Man Style- through women's eyes

Ah men...sometimes they are a bit clueless when it comes to what women look for in a guy! Quite normal actually, since - according to author John Gray- we come from different planets!
It's important for every guy to know that we, ladies, pay attention to our man's style and grooming as much as our own. Our first impression of a man's appearance is very critical and superficial (sad but true), so know that the style you wear sends out a clear message. If you have ever experienced rejection on a first impression basis you need to know these basic facts. Here is a general directory of the messages we (ladies) might get through our first impression of a man's style.
First item the ladies notice is the clothing:
Modern, Crisp and Clean- well put together style= the man has his life together, he takes care of himself and will take care of his lady. He is independent, enjoys the finer things in life and is confident about his/our future together.
Shabby and wrinkled clothing = He just doesn't care, has no style, is very laid-back and may not have a job either. He doesn't know what he wants out of life and "can only offer me the now, not a solid future". May be commitment-phobic. He wants to have silly fun and probably prefers to have pizza on his stained couch with his buddies instead of taking his lady out for dinner! (Included in this category are Sweatsuits..out of the Gym of course).
Out of fashion/ ill-fitted clothes = His mother still picks his clothes or he tries too hard to be somebody he is not. He is insecure: doesn't know who he is and what he wants! He probably has a so-so job (a "yes" man), but he needs time to find himself by taking a good look at the surrounding world and find his place in it.
Then we notice the accessories:
Any watch? Digital...oh oh, bad! Keep the digital watches for the Gym...opt instead for a nice metallic watch (a heavy one), or a leather strap which sends out a message of classiness and power.
Shoes = with fringes?...oh oh, old man! Stick with a modern and fashionable style (regardless of your age), and match the shoes to the clothing style (classy shoes with classy clothes style and sporty shoes with sporty attires). When shopping ask for the lady/clerk's opinion - or two- on a suitable shoe style for you; when in doubt pick a simple style in a solid color (No rubber soles with suits or dress pants!!!) and keep the socks dark with no/or very faint print.
Wear a belt! A good-looking leather belt (no plastic please!!) that matches the pants color or in the color family of the other accessories is always stylish. Even with jeans, a belt can dress them up.
Glasses = No tape or cracked lenses! keep the frame modern; if the lenses are more than 5 years old, it's probably time to pick out new frames! Glasses can be classy and extremely sexy on a man, as long as the frame suits the face shape: Keep the frame opposite to your face shape, square frame styles on a round face shape and oval or rounded frame styles on a squared face or strong jaw line.
Jewelry: a thick metal chain necklace is a bit old-fashion, if you must do the chain, keep it thinner. Silver and leather necklaces with funky pendants are modern and stylish on men, especially when layered in odd numbers. A man's bracelet is also a stylish accessory: metal, leather, fabric are all a good choice, even layered.
We (ladies) are very picky about men's grooming:
Greasy un-kept hair = sends out the same message as shabby clothing...and he-hasn't-showered-in-days message. Take care of all your hair! Trim the annoying nose and ear hair (a huge distraction from the rest of your face). The chest hair is a personal thing with women, where some like it - some hate it...I personally don't mind a little patch (it's sexy!). Hair on the shoulders and back is a different story, it's just not sexy! More ware-wolfish!
As for leg hair on a man, I like it and cringe at the thought of a man's bare legs (but that's me!); I would leave it 'as is', unless the job or sport requires otherwise!
Facial hair can be sexy too, take Johnny Depp or Colin Farrell kept/un-kept goatees! Just take care of it and trim it to perfection to keep it stylish. A big grizzly beard is not very sexy, and sends out the "I don't care/live in a forest" attitude.
Hands and feet = we ALWAYS look at well kept nails. It's ok for a man to get a manicure (actually I recommend it), minus the nail polish of course! Get a pedicure as well, it's nice to see exfoliated skin through the sandals. Nobody wants to deal with foot odour! Visit a doctor if the toe nails have "color" (it's usually a sign that something inside you is not working properly). Funny tan lines are a no-no, like the golfer's ankles, sandals' feet or the farmer's tan, just pay attention in the sun!
Have a bright smile, bleach your teeth and visit a dentist often to have a healthy odor-free smile. For a kissable pout, gently exfoliate the lips with a soft toothbrush and Vaseline, then moisturize with Chap Stick.
Tattoos are a personal choice. I like a tattoo (or two) on a man, especially when it's not too visible through fancy clothing. The arm tattoo on a well defined bicep is enough to make any woman wander how 'bad' this boy really is. A chest or back tattoo is also hot, as long as it is tasteful or artistic. The thing with tattoos is: most women want a gentle but tough guy and tattoos often send out that message (same way as a motorcycle does!). I recently encountered a man with a nice arm tattoo peeking through his short sleeve T-shirt, cradleing his little two month old daughter...I had a melt down!
Attitude is important too: 'wear' an attitude of confidence (not arrogance), nobody wants a desperate man! Don't be too forward when approaching women, be casual and confident. Don't use pick-up lines (so cheesy), opt instead for a sincere compliment that makes a woman blush...not gag! Something on the line of: "Hi, I noticed you from across the room, I'm John" or "Hi, I don't think we met...I'm John", keep eye contact, smile, shake hands and wait for her response.
If she's with friends, focus your attention on her (don't introduce yourself to the whole group), she will introduce you to her friends after.
P.S. Make sure she looks single (No conspicuous rings or boyfriend nearby), and try to establish some eye contact (a couple of times) before you make your move, if she looks semi-interested already, you will avoid embarassing rejection.
But most of all be yourself, sport a smile and you will most likely be liked on the spot!

To sum it up: most women look for a stylish man who has his life together, takes good care of himself (body and soul). He has to be independent and show that he cares: a tough guy with a gentle soul.
Know that what you wear sends out a loud message of who you are, what you care about and your mode of living.
Well...now you know it, so no more excuses (or planet's accomodations)!



John Gray's book is: "Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus"

Be fabulous,

Ella

Personal beauty, fashion trends, style, glamour like celebrities.

http://www.beautybyella.com/
http://community.beautybyella.com/

Why Personal Style?

Living in a fast paced world, where a multitude of interesting people compete for jobs, life companions, or just plain attention, there is a very small window of time to make a lasting impression. Let's face it, everyone wants to be remembered!
Personal Style is one of the first things people see and remember about the individuals they meet.
Further more, "Personal Style" is an outward expression of personality, beliefs and more specifically feelings.

"Style is primarily a matter of instinct" (Bill Blass)

Defining a person's "Personal Style" is not done as an attempt to categorize, or to set the individual into a trend style capsule, unable to grow and transform- it's actually the opposite!- it starts with a deep soul search to identify the individual's taste, true feelings and beliefs and then allowing the person to grow fashionably according to their specific taste.
There are some general categories for styles (projecting their own message): Classic, Dramatic, Eclectic, Bohemian, Romantic and so on, but these are descriptive, not restrictive! Interestingly enough, not two Personal Styles are the same!
Not all Bohemians are "Hippies!" However, through this clothing style we get a sense of the individual wanting to be free of conformities. The same goes with a Classic style, the neutral colors, well tailored pieces and a string of pearls sends out the message that this person enjoys the finer things in life.

Style is: "Accepting who you are and then going with it - which means know who you are, what you like, and what your assets are."
(Diane Von Furstenberg)

By not compromizing who we are, and falling into the glamorous trendy fashion traps, we can creatively express our feelings, emotions and beliefs through our clothing. It's extremely important to follow instincts, when it comes to Personal Style, however it's normal to feel confused and unsure. A Stylist (or Image Consultant) can help to find a personal style - not mold you to their own- by analyzing the lifestyle, likes and dislikes and most of all what fits the person's personality.
Let all the senses guide you to find a Personal Style, be true to it - no matter the trends, but most of all, don't become one of many; the great Coco Chanel once said: "Fashion fades, Style is Eternal"; dare to be memorable!

Be Fabulous,

Ella

Personal beauty, fashion trends, style, glamour like celebrities.

http://www.beautybyella.com/
http://community.beautybyella.com/

"Sex and the City: the Movie" Fashion

Last night, with a group of Fashionistas, I hit the movie theater to get my fashion fix! It was the new "Sex and the City" movie, of course!


A big aficionado of the "Sex and the City" series, I was reluctant and skeptical about a sequel to that... oh so perfect series finale. I gladly admit, however, to have been pleasantly surprised.
Not about to "kiss and tell," so don't expect me to give away the plot; I will reveal-all though, on the amazing fashions.

Already excited about the style-sense of the four "Sex and the City" heroines, I went in with a mission: To examine their fashion evolvement!

The movie (just like the series) is based on the lives of Carrie, Samantha, Miranda and Charlotte, four friends with different personalities, careers and point-of-views and the struggles of their love lives in the magical and hectic New York City.





This time around, the "Sex and the City" (SATC) characters are older and wiser - since about 4 years have passed from the last time we saw them. It is clear then that their lives, like their fashion senses, have evolved. The movie also expands outside of their beloved New York City, showing the influence of another American fashion capital on their style. It is Samantha, of course, who ventures out of her city to Los Angeles, and her fashion choices become clearly disparate from the rest of the girls.






Samantha Jones (played by Kim Cattrall) is "bigger and bolder"- explains the desiner/stylist Patricia Field, in charge of the exciting movie fashions. The character has reached middle-life and some crisis is evident; her priorities have "somewhat" changed (as she tries to settle-down), but her fashion has only become more flamboyant.
By bigger, I assume, Patricia Field is referring to Samantha's shoulder pads. What a blast from the past! Most of her monochromatic bold-colored suits display 80's shoulder pads that rival football players'! Her taste in accessories has also grown...literally! Big bold rings, supersized hats, purses and sunglasses. It is borderline ridiculous at times, but it reflects very much Samantha's eccentric personality.




Dear sweet Charlotte York-Goldenblatt (played by Kristin Davis) has also grown, but more refined and confident. She is a mix of a Jackie O' and a 'Stepford Housewife'. She has groomed herself into a high class lady, with a calmer and softer attitude...there are some spurts of excitement however, throughout the movie, which bring back the"old" naive Charlotte to life!

Her fashionable style consists of classic pieces, neutral and pastel colors, some print and some minimal but bold accessories - mostly belts and oversized sunglasses.

Miranda Hobbes' fashion has mutated. She trades her sophisticated office-wear for polished city-wear. Miranda (played by Cynthia Nixon) has become more "Park Avenue", with bolder metallics, expensive designer dresses, and bolder prints. Ironically, she moved to the suburbs of the city!
Her lifestyle is still hectic, but her fashion has evolved to a very polished and crisp style.




Carrie Bradshaw's fashion choices are always a surprise. Her eclectic style has not changed, and the accessories grow bigger and bolder, as do the prints. There is still a softer, classy side to Carrie (played by Sarah Jessica Parker) that shines through in the movie, like her pearl necklace (that follows her even to bed) and her exquisite shoes- which she fancies as her "jewelry" of choice! Some of our "old" favourites pieces in her closet, like the fur coat and the ballerina dress, make a small cameo in the movie.







There were numerous gasps in the (mostly female) audience for the amazing fashion pieces and for "the closet" -you'll know when you see it!- even more so than for the excessive nudity and sex scenes..."we" girls, have our priorities figured out: "Hhhello Lllover!"

The SATC boys' wardrobe deserves a lot of credit too: they were all sharp looking and stylish. Mr.Big (played by Chris Noth) not only is bestowed a last name but also a über-crisp wardrobe, which reflects his executive lifestyle.



I thought the "Sex and the City" Movie was fantastic, the fashion exceptional and it swayed some SATC non-fans to rent the whole series!
Definitely a must-see movie and money well spent!







Photos Credit: Craig Blankenhorn/New Line Cinema

Be Fabulous,

Ella

Personal beauty, fashion trends, style, glamour like celebrities.

http://www.beautybyella.com/
http://community.beautybyella.com/

Cannes Red Carpet

The prestigious and world famous French film festival is not only a film director aspiration but is also a career boost for any actor. As for us fashionistas, Cannes is the place to show and watch fashion happen! From the strolls around town to film premiers and after-parties the festival is a continuous red carpet event and a back drop to the latest designers' fashions.

The 2008 Cannes Film Festival just wrapped up, leaving us with some memorable fashions on and off the red carpet.

The talk of town was 'Brangelina', and Angelina's blossoming figure. Angelina Jolie looked absolutely stunning in her tailored pieces, customized around her growing figure (she is pregnant with twins, and looking more radiant than ever.)

Angelina Jolie's casual looks consisted in a very pretty and simple white floral Thomas Wylde dress, and a custom Dolce & Gabbana black suit and T-shirt.

Angelina Jolie's red carpet look was, as usual, very elegant and so was Brad Pitt's. The moss green form-fitting gown from Max Azria Atelier is framed by beautiful gold and diamond Bulgari jewelry. The gray custom Reem Acra craftan is also very chic and tastefully adorned, although less form-fitting.

Another hot mama around the streets of Cannes is Cate Blanchett, whose form is enviable! - as she gave birth to a baby boy only 5 weeks prior to the festival. Stunning and original as usual in her fashion choices, she remains loyal to her favourite designers.

In her casual look Cate Blanchett is still very elegant: a floral short Kimono dress with modern and funky wedge heels. On the red carpet, Cate was stunning in Armani Privé gowns and Chopard jewels. I love her tanzanite necklace and Roger Vivier accessories framing the steel gray strapless gown.

Keeping on with the post pregnancy looks, another actress who was stunning at Cannes was Salma Hayek.

Salma Hayek looked beautiful and fresh on the red carpet in a strapless navy YSL gown and in a jade color Balenciaga dress. I'm not crazy about the third peacock-blue Gucci gown- I find it a bit severe and matronly- but I love her choice of Chopard jewelry for all her looks.
Radiant in all her appearances was juror Natalie Portman, who showed up to a multitude of events, and movie premiers.

Natalie Portman's well put together semi-casual black suit is made of a Lanvin jacket, Jenny Kayne shorts, fuchsia Rotter and Friends T-shirt, Te Casan heels and Tiffany & Co. jewelry -which she picks as the jewelry house of choice for all her appearances. I absolutely love her in this look: she is elegant, classy and modern at the same time. Afterwards Natalie hits the red carpet in a ruffled purple Lanvin dress and a vintage black Chanel Haute Couture gown.

She also chooses a couple of similar looks to hit movie premiers, short ruffled cocktail dresses from Lanvin. The choice of color is vibrant and youthful and suits her well.

Newly-wed Eva Longoria Parker shows solo but stunning at the Cannes' events.

Eva Longoria Parker's first cocktail mini-dress is a Zang Toi peacock feathered number -which is a nice change from the "usual" animal prints of the season. She follows with a short metallic Ferragamo backless dress and Kara Ross anaconda clutch. The gold metallic color suits her olive complexion beautifully.

Mrs. Eva Longoria Parker strolls around town in a cute yellow and white 60's inspired dress, topped by oversized shades and see-through bangles. Later that evening, Eva is red carpet worthy in a Mediterranean blue Versace Couture gown and train and Van Clef & Arpels jewels. She is old-Hollywood glamorous in a frothy tulle white Versace Atelier gown.


Elegant and stylish both on and off the red carpet Gwyneth Paltrow is always exciting to watch. In her first look she is wearing a shorter Celine dress, Burberry jewelry and her signature golden gladiators heels (which work with this look because the dress is simple and not over accessorized). She attends the Chopard party in a white Grecian-inspired one shoulder Lanvin dress, gladiator sandals and Chopard jewels. On the red carpet Gwyneth Paltrow wears a navy Chanel gown with a peek-a-boo plunging neckline and Chopard diamonds.

Check the Fashion Community/Gallery/Fashion Events to see more picture of celebrities at the Cannes' events and read my comments on the best and worst dressed. Among other featured celebrities: Julianne Moore and her disastrous red carpet dress, Mischa Barton and her boho looks, Penelope Cruz and her gorgeous style, and many more.

Be fabulous,

Ella

Personal beauty, fashion trends, style, glamour like celebrities.

http://www.beautybyella.com/
http://community.beautybyella.com/

Casual Style: Kate Moss

In the ever-changing world of fashion, trends come and go quickly and, so do the celebrities who adopt them. A few gifted cutting edge Fashionistas however, avoid what the industry dictates and remain true to their style. Coco Chanel, Twiggy, Katharine Hepburn, Jackie Kennedy Onassis and Madonna are some of the Fashion Icons who, not only survived the test of time but, also will go down in history as stylish trend-setters. They don't follow trends, they make trends (and in some cases, revive them).

"Fashion fades, style is eternal!" (Coco Chanel)

Among my favorite trend-setters is the über-stylish Kate Moss.

The 34 year old English supermodel, is credited for starting the Heroin chic style. With her controversial waifish figure and smaller stature, Kate Moss single handedly reshaped the fashion industry of the '90s.

Her personal style is highly influenced by Rock and Roll, and her mixed and matched favourite pieces have shaped the newest trends: black satin lapel Tuxedo jacket, thigh high black suede boots, vests and scarves. Lately she has also popularized trends such as: denim cutoff shorts, Ugg boots, ballet flats, pirates boots, skinny jeans, waistcoats, high-wasted styles and waist-cinching belts.

I admire her style, as she is always dressed very appropriately to the occasion. Kate can be extremely elegant in a designer gown on the red carpet, and the next day stroll around the streets of London in her fedora hat and ankle boots.

"The advice I now give: Never wear a designer look head to toe." (Kate Moss)

Kate's style is often demure, with monochromatic outfits and minimal jewelry, at the same time though, she plays with shapes and textures. Her clothes are curve hugging and her accessories oversized and texturized. She's often seen in gray or black skinny jeans tucked in her thigh-high suede boots, a skinny vest worn as a shirt, a big studded belt sitting low on her hips, a manly watch, a tote bag, big bold sunglasses (or Ray-Ban Aviators) and a large scarf wrapped around her neck. A true Rocker!

Kate rarely wears jewelry, makeup or coiffed locks, which makes her style seem natural and effortless.

Kate Moss' sense of style and trendsetting is highly appreciated in the world of fashion as she has become a muse to a multitude of designers and photographers. The admiration is not equally shared by the PETA group however, as she is a big fan of furs and leathers.

Aside from all the controversy, Kate Moss remains an inspiration and a strong influence to the world of fashion and is an international Iconic Figure who has written a chapter in fashion history.

Be fabulous,

Ella

Personal beauty, fashion trends, style, glamour like celebrities.

http://www.beautybyella.com/

http://community.beautybyella.com/

How To Dress For Body Type

Styling Rules are hardly generic! As a matter of fact, they should always be customized to the individual! Since everyone comes in different body size and shape, it's important to learn what to wear and what to avoid in order to best flatter our body type. Being compared to an object like an Hourglass or a Pear is not always flattering, especially when carrying a few extra pounds that we are trying to lose. It can be hurtful to stand in front of a mirror and examine each flaw in order to determine our body type, but it is a necessary step.
Remember: no one has the "perfect" body!
I have met numerous women who are ready to reveal exactly what they don't like about their bodies, including models and celebrities!
It is extremely important to determine the body type - first and foremost- as it helps to visualize a certain shape; then, we choose what to wear to best suit our body type, to create the illusion of a well balanced figure.

"Fashion is architecture: it is a matter of proportions. "

Coco Chanel

The most important thing to analyze first is the body type we currently have (not the one we want): keep in mind that it has nothing to do with size, it's all about proportions.

All body types come in a mix of fuller and slimmer shapes. The most flattering body shape on a woman is the hourglass, so that is the ideal goal we should try to achieve through clothing, regardless of our current body type. It consists of: Larger shoulders, smaller well-defined waist and, a curvy bottom.

Let's determine firstly, the most common body types, then subdivide them (decide where you fit in best) and finally follow the simple styling steps to better balance the body type.

TOP HEAVY BODY TYPE:

The LOLLIPOP body type: Big breasts, not too broad shoulders, short waist and long skinny legs.

The GOBLET body type: Heavy and square on the top, large breasts, a big tummy and broad back sitting on slender legs.

BOTTOM HEAVY BODY TYPE:

The SKITTLE body type: top half is long and slim and widens at the bottom with saddlebags and a big bum on short legs.

The BELL body type: petite woman with small shoulders and breasts and a large bottom and waist.

The PEAR body type: small at the top with small shoulders and breasts, tiny waist, big thighs (saddlebags), and the calves and ankles don't have much definition.

TOP and BOTTOM HEAVY BODY TYPE:

The APPLE body type: is all round; small shoulders, big breasts and waist, big hips and buttocks and no definition in the calves and ankles.

The HOURGLASS body type: Big shoulders and breasts, small short waist, big hips (bottom half and top half are equal in size).

The VASE body type: It's a stretched Hourglass, more length and a flatter bottom.

The CELLO body type: broad shoulders, large breasts, very big buttocks, hips and thighs (bigger than the top).

NO CURVES/ ATHLETIC BODY TYPE:

The BRICK body type: it's a masculine shape, broad shoulders, flat buttocks, no waist line, straight up and down short legs.

The CONE body type: triangular shape, it's an athletic build with broad shoulders, little breast, no waist line, small hips and buttocks.

The COLUMN body type: very tall, statuesque build. No curves, the top half and bottom half are equal in size.

STYLE SOLUTIONS for EACH BODY TYPE:

TOP Heavy body types:

Goal: Pick pieces that are shaped but not tight. Bring attention to the bottom half of the body.

Purchase a well fitting bra first -more than 85% of North American women (regardless of their body type or bust size) wear the wrong size bra! Most stores offer a fitting session and service for free. Get it right, it makes the world of a difference in how the clothes fit.

Don't wear tops with: ruffles or pastel shades, thin spaghetti straps, delicate camisole tops or complicated necklines. Avoid high neck lines, opt instead for wide v-neck halves, not in a bulky material. Dresses should have strategic gathers under the breast to direct all eyes to your waist. Skirts should be fitted at the top and flaring at the hemline (to balance the top and the bottom), a cute tulip skirt works here. Avoid high waisted "anythings" at all cost! Bell bottom trousers balance out the breasts so you look less top heavy. Shoes should be high and a medium to slim heel to complement the shapely legs. Structured jackets, with one or two buttons under the breast, work well for a bigger bust, make sure the jacket can be buttoned; if a size bigger is necessary, then bring the jacket to the tailor and get both sides (at the waist) taken in, so to achieve an hourglass shape!

Don't Wear: A lot of women who have larger busts try to camouflage it with boxy blazers. A blazer hides a double-D bust, but it makes a waist and the rest of the body look much bigger as well. Remember we are trying to achieve an hourglass body type (not a brick!).

Do Wear: A fitted, single-breasted fitted blazer, making sure it defines the waist but is roomy enough in the bust so that it doesn't pull. The overall effect is slimming and shape-defining.

BOTTOM Heavy body types:

Goal: bring attention to the top half of the body and away from problem areas.

Clingy skirts and tapered pants are a no-no as they highlight the hip, so trow them out of the closet; fuller leg trousers and flared skirts hide bulges. Wear any vertical pattern on the bottom half (to slim the appearance) even if it is in the seaming. Darker colors recede, so go dark on the bottom half of the body (no shiny fabrics) and wear lighter colors on top. To broaden shoulders and bring the attention up to the top half, wear big lapels, color and embellishment on the neckline, even a small shoulder pad will bring balance to a wider bottom.

Avoid side pockets, opt instead for a flat-front trouser. Super-slim jeans and pencil skirts are not a good choice. A defined waist, full skirt and strapless cut dress will bring all the focus to the smaller upper half. High-waisted, belted skirts draw attention to a slimmer waist line (hem it just above the knee), but wear them only if you have smaller breasts. Avoid Empire waist dresses that hide the waistline, choose instead a defined waist and an A-line skirt (wrap dress) to accentuate the upper half. Buy a full, pleated Knee-length skirt to conceal a wide hip. Full, wide-leg gauchos drape without clinging and are a fashionable choice. Avoid tapered cut pants that emphasize a wide middle area, try a boot-cut pant and jeans to create a straight, lean line. Pleats are dangerous and so are too-high waist lines on pants, a flat front trouser on a medium rise (1 inch below belly button) is more flattering on this body type.

A funnel shaped coat (buttons on the top half) is very flattering, also a coat with belt will bring attention to the waist, like a classy trench coat. In the summer wear a thigh-skimming Craftan over the bathing suit, it's a classy and fashionable way to cover up and balance a wider hip.

Cone heels on a dressy shoe will help balance out the bottom half of the body. Straight winter boots will look fashionable and also help cover shapeless calves and ankles. Don't do ankle straps, they brake the line of the leg.

Don't Wear: A straight button-dress that hugs the curves at the hips, making them appear larger, not to mention the pull on the buttons in curvy areas can draw unwanted attention.

Do Wear: A wrap dress to emphasize the smallest part of the body (the upper half), allowing the bottom to A-line over the rest, camouflaging large hips and thighs. A print, especially over a darker background is slimming and will diffuse the attention on the pattern, not on the curves.

"Highlight the positive and delete the negative." Donna Karan

TOP and BOTTOM Heavy body types:

Goal: The secret is not to hide any part of the body, but to show it off, nobody looks good in a straight oversized tent dress. The clothes must be fitted (not tight) and curve hugging.

Wear V-neck fitted cardigans, scooped necks and pencil skirts. Skirts should be fastened on the side and flat-fronted, to avoid extra bulk. Sewn down paneling on the top half of a bottom-pleated skirt holds the tummy at the front and cuts the buttocks in half. Asymmetric pleats on a tulip skirt will lift and bring out the bottom. Wear jackets with a single button (which will emphasize the narrowest area of the body). Traditional jeans don't always work, so choose a tailored, wide legged denim trouser. Avoid tight, wide-cut pants, which can make the bottom look wider; a straighter leg style (full but not flared), that doesn't pull at the hips, is more flattering. Avoid pleats around the hips and belly (they add bulk) or anything high-waisted. Wear waist defining pieces and empire-waist dresses. A fitted trench with belt is great as a coat. Pick chiffon dresses, with a corset. As for shoes, avoid stilettos, curvy girls need curvy shoes! Choose a small, shaped wedge sandal, and a rounded or peep toe shoe.


No CURVES body types:

Goal: Create curves and an ideal hourglass shape.

Draping dresses with patterns will create curves in all the right places (size the pattern to the body- small frame= small pattern, and vice versa). Don't assume any bra with padding will work; it must fit so the seams and padding can't be seen (P.S. Avoid deep Vee shirts with padded bras). Never go bra-less under flimsy fabrics, no matter how small the breast, it's not classy.

A feminine chiffon dress will soften the shape. Halter tops create soft curves. Gathering and pleating on a shirt (at the sleeves and waist) creates curves. Skinny jeans will hug the skinny shapeless hips, giving them more definition. Choose delicate heels to highlight slim ankles. Accessorize, to keep you looking very stylish and feminine (use lace, beads and other feminine detailing). Invest in some cute waist-defining belts to wear over shirts, cardigans, coats, etc.

"Accentuate your best features and disguise what you are not so happy with. Choose outfits that fit and make you look comfortable rather than those that are up-to-the-minute."

Giorgio Armani

Now that you know what to wear, a few last minute tid-bits of advice: Practice the art of camouflage. A well known fashion truth: darker colors minimize, while lighter or shiny ones highlight. To play down a large chest, avoid wearing bright metallic tops. Have a thicker waist? A dark brown belt is better than a white one. Horizontal stripes make anything look wider. To look taller and leaner wear monocromatic tops and bottoms (match shoes to trousers for a longer leg line). To do color safely, accessorize!

Everyone needs a Tailor: it's unrealistic to expect every size 12 dress to fit every size 12 woman in the bust, waist and hips perfectly. That means find a reliable tailor so that the clothes fit your body. Good tailoring can make a cheaper item look expensive.
Styling Dos and Don'ts have nothing to do with size. These days, flattering choices abound for women of all shapes. Love your body, be stylish and confident, it shows that you appreciate and respect yourself.

Celebrity Body types:

Bigger on top: Scarlett Johansson, Salma Hayek, Lindsay Lohan, Carmen Electra, Nikki Blonsky.

Bigger on bottom: Jennifer Lopez, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Shakira, Rihanna.

Hourglass: Jordin Sparks, Beyonce, Jessica Simpson, Halle Berry, Oprah Winfrey, America Ferrera, Tyra Banks.

Apple type: Queen Latifah, Jennifer Hudson, Kelly Osbourne, Mary J. Blige, Britney Spears.

No curves: Debra Messing, Jada Pinkett Smith, Hilary Duff, Pink, Keira Knightley.

For the best swimsuit to flatter your body type, read the latest article!

Be fabulous,

Ella

Personal beauty, fashion trends, style, glamour like celebrities.
http://www.beautybyella.com/

http://community.beautybyella.com/
(most)Body types by: TV style gurus Trinny Woodall and Susannahtype Constantine.

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