Recently I've noticed that many women are curious about 'their type' as it pertains to their body shape. Sorry but, Why? No, I'm serious. What does it matter what type you are according to someone elses' categorization? Do you see clothes in the store tagged like GaranimalsⓇso you can pick your apple bottom pant to go with your muffin top, or pear shape pieces that fit together in some symphony of fashion? So if we have no means in which to use these labels, then why are we so curious as to what ours is?
Remember that I told you not to let the tag define you, well don't let some other persons ubiquitous label do it either. Body typing doesn't do anyone any good except those that want to sell you something, e.g. a book or magazine cover. Yes, there are generalizations of common physical shapes, but that's because we aren't amebas and our bodies are governed by certain physical laws. (Of course, mine has broken a few in its day, lol). But that being said, it is a given that the sheer number of our species lends itself to characteristics in our form repeating. But the difference that I would like us all to take note of is the fact that any given combination of these similar forms is nearly endless. Hence, your athletic figure on her ganglion legs combined with my apple bottom don't fit into these '12 fixed patterns.' You are uniquely You!
So how does that affect your shopping? Well...worry less about what your label may be to someone else and concentrate more on how to address your own unique traits. Are you fit? Are your clothes? Well, there's something we can work on. Do you have a defined backside, but an under-defined top? How about thick limbs but a skinny core? See, each variance needs to be handled on a case-by-case basis and you need to just work on what works for You, not what a magazine quiz says you may or may not be. Besides, how does that arbitrary information help? IT DOESN'T!
Do you have trouble areas? Do you want help problem solving? Then ask. For several of us, a tailor will be the best investment. For others, merely changing some poor retail programming can do the trick. While others may still need to see themselves as they really are and start fresh. The bottom line is to disregard the hype and start to learn yourself. We'll do it together.
So your homework for step three is to sit down, privately, and list your wardrobe issues. Do you have to buy a larger top to accommodate a fuller bust, but all your tops are too big in the shoulder and waist as a result? Do you have to shop in the children's department and are defined by their fashion guidelines and want more? Are thing too long/short? Are you having trouble finding things to fit overall? List it ALL! Now, list what You think are some of the reasons why. From happenstance of birth to many nights with Häagen-DazsⓇ, just list it.
As we go along, you are to refer to this list and conquer it! Yes conquer. Because this list represents challenges. Some of your making and others not, but either way you are going to learn how to address every item on Your list and successfully make it a memory.
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Saturday, June 4, 2011
Are you Fit?
Lets embark upon step two. This is the Are You Fit Challenge. This sounds simple but it will be one of the hardest challenges you'll face with your wardrobe. This is where the rubber hits the road, so to speak.
This applies to women that are very thin, to very not. All fitness levels too. There are parts of a woman's body that is prone to fat stores. Like it or not, we actually need it and out body is so efficient that it packs it for us, so we have it wherever we go. For a marathon runner, this is a good thing. For an over weight mother of eight on holiday--not so much. So how does this effect your wardrobe challenges?
Well, proper fit is elemental in how you appear in any types of attire. You need to stop looking at tags. Clothing sizes aren't your friend! They lie! It's true. Depending on how expensive the item/vendor is, will determine that size of your clothing, though the actual size isn't any smaller the more you spend, just the number on the tag in the garment is. This is all basic marketing. If you go to a Mega store and buy a T-shirt in a size 16 for $8.00, you can go to a high-end or boutique store and get a T-shirt that says it's a size 10/12 for $80.00. Wow! You just dropped 3-4 sizes when you walked through the special skinny laser they have at their door. So now they can expect a repeat customer.
Yes, there are some fabric content applications that are different. You can get what you pay for in some cases, but you need to know that you are paying the lion's share of that $80.00, or however much for their masterful marketing, and no they don't have skinny lasers. So does this mean you need to be stuck in the limited Mega Mart fashion hell? No! Just be aware that if you self soothe by looking at tags, you are being scammed. Know Your body and how to fit it.
If you think of fit as it applies to the health and wellness of your physical, emotional and spiritual being, then you need to add to that: your fashionable being too. Do those pants fit? Does that top fit? How about the dreaded under garments? Simply look for a few key elements.
Tops: They need to not cling. If you are wearing a a fitted knit fabric in something like a tank, then it needs to be fitted across the fullest breast, but not over every roll or dimple on your torso. Even a cotton/Lycra/Spandex blend should not bulge over your less fit area and then back in like a body tourniquet. This is not fit and it tells the world that you aren't either. Check the fit by holding your arms at a 90 degree position (picture invisible ski poles). Now turn your lower half just slightly back and forth. The top should cling to your breast, but stay still as your tummy moves underneath. If not, change the size. If the sizes become too lose on top and still are clinging in the mid section then change stores. You might have to pick this particular garment from a manufacturer that you've never dealt with before. And don't hesitate to have something made for you! Compared to the boutique prices, a seamstress is much more affordable.
Now that is an example of the snuggest fit. Looking at different types of tops can be simpler. If it's a fitted or tailored top/vest, them a two finger rule applies. You should be able to get two fingers (not laying flat either) in the rib/bust area in that garment with you without seeing any tugging or pulling. And three fingers at the waist area.
As the tops become less fitted focus on how they fit across the bust, underarm and back area. If you are a victim of back fat and you see those two half moon wedges that sit between your bra strap and your armpit...Stop wearing knits! Stretchy fabric feels good, but what are you saying to the rest of the world, 'I'm blind?' Keep the tunic, or T-shirt, or more often those poly stretch blouses for work, just have them in a different fabric content. That way it lays on your body instead of holding on for dear life and it will make a life altering transformation for you.
Bottoms: We previously discussed muffin tops, so the fit rule applies here. If you stick out farther than you garments waistline, then chooses a different size. The number on the tag does not determine how much you are loved and adored. GET OVER IT! Camel toe is not extinct, only on the endangered list, so be on the look out! If baby got back, don't buy a pant or short that stops before you do. Ladies...FIND YOUR WAIST! I see this more oft than not. Women are forgetting where their waist is and letting some mass quantity manufacturer that's looking to make a profit by reducing the amount of fabric they use determine where they think their waist is.
Hands on hips, do it. Hands on hips, now find the natural area where your body comes in. Great! Now making the 'L' for loser with your thumb and index finger only, run those pointers to your navel dragging your thumbs on an invisible line from those indents on your sides. Your fingers don't travel north or south only forward. Repeat the process in reverse to the rear dragging your finger tips and leading with your thumbs. that is your waist. Like it or not, there it is. Now bring your clothing to that line. I don't care if hip hugger's are the trend. Ask yourself if your hips are the the focal point that you want to world to notice? They aren't and here's why...They make a woman, ANY woman, look fatter. Think back to the 60s and 70s. Can you see them? Those white vinyl drop waist barely there shorts? Those bell bottom jeans? They were fun for some, but not at all flattering for ANY! We are here to help you find the best best You there is and low or drop waisted items are not it. This also applies to dresses, but I digress.
So now that you know where Your waistline is, you know how to see it so you can fit it. If you struggle with weight, then you will not love this process, but I promise that this will make you look better, not worse. Larger women have a more teacup shape in their jeans. Athletic figures are more cylindrical and hourglass figures are just that, while weight challenged figures struggle to carry much more than just barely covers their bones. No matter the shape, or weight, this rule applies to ALL! The variance is in the rise of a pant. In skirts it's the difference between standard and petite, but those are the two things that change the placement of the waistline, so ask, try on, change designers/stores...find Your fit!
What did you learn today? If you can see every ripple, keep moving. If you don't have enough ease in your fit, then it doesn't. If you have to suck it in to get it on, get a new pair! And most importantly...That tag does not define you! So go, define your own tag.
Comments and questions are highly encouraged.
This applies to women that are very thin, to very not. All fitness levels too. There are parts of a woman's body that is prone to fat stores. Like it or not, we actually need it and out body is so efficient that it packs it for us, so we have it wherever we go. For a marathon runner, this is a good thing. For an over weight mother of eight on holiday--not so much. So how does this effect your wardrobe challenges?
Well, proper fit is elemental in how you appear in any types of attire. You need to stop looking at tags. Clothing sizes aren't your friend! They lie! It's true. Depending on how expensive the item/vendor is, will determine that size of your clothing, though the actual size isn't any smaller the more you spend, just the number on the tag in the garment is. This is all basic marketing. If you go to a Mega store and buy a T-shirt in a size 16 for $8.00, you can go to a high-end or boutique store and get a T-shirt that says it's a size 10/12 for $80.00. Wow! You just dropped 3-4 sizes when you walked through the special skinny laser they have at their door. So now they can expect a repeat customer.
Yes, there are some fabric content applications that are different. You can get what you pay for in some cases, but you need to know that you are paying the lion's share of that $80.00, or however much for their masterful marketing, and no they don't have skinny lasers. So does this mean you need to be stuck in the limited Mega Mart fashion hell? No! Just be aware that if you self soothe by looking at tags, you are being scammed. Know Your body and how to fit it.
If you think of fit as it applies to the health and wellness of your physical, emotional and spiritual being, then you need to add to that: your fashionable being too. Do those pants fit? Does that top fit? How about the dreaded under garments? Simply look for a few key elements.
Tops: They need to not cling. If you are wearing a a fitted knit fabric in something like a tank, then it needs to be fitted across the fullest breast, but not over every roll or dimple on your torso. Even a cotton/Lycra/Spandex blend should not bulge over your less fit area and then back in like a body tourniquet. This is not fit and it tells the world that you aren't either. Check the fit by holding your arms at a 90 degree position (picture invisible ski poles). Now turn your lower half just slightly back and forth. The top should cling to your breast, but stay still as your tummy moves underneath. If not, change the size. If the sizes become too lose on top and still are clinging in the mid section then change stores. You might have to pick this particular garment from a manufacturer that you've never dealt with before. And don't hesitate to have something made for you! Compared to the boutique prices, a seamstress is much more affordable.
Now that is an example of the snuggest fit. Looking at different types of tops can be simpler. If it's a fitted or tailored top/vest, them a two finger rule applies. You should be able to get two fingers (not laying flat either) in the rib/bust area in that garment with you without seeing any tugging or pulling. And three fingers at the waist area.
As the tops become less fitted focus on how they fit across the bust, underarm and back area. If you are a victim of back fat and you see those two half moon wedges that sit between your bra strap and your armpit...Stop wearing knits! Stretchy fabric feels good, but what are you saying to the rest of the world, 'I'm blind?' Keep the tunic, or T-shirt, or more often those poly stretch blouses for work, just have them in a different fabric content. That way it lays on your body instead of holding on for dear life and it will make a life altering transformation for you.
Bottoms: We previously discussed muffin tops, so the fit rule applies here. If you stick out farther than you garments waistline, then chooses a different size. The number on the tag does not determine how much you are loved and adored. GET OVER IT! Camel toe is not extinct, only on the endangered list, so be on the look out! If baby got back, don't buy a pant or short that stops before you do. Ladies...FIND YOUR WAIST! I see this more oft than not. Women are forgetting where their waist is and letting some mass quantity manufacturer that's looking to make a profit by reducing the amount of fabric they use determine where they think their waist is.
Hands on hips, do it. Hands on hips, now find the natural area where your body comes in. Great! Now making the 'L' for loser with your thumb and index finger only, run those pointers to your navel dragging your thumbs on an invisible line from those indents on your sides. Your fingers don't travel north or south only forward. Repeat the process in reverse to the rear dragging your finger tips and leading with your thumbs. that is your waist. Like it or not, there it is. Now bring your clothing to that line. I don't care if hip hugger's are the trend. Ask yourself if your hips are the the focal point that you want to world to notice? They aren't and here's why...They make a woman, ANY woman, look fatter. Think back to the 60s and 70s. Can you see them? Those white vinyl drop waist barely there shorts? Those bell bottom jeans? They were fun for some, but not at all flattering for ANY! We are here to help you find the best best You there is and low or drop waisted items are not it. This also applies to dresses, but I digress.
So now that you know where Your waistline is, you know how to see it so you can fit it. If you struggle with weight, then you will not love this process, but I promise that this will make you look better, not worse. Larger women have a more teacup shape in their jeans. Athletic figures are more cylindrical and hourglass figures are just that, while weight challenged figures struggle to carry much more than just barely covers their bones. No matter the shape, or weight, this rule applies to ALL! The variance is in the rise of a pant. In skirts it's the difference between standard and petite, but those are the two things that change the placement of the waistline, so ask, try on, change designers/stores...find Your fit!
What did you learn today? If you can see every ripple, keep moving. If you don't have enough ease in your fit, then it doesn't. If you have to suck it in to get it on, get a new pair! And most importantly...That tag does not define you! So go, define your own tag.
Comments and questions are highly encouraged.
Friday, June 3, 2011
So Who are You Really?
Well with fashion trends coming and going faster than it takes for your computer to become out of date, it's hard to know what you should or shouldn't and what does or doesn't. Never fear, Fairy God Bobi (FGB) is here!
This fashion blog is a landing place for your fashion woes and personal makeovers to take place. You are encouraged to ask questions and present challenges. Color, cut, fabric types and so much more will all be addressed in a very candid and informative manner to present the very best YOU that You can Do! So forget about trends, lets look at the fundamentals of your personal style, or start one that compliments the many beautiful features that make you, YOU.
Warning, there will be some fashion challenges that will be addressed that you will not want to face, but I promise that it's for your own good.
Step one is...If it's uncomfortable, you need to reassess! I'm sure you really love those jeans that saw you through your first pregnancy. Or that tank top that feels so soft because it's fifteen years old. If you aren't wearing it to play sports, garden in or wash the car with...REASSESS! Favorites have a time and a place, but not the grocery store, Girl's Night or the gym. Just because you feel good in it due to an emotional attachment doesn't mean that it's not time to take a long hard look at your relationship with it. Would you keep a person in your life that was unkind or unflattering to you EVERY time you saw them? No! So why would you let your clothes do that to you?
Whenever you step out of your private environment you engage others visually. Solicited or not, people can see you. Sometimes you want them to look, but do you ever want them to just look away? Not really. So don't dress like it. You are going to start a journey of self appreciation through your wardrobe. I'm not asking you to spend thousands of dollars and start over, (though some of you could and you know who you are) I'm merely telling you the reality of the situation...you aren't invisible. So we are going to discuss better decision making uniquely suited to you and your needs by giving you all the tools you need to do so.
Your challenge this week is to truly look for those muffin top pants, and just say no. Bulging bras...just say no. Mid section murderers...You know what to do...JUST SAY NO! Start with this baby step. You will help your wardrobe, your sex appeal, your comfort level, and your inner YOU start to develop a much more beautiful sense of self as we go along, I promise.
No this is not the birthplace of a stretch pant nation, that discussion is coming in another article. Rather,we are merely going to start by putting down that clothing of addiction before we can pick up the clothing of attraction. There are specific laws of attraction and if like attracts like, then you will be drawn to the new you as well as others will be drawn to you too. This will eventually manifest itself when you start to acquire new pieces for your wardrobe. You will be draw to those things that you like and that will like you in return.
The end goal here is a better understanding of what works best for YOU. Besides, confidence is the strongest aphrodisiac on the planet ladies! Professionally or emotionally, this is a very good thing.
This fashion blog is a landing place for your fashion woes and personal makeovers to take place. You are encouraged to ask questions and present challenges. Color, cut, fabric types and so much more will all be addressed in a very candid and informative manner to present the very best YOU that You can Do! So forget about trends, lets look at the fundamentals of your personal style, or start one that compliments the many beautiful features that make you, YOU.
Warning, there will be some fashion challenges that will be addressed that you will not want to face, but I promise that it's for your own good.
Step one is...If it's uncomfortable, you need to reassess! I'm sure you really love those jeans that saw you through your first pregnancy. Or that tank top that feels so soft because it's fifteen years old. If you aren't wearing it to play sports, garden in or wash the car with...REASSESS! Favorites have a time and a place, but not the grocery store, Girl's Night or the gym. Just because you feel good in it due to an emotional attachment doesn't mean that it's not time to take a long hard look at your relationship with it. Would you keep a person in your life that was unkind or unflattering to you EVERY time you saw them? No! So why would you let your clothes do that to you?
Whenever you step out of your private environment you engage others visually. Solicited or not, people can see you. Sometimes you want them to look, but do you ever want them to just look away? Not really. So don't dress like it. You are going to start a journey of self appreciation through your wardrobe. I'm not asking you to spend thousands of dollars and start over, (though some of you could and you know who you are) I'm merely telling you the reality of the situation...you aren't invisible. So we are going to discuss better decision making uniquely suited to you and your needs by giving you all the tools you need to do so.
Your challenge this week is to truly look for those muffin top pants, and just say no. Bulging bras...just say no. Mid section murderers...You know what to do...JUST SAY NO! Start with this baby step. You will help your wardrobe, your sex appeal, your comfort level, and your inner YOU start to develop a much more beautiful sense of self as we go along, I promise.
No this is not the birthplace of a stretch pant nation, that discussion is coming in another article. Rather,we are merely going to start by putting down that clothing of addiction before we can pick up the clothing of attraction. There are specific laws of attraction and if like attracts like, then you will be drawn to the new you as well as others will be drawn to you too. This will eventually manifest itself when you start to acquire new pieces for your wardrobe. You will be draw to those things that you like and that will like you in return.
The end goal here is a better understanding of what works best for YOU. Besides, confidence is the strongest aphrodisiac on the planet ladies! Professionally or emotionally, this is a very good thing.
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