WHICH WAISTLINE WORKS FOR YOUR BODY?

When styling clients I get asked this question all the time.  There are three waistlines types:  Natural Waist, Drop Waist, and Empire Waist.  Some figure types can wear all three and others one works best for.  See the descriptions and shopping examples to learn what will flatter your figure.

Natural Waist:  Hits in your tummy area.  Typically wear pants waistlines are (though now people are wearing lower hip height pants).  

Wear this...if you have a curvy shape (waist being smaller area), busty, a pear shape, or boyish shape.  This silhouette creates curves and emphasizes a waistline.

Avoid if...if your tummy is your largest area.  The defined waist emphasizes a thicker middle.

This Halston Heritage dress has a natural waist due to the belted waist.  $242.99

This Alice + Olivia Twisted Shoulder Silk Dress natural waistline would look great with adding a belt and a large statement necklace in a bold color.  $297

Kay Unger Floral Print Twill Dress, $270

Marc New York Blue Jersey Belted Dress, $104.99

Diane von Furstenberg Carpreena Ring Stitch Dress, $365

Empire Waist:  Sits underneath of your chest/upper abs and flows outward.  Gives the illusion of a high, defined waist and hides your bottom half.

Wear this...if you have a smaller chest, a tummy, larger hips or bottom, or are pear shaped.

Avoid if...you have a large bust.  This style draws attention to your chest and can make you look bigger all over.

Gianni Bini Minka Sleeveless Tiered Dress, $138

Laundry Empire Waist Banded Dress, $49.99

Speechless Maxi Dress

Drop Waist:  Is great for boyish frames and can help conceal a tummy as the empahsis is towards the bottom of the dress.

Wear this...If you are an apple shape, want to conceal your tummy, or have a boyish frame or are very thin.

Avoid if...you are curvy or pear shaped.  The shape of this cut puts a focus on your hips which will not flatter you.

Juicy Couture Sirius Print Silk Dress, $228

Theory Sheer Stripe Drop Waist Dress, $265

Victoria's Secret Drop Waist Dress (numerous colors), $34.99

Vanessa Bruno Sleeveless Dress, $531

TUNICS...NEW STYLES FOR SPRING/SUMMER!

Tunics are a great cover-up when heading to the beach or the pool.  But they can also be worn during the day and are a great option for the weekends.  Most designers and clothing stores carry tunics so look for patterns and detailing that you enjoy.  Tunics generally fit all figure types and are a looser top so it looks better paired with skinny pants, thin fit capri pants, or pencil skirts.  Tunics are generally bold in color and style so white is always a good option on the bottom.  If you want to add style and flair, try belting your tunic around the hips area.  Just make sure the belt style does not compete with the detailing at the tunics neckline.

Tops

 Tory Burch Iveta Silk Tunic, $395

Tory Burch Trumpet Sleeve Tunic, $375

C&C California Mosaic Zig Zag Tunic, $128

Charter Club 3/4 Length Sleeve Linen Tunic, $69 (also in yellow)

Keylime & Pink Embellished Print Tunic, $108

Dresses

Alexis VNeck Poncho Tunic Dress in Warm Pastel Stripes, $109.77

J Crew Big Apple Tunic Dress, $150

Boden Glam Jersey Dress, $98

  

Cover-Ups

Vix Swimwear Tie Dye Cover-up Tunic, $74 (in blues, grays, and pink/tangerine options)

MAXI SKIRTS

Not sure if this style works for you or how to wear them?  Maxi skirts can be worn in different ways and all have various shapes and styles.  Some can be worn as a skirt and then pulled up as a dress.  Others are more loose and flowy and some are very slim fitted and sexier.  Find different styles, shapes and colors that work for you.

Splendid Maxi Skirt/Dress.  Cinching at the waist creates definition.  Pull it up and wear it as a strapless dress as well.  In white or blue. $88.

For a flowy yet casual look, this Robert Rodriguez skirt and top make a great choice.  Perfect for lounging around the house or a casual night.  $125.

This navy and white striped maxi skirt, with slim fit, criss cross stripe design is very slimming.  Love it with a white top and large colored necklace or a bright colored top, such as green, yellow, or cobalt blue.  Express, $49.90.

The mermaid silhouette of this Haute Hippie maxi skirt in Sea color, draws attention to the waist.  Very slimming silhouette.  $365.

Slits are all the rage this season.  Whether on the side or in the front, show some leg with this look.  The length of the slit determines how much of the leg shows so choose your slit based upon how comfortable you are showing your legs.

BB Dakota Sophie Long Skirt with Slit, $80.

Kevork Kiledjian Long Skirt with Slit, $750.

Free People Long Convertible Maxi Skirt/Dress in midnight.  $88.

Chiffon is big this spring.  The chiffon long skirt over a solid is a great sexy way to wear a maxi skirt but still show some leg.  Lily Rose Maxi Skirt at Kohl's, $17.99.

Maxi Skirts and Dresses are available at all different price points, so if you aren't sure if you are sold on the look, try a more in-expensive option first in a color or style that you like.  

STEP UP YOUR STAPLES...NEW WAYS TO WEAR THEM

It is time to re-vamp your wardrobe for spring and shake up what you've been wearing.  A simple way to do this is to change up the pieces you typically wear together to create new looks or buy a few new spring pieces to breathe life into your staples.

Striped Tee- Many ways to wear that this spring.  Most throw it on with white, navy, or black pants.  Instead try wearing it with a bright colored blazer, cardigan, spring trench, or leather coat.  The bright hue atop the stripes creates interest and appeal.

The second way to wear your striped tee is with bright colored jeans or pants.  Colored jeans in hues such as tangerine, green, yellow, and turquoise can be found everywhere.  Celebs are working this trend as well.

Both of these looks work for all age groups.  

 

Black Blazer- Instead of wearing it over a printed dress or with a monochromatic dress or outfit, try it with bright spring colored pants and a chiffon billowy blouse and heels.

Bop Basics The Fiance Black Blazer, $198 Renee C Chiffon Blouse, $62.75

   

Ann Taylor Cropped Pants, $88 Rachel Zoe Stevie Ankle Band Sandals, $275 

 

SHOE, JEWELRY, HANDBAGS, AND UNMENTIONABLES ORGANIZATION TIPS

Unless you live in a mansion or have paid to have specialty closets built, I'm sure you are lacking in closet space or looking for new ways to show off what you own or find it easier.  Today's tips are for the urbanite and suburbanite looking for new ways to store your shoes and jewelry.

Museum Shelving- clear glass shelves with lighting properly showcase the shoes that you own.  Do it with flair by painting the back wall in a color that captures your personality but won't overwhelm the shoes (lighter colors work better).  Add small pieces of artwork or handbags in between.  Men might want to add things that suit their personality and interests, such as football helmet, sailboats, motorcycle gear.  It is about adding you to your shoe shelves.  Shelving versus cubbies also give more room and flexibility in displaying your shoes.

 

This allows for each pair of shoe to have its own space.  The issue with set cabinets built this way is you can only display or own shoes that will fit in the box.  This becomes an issue if you get rid of or shop for more.

Hanging Shoe/Clothing Display- this is great for someone with lots of wall space.  Make it like an art gallery and hang with different spacing and colors.  Add jewelry and clothing to give it some panache.  Get the look:  Photo ledges, typically used for pictures, can be used to free up closet space.  Determine the proper spacing by using your longest pair of shoes as a gauge.  Paint the ledges and/or the wall behind them to define the space.  Home gallery traditional ledges, $35 each.

Glass Cabinet- an Apothecary Glass Cabinet is a great way to have a boutique like atmosphere in your home.  The glass doors let you see what is inside and show off your favorite pairs.  This is a great option for men and women.  If you don't have enough shoes that you would want to display, mix in art pieces or design pieces that speak to you and your style.  To figure our how many shoes the cabinet can hold, measure your largest pair across leaving at least 1/2 inch space on each side.  Men's shoes and women's shoes typically run the same width for each pair.  If each pair takes 8 inches as an example, then measure to see the length of the shelving or search for a cabinet that contains the number of shelves and length of shelves you desire.  Shoe height varies for ladies so be sure to consider this and check if the shelves are adjustable, as a lot of antique cabinets are not (but you could do the work to adjust them yourself).  Hemnes glass-door cabinet, $320 at IKEA.

Glass Bell Jar- seen above, is an interesting way to show off a favorite air of shoes.  This typically works better for heels as it adds height and dimension, though I have done this for a client with bright blue suede men's loafers.  Glass Bell Jar, $60, Z Gallerie.

Under the bed- is a great place to have pull out drawers or containers for shoes and clothing.  Have a clear lid or covering so you can see what is inside.  Underbed Shoe Chest, $7.98/one or $14.98/two.

Shoe Storage Cabinets-come in all finishes and styles.  Find one that fits your aesthetic, from the ultra-modern to antique.  This can be placed in a closet or as a piece of standing furniture.

Mixed Shelves- glass shelves are inexpensive and look luxurious, but wooden shelves can be used to. Mix up the shelving lengths or line them up in an interesting pattern versus stacking them in a row to create a design aesthetic.

Clear Storage Containers-if space isn't the issue but seeing what you have in your shoe boxes is, try these clear storage containers from http://www.shoebby.com/.  These containers come in all shapes and sizes to fit boots, heels, etc.

Drawer Dividers- this is great for lingerie, bikinis, socks, underwear etc. for men and women.  Leave 6 inch wide sections giving each garment its own space.  Draw Dividers, $5, Container Store.

Decorative Display- if you have tabletop room, display your favorite necklaces, cuffs, rings, watches, etc. on a tray.  Add elements such as your perfume or cologne bottles, candles, etc. to make it more decorative.

Purse/Handbag/Workbag/Manbag Storage- cubbies and shelving with dividers are great to store bags and have them sit where you can see them.  Clutches work well, satchels and manbags sitting on shelves, workbags or longer handled bags can hang from hooks.  Alternate your short and long strapped bags to keep them from rubbing up against each other.

If you have the space, a credenza, is great to show off your collection and work as a piece of furniture to display artwork, lamps, etc. on top.  White low rider bookcase, $349, Land of Nod.