#style advice

How to accessorize your body!

New York City

Now that you are familiar with your body type and how to dress it.You must also pay attention to how you accessorize it.I have always said that accessories can make your break your outfit.When you pick your accessories it is critical that they work with your outfit but it is also vital that they compliment your body type.Both are equally important.

One of the most common fashion faux pas I see out there is when the outfit and accessories look great but does not frame the woman in quite the right way.I am sure you  sometimes glance at a woman and think “What a great look but  it is not for her”.

Here is what to aim for in creating the perfect look.

Shoes

1.Must make your legs look longer and leaner.

2.Must balance your body shape.

APPLE-you want nothing in the line of vision between your heel and your leg.If you are wearing hose, match it to your shoe.Avoid straps at all costs.Nude is the best color for you or match your pants.Go for a low vamp or an open toe.

PEAR-simple shoes are best because you want to keep attention up top.You also want to balance your hips with a shoe that has substance to it like a wedge or a block heel pump.A skinny high heel can make you look off kilter.

PENCIL-the goal is to add softness,so details like multiple straps,bows and ruffles are a must for you.Ballet flats are your best friend and do not be afraid of high heels. Avoid shoes with a lot of hardware and combat boot are an absolute no no.Chose softer colors like pink,tan and taupe.

HOURGLASS-A curvier body looks better with a curvier shoe.Peep toes and rounded toes are sexy because they echo your curves.Avoid pointy toes at all cost.

STRAWBERRY-Bright colors are key here to move the eye down.Prints are your best friend,but keep the shapes simple.three dimensional details will add interest as well but make sure they are not overwhelming.

Here are  some of the shoes you should consider this season!

 

Bags

This is one area that most women do not pay attention,they look at a bag on a shelf and a counter but not against their body.You need to try on a bag just as you would a dress or a shoe.Do not believe the myth the “Bigger your bag looks, the smaller your booty looks next to it”

APPLE-create balance by making sure your bag is no wider than the widest part of your body. Avoid straps that hang the bag against your mid section.A structured tote with a short handle works best.No tiny bags for you.

PEAR-make sure the bag sits more on the upper half of your body.A short handled bag that sits comfortably under your arm in a bright color can work well to balance your lower body.An oversize clutch carried above your waist is a must for evening.

PENCIL-handbags that sit at the natural waist add a slight curve to your body.Chose soft hobo’s and satchels ,avoid messenger bags at all costs.

HOURGLASS-you can carry any handbag your heart desires but structured boxy bags and totes can give you the best bang for your buck.

STRAWBERRY-Avoid shoulder bags and messenger bags,make sure your straps are not too wide or too long.A cross body that sits against your lower half can work well.

Here are some of the bags you should consider this season!

Belts

The Best Belts for your body shape are the ones that enhance and flatter them.It is also important to wear the belt at the right position on your body.
APPLE-this is the hardest body shape for belts.Soft knit belts or chord belts simply tied to the side create the illusion of a waist with out emphasizing it.Never wear a belt across your mid section and stay with colors that match your outfit.

PEAR-mid width belts are the best;avoid anything skinny or very wide.Stay in the same color family as your outfit and wear it slightly lower on your waist.

PENCIL-avoid anything too wide,wear it at your true waistband create a soft blouson effect by pulling at the fabric on top.This gives he effect of soft curves that is very flattering.

HOURGLASS-your body is built for belts and you should be wearing them almost all the time.They should always be worn at the middle of your waist and the smallest point and dark colors flatter you best.

STRAWBERRY-mid width to narrower belts work best for you.Make sure to wear it lower lower on your waist or at the top of your hip.Wear a light color belt with a darker dress or top and create fullness below the belt.

“SO PAY SOME ATTENTION TO YOUR BODY TYPE WHEN YOU ACCESSORIZE AND YOU WILL LOVE THE RESULTS”

♥ Sunil

Here is a cheat sheet to help you,feel free to print and keep handy!

Know your Body Type?

New York City

In the cold days of January some of us are planning to change our body thru diet and exercise and some of us are planning to dress our body in the latest Spring fashions that are being previewed right now.I am a firm believer that you should always dress the body you have right now and in order to do that you should first ascertain your body type.Here is a simple sheet that can help.

 

Current research is showing that there are close to 12 different body shapes out there but a majority of women fall in to the 7 body shapes listed below for each body shape I have given a brief do’s and don’ts.These are just suggestions based on my experiences working with all kinds of women over the last 30 years.The only rule is to is know that you are truly unique and beautiful and it is all about loving what you have and rocking it.

These are just guidelines to help you showcase and understand your uniquely beautiful body.So have fun with this and just know something’s may be better for you and others may be better left alone.

This most common body type close to 40% of women rock this shape.

This is the most desired body shape by both men and women.

Dolly Parton celebrates this shape in song

 

Fashion loves your body shape

May be one of the more challenging body shapes to dress but looks amazing when done right.

Well as they say you are destined to catch someone’s eye.You do find tall Apples but it is most common among petite women.

One of the least common body types but fun to dress.

I have expanded the usual 5 body types that I work with and included more details to make it easier to understand.

So have fun with trying some new things as your body shape changes and getting rid of some old things that no longer flatter you.I believe clothes are the frame for the masterpiece that is you,every masterpiece deserves the best frame.So take the time and energy to find your best frame.

♥ Sunil

 

 

 

 

 

 

How to be warm and fashionable at the same time!

New York City

Major winter weather is here and some of you have had almost 2 weeks of below freezing temperatures.We are expecting record low temperatures starting today all over the United States and I think Calgary Canada just broke a few records as well.I am not going to talk about Ottawa that looks like it belongs in the movie “Frozen”

Winter is no excuse to look like a Bag lady or a Michelin man just to stay warm.Style never freezes.Staying warm and cozy means piling on the layers but once inside you may encounter near tropical temperatures.Your look has to work both indoors and outside.

Layering adds complexity to a fashionista’s quest to maintain a certain level of chic.Just getting in and out of layers tends to mess up hair,make up and general decorum.If you are not careful you can end up looking and feeling like a very messy layer cake.

The solution?

Follow these simple 5 steps to stay fashionable,chic and comfortable no matter how low the temperature drops.

1.Choose your base layer wisely.

Most people think no one is going to see it so why bother and then you get to a really hot office or department store and have to strip down.Your first layer should be

  • Soft,absorbent and great feeling against your skin.Cotton,Merino and Cashmere are all great fabrics for a base layer.
  • Have a close to the body fit and can stand alone if needed.Leggings and Tights are are great under pants and skirts.
  • Be in a skin flattering color.
2.Your layers should work together.
  • Your next layer should be easy on,easy off to not destroy hair and make up.Zip and button fronts work really well,as to cowls and deep necklines.
  • Your pieces should all have the same feel or spirit working together and standing alone.Make sure they all have the same mood.
  • Lay out all the pieces on the bed and do a quick check before you put them on.
3.Create interesting color stories.
  • Stick to the same color family with one pop color.
  • If you choose to go monochromatic mix up your textures or else your outfit will look flat.
  • Pay attention to your skin tone,most people get paler in the winter so something that looked great 3 months ago may not work right now.
4.Pay attention to fit.
  • Every layer should be figure flattering,as you go up make sure each layer is slightly bigger.
  • Nothing looks worse than jamming four layers under a jacket or coat that was made for one.The stuffed sausage look is one of the most common layering mistakes.Opt for a wrap coat or a poncho that can take many layers and look good.The good news is technical innovations in fabric and construction have created coats that are super warm and thin at the same time.They are pricey but worth the investment.Look for a more classic style that will not go out of date.
  • Make sure you have mobility especially that you can drive once you get in to a car.
5.Make sure to ice the  layer cake which is your outfit.
  • Your final layer is the most important,Do not fall in to the trap of “I am going to take my coat off when I get there so let me just throw on this old super warm thing”This is  a common mistake.You will run in to several people before you get your coat off it is Murphy’s law.
  • Match your coat to your look;have a great sporty coat for day that goes well with jeans and pants and have a dressier one for night that works with dresses and skirts.For most occasions the ideal top layer is an easy fitting coat that looks stylish no matter how many layers lie beneath.
  • Have fun with accessories,make sure you always have a great scarf and gloves that complement your outfit. A stylish hat will keep you warm and chic.You lose a lot of your body heat from your head so choose one that fits well.
  • Boots are the way to go for footwear.They really complete a layered look and can be both warm and stylish.Make sure you get a pair with great traction because a fashionista must always be upright.

 

 

Win at the Game of Style

New York

Style is a great game and just like any game it can be mastered,it takes insight,planning and practice.Here are 5 steps that can up your style game.

Step 1-Know the Game

Before you start planing the game you should know what the objectives are:

The Objectives are to Look

  • Confident
  • Beautiful
  • Pulled Together
  • Chic

While achieving this you should make it look Effortless and be Comfortable.

Step 2-Learn from the Women who are part of the Style Hall of Fame.

I have studied these women in great detail and these are the strategies that standout:

Great Style is the A List

  • Age Appropriate-they always dressed youthful but as they got older their style evolved.
  • Area Appropriate-they dressed for their surroundings and what they were doing from sailing to the red carpet.
    – fits your environment
  • Anatomy Appropriate -they took in to consideration their best attributes and showcased them.
    – dress for the body you have
  • Attitude-they always stayed true to this personality.
    – bring out your personality

 

Also once they found out what worked they stuck to it but they constantly updated a good example is Princess Diana’s hair it was always short but always current.

I often get asked to you have to be dead to be inducted in to the Style Hall of fame and the answer is yes,that way you cannot make any mistakes.It is ironic that these four women are most mentioned when it comes to being an inspiration to today’s women.The good news is there is a current group of women you can look to for inspiration who are proving to be grandmasters.

 

Step 3-Know your self-The Main Player

  • What are you playing with?
  • Your Strengths
  • Your  perceived Weakness

So know your body and what flatters you,take the time to find out what really looks good on you.

Ask your self the following questions:

  • What colors suit me the best?
  • What clothing do I feel the most comfortable in?
  • What clothing do I feel the most confident in?
  • What am I wearing when I receive the most compliments?
  • Whose sense of style do I identify most with?

This will help you ascertain your strengths and weaknesses,for example if you get a lot of compliments when you wear a short dress your legs are your asset so you know you should always showcase them.If everybody raves when you wear red,make that a signature color.Make sure you know what your body type is.Here is a quiz you can take.

Step 4-Get the Right Equipment

Just as any great athlete take the time to research and invest in the best equipment that works for you:

  • Clothes-The right pieces for your body type, personality and lifestyle.
  • Accessories-Get the best that you can afford specially for shoes and handbags Keep things classic and elegant
  • Hair and Make up-Keep it simple and easy to maintain but constantly update it do not get stuck in a particular decade

If you are not sure what flatters you check out this video.

Step 5-Come up with Winning Strategies

  • Find your key looks for each component of your like Travel,Work,Casual or Night on the town
  • Pull them together with the right accessories
  • Complement them with the right hair and make up
  • Practice them until you get them perfect

Here are some examples of Key Looks:

Your perfect 10;

This is an on point look that always gets you a perfect 10 when you wear it,it should be quintessentially you.

Your jack of all trades;

This is an outfit that can take you from day tonight with just switching out your accessories.You wear this on a really full,busy day to look effortless.

Your Queen of the Day;

This is your sexy sassy outfit that will make all the men in your life treat you like a queen.You bring this out when you need something done.Nothing wrong in using your feminine strength and charm.

The Ace up your sleeve;

This is your power wow outfit that makes you feel on top of the world.You wear this when you have a deal to close and it usually says”Don’t Mess with me Fellas”

With these simple strategies you can win at the game of style with a little effort and energy.