The Apple Figure is the new Earth Goddess!

Not an Apple but a Earth Goddess

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

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.

earth goddess layers

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.

earth goddess blocking

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.

SassyGal halter

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.

Sassy Gal 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.

SassyGal2Tone

 

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!

Lady of Movement all wrapped up

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

Lady of Movement Cutout

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

Lady of Movement Lines

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

Lady of Movement Graphics

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.
Lady of Movement Cutout

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

Lady Diva Sweetheart

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

LadyDiva bodycling

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!

Lady Peacock Color Block

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

Lady Peacock Wide Neckline

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.

Lady Peacock bikini

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

is14_adjusted

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)

Studded Dress Slacks

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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Well Fitting Outfit – Well Fitting Bra

wrong-bra-size

A well fitting bra is essential to a beautiful wardrobe. If the bra sags, your outfit sags. If  it doesn’t fit and is uncomfortable then you are fidgeting and your top looks like it doesn’t fit right. A well fitting bra will let you stand proud and comfortable with no bumps and bulges showing through.

The Mechanics are for Elsewhere

I am not going to go through the mechanics of how to measure for a bra here. You can find that on any lingerie site or in any store. Just some thoughts on things to keep in mind when bra hunting – gathered from years of personal experience as a double G cup.

The Lost Retail Market!

Unfortunately the retail market has not caught up to the fact that a great majority of us are very well endowed and try to simply grade up with what is currently on the market. That results in painful bras for all of us!

Tip 1

It not a sales pitch to get us to spend more on a bra by saying be sure the cup contains the entire breast smoothly, it is essential! It may be ‘sexy’ having that cleavage spilling out of the top of the bra but only if you plan on wearing nothing but the bra. Under a blouse you end up with 4 breasts and funny bulges and bumps. In addition to that, the overflow puts additional stress on other areas of the bra and wearing it becomes a game of rearranging and adjusting to move the pain points around. No fun.

Tip 2

If the underwires dig into your sides then you have the wrong bra and probably the wrong cup size. Ignore the clerk and try on a larger cup size (and smaller band) or another style altogether.

Tip 3

The band around your ribcage is not the element that is totally responsible for keeping your bra on. It is only one element. If it is tight then there is something else wrong with the fit of the bra. It job is to keep the cups  located in the right place on the body and to hold it closed but you should be able to slip a finger easily under the strap.

Tip 4

For those of us well endowed women perhaps the greatest struggle is finding straps that don’t want to fall down all the time. We cinch them up tight until they dig into our shoulders to keep them up but they still eventually fall down. We get bra straps to hook the straps together in back and turn it into a t- back but the bra still doesn’t fit right. Persevere! Eventually you will find one where the straps are close enough together to stay up.

And The Biggest Tip of All………

Biggest tip of all – never accept the edits of any sales clerk on how a bra should fit and how theirs is the best and buy based on their ‘wisdom’. I did that for too many years. Buy if it feels divine and like a second skin. If not, keep on hunting. It may take dozens of brands and styles to find the one that works best for you. Then, 5 years later, that one is wrong and you are off again in the hunt.

The hunt will be rewarded when you look in the mirror and that simple top flows smoothly and beautifully over your bust and everything looks ‘perky’ and where it belongs. A well fitting bra can make all the difference in an outfit so persevere!

Fit is important in so many ways to a beautiful wardrobe. For more on the top and to discover the joys of a well fitting wardrobe visit my site www.IstinaDesign.com and my Shop of clothes completed after the order is received and to the measurements sent to us in your profile.

 

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Spring Fashion Trends – per Glamour Mag

On The Pulse of the Fashion World

Glamour magazine came out with some fashion trends for this spring. Some I can relate to and totally see this spring. A few left me scratching my head. What you think?

black-white2015

Black and White Dressing

This is a NEW trend?!! And only for spring?!? This is almost a basic in many of our wardrobes. Almost all of us have at least one in our closet and many of us revolve our whole wardrobe around the theme.

Lady of Movements can use the combo to create the movement that makes them look so good. Lady Peacocks can use the combo to highlight their shoulders and bust. An Earth Goddess can use the combo to divide her ensemble into beautiful vertical thirds. A Sassy Gal can use it to add weight to her bottom to offset her bust and shoulders and use it to breakup her torso. The lady Diva revels in it to enhance her hourglass shape.

It is a tried and true fashion statement. How is it NEW FOR SPING??

gingham 2015

Gingham

I’m so sorry to see this on the fashion runways. It looks like a test garment that I would make for a client to see that the outfit is hanging straight on her and there are no fit problems – while on my way to creating a beautiful custom suit of an entirely different material. There is a place for gingham in fashion – casual blouses, funny pinafores, and the perennial cowboy shirt. In a high style business suit it looks wrinkled and unfinished.

shirtdresses 2015

Shirtdresses

This is one style I am delighted to see returning this spring. They are very comfortable for our busy lifestyles and let us reconnect to the beautiful weather that is returning (or soon to return for some of you!). Any body shape can find a shirtdress style that enhances their particular shape.

This trend is a great one and spot on for spring.

culottes 2015

Culottes

This is another great trend for spring but hardly a new one.

Not every body shape can get away with wearing them. They are not the best for Lady Peacocks or Earth Goddesses. You look best with length in your slacks and the lower part of your figure.

What I don’t understand is why they have to pose the models in such clumsy ways to make culottes look klutzy!

fancy-apron2015

Aprons!

Ok! Here is one ‘trend for spring’ that I totally don’t understand!

How is wearing an apron of another color and style over your elegant dress making it more fashionable? This is one style I hope hits the trash can before making it to market.

Your Thoughts?

What do you think of the upcoming spring trends? Is there a great one on the cusp that I missed?

Check out my styles at my Shop on Istina Design and find what looks good for your particular Bodyshape.

 

 

 

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Do you REALLY Need a Seamstress?!?!

sewing-lady

Do you REALLY NOT want to look polished and professional?”

First Impressions

A woman (or man) whose clothes fit impeccably and enhance their body shape and the image they want to project to the world will stand out as an expert in their field. Isn’t that what we all want? Remember the first visual impression of you sets the image a potential client has of you and therefore your business.

You Must Know What You Are Doing!!

If you look very well put together then you must know what you are doing. If you are slightly off with a shirt that is just a little too baggy or slacks that hang a little funny at the hem because of the duct tape, then your client will subconsciously question just how put together are you in your business. So, unless you are a seamstress already or it is a sideline of yours then  you will need a personal relationship with a good seamstress. A seamstress is instrumental in both maintaining your wardrobe and polishing your professional image.

Oops!

Without a seamstress, what do you do when the hem falls out of a pair of your favorite pants? Duct tape? Don’t laugh, I have removed a lot of duct tape (and the stickiness it leaves behind) in my career as a seamstress. It will affect the line of the pants as duct tape hangs heavy and pulls on the fabric. It also affects the life of the garment.

What about split seams? That hem that is uneven or just falls at the wrong place? Without a seamstress, they sit in your closet forever collecting dust and limiting your available wardrobe. Gather up that pile. Find a good seamstress and be surprised as what great garments you really have.

Image, Image, Image

That leads us to your professional image. While the exact number may vary with experts,  you have a matter of seconds to make a favorable impression on the people you meet. That is true not only with strangers but on a day to day basis with the people you interact with in business. Their opinion on your capability that day is formed in seconds from seeing you.

Visual Communications

Then there is the little fact that verbal communication accounts for only 7% of the communication you do. A large percentage of the remaining 97% is visual – back to how you look. A polished ensemble that fits you well, is attractively accessorized and looks good on your particular body shape will communicate an impression of being capable and professional. It tells people your know what you are doing and are more than capable of doing it for them.

Making That First Impression

Isn’t that what making a first impression is all about? All it takes is a good seamstress and an understanding of your body shape and how to enhance and empower it by how you select and wear your clothes.

A Better Understanding??

To get a better understanding of your body shape check out the pages under All About BodyShapes on my website at IstinaDesign and check out my blogs on body style. Then shop in my online shop devoted to garments for each specific body style. The garments are construction when ordered so the fit is right there.

For a greater understanding of body styles order my free e-book Know Your Body Shape after checking out what your body shape is at Find Your Body Shape.

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The Rectangle Figure is the new Lady of Movement

Not an Rectangle but a Lady of Movement

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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The Pear Figure is the new Lady Peacock

 

Not an Pear but a Lady Peacock

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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Coats for All Shapes, Body Shapes that is.

5 body shapes and the right coat

Coats for body shapes

Winter is Here!

Winter is here now and most of us are spending a large part of our lives in coats.

Now that you understand your body shape the next question is “What is the best coat for me?”. Here are the five basic shapes and the best coat silhouette each one.

Sassy Gal (aka inverted triangle) Body Shape

Your broad shoulders give you a great natural posture and make coats look great on you. The object is to create more of a curvy silhouette. Choose a fitted and belted jacket. Big flap hip pockets add to the look you are going for. Don’t get carried away with fancy or oversized collars – stay classical. Going with a small check pattern will also draw attention away from the shoulders and add to the overall look you want.

Lady Diva (aka hourglass) Body Shape

You have the shape everyone is going for just don’t lose it in the bulkiness of the coat. Keep the coat a fitted one with a v necked collar. Emphasize the v neck and wear your coat with the collar button open – use a scarf to keep your neck warm. You can sport the hip pockets and wide collar – just as long as the waist is fitted snugly. Don’t chop yourself in half with a tie belt. It will trash your silhouette. If you wear a belt make it a buckled one over a fitted coat.

Earth Goddess (aka apple) Body Shape

If it is warm enough you can still employ the Rule of Thirds and leave your coat open down the front. Otherwise, look for a coat that has a pattern or design going down the center front of the coat (perhaps even around the neck in a shawl collar. Keep the elements simple and steer away from big lapels – a lapel less duster style coat works best on you. Add a long scarf hanging around your neck and traveling down your center front to break up your torso into those thirds. You can sport simple beautifully

Lady Peacock (aka pear) Body Shape

Like everything else in your wardrobe, you along can play with all the unique and different collars and lapels around. The funnel shaped collar is carried off best by you as are huge lapels and double ones. Wear all the scarves in all their unique ways that you want. With all your focus on the face and shoulders just let the coat skim your waist and hips and fall smoothly.

Lady of Movement (aka rectangle) Body Shape

Like the rest of your ensembles, keep it flowing. Your shape handles belted coats the best – letting the material puff out above and below the belting. Add hip pockets and dynamic lapels and you are set. Because you are usually tall for your size the three quarter length coat is best for you and keeps you in proportion.

Above all, buy a coat you love and feel great in! Dress to your likes and not to our shoulds and, above all,  have fun!

 

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Trunk Shows

To avoid the major markup that retail stores have to impose on clothing to cover the cost of retail I am using a different way to get my clothing to you - in home trunk shows. Invite a few of your [...]

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