Today's Outfit 3-30-12

Today's outfit was purchased last night at Wal-Mart. My top has a lot more to it but the shape is right. I am keeping it pretty simple because it's a summery outfit and in summer less is more :). Hence the bikini :). The aviators are, again, my husbands and my earrings came from Claire's. The necklace was a Christmas gift from my hubby and the sandals were also from Wal-Mart.

Top 10 Wardrobe Essentials - Essential #2

By the picture, you may have already guessed what Essential #2 is.

If you guessed a perfect fitting bra, Congratulations! You are right!

Nothing ruins a perfect top like bra spillage, or uni-boob!

Example #1
Last night I went shopping with my husband. We had to make a run to the grocery store but I did not feel like changing my bra (a sports bra), which was fine at the time because I was wearing a t-shirt and jeans (a fitted t-shirt, not some baggy, high-school sports or college team crap). The uni-boob effect was lost behind my t-shirt design. However, while there I found an outfit I adored (Yes, at Wal-Mart) and I went to try it on. Well, let's just say that the uni-boob was now a showcased feature. My husband said he loved the shorts, but hated my shirt. I told him he only thought so because I was wearing a crappy bra. He gave me a look that said he obviously didn't believe me but this morning when I put the outfit on he said "Aww, baby, you look so cute. Is that the shirt you bought last night?"

Example #2
When I was in high-school I didn't want to come to terms with my cup size. I was a DDD by the time I graduated. To my high-school graduation I wore a pair of wide-leg black pants and a fitted top. It was black with red flowers and shaped like a corset, it flattered my figure enormously but for some reason it didn't look right. At the time I didn't realize why it made me look like I had four boobs but in college I wore the same shirt. I was walking down the hall and someone said, honey, I think it's time to go up a cup size and she pointed to the spillage that had moseyed it's way out of my bra on the way to class. She was actually very sweet about it and really just trying to help but it hit me then that maybe she was right and I went to my first bra fitting. By that time I was slightly larger than I had been in high-school, a F cup to be exact and I bought two VERY EXPENSIVE bras. The next time I wore that shirt it fit perfectly and I wore it to school. I never ran into the girl who saved my wardrobe but I thank her every day.

A great fitting bra is essential because it showcases your body to your advantage. Even if you can't afford the $60 bras that the specialty stores carry, go in and get a bra fitting. You need to know your true size and you need to know it now. It is such a confidence booster when you see your boobs sitting where they should be and looking great molded under your new clothing, or how your old clothes just seem to fit better.

If you don't have much of a chest I would advise you to look into a wonder bra or even water bra. They essentially give what you already have a bit of a boost. You aren't faking how big your chest is, you are simply adjusting where they sit on your body.

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.

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?

Today's Outfit 3-28-12

I didn't get a chance to post yesterday's outfit so I am doing so now. This budget fashionista has a confession this week. I have a few very expensive items in y arsenal. But to be honest... who doesn't? See those precious pink studs? Well, mine are real and cost over $150. I have worn them for FOREVER. Actually they were part of a set I purchased for my wedding. I feel no qualms in wearing them alongside my $3 ring and $12 necklace either. No one has to know that some of my jewelry is fake and some is real. As for the rest of the outfit... My sweater was purchased at Dress Barn and it was $9. My tank was purchased at Rue21 and it was $3. My sandals were purchased at Wal-Mart 2 years ago so I don't remember how uch they actually cost. You can follow my link on Polyvore to find the jeans. And my accessories were purchased from the $1 jewelry store. (Other than the earrings... of course).