Shop With Style

Oh great…just in time for the Victoria’s Secret runway show. Curves, curves, curves. That’s all you seem to see and hear about in the fashion magazines today. Celebrity style magazines also have more than their fair share of curves, thanks to such glamazons as Kim Kardashian, Jennifer Lopez, and Beyonce gracing the glosses pages. But if you’ve got a boyish figure, you might find it hard to identify, let alone rock those feminine, figure-hugging styles with any confidence. The good news is that you don’t have to wear Lycra to look like a glamorous woman. It’s all about fit, creative camouflage, and illusion! Here are the basics:

What identifies a boyish figure?  Typically, boyish figures are also known as “lean” or “athletic.” Shaped more like a ruler than an hourglass, your hips are narrow and your waist is small, as are your breasts.

What to avoid:

• Strapless anything
• Shapeless clothes, clothes that are too loose
• Body-con from top to bottom, you need to always wear at least one piece that is more structured with one piece that can create curves

Tops: One of the best features of that lean figure of yours will be your shoulders, so tops with high necklines, crew necks, boat necks, sleeveless, and halter tops will help to show off your shoulders will creating the illusion of a slightly larger bust. Also don’t forget great camouflaging helpers like ruffles and peplums. Not only will they add a distinct air of the feminine about you, but they act to add dimension without adding bulk or swallowing you up.

Jackets: Tailoring is key, as it is with jackets for every other body type. You are looking to add curves, so look for a structured jacket, or  a shorter jacket that nips in at the waist (with a tie or a button), and then softly flairs out. Cropped cardigans also help to “create” a waist for you. Another benefit of your lean figure is that your jackets can definitely have embellishments, and you can accessorize both jackets and cardigans by layering on a thin belt…again, helping to create curves where there aren’t many.

Bottoms: It might be tempting to go for tight or boxy mini-skirts, but instead, you should opt for softer yet flattering silhouettes, like circle or skater skirts. If you’re looking to go longer, fishtail or mermaid shapes are so flattering and absolutely girly. In terms of pants, you can definitely pull off cropped straight cuts, but don’t discount the effect of a great pair of structured, boot-cut trousers. Skinny jeans, leggings, and jeggings will work well, as long as they are paired with a slightly more flowy top, or layers like a ruffled blouse and a short cardigan. Low rise jeans with wide waistbands are a good choice too, and don’t forget that a bit of detailing on the hips and butt will also help to give the illusion of a curvier figure.

Dresses: Obviously, the best dress for the boyish frame will create curves. That means a flowy fabric, nipped in at the waist. Don’t shy away from ruffles, embellishment, or fullness at the bust, since your narrow hips will balance it out. Look for empire and A-line shapes, or dresses with a fuller skirt. The most important thing to keep in mind is that you need movement in your dress, not something too clingy. Dresses with movement will skim your boyish figure but nip in at the waist, giving the appearance of more curves.

Ever since we all started using our phones as clocks, we have gotten away from wearing watches, which are really great pieces of jewelry that can last a lifetime. However, there are signs that fashion is shifting back toward using watches as focal points of outfits. Here are a few pieces to start building your collection before everyone else does:

Something Classic

A classic watch is something that will never go out of style. These are the watches that have metallic accents, neutral colors, and can basically work with any outfit, from a pair of jeans and a t-shirt to a business suit.

If you are going to invest in a watch of this kind, ensure that it comes with a sturdy band for daily wear.

Something Casual

Watches you wear the to grocery store or to the movies are different than watches you’d wear elsewhere. They are made to be worn and roughed up a little bit. That doesn’t mean that they have to lack style, however. Instead, go with a unique wrap-around watch or something that has a gimmicky finish to it. That will help you to dress down any outfit but still have the feeling and appearance of a great watch.

Something Gold

In general, we tend to overlook gold jewelry and watches because we don’t always wear it. So much of fashion today caters to silver jewelry. However, a gold watch is a classic that is never going to go out of style. Just having one around is important, whether you have no other gold jewelry or you do.

Go for a gold in a shade that you like – if you don’t like yellow gold, go for something lighter or a beautiful rose gold color.

Something Funky

There are a few designers out there who make some of the funkiest, funniest watches to wear. These have bright colors, interesting dial options, and even bright bands. These aren’t going to be the watches that you wear on a daily basis, but rather the ones that will give you a little bit of a laugh when you need one.

Something Glitzy

Let’s be honest, we all dream about owning a Rolex or some watch adorned in diamonds. For most of us, that isn’t quite a reality just yet. However, you can get the next best thing by finding a watch that is decked out with some rhinestones or some glitter. You won’t get quite the same look, but they can be fun to wear when you want to have a little extra glamor.

Something For Play

Do you exercise a lot? Go on runs or go kayaking? You likely will want a watch for those activities (especially if you don’t want to get your phone wet) but don’t have one that you want to beat up. Investing in a great sports watch is the perfect way to motivate yourself to get out there and get moving.

A great watch is a piece that you can hold onto forever and even pass to your children. However, having one watch is never going to be enough for all that life throws at you. These are just a few of the watches you will need to have a truly complete collection.

What is it about Winter weather that makes us just want to get out and enjoy nature? Sure, in the Summer, you can get out and enjoy nature just the same, but as the temperatures rise, you can only remove so many articles of clothing before….well…you get arrested. But in the Winter, you can bundle up and really make the most of the world around you! No matter what you fancy… hiking, camping, or even just enjoying a festive campfire with friends…we’ve got the gear you’re going to need to keep warm and keep going!

• Base layers – Why are base layers so important? Why can’t you just throw on a thick jacket and be done with it? Well, not only do base layers make it easier for you to adjust your body temp as you go, but they can keep you warm without letting you get overheated when enjoying activities outdoors. True base layers (long-sleeved tops and bottoms with fitted ankles) are worn close to the skin and are form-fitting (but not overly tight), made from polyester, wool, synthetics, or a combination of all three, but not Cotton will retain moisture and but will not retain much-needed heat.
• Insulating layers – Worn over base layers, insulating layers should still be made of the same materials – wool, polyester, and synthetics – but are a bit thicker (not so thick you can’t comfortably move though). In more moderate climates, you might be able to skip insulating layers and simply double-up on base layers. This layer will be the one that you layer on and off as your temperature, and that of the outdoors, fluctuates. That means your insulating layer is best comprised of pieces with zippers and/or buttons (like these) for ease of use.
• Weatherproof layers – Your outermost layers will be windproof, waterproof, and breathable. On top, that means you’re looking for a good hard-shell jacket, with plenty of zippers for extra ventilation. Regular jeans or pants will work over your base layer, but in colder climates, you should add a pair of weatherproof or weather-resistant pants. Not only will they keep your pants and under-layer dry, but they help to cut the chill of the wind.
• Hats/gloves –In cold weather, your body first loses heat through your extremities. That means hats and gloves are definitely in order! Again, try to look for fabrics like wool, polyester, or synthetics, since they will hold the heat better than cotton. Hats and gloves should fit snugly …and fleece-lining never hurts. And, in this day and age, look for gloves with smart touch fingertips, so you won’t have to constantly be taking them on and off to use your phone.
• Boots/shoes – Footwear should be waterproof, with thick soles, and have a fit with a bit of room. The extra room not only helps with accommodating the thicker socks (hopefully wool) you’ll be wearing, but it will allow for warm air to circulate and keep those toes warm.

Finally, add a hard-shell, insulated or lined jacket, one designed to take the elements, and you’re set. If you layer-up properly, and choose the right fabrics and fits, your Winter time wanderings are sure to be toasty, warm, and wonderful!