We may not all have a Sports Illustrator Cover model body, but we can definitely go to the beach and rock it in a stunning bathing suit fit for our individual body shape and feel good about ourselves. The key is to remember that you can purchase separates to have your top and bottom work for you! Mix and match prints with solids…more fabric with less…just remember to feel good about yourself in whatever you are wearing!
Small Bust
SMALL BUSTS – Just because there is a song about the itty-bitty-yellow-polka-dot-bikini, doesn’t mean that your options are limited to just that. Look for tops with a touch of padding, or an under wire, demi-bra style. Adjustable straps at shoulders and around back can also help fill out the top line. Avoid bandeau-style tops and dark-colored tank styles, as they diminish curves. Vertical stripes can also make your figure look straighter.
Large Bust
BLESSED WITH A BUST: Halter tops are a great choice for the well endowed. This option offers support, while providing some sexy cleavage too. Look for styles that are banded around the midriff and can be tied in back and around the neck. Suits with wide straps are more comfortable and are less likely to dig into the shoulders and back area. This style will give you some lift and will allow you to make adjustments for a personal fit. Avoid strapless bandeaus and triangle bikini tops, which offer little or no support. A little underwire goes a long way!
Short Torso
SHORT LEGS/TORSO: Play up your figure by finding a suit that is cut high on the thigh. This will make your legs look much longer. If you have curvy hips, then all the better. This cut will accentuate your smaller waist and give you a flirty look. Another trick is to wear a solid bottom bikini with a printed top. This will draw the eye upward and give you a longer look. Never rule out the one-piece suit with a plunging neckline which creates a continual, long, sexy appearance. Avoid high-waisted bikini bottoms or boy shorts and skirted bikinis as they draw the eye downward and can make you look shorter.
Long Torso
LONG TORSO: We are already jealous of your long features, but to you do not want to look like a bean pole at the beach in your swimsuit. Bright colors and embellishments at the hips and bust line are perfect. Rings, jewels, ties and bows…all very flattering. Boy shorts are just the thing for your slim hips. Avoid up and down stripes and one-piece suits that are too short in the body and styles with vertical stripes and high necks.
Bottom Heavy/Hips
THESE HIPS DON’T LIE: Mini-skirted bikinis are made just for you! You can wear these without going over the top / super frilly. Instead, pick a smooth, skimming skirt that is short and sweet, but covers what it needs to. A ruffled or highly decorated top is OK though. The details will draw attention to your top half. Avoid side-string or printed bottoms, which focus attention on the area you want to conceal the most.Full
Full Figure
FULL FIGURE: Curves are beautiful and there are classic ways to accentuate them and look fabulous. One-pieces with side shirring, ruching or built-in control panels help to hide belly bulges. Diagonal lines, chevron patterns and dark side panels that curve in at the waist have slimming effects. No need to run from a bikini, high-waistband bottoms flatter the midsection. Avoid styles that cut across the body horizontally and two-pieces with bottoms that dig into the stomach area.
How to dress up Casual Friday
April 8th, 2010Although it feels like casual Friday has been around forever, it began eight years ago when the marketing folks at Levi Strauss created a campaign to promote sales of casual clothing. Levi sent a “Guide to Casual Business Wear” to 30,000 human resources managers. Since then, the company that makes Dockers casual clothes has aggressively promoted casual dress at work through videos, fashion shows, brochures and media campaigns. Since then over 80% of all companies offer some sort of business casual dress policy.
Monday thru Thursday you adhere to a dress code that, by some people’s standards has become archaic; nylons, slacks, collared shirts, closed-toe-shoes, etc. But many companies offer causal Fridays as an incentive. Today’s denim comes in so many different styles and shades, an everyday pair of jeans can be dressed up very easily by combining different tops, shoes and accessories. You can wear denim and still look like you mean business.
The boyfriend blazer or cardigan is a classic look. You can pair light or dark denim with a classic blazer with lighter colored blazers with light jeans and darker blazers with dark jeans.
Kristin Cavallari in a colorful blazer and skinny jeans. Accessorized with simple pumps and a great bag.
Dressy top: select styled knitted tops or pieces of knitwear in better-end fabrications, woven girly tops, tunics or tailored collared shirts. Plain T’s are not smart enough, unless they’re in a luxurious fabric and used as a layering piece. You’ll want to look professional when you take off your jacket, so the dressier the top, the smarter you’ll look.
Selena Gomez in a classy flowy top and slim jeans. Perfect casual Friday look.
Swap your denim: Denim does not have to be worn as jeans only. Denim jackets and parkas can be worn in the office as well.
Jessica Alba is wearing a Parka denim jacket in Vintage Blue with black jeggings. The Parka is a casual look suitable for the office, but can be dressed with a nice scarf.
Camisole: pop a camisole under a dressy top as an interesting layering piece and color vehicle. It’ll also work wonders to smooth out and narrow your silhouette.
Shoes: wearing dressy shoes is key. They can be heeled or flat, but not casual. Knee-high boots and hose are an ideal choice for denim skirts.
Bag: adding a small or large dressy handbag completes the look and without it your style quotient will slip.
**Just please don’t ruin casual Fridays for the rest of us by wearing this…
Casual Friday NO-NO
Hahahaa…Have a good one everybody!!
Maya Angelou turns 82!
April 5th, 2010
Maya Angelou, Born April 4, 1928 Poet, civil rights activist, dancer, film producer, television producer, playwright, film director, author, actress.
Maya Angelou has been called “America’s most visible black female autobiographer”. Her life’s challenges are shared through her books, inspirational speeches and poetry.
A bird doesn’t sing because it has an answer, it sings because it has a song.
– Maya Angelou
All great achievements require time.
– Maya Angelou
Courage allows the successful woman to fail-
and learn powerful lessons-
from the failure-
so that in the end,
she didn’t fail at all.
– Maya Angelou
Courage is the most important of all the virtues, because without courage you can’t practice any other virtue consistently. You can practice any virtue erratically, but nothing consistently without courage.
– Maya Angelou
Each of us has that right, that possibility, to invent ourselves daily. If a person does not invent herself, she will be invented. So, to be bodacious enough to invent ourselves is wise.
– Maya Angelou
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Beyond Vogue
April 1st, 2010We have become a society that is fixated on the “Who’s who” and “What are they doing”, but sometimes you just want to settle in to a good magazine for beauty, fashion and style. There are so many periodicals out there, I’d thought I’d break down my favorite magazines that had less fillers and focused on the aforementioned.
Allure Magazine
Allure is the beauty expert. Every issue is full of celebrity tips and secrets from the pros helping you to pick the best products out there.
Vogue Magazine
The New York Times has called Vogue, “the world’s most influential fashion magazine”. Published in 18 countries, Vogue, addresses topics of high fashion, life, design, art, culture and politics.
Glamour Magazine
Glamour gives you the best hair and beauty tips, fashion do’s and don’ts, answers to your relationship questions, with monthly horoscopes and important health and diet news.
In Style Magazine
More of a Hollywood driven fashion magazine, InStyle invites you to meet celebrities at home to see how they express themselves in fashion, beauty, and lifestyle. They successfully utilize celebrities in a way that answers the questions of what are they wearing? who’s designing it? where to get it?…and much much more
W Magazine
With a reader base of close to a half million people, W is an elegant, opulent and colorful magazine known to have pushed the envelope on content a-time-or-two. It’s the fashion magazine for the deserving woman. Its lavish presentation has gained W the gold medal award for fashion photography three years in a row.
Hapers Bazaar Magazine
Harper’s Bazaar considers itself to be the style resource for “the well-dressed woman and the well-dressed mind”. Since its debut in 1867 the magazine has targeted the upper-middle class and upper classes delivering a “sophisticated” perspective into the world of fashion, beauty and popular culture on a monthly basis.
Marie Claire Magazine
Originally created in France, but well received worldwide, Marie Claire is today’s magazine for the fashion minded woman. Each issue provides health, fashion and beauty information.
Nylon Magazine
Nylon (the name derived from its New York and LONdon inspiration) is an American magazine that focuses on pop culture and fashion. but covers art, beauty, music, design, celebrities, technology and travel.
Vanity Fair Magazine
The revival of Vanity Fair in 1983 (after taking a 40 year hiatus) brings pop culture, fashion and politics in their monthly issues.
Elle Magazine
Founded in 1945, Elle is a worldwide magazine that focuses on fashion, beauty and entertainment. They highlight celebrity stories – not gossip – and guides to finding the best fashion and beauty styles to suit you, Elle brings the superstar look to the average lady and allows you to find your most beautiful self at any age.
Lucky Magazine
A monthly magazine which offers shopping tips, fashion advice, and articles detailing current trends. Lucky is the ultimate shopping guide showcasing what to wear and how to wear it, making fashion and beauty fun and accessible.
**BONUS BLOG**
Many people believe that Beverly Johnson was the first African American Vogue Cover model in 1974, however, eight years prior Donyale Luna graced the cover of British Vougue.
Donyale Luna 1966
- Beverly Johnson 1974
No more “Winter” White
March 30th, 2010Who says you have to wait until Memorial Day to wear white?
There are several theories behind why and where this tradiotion stemmed from, but it is hard to pinpoint the true meaning behind the “fashion faux pas” excpet for that white clothing typically came in light summery fabrics and people were encouraged to stay away from these light weight clothing during the winter months. Image consultant, Nancy Penn, suggests that because white reflects the light and heat, wearing white would make you cooler in winter and thus should be avoided. But others suggest the rule stems from a class issue.
- Current/Elliott “The Boyfriend” Distressed Jeans in White Denim Destroy Wash. Get shredded in these Current/Elliott jeans. Pair with edgy heels and a rocker-inspired top for an edgy look.
- “Becky” Bootcut True Religion jeans paired with nice pumps is instant downtown chic
A nice blousy top is always good to pair with your white jeans if you are feeling a little self conscious that the white is showing a little too much.
The wide leg is back in a big way this season and a nice linen palazzo pant is great to wear to the office or out on a summer evening
- Weekend casual wear for the beach, shopping or just hanging with friends. White shorts with cute flat sandals.
This terry romper is a summer-stunner must have from Trina Turk. Wear it as a pull it on over your strapless bandeau swimwear or out and about. Accessorize to dress it up.
Accessorize tastefully with this Michael Kors white belt
Just a couple of helpful tips before you go out shopping for new white garb…
**Remember to wear flesh-colored undergarments and be careful where you put your white. Since white reflects light and makes things appear larger, don’t wear solid white on your largest body parts only, like your chest, hips, or thighs, because it will make those areas look bigger. Instead, opt for white monochromatic (all one color) ensembles, which elongate, or wear white on a small body part, or use white to accentuate a figure asset.
“Wonder”ful costumes
March 26th, 2010Alice in Wonderland is making a comeback in 2010 by the direction of movie guru Tim Burton. In the film, 19-year-old Alice returns to the magical world from her childhood adventure, where she reunites with her old friends: the White Rabbit, Tweedledee and Tweedledum, the Dormouse, the Caterpillar, the Cheshire Cat and of course the mad Hatter, she learns of her true destiny: to end the Red Queen’s reign of terror.
The fashion, hair and makeup were so colorful and unique, it has inspired new “Alice In Wonderland” looks…
Johnny Depp as The Mad Hatter
Mad Hatter inspired fashion
Helena Bonham Carter as The Red Queen
Red Queen inspired fashion
Anne Hathaway as The White Queen
The White Queen inspired fashion
Mia Wasikowska as Alice
Alice inspired fashion
Big Deal…
March 24th, 2010
BIG DEAL!!!
or as our Vice president said…”this is a Big F***’n Deal”! If you haven’t heard, our Vice president, Joe Biden, was so excited about the signing of the new healthcare reform bill that as he was hugging president Obama and whispering in his ear, he briefly forgot about the microphones capturing their every word. It is not the first time…nor will it be the last that we hear colorful language from a political official.
What is more amazing is how on slip of an “F BOMB” (which was not supposed to be heard all over the world) someone is capitalizing on $23 t-shirts. Within hours of the infamous “F BOMB” a cloting line was launched as well as a website: www.thisisabigf***ingdeal.com (the actual URL uses the full expletive) that has a YouTube clip of the moment.
I can’t wait to see how this plays out on Saturday Night Live!!
It’s that time…
March 19th, 2010
Tomorrow marks the first official day of Spring. While the San Diego weather has treated us well over the past week, tomorrow kicks off our time to de-clutter, reduce junk and overall clean up in preparation for summer! Spring cleaning isn’t always an easy task, especially if you have a lot of stuff or a big house. Here are a few of my favorite Spring Cleaning duties.
* Clean and organize drawers, desks and cupboards. Junk drawers accumulate just that…junk. Use this time to get rid of the expired coupons, old scrap papers and such. You may even find extra gift cards that you forgot about and can go spend some money!
* Every closet needs a good cleaning! Time to store away winter clothes and blankets. If you haven’t worn it in a year…ditch it (except, I always say to keep your skinny jeans for inspiration!). Donate unwanted items to Goodwill or the charity of your choice. You can also have a yard sale and use profits as a treat for a new summer outfit.
* No one likes cleaning the windows, but use this time to clean your outside windows to let the sunshine in! You will be amazed on how much brighter your room will look.
Fun cost saving tips:
* Make homemade cleaning solutions out of simple everyday items: Fresh lemon juice, water, and baking soda. These three ingredients can clean almost everything and do a great job at leaving a fresh scent behind.
* For window cleaning, use old newspapers instead of paper towels. They leave less streaks and you are recycling!
Most importantly…make Spring Cleaning FUN! Don’t try to tackle everything in one day – set small goals. Put on your favorite tunes and rock out (I prefer to clean to Bob Marley).
Look like Champagne on a Sparkling Wine budget
March 16th, 2010
Before the celebrities hit their seats on Oscar night, designers are beginning to sketch their dresses to create a more affordable version for those of us that do not have a champagne budget. These interpretations of the designer dresses are quite accurate and fabulous!
If you check out the website Faviana/Dress like a Star you will see a collection of dresses that are interpretations of the originals worn by stars whom have walked the red carpet as well as dresses worn in prominent television and movie roles.
Sandra Bullock Oscar Night 2010
The originals like Sandra Bullock’s Marchesa gown from the 2010 Oscars could retail anywhere up to $35,000, however, the “interpretations” are going for about $400.00 by ABS. Many may think that is still not cheap, but it is a much less expensive alternative to the original.
Like myself, you may be wondering…”How can they do that legally”? Well, fashion brands are fully protected by trademark law, most imitators know enough not to copy the labels. (Those who copy labels are counterfeiters, and can be prosecuted for it). Since the actual design of a dress is unprotected by patent, trademark, and copyright, other designers are free to sell its “interpretations”.
So happy shopping and remember…Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.
Spring Forward
March 12th, 2010
Not that I’m not tired enough…but Sunday is the day I dread all year…Daylight Savings Time. UGH, we get one hour less of sleep!!! Time to set our clocks an hour forward. The initial shock is a total bugger, but I enjoy the long term results after I get acclimated…longer day light hours, more energy (eventually), get errands done after work…
