Bring it on Melody! I can't wait to get my hands on you remember we have that standing GAP date when you hit the 14's!!

Well OH'ers here we go... I was ask and OK'ed by OH to start a fashion post so I'll try to do it twice a week and I welcome any questions or topics you would like to see more information on, please feel free to PM me. I understand this isn't the same as helping someone in person and I'm working on how to address that so when I come up with the solution I will let y'all know.

The first topic I'll start with is Body Types.

Now we would all love to be an hourglass but reality is we aren't all hourglasses despite what we have been told or want to believe.  There is no wrong shape but there are wrong ways to dress the body types what is good for a pear isn't for a funnel. We have to work with what we have & with that being said lets get going.

An hourglass figure is best defined as ...

• Your bust and hips are about the same size, with the waist being around 10 in. smaller.
• You may be full-figured.
• Your upper arms are average is size, but fleshy.
• You have a medium- to larger-sized bust.
• Your upper and lower bodies are proportionate and curvy.
• When you gain weight, you gain it all over - not just in one target spot.
  The next shape would be the pear and is best defined as...
• You have longer legs and lower body than upper.
• You have a smaller bust.
• Your hips are slightly wider than your shoulders.
• Your upper body is weaker than your lower body.
• You experience lower back pain and less flexibility in your legs.
• You tend to put on weight in your thighs and legs.

A ruler shape is defined as...

• Your upper and lower bodies are proportionate to each other, balancing your shoulders and hips.
• Measurement of chest, waist and hips are fairly equal, creating a straight torso with little curves.
• People frequently say you are slim.
• You have a smaller bust.
• When you gain weight, you usually gain it in your stomach & bottom while your arms & legs stay slim.
  And the clincher...
• When you announce the fact that you don't diet or exercise, other women give you dirty looks.

And we also have the funnel shape...

• Your shoulders are typically two or more inches wider than your hips.
• You have a strong upper body.
• You have a fuller bust.
• Your legs are thin and you have narrow hips.
• Tops never seem to fit you just right.
• When you gain weight, you gain it above the waist.

  Many will argue and say there are more shapes but we all fall into one of the above 4 body types.   Now for dressing the above body types...
For hourglass shapes it's best to wear one piece outfits or monochromatic as to not break the body up into two parts. Dresses are a great tool for dressing and flattering the shape. Be sure you wear proper foundation garments -- I am referring to the proper size fitting bras and underwear. Shape wear is also important in keep things from moving around and makes your clothing lay better on the body.  If you do want to wear separates try lighter colors on top and darker colors on bottom.  
For the pear shapes you want to draw attention to the upper part of your body this makes your face and upper body the focus. Wide belts are a pear shaped girls best friend provided you wear them at your waist and not on the hips or underneath your breast--belts are meant to go around a waist not to support your girls. Empire waist dresses are flattering and hide the tummy & hip issues that pear shapes have.  Once again lighter colors on top and darker colors on bottom will draw attention upwards to your face.  
Our ruler shapes are able to pull off the tight fits... women with this shape are able to play with great patterns, prints and details in their tops to draw attention to what could be called a lack of girls. Wearing pieces that hug the body are best in showing off your shape. If your lean and toned show it off! Flared and fitted pants and skirts are great to play with as extra weight of these pieces doesn't have to be a concern.  
Lastly we have the funnel shape--you have great girls and a small lower body so knit wear can play up your assets. Wearing steep scoop or v-neck tops will not only accentuate your girls it will elongate your body line. Playing with skirts that flare out allow you to show off your lower body and it's flirty. Funnel shapes are able to dark colors on top to minimize the girls rather than play them up since many are self conscious.  

Tips for all body shapes:
To elongate your body line when wearing skirts--keep your hemline at the knee and pair those skirts with opaque tights and shoes that match i.e...black tights and black shoes, taupe tights and taupe shoes also being sure your hosiery matches your skirt helps wearing a black skirt with white stockings and shoes--well let's just not to that.  
Leggings are NOT pants, if you wear them be sure your top comes at least to your mid thigh and despite what many think leggings aren't flattering on plus size shapes they cut off the leg and make the legs look short. Also brightly colored leggings are a NO NO unless your below the age of 21.  
Avoid light washed jeans, jeans with wrinkled details--dark washed jeans elongate the legs and paired with a pointy toe shoe will add inches to your height; granted we (the wearer) can't see the height difference but those around you can think of it as an optical illusion. And jeans don't have to cost a fortune, yes there is a difference in quality and fit but Levis still makes the best in the denim industry!  
Clingy fabrics should we worn ONLY with 0% body fat (and we know that's impossible) so wear great shape wear and foundation garments. Having materials stick to rolls, lumps and bumps isn't cute (unless it's to the girls and then we all like a bit of attention there).   If your going to play up your girls be sure your skirt isn't above the knee or if your showing off the legs be sure your girls are covered--never reveal too much, mystery is really a good thing!  
Shapewear is a GREAT thing for ALL body types regardless we can all use a bit of help here and there!    

Have a great day and enjoy shopping -- it doesn't have to cost a fortune to dress like a fortune!!  

Hey!

Please help me raise money for children with cancer...

View my website and donate!

https://www.stbaldricks.org/get_involved/donate.php?ParticipantKey=2009|61156#

It's that time of year again! The eighth annual St. Baldrick's Day events are Shaving the Way to Conquer Kids' Cancer as thousands of brave volunteers shave their heads in solidarity with children who have cancer and typically lose their hair during cancer treatment.

Worldwide, more than 160,000 children are diagnosed with cancer each year. While advances have saved many children, childhood cancer still claims the lives of more children in the US than any other disease - more than diabetes, asthma, congenital anomalies, cystic fibrosis and AIDS - combined!

Funds raised by the St. Baldrick's Foundation will be used to fund childhood cancer research - to help speed the day when every child with cancer will be guaranteed a healthy future.

On behalf of all children with cancer, thank you for your support of the St. Baldrick's Foundation.

*Please note that Gina will NOT be shaving her head, she will be fund raising and supporting her fellow team members as they shave their's.

PLEASE FORWARD THIS AS AN E-MAIL TO FRIENDS AND FAMILY AND HELP MY RAISE MONEY FOR CHILDREN WITH CANCER!

Hi Kim! I'm here! I was busy with my dad being in the hospital when I first got your email, but he's much better now, so here I am! Good to "see" you again! Love, Joni

Hey Gail! I've been very busy lately.....just barely able to keep up with the BB and stay on top of emails. I've got major work projects going on but have been missing everyone. We are STILL :anger: doing home improvement projects.....It's amazing how you get started and replacing a few tiles turns in to tearing out walls and adding a new deck BUT it is coming along finally and I hope to be finished by the spring. Our new Granddaughter will be here on March 24th so we are getting very excited about that!! How's everything going with you? How was your trip at Christmas? Did Santa find ya'll?? k