Monday, May 20, 2013
Blog Under Construction: Bloggers Beware
If you have visited my blog on a previous occasion you may notice that all of the pics have been removed. Because of copyright laws and new information that was previously unbeknownst to me the images from my previous posts were removed. The original writing content is still available for your reading pleasure. In the meantime I am working to take my own photos to bring you the latest in fashion trends, tips, and how-to's. Thanks for your support and looking forward to adding new posts with original photos soon!!
Saturday, May 11, 2013
To Belt or Not to Belt: In the Age of Michelle Obama
We all love our First Lady Michelle Obama right?? We love the way she speaks, engages her family, and most importantly the way that she commands a room. Her fashion choices are for the most part refreshing, poised, and always classy, but as a close friend recently pointed out to me, "Mi Mi" loves her belts!! Mrs. Obama wears a belt with just about everything she dawns with the exception of her Inauguration duds of course! (Oh wait a minute I think the coat she wore at this year's event had a jeweled belt, oh well)
Belts have always worked to add just an extra touch of sophistication to pull off a more complete and polished look. But some of you fashionistas out there will slap a belt over an ensemble unnecessarily and wind up looking over accessorized and as if you just simply ran out of options in the accessories department. So inquiring minds want to know...Are belts always necessary?? Are they being misused and abused?? And if so, what are the guidelines for deciding whether or not you should add a belt?? Should you choose a wide belt, super skinny belt, large buckle, small buckle, below the bust, at the waist, etc. Below I have outlined some of my rules for choosing the right belt to compliment your outfit without overpowering...
Wide Belts: Wide width belts should be used to spruce up a pretty monochromatic look such as a black shift dress or over sized white button down with a black pencil skirt. Wide width belts are also appropriate when wanting to make a clear separation between the top and bottom portion of your body as in the case of something that has a blousier fit and you want to create more shape and/or the illusion of an hour glass figure. Additionally if you are a circle or inverted triangle body type (see body type page)which normally carries more weight in the mid-section, you may find difficulty in finding the right belt to create the waistline that you desire depending on the depth of your problem area. You don't want to go so wide that you end bringing more attention to your mid-section. These body types should look for a width in between wide and thin, or just about the width of average belt loops. Do not wear wide belts over cardigans and/or jackets as they can appear to be overpowering. Sorry Michelle!!
Super Thin Belt: Thinner belts which have become increasingly popular in the last couple of seasons add more of a touch of class and subtle detail than that of a wider width, however in the same token these belts are a little more difficult to pull off. But this is no reason to skip out on the trend altogether. This style is a no brainer for triangle, hourglass, and ruler body types, however not to isolate inverted triangle and circle gals, a super thin belt can tend to look like a rope wrapped around the body that is holding on for dear life!! This is not a good look ladies!! Thinner styles are great when layering pieces together such as a knit tee with a layered cardigan on top or to compliment a dressy skirt. Adding a thin belt can work to bring more interest to the ensemble. Thinner styles don't do much for over-sized button downs and blousier dresses as the belt can tend to kind of "disappear" in the fabric.
Underneath Bust: Sorry Michelle I love you but this placement is reserved for mommies to be ONLY!!
At the Waist: All belts regardless of width should be worn at the waist. So finding the right fit is crucial as you want your belt to remain in place throughout the day. A couple of exceptions to this would be if you were wanting to spruce up a jacket or structured blazer that already sits at the waist or with a dress that has an empire waist.
Buckles: Buckles can add more interest to an ensemble if chosen wisely. You want to stay away from studded crystals, rhinestones, butterflies, hearts, and any words/phrases such as "I'm Hot" or "Swagger" unless of course you are under the age of 16!! If you are only trying to belt a pair of pants you want to remain within the realm of conservation when it comes to style and size of buckles and details as you do not want to end up looking like Yosemite Sam!!
Situations in which you do not need a belt...
1. If you are wearing a piece that has ruching around the waist (The ruching is working hard enough already)
2. If you are wearing a blouse that already fits through the waist and hips (You look like you're just wearing a back brace!!)
3. Over a pair of jeans/pants without belt loops (Hot Mess, Girl you know that belt is never going to stay in place without belt loops, can we say Hula Hoop!!)
Sorry Gals I know this is a lot of information at once...Wanted to include more info but didn't want to bore you too much! Please post any additional questions about wearing belts in the comments section. I look forward to responding to your inquiries! To post a comment click on "No Comments" and choose a profile in the drop down box. If you choose Google profile a new window will open for you to either sign into your G-mail account or Google plus account.
Belts have always worked to add just an extra touch of sophistication to pull off a more complete and polished look. But some of you fashionistas out there will slap a belt over an ensemble unnecessarily and wind up looking over accessorized and as if you just simply ran out of options in the accessories department. So inquiring minds want to know...Are belts always necessary?? Are they being misused and abused?? And if so, what are the guidelines for deciding whether or not you should add a belt?? Should you choose a wide belt, super skinny belt, large buckle, small buckle, below the bust, at the waist, etc. Below I have outlined some of my rules for choosing the right belt to compliment your outfit without overpowering...
Wide Belts: Wide width belts should be used to spruce up a pretty monochromatic look such as a black shift dress or over sized white button down with a black pencil skirt. Wide width belts are also appropriate when wanting to make a clear separation between the top and bottom portion of your body as in the case of something that has a blousier fit and you want to create more shape and/or the illusion of an hour glass figure. Additionally if you are a circle or inverted triangle body type (see body type page)which normally carries more weight in the mid-section, you may find difficulty in finding the right belt to create the waistline that you desire depending on the depth of your problem area. You don't want to go so wide that you end bringing more attention to your mid-section. These body types should look for a width in between wide and thin, or just about the width of average belt loops. Do not wear wide belts over cardigans and/or jackets as they can appear to be overpowering. Sorry Michelle!!
Super Thin Belt: Thinner belts which have become increasingly popular in the last couple of seasons add more of a touch of class and subtle detail than that of a wider width, however in the same token these belts are a little more difficult to pull off. But this is no reason to skip out on the trend altogether. This style is a no brainer for triangle, hourglass, and ruler body types, however not to isolate inverted triangle and circle gals, a super thin belt can tend to look like a rope wrapped around the body that is holding on for dear life!! This is not a good look ladies!! Thinner styles are great when layering pieces together such as a knit tee with a layered cardigan on top or to compliment a dressy skirt. Adding a thin belt can work to bring more interest to the ensemble. Thinner styles don't do much for over-sized button downs and blousier dresses as the belt can tend to kind of "disappear" in the fabric.
Underneath Bust: Sorry Michelle I love you but this placement is reserved for mommies to be ONLY!!
At the Waist: All belts regardless of width should be worn at the waist. So finding the right fit is crucial as you want your belt to remain in place throughout the day. A couple of exceptions to this would be if you were wanting to spruce up a jacket or structured blazer that already sits at the waist or with a dress that has an empire waist.
Buckles: Buckles can add more interest to an ensemble if chosen wisely. You want to stay away from studded crystals, rhinestones, butterflies, hearts, and any words/phrases such as "I'm Hot" or "Swagger" unless of course you are under the age of 16!! If you are only trying to belt a pair of pants you want to remain within the realm of conservation when it comes to style and size of buckles and details as you do not want to end up looking like Yosemite Sam!!
Situations in which you do not need a belt...
1. If you are wearing a piece that has ruching around the waist (The ruching is working hard enough already)
2. If you are wearing a blouse that already fits through the waist and hips (You look like you're just wearing a back brace!!)
3. Over a pair of jeans/pants without belt loops (Hot Mess, Girl you know that belt is never going to stay in place without belt loops, can we say Hula Hoop!!)
Sorry Gals I know this is a lot of information at once...Wanted to include more info but didn't want to bore you too much! Please post any additional questions about wearing belts in the comments section. I look forward to responding to your inquiries! To post a comment click on "No Comments" and choose a profile in the drop down box. If you choose Google profile a new window will open for you to either sign into your G-mail account or Google plus account.
Monday, May 6, 2013
Fashion Rant: Tricks are for Kids and Hair Bonnets are for Bedtime!!
Ok so its Saturday morning and you just realized that you forgot to get pantyhose for an afternoon wedding. So like any other woman you run out to your local pharmacy, neighborhood drugstore, or dare I say department store to pick up a pair before you have to rush back home to get dressed. But its windy, cold, and/or rainy outside, or you're still in roller and you don't dare mess up your 'do' before you make your appearance. What is a girl to do?? You grab your sweat pants, Alma mater t-shirt/sweatshirt, sneakers or flip flops and wait for it...a HAIR BONNET!!???!! AHHHHH!! What on God's green earth would possess you to grab a bed time staple to dawn to your local grocery store, Wal-Mart, or galleria?? There is absolutely nothing in this world that is so important for you to pick up that you cannot take the time to run a comb or brush through your tresses. While I am not personally not a proponent of wigs, I much rather see someone else's hair on you head than something that belongs in the same family as a shower cap!! Oh and here's a thought, there is a brand new trend that just hit the runways that would be a much better choice, I believe some people refer to it as a HAT...go figure!! A hat or baseball cap used to be the go to item to grab if you were having a bad hair day or needed to get somewhere in a rush. Or even opt for tying a scarf in a 'stylish manner'. (YouTube is flooded with tutorials on how to accomplish this) You should still add jewelry and put your 'face' on to pull this off without looking as if you just rolled out of bed. Let's do better ladies!!
How do you handle your tresses when you're in a rush??
Wednesday, May 1, 2013
Maxed Out: Choosing the Right Maxi Dress for Your Body Type
Nothing marks the arrival of spring more than to pull out your favorite maxi dress. This is a trend that usually works for just about everyone, however purchasing just the right silhouette for your specific body type is essential. Maxi dresses allow you to be cool and comfortable in the spring and summer months and are usually a a great staple for a trip to the mall on a Saturday morning or brunch with the girls on a Sunday afternoon. The Maxi dress has transformed over the last couple of seasons to more structured styles and an array of available colors, textures, and fits. Maxi dresses could even be considered as an effortless date ensemble by adding a blazer, belt, and/or statement jewelry. Though I totally disagree, some ladies out there even go so far as to throw a cardigan over their maxi dress and wear it to work. I guess it depends on the type of environment you work in, but unless you work at a small box local retailer or boutique maxi dresses are not a professional choice. And remember to always add accessories to your maxi dress such as belts, scarves, statement jewelry etc to avoid the "night gown" effect. Also consider the type of heel that you want to wear with your maxi, if your intention is to wear flats, you may have to get the dress professionally tailored to avoid tripping over yourself or just simply pair it with wedges.
So how do you find the right maxi dress for you body type?? Before continuing to read this post further, visit my Body Type page to discover your own body type.
1. Triangle (formerly known as pear-shaped): Balance is key when choosing the right maxi dress silhouette. Choose styles that are shoulder baring such as strapless or racer-back styles to draw attention upwards. Also look for styles that are straighter on the body rather than styles that add a lot of flair around the hips. You could also add a scarf or statement necklace/earrings to draw attention upwards rather than to the widest part of your body. Another way to achieve balance is to choose a two-toned maxi dress that has a bright color on top and a more subtle color on the bottom to draw the eye upward or choose a style with a print on top and solid bottom to create the same effect. Additionally, empire waist styles can also draw the eye upwards and create more balance.
2. Inverted Triangle : Balance is also key here as well. Since inverted triangle gals are usually broadest around the shoulders and busts choose styles that accentuate the bust and are more flowing on the bottom create balance with the top portion of the body. Choosing styles that have prints on the bottom and solids on top are key.
3. Hour Glass: You gals are lucky, most styles look great on this body type but be sure to look for styles that fit the bust and hips, and cinches in at the waist to accentuate feminine curves such as a straight or wrap style. If you have a toned upper body, halter styles are also a great choice.
4. Ruler: Look for styles that are more blousy on top to create curve and flows from the waist to give the illusion of an hour glass figure. Also look for styles that have prints all over and cinch in at the waist to add curves. Strapless styles or anything with a more open neckline on top also works for this body type.
5. Circle: Look for styles that flow from underneath the breast and steer clear of styles that hug around the midsection which is a problem area for this body type. Look for styles that draw the eye up towards the shoulders and bust such as halters and playful prints that camouflage mid-section. Maxi dresses with empire waists also help to create a slimmer waistline. You can also play around with styles that have splits or high/low styles to compliment shapely legs.
So how do you find the right maxi dress for you body type?? Before continuing to read this post further, visit my Body Type page to discover your own body type.
1. Triangle (formerly known as pear-shaped): Balance is key when choosing the right maxi dress silhouette. Choose styles that are shoulder baring such as strapless or racer-back styles to draw attention upwards. Also look for styles that are straighter on the body rather than styles that add a lot of flair around the hips. You could also add a scarf or statement necklace/earrings to draw attention upwards rather than to the widest part of your body. Another way to achieve balance is to choose a two-toned maxi dress that has a bright color on top and a more subtle color on the bottom to draw the eye upward or choose a style with a print on top and solid bottom to create the same effect. Additionally, empire waist styles can also draw the eye upwards and create more balance.
2. Inverted Triangle : Balance is also key here as well. Since inverted triangle gals are usually broadest around the shoulders and busts choose styles that accentuate the bust and are more flowing on the bottom create balance with the top portion of the body. Choosing styles that have prints on the bottom and solids on top are key.
3. Hour Glass: You gals are lucky, most styles look great on this body type but be sure to look for styles that fit the bust and hips, and cinches in at the waist to accentuate feminine curves such as a straight or wrap style. If you have a toned upper body, halter styles are also a great choice.
4. Ruler: Look for styles that are more blousy on top to create curve and flows from the waist to give the illusion of an hour glass figure. Also look for styles that have prints all over and cinch in at the waist to add curves. Strapless styles or anything with a more open neckline on top also works for this body type.
5. Circle: Look for styles that flow from underneath the breast and steer clear of styles that hug around the midsection which is a problem area for this body type. Look for styles that draw the eye up towards the shoulders and bust such as halters and playful prints that camouflage mid-section. Maxi dresses with empire waists also help to create a slimmer waistline. You can also play around with styles that have splits or high/low styles to compliment shapely legs.
Saturday, April 27, 2013
The Constitution of Leggings
We all love leggings right?? You know those stretchy form fitting stirupped pants that we craved in the 80s underneath scrunched neon socks, over-sized sweaters and side ponytails?? Do you have a picture yet?? Ok well maybe I was only 2 years old at the time but I do remember. It seems that ladies of today are loving leggings all over again and while I'm not one to disagree, I do think that there are some ground rules for wearing leggings regardless of your size/body type.
First of all leggings are not pants, denim, slacks, cargos, khakis, etc. Therefore you should ALWAYS make sure that your bum (i.e., *ss, backside, rear end, booty) is covered. You can achieve this by wearing an oversized sweater, long oversized button down, tunic, or a dress. I dont care if you have a Beyonce/Trina/J-lo booty, in my opinion its just simply not cute or tasteful to wear leggings with tank tops, crop tops, etc other than to workout.
Secondly, I am so sick and tired of seeing women walking through the malls and streetways wearing leggings that are OBVIOUSLY transparent!! In other words I do not want to see your underwear through your leggings. If you are going to commit the fashion crime of sporting a short tank top with black leggings then at least purchase a quaility pair of leggings that are thick enough to hide the smiley faces on your underwear.Say it with me ladies "OPAQUE". I mean here's a clue, before you leave home, find a mirror, turn around, and if you can see your underwear smiling back at you, take them off or cover up your bum!! Thank you very much!!
Third thing, I don't do any leggings that are not black, brown, a hue of grey, or an animal print if I'm feeling fiesty (Grrrrrr). I'm well aware that like our Universe, leggings are available in a wide range of colors and textures. However if you are not Jane Fonda or doing a Richard Simmons workout DVD then BURN your neon colored, hot pink, lemon lime colored, passion purple, remy red, yummy yellow, blood orange, and any other color resembling vomit leggings NOW.
Third thing, I don't do any leggings that are not black, brown, a hue of grey, or an animal print if I'm feeling fiesty (Grrrrrr). I'm well aware that like our Universe, leggings are available in a wide range of colors and textures. However if you are not Jane Fonda or doing a Richard Simmons workout DVD then BURN your neon colored, hot pink, lemon lime colored, passion purple, remy red, yummy yellow, blood orange, and any other color resembling vomit leggings NOW.
Lastly, if you are still not convinced that you should not wear leggings as pants, then for God sake's please wear them with a pair of dark seamless underwear (i.e. no panty line) underneath, God blessed us with one backside not two, which is what you create anytime you wear something form fitting on top of underwear with thick seams. AHHHHHH!! Purchase a pair that covers any bumps, bruises, bags, and any other imperfections that you wish not to share with the entire world!! Ok ladies so if you still have the drive to wear leggings with a piece on top that does not cover your backside at least invest in a quality pair. What brands of leggings work best for you??
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