Shop With Style

Sure, that Aztec-print poncho looks fab…but is it going to keep you warm? And that faux-leather biker jacket would really add some edginess to your outfit…but will you end up shivering? Let’s face it, you may be more concerned with wow-factor than warmth, but clattering jaws and having your arms bundled around you does not make the best fashion statement. So wouldn’t it be smarter to be warm and stylish at the same time? We think so…and here’s how!

• Base layers – Ideally, these layers will not be seen, but will definitely be felt. As in warmth. Base layers will help to keep in your body heat, so they will never use 100% natural fibers like cotton (which does not retain heat). The best base layers will be thin and made from breathable Merino wool or synthetic fabric, but wool is better for extreme cold climates.
• Light outerwear – If you plan to be out walking more than inside sitting, you might be able to layer on a heavier sweater here…but if you will be going in and out of the warmth of the inside, you probably want to add a tank top and a lighter sweater (the tank can always be discreetly removed if necessary). It may seem strange to layer a tank over a long sleeved base layer, but the goal is to keep your core warm…and no one is going to see these under layers but you.
• Overcoat – We discussed the best coat shapes for your figure in a previous article (here), but in terms of warmth, this layer will be the one where you can make the most impact, both with style and If going more casual, look for parkas, quilted puffer jackets, thick ponchos, and duffel coats. If you’re after a dressier style, opt for pea coats, wrap coats, structured trench coats, and swing coats.
• Hat, gloves, scarf, socks – Here too, you can add loads of style while adding warmth. Hats are not only cute, but completely practical, since they help to keep your body heat from escaping from the top of your head. For a casual look, go for a slouchy beanie or floppy wide-brim, and for a sleeker, sophisticated look, try a structured fedora or cloche. Gloves are also a must in cold and windy climates…knits for casual looks, leather for dressier outfits. A scarf can add a pop of color or pattern while keeping you cozy too. And if you are wearing closed-toed shoes (and in very cold climates, you should be), be sure to wear thick, warm socks with boots.

Even if you are lucky enough to be one of the 9% of women with an hourglass figure, there’s a chance you don’t realize just how lucky you are. In fact, thanks to the mainstream media images of models in fashion magazines, you might even feel…dare we say…fat…by comparison? If so, that’s an image you need to do away with, because, believe it or not, yours is the figure that’s widely accepted as the “feminine ideal”! And we just so happen to have some tips for fabulously dressing that hourglass!

What identifies an hourglass figure?  The hourglass figure is both round and curvy, but with a smaller, well-defined waistline. The hourglass figure also generally has fuller hips, a larger bust, and generous thighs. As the name implies, the measurements of the bust and the hips are about the same (resembling the curves of an hourglass).

What to avoid:

• Shirts/dresses that are much too big, thinking that more fabric will camouflage your hips and/or bust. It won’t…it will only make you look bigger and sloppier.
• Stiff and/or bulky fabrics
• Elaborate embellishments
• Large, padded/over-accentuated shoulders
• High necklines, turtlenecks

Tops: Tops can be tricky, since you likely have a larger bust. Your best tops are those that are v-necks or scoop-necks… but you don’t want to let them plunge too deep, as that will look downright vulgar on your curves. Also look for wrap tops, belted tops (make sure the belts are thin), and tops with peplum waists.  It may be difficult to fit your shape right off the rack, so pay for a good tailor (it’s so worth it!). And though they may be tempting in Fall and Winter, try to avoid high necklines and turtlenecks, as they will only make your generous breasts appear even more generous (not in a good way)!

Jackets: As with tops, fit is sooo important here. Jackets need to be tailored, and nip in at the waist. Just about any length will work well for you, just as long as it fits at the waist. If it doesn’t, be sure to use a belt to add definition. In terms of dress jackets, two-button fitted jackets are key. Also, single-breasted jackets are far more flattering than double-breasted; single-breasted jackets offer less bulky fabric.

Bottoms: Since your waist is much smaller than your hips, fit is crucial in both jeans and trousers. Bottoms with a bit of stretch in them will help to hug your curves. Opt for boot cut, flares, and wide-legs in darker colors to keep your hips in check with the rest of you. Wide-leg trousers in drapey fabrics are super flattering!

Dresses/Skirts: A-line and wrap dresses are your best friends, and always a good call! Skater, circle, and A-line skirts will also endlessly flatter…just as long as they fit your waist. But your best game can be found with the classic pencil skirt. They provide cover, but still highlight your ultra-feminine curves and small waist!

Not all of us were blessed with gorgeous, full, Angelina Jolie-esque lips… some of us have had to struggle with constantly “drawing in” an upper lip. But there just so happens to be some nifty little tricks you can use to help make your lips look fuller…and only you will ever know you needed them!

• Exfoliate – Exfoliating is not just for your body and face. Our bodies are daily sloughing off the dull, dead skin cells for fresh, new skin cells underneath, and exfoliating aides in that. If your lips are rough, dry, or flaky, a gentle exfoliation will help to remove the dead, dry skin and soften the newer healthy skin underneath. More importantly, it will also make the lips more able to draw in necessary moisture, which in itself can help lips look fuller. Smooth lips will also not only look healthier, but will make any lip product you apply look better.

Since the skin on your lips is thinner and more delicate that that on most other parts of your body, the key to exfoliation here is to think gentle…both in what you put on your lips to exfoliate, and how you do it. A simple mixture of olive oil and sugar, applied to lips with a finger or a washcloth, will do beautifully. Rub in small circles for a minute or two on each lip, then rinse with warm water and pat dry. You can also use Vaseline on a toothbrush, applied in a similar way. Just remember to be gentle!

• Moisturize – Our skin can temporarily absorb moisture (think how much easier body lotion goes on after a warm shower or bath), but without something to help lock it in, the moisture will evaporate throughout the day. Try to avoid those with ingredients such as lanolin and glycerine, as they can sometimes leave lips feeling “waxy,” as if the product hasn’t absorbed into your skin. Also try to avoid moisturizers with a lot of oils; a higher oil content won’t allow the product to be absorbed (think of oil and water in a bottle). When in doubt, opt for natural, like Yes to Coconuts Naturally Smooth lip balm. It’s all natural and absorbs beautifully into your lips.

After exfoliating and before you go to bed, simply smooth the moisturizer over your lips. Since you won’t be talking/eating/drinking it will give your lips the time they need to sit with the moisturizer. When you wake, you’ll be amazed at how your lips look fuller.

• Highlight – Contouring is all the rage now, and your lips definitely need to get in on the trend… especially if you want to make your lips look fuller. A general rule of thumb to remember for make-up is that dark colors recede, or make things look smaller, and lighter colors highlight, or bring to the foreground. A bit of strategically placed highlight will make your lips look fuller and more “three dimensional.” You can use a shimmery vanilla or white colored eye shadow for this, but it works best with a highlighting pencil, like Benefit High Brow Glow.
  1. After applying your desired lip color, lightly run the highlighter over just the cupid’s bow (the center V of your top lip). Blend gently with your finger or a clean shadow brush.
  2. Apply highlighter to the center section of your bottom lip, just outside the natural lip line. Blend gently.
  3. If desired, highlight the two creases running from the bottom of your nose to your cupid’s bow. Blend gently.

Now, simply sit back and admire your perfect pout (but don’t forget to smile too…smiling always helps anyone to look beautiful)!