Fabulous finds for the discerning customer.

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

How Clothing Can Flatter Your Figure


Believe it or not, the way you dress can make you look five, even ten pounds thinner instantly.  I think for most of us, the goal when choosing clothing and accessories is to highlight the features we like the most while minimizing those which we do not.  Ever see someone who always looks great, no matter the occasion?  Not someone who is model gorgeous or model thin, just a regular woman who somehow knows what makes her look her best.  A true fashionista knows that clothing plays an important role in the illusion of a sleek silhouette.

Now I am not promoting how to look “skinny”.  I think all shapes and sizes should be celebrated.  What I am talking about is how to make the most out of what we’ve got.  We all need to celebrate our wonderful bodies but there are things we can do to make what we have look even more fabulous!


It’s common knowledge that the color black tends to flatter everyone.  Not only will black make you appear leaner, it also works for nearly any occasion.  Wear a “little black dress” to a cocktail party or formal event, always a safe bet and a classic look.  For daytime throw on a slimming black top with a favorite pair of jeans for a look that’s totally wearable.


If black isn’t your thing, you can always opt for alternative darks, such as gorgeous deep purples, crisp navy blues or luscious chocolate browns.  These colors will also flatter nearly any skin tone and help to create that illusion of a sleeker look.




For the print-challenged, remember that prints can create a great look, they just need to be used sparingly soas to avoid that "clown" look we all know and love, lol!


For fuller-figured women, embrace your curves – but don’t draw attention to anything you perceive as a flaw.  For example, if you want to cover up large hips, avoid wearing light colors or prints on your bottom half; also remember that horizontal stripes are a definite no if you’re going for a thinner look. 





Another good rule of thumb for minimizing hip circumference, make sure the bottom of your shirt/blouse doesn’t end at your widest point.  Your eyes are naturally drawn to where one garment ends and the other starts, the goal is to create a sleek line, not a chopped up look.  This is definitely something that I have been guilty of doing and am making a concious effort to avoid in the future.



Of course, clothing can only do so much – your jewelry, shoes, belts and even your handbag can also help create the appearance of a slimmer body.  For example, choose accessories that draw attention away from the areas you don’t want to highlight.  For starters, you can wear a large pendant or statement necklace to draw the eye upwards. 




Right now I am a huge fan of fabric flowers incorporated into necklaces, so feminine and different.

If you're trying to minimize your waist. stomache and/or hips, try wearing a medium sized belt/buckle, not a thin dainty one.




These are just a few tips and tricks that can help you look instantly sleeker, simply by wearing a few key clothing and accessory pieces.  While you won’t actually lose 10 pounds, you can at least LOOK like you have!
Please add any of your tips or advice in the comment section below, I love hearing from everyone :) 
And as always.....Remember to be Uniquely You!






Saturday, May 28, 2011

Women's 2011 Fashion Trends

The dresses are long and flowing, the prints are vibrant florals, but how can a girl make her spring outfits really fabulous?
Accessorize! Accessorize! Accessorize!

Accessories are what personalize a look. They are the finishing touch that makes you look polished and put together. Last time I checked, looking a hot mess was tres chic back in the 90’s with the Marc Jacobs grunge inspired look, and thank god that trend has passed!

                 Did anyone ever think that this really looked fabulous?  (Yikes)



So here is some accessories advice for this season to help you complete your fabulous look.
Let’s begin with shoes, because no girl can resist a new pair of shoes at the beginning of a new season. I know this is a little cliché but if you buy only one pair this spring make it the nude pump. On the spring runway it came in all heights and materials, so why not show off that pedicure after months hiding your toes in boots. This shoe will become a staple for you this spring/summer 2011 season, and because it’s a neutral you’ll be able to wear them well into the fall.




The best part is that they make everyone’s legs look a mile long.



The nude tone is like an invisible extension to your legs that doesn’t create that visual line that cuts off your leg like last year’s gladiator sandal.

If you love the nature inspired looks of this season’s runway but don’t feel like wearing head to toe floral prints, there are plenty of ways to incorporate nature’s bounty with accessories. Butterflies and flowers on shoes, headbands, belts and jewelry were everywhere on the spring runways.





For those who like to rock their style a little more then take a look at Alexander McQueen’s accessories.  He is using a lot of skull and crossbones in his line right now, very bold and dramatic.  



Find the one that suits your style best and then run with it.

In handbags the trend this season was the return of color. Prada, Jill Sander’s, Dior, YSL, they all have spring 2011 bags in electric blues, shocking pinks, vibrant purples and limey greens. 







I love to go to these top designers for the new looks and then hit the outlet centers, online discounters, etc. to find similar looks for less $.


In the jewelry department big statement pieces are still a must. This is an easy way to turn an ordinary outfit into an extraordinary look. Just add a statement cuff or a big statement necklace or a fantastic belt and you go from board meeting (yawn) to cocktails, yea!







Play around with a few of the pieces you have already and add some new ones, after all a girl’s got to shop!

So now you are properly accessorized for this spring season and ready to express yourself through all the great shoes, bags, belts and jewels of the season.  I will leave you with some great advice from the iconic Coco Chanel herself “Style is knowing who you are, what you want to say, and not giving a damn.” Now get out there and express that great style of yours, and as always,  Remember to be Uniquely You J

Saturday, May 21, 2011

Fashion trends for 2011


Belt's are all the rage this year!



This season women’s belts are being worn loose about the hips or cinched around the waist to accent feminine lines with fluid fabrics, your favorite jeans or fitted sweater dresses. And with retro and vintage elegance back in style in a big way, the buckles are the focal point, some with crystal accents, vintage elements or hammered metal.






Women’s leather belt designs never go out of style, especially to accent jeans, but the new looks allow you to wear one over tunics, slip dresses, maxi dresses, you name it.  It’s all up to you, women’s fashion belts are there to give a final touch of individuality to your look no matter your style.   A great looking belt can turn an ordinary outfit into an extraordinary one.  Interchangeable buckles and belt straps can create many different looks for less money, and besides, who doesn’t love to stretch their fashionista dollars!  As always, no matter what you choose to wear, remember to always be Uniquely You.  



Friday, May 13, 2011

Three cheers for tryhandmade.com


I blogged about this site a while back.  I love browsing through the gallery, I have come across some amazingly beautiful handmade works.  I highly recommend heading over and checking it out, you never know what might spark your interest.
For all you indie artists out there, submit your best work and see what happens.  I wound up getting my Om Yoga belt buckle featured, who doesn't love free advertising!
Check it out   http://gallery.tryhandmade.com/belt-buckle-turquoise-om-yoga-symbol/
Enjoy :)