Winter Stockings

Farmers have their red dot clearance sale so it was time to go and stock up on tights.  Black opaque tights are timeless classic.  They keep you warm, and when worn with a black skirt and black shoes it lengthens your shapely legs. 

I like to add a twist, so that’s why I like the textured tights.  The price is higher (around $25) for this extra interest. So when Farmers offer 30% off and they still have many styles in the tall/extra tall size of course I am going to stock up.  I love the Platinum and Voodoo brands.  There is great variety and the fit is perfect for me.

When choosing textured tights consider these tips.  If you are shorter you want a smaller, denser pattern, If you are tall you legs have more options.  A larger pattern (like the rose tights above) will add curves, so are great for a slim straight leg.  It also draws the eye to your legs.   I am tall and size 14.  Because I am tall I like of the look of the larger rose design on my legs.  The denser the design the warmer they will be.  Just remember if warmth is important the rose design won't be much warmer than your normal sheer tights.

I have also decided to try out colour opaque tights in dark claret and aubergine colours. These are great for adding a bit of character to an all black outfit.

When looking for opaque tights 80 denier is the best.  Denier refers to the thickness or weight of the tights, (15 denier is a nice sheer tight).  It gives good colour coverage without showing your skin through it.  I also prefer a matt almost velvety feel to the tights.  So check this before you buy.

I am looking forward to putting together new outfits and will keep you posted.

Working Out Your Body Shape

Books, magazines and websites are full of information about how to dress for your body shape and flatter your figure.  The information can be a bit tricky to interpret especially when you feel like you fit into different categories.  Also a lot of stylist come up with their own names for the different shapes and use fruit (apples, pears), letters (l,H,A), shapes (rectangles triangles) and even musical instruments (cello).

They key to dressing for your shape is about balancing your proportions.  Horizontally you need to look at your shoulders, waist, hips, thighs and ankles.  Vertically you need to look at your torso and leg lengths as well as your neck.  You then learn styles that balance out your proportions to the human eye.  For example a wide boat neck will make your shoulders appear wider, great for some people and not for others.

Here a few tips to help you work it out.

·         Wearing your underwear stand close to the mirror and mark (with something that can be cleaned off) your shoulder width, waist width, hip width and thigh width.

·         Wearing your underwear or tight fitting clothes (e.g. tank top and leggings) use a tape measure around your bust, waist, hips and around the widest part of your thighs.  Get a friend to do this or stand in front of the mirror side on. Make sure your tape goes straight around your body and there are no dips or angles at the back.  Your waist point is normally around about your belly button or the smallest part of your body, not necessarily the waistband of your jeans.  Your hips are measured around your hip bones where your leg joins your body, not where you put your hands on your hips.

·          Measure from your hips to the floor and then from your hips to the top of your head.  If your two measurements are equal or similar you are balanced.  If like me the distance from hip to the floor is shorter than from your hip to your head you are long in the body, or the opposite from hip to floor is longer you are short in the body.

·         When you gain weight were does it go on your body? The stomach area, your hips and thighs or your top half.  When body shapes are explained there is often a note about where you put on weight.

If you want more information I found these websites helpful.

Inside Out Style works on letters as body shapes.  Scroll down the page and on the right hand side you will find the choice of seven body shapes: 8, A, H, I, O, V, X. There is a detailed explanation of the body features related to your shape, photos of people with that shape and what to look for and avoid in the fit of different garments.   After checking your body proportions by reading the descriptions you can work out your body type.  I found these very straight forward and easy to understand.

At Shop Your Shape you can enter your measurements and it advises your body shape, also compare this to the silhouettes and double check you fit into this group.  You are then advised on what design features in garments suit you.

My Virtual Makeover works on your horizontal and vertical body shapes.  It advises what to wear and what not to wear. I like how it breaks your body into sections and then you can add it up at the end. They also give you style icons (celebrities with that body shape) to look to for inspiration.  OK so the celebrities are tiny but the concept of looking for certain clothes shapes and fashions to follow can be used.

I really enjoyed Gok Wan’s books ‘How to Look Good Naked’ and ‘Work Your Wardrobe’.  I love his positivity and who doesn’t want to hear how gorgeous they are?   Check your local library for copies and see if it helps you.  If you like what you read, you can buy pre-loved copies on trade me generally for $15 or under, or at your book shop for around $30.

Remember the description of your body type (or print it out) to work out how to accentuate your positives and not the bits you don’t like.

Some body parts you really don’t like are actually not as bad as you think.  The more you focus on a certain area of your body the bigger you perceive it is.  Why not go people watching?  Next time you go shopping or to a party sit down with a drink and have a look around.  What are people wearing? What size are they? What shape are they?  I find this quite inspiring and it also can give you ideas of what to wear.  You might see a fuller figure girl showing off her arms and looking great, or a flat chested girl wearing a plunging neckline looking sexy. 

Be advised your body shape is not a label.  It is just a helpful guide for shopping.  For example if you learn an A-line skirt looks better on you than a pencil skirt you will save a lot of time by not trying on pencil skirts.  Also no matter what body shape you are you will have great features you will want to accentuate so embrace your body as a whole.

I am an hourglass.  I have a very large bust (I’m a G cup), larger thighs than hips and a round belly.  Also I have a longer body and shorter legs.  So I need to consider all these points, not just my ‘hourglass’ figure when buying clothes.

As I shop for my wardrobe I will give you tips on what styles are best for you and what the NZ stores are currently offering.

Let me know what websites or books you found helpful.  Or if you’re still having difficulty let me know and I will point you in the right direction.

My Feel Good Scarf

I was up the road at lunchtime buying a birthday present for a friend when I came across this gorgeous scarf.

This winter I have decided I would like to add scarves to my wardrobe.  I only have 2.  A lovely black merino scarf, very practical, and a grey, embroidered wool scarf.  I have been looking around but found nothing that takes my fancy.   There is always some reason I don’t really like it or wouldn’t end up wearing it.  I want my scarves to add personality to my outfits.

When this scarf caught my eye I was exciting and then when I checked the price tag $22, I was hooked. It is a printed cotton velveteen scarf in a rich red colour, that is prevalent in my wardrobe.  I checked the colour against my face in the mirror (very important to make sure the colour compliments your skin tone).  It looked great, how exciting.  The scarf was also available in a beautiful turquoise colour, which didn’t look as good on me.

I wore my new scarf today for the first time. So far my chiropractor’s receptionist and 2 work friends have complimented me on the scarf.  So now it’s also my feel good scarf and every time I put it on I will know how great it is.

Floressents makes a range of lifestyle products from bags and cushions to sarongs and scarves.  They are a New Zealand company that makes there gorgeous prints on a variety of cotton fabrics in India.  There products are available from a variety of gift shops throughout New Zealand and Australia.

Taking Stock

Now that there is only good looking clothes in your wardrobe that look good on you, it is time to work out what is missing. 

I suggest going through your wardrobe again working with what you have.  Play dress up and put as many outfits together as you can.  Let you creativity loose and try things you normally wouldn’t.  It’s only you and your mirror, so you don’t need to worry about getting it wrong.  Or turn it into a girl’s night in and invite your bestie over, pop open some bubbly and get your play list on, a-la Sex and the City.

Now you can make your lists.  First you need a list of what you do have.  Refer to this when you are going to buy something new.  Then you won’t be tempted to buy the same things again, which can lead to you looking like you wear a uniform. 

Next is the exciting part.  Making a list of the things you need.  There are a few ways to work this out so here are a few suggestions. Choose a system that works for you.

1.       List all of your activities; work, weekend activities, children’s sports games, social life and work out what you are missing from your wardrobe to fill these gaps

2.       What new look are you after?  Casual Cool, 50’s Glamour, Classic Chic, .  Choose a style icon, Kate Moss, Sophia Lauren, Gwyneth Paltrow.  What items do they have in there wardrobe? How do they put their looks together?

3.       List all the classic wardrobe essentials, dress, jacket, pants, etc.  What is missing from your wardrobe?

4.       Create your ultimate wishlist.  If money was no object what would you buy?  Hermes scarf, Pucci print dress, Channel handbag.  Use these as inspirations for available options and work them into your new look.

This is a list of the items I have plenty of:

·         Tunics

·         Leggings

·         Drapey Cardis

·         Silky Print Tops

·         T-shirts

These are few of my favourite things.

·         Denim Jacket

·         Black Frock Coat

·         Shiny Red Shoes

·         Pinstripe Navy Trousers

·         Tailored Red Dress

I am going for classic wardrobe pieces that I can accessorise to create a more unique look.

·         The Little Black Dress. 

·         The Perfect Jeans

·         Biker Jacket

·         Blazer

·         Classic White Shirt

·         Wrap Dress

·         Pencil Skirt

·         Printed Maxi Dress

·         Classic Cardi

As I shop for my list I will give you tips to work your new personal style into these pieces and make sure it rocks your body.  With this in mind your list may change a little as you start shopping , trying things on and developing you style.  As I shop for these pieces I will let you know how it goes and pass on my advice as I go.  Let me know how your shopping goes and we can compare notes.

Undercover

How can you feel great about your body when you dress it in not so great underwear?  I went from a D cup to a G cup so quickly at first I was in denial.  Even though I knew, it took my sister in law (with big boobs) to point out my bras weren’t fitting and it wasn’t doing me any favours.  So I went out  and bought a few practical bras to get me through.  Then when I was getting married I thought I should have some sexy underwear but it was difficult to find in my size and I gave up.  The drama of stores not carrying sizes, or what was in my size was dowdy was enough to put me off.

Do you have an experience that just gets in the way of buying lingerie?  Is it the time your mum dragged you down to farmers for your first bra fitting with the most matronly assistant in the store?  Is it you just can’t find underwear that makes your boobs look their best? Or the thought of having your top off in front of a stranger is too much.

This experience makes it that bit harder to get yourself into good looking lingerie that gives you the body you deserve and the confidence you need.

I have just had a visit to Bravista on Jervois Road, Herne Bay.  I walked in knowing my bra needed replacing and walked out with perkier boobs, a smaller waist and improved posture.  Seriously that is what the correct fitting bra did for me. Not bad for a $100 purchase.  Ok so the bras are a little on the expensive side but this is good investment for me.  You wear your bras every day and they are the foundation your clothes are on.  So if they don’t make you boobs look their best, no top or dress is going to help.  

                                          BEFORE 

                                                                                       

                                           AFTER

My bra was more worn out than I realised. I asked what was wrong with my bra and the answer was,  my boobs were about 4 inches lower than they should be, the back was riding up therefore not giving any support, it was gaping under the arm and the underwire was just on the edge of my breast tissue (which causes damage).

Bravista was opened about a month ago by Inger Kite.  She found a large gap in the New Zealand lingerie market.  80% of women are wearing the wrong size bra, now I can tell you more than 20% of people get a professional bra fitting when they buy a new bra, so this is a worrying statistic.  Did you also know the average cup size in NZ is D?  So why is it if you’re an F cup the styles lack sex appeal and if you’re a B cup they just don’t give you the cleavage you want?

Inger only stocks European brands at the moment because all of the brands wear test on about 2,000 people before they reach her store.  Also because the European market is so much larger, they happily cater for different sizes and shapes.  So you are a safe in the knowledge you will be wearing top quality and the bra will be doing everything it claims to.

·         First of all she will size you up.  As she is very experienced she can size you by sight, but if you prefer she will use her tape measure.  This gives you a starting point with size.

·         It’s important to know what the bra is for, every day wear, a special outfit e.g. strapless, plunging neckline. 

·         After a walk round the store there are several options to try on.  I have never had this many options to try on since I was a D cup

·         Once the bra is on the fit and style needs to be checked to ensure it is perfect for you.  Although this can be nerve racking, I was confident that Inger’s only focus was in my getting into the correct bra that looked and felt great. 

                                              THE OPTIONS

While I was in the changing rooms another customer came in for a look.  I heard her tell Inger she had just bought the bra she was wearing a week ago and it didn’t feel right on her.  She was wearing a 16C but she wore size 10 clothing.  So beware of shop assistants that try to but you in a bra that fits your cup size but not you back size.  They are not looking after your best interests they are looking after their bottom line.  Not all people working in lingerie stores are like this so know your body and don’t let them sell you something that doesn’t make sense, so to a different store if you are unhappy

A professional bra fitter will check all of these areas when you are trying on a bra, and offer a different size or style if there are any problems.

·         You should have the bra on the outside hooks.  This is because bras stretch overtime and it offers 2 more options as this happens.

·         The underwire must not sit on your breast tissue as this digs in, but also does damage, and we girls have to look after ourselves.  This is a different spot for everyone depending on the shape of your boobs.

·         You should be able to fit 3 fingers behind the back of the bra. Anymore and it’s too loose and won’t support you, any less and it’s too going to dig in.  It’s the back of the bra that gives the support.

·         If you lift your arms up the underwire should stay in place

·         Make sure there is no spillage outside of the cup, or your boobs are filling up the cup.

·         Check how you feel in the bra and if it is doing the job you want it to.  Comfort is so important.

Next there is the underwear.  I love to have matching sets and always buy the briefs in the same style.  I also love the comfort of cotton and make sure I buy some in the same colour as my bra so I can mix and match.

Then there is the magic underwear that sucks you in flattens you out.  I have a pair of Trinny and Susannah briefs that come right up under my bust. For $155 they are definitely an investment piece but they are very comfortable and take a few inches off my belly, perfect for any form fitting outfits.  I initially bought these to wear under my wedding dress but now wear them on a regular basis because I love the effect. Before this I had a pair of Nancy Gantz that had a wide elastic band across the tummy region.  Although it did the job I didn’t like how tight it was and after a few hours wanted rid of them, so I was always finding an excuse not to wear them.  You need to find the style and brand that feels comfortable for you.  So make sure you try before you buy.  You don’t want the fat lifting and causing the muffin top, you want to be held firmly in place.  The popularity in body shaping underwear means more brands are offering it so there should be an option in your budget.

LOOKING AFTER YOUR UNDERWEAR

Lingerie is expensive so follow these tips to get the best out of your top drawer

·         As with all clothes in your wardrobe, follow the care instructions.

·         Use a lingerie laundry bag.  This protects your bras from rubbing against the other clothes in your washing machine, wearing out and picking up lint.

·         Do up the hook and eyes on your bras, this stops them snagging and causing holes.

·         Use a mild or natural detergent, harsh chemicals breakdown the elastane in your underwear quicker.

·         Dry out of direct sunlight as this also breaks down the fibres and fades colours.

·         Hang over the line through the middle of the cups and don’t peg from one end as this can stretch it out of shape.

Remember like clothes your underwear ages, looses shape and wears out.  Don’t make the mistake because you can’t see it, it doesn’t matter.  As I mentioned if boobs aren’t supported correctly they will droop, if underwear is saggy you look saggy.  If your body is the foundation your underwear is the support that holds everything in place so get into that top drawer and throw out anything that is worn out and replace it with some sexy underwear.  If the new underwear isn’t sexy it should make your body sexy under the clothes.  If you own anything that is not in these 2 categories it has to go.

Make Yourself Count

Our bodies change a lot over a lifetime.  We need to work with this and embrace the change.  Easier said than done, I know.  But to look your best you need to work with the body you have, not the body you want.

Over the last couple of years I have been slowly gaining weight, and it has leveled out now.  After beating myself up because I wasn’t fitting into my wardrobe, I went and bought a few essential mix and match outfits.  As soon as I did this, people kept asking me if I had lost weight.  I hadn’t changed according to the scales.  I had accepted that I was now 36 yrs old and not going to deprive myself completely of my vices (wine and chocolate), and I was not going to join a gym and work out 5 nights a week or take up triathlons in the name of a hot body.  I will keep living a reasonably healthy lifestyle without beating myself up and therefore this is my new body.

Sometimes you feel it’s important to loose weight, do this because of your health not because of other people’s opinions. In order to kick-start the process you need to dress for your current shape to feel good about yourself and turn it all into a positive.  Otherwise you will end up like me walking around in clothes that are too tight and looking bad, therefore feeling bad. 

A positive outlook reflects in your dress, your posture and your expressions.  So it’s time to get the full-length mirror out and have a look.  It may be the mirror that shows you what you look like but it’s your mind that interprets the image so remember these points before you start being too critical of yourself.

• Don’t compare yourself to anyone or a previous you.  Look at what is in front of you.
• Your body is the foundation of your style; you have to know it look your best. 
• You need to look at your body objectively, what do l like? What don’t I like? 
• The features of your body you don’t like you will think they are bigger/worse than they actually are.  E.g. if you carry your weight on your hips you will often think you like a size or 2 bigger at this point than you actually are.
• Embrace your flaws, they make you unique.
• Look at your body as a whole image, you’ll like what you see and it distracts your negative thoughts.

A POSITIVE APPROACH

Do you get so busy these days that you end up neglecting yourself?  Slow down a bit, look at yourself in the mirror, moisturise and relax on a daily basis.  The re-focus on yourself will create more positivity and a fresh outlook on your image.  I have found a bit of focus on skincare has worked wonders.  There is nothing like a soak in the bath, a relaxing face mask, DIY manicure to chill out and recharge the batteries.  They also have the added benefit of keeping your skin looking great.

My mum always taught me ‘if you don’t have anything nice to say don’t say it’.   I like to say for every negative you need to balance it with a positive.  So whenever you catch yourself saying ‘I hate my thighs’ you will then have to add ‘but I love my boobs’.

FAKE IT TILL YOU MAKE IT

Self-confidence is a very attractive quality and if you don’t have yet fake it until you make it.  Shoulders back, head up and walk tall.  You intuitively have confidence in people with self-confidence and think positively about them.

Once you embrace yourself, the good and the bad you can develop your own personal style.  Remember style isn’t just about what you wear and how do your hair, it’s about your personality and how you portray that to the world.

Remember not to take yourself too seriously, dressing up should be fun.

Out With The Old

I spent all of my spare time last weekend on closet cleanout and it is great to have a wardrobe fill of clothes to wear.  My hand washing has been done, my dry-cleaning has been dropped off and collected, buttons have been stitched back on and a few clothes had a visit to the alterations shop.  Now I’m good to go.

But I had another thought about my new wardrobe.  My goal is ‘I love my clothes, and my clothes love me’.  With that in mind I’m going to need to take another look.  I know I kept clothes that don’t fit that brief.  I have room to weed out a few more clothes that don’t fit the brief (call me greedy) and still have clothes to wear for every occasion.   But if you haven’t, hold onto them and earmark them to be replaced.

WHAT TO DO WITH THE OUT PILE

Back to my pile of clothes, that needs a new home.   Unfortunately there were a few that went in the rubbish bin, there was just no saving them.  But the majority are in good condition and just need a new owner.

 If you have a similar pile at home, here are a few options for you.

1.       Support a cause.  Places like the Women’s Refuge and Dress for Success, who support disadvantaged women in your community, are places your clothes will find a well deserving new home.

2.       Your local charity shop.  There are so many options all with great reasons for supporting.  My local shopping area has Salvation Army, IHC, and Hospice and there is always the child cancer bins in the supermarket car parks.  I also love a good rummage through an opshop, my last find be a fantastic handbag for $5, bargain.

3.   Trade Me.  This is a great option to make a bit of money and find a good home for your cast offs.  My first sale was a jacket I loved for 3 years, but I had put on weight and just didn’t fit it anymore. After I posted it off I had an email from the buyer to let me know she had received it and was so excited.  What a great feeling finding a new home for my beloved jacket. Overall, I made a couple of hundred dollars and reinvested them in a timeless classic I just love.

4.       The local markets.  A couple of months ago me and a friend had a very early start and headed down to claim a stall at the Sunday markets.  I came out with $120 profit and my friend $150, not bad for a mornings work.

5.       Recycle boutiques.  There a now a lot of second hand clothes shops that sell on your behalf.  I recommend using a shop near your home or workplace for convenience.  Don’t forget to keep their receipt in a safe place otherwise claiming your money will be a bit more difficult.

6.       Cupcakes and Clothes.  Now I haven’t tried this one yet, I haven’t been able to get my friends in the same spot.  The latest clothes recycling trend is to have a get to together of friends and exchange cast offs.  I think this is such a great idea to catch up with your girlfriends for an afternoon and to go away with a few fab finds.

KICK START YOUR CLEANOUT

If you are having trouble getting started or letting go here are a few tips to kick start your cleanout.

1.       Give yourself a treat for reaching a goal.  For example, if I get through my wardrobe today, tomorrow I get a pedicure (my favourite option), have a glass of wine at the end of the day, or for every 10 items I throw out I get to buy 1 new item.  Whatever motivates you use, as a carrot at the end of the stick.

2.        Get your playlist on.  Set up your favourite tracks to work to.  I always love to get ready for a night out with my favourite tunes.  Picking out clothes, working out make up, doing my hair, these songs always remind me of good times.  Remember your new wardrobe is going to be full of good times.

 3.       Break it down.  If the size of the task is too big to contemplate, you need more manageable steps.  Just do your trousers or knitwear or 2 drawers at a time.  You will still need a time frame you want to complete your whole wardrobe by.

4.       Spread the news. Let your friends and/or family know.  They will be interested in your progress and encourage your accomplishment.

5.       Just do it.  Get up now and get into that closet.

Just remember the light at the end of the tunnel is a happy, confident you that looks great every day.