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The Apple Figure is the new Earth Goddess!

Posted on July 21, 2015 by Christina

Let’s continue to change how we look at our bodies. Let’s continue to replace the negative can’ts with empowering cans. Let’s look at the old apple body shape and get some new positives to replace the old negatives

Not an Apple but an Earth Goddess

You are the third largest group in the US! You’ve checked your body shape and you are an Apple. Your waist outmeasures both your bust and hips. Maybe not by much. Maybe by a lot. Either way you are an Earth Goddess. Now what? What it it you need to avoid? What do you need to compensate for? NOTHING!!

You Look at the World Differently Than Most!

You care for everyone around you. You could mother the earth. In doing that, you lose yourself. So your body does just that. Hides you from the world. You hide behind billows of flowing kimono style jackets. You hide behind oversized shapeless tops.

Most Earth Goddesses are more comfortable taking care of the world and the people around them then they are on taking care of themselves. Partly it is your personality but partly it is because there is so little information out there for you and so few clothes structured to fit your particular body style.

Your Shape is Just as Unique

Your shape is just as unique as any other and should be designed for just as much as any other body style. Unfortunately many retailers don’t Most have ignored you and assume you will settle for whatever they provide.

What to do…….

First

Get rid of those billowy jackets with yards and yards of material. They do NOT hide you. Remember the test where you were shown two boxes – one white and one black and asked which is the largest when, in fact, they were the same size? Same thing here. Billowy fabric is like the white box. Well fitted clothes are like the black one.

Second

Follow one cardinal rule in ALL your ensembles – the Rule of Thirds. Vertically divide your ensemble into 3 sections (not 4 or 5 or 6! just 3) with the same color or pattern on the outer 2 sections and a brighter, more vibrant, color or pattern on the inner section. Wear garments that open in the front showing a bight center third. This will create a slender line of color that will bring the viewers eyes to your face.

On Top

This Rule of Thirds can be done by wearing an open jacket. Wear long jackets that go well past your waist – a duster or kimono extending to the knees – and let it hang open. While you are best with quiet colors on the outside, that center third can be a riot of color. The eye will follow that burst of color up and down, slenderizing your figure.

Keep the top of your arms covered so they don’t create a 5 vertical sections. That will just confuse things and widen the image you present. Just something covering the top of your arms is all you need.

Bring tops down past your waist to your hips. Don’t go much below your knees with those jackets and kimonos or you get into the billow hide-me effect.

On the Bottom

You want to continue creating long lines with your slacks so stay away from the plazzo pants you used to hide in. Stick to the firmer, more tailored fabrics. At the same time the skinny jeans or cigarette pants will be out of proportions with your tops.

Gain all the length you can by wearing them as long as you are comfortable with and giving them sizable cuffs. You are working to create a long visual line so full length slacks are better for you than crop or capri ones.

Keep your skirts long and slimming as well. Flat fronted Aline skirts are perfect. Keep the length of all your skirts (except evening wear) to knee or mid calf.

Want More?

For more Earth Goddess information check out my page on Earth Goddess Dressing. Then slide right over to the Shop for a guide to shopping for your shape. It comes in a beautiful leatherette pouch that you can slip into your purse to take with you shopping or to check out Earth Goddess specific styles – it’s already sorted out for you!

Contact Me!

Need more info on just what your shape is and what looks best then contact me at IstinaDesign.

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Swimsuits for Body Shapes

Posted on July 9, 2015 by Christina

The biggest hurdle in paying attention to body shapes when you are buying a swimsuit is a simple one. It is one or two pieces of skin tight fabric on your body. No fabric too pleat, pad, or arrange to create dimension and line. So….it becomes all visual work – lines draw your eyes and different colors of fabric that divide the body. There is some variation of cut that will emphasis or deemphasize the shape. Lets dive into it.

For The Earth Goddess (aka apple body shape)

Start with a base of black (always good as black appears smaller and further away) and add moving blocks and lines of color on the outer edges

Earth Goddess thirds

You may occasionally be able to find a swimsuit with layers of fabric. Then use the tried and true rule of thirds and divide the torso vertically into thirds.

If you just aren’t in the mood for black, go ahead and use a bright color and color block. Just be sure that the center block is long and narrow and draws the eye up rather than across.

There are a couple additional ideas on my Pinterest page Earth Goddess Swimsuits

For the Sassy Gal (aka inverted triangle body shape)

Your goal in selecting a swimsuit is to divide and break up your upper torso and keep the eyes moving all over your body rather than focusing on your bust and shoulders. An easy way to do that is with a halter style neckline.

Another neckline that will do the job just as well is the deep v neckline. It does not have to be a deep as this one as long as it emphasizes the deep v.

You can also play with color. Use two colors in the suit and keep the darker or more brilliant color on the bottom with a more muted color on the top. This will help balance your torso.

Take a look at a few more on my Pinterest page Sassy Gal Swimsuits

For the Lady of Movement (aka rectangle body shape)

You can have the most fun with swimsuits of all the bodyshapes. They were made for you!

Go all out for suits that tie and wrap you in a multitude of ways!

Or select a beautiful cutout that moves in and out, creating an hourglass shape right on your torso.

If you are going for a look with less exposed skin, use visual lines to create that movement around your body.

Bikinis will work for you as well. Just keep them very lively and graphic.

There are yet more examples on my Pinterest page Lady of Movement Swimsuits

For the Lady Dive (aka hourglass body shape)

Keep that hourglass going with the cut of your swimsuit.

Emphasizing the curve of your bust is all that is needed in a skin tight swimsuit to accentuate that hourglass shape.

For your body shape even the most basic suit will look good. No way to inadvertently hide those curves!

Check out my Pinterest page Lady Diva Swimsuits for more ideas.

For the Lady Peacock (aka pear body shape)

Make good use of color blocking in your suit. Remember – draw the world’s attention to your head and shoulders. With no extra material to use – color can do it!

Like with other outfits, look for wide horizontal necklines in your suit. They can be gorgeous on you.

If you want to go with a bikini then do it. Again like everything else, put all the action up top. Grab a bikini with fun extra in the upper piece.

Some more fun ideas for swimsuits on my Pinterest page Lady Peacock Swimsuits

More Info

For a better understanding of your body shape visit What is All This About Bodyshapes? on my website IstinaDesign . To determine what your body shape is check out my Find Your Bodyshape. Then over to my Shop that is displayed by bodyshapes!

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5 BodyShapes – 5 Jacket Styles

Posted on May 26, 2015 by Christina

As promised, my suggestions for jacket styles for the 5 Bodyshapes. Are you somewhere between two bodyshapes? Take ideas from both bodyshapes – they will both work for you.

For The Earth Goddess (aka apple body shape)

Buy a jacket that is intended to be worn open. Buying one in quiet classical colors gives you the opportunity to add some bright pizzaz to the blouse beneath and creates that long beautiful line to your face. It can be a variety of lengths – from just skimming the hips to duster (or dress) length. Those lengths will look better than cropped at the waist jackets. Steer clear of huge billowy jackets that attempt to hide you. You will look slenderer with a more tailored look that doesn’t hide you.

For the Sassy Gal (aka inverted triangle body shape)

Asymmetrical lines work great in a jacket for you. Asymmetrical collars and buttons ironically make your torso longer. Snuggly fitted double breasted fronts will streamline your look. Keep the length hip length or longer. Asymmetrical hems look magnificent on you. You are one of the two body shapes that could carry off a peplum (full short skirt added at the waist of a jacket) in a jacket.

For the Lady of Movement (aka rectangle body shape)

Follow your mantra – soft and flowing! Flared sleeves keep the line moving. Angular necklines will too. Single button closures create even more movement as do asymmetrical hems. Any length of hem will look good. Find ways to add drama and excitement in the body of your jacket. You can go to the billowy flowing jackets and kimonos if that is your thing.

For the Lady Dive (aka hourglass body shape)

Corsetted. Corsetted. Corsetted. Keep your jackets fitted and structured. You look best in the classical jacket that is hip length and fitted to your figure with one or two single front buttons and the classic single lapels. A jacket with boning or design elements to create a very fitted look works as well. You are the other body shape (beside the Sassy Gal) that can handle a peplum in your jacket. It will enhance your bust, waist, hip curves

For the Lady Peacock (aka pear body shape)

While you look best in a jacket that is trim in the torso, emblish it to the hilt at your shoulders and neck. Full collars draping to the shoulders and big double collars look great. Asymmetrically closed cowl like collars will look magnificent on you. You can sport yokes that break up the jacket with a different color, trim or even fringe. Fringed or embellished sleeves can add pizzaz to your look.

More Info

For a better understanding of your body shape visit What is All This About Bodyshapes? on my website IstinaDesign . To determine what your body shape is check out my Find Your Bodyshape. Then over to my Shop that is displayed by bodyshapes!

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What About My Lower Half? (Slacks and Trousers for my Body Shape)

Posted on May 19, 2015 by Christina

We focus so much attention on the tops and jackets and dresses that look the best on our body shapes. Often the slacks we buy to go with that fantastic top is an afterthought and may hinder the look we are striving to create. If we do take the time to look for the best for our shape, there is so little information on what will look the best on each body shape.

No more….. Tips and Guides for those shapes

Sassy Gal (aka inverted triangle body shape)

You look best in slacks that create a beautiful long line to your torso. Unlike most of the other bodyshapes, you look great in slim low waisted pants. Skinny jeans and cigarette pants take those long legs of yours a long way. On the other side, cargo pants with all the pockets also look great on you. For the dressier look, stay with the slender leg lines.

Lady Peacock (aka pear body shape)

Don’t distract from all the fun lines and embellishments you are creating at your shoulders. Stay with straight simple lines in your slacks. Keep the shape straight or flared or loose and flowing. Keep the front flat and the pockets subtle (angled at your hips so they merge into the line of your slacks).

Lady Diva (aka hourglass body shape)

You can continue that structured corseted look in your slacks by adding wide corseted waistbands. For the legs of your pants keep the classical line going to keep the bust, waist, hip curves going. Flared or straight legged slacks are the best. You can also sport the wide legged pants as well. Most important is to keep the pants fitted to your shape. You are one of the body shapes that can sport cuffs on your slacks.’

Earth Goddess (aka apple body shape)

Keep your slacks tailored and felt fronted. Those pockets are best if they are angled at the hips and lay smoothly against the slacks. Go for the wide legged look to keep the same line going through your entire length. Keep things sleek and smooth and avoid bulky pockets and trim on the slacks.

Lady of Movement (aka rectangle body shape)

Everything but the classical work great in your slacks. Floppy pants and cropped pants or capris are just two of the styles you wear beautifully. You, unlike the other body shapes, can carry off super wide legged pants. Bulky pockets and other trim work well since they create movement in your line. As always create as much movement as possible.

More Info

For a better understanding of your body shape visit What is All This About Bodyshapes? on my website IstinaDesign . To determine what your body shape is check out my Find Your Bodyshape. Then over to my Shop that is displayed by bodyshapes!

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The Importance of Words (and BodyShapes)

Posted on May 12, 2015 by Christina

One frequent question I get when explaining body shapes with my unique terms is Why? Why all the bother to change the terms referring to the various body shapes? The ones we use are descriptive and accurate.

Why??

Some years back I studied (among many fascinating topics) the effects of words and images on our attitudes and mindsets. The current terms we use to describe body shapes: hourglass, rectangle, inverted triangle, pear, and apple create images that are, at the very least, not empowering. While we can state that words are just words, they have a definite (if subtle) effect on the person who “owns” the term. We hold ourselves up to the implications in our minds of the term.

Let’s Look At It Differently

The way we move around, hold us, and position our bodies over the course of a day affects the shape of our figure. Leaning over a book or computer terminal will promote the shoulders moving forward and discourage the posture that will display the bust. These actions also requires a lot of sitting which will spread the hips. Being someone who moves around a lot, stretches, exercises and runs keeps the figure long and lean. The exercise tends to inhibit the growth of bust and hip. Every body habit affect our figure in some way. To me that is a better way to describe someone’s body shape.

Why not describe what they are rather than some numbers held against and ideal? Why not use an empowering term describing their essence rather than pointing to a negative aspect that essence has created?

Compare Them

Hourglass

The fact is any figure where the hips and bust are within 2 inches of each other and the waist is 8 inches or smaller. The waist can be 34″ as long as the bust is 42″ or more.

The implication is that to be an hourglass has a wasp waist that few of us can ever hope to obtain.

Tend to be created by the person who loves being social and loves to be the center of attention. Posturing and wiggling are used to great advantage.

The message is you are only really an hourglass if your waist is smaller than you can every hope to obtain. You are too think in the waist

Lady Diva Message

Implication is the person has developed this figure because they are comfortable around people and being the center of attention. Posturing and wiggling hips are part of the personality

The message is you love center stage and look best dressing to enhance that.

Pear

The fact – any figure where the hips are more than 4″ larger than the bust and the waist is smaller than either.

Implication is the hips are the biggest part of your figure and is all anyone can see.

Tend to be created by bing very into books, numbers, writing and studious attention to details

The message is that your hips are grossly too big.

Lady Peacock Message

The best look for you to offset the figure created by your habits are to draw all the attention to your face and shoulders. A peacock fans its tail feathers to draw attention. If you had similar feathers they would be around your shoulders drawing attention. Do the same with your clothes.

Inverted Triangle

The fact – any figure where the bust is more than 4″ larger than the hips and the waist is smaller than either.

Implication is that the bust and shoulders are the biggest part of your figure and is all anyone can see.

Tend to be created by women with strong personalities. They hold themselves regally and strongly so not to be dismissed and are often in fields requiring a strong forceful personalities like sales. This regal posture encourages broad shoulders and bust to match. It also encourages long legs to stand tall on.

The message is that you have football shoulders, nothing matches and you are out of proportion.

Sassy Gal Message

You are a strong person and often overpower the people around you. You are sassy. Dress to give the people around you a chance to shine. Look for styles that take advantage of your strong stance and create a long lean look. Reduce the shoulders to allow others in so you are sassy rather than overpowering.

Apple

The fact – any figure where the waist is larger than the bust or hips.

Implication is that you are just flat out FAT!

Tend to be created by women who have mothering personalities. They adopt the role of earth mother nurturing everyone around them. There is a reason that the image we have of ‘big mama’ in our society is rotund – she is nurturing and feeding us.

Earth Goddess Message

Just because you have such a nurturing personality you should allow yourself to be seen by the people around you. Following the rule of thirds and dividing your figure into vertical thirds and using brighter colors in the inside third draws attention to your face and to you. This bring you out into the world for you.

Rectangle

The fact – any figure where the bust and waist is within 2″ of each other and the waist is less than 8″ smaller than either

Implication is that you have no figure. You are nothing. You are not feminine.

Tend to be created by women who love movement. They are into sports and fitness or just have too much energy to sit still and are constantly in motion.

Lady Of Movement Message

Don’t deny that movement. Clothes moving around the figure will create curves and enhance your femininity by adding visually to the bust and hips.

Which Would You Like to Be?

Compare those different messages – the disempowering negative description of one part of your body or a positive view of you. The words you use to describe yourself get internalized and create your self image. Lets make those words beautiful and empowering – creating a positive you.

More Info

For a better understanding of your body shape visit What is All This About Bodyshapes? on my website IstinaDesign . To determine what your body shape is check out my Find Your Bodyshape. Then over to my Shop that is displayed by bodyshapes!

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The Rectangle Figure is the new Lady of Movement

Posted on March 9, 2015 by Christina

Keep Up the Resolve

Let’s keep up our resolve to change how we look at ourselves and continue our resolve to replace the negative can’ts with empowering cans! Let’s turn our attention to another body shape and get some new empowering cans rather than the old can’ts.

Not a Rectangle but a Lady of Movement

The greatest number of us are Ladies of Movement. About 46% of us.

Your hips and bust are within an inch or two of each other and your waist is only a bit smaller (less than 7”). Your derriere tends to the flat side and your legs are long.

Your Personality is Reflected in Your Shape

The world is a complex place for you. You thrive in that complexness and view the world in constant movement. Sweeping lines circling and caressing your figure enhances you like nothing else. Your goal is to keep everyone’s eyes moving when they look at you – creating visual curves and bringing out your beauty.

How to Do It

One way to do this is to use strong blocks of color keep eyes moving around you. Nothing needs to be hidden or changed – be dramatic.

To give your outfits a firm foundation, put the darker colors on the bottom and use the lighter brighter colors on top.

Have fun with the complexity of curves. Stay away from straight lines and boxy squares – they are too static.

Play With the Angles

Play with moving the horizontal lines of your garments to non-standard locations. Who says your waistline has to be at your waist?! Move it around by using short fitted tank tops and high waisted pants. At your waist, add curves there with single button waist closures, belted garments and designs that point to the waist.

Pleat your tops. Add tie sashes at your waist. Wear fitted vests and drapey tops that bring the eyes to your bust.

Play with complexity and movement.

Hems

Three quarter length hems allow for the complexity in your garment and doesn’t cut it off as a mini skirt would. Asymmetrical and pointed hems belong right in the flowing curves you are creating.

On the Bottom

Go for the skirt and dress styles that have the flowing curves in their lines – flared and mermaid skirts or ones with asymmetrical gores below the hips. Skirts with asymmetrical inserted pleats create flowing curves. Empire waisted dresses create curves high on the body.

Stay with defined curves and avoid the long amorphous skirts that go everywhere and straight skirts.

Don’t ignore your slacks. Slacks with hip pockets add a curve to your hips. Cropped pants or capris, like the three quarter length sleeves, create interesting lines and proportions. Floppy pants and jersey pants create a flow and swirl around your legs.

Avoid the Fuss

Fussy trim anywhere will detract from the dramatic curves you are creating especially around your neckline. Ruffles around the shoulder are too soft and fussy. On the other side, knotted fabric makes a strong statement and will add the complexity that you seek.

Necklines

Low diamond and v necklines create the dramatic curves as do wide necklines.

Sleeves Can be Complex too

Keep those complex movements going in your sleeves as well. Make use of flared and fluted sleeves. Why use a one part sleeve when a two part one is so much more interesting? Three quarter length sleeves create interesting dynamics with the lines.

In all your garments, have fun with the curves and movement and add the complexity of unique angles and proportions that only you can bring to an outfit.

Want More?

For more Lady of Movement information check out my page on Lady of Movement Dressing. Then slide right over to the Shop for a guide to shopping for your shape. It comes in a beautiful leatherette pouch that you can slip into your purse to take with you shopping or to check out Lady of Movement specific styles – it’s already sorted out for you!

Contact Me!

Need more info on just what your shape is and what looks best then contact me at IstinaDesign.

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Academy Awards Toots and Oops!!

Posted on March 2, 2015 by Christina

Being public figures and posing so beautifully in ensembles put together with great intent, the actresses on the red carpet at the Academy awards give us great opportunity to see what does and doesn’t work to enhance the figure.

Because of the nature of personality of that shape (the hourglass), a majority of actresses are Lady Diva. They thrive on red carpet attention. This year two Divas gave us both a perfect example of a beautiful unexpected way to enhance her figure and a less than beautiful way to UNenhance the Lady Diva figure.

A Lady Diva is the body shape that is normally referred to as an hourglass. The bust and hips are within 2 inches of death other and the waist is at least 7 inches smaller.

Because her shape already has the curves, the Lady Diva’s (aka hourglass) biggest challenge is not to hide those curves or turn them into something less. Unfortunately Dakota Johnson did just that in the gown she wore that night. While the gown itself is very beautiful, it hides her figure throughly. The shape of the gown is very long and rectangular. There is no real waist to the gown. The one shoulder accent and straight from the shoulders cut of the side seams only serves to minimize her bust and create more of a flat look. Saint Laurent is a fantastic designer but that dress was not for her.

On the other side of the spectrum, Anna Kendrick did something dangerous but unexpectedly gorgeous for her Lady Diva figure. I would normally advice a Lady Diva to avoid the very simple halter style dress that she sports. The thickness of the neckline and the positioning of the opening in the front of her dress only bring the eye out to her bust and back into her waist – beautifully enhancing and reinforcing the curves of a Lady Diva. The gently full gown slowly expanding from her hips down serve to keep her hips in proportion but add a long elegance to her dress. Fantastic. Kudos to the designer – Thakoon.

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The Pear Figure is the new Lady Peacock

Posted on February 9, 2015 by Christina

It’s Still A New Year

Let’s continue our resolve this new year to change how we look at our bodies. Lets continue replace the negative can’ts with empowering cans!

In this mission to revise how we look at ourselves, let’s checkout another body shape and get some new empowering cans rather than the old can’ts.

Not an Pear but a Lady Peacock

Let’s continue our discovery with the second largest shape group in the US – the pear. So you’ve checked your body shape and you are a Pear – your waist is still smaller than either your hips or bust but your hips are more than a few inches wider than your bust. Now what? What is it you need to avoid? What do you need to compensate for? NOTHING!!

You’ve Got Something No One Else Has!

Flip it and look at what your body shape empowers you to do better than any other body shape. That is display! Anything and everything around your face and shoulders. Just like the feathers of your namesake, the peacock.

That Pesky Ideal

Our society’s current ideal body shape and the one we are all striving to emulate is the hourglass. On her, bust and hips are close to the same measurement. By making your shoulders and bust visually larger they will appear closer to your hip’s dimension and closer to the hourglass ideal.

How To Do It

So – your face and shoulders as a display. Just what does that mean? How can you do it?

On Top

In jackets, select ones that are full and well defined at the shoulders. Play with contrasting or exaggerated yokes and shoulders. You can indulge in a lot of shoulder attention and still stay in pleasing proportions.

Scarves

Scarves are your private fantasy land. Have at it with all kinds of beautiful scarves draped around your shoulders and neck. The only style of scarf to be avoided is turning it into a necktie Why would you want to do that and lose all that drama?

Feast On Jewelry

In jewelry, the chunkier the better. All those statement earrings and all those beautifully intricate dangles and huge statement pieces that look overpowering to other body shapes are made just for you. So are all those beautiful statement necklaces placing oodles of big chunky charms around your neck.

Don’t hide. All those small delicate necklaces are beautiful but don’t play up your assets and the long long vertical chains do nothing but point away from your beautiful face.

Sleeves Please

In a dress or top, find ones that have details that draw attention to your bust or shoulders. Play with sleeves. Make them a statement. Go all out. If you want sleeveless in the heat of summer select dramatic armholes that are not cut into the shoulders like the conventional sleeveless top but go out to the armhole – maybe even add a cap to that shoulder.

On the Bottom

Because you don’t want to take attention away from all the drama going on up top, keep the bottom simple and quiet. Use darker colors. Steer away that pencil skirt and skinny jeans. They are statement pieces that draw attention away from the drama at the shoulders where you want the attention to reside. Make it more classic and quiet with wider legs and defined waistlines.

Want More?

For more Lady Peacock information check out my page on Lady Peacock Dressing. Then slide right over to the Shop for a guide to shopping for your shape. It comes in a beautiful leatherette pouch that you can slip into your purse to take with you shopping or to check out Lady Peacock specific styles – it’s already sorted out for you!

Contact Me!

Need more info on just what your shape is and what looks best then contact me at IstinaDesign.

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The Hourglass Figure is the new Lady Diva

Posted on January 5, 2015 by Christina

It’s A New Year

Let’s resolve this new year to change how we look at our bodies. Lets replace the negative can’ts with empowering cans!

In this mission to revise how we look at ourselves, let’s checkout body shapes and get some new empowering cans rather than the old can’ts.

Not an Hourglass but a Lady Diva

In this blog I will look at the body shape that has long been considered the ideal one – the hourglass. There are more hourglasses amongst you than you may realize. Let’s leave the current thoughts and associations with it behind and change the name to Lady Diva. Our personalities help make our body shapes and vise versa our shape affects how we present ourselves to the world. Let’s face it, we love to flaunt those curves!

They’re Not Perfect!

We normally associate Lady Divas with models and those “perfect figures” we all envy. But it is not true. You may have the shoulders of a linebacker or be several pounds overweight BUT if your hips and bust are within 2 inches of each other and your waist (no matter how large) is 7″ or more smaller than your bust then you are an hourglass. Need help knowing how to measure? Check out Find Your BodyShape.

Keep Those Curves

The problem is how to keep those curves visually. It is SO easy for a Diva to lose her shape in a beautiful but not Diva inspired ensemble. The lines of the garment you wear can either enhance or distract from your shape. Look for ways to keep eyes on your bust and hips and the curves of your waist. It doesn’t matter the size of your waist but rather the relationship between your waist and hips and bust.

There are several design elements that will enhance your Lady Diva figure. Side pockets that slant at the hips rather than ones that are straight on your side will keep that waist to hip curve going. Look for dresses and skirts that mimic that hourglass shape of yours. Dresses fitted at the waist and skirts that are A line are good. Waistbands show off your waist and accentuate your bust and hips. Use single lapels and single breasted jackets to keep and repeat that v that points to your waist. Find ones that nip in at the waist or have a single button there.

Keep it Fitted

Enjoy the corseted look. Despite any weight concerns you may have, you want to accentuate your curves. Visually you will lose several pounds! Look for ways to draw attention to your waist and enhance your curves. Keep your garments fitted.

Don’t Lose Those Curves

Don’t lose those curves by wearing styles that hide or change them. It is a delicate balance to maintain and where many Diva lose their shape. High necked tops and blouses with bows and flounces create their own lines that often conflict with yours and do nothing but alter your shape. So do smocks and other oversized and loose fitting clothes. Big decorations as well.

Sleeveless tops pull the eyes that were moving away from the waist towards the bust and shoulders back in and create a distorting line. When possible wear something of a sleeve to keep that line soft. Just about any sleeve will enhance your diva style.

Necklines

Keep your necklines open and comfortable. Wide v necklines are good as are open round ones. Keep your necklines free of clutter. Take advantage of your curves to flaunt necklines such as the halter and off the shoulder v neckline. You can go strapless and make it look beautiful.

Want More?

For more Lady Diva information check out my page on Lady Diva Dressing. Then slide right over to the Shop to get those Diva styles – it’s already sorted out for you!

Contact Me!

Need more info on just what your shape is and what looks best then contact me at IstinaDesign.

There are no comments right now.

The Apple Figure is the new Earth Goddess!

Swimsuits for Body Shapes

5 BodyShapes – 5 Jacket Styles

What About My Lower Half? (Slacks and Trousers for my Body Shape)

The Importance of Words (and BodyShapes)

Compare Them

Hourglass

The Rectangle Figure is the new Lady of Movement

Academy Awards Toots and Oops!!

The Pear Figure is the new Lady Peacock

The Hourglass Figure is the new Lady Diva

Trunk Shows

Find Your Body Shape

Shop by BodyShape

Istina Design Blog

Sizing Chart

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