Dressing For Your Body Type - Banana

So, you may be thinking, why is my body being compared to a banana. Well, I really just wanted to stick with the fruit theme. Many people call this body shape rectangle, column, or ruler shaped. This body type is usually an athletic body shape, very little curve, think surfer or swimmers bodies. Your shoulders, waist and hips are relatively the same size.

So, what problem are we addressing with this body type? Creating curves where there really are none.

Here are some tips for you to follow:

• Choose dresses and tops that have cinched waists, this will create a waist for you.
• Structure, structure, structure!! Darting, it is going to do wonders for you.
• You can also pull off a bolder cut, peplum! This will give you the shape you crave!
• Maxi dresses are great for you because they usually have a seam right under the bust or a drop waist, see above. It gives a sense of shape .
• A-Line skirts are for you. They will give you some hips.
• Avoid clingy fabrics and fits. These will only show the world you have no curve to your body.
• Skinny jeans in a bold color need to be paired with something with shape on top.
• Wide leg jeans can also give your body a sense of shape, just be sure they are the right size or you will look baggy and saggy.
• Belt everything! Not really, but belts are a great way to cinch a waist.
• Print, texture and bulk (ruffles, lace, bows) will add another dimension with ease.

Celebrities with banana shapes: Cameron Diaz, Nicole Kidman, Debra Messing, Jada Pinkett-Smith, Ashlee Simpson, Gweneth Paltrow, Kate Hudson, Sheryl Crow and Hilary Duff

Finding Your Style

Typically, people have a hard time defining their style because, a. they don't know where to start or b. aren't sure what parts of their personality they want to showcase. I am here to tell you it really isn't hard. Look no further than what you love best about yourself.

Are you quirky? Do friends constantly walk into your home and say, wow what a cool piece, be it a new piece of artwork, furniture or other decoration? Do you find yourself dancing to the beat of a different drum? Why is that not also showcased in what you choose to put on your body? Where is that quirky jacket? Where are those quirky shoes? How about statement jewelry?

Are you a bona-fide heavy metal fan? Do you have a die-hard attitude? Can you even imagine missing your favorite band when they came to your town? Do you have band sticker decorating 90% of what you own? Do you envy the girls in dark eyeliner and red lips? Why are you scared to step out and do the same? Where are your spiked heels? Your brass knuckle clutch? What about a funky band t-shirt? Also, just because you are a rock-chick, it does not mean you are regulated or stuck in black, branch out!

Are you nerdy? Do you spend your days reading books or playing Skyrim? Do you have an unexplained affinity for your favorite book/video game characters? Have you imagined the perfect world in your mind and began writing about it? Own it! Check your specks. How about that Harry Potter tee you have hiding in the back of your closet? FYI, you are the only ones who can make suspenders look cute!

It's more about you trying to be you.

For me, I have what I like to call a schizophrenic style. All of the above define me in some way. I have a little claim to the country world as well (lived there half my life). No, I don't own cowboy boots but I do own a bubble vest, I also attend the rodeo on a regular basis. I listen to heavy metal and own spiked heels and band tees. On top of all of this I have a professional job. I wear suits and dresses 90% of the time. I wear statement tees under my suit jacket and my spike heels with my lbd and a colored jacket. But again, these are all aspects of me. These things combined make me who I am and make my style what it is. If someone were to go shopping for me an outfit, it would only be too easy. I have such a wide variety of tastes but all of my friends can look at something and say "That is totally her!".

It's all about defining your personality through clothing.

This is how I make my clothing reflect my personality.

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!!

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

Top 10 Wardrobe Essentials - Essential #1

Many stylists will give you their top 5, or top 10, wardrobe essentials without telling you why but I am here to solve this problem.

Today I will begin to share with you my top 10 wardrobe essentials and why I chose them.

You may come to find that many stylists agree about what should make up a top 10 list. This is because they are ESSENTIALS.

When something is essential it is needed in order to make something complete. AND in order to have a complete wardrobe or a mix and match wardrobe all of these things must be present. Some stylists will toss something in that is essential to their tastes but that's expected since we all have varying tastes.

Essential #1 - A pair of DARK WASH jeans!
Yes, Dark is essential! Why? it is slimming, forgiving, chic, and it compliments just about anything. Dark denim exudes sophistication. When you see someone in acid wash jeans, what is the first thing that comes to mind? Did you think sophistication? Did you think chic? If not, go throw YOUR acid wash jeans in the trash. What about when you see someone with rips or holes in their jeans? Again, if your answers weren't what you wanted them to be toss your jeans out!

Let's talk about fit for a moment. We all have varying sizes, this makes us unique and an individual. If we were all the same size, nothing would be considered sexy, different, or individualistic. If we all fit some cookie cutter mold we would not be happy. SO... embrace your size. You may not be at your ideal weight (God knows I'm not) but if you don't dress the body you have now, you won't be happy either way. If you are a 14, buy a 14 if you are a 2 buy a 2. There is no worse wardrobe killer than a muffin top or a saggy butt. Also, keep in mind, manufacturers DO NOT follow the same size chart. If you are a 14 one place, it does not mean you won't be an 18 or even a 10 somewhere else. Size should NOT be what you are focusing on while shopping, it should be FIT!

 On that note, CUT is just as important. Make sure you get a cut that flatters your body. I heard someone say "They are called skinny jeans, not make you skinny jeans!" and I have to say I agree, to some extent. A big girl should NEVER wear skin tight clothing from shoulder to toe!! Skinnies on a big girl CAN (notice I did not say will) make you look bigger. They should be paired with a tunic or a belted shirt-dress, not a t-shirt! Also, unless you are trying to balance out a large hip, flares are not your friend. Try instead, a wide-leg jean.

*The jeans shown are from Maurices.

A List of the Best Places to Find Fashion For Less

Okay, like I said in my introduction I am always on the lookout for inexpensive finds. My journeys have led me to a few unexpected places along with some more obvious places. I want to throw out a few cautionary tips before I go into my budget friendly places.

• Shopping the sales racks means you are buying out of season clothing. If you do this make sure the items you are purchasing are classic items (ie, pencil skirts, blazers, slacks and jeans) and shy away from the trendier items (ie, some prints, colors and statement tees). 
• When purchasing accessories/shoes stick with colors already in your color palate. BUT, buy that funky colored scarf or handbag you've been drooling over. Shoes last a LONG time. I have had some shoes for nearly ten years. However, a handbag only lasts me about 4 months (I'm rough with them...).
• As far as trends go... Don't let the clothes wear you... You own the clothes!! What I mean is, simply, this: I am not a girly girl, however, spring trends are leaning in a floral direction. Did I purchase a floral top? Of course! But I paired it with ubber-dark skinnies, nude heels and a brown biker jacket. I promise you, I didn't look like a girly-girl. My handbag also takes away from the ubber-girly trend of florals. It's tan and black and studded!!
• KNOW YOUR SIZE! Whether you are a plus-size, a size two or somewhere in between, this is THE MOST IMPORTANT aspect of fashion! If you are wearing a shirt and/or jeans that are two sizes too small, no matter your size, you WILL look like a stuffed sausage!!! I live in Oklahoma so I see this A LOT! It is okay to be a plus sized woman! It is okay to be a size two! Again I say, OWN your clothes! Do NOT let them own you! Same goes for over-sized clothing. Do you want to look like you are wearing a burlap sack? Do you want to look 5 sizes bigger than you normally are? This is a mistake a lot of plus-sized women make. Whether they are trying to hide behind the fabric or do not truly know their size, it is tragic. Plus-sized women USUALLY have MAD CURVES!! Big boobs and a round bottom are something MOST women want. Own it! I will say right now, I breach the line. I wear a 36 H and I wear a size 12-16 depending on the manufacturer. Clothes can be a nuisance to me. I know the struggle of size and fit.
• And last, pay attention to online sizing charts. They vary from store to store. 

Okay now that that is out of the way I will give in and tell my favorite places to shop on a budget

• Wal-Mart Online - I realize my credibility might have just flown out the window for some people but I will tell you now, if you don't take the time to go through their women's apparel ONLINE, you are missing out. I bought a shirt from Wal-Mart not too long ago. I was impressed with the quality and the up-to-date style. It was the first item, other than groceries, I had purchased from Wal-Mart in a really long time... and I have to say, I didn't see a single item in the rest of the store that I liked. So I come home to look it up and post it to pinterest and I find some AMAZING steals! $15 dresses, $20 jackets! I was blown away.
• Target - Same as with above... it's a little more expensive than Wal-Mart but not exceedingly so...
• Maurices - Maurices is almost always featured (in some aspect) in Lucky magazine! I only know this because I used to work there and the Lucky outfits would be put on the mannequins! They even have plus-sizes!
• FlirtCatalog.com - This site has a lot of the featured items from some of the top magazines in the nation. Dresses as low as $15 and shoes as low as $20. I will admit it takes some rifling through to find the real gems but it is worth it!
• GoJane.com - This site is much like the site above... however, you will find trendier items here. This is not the place to find a classic, timeless look but it will showcase the latest trends and keep you within your budget!

So, these are the sites and stores in my fashion arsenal. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do!
 Happy Shopping!