Loving the Body You Have

Happy Monday friends! Did you have a relaxing weekend and now you’re ready to tackle a new week? I certainly hope so. Today I want to share a styling tip for those of you who, like me, were not blessed with the perfect hourglass figure. Wanna love the body you have? Do I have your attention? Good. Read on.

Looking good in your clothes requires more than just buying cute clothes to wear; the fit has to be right. The right fitting clothes can help you fake a perfect figure and help you love the body you have even if (like most women) you don’t have those perfect proportions. Years ago I fell in love with watching Trinny and Susannah (the original What Not To Wear on the BBC) and quickly bought their books. Then I started watching Clinton and Stacy on TLC’s What Not To Wear as well as Ambush Makeover, 10 Years Younger, A Makeover Story, etc. You get the picture, I was hooked. You know what hooked me? How clothing completely transformed the women on the show. Since then I have tried (sometimes very unsuccessfully) to incorporate as many of their lessons into my daily dressing as possible.

Over the years, in the countless magazines I have read, so much attention has been given to sorting women’s shapes into a few categories. Pear, apple, triangle, etc. I found that I didn’t really fit neatly into just one category. Enter what I call the Fashion Bible The Science of Sexy by Bradley Bayou. In his book he has identified 48 body types and if you’re unsure of what type you are he gives detailed descriptions and measuring advice. Yes, you will measure your body in different spots to arrive at your body type. From there he gives you specific advice on what to wear and what to avoid. It is so helpful!

My problem area is, and has always been, my mid section. Honestly I don’t have a waist. So tops like the one I’m wearing are perfect for creating the illusion of a smaller waist. This blush and white gingham top caught my eye immediately when I was shopping at New York & Co. a few weeks ago. I absolutely adore gingham and you probably know by now I have a major crush on pink/blush so this was a no brainer. Now that I see the pictures I will probably use a little fashion tape to help close the area that gaps a bit. This is a common problem for me and my larger chest. I was pleasantly surprised with how well constructed this top is. The material is a sturdy, it has snaps and buttons in all the right places. Did I mention it is on sale?

Even though I could pair this top with my blush colored Harper pants I decided to wear it with a pair of white cropped trousers. These are approximately three years old from Banana Republic. You know I had to wear my favorite BaubleBar Crispin earrings because I LOVE THEM. What do you see on my feet? Shhhhh…don’t tell my podiatrist but I am wearing very high wedge heels that I love #sorrynotsorry. These are the BP brand from Nordstrom last year. They are cork and go with everything. I’m a big believer in wearing neutral colored shoes to look taller and leaner.

I am pleased with how my outfit turned out and I can’t wait to wear this top with myHarper pants in blush, bermuda shorts, and even cropped denim. If I decide to pull out all the stops and wear it with a skirt you’ll be the first to know, lol!

Before I go I hope you’ll check out The Science of Sexy by Bradley Bayou. Every woman deserves to feel good about the body she is in and I believe this book and his lessons can help us all in that endeavor. You know what else can? A little kindness. Yep, go ahead and compliment someone today and make her day!