One of the comments left on a post the other day was this: jinnan-tonnyx said… Can you explain more about why trousers pull across the crotch on X shapes? I am an X and whenever I buy a new pair of pants my husband always says they don’t fit right – and I tell him,…
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Here we have one version of a V body shape (inverted triangle) body. You will notice that her shoulders are broader than hips, but there is not a lot of curve through the body either. Some Vs are significantly wider than their hips, others are just a bit wider (like this example). How to dress…
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X body shapes (hourglass figures) have defined waists, but their shoulders and hips are the same width (unlike the A who has wider hips than shoulders). There is a longer straighter slope from waist to hips (unlike the high shelf-like curve of the 8 shape). You can see that the X shape has a much…
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Today I have a couple of examples of A body shapes for you. You will notice that they can be more or less obvious, but that the low hip is where the widest point is (rather than the high hip of the 8 shape). Their shoulders are narrower than their hips (shoulders are taken from…
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On to the next shape – today we have an H body shape (rectangle body shape). What you will notice is that there is not much definition between the shoulders, waist and hips, sure there is a little curve here and there, but not a really defined waist curve. Here is another H – you…
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Have you got a high “shelf” like hip? I often think of this as the Barbie Doll body shape – it’s what I call the 8 shape and is one of the two hourglass shapes (the X shape is the other hourglass shape). What you notice with an 8 shape is that there is a…
DetailsIf you’d describe your figure as boyish, with little in the way of curves you are most likely an I body shape. (Not sure of your body shape? Take the Body Shape Calculator Quiz here). I body shapes tend to have similar width shoulders and hips with a fairly undefined waist. They are very lean…
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Wouldn’t you love a wardrobe of clothes that are super easy to mix and match and create lots of different outfits together as the colours just naturally go together? Fortunately, this is not something that is actually tricky when you’re working with a colour palette that has related colour properties. This is why getting a…
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I’ve just spent a week teaching a personal colour analysis course, and part of what the course involves is general colour theory, this colour theory is used in all sorts of industries, not just image consulting, so I thought I’d show you using interior decorating and art how you can use the same principles when…
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Most O shapes that I’ve met tend to feel self-conscious about their stomach area, so here are some tips of what not to take into the dressing room if you are an O Shape. 6 Styles of Clothes or Clothing Details to Avoid if You are an O or Apple body shape Dresses or tops…
Detailss. said… OFF TOPIC: How’s your Happiness Project coming along, girl? I’m finally starting my own and would love to know what stage you’re at, yourself, at the moment. To answer S – thanks for asking: Given my busy training schedule of late (I just spent a fun week with Pauline from Malaysia who came…
DetailsOne commenter asked “who can wear a boyfriend jacket” ;that my friend is for the V shape. But what should a V shape avoid? Puffed sleeves Lots of shoulder detail Boat necks Wide lapels Straight skirts (if you are very broad shouldered) Shoestring straps Too much waist shaping if you don’t have a defined or…
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Not sure of your body shape? Read up on the Body Shapes Explained posts to help you find it. How to Find the Right Top for X Shape Best to avoid looking at clothing with these features: Lots of horizontal detail across the hips. Patch pockets on the hips Tops that don’t show off your…
DetailsNancy K put in a request (and yes I’m doing all the body shapes) for an 8 shape – so here are some guidelines. If you are an 8 Shape (high hip and bootylicious) you are best to avoid trying on garments that: Flare from the waist – such as dirndl or circle, or any…
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Reader’s question: “Which tops and jackets to make a busty H-shape body with high hips and short, waist, long legs look good?” Flattering tops and jackets for H shape body What are the features that an H Shape should avoid taking to the change room to stop depression setting in when on a shopping trip?…
DetailsI always find that I want to make shopping a pleasant experience. So with a little knowledge you can be prepared to assess a garment before you try it to see if it has a chance of flattering your figure. If you have an A (pear) shaped body, which many women do, it’s that lovely…
Details“Stop Judging, Start Loving” Gok Wan If you want some positive reinforcement, go for Gok – How to Look Good Naked is all about how you are already gorgeous and how you can accentuate that gorgeousness. Gok starts with this in his introduction: “The way you dress tells the world how you feel about your…
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I love books, which is why I was so attracted to work in publishing when I left university, and one of my favourite ever memories was the first time I walked through the warehouse at Penguin, seeing row upon row of stacks of shiny new books. The colours of the covers, the potential enjoyment,…
DetailsToday I’m guest posting over at Middle Ageless for Rosina who has had a burning reader question. How to Disguise an Ageing Neck. While you’re over there, why not check out all that Rosina has to offer.
DetailsA couple of days back I was named the new Plus Size Women’s Style Life Tips Guru! So because I don’t have enough on my plate, I thought I’d add this one more writing assignment into my life. I’m starting to think I should have taken the journalism course when I was at university rather…
DetailsWhen harem pants first hit the shops again I thought to myself – I’ll never be caught dead in a pair of those nappy pants (diaper pants to my US readers). And even though whenever my ex-husband sees me in them he feels he needs to comment on my MC Hammer Pants – I tell…
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