Flattering Fashions 101

Find Your Fit????!?!?!??!!?

First you need to know your body shape. Then review clothing styles that fill fit your body shape. Sometimes, just the wrong style on a particular body shape is the issue.

There are many different ways to talk about body shape, but as you learn which you have, you can dress to flatter that shape and make yourself look fabulous. Clothes should fit the larges part of your body, FORGET about the number size. Size numbers vary from vendor to vendor--DO YOU first--dare I say ALTERATIONS ladies!?! Don't be a fashion victim in denial! Make your life easier by just thinking of your needs and body type first:)

Women come in many shapes and sizes. The clothing that you wear should flatter your form. There are five basic body types. Know your body type to help you to choose the shape or combinations of shapes that best "fits" your body. Select from there...don't get caught up and confused here--Hang in there with me:)

Body Types:

A

Body is straight up and down without defined waistline. Top and bottom are almost the same size.

If this is you: Create a gently indented waist

• Wear belts to imply your waist, but not too tightly.
  
  
• Avoid three-quarter length sleeves, they call attention to a lack of waist.
  
  
• Keep your neckline interesting, draw attention to your face.
  
  
• Keep clothing loose, not tight-fitting.

B

You carry your weight in the middle, a fuller waistline

If this is you: Create length and a smaller midsection

• Shoulder pads are recommended.
  
  
• Show your legs to visually add height.
  
  
• Wear prints or patterns either all over or on the bottom only.
  
  
• Use thin, draped belts to imply a waist.

C

Broader shoulders and/or larger bust than hips, often thin legs

If this is you: create balance between top and bottom.

• no shoulder pads
  
  
• wear darker colors on top
  
  
• wear bright colors and patterns on bottom
  
  
• avoid tight fitting belts
  
  
• avoid frills, ruffles and pockets on tops
  
  
• accessories should be simple
  

D

Broader hips than shoulders

If this is you: create balance between top and bottom.

• Use shoulder pads to balance hips with shoulders.
  
  
• Wear tops with lots of interest, patterns and bright colors.
  
  
• Bottom pockets should be either angled or sewn flat.
  
  
• Wear soft, flowing, non clinging material on bottom.
  

E

Even width of shoulders and hips with defined waistline

If this is you: keep your proportions as balanced as they appear.

• Emphasize your waist.
  
  
• Wear any color combination, print or pattern.
  
  
• Prints or patterns should be on top and bottom to keep balance.
  
  
• If very curvy, lessen by using soft blouses and long tops to create a straight look.

One of the biggest fears I hear over and over is that if everything that doesn’t fit my shape and doesn’t flatter my body I won’t have anything. When actually going through the process, every single woman finds that they really do have clothing left afterwards. They not only feel better about how they look when getting dressed they also don’t suffer as often from the I don’t have anything to wear syndrome.

Closet Basics 101

I find it healthy to "purge" my closet at least once a year--if you can stand to do it once every six months or less...go for it! Sometimes we hold on to things that are either too old, worn out, ripped, to small...lets be realistic here...if you haven't worn it...dump it...you will feel victorious.

With that said, there are a few basic items all women should have as staples that can be built upon with other items here and there.f

Two pairs of dark slacks - in a neutral color (neutrals are gray, brown, black, dark blue). Be sure to get a straight leg cut. The fiber is up to your liking and lifestyle, but they should drape.

Two pairs of jeans -they should be different wash and lengths for different looks

Two skirts - a straight skirt (aka pencil) and an A line. Fabrics and colors can vary, but stick to solids just below the knew

Shirts - you should have a basic white button front basic shirt

Two-Three sweaters - The fabric should be a lightweight, merino or cashmere

• One black (for trousers)
  
• One neutral.
  
• One you can wear to work OR with jeans

Jackets

• Jackets should be tailored to fit just above the hip. (get a few in solids, prints, or stripes--you can mix and match for work or with jeans:)

Three coats

• A classic trench coat or raincoat with a zip -out wool liner for multiple seasons
  
• A knee-length transition coat that works for day and night
  
• A winter coat (if you live in a cold area)

Dress

• A little black dress

Three Bags

• A classic leather style with clean lines that works for everything.
  
• A fun tote bag
  
• A small evening bag

Shoes (at least five, but whose counting!)

• A pair of black pumps 2.5-3.5 inch heel (peep toe is cute now)
  
• A evening shoe with a close toe in a black satin.
  
• A pair of tall black boots
  
• Bad-weather boots
  
• A pair of sneakers or tennis shoes.

Cleaning Basics

There is a basic way to take care of all of your household cleaning needs. It's multi-purpose as well--one container will take care of laundry, kitchen cleaning, even bugs and weeds. This "miracle cleaner" is vinegar. Vinegar forms through the fermentation of sugars or starches. It is completely edible, and non-toxic. Back in the day, before all of these fancy cleaners came on the market, our grandmothers used it for so many things. The uses of vinegar are nearly endless. The health benefits are many as well. If you want to change some of your living habits to a more "green" fashion...this is one of the easiest and most BASIC:)

In this article, we are focusing on the uses of vinegar as a cleaner. Vinegar is used in 100% concentration unless otherwise specified.

1) Get a spray bottle
2) All Around the House--stains, stickers, odors, carpet, metals (silver, pewter, copper--use 1tsp. salt), no wax floors, wood, windows,
3) In the Bathroom--removes corrosion, chemical buildup, faucets, shower walls, toilet bowl (for abrasive needs, add salt)
4) In the Kitchen--get rid of ants, remove odors from garbage disposal (let sit for 1hour), wipe hands after chopping onions or garlic, boil water with it to remove cooked food smell or burnt smell, cleans microwave (boil a bowl of water), to clean coffee maker, counters, refrigerators, stove tops, cleans stains off china (use salt for abrasion).
5) In the Laundry--prevents colors from running (soak before), decrease lint (1/2 cup in rinse cycle), remove soap residue from machine, removes smoke smell from clothes.