"these are a few of my favorite things..."

Fashion trends change constantly, but there's always something I'm obsessing over. So today, because tomorrow could be totally different, I am obsessed with skinny belts and ruffles.
My love of skinny belts is simple. They are ALMOST ALWAYS appropriate. They define the waist, add some elegance, and provide an opportunity for creativity. I belt dresses, dress shirts, cardigans, blouses, and tunics. Any top that's not gathered at the hem, dress that doesn't have a defined waist showing outside of the belted area, or item that's not overly bulky can probably be belted. Those are general rules, but let your fashion eye be your guide.
Ruffles are new in my adult life. I'd put them on my children only list below white patent leather shoes and bubble jackets. But, I was wrong. When done correctly, in moderation, they are flawless! I love tuxedo ruffles whether they're simple or exaggerated. Just remember to make ruffles the, or a major, star in the show. When ruffles have to compete with over the top other looks, everything loses.
As trends recycle, or up cycle, themselves, the classics remain the same even with accessories. Staples will out live the pierced lip and have long since killed the ankle bracelet. My constant favorites are big bangle bracelets and dangle earrings...WOWZA!
Bracelets, an old fashion faithful! I adore all bracelets, but bangles have changed my life! I feel naked without bangles up to my armpits. But you can't just put on every bangle you own and call it fashionable, you have to have a plan. I am careful to coordinate color, pattern, metals, sizes, and shapes. I only wear them on my left wrist, always my left wrist. I'm right handed and the bulk can impair the 1000 times I have to put pen to paper in a day. I make sure to separate my metals with wood or a ribbon wrapped bracelet in the office. Noise HAS to be a deciding factor in bracelet wearing!
And the earrings, may God bless a bold earring! They are just...necessary. There's no bigger opportunity for a subtle statement. Earrings, for me, are the most feminine and expressive accessories you can wear. They make my day. You should never, NEVER, leave home without earrings! NEVER!

Fit, Flaw, Flattering

I am curvy. Voluptuous. I'm kinda pear-ish. I have broad shoulders, and I'm busty. My figure is okay, but I need toning. I need lots of toning. Lord knows!
I am sure of my body. Knowing the best fit and the flaws of your shape are essential in knowing how to dress yourself. But it's only part of the process. I'm certain there's nothing skinny about a skinny jean when they're on me, but if not skinny jeans then what?
1. I like a heavier weight denim. Light weight denim can be like wearing blue t-shirts for pants when not done correctly. Every flaw could be displayed.
2. My hips and thighs need balance. I need volume on the lower half of my legs.
Now as easy as this may now seem to figure out, all together they create a new set of hard to figure out restrictions. Heavy weight denim isn't difficult, but it doesn't mean the hard just shy of black denim favored by some laborers. I want the medium weight, I guess, carried in most retail shops.
Balancing my leg is best done in boot cut jeans. Flare leg jeans are confusing and awkward on my short stems. Wide leg jeans tend to make my legs look shorter and wider than what they really are. I need something that follows my leg comfortably to the knee, then with a slight flare goes on to the floor. I need boot cut jeans. Trouser jeans follow a similar route without the slight flare. They are a more fitted version of the wide leg. Trouser jeans can work for me, but my heart belongs to boot cut.
Generally speaking, I focus on my waist a lot. Showing that my waist is slimmer helps define an hour glass shape with my curvy lower half and voluptuous bust line. This makes me feel more feminine. *Side note: I love the word voluptuous!
I also am famous for using accessories to manipulate the eye. *Rule: Add color, sparkle, or oddity where you want peoples eyes to fall on you.
I need v neck tees. Although I wear the occasional crew neck t-shirt, it's not often. They add emphasis to my already broad shoulders. I'm more balanced in a v neck. But with t-shirts it doesn't end there. I go for a soft cotton tee with a cut that's flattering to the female form. Because, boxy is only appropriate when it's an impeccably styled Chanel tweed jacket.

Cartoon Clothing

Adults should never wear cartoon themed clothing. I cannot express my disgust at an adult in an over sized Winnie the Pooh t-shirt. It's no longer cute and classic. It's ridiculous and tacky. I think companies produce these items as a joke on the unsuspecting, and poorly dressed, consumer. Don't let the joke be on you...literally.

I did some research for the character die hards. I understand that some piece of animation may tickle that warm and fuzzy place in your soul. But you CAN and MUST satisfy that warm and fuzzy without themed apparel. Thank God for accessories, and in his situation, specifically jewels. I'm speaking of gold, sterling silver, crystals, and gemstones. I'm not including the battery operated necklace that glows, sings, and dances.

So for me, trash the tees and get the pave' crystal Mickey Mouse ears necklace at disneystore.com. Please? Thanks!

The Shoe Box

So today I, again, found myself in a little boutique in Magnolia, AR called the Shoe Box. It's the temporary home to tons of fabulous shoes and accessories. I love that store! Every imaginable trend lines their walls just waiting to be obsessed over by someone like me. And, I never disappoint!

accessories

Accessories are my thing! I have a "moment" over beautiful bangles and extraordinary earrings. I sometimes salivate over superior shoes, but accessories amaze me. They are my everything and hold a high spot on my priority list. The very loves of my life...*sigh.* Well, they are 2nd - infinity behind Blaise.
XOXO

Spent

Spent the weekend in Dallas. Spent tons of money on jewels. Spent nothing on clothes. Spent the mornings trying to figure out what to wear. Spent that time with bracelets and earrings already on.
My priorities may need some work.

Understanding the boob line

I love clothing items that define certain areas on the body like a slim waist or toned arms. They are typically incredibly flattering pieces. But, by looking at some women around me, the boob line can be difficult to understand.
The boob line, as I've defined it, is the stitch on a top separating the bust area from the mid-section. It may be accented with decorative trim or underneath a faux wrap.
It is very important that the boob line be UNDERNEATH the breasts. It can't be above the breasts or resting on them. That line MUST be UNDER the breasts. If you can't follow this rule DO NOT purchase the this style of top. Going out with oddly placed boob line makes you look like a crazy sausage stuffed into a too little shirt.