Dressing For Your Body Type - Pear

Before I explain how to dress a pear shaped body, I will define exactly what it means to have a pear shaped body. It is simple really, your hips are larger than your chest and/or your waist. This is also the most common female body shape.

As you might have noticed, the pear shape can be one of the hardest bodies to dress. This is because of an uneven weight distribution. When you carry your weight in your hips, or lower half, it can be frustrating because all clothes are made for either an athletic figure or an hourglass figure. So how are you supposed to create a sense of balance? Obviously, you will need to focus on making your upper body larger while making your lower body look smaller.

To accomplish this there are a few rules/guidelines to follow:
- keep your pants as streamlined and tailored as possible, a slight flare would work for your body type but avoid pleats, tapered pants (tight at the ankle), capris and pockets that sit at the hip.
- stick to an a-line or pencil skirt. The a-line will distract from the shape of the hips and the pencil will accentuate the curves in a flattering way.
- tunics and leggings are a great idea for you. Just make sure that the tunic grazes (not clings) your hips.
- with jackets, make sure the shortest point DOES NOT sit right at your hip! Go for something a little longer.
-elongate your body and draw attention to the girls! This does not mean you have to let it all hang out but Do go for a deep v and a tank or a plunging necklace. The point is to distract the eye.
- show off your sexy, slim shoulders. A strapless maxi is a great option for you in the summer and with a cutoff jean jacket you could wear one into the fall.
- keep prints on the top half of your body!
- wear big earrings, scarves, bold necklaces, anything that can attract the eye to your face.

Celebs with pear body shapes: Beyonce, Lily Allen, Cynthia Nixon, J.Lo, Keira Knightley, Kim Kardashian, Shakira.

Top 10 Wardrobe Essentials- Essential #6

Let's talk shoes!!!

Shoes can make or break a wardrobe just as easily as refusing to buy shapewear. Why? They finish the look of your outfit. I have to admit, I am a bit of a shoe-junkie. I cannot stop myself from buying the next big shoe trend. I have some red heels with spikes all over them. I have a pair of TOMS. I have ballet flats in all different colors... it's an addiction. But I'm not here to talk about my shoe addiction, I am here to address some DOs and DON'Ts in the realm of shoes, as well as remind you what shoes you should be purchasing.

Since it's spring, and summer is just around the corner, I figured I would address sandals first.

Who doesn't love a good sandal? They are versatile and airy. They can be worn with shorts or jeans and still look great. They compliment skirts well. There is a lot that can be said about a good sandal.

Now to address some issues:

BUY LEATHER!!!- This is essential in choosing a good sandal. Leather is comfortable and will not scratch your feet up like the fake plastic ones will. Why spend $30 on a pedicure just to have your shoes destroy it?

NO FLIP FLOPS OR CROCS!!!- This does not a sandal make... When I am talking about sandals I would like you to take in the picture above. Yes there is a pair of LEATHER thongs but they are not the $3 plastic things that engulf half of your local Old Navy. I have nothing against Old Navy and in fact I shop there quite often, I just wish they would STOP promoting flip-flops as the GO-TO sandal. Flip-flops were made for the beach and the dorm hall showers. Do I even need to say why Crocs are a bad idea? I think not!!!

Sandals should reflect your personal style. - Don't go out and buy the cutest pair of sandals you can find just because I told you to. See the black gladiators? I own some like those, a lot of what is in the above picture is too cutesy for me but I have found gladiators have just enough of an edgy look that I am more than willing to wear them. On the flip side, gladiators have an edgier look to them... if that's not your style, don't buy them. Maybe the red one with the hearts suits you more. That is more than okay. We do not all have the same style and it would be a really boring world if we did.

Shoe #2- The Wedge!!
Okay, I am aware that this is not everyone's favorite style of shoe but it is an essential because it brings a fun and funky quirk to your wardrobe. They are GREAT shoes to wear with jeans! They are also a summer/spring essential because you can walk a long distance in a nice platform heel without taking the pain, and sinking heel episodes, you would have in your heels. They come in so many different styles I had a hard time trying to decide which ones to showcase in my picture.

And shoe #3- HEELS!!!!

Every woman should have 2-3 pairs of KILLER heels! These are the shoes that make you feels sexy and empowered! Do they have to be 5inches tall? NO! (although, you wouldn't know by looking in MY closet LOL) But they do nee to be a height that allows you a level of confidence.

The Kitten Heel- Even though there are none shown in the above picture, I know of a few women who are completely satisfied with just an inch or so. These styles can be just as sexy.

The Platform Heel- There are a few of these above so there is no need for a picture here, but the platform of today is not the platform of the 70's. (Even though, there are some of those around too). The platform has a 1-2inch rise at the ball and a substantial heel on the back. This allows for extra height as well as a sexy, long line. I am a short, squat woman so any added length to my nubs is welcome!

The Pointy-Toe- Okay, we all know what this is and we either love it, or hate it. I will tell you now, if you hate it, you are doing yourself a disservice. These shoes allow for a flow of the eye-line, causing you to look longer, and essentially leaner. If you have had a problem with the pointy toe being too narrow, you are probably buying, either too high of a heel or a crappy product. First, this shouldn't be an issue if you are buying leather. Leather gives and will form to your foot after you break them in. Yes, the first few times you wear them, they could be a bit snug but like I said, leather gives. Second, if you are buying a higher quality product you shouldn't have to worry about them hurting your feet. They are more expensive for a reason. Spend $50-$100 for a good, quality pair of pointy toed shoes and you will not regret it.

If there are shoes I did not list here... they are NOT wardrobe essentials. Of course, there are styles that suit individual tastes (ie, TOMS) but that does not make them key, or essential to building a working wardrobe. Tennis shoes and flip-flops are the enemy of great style, so if these are your go-tos, I would seriously advise you to change it up. Tennis shoes were made for sports and the gym, not for the fashion forward diva!

Top 10 Wardrobe Essentials- Essential #5

Essential #5 is the Crisp White Top

This may seem like a bland addition to a wardrobe but it is an essential because it will go with absolutely anything! It doesn't have to be a button down, even though that is preferred, but it does need to match your essential style.

As you can see the crisp white shirt can be worn in many ways. Casual, dressed up, even in between. This is a very versatile piece and again should be purchased in a style you would wear. The one I own is corseted, no collar and latches instead of buttons. It doesn't have to be ubber professional but it does need to be something you can wear to an interview.

A few words of caution:
To The WHITE girl- and I mean really pale... Find a white that contrasts with your skin-tone. If you have a reddish tint to your skin a crisp white will work for you, even if you have an olive undertone it will but if you border on the vampiric side of white, go for a creamier white. It needs to off-set your skin, not blend in.

To the Busty Girl- STAY AWAY FROM RUFFLES!!! They are not your friend. Yes, your hubby loves that one ruffle number, but ask yourself why... He loves your boobs! And they look gigantic in that one ruffle number. I have this problem, my hubby LOVES my blue maxi-dress. And I now I know why. After going out in public I realized people couldn't keep their eyes off of my chest. I still love the dress but I have learned an undershirt is needed. Ruffles, however, can't be fixed with an undershirt. Also, avoid anything that doesn't button over your chest, or has an empire waistline that cuts your boobs in half. I don't care how cute it is, it won't look right.

Use pops of color everywhere else :). This is the way to show off that stunning green blazer or neon pants you purchased last week. This is the way to showcase your best jewelry. What about those shoes you bought with the funky print? You aren't sure what to wear them with, so you don't. Well, this is it.

Remember, this piece should and will go with everything in your closet as long as you buy it in your style!

Top 10 Wardrobe Essentials - Essential #3

Essential #3 is the suit!

Okay, so you are sitting there saying to yourself... Why on earth would I need a suit? I am not a professional. I am too young to wear a suit. I am too fashion forward to wear a suit.

This is where you are WRONG! I am not even asking you to wear a suit. I am not saying that the suit you buy should be worn once a week. I am saying, you will get TWO essential wardrobe items out of a suit!!!

Piece #1
The Blazer- Okay, a fitted blazer looks good on ANY body type. It's shape allows any woman the ability to seem like she has an hourglass figure. The lady above is pencil thin and has no chest or hips to speak of BUT the suit gives her the illusion of an hourglass shape. It's nipped at her smallest point and flares out towards her hips

How to Wear a Blazer

Above are some ways to wear a blazer. Example #1 is a casual daytime look that can easily be worn at night. Example #2 is a night out look. Example #3 is a daytime look. All three use the blazers from a suit. Note that NONE of the blazers are boring. The one on the left is even bright pink and there is nothing wrong with that.

Piece #2 - The pencil skirt, a-line skirt or dress pants

All three are wardrobe essentials, so no matter which one you choose you can't go wrong :)

How to wear a pencil skirt

Example #1 is a work-to-night look. Examples 2 and 3 are fun and flirty day looks. A pencil skirt shouldn't be just for the office or limited to the professionals. They showcase curves and give the illusion of curves to those who don't have any.

How to Wear an A-Line Skirt

KEEP IT SIMPLE! The fullness of the a-line is all the accessory you need. Adding too much can make the outfit seem bulky. It's fine to have some embellishment (see Ex. #2) but make sure your top half is fitted. Also, larger girls should look for A-lines that do not have too much extra bulk. The lining should be thin and the skirt itself shouldn't have too much extra fabric.

How to Wear Dress Pants

In this example I will give my best example for each body type (Skinny, Medium and Luscious)

In Example #1 I have paired cropped, skinny, floral pants with a funky racer-back top! This is a fun and funky look only you skinny girls can pull off. Embrace the big floral prints because they look FAB on you. In

Example #2 I went with a wide-leg dress pant and a peplum inspired top. This outfit will hide anything you have problems with and enhance your figure. If you are medium-but curvy this look will still work for you, just make sure you have a GREAT bra!!!

And for Example #3, the straight leg pant is the BEST option for the thicker girl (make SURE you have figured out your size before purchasing a pair or you WILL look lumpy!!) because these pants work with your curves without adding to them. The pants above have a slight boot-cut and that is fine but avoid anything that says flare. Layering pieces also allows for the illusion of curves (if you need it) and hides flaws (if you need to) and the pointy toe on the shoe also helps to elongate the body.

Now you can see why most stylists add this to their essential's arsenal! It is a fabulous way to add so many elements of style to your wardrobe!

Hope you've found some inspiration today!!

Today's Outfit 4-1-12

Yep, today I went a little bit country. I am from Oklahoma after all :) All things have been mentioned in previous posts so I will just say, I hope you are enjoying the blog :)

How to Make Spring's Trends Work For You! Neon

And for the final trend of the season!

Trend #10 - NEON
Who doesn't love an 80's throwback! Harem-pants, neon, side-ponys, they have all made their fabulous come-back this season and in season's past. Now, I am not a fan of harem-pants (ehem, Hammer-pants) but the other two trends I have embraced fully. Even tights with skirts/dresses was embraced in the 80's.

For the luscious ladies - This trend can be EXTREMELY hazardous for you! Neon is not your friend. Anything you put a neon color on is going to look bigger! It will show EVERY lump and bump you have. Am I saying "Don't embrace this trend!"? Of course not. All I am saying is do not wear a solid neon top or pair of pants/skirt. Find patterns with neon colors! I right now am wearing a top with a neon green and black pattern. Also, do not forget, purses, shoes, even nail polish this season had been touched by neon. Above is some nail polish I purchased this season. The wonderful neon colors have infiltrated almost everything this season so keep your eye out for the patterned dress, the nail polish. And, DO NOT buy anything in neon that is clingy. Yes, that t-shirt is a wonderful shade of green and it looks fab with your skin tone, but also notice that where it clings is where the eye is going to go, all of your flaws will be showcased.

For the skinny girl - Wear neon EVERYTHING! Neon can give you the illusion of curves because it is a color that deflects light. With the rays bouncing off of you, you will have an amazing figure and people will be astonished at your overnight transformation. This is another chance for you to rock the color-block as well. See the skirt above? It's sexy, it's fabulous and you are the only one who can pull it off!

For the in-betweens - Use caution with this trend. It's a fun way to show off your flirtatious side. Keep the neon to the part of your body you are most comfortable with. A neon top on a small chest can make it look much bigger. Neon deflects light and therefore will make you look curvier than you really are. Big hips? Avoid the neon skirt/pants, it will only make them look bigger. Make this trend work for you. Again, I want to reiterate the thing I seem to say to YOU most often, DON'T let the clothes wear you, YOU wear the clothes. If you are comfortable with your body (and have no tummy, back fat or cellulite) try an all over, solid color. *See pink dress above

Spring Fever

Man, I have been going crazy on Polyvore today. I have been in the mood for nights spent at the lake house, reading on the beach, morning walks in the sand and I have to say, the weather here is cooperating. It is putting me in summer mode instead of spring. I can't get enough of the maxi dresses, gladiator sandals, nude makeup, leather jewelry. It's insane. I feel as if I have wasted an entire day just looking forward to something that is not likely to happen any time soon. I know it's just around the corner but I feel like I have completely overlooked all the wonderful things spring can offer (allergies aside). I have not had a chance to go hiking or camping this year and they are two of my favorite things to do this time of year.
I keep thinking about tanning and slimming down for summer and all the things that go along with it instead of enjoying a cup of coffee in the cool morning on my balcony (which I don't do much anymore, because I have crazy neighbors).
So... take the time with me today and enjoy everything spring has to offer. Put on that maxi dress and take a stroll. Cuddle up in a sweater on your balcony and read a book. Enjoy the mild weather of spring before the scorching temps of the summer drive you inside!

How to Make Spring's Trends Work for You! Peplum

Trend #8 - Peplum
This is a trend I truly never wished to see again. Why? Because it is so stinkin' adorable and it looks hideous on me. It is a retro-inspired trend that works great for girls who want curves but don't really have them. However, if you have curves... I will leave it up to you to decide how you feel about it. I have seen girls like Beyonce pull it off but I have to be honest, I think it is her confidence that makes it work for her.

For the thick girl- this is a trend that could work for you. It gives the illusion of an hourglass figure. However, if you have a large butt and/or hips, this trend will only exaggerate those areas. This is a great way to hide a bit of baby fat or even that little protrusion you can't seen to get rid of. Just make sure that if you are trying to hide a belly that the fabric goes PAST your largest point. You don't want to draw attention to that area by drawing a line in the middle of it. Note the tan pencil skirt above, even the white and pink dress, these items have a longer overhang. This could be perfect for you. Also, do not be afraid to try a pencil skirt. Yes it will hug your sexy curves but you have a womanly figure, use it to your advantage. And do not be afraid of shapewear, a pencil skirt in a light color may show a bit of that cellulite. Shapewear will fix that problem and you will look ravishing!

For the skinny girl- This trend will give you the hips you've been lusting after your whole life. If you have a boyish figure you can embrace this trend with open arms. The lady I have seen pull this trend off the best is Emma Watson. Her slim, slightly boyish physique, is complimented greatly by peplum. Her athletic body is hugged by the tight fabric that gives way to a rich fullness, ending mid-hip to give her the illusion of an hourglass figure.

For the in-betweens - This trend can work for you as well. Keep in mind the tips stated above for both thick and skinny girls. Know your problem areas and know the ones you want to showcase.

Trend #9- Metallic Heels
This is a trend for the masses! Metallic heels have been a classic item for a very long time. They are glamorous and make a girl feel absolutely stunning. I know when I wear my metallic heels I feel like the whole world is looking at me. It may just be me, because if I saw a pair of fabulous, sparkly shoes I would be fixated, but it is a great trend none-the-less.

My advice (and this is great advice) METALLICS ARE NEUTRAL! (this is actually advice from Stacey London but I believe it as well). Metallic colors, minus the sheen, would fall into either nude, grey, brown, tan or black. Why should a sparkly sheen change that?

How to Make Spring's Trends Work for You! Leather

Okay, Trend #5 is Leather and like I said before it will be HOW you wear it that makes it trendy.

The Leather Blazer - We all love the way blazers shape our body. Regardless of shape they give us the illusion of an hour-glass figure. This trend is good for ANY body shape and you should play around with color. Don't simply go for the black or brown, how about hot pink, coral or even cream. It's a fun trend... have fun with it.

The Leather Mini- Big girls, PLEASE DON'T!! Leather is VERY unforgiving. This trend will only make you look bigger and you don't want that. Plus, big girls have cellulite! If you don't think you do you are fooling yourself. I know that is harsh but I am saving you and others around you from much embarrassment. Skinny girls, a word of caution to you as well, cellulite is not strictly on women who have bigger thighs. Be honest with yourself. Do you have killer gams? Do you have a fit physique? If not, don't do it. This trend is for the girls with toned, shapely legs. The longer the legs the better, although watch the length, we don't need to see your girly parts. And my last word of caution, girls with big booties, be careful! Just because it looks good from the front DOES NOT mean it does from the back. I know this to be a problem with most skirts and I ALWAYS have someone there to judge my backside (and someone who will tell me the truth, not someone who will compliment me no matter what).

The Leather Dress- My favorite of all the trends! This can be extremely tricky if you are not rail thin. As I have said before, leather is VERY unforgiving. I would only say this, find a cut you already know works for you and TRY IT ON! For the busty girl, honey I am sorry, but we are SOL. There isn't a leather dress out there that will be forgiving enough to accommodate unless you actually have it specially made.

The Leather Biker Jacket - Okay, this is a trend that never really seems to go out of style. This season, however, is about bold colors. Find a funky colored jacket and rock it. If you are skinny-average you can pull off the natural boxy shape of a biker jacket. (I will admit, I own one :) ) But, bigger girls, you need to find one with a little more structure! Note: Three of the ones above have nipped waists. Naturally, I chose these because they are what I am drawn to, but I am drawn to them because of the shape and I am a bigger girl. I know those are what would look best on me.

Faux Leather- Okay, here is my budget friendly tip H&M, Maurices and Burlington have the best selection of faux leather that I have seen. Sometimes Burlington can be pick and choose but it's still worth checking out.

Today's Outfit!

Today, I went for a more muted look. I love yellow for me because I have rich caramel locks and the brown makes my blue eyes pop. The bag I have is actually zebra print but the colors are right. On days when I can't seem to wake up I like to steal my hubbies aviators :) They make me feel a bit better... probably because I can wear something of his and not look like a complete idiot. I don't usually wear gold but after I bought the flats and the sweater it seemed obvious I should own some form of gold jewelry.
The sweater and flats I have are almost identical but mine are from CATO. I believe I only paid $30 for both items.
Hope you find some inspiration!

Today's Outfit!

I like to build my favorite outfit's on Polyvore and this is the one I chose today. I like the punk-rock elements of this outfit. Especially the spikes on the heels. My outfit is actually blue (to match my eyes) but this was the closest thing I could find on the site. I hope you enjoy it. Check out the site for yourself and build your dream wardrobe :)