Life has a way of moving inexorably onward, while we can remain stuck in a by-gone era (and in the same old tired styles).  Just about the only style that stands the true test of time, no matter what decade it is or age we are, are those styles usually referred to as "The Classics."  Classics are great, timeless styles, constructed from quality fabrics that have a great look, feel and drape.  There are classic styles for any figure type or shape.  The classics also happen to have a timeless beauty that makes them great value for money too.  Lucky for you, they can also be found daily, new or gently used, on eBay.

Often, we loose touch with the idea that it is a good thing to care of ourselves and to care about the way we look no matter where we are in our daily schedule.  It is easy not to learn new and easy ways to look great and classic no matter where you are in life.  We fail to understand that our "style" (or lack of it) says something important about us as Mom's, wives, women and co-workers.  We often focus only on others, leading to feeling and/or looking like a drudge. We are actually using our caring for others as the excuse for not figuring out what to do to be our best and then getting on with doing it.  We have a "why bother?" attitude because television or movie perfection (if we ever lived it - and most of us didn't), has left us in the shadows.  Unfortunately, Hollywood has also hooked us into believing that what we see on the screen is real.  It isn't!  Any glance at a tabloid while waiting to pay for groceries shows you that Hollywood is human too.  So, it is silly to despair that we can never can attain Hollywood style.  Real life is about striving for a comfortable, happy, suitable personal style that works for YOU and YOUR lifestyle --  not striving for perfect or Hollywood. 

Having said that, I completely understand that we would like to be our best without a flurry of muss and fuss too.  We live busy, full lives that require us to balance our time with many requirements.  So, with some simple tricks, we can hide plenty of the real or imagined imperfections that keep us from appreciating our own true beauty and it can be done effortlessly.  No matter what size, shape or age we are, we can develop flair and a  wonderful personal style.  We must  begin with the idea that we are individuals, with individual purpose and beauty.  To be loved is a two stage process beginning with our appreciation of ourselves BEFORE asking those who love us to appreciate us too. 

We can and should strive for our own signature "look."  Even when we appreciate and adopt another's "style," we should take that as a baseline style then make it our own.  In concentrating on deining your own style and crating it, you automatically add some much needed "self care" to your life.  I promise that you will feel truly empowered and energized by your own special "pulled together" look.  YES you can have your own version of the pulled together, easy look you have often envied in others. 

So, lets start with the positive and uplifting changes that move us from "timed out" to "timeless."  It is true that, no matter what your size or shape, you can use the following tips to flatter your look.  You can use Ebay to keep the costs of making these changes within your budget too!  Why pay retail when you can get great deals by bidding or by making best offers on clothing lines that are usually only available in  upscale stores (and at eye popping prices)? 

Here are some hints to achieve a Classic Style for your body type:

1.  Got a tummy?  A straight or pencil skirt, coupled with a loose, longer style sweater or top takes the focus off the tummy bulge and draws the eye vertically from your lovely smile to your pretty shoes.  Beware of  sweaters that are too over sized or baggy  because such outsized items don't flatter anyone and often make you look heavier than you actually are -- the sweater should fit but not tightly.    Create a longer line by matching your hose and show color to that of your skirt

2.  Shorter legs?  Lengthen them with hose and shoes that match your skirt or slacks color. (Higher heels, (if you like and can wear them), can add lots of height or a better igure proportion).  Top off the outfit with a chunky sweater or overblouse with a scarf and/or pin for a finished look.  Stay completely away from horizontal stripes (and double breasted sweaters or jackets) -- this is especially true if you are over 40.

3.  Hips a little larger than you would like?  Wear an A-Line or pleated skirt that will skim over the hips.  Add a matching jacket that hits just below the hip to achieve balance between the top and bottom (drawing the eye vertically).  Stay away from mid-thigh length jackets which accentuate the larger hips by comparing them visually with the shoulders.

4.  Large Bust make you feel self conscious?  Stay away from breast pockets and blouses that are too small across the chest.  Tight blouses and shirts gap which draws unwanted attention to larger bustlines.  When you put a top on, sit in it then twist and move to see how it lies on your chest.  With a more ample bust, the goal will be to achieve balance between a larger bust and less ample bottom.  A straight skirt or pants (well pressed with a center crease), draws the eye vertically.  Add tops that fit well in the shoulders AND (especially) are well fitting across the chest.  If buttons gape at the bust in a standard size, but the shoulders fit well, try some of the "women's sizes" such as a 12W, 14W, 16W and 18W which are available in higher priced lables including Talbots, Ralph Lauren, etc.  Women's sizes provide more room in the bustline without adding additonal shoulder space.  Add a good fitting and well matched or coordinating top (not too baggy or too tight) to those beautifully creased pants or straight skirt and you have a great look that draws the eye vertically.  Check the balance of your outfit in the mirror -- if it appears to be perfectly balanced from top to bottom (you see the whole outit in a quick glance instead of only a part of it), that is the look we're going for. 

5.  Darker colors on top also help to balance an exaggerated bust or wider shoulders.  For instance, with an exaggerated bust or wide shoulders, try camel pants and a black sweater.  Note:  Avoid belts which will only cut the verticle visial line and thereby emphasize the bust.  An additional style to try is the halter style in warmer months, which extends the verticle look and length of your torso by virtue of the ties at the neck. 

5.  Small Bust?  Emphsize it with "add in fabrics" such as ruffles, cowl neck, drop neck, rouching, smocking, pin tucks or pleat details.  The object here is to replace the additional bust you wish you had with fabric details in the top/sweater/shirt or blouse design to create additional "fluff" that will visually enlarge the bust and create the balance in the upper and lower parts of your body.

6.  As discussed above, figures with any imbalance between top and bottom (i.e. pear shapes) benefit from staying away from horizontal lines in the fabric or an abrupt change of color (black and white for instance) at the waistline.  Such elements cut the verticle view in half and exaggerate what we want to disguise.  In these cases, a single coordinated color in the major pieces (top and bottom) can be made more interesting with jewelery, jackets, cardigans and scarves while still creating a vertical line that provides a longer leaner look visually.

7.  Short people should also avoid horizontal stripes for the very reasons stated above.  It is also a distinct disadvantage to draw the viewers eye left to right instead of top to bottom.  Horizontal attention only makes short people look shorter.  Also, remember that boxy styles tend to make one look like a box.  So, i you are short, look for garments with some shape in them that works with your shape such as sharply creased slacks, halter tops, v-necked anything.

8.  If you have small hips, add a hip belt to add some bulk where there is less than you would like to have.  This addition of a hip belt also acts to help balance the top and bottom.  Larger bottom than top?  See item 6., above.

9.  Bring fun into what you wear -- Explore color!  Contrary to most of nature where the males enjoy wearing natures brightest colors and while the females are drably colored (think peacocks here), in humans it is women who tend to feel more free to use and enjoy colors.  I you do not or have not indulged in using colors to brighten your look there is no better time than now to begin.  When we don't take our look or style seriously, we just keep buying the same boring colors (are you permanently wedded to black or beige?).  Sadly, as wonderful as the basic colors are, wearing them constantly is not flattering to anyone and cannot be conused with a look or style.  Wearing a single color over and over, fails to excite us, or cheer us.  So, make it a point to explore color on your next shopping trip.  Try on colors and styles you have never tried before -- take an honest friend or relative with you to offer comments.  Make a note of what works for you.  Love fuscia but don't think you can wear it?  Try wearing it in an accessory!  A great way to use your favorite colors is with a silk scarf or some o the wonderful new chunky jewelery.  Check out Ebay for a vast array of the prettiest silks imaginable at prices you just will not believe!  Use silk scarves to soften the look and to wear new colors without drowning in them.  To add to the fun, learn to tie several specialty scarf knots for different looks.  Instructions on tying scarves are available on the web, try Googling "tie a silk scarf."

10.  Style is not a size -- it is a look and a way of being.  No one can see your size tags, so when you buy clothing -- buy the right size -- not the number on the lable.  Large or small -- big or tall -- Proportion is everything!  Ever see someone walking down the street and you cannot see the person for the huge sized print they'e wearing?  This visual shows you what "wearing prints that are out of proportion" means in practice.  No single element of what you wear should ever draw attention away from your entire (overall) look.  I think prints are best when they are small and use rich, beautifully coordinated colors.  In printed fabrics, it is essential that one recognizes whether the print will add to, or detract from the balance we are trying to achieve in our overall look.  Personally, I believe that a large print is rarely a good idea for any sized woman, but a large print easily overwhelms those who are short and/or very thin.  Above all, remember that large prints are very distracting.  So if you really like them, make sure that the pieces you wear with a large print are extremely quiet in color so you make a balanced presentation.  Balance and proportion go hand in hand.  Balance and proportion make or break an outfit every time.

11.  I am a true fan of natural fibers or blended fabrics with a large proportion of natural fibers in them including cotton, cotton blends, all merino or wool gaberdine, cashmere, Linen, silk and silk blends.  The quality and weight of the natural fabric lends it to a beautiful drape and, most importantly, to the wearers comfort and garment longevity.  Natural fibers tend to look great up close and from a distance too --and they last and hold their shape longer if you take good care of them.  Quality clothing is unmistakeble -- it looks exactly like what it is -- quality clothing -- from the evident quality of the fabric to construction finish detail, a quality garment looks like one.  Obviously, clothing made from these fabrics tends to be far more expensive, too.  This is why Ebay is the best source for great value on the best fabrics and styles in high end ladies clothing -- New or Used.  Get familiar with some of the best clothing lines -- including two of my personal favorites, Talbots (great styling, wonderful size options with consistently quality fabric and construction) and Ralph Lauren (great country classic styling, coupled with fine finishing detail using quality fabrics).

12.  Help -- I have no color sense...what now?  What goes with what is alway a question if you are color challenged.  Google "color wheel" and look at the colors that are opposite one another.  You can also never miss with a monochromatic look -- two shades (usually light and dark) of the same color.  Examples are; navy and grey blue or sky blue.  As stated before, try wearing the darker shade on the larger part of the body such as a black top on a large busted woman or black slacks on the larger hipped woman).  Color is easy when you choose two different shades of the same color.  It never misses for that "pulled together" look we want.  Bring it together with a silk scarf that has the two basic colors you are wearing it it.  As boring as it is, I think the more classic look calls for no more than three colors in an outfit too (think black, white and gray).  As examples, navy and light blue, black and gray, as well as brown and beige are great pairings too.  Then you can add a third accent color or printed scarf.  Keep such classic combinations from being boring by adding interesting and appropriate accessories, to include scarves, belts, pretty and well polished shoes, jewelery and touches of small coordinating colors (possibly even a print) in a scarf or overblouse.  Black, white or ivory and beige pair with almost any other color, including itself i perectly matched!  There are seasonal expectations for wearing bright white.  Although attitudes are changing, bright white outfits and suits still tend to be a summer color.  Want to wear white in winter?  Try eggshell, Ivory or winter white.

13.  Although many designers mix prints, one must remember that these mixed prints usually are displayed on models who are over six feet tall and weigh about 100 pounds.  It seems that models would look lovely in a paperbag but real people tend not to be so lucky.  Models are not real life and their looks are not a good choice for a PTA meeting or a day in your office.  If you are not a model shape, pulling off that level of "busy" in your outfit  is much more difficult for those living in the real world.  It is also wholly unecessary to be loudly or wildly dressed to achieve your own "look."

14.  Following fashion fads is thankless and expensive.  If you can afford to completely replace your wardrobe each season, following fashion fads is possible but the question remains -- does it really make sense?  If you find that you must chase the latest look, no matter what that look is, ask yourself why it is important to look like thousands of others rather than like YOU?  A critical element of real fashion is finding our own style, not following fads.  In fact -- being a style maker beats a style follower any day!  The most practical way to dress is to buy the best clothing we can afford, avoiding fashion extremes, focussing on high quality, timeless pieces that carry us through for years.  Mix and match the timeless pieces (for instance; a classic white shirt with a classic black trouser), with the trendy item of the year and season -- such as a poncho, pashima or snood (to name only three fads that passed in the blink of an eye in the last 5 years).  If there is a fad look that you particularly loved such as that gypsy look from the 70's, there are many updated, less exaggerated versions available to keep the look without having it appear dated or over done.

15.  Key to looking good, is feeling good about who you are.  Understand that no matter what your size or shape, you are here on earth with a purpose.  That makes you important and worthy of being well cared for -- no one is more educated on how to take care of you than YOU -- it all begins with you.  Self acceptance is an important first step in every woman's life and it is a sad life to have lost the opportunity to know and appreciate who you are.  Spending the time and effort to get a great haircut, a facial and a manicure is not indulgence, it is essential self care.  If you take great care of yourself you actually take better care of those you love too.  The bonus of positive self care is a sense of personal worthiness and purpose. Indeed, taking good care of yourself directly translates to renewed confidence and belief in yourself which is so essential to the modern woman in her roles as an example to her children, partner to her spouse or someone colleagues or students look up to and emulate. 

16.  How do I maintain a "sexy and alluring" look without degenerating into the "Hooker" look?  A simple rule here is to limit the exposed areas per outfit to only one.  For instance, if you are wearing something with an exposed back, stay away from the deep plunging neckline --the reverse is also true.  Never combine a deep plunging neckline with a side split to the hip in a skirt.  Note that if you have to keep tugging at a clothing item to keep yourself covered, it is too small or fits poorly -- get rid of it.  If you love the item and simply must have it -- sell yours on Ebay and post a "Want It Now" ad to replace the item in a larger size.  The office (both in terms of time of day and environment) is NEVER a place for exposed cleavage, cutaway clothing or side splits that extend above the knee exposing a lot of thigh or your hip.  The masculine attention you may get with inappropriate exposure will never be worth the picture you are painting of your "personal style" long term.  Here again -- it is balance that makes the difference.  Be careful  that your oice or work style is an accurate reflection of your professional capabilities and ambition -- not an advertisment for something completely unrelated to your work (sex).  Another great tip is to dress for the job you want, not necessarily the one you're in.  Today, women want to be judged and paid in the workplace for our smarts and capability, not for our curves.  One way to achieve this goal is to leave the skin and cleavage exposure for after 5 p.m. or weekends and limiting your day wear to reflect the attitude that "I am a grown, intelligent and capable woman."  Seems to be a much more worthy message to send out than the "Hey, look at me I'm hot and trolling!"

17.  There is also an important delineation between office bling (low key, not clanging and inappropriate). and after five bling (wear it loud and proud).  Bling (jewelery) is beautiful and fun to wear -- the more bling you wear, the less busy the clothing style should be.  For perfect examples of what I mean here, think of the best dressed actresses on the red carpet at the Oscars.  Generally, the more busy the dress, the more delicate the jewelery, while the more quiet the dress, the more of Harry Winston's over the top shimmering bling the actress can successfully wear. 

If too many pounds (over the holidays or otherwise) happens to be a problem you are facing today, the following will help you look like you did the impossible - lost 10 pounds in 10 minutes!  These clever fashion moves trick the eye into believing you weigh less -- even if you could never resist a second helping!

1.  Dark colors are slimming but when worn with no color or no shiny accessories it can be boring in the extreme!  Polish up the gems and press the silk scarves to add a touch of bling and some dramatic color.  The jewelry should be either silver or gold (not both) and diamonds or rhinestones can glam up an evening outfit like nothing else.  A long chain necklace (with or without a fob) draws the eye vertically making you look taller and therefore thinner.

2.  Stay away from anything oversized, big or bulky -  leave the boucle knits to our thinner sisters.  The thicker fabrics add to your body thickness and an excess of fabric adds pounds rather than taking them away visually.  Use your clothes (and their shape or construction) to maximize assets and minimize size (for instance, a v-neck to lengthen a pretty neckline, an a-line skirt that glides over ample hips rather than a straight skirt that frames them,  or adding design details like rules ruffles to add bulk to a small bustline).

3.  Thin your face with a great haircut and style.  For a thinning effect with longer hair, wear it upswept or away from your face and shoulders.  Long hair can be worn in a French twist, or a pony tail for casual wear.  Shorter hair should be styled in loose waves or curls that frame the face without adding a lot of bulk. Wispy bangs will soften a round face. 

4. With wide shoulders or a large chest avoid high waist or empire waist styles.  Stay away from colors and patterns in the chest area that draw the eye there.  Vertical stripes have a thinning effect and a V-neck or scoop neck in any top makes your top appear smaller. For balance with a larger top, an a-line skirt or A-line dress in a single color can balance out the broader top or larger chest.  The width of the skirt as it glides over the hips emphasizes the waistline while balancing larger shoulders or chest, putting the visual focus elsewhere (on your waist and lower legs).

5.  Undergarments that fit not only provide comfort but a foundation that can instantly take away 5 or more pounds.  Be sure to wear bras that fit and are comfortable and try some of the newer waist cinchers or tummy tamers available.  Spanx is a popular manufacturer.

6. For thinner arms there is nothing like slightly draped cap sleeves or three-quarter length sleeves (which also are comfortable because they don't drag in things that you are working on).  These sleeves also call attention your waistline rather than your arms.

7. Bit of a pouchy tummy?  Wear a fitted jacket that is drawn in at the sides, rather than a boxy style. This creates clean lines without looking bulky.  Wrap around styles in shirts and dresses with rouching (gathers or ruffles) help to disguise tummy pouching (be sure to wear pants or skirts that fit well int he waist and the rise to avoid "muffin top and camel toes." Avoid thick, stiff or shiny fabrics that draw attention to an area that is not one o your best assets.

8. Hips a little wider then you would like them to be?  Choose understated boot-cut pants or jeans with a slight flare at the bottom to balance out your hips. This approach creates a long, lean vertical line. Make sure the waist fits properly to avoid muffin top.  You also need a good it that assures you can  wear the pants and jeans comfortably while also looking great. Here is a great eye trick:  women of normal height should choose long or tall jeans or pants to wear with heels creating the illusion of a tall slim, long leg. The addition of overall height is great for hiding additional weight.

9. Baby got more back then you want?  Make a larger derriere look smaller by avoiding high-waist jeans or pants.  The added height of the pants adds more real estate in the backside area where we want less. Choose pants that sit lower on your hips--(women over forty should avoid the strongly exaggerated hipsters in favor of a less exaggerated hip pant (make sure the waist and rise fit to avoid that lurking muffin-top or camel toe)! Tight exaggerates what you are trying to disguise, so go for a smooth fitting style.

10.  Slimming skirts that stop just above the knee will show off your legs, longer style skirts show off a  prettily turned ankle and foot.  If straight or pencil skirts are your style, choose one with a side split or a decorative (pleated) walking pleat. Side slits make walking look fluid, and they're very comfortable. Unless you're very thin, pencil skirts (straight skirts that are narrow at the bottom) to accentuate those areas we want to play down such as an over ample backside or hip area.

11.  Unless yours legs are exceptionally thin and out off proportion, avoid loud leg wear such as argyle tights, fishnets and patterned or brightly colored leg wear since they'll make your legs look heavier.

12. An all over trick to be instantly thinner is to wear single dark colors such as black and accentuate with splashes of color (see 1, above).  Black is the most slimming color for anyone and a best bet for instant slimming -- from a little black dress or black pants matched with a richly dark-colored shirt, such as purple, brown or navy blue. Add a little  sweater for a perfectly slimming and pulled together look.

Now go ahead, care for your beautiful self by cleaning out the closet (sell it all on eBay).  Then rebuild your wardrobe as a reflection of the smart, powerful, proud, accomplished and loving woman you are.  Find some looks you really love and create a personal style that will have everyone thinking you just returned from an expensive spa.  Tear out pages in magazines showing things you like -- ask a well dressed pal what she thinks of this style for you.  Call a friend whose style is impeccable and that you admire -- ask her help.

I do hope you found this guide useful and will visit my store and sales.  The Write Place ladies clothing lets you choose gthe price you pay every day for quality items with combined shipping at only $1.00 per additional piece.  Thanks for stopping by and DO take care of YOU! 

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