Shop With Style

We know the frustration that can sometimes come from looking at the fashion magazines and then trying those looks on our own body type. More often than not, those fashion mag styles just don’t look right on us. Some even manage to look downright hideous. But it’s not your body shape that’s to blame. Would you blame your size 8 foot for not fitting a size 5 shoe? Of course not. The key to looking better is to know what works on your unique apple-shaped body. Once you know that, you can take inspiration from the fashion mag pics and make those outfits your own!

What identifies an apple-shaped figure?  Typically, apple-shaped figures are known as “top heavy.” You likely have broad shoulders and a full bust, waist, and upper back. You might also have thinner arms, legs, and hips, since you tend to gain weight around your middle. The key to dressing an apple shape is to draw attention away from your waist.

What to avoid:

• Patterns/pictures that will draw attention to your middle
• Any belt, especially those that are thick, will only highlight your mid-section
• Clingy material
• Shirts/dresses that are much too big, thinking that more fabric will camouflage your belly. It won’t…it will only make you look bigger.

Tops: Go for v-necks and slightly plunging necklines; those will help to elongate the look of your torso while camouflaging your middle. And even though you are an apple shape, you can still emphasize that small portion of your upper waist, right under your bust line with empire-waist tops. You can also try wrap tops that drape loosely over your belly.

Jackets: Belted jackets can help create the look of a thinner waist. But in general, coats, jackets, and blazers look great on you when worn open, as this creates a long visual vertical line, lessening the roundness of your middle. In terms of length, make sure the coat ends mid-thigh or longer. Shorter coats only serve to draw attention to your middle.

Bottoms: Pants are one article of clothing for you that can contain lots of embellishment, especially around pockets. Look for trousers with a flat-front and slightly flared bottoms, which will help to create balance with your mid-section. Wide legs would also tend to work well at balancing you out.

Dresses: Look for A-line, empire, and wrap dresses. All of these will help to create the illusion of a waist, without drawing attention to your belly since they nip in and then flow out and away from your problem area. Skirts should be A-line, and you can even get away with shorter lengths, since your legs are an asset!

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!

It never fails. You have a big weekend planned, good friends, lots of laughs… not to mention you’ve got a fierce outfit already picked out. And then, BAM! Right there…in the middle of your chin…a pimple the size of an apple. There’s no way you can get that thing cleared by Friday night, right? Wrong!  We just so happen to have 10 easy and natural cures (that you probably have around the house right now) to send that pimple packing ASAP.

• Toothpaste – This is a tried and true pimple buster. Just make sure it’s a white toothpaste, not a gel-based one. The cleaning properties in it work to absorb oil, while the anti-bacterial properties fight bacteria. You only need a very small amount, dab it onto the pimple, and allow to dry overnight.
• Honey – Put this down on the long list of amazing things that honey can do. It is a natural antibiotic which helps kill the bacteria that causes pimples. It is also naturally hydrating, so it won’t dry out the skin around the pimple (unlike the toothpaste, which might cause a little redness). Dab a small amount onto the pimple and allow to dry (at least an hour). Wipe clean with a warm damp cloth.
• Calamine lotion – Yes, in addition to treating severe itching caused by anything from chicken pox to poison ivy, Calamine lotion can also be used to treat acne. Since it contains zinc oxide, it soothes the redness and reduces the inflammation of acne. It also works to absorb the excess oil in and around the pimple. Just dab some on the pimple before and allow it to dry before you go to bed.
• Orange peel/Banana peel – It sounds odd, but they’ve been known to work! The acidity in the orange peel works to dry out the pimple, and the banana peel contains Lutein, which is a powerful antioxidant that also reduces inflammation. Choose either peel (the orange might be too acidic for sensitive skin), then rub gently in circular motions over the pimple and allow to dry. Then rinse clean with a warm damp cloth.
• Aspirin paste – When crushed and mixed with a few drops of water, made into a paste, and applied to the pimple, this aspirin cure can be remarkably effective. Aspirin is an anti-inflammatory agent, so it works to reduce the swelling and redness. Dab onto the pimple, allow to dry, and leave it on the area overnight.
• Baking soda – Baking soda is another classic cure-all home remedy that has been around for many years. To use on pimples, add a few drops of lemon juice or water to the baking soda, make a paste, and then apply to the area. Allow to dry for 10-15 minutes, then wipe clean with a warm damp cloth.
• Lemon juice – This treatment can be a bit drying for those with sensitive skin, but it really does work. First, make sure you are using fresh, real lemon juice, not something from concentrate or a container. Lemon juice is not only a natural astringent, but it also has acidic properties that help to dry out and treat the pimple. Dab the lemon juice onto the pimple with a cotton swab or cotton ball, and allow the juice to dry on the pimple (20 minutes or so). Then wipe with a warm damp cloth. You can then apply an oil-free moisturizer, if necessary.

And, just like that…you’ll be all set to hit the town with your friends, rocking that perfect outfit, and that nasty pimple will be a distant memory!