Time saving shopping tips...

Are you one of those ladies who dreads clothes shopping?  Do you hate having to scour the racks, waiting in line and spending endless hours trying on clothes and then getting depressed that you're not the size you want to be?  Well if this is you then read on, because I have some great time-saving shopping tips that will allow you to shop like an expert!

Most of us just want to get our shopping done as fast as possible.  In the busy lives of women today, saving time is a luxury!  Well, perhaps the ultimate luxury on shopping would be not shopping at all, but learning to shop deftly and efficiently will make the difference between a failed closet-restocking mission and a successful one.




Time-Saving Shopping Tips....

• Set up an appointment with a personal shopper (that would be me ladies)!  Also, most major department stores do have personal shoppers if you want to utilize this service.  Be specific about what you expect and are looking for.  Bring clips from fashion magazines of items you like or actual pieces you are looking to refresh.  If that sounds too high maintenance for you, try calling ahead so a staffer can prepare a dressing room for you.
• Go solo!  Husbands, boyfriends, girlfriends, mothers, and children can be distractions when getting down to the business of wardrobe building.
• Have your clothes altered at the time of purchase and sent to your house or office.
• Build a relationship with an insider at your favorite store.  He or she will pull pieces for you, hold hot items for you or put your name on the waitlist for them, and call you when popular pieces come in.  Touch base with your in-store friend regularly. 
• Keep your credit card on file at trusted stores so you can avoid the wait at the register.  (Some smaller boutiques will even offer house accounts to their big-spending and loyal customers).  That way you can get your shopping done in a flash, or even make purchases over the phone.
• Shop at off-peak hours.  When the store first opens is best; everything is neat and orderly, and you'll have a salesperson all to yourself.  Avoid the lunchtime and post-work rushes.
• Consider getting a chargecard at a couple of your favorite stores where you shop regularly.  It is worth it if you spend a significant amount there and you will get rewards, coupons and usually a gift certificate on your birthday.  Over time these cards will save you a significant amount of money.  But - make sure you pay them off immediately so that the $$$ don't add up!
• Take care of those who take care of you.  Thank you notes and a general appreciation for those who've helped you will go a long way!

So, now you have the expert time-saving tips ladies.......start shopping!!!

Accentuate your assets...

I want to continue today with the 'accentuating your assets' piece by talking about two areas; how to define your waist and maximizing your height.  Defining the waist is a really important part of accentuating your shape, and no matter what size you are if you can define your waist then you can look really great.  And for those of us who aren't tall model-like height, it's important to give the illusion of being taller than we are!  So, listen up ladies for my tips for these two areas that you should definitely accentuate!

Defining the waist

• Whether you are tall or short, a size 2 or 12, cinching your middle almost always creates a feminine and flattering line.
• Pick pieces with a slim belt or ribbon for subtle definition.  Or for a more dramatic effect, choose a super-wide waistband like a cummerbund or sash.
• The waist doesn't have to be smack in the middle.  A drop waist elongates your torso, while an empire gives you a leggier look.

Celebs that look great when they cinch in their waist are Scarlett Johansson and Rachel Weisz.

Maximizing your height

• Floor skimming frocks and trousers will give you an elongated, lean look.  Anything cropped at the ankle will shorten your silhouette.
• Extremely high-waisted styles will make your legs seem miles long.  Its a good option when you prefer a mid-length skirt.
• Dressing in a single shade optimizes your length.  Strategic color-blocking can work well too.
• Avoid anything overly adorned or patterned.  The simpler the better when it comes to a streamlined look.

Celebs who do a great job of maximizing their height include Kate Moss and Sarah Jessica-Parker.

Learn to accentuate your assets!

Over the next few days.....accentuating your assets!  Dressing well isn't just about wearing the right clothes.  It's about wearing the clothes that are right for your figure.  Have you ever noticed that some women never seem to make a mis-step when it comes to fashion and always seem to look pulled together?  Well I guarantee if you pay more attention, you'll notice that these women probably have a few simple styles that they wear over and over - because they know how to accentuate their assets!  And really ladies, that's the secret to looking good.  It really is that simple!  Know what works for you and wear it in different colors and ways....

Whether you're cinching in the waist with a tailored jacket (to look more shapely), finding the perfect ratio of heel height to hemline length (to seem taller), or showing some cleavage while covering up everywhere else (to draw attention away from the hips), some women know how to work their wardrobe to their advantage.  Learn the tricks and master the art of dressing to make the best of your body and make your clothes the most flattering they can be!

Reveal Decolletage

• Select a top that reveals your neckline.  It will draw attention to your upper body, keeping the rest understated.
• A form-fitting black dress with a strapless, off-the-shoulder, or wide-neck top is a dramatic look.
• Wearing longer pieces balances the intensity of an exposed top, maintaining proper proportions.
• For a more casual take, try low-cut blouses, wide-neck tanks, or tees paired with slim pants.

Take the plunge

• A deep V on a gown, a less severe dip on a cocktail dress, or even a slight plunge on a more casual top for day instantly detracts from your hips.
• Make sure your bust is adequately secured in and that a neckline provides enough coverage. Showing too much isn't sexy.
• Keep your appearance appropriate and in proportion by wearing more conservative bottoms, like trousers or a straight skirt.  A dress should be simple with a drape.
• Solid colors keep the look sleek while allowing your cleavage to take center stage.

Dressing for full-figured women...

Today I want to concentrate on celebrating the shape of the fuller-figured woman. The average sized woman in the USA is a size 12 or bigger, despite the fact that in the media we are surrounded by models and stick-thin (mostly) celebrities.  It's ironic that even though a size 12 is the average size of the majority of women, we are still bombarded with unrealistic images in the media which in turn creates a lot of angst among many plus-sized women.

So being able to accept your body and celebrating your shape is key.  Being bigger doesn't necessarily mean unfit, although this seems to be the general thought.  I know many plus-size women who are active and fit and healthy, so the idea that bigger women are just lazy and unfit is a myth!

So please read my tips on how fuller-figured women should celebrate their shape and learn how to look great whatever size you may be!

Consider simplicity, subtle sexiness, and a little structure...these three things are key!

• Choose close-to-the-body cuts.  Caftans and sack or boxy shapes will only add pounds.  Look for tailored pieces like fitted button-ups, straight skirts and trousers, and wrap dresses that skim the body and give the waist definition.
• Keep it streamlined.  Your clothes should be sleek - frill-free and not overly adorned.  Think flat-front skirts and pants, as heavy pleats and too much volume look extra bulky. Pick tops that are relatively simple, without layers of ruffles and embellishment.
• Wear draping shapes.  While a structured look always works, pliable fabrics like jersey can be your best friend.  You can wrap, twist, and gather a soft stretchy fabric around your body so it highlights some parts and hides others.
• Pick a basic palette. Solid hues in lights or darks will serve you well.  But don't avoid brights altogether. A rich red is always striking; ditto lush jewel tones. Big prints aren't best, so go for monochromatic to create the slimmest line, or wear simple, contrasting shades like black and white. 

Celebs that are fuller-figured and who always look great in my opinion include Camryn Manheim, the lovely Adele, and the gorgeous and always sexy Nigella Lawson.