Styling Your Shape

Most of us REAL women don't have the perfect beach body. We have post baby bods, sometimes without the baby. Whether it's been 6 weeks or 6 years from our last baby (or extra piece of cake), that extra love remains. So we try everything and nothing works. We eventually give up on the dream of rock hard abs and chiseled legs. However what we wear is the perfect master of disguise if you know how to use it. I've created a few tips to create instant illusions of the perfect body without having the perfect body! Read on....

1. Flowy with structure on top and shaped on the bottom.
Unless you have the opposite problem of what you're trying to minimize, then reverse the shapes (shaped on top, flowy on the bottom). Flowy with structure on the top is the best way to hide any unwanted curves around the stomach area and bum, and the fitted or structured shape on the legs gives the illusion of the slimmer shape continuing up under the flowy piece. It's all a trick of the eye...Try a great flowy shirt, structured jacket with some skinny jeans. If you want to add heels, that always makes the legs look leaner and longer. (But I get it if you have younger kids that you are chasing all day. If I wear a heel, I usually keep a flat close by in case I need to sprint off when my son climbs a tree. I speak from experience!) You'll be amazed at how good you look! Make sure to keep reading to help pick the perfect pieces for you.

2. Buy clothes that fit. 
If you buy a shirt that is too big with plans to hide under it.....Guess what? It looks like you're trying to hide...which you are, but you don't want everyone else to know that. If you buy clothes that fit you properly, it shows off your natural curves and doesn't look like you're bigger than you really are. The inverse of this idea applies too. Avoid buying clothing that is too tight or two small. Wearing something that is too tight actually can make you look bigger than you actually are. Wearing the size that allows a little movement to the garment is actually way better.

3. Invest in a good bra.
You know what I'm talking about. It costs money but it makes a difference. Trust me! The best way to know you're wearing the right size is to go in a get measured. I know it may sound awkward, but it's not that bad. Make a girl date with a friend and do it together (separate dressing rooms, but together). When I did, I found out I was wearing the wrong size around and I was off 2 sizes in the cup! I didn't think it would be hard to find a proper bra on my own, but man I was wrong. This is one investment you will not regret...ever! Nordstrom's does an excellent job at measuring and helping you find the perfect fit.

4. Structure.
Make sure to have a couple of pieces that have some structure built into them. If you have a jacket/blazer that has great lines in itself, you don't have to worry about your natural lines. The jacket has them for you. The jacket should be darted in at the waist line and go out slightly at the bottom. This gives the hour glass figure even though that's not what's underneath. Viola!

This blazer has excellent waist darts and a clean line.

5. The right length.
Find the right length for you. The worst thing is finding a great dress but it stops below the knee. Not many people can pull that off. (If you're one of those people, tell me your secret!) Usually it's instant frumpiness! We don't want that. Even this super skinny model in the picture below doesn't look that great. The best lengths tend to be 1-2 inches above the knee or down to the ground. Don't be afraid to tailor a piece if you find something you love, but it's the wrong length. This is usually very inexpensive.

Not the most flattering length...on anybody!

6. Most importantly -CONFIDENCE!
The way you carry yourself is the biggest eye catcher! Since the good Lord made you a woman..Embrace it! Find a way to be confident again. Do something for yourself! Get a great hair cut, buy a couple of great pieces to add to your wardrobe, take a nap- whatever floats your boat--but find it! Other people will notice and so will you!

Let us know any great ideas of how you keep your confidence-o-meter full or if you had good results trying some of these tips. We would love to hear from you!

--Holly