Your Shape Looks Great.

BODY SHAPES. I have been dying to write an article about this rather tricky subject. Let's face it, we women tend to be hard on ourselves when it comes to our bodies. Often times, this results in a bitter battle between our self-esteem, and our unsatisfied expectations. I have to be honest, this disappoints me. We need to look at ourselves a little closer. What is it that causes this image conflict? Is it because of how some of us view beauty strictly in the mainstream? On TV? Magazines? The movies? Do we create an unreasonable conceptual image, and use that as a "goal", and in some cases a "demon"? I'll admit, some instances may run a little deeper than the issues mentioned, but even those of you can use this guide to feel even a little better by just wearing the right clothes. A little image therapy can't hurt. One of the most important steps to start off is wearing the right size. Choosing sizes to big or small for your body will give you a look of more weight. So,How are you to find these fantastic, image treating garments? Simply use the guide I've devised, and you'll learn your body shape, and the totally mod fashion that goes with it.

TODAY:

THE PEAR SHAPE is, as a matter of fact, the most common body shape of women. Curvy is a perfect word to set the tone. Small on the top, wider as we reach the mid section, rear, and thighs, and slimming down as we reach the knee. Lucky for the pear shaped gals, there's plenty of options to choose from.

A good rule to keep in mind - stick to clothes that outline your curvy figure, creating a beautiful sillhouette.

Baggy or boxy items do not flatter the pear shape, as they will only create the illusion of more weight.

Clothing tips:

1) Darker bottoms paired with lighter tops will draw attention away from your widest area, and actually give balance.

2) Fitted tops will slim. Fitted does not mean tight, these items should just graze the outline of the upper body, not stick to it. They should not end above the waist line, or below. Button down shirts are a great pick for the pear shape, as this will create a vertical flow. Tops with beautiful necklines, or some embellishment around the neckline will flatter, and draw attention upward.

3) Jackets are a pear's best friend. Have plenty. This will help to create balance on the upper body, giving a smoother transition into the bottom. Make sure the jacket sits right on the waist line, NOT above, or below.

3)Keep the bottom half simple. No extra pockets, embroidery, front pleats. Pick structured, fitted bottoms that sit at the waist line & skim along the hip. The fit of the bottom can be wide, flared, or bootcut. Skinny, straight leg pants will draw attention toward the center, and this goes for tight fitting bottoms as well.

4) Pear's look fabulous in skirts & dresses. Choose A-line skirts that sit at the waist line and flow away from the hip. Wrap dresses are a staple for a pear's wardrobe. Both items should sit at, or, right below the knee. No shorter.

5) As for jewelry, choose necklaces & earrings that draw attention upward. The pears chest is the perfect nest for a fabulous jewel.

6) Pears look great in heels. This creates a longer appearance, perfect for the pear.

Stay tuned for the APPLE & HOURGLASS SHAPE!

New Article

PEA COATS are the dISH this week. They have been a staple piece for so many years, and never let us down as they keep up with fashion trends season to season, year to year. Looking to keep warm & still keep a structured look? The pea coat will give a flattering, clean sillhoette, and add a bit of class. I've especially noticed these coats bright colors like orange, purple, and red. Now's your chance to grab one of these, and feel totally mod wearing it.

Here are a couple of colored coats that will spice up your every day outfits:

Find these coats in more colors @ J.CREW

For the color shy, or if you're just looking for a quieter style:

Get these coats @ ESPRIT

That's it for your dISH!

BELTS

Here's one of the latest trends in fashion. Belt's certainly aren't just made to hold up the old trousers anymore. Choose from a rather wide range of cinch belts, corset belts, slouch belts, elastic belts, hipster belts, stretch belts, patent belts, or wide waist belts. Go ahead, catch your breath. 

I do love belts. They tend to pull an outfit together, polish it off. Although I listed the vast variety of belt styles, heres a basic guide to pulling off this totally modISH style.

Skinny belts. What I adore about a skinny belt is you can pull it off in a metallic or bright color because of how thin it is. They look fabulous on the smallest part of the torso, worn over a cardigan or with a dress to eccentuate the curve. If you're going for a super mod look, go for a double wrapped skinny belt. Here's an example:

Find it @ Delia's

Some mod advice:

1) Skinny belts will look best worn on smaller waisted women.

2) When choosing a smaller belt for plus sizes, go for one a bit thicker, as skinnier belts will actually add weight to this figure.

The waist belt. Say it a few times fast. This baby is the most saught after. Cinching the waist, tightly fastened, it brings a mod style to almost any outfit. This belt will sit right above the hips, fastened at the belly button, but don't set your limits just yet. You can definitely wear this belt a little higher or lower. There are endless styles of the waist belt, so please, don't stop with just a few. These babies will create a lovely sillhouette, and add glam to just about any outfit. Pull together a few layers with a waist belt, eccentuate your curves by adding it to a sheath dress. Speaking of dresses, these belts have brought shapeless, or even dull colored dresses to life by adding a pop of color, trend and SHAPE! This style also looks great with high waisted trousers & skirts. 

I especially love these studded waist belts by Linea Pelle:

Find them on Overstock.com

Some mod advice:

1) Color coordinate. It's a must for any belt, but because these babies will stand out, you want them to pull together the outfit. So, although they have potential to make you look fab, be careful!

2) Add a pop. Got a black shift or sheath dress? Add some color by wrapping around a red waist belt. If red's not your color your options are just about endless, BUT be aware of what your are slipping on those feet.

3) Be careful of too much chunk. Chunky sweaters, chunky jewelry, chunky shoes. Sometimes a chunky sweater will look totally mod, but be careful. If you've got a chunky belt, sacrifice something else. Balance, balance, balance!!

Hip belts will flatter any woman with curvy hips. The most laid back of belt styles, this can eccentuate curves in many different styles. Wrap it around a tunic, jeans, a skirt, and it'll add a touch more style to your look.

Your turn:

List your favorite sites to find some mod belts.

Have you pulled together a look you're quite proud of? We're dying to hear.

Questions? advice? Now's your chance.