopper and have purchased tons of waist cinchers from Marshall's, Loehmann's, and Filene's Basement.  Definitely check out the bargain store's intimate department they have great merchandise that you would find at major department stores, Target has them too.


Now, the waist cincher usually only comes above the knee, new designs have been created lately extending the hosiery to the ankle.  If you are wearing pants the footless shaper is what you desire. The footless shaper is important because it gives you a consistency down the entire leg (no lines, no double thighs...you catch my drift).
This might be TMI but in case you didn't believe me, here's Eva with her undergarment (her stylist should've purchased a black one)
Jessica has her undergarments on too, don't know why they are showing. This is definitely not a new fashion statement, just wanted to inform you everybody is lifting, toning, and shaping when they're not at the gym :)
F.I.T. Tip - Are you in a funk??? Try evening primrose oil, it works wonders. http://www.safesupplements.co.uk/how-can-evening-primrose-oil-help-moods.html

Shop www.floemporium.com




Have a great day all! MUAH!



Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Let's Begin the Journey

Hi all, I'm excited about this venture we're taking together to learn and understand more about fashion.  I want to begin by giving you an image of the different body types.
The six body types is a guideline to help you determine which image is most identifiable.
We're going to begin today discussion with the inverted triangle.  This body type has excellent features such as athletic legs, and larger breast.  Most often when images are shown of this shape we see very slim women, but as I told you before I'm gonna keep it real. 

First, I want to say I LOVE SHERRI.  I am just tired of her personal stylist putting her in garments that don't accentuate this fabulous women appropriately. In the first image Sherri has on a small belt below the waist bring attention to her narrow hips.  Correct me if I'm wrong but every women wants to create the illusion of an hourglass shape and you can.  In both images to much attention is directed to her breast.  Simple ways to add a little va-va-va-voom is too add a belt (I know you say she has on one but...), when added at the waist which is about two fingers above your belly button (no thin ones please, we're creating an illusion).
Using a wider belt at the waistline with a button down shirt or loose fitting blouse will cinch in the waist and automatically begin to create volume in the area you want it most.


The next step is finding the perfect bottms it must flow (the main objective is to create a balance between your shoulders and your hips. Don't get upset, but skinny jeans and leggings are your worst enemy (check out the first image of Sherri). When you find garments that give balance, we might as well all say you become the knockout Diva that's been waiting to come out.
Hope this helps. Tomorrow's topic: Undergarments, we can't go any further without making sure we're right underneath our fab clothing.  :)

WELCOME!!!

Join the Fashionista Expert as I embark on a new journey. I've always had a lot to say about fashion, so I decided to start a blog ( I know another blog) this is the real deal. My main focus is to give suggestions on what every body type should wear to accentuate our assets and camouflage our flaws. I also believe it is very important to know where to shop, what's hot & what's not. Daily I intend to post new finds, sales, and suggestions to flatter every body type. Join FLO with Style as I take you on an awesome fashion journey, I think you'll enjoy it!!!