Fashion Picks

Sheath dress is a wardrobe must-have. Shopping for one is supposed to be one happy experience for me. But because of my height, finding the right one is so stressful. There are cuts that I wanted but it doesn’t look good on me and the length is not flattering so I have to trash the idea that I wanted those specific dress. Thanks for this helpful tip in choosing the right sheath dress that I found in Real Simple. Now I know what to look for when shopping for a sheath dress for special occasions.

If You Have a Tummy

What to look for: “Ruching that visually flattens the stomach and creates the look of a more defined waist,” says Julie Watson, a Chicago-based personal shopper. Patterned fabric can also help distract attention from one specific problem area.

What to avoid: Lightweight or slinky fabrics that will cling to the middle.

If You Have an Hourglass Figure

What to look for: Waist-enhancing seams and a form-fitting cut to play up balanced proportions.

What to avoid: “Stiff or heavy fabrics, like tweed and brocade, that don’t shape easily to the contours of the body,” says Gregg Andrews, the national fashion director of Nordstrom. Those who wear D cups or larger should steer clear of high necklines, which can overemphasize an already large bust.

If You Have Full Hips and Thighs

What to look for: “Styles that offer a bit more volume or interesting detail up top to even out the proportions of the lower body,” says Watson. What else works? “Fabrics with some stretch or softness, such as rayon, silk, and cotton blends, and a straight—not tapered—cut of the skirt to accommodate the hips,” says fashion designer David Meister.

What to avoid: Pegged cuts that make hips and thighs look larger. Wrist-length sleeves that line up with the hips direct the eye straight to that area.

If You Have a Straight Figure

What to look for: “A dress with built-in curves. You’ll know it when you see it because it will have a great shape even on the hanger,” says Andrews. Also keep an eye out for a fitted bodice with darts and seaming throughout the torso to help create a defined, feminine silhouette.

What to avoid: Thin, elasticized waistbands or gathered fabric at the stomach that adds thickness to the middle and makes the body look straighter.

Source: Real Simple

Most, if not all women are addicted to handbags. Others have a pair while some have a dozen of it. In my case, I used to have designer bags (those not too expensive ones) and I end up worrying how will I care for those “investments” that I consider. Glad I found these tips from designers and manufacturers on how to care about handbags to get the best bag for your buck.

Choosing Your Bag

• Bags with piping wear faster along the corners, but piping is fairly easy to repair or replace.
• White topstitching on a bag soils quickly, making the bag look older than it is. But the stitching can be cleaned or replaced by a professional.
• Stay away from bags with handles that are not stitched along the edges of the straps. Handles that are only glued will eventually separate. "Nothing is stronger than stitching," says Tony Pecorella, owner of Modern Leather Goods, in New York City.
• "The fewer moving parts, the better," says Christopher Moore, owner of Artbag, a handbag repair shop in New York City. Fewer pieces means less possibility of breakage.
• Pebbled leather will wear better over time. It shows fewer scratches and rain spots. Smooth leather, like calfskin, can be sensitive to scratches but is easily restored by a handbag specialist.

Caring for Your Bag

• About once or twice a year, treat your leather bag with a neutral (colorless) shoe polish (such as Meltonian; $2.50) to keep it conditioned.
• For repairs and stains, avoid the dry cleaner and shoe repair shop (there’s too high a risk of damage from the wrong machines or tools). Instead, take it to a handbag professional, like Artbag, in New York City. People send bags to Artbag from around the country.
• Never store a leather handbag in plastic, which can dry the bag out or stick to the leather. Stuff the bag with tissue paper or an old T-shirt to maintain its shape. Place the handbag in the felt bag it came in or a pillowcase and store upright.

I don’t wear skirt that much before because I don’t know what cut will look good on me. Months back, my sister gave me denim mini skirts saying I shouldn’t wear pants because I look shorter with it. I don’t know if the skirts’ cut look good on me but I love wearing it because it shows part of my thighs and with the nude flats that I am wearing, my legs look longer.

These guide is very helpful in choosing the right cut that will flaunt one’s asset and it sure was a great help for me in buying a skirt soon.

If You Are Petite

Look for: Hemlines that hit at or above the knee. Styles with a high waist or vertical details also have an elongating effect, says Simon Kneen, the creative director of Banana Republic.

Avoid: Longer skirts, which can make you look shorter. “Beware of voluminous silhouettes or heavy material, which can weigh down your frame,” says New York City–based costume designer Jenny Gering.

If You Have Thick Calves

Look for: A flared cut that hits at the knee to accentuate the slimmest part of the leg. Frilly details or a chiffon overlay softens the look of wide calves, says Jacqui Stafford, a style expert in New York City.

Avoid: “Tapered or below-the-knee skirts, which emphasize the fullest part of the calf,” says Kneen.

If You Have a Tummy

Look for: Structured or textured materials and dark-colored prints, which mask the midsection. Fabric that loosely drapes over the middle is also forgiving. If you have great legs, redirect attention to them with a mini, suggests Gering. The waistband on this skirt hides a pooch.

Avoid: Horizontal stripes, pleats, and flimsy silks, which highlight the stomach.

If You Have Full Hips and Thighs

Look for: Slightly flared, not poufy, skirts that streamline the hips. “Dark shades, like navy, charcoal, and chocolate, help slim your bottom half,” says Stafford.

Avoid: Bulky pockets, horizontal designs, and peplum waists, which exaggerate curves. Steer clear of pencil skirts that cling and boxy shapes, which don’t play up the waist.

photos by: Ryan Pfluger

source: Real Simple