Shop With Style

Oh great…just in time for the Victoria’s Secret runway show. Curves, curves, curves. That’s all you seem to see and hear about in the fashion magazines today. Celebrity style magazines also have more than their fair share of curves, thanks to such glamazons as Kim Kardashian, Jennifer Lopez, and Beyonce gracing the glosses pages. But if you’ve got a boyish figure, you might find it hard to identify, let alone rock those feminine, figure-hugging styles with any confidence. The good news is that you don’t have to wear Lycra to look like a glamorous woman. It’s all about fit, creative camouflage, and illusion! Here are the basics:

What identifies a boyish figure?  Typically, boyish figures are also known as “lean” or “athletic.” Shaped more like a ruler than an hourglass, your hips are narrow and your waist is small, as are your breasts.

What to avoid:

• Strapless anything
• Shapeless clothes, clothes that are too loose
• Body-con from top to bottom, you need to always wear at least one piece that is more structured with one piece that can create curves

Tops: One of the best features of that lean figure of yours will be your shoulders, so tops with high necklines, crew necks, boat necks, sleeveless, and halter tops will help to show off your shoulders will creating the illusion of a slightly larger bust. Also don’t forget great camouflaging helpers like ruffles and peplums. Not only will they add a distinct air of the feminine about you, but they act to add dimension without adding bulk or swallowing you up.

Jackets: Tailoring is key, as it is with jackets for every other body type. You are looking to add curves, so look for a structured jacket, or  a shorter jacket that nips in at the waist (with a tie or a button), and then softly flairs out. Cropped cardigans also help to “create” a waist for you. Another benefit of your lean figure is that your jackets can definitely have embellishments, and you can accessorize both jackets and cardigans by layering on a thin belt…again, helping to create curves where there aren’t many.

Bottoms: It might be tempting to go for tight or boxy mini-skirts, but instead, you should opt for softer yet flattering silhouettes, like circle or skater skirts. If you’re looking to go longer, fishtail or mermaid shapes are so flattering and absolutely girly. In terms of pants, you can definitely pull off cropped straight cuts, but don’t discount the effect of a great pair of structured, boot-cut trousers. Skinny jeans, leggings, and jeggings will work well, as long as they are paired with a slightly more flowy top, or layers like a ruffled blouse and a short cardigan. Low rise jeans with wide waistbands are a good choice too, and don’t forget that a bit of detailing on the hips and butt will also help to give the illusion of a curvier figure.

Dresses: Obviously, the best dress for the boyish frame will create curves. That means a flowy fabric, nipped in at the waist. Don’t shy away from ruffles, embellishment, or fullness at the bust, since your narrow hips will balance it out. Look for empire and A-line shapes, or dresses with a fuller skirt. The most important thing to keep in mind is that you need movement in your dress, not something too clingy. Dresses with movement will skim your boyish figure but nip in at the waist, giving the appearance of more curves.

Maybe you passed on wearing a crop top this summer because you didn’t think it would suit you. Did you think that because you’ve got a curvy/pear shaped/plus size/boyish/inverted triangle/busty figure that the crop top was one trend that you’d have to sit out on? Well, there are many different kinds of crop tops, and we’re here to show you that no matter what your shape, come next summer, you can rock one with the best of ‘em!

• Pear-shaped – The pear-shaped body is identified by having narrower shoulders and broader hips, so possibly you thought that a crop top would only accentuate those proportions? Well, if it’s the wrong kind of crop top, then yes, it could. So you should look for one that hits precisely at the vertical center of your rib cage. It is best paired with a high-waisted pencil skirt.
• Plus-sized – The key here is all about proportions and fit, and by fit, we mean that the top should neither be too clingy or too loose. You can opt for a long-sleeved crop top, which is also great for camouflaging any arm insecurities you might have. Pair your top with a full skirt that’s nipped in a the waist, to really flatter your shape.
• Curvy – Kim Kardashian knows her crop tops, you gotta give her that. If you look closely at how she works that style, you’ll notice that her crop tops are always slightly longer, hitting at her natural waist. She usually pairs the top with a form-fitting, high-waisted pencil skirt. Why is her fitting so precise? Because she knows (well…her stylist knows) that the curves immediately on either side of that center point will be highlighted while managing to make her waist look super small!
• Boyish – If you try a small, tight, short crop top on a boyish figure, it will only serve to make that figure look even more boyish and rectangular. Instead, opt for one that is slightly looser in fit, one that will camouflage your possible lack of curves up top. If you pair it with a high-waisted maxi skirt or pair of flowy palazzo pants, the pieces will combine to give the illusion of more curves, while keeping your small waist in focus.
• Inverted triangle – This body shape is identified by having slightly broader shoulders than hips. You might have also heard of it referred to as a “swimmer’s physique.” The most flattering crop top for you will be in a halter style, which will draw attention away from the width of your shoulders and torso, while still emphasizing the smallness of your waist. When paired with a fuller skirt, your feminine curves will be showcased!
• Busty – It’s sometimes tricky to dress a busty figure, since the wrong fit can often lead to the wrong kind of attention. So your crop top needs to be perfect on fit. Not too tight, not too loose. You can opt for a high neck and/or long sleeves to minimize the emphasis on your chest as well. Paired with well-fitting (not tight) trousers, a high-waisted pencil skirt, or a full skirt, your look will be utterly on point!

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)!