So I was flipping through this book that I bought way back when (Playing House by Celeste Perron)--trying to figure out some cute party ideas for a dinner party, and I came across the cutest little recipe for flavoring ice cubes! (The rest of the book wasn't that great, but this section was!) How fun--freezing little bits of fruit or herbs right into your ice cubes!
Not only are they original, but the color adds a bit of festivity, flavor--AND it keeps your cocktail from getting diluted. For all of you out there who know everything about the kitchen--this is a new trick for your bag, and for those who are just getting comfortable with the idea of entertaining more--this will earn you rave reviews!
Here are my top 7 ice cube flavors:
1. Cucumber-Basil Puree- Combine 1 cup water, 1 cucumber (peeled and seeded), 1/4 cup torn basil, and some coarse salt in a blender and freeze in an ice-cube tray.
2. Orange-Lime Mix- Combine 1 1/2 cups orange juice, 2 tablespoons lime juice, and 1 teaspoon lime zest in a bowl and freeze in an ice-cube tray.
3. Lemonade Raspberry- Dissolve 2 tablespoons sugar in 1 cup warm water. Stir in 1/3 cup lemon juice. Divide 6 ounces fresh raspberries into an ice-cube tray. Place a sprig of mint in each cube. Add lemonade and freeze.
4. Mojito or mint cubes (my fav!)- Combine 1 part fresh lime juice and 1 part simple syrup, and pour the mixture into ice cube trays. Chop up mint leaves and add a pinch of chopped mint to each cube. Voila!
5. Mandarin Cubes- Chop up mandarin oranges, and place a chunk in each section of an ice cube tray; then fill the tray with orange juice.
6. Grape-Lime Cubes- Combine 1 part water with 1 part fresh lime juice, and pour it into ice cube trays. Dice a mixture of green and red grapes, and place a bit of each into each cube; then freeze.
7. Berry Cubes- Dice a mixture of blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries. Fill an ice cube tray with orange juice, and add diced berries to each cube. Delicioso!
Now what to put them in? To start you out, I found the following pairings on www.squidoo.com:
Tequila Sunrise: Orange, Strawberry or Raspberry ice cubes
Long Island Ice Teas: Lemon or Lime ice cubes
Margaritas: Strawberry, Lemon or Lime ice cubes
Bloody Marys with frozen cubes of V8 Spicy Juice
Tropical Drinks: most any fruit flavored ice cubes (or combinations of different fruit flavors) work well in most tropical drinks
**A cheaper alternative or something for the kids (if you are entertaining them) is using fruit punch or Kool-aid and freeze as ice cubes for tea or lemonade. You get sweetener and flavor all at once without watering down the flavor.
Flavored cubes are especially great for spicing up simple, low-calorie, club soda-based drinks. They make a basic drink more interesting without adding calories and are small on effort, but huge on impact. You can also use contrasting colored cubes to contrast for visual impact--LOVE IT!
A recent spotlight on the new up and coming Tween blog DREW, (imbee’s information hub for the latest in music, film & TV, gadgets, gaming, sports, style and even politics)--caused me to think about how I would style myself if I was a tween (age 9 to 12).
If it was dreary outside or the forecast called for rain, I would definately add my own personal style to my school uniform or my weekend get up by adding a fun rain boot! And now that I think about it, why not add a fun rain boot as an adult (I do!)?
The rain boot is a continued trend from 2008 and 2009 and I am starting to see more variety pop up at stores everywhere! There are basic black for those who like to keep it simple (yet practical), but now there are also plaids, polka dots, psychedelics, and stripes--you name it and I have seen it! Pair them with skinny jeans, a printed scarf and an oversized bag for the perfect look (we know fall is the new spring anyway!)
If you have children, what a fun way to wear a trend together! Picture a little girl with pink boots, or a little boy with yellow and a mom with the Burberry print--how cute!
Rain boots are a fun way to stay young and to keep the whimsy in fashion. Like they say so often on the hit show Project Runway--"lighten up--it's just fashion!"
Have fun this weekend guys--I'm supposed to go to a Hot Air Balloon Festival--I'm excited!
Oh--by the way, all boots pictured are available at TJMaxx RIGHT NOW for $16.99 to $29.99
My summer reading list included a “penny sale” book called Better than Beauty, A Guide to Charm by Helen Valentine & Alice Thomson. It is an easy and surprisingly witty read considering it was originally published in 1938. Some parts are a bit outdated, BUT--most of the information is timeless and includes very valuable lessons. The illustrations are quite amusing too, so check out my highlights below and if you are interested in a copy of your own, see below for the link. Enjoy!
Here are my favorite little excerpts from the book:
“Charm is much like a beautiful dress. It can be acquired. But it means very little unless the personality it covers is clean and properly cared for.”
“People talk about the charm of childhood, as though it were a matter of age. It isn’t. The vital essence of childish un-self-consciousness can permeate your personality through life. It removes fear. It stirs a perennial curiosity about the world and the people in it. It generates so lively an interest in other people that it overcomes narrow preoccupation with self.”
“If one short sentence could be read and learned and felt by all women, there would be fewer neurotic women wandering around. LEARN TO LIVE WITH YOURSELF. Make yourself over as much as necessary to adapt your life to others, but accept yourself as you really are.
“Our true faults do not distort and spoil us. Our refusal to admit them, to accept ourselves as very inadequate human beings, is ruinous. So get rid of your need to think of yourself as a heroine. Know every one of your mean, petty, unreasonable traits. Then learn either to get rid of them or to live with them. And it is just possible that you may erase those qualities that make the record look too unpleasant. But, best of all, you wont need to justify yourself to yourself by all the unpleasant devices so common to women today (no one else need know your honest names for yourself).”
“The woman who makes herself comfortable with those about her, the woman who makes others feel comfortable with her, will be remembered as delightful after the very witty woman has been dismissed as slightly awe-inspiring.”
“Even more boring than the person who tells her troubles is the person who smothers every anecdote under a mountain of irrelevant details. When you tell a story, remember that brevity always was and always will be the soul of wit.”
“Use the gifts you have. Use your warmth, your imagination, your kindness; use your wit, too, as long as it is used kindly. The real life of the party is the person who has no time for consciousness of self. She is too busy exploring others, in the friendliest of fashions.”
“Some people ask “How are you?” and, while you tell them, their minds are wandering to something else, or they are thinking of the next bright remark they plan to make. Do not ask how people are unless you want to know and intend to give them the courtesy of your undivided attention while they answer your question.”
“Ladies remember that you spend most of your time with women—so you are pretty dependent upon their goodwill. The woman who boasts that her friends are all men is headed for social insecurity. She’ll get around in her twenties, but she’ll sit at home after that, unless she changes her tune. Women are the invitation givers, the social arbiters. Make them your friends, give them your staunchest loyalty. If you don’t, you may find yourself practicing allure to the four walls of your own room.”
“It is difficult to give a recipe for successful conversation. But it would certainly include three fundamentals. Assemble good ingredients, mix and spice with your own thinking and serve attractively...”
“…To assemble the ingredients, read. Read lots of different things. Read newspapers that express a viewpoint contrary to your own; read periodicals that have thoughtful, provocative articles; read books that tell of places and persons of current interest; read fiction, of course, but not to the exclusion of all other things. If you do not have time to read your newspapers thoroughly, at least read all the headlines and subjects carefully. ”
“We’re not the first to state it. Try to get inside the skins of others. Think how they feel, how they react, and guide your own conduct by that.”
“Profanity on a lady’s lips used to be a sign that she was no lady, and perhaps not even a virtuous woman. Profanity today may mean anything from bad taste, or a weak vocabulary, to a superficial talent for doing as the Romans do.”
“It isn’t smart to be hard, and we use the word smart in both of its meanings…we are not competing with men, but rather working with them…the successful woman, at home or in business, is the woman who is contributing her efficacy and her talent as a woman…hardness and imitation of men have gone out of fashion.”
“The young [woman] has her set of rules for liquor. At the top of the list are two words—“Go slow.” If you drink at all, nibble food and dance while you make a single drink outlast two or three of your date’s. Alcohol permits elders to feel young and carefree again. But you don’t need it. It will not help your figure, your skin, or your eyes. Indeed it tends to do the opposite. So go slow. And never feel that you are a goody-good if you don’t drink at all.”
“Better than Beauty, A Guide to Charm” by Helen Valentine & Alice Thomson can be purchased on Amazon.com for as little as a penny! Click here --> Buy The Book
Sometimes it is good to look beyond your culture and surroundings and experience something totally different to give you perspective. A great way to do that is to travel abroad--but sometimes that is not always so easy. My back up idea is to rent an amazing foreign film! Here are my top 5 with summaries (wikipedia) and my opinion. Please feel free to share more in the comments! Also, to respect the actors--you have GOT to see them with subtitles--no english voice overs. It really kills the mood.
5. La Vie en Rose
La Vie en Rose (French pronunciation: [la vi ɑ̃ ʁoz], literally "Life in Pink"; released in France as La Môme, referring to Piaf's nickname "La Môme Piaf," meaning "The Little Sparrow") is a 2007 French-Czech-British biographical film about the life of French chanteuse Édith Piaf.
Plot: Essentially the life story of singer Edith Piaf
My review: This movie captured my interest because the actress Marion Cotillard (the wife in Inception) won best actress for playing Edith Piaf (also the singer of the songs they woke up to in Inception). I actually watched it on a long flight home and was so intrigued by the story line. I had heard her songs before but never knew who she was or what her story was about. It is a bit sad, but it kept my interest the entire 140 minutes! My recommendation--you may want to watch this one on your own-its kinda heavy.
4. Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (simplified Chinese: 卧虎藏龙; traditional Chinese: 臥虎藏龍; pinyin: Wòhǔ Cánglóng) is a Chinese-language film in the wuxia martial arts style, released in 2000.
Plot: Two warriors in pursuit of a stolen sword and a notorious fugitive are led to an impetuous, physically-skilled, teenage nobleman's daughter, who is at a crossroads in her life.
My review: This story had some awesome cinimatography and my favorite part was that the women were the bad asses! It was the perfect balance of action and romance to keep both women and men's attention...so feel free to see it with any type of friend....that is willing to read subtitles the whole time that is...
3. Amélie
Le Fabuleux Destin d'Amélie Poulain (French: [lə fabylø dɛstɛ̃ d‿ameli pulɛ̃], French for "The Fabulous Destiny of Amélie Poulain"), or simply Amélie, is a 2001 romantic comedy film directed by Jean-Pierre Jeunet.
Plot: It tells the story of a shy waitress, played by Audrey Tautou, who decides to change the lives of those around her for the better, while struggling with her own isolation.
My review: This story is the cutest little chic flick--and I absolutely adore it! My big sis recommended it years ago when it first came out and actually bought the movie for my mom, but I never got around to watching it until very recently. It is choc full of wit and whimsy and a really cool thing is that you will recognize several themes/songs that are derivatives of/inspired by this movie (Wale's song, Travelocity gnome) So invite your girls over, break out the Nutella and crêpes and prepare to say "awww!!"
2. City of God
City of God (Portuguese: Cidade de Deus) is a 2002 Brazilian crime drama film directed by Fernando Meirelles and Kátia Lund, released in its home country in 2002 and worldwide in 2003.
Plot: It depicts the growth of organized crime in the Cidade de Deus suburb of Rio de Janeiro, between the end of the '60s and the beginning of the '80s, with the closure of the film depicting the war between the drug dealer Li'l Zé and criminal Knockout Ned. The tagline is "Fight and you'll never survive... Run and you'll never escape."
The film received four Academy Award nominations in 2004: Best Cinematography (César Charlone), Best Directing (Meirelles), Best Editing (Daniel Rezende) and Best Writing (Adapted Screenplay) (Mantovani).
My opinion: This movie is HEAVY and extremely raw, but packed full of action! When I say raw I mean children shooting children...slums...shoot outs...crime--anything you can think of that does NOT typically come to mind when you think of Rio de Janeiro. But there is a lot of reality that you should be aware of. Great movie. The guys love it--and make sure you see it with people who are not afraid to voice their opinion, because there is a lot to talk about after you see this movie!
1. Slumdog Millionaire
Slumdog Millionaire is a 2008 British film directed by Danny Boyle, written by Simon Beaufoy, and co-directed in India by Loveleen Tandan.[2] It is an adaptation of the novel Q & A (2005) by Indian author and diplomat Vikas Swarup.
Plot: Set and filmed in India, the film tells the story of Jamal Malik, a young man from the Juhu slums of Mumbai who appears on the Indian version of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? (Kaun Banega Crorepati in the Hindi version) and exceeds people's expectations, thereby arousing the suspicions of the game show host and of law enforcement officials.
Slumdog Millionaire was nominated for 10 Academy Awards in 2009 and won eight, the most for any film of 2008, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Adapted Screenplay. It also won seven BAFTA Awards (including Best Film), five Critics' Choice Awards, and four Golden Globes.
My opinion: This movie was so amazing! You have a roller coaster of emotions as you watch it--sad, happy, disappointment, suspense--you name it! You are truly rooting for this boy to make it--after all of the craziness he has survived and had to tolerate. That's all I can tell you without ruining anything! Okay one more thing--the soundtrack is also pretty amazing--and includes M.I.A.'s "Paper Planes" (if you are into her). 2 thumbs WAY up!
Well that rounds out my 5...share your opinions after you see them!
These days it is more and more common to see people showing off their natural, shorter nails in brighter and non traditional colors! How fun, right? But how do you know which colors would best suit you? You will have your answer soon...
*side note* I have never really been into acrylic both for the damage to your nails and the price. The cool thing about natural nails is that it doesn't have to be expensive and you can express your personality or mood through color far more frequently!
*Back to the point * Oftentimes colors are recommend based on skin tone (light, medium, dark), but I believe that is the wrong way. I think you should pick nail colors and consider your undertones-- the same way that you pick your makeup. For example, some people have yellow undertones, some have red, and some have blue.
My favorite brand of nail polish is OPI (in my opinion the best quality, best color range and the most original names guaranteed to make you smile).
OPI just debuted their "Swiss Collection" for fall....*side note* Every so often OPI comes out with new collections with an overall theme (like India or South Beach) but these themes really don't mean anything--just inspiration for naming the colors. I am convinced that the colors are not new, just old colors repackaged with new names!
I don't want to limit your interest in any of these colors so just scroll through and pick your favorites without any guidelines. Here are the 12 new colors for fall (note the "Swiss" names underneath):
Diva of Geneva . Lucerne-tainly Look Marvelous . Glitzerland
I’m Suzi & I’m a Chocoholic . From A to Z-urich . Color So Hot it Berns
Just a Little Rösti at This . William Tell Me About OPI . Ski Teal We Drop
Yodel Me on My Cell . The Color to Watch . Cucoo for This Color
OPI retails for between $6 to $8 dollars a bottle at Sephora, Ulta or sometimes even the grocery store. If this is a little pricey (or you don't have access to these stores) you can go with some of the polishes at your local drug store. I have had great experiences with Sally Hansen's HD nail color, and Complete Salon Manicure (Fairy Teal shown at the very top)--they have a variety of great, long lasting colors and retail for between $3-$6.
I have recently taken to Milani's "Liquid Metal" collection shown below. "Ms Milani" (far left) is a beautiful pewter color that will work great for fall and retails for about $3-$5 at CVS. They also have a dope "neon line" that I hear lasts long too.
I'm sure you may be expecting some more guidelines on how to choose the color for you like "cool undertones stick to cool colors" and vice versa, but honestly now that I think about it--I don't think there should be any rules! Like I said consider your undertones, but don't limit yourself. Try out what colors you are drawn to or curious about and if it scares you after 48 hours--change it. If all 10 fingers being painted scare you--just paint a couple nails in each of the colors you are considering and wear them around for the day to see how you feel.
If any, there should be some guidelines on HOW to wear the colors. Colors can really enhance a look--and you have to decide if you want a bright pop, a metallic edge, or a classic look. What you want may change daily--and that's totally fine!
*quick example* If you are going out--try something edgy or funky--something you normally wouldn't--and if you hate it in the morning--change it! Or if you are going for a vintage look--try a bold traditional color like a deep red to set off your polka dots and pin curls.
*personal story* I was always scared of reds--but I tried a modern spin on red to go with a festive frock (OPI's "Cajun Shrimp" --similar to "Color So Hot it Berns") and after the initial shock--I loved it. So be adventurous!
Consider what look you are going for and take it there (including hair & make up). The important thing is that you love it--who cares about everyone else ;)
If you are anything like me, you sometimes get bogged down with sorting through the mail. It piles up so quickly right!? Frankly sometimes I just don't feel like shredding, sorting, or filing so the pile can get pretty intense!
Another problem that I have run into is an overflow of thick files from years and years of filing statements and other papers. Since I was never told how long you are supposed to keep this stuff, I did a little research and I found out some answers! Here is what I found:
Keep for ONE MONTH: • Credit card receipts • Sales receipts for minor purchases • Withdrawal and deposit slips (toss after you have checked them against your monthly bank statement)
Keep for ONE YEAR • Paycheck stubs • Monthly bank statements • Monthly credit card statements • Mutual Fund, 401K, any other Retirement account statements
Keep for SIX YEARS • W-2s, 1099s, and other guts of your tax returns • Year end credit card statements, • Brokerage and mutual-fund summaries
Keep INDEFINITELY • Tax returns • Receipts for major purchases • Real estate and residence records • Wills and trusts Keep in a SAFE DEPOSIT BOX
• Birth and death certificates • Marriage licenses • Insurance policies
Okay ladies, let's talk about our bodies. Your body is your temple, right? And naturally you want to look your best whatever your body type may be.
Luckily that is why there are so many different styles and trends. And yes, this means that not every trend and style is for you/your body type!
Fortunately for us women--we are beautiful in many different ways, and thus we naturally have different attributes that we want to highlight.
I have done my best to categorize all of bodies types that I have seen and added an appropriate name for each (you will see). I never liked those negative labels like "pear" or "box" so you will have a much more appealing name to call your body type after reading this blog!
Scroll down to see which one best matches you--and remember, you may be a combination of more than one. Once you find your body type--I have added celebrities to watch, what your style goal should be, and things to AVOID!!! I have also added other names you may have previously heard for that body type.
Please share this link with girlfriends, mothers, sisters, cousins, whoever you think will benefit from reading--the more the merrier--by clicking the tab at the end.
I got most of the information from DressYourBodyType.com which is an excellent resource because they have detailed rules for each body type. Some of the info is kinda dated, but it is still really good! Go to their website by clicking --> HERE.
Have a great day and don't forget to share with at least one friend by clicking the tab at the end!
Love, Rose
P.S. I may do a blog on dressing right for your age too...
The Goddess
(Formerly Petite)
Celebrities to watch: Kelly Ripa, Kristen Bell, Natalie Portman, Sarah Jessica Parker, Jada Pinkett-Smith
Style Goal: to elongate your figure
Characteristics: If you answer "yes" to almost everything below, you have a petite figure and should read on to find out what garment is best for your shape:
You describe yourself as having a “small frame”.
You are typically under 5'3".
You wear “ankle” length pants or may feel “short”.
Balanced proportions.
Avoid:
Over sized tops and coats.
Large, over-powering patterns or prints.
Skirts that are way too full or too-long.
Pants that are too wide or cuffed at the hem make you look shorter than you really are.
Blousy dresses
Be cautious when picking out a long dress. It may swallow you.
No child-sized swimsuits!
The Queen
(Formerly Full Figured/Apple/Diamond)
Celebrities to watch: Oprah Winfrey, Jennifer Hudson, America Ferrera, Queen
Latifah
Style Goal: For the full figure, you want to minimize those curves, but not deny them. Your #1 challenge is finding beautiful, trendy clothes that fit. First, let's find out if you are a full or curvy figure. If you answer "yes" to most of the characteristics below, then read on.
Characteristics:
You have a full bust and hips.
You may be thick-waisted or you have little to no curve in the waste.
You feel your hips and upper portion could be smaller and want to minimize the portion.
Avoid:
For button-up blouses, make sure the fit is right. The space between the buttons may open a bit. To solve this problem, use Velcro to secure the fabric. I hear it works perfect.
Waist length jackets. This piece cuts the body in half. You want to elongate the body not chop off.
Throw out the skirt that is gathered at the waist.
Pleated and ankle-tapered pants.
Big-patterned prints --run the other way!
Tight satin-y dresses or any thin or flimsy fabric will ruin those curves.
Anything too baggy--the volume only makes you look heavier than you actually are.
Granny-style skirt swimsuits - give them to Goodwill!
The First Lady
(Formerly Pear/Triangle)
Celebrities to watch: Michelle Obama, Lucy Liu, Kristin Davis, Jennifer Lopez, Sandra Bullock, Alicia Keys
Style Goal: The challenge is finding apparel that balances the upper portion with the bottom. Our goal is to visually slim your bottom half and play up your top. Choose bottoms with flowing fabrics to de-emphasize your wide hips.
Characteristics: You are generally bottom heavy. You have a slender neck, narrow shoulders, smaller bust, as well as a shapely waist, generous lower hips and full thighs.
So you think you may have a pear shape figure? Well, since this is the most important part of developing your image, let's make sure. If you answer yes to all of the statements below than you most likely have the pear shape figure:
You have narrow shoulders. Your bust and waistline are small and petite.
You have more voluptuous hips, bottom and thighs.
You are blessed with the “derriere” syndrome.
Avoid:
Tops that hit right at the waist or waist length jackets
Don't wear extra full or clingy skirts.
Drawstring pants, gathered, pleated, cuffed, or tapered ankles.
Be cautious when it comes to skinny jeans.
The same rule applies for skirts has it does for dresses. No full and clingy dresses.
Stay away from boy-leg styles or super-high cut legs.
Celebrities to watch: Jessica Simpson, Naomi Campbell, Demi Moore
Style Goal: You are blessed with a generous bust-line but haven't a clue how to balance your shape. You probably feel like people only see what's below your face. Well, lucky for you women pay thousands of dollars to have that bust-line. That's not the only plus; there are ways to wear certain fashions to complement not flaunt.
Characteristics:
Bra size is over a "C" cup.
Usually this shape has a combination of a shorter waist.
With out the right support, your body can look 10 pounds heavier than it really is.
Lower portion of body is petite to normal size compared to the upper portion.
Avoid:
Embroidery, ruffles, gathering, shirring or big patterned tops. All they do is draw more attention to the bust-line.
Flimsy fabrics or bias cuts lack support. Shop for thicker cotton or wool textiles.
Be cautious with Empire waists. Make sure there is no extra fabric gathered or shirred around the bust.
No waist-length jackets
Mid-thigh or narrow skirts make you seem top-heavy.
When shopping for pants or jeans, keep away from super skinny or super full legs. However, putting the boots over the pants works well with skinny jeans. It's a great trick to balance the top with your bottom half.
Run from fullness on top such as ruffles or shirring.
For special occasions, keep it simple on top. Don't let the clothes wear you.
Be cautious when purchasing string bikinis!
The Renaissance Woman
(Formerly Classic Hour Glass)
Celebrities to watch: Scarlett Johansson, HalleBerry, Heidi Klum
Style Goal: The hourglass figure is the dream body shape, so make sure you accentuate your curves well.
Characteristics: You have a small bone structure; defined waist; curved hips; protruding bottom and shapely legs. The body shape that most clothes today are made for.
Dubbed the “perfect body shape,” an hourglass has equally-proportioned bust and hips with a well defined waist. 36-26-37 is an example of an hourglass silhouette.
Avoid:
Hourglass shapes should avoid stiff, bulky fabrics
high necklines
tapered pants
baggy clothing
David Justice...(okay that was a joke--he is Halle's ex husband!)
yeah, that is pretty much it ;)
The Duchess
(Formerly Rectangular/Tall & Slim/Athletic)
Celebrities to watch: Jessica Alba, Nicole Kidman, Cameron Diaz, Gabrielle
Union
Style Goal: With this shape you might look shorter and/or heavier than you really are. So your main goal should be to create a waist on your figure and add more width to your upper and lower part -- transforming your body into a proportionate hourglass shape.
One advantage is you don't have to hide unwanted curves. You can emphasize areas that other women can't. With a tall frame, you want to work in a little curve with different blouses, ruffles, tailored jackets, belts and other fun trends
Characteristics: Do you struggle with shopping for the perfect outfit to bring out your girly side? If you match the profile below, you may have a tall and slim body type:
You have little to no curve in the waste.
You have long arms and legs.
You have a straight shape from shoulders to hips.
You maybe thick-waisted or very lean and tall.
Your goal is to look more feminine.
Avoid:
Leave plain t-shirts, camisoles and solid tanks as a second layer
Don't wear a v-neck alone. Tight v-necks over elongate the body. Stick with blouses and ruffles.
Stray from extremely full or baggy pants. You have the body most trends are made for. Flaunt it!
Straight, boxy mini skirts.
Tight knit dresses.
The Diva
(Formerly Curvy)
Celebrities to watch: Beyonce Knowles, Selma Hayek, Nelly Furtado
Style Goal: For the curvy figure, you want to minimize your curves, but not deny them. Your challenge is finding beautiful, trendy clothes that fit. First, let's see if you are a curvy figure.
Characteristics: If you answer "yes" to most of the characteristics below, then read on.
You have a full bust and hips.
Your shoulders and hips a line evenly.
Your waist curves like an hourglass but you are fuller around the bust-line and lower portion.
You feel your hips and upper portion could be smaller and want to minimize the portion.
Avoid:
For button-up blouses, make sure the fit is right. The space between the buttons may open a bit. To solve this problem, use double sided type to secure the fabric. C'est magnifique!
Throw out the waist length puffer jacket. This piece cuts the body in half. You want to elongate the body not chop off.
Throw out the skirt that is gathered at the waist.
For pants, avoid pleated and ankle-tapered pants.
Big-patterned prints are a big no! Run the other way!
Tight satin dresses or any thin or flimsy fabric will ruin those curves.
Don't wear anything too baggy or with too much volume
Throw out the granny-style skirt suits!
Le Petite Diva
(Formerly Curvy Petite)
Celebrities to watch: Reese Witherspoon, Kim Kardashian and Jennifer Love Hewitt.
Style Goal: For the curvy petite figure, finding clothes that do not overpower your frame and still, minimize your curves is one of your biggest challenges. First, let's find out if you are a curvy petite figure.
Characteristics:If you answer "yes" to most of the characteristics below, then read on.
You have full bust and hips.
Your voluptuous curves are well proportioned with you r body.
Your goal is to elongate your figure.
You feel your hips and upper portion could be smaller. You want clothes that slim your curves instead of drawing too much attention to them.
Avoid:
When it comes to work environment and wearing button-up blouses, be cautious of the space between the buttons. It tends to open a bit. A quick solution to this problem is adding velcro to secure the fabric.
Items to throw out: waist length jackets. This item tends to cut the body in half. Before purchasing any garments be sure it elongates your body.
Stay clear of big prints and patterns that over-power your frame.
Avoid pleated and ankle tapered pants.
Be cautious when picking out a long dress. It may swallow you.
Don't be ashamed of your curves. Channel Marilyn Monroe --she had voluptuous curves and is an icon.
cube tray with orange juice, and add diced berries to each cube. Delicioso!
