Find Your . Body Shape

As you stand naked in front of your mirror, remember this body as you see it TODAY, not yesterday's or tomorrow's. Be honest with what you see. Whether you are a size 2 or a 2X, your bust, waist and hip areas will either have curves, some curves or the areas might be more linear in shape. Think of your body type as your "outside lines." Use this outside line or silhouette to make appropriate clothing style choices. You will look better; feel better about yourself and save money if you let your curves be your guide. Can you imagine Dolly Parton wearing a housecoat or a boxy jacket? The look would be unflattering to her curvaceous body! Being realistic about your outside lines brings harmony to your personal image.

TIPS AND TRICKS Everyone loves summer but we all know the trauma of bathing suit shopping. You walk into a store, choose a swimsuit that looks good on the hanger and try it on. Then you look in the mirror, and panic sets in--and you want to scream. You can’t find a $#@*! suit that fits right, let alone looks good. You end up leaving the store more self-conscious, a bit angry, and without a bathing suit. Fortunately, you don’t have to go through the bathing suit blues this summer! You can look good in a swim suit, you just need a little know-how. Follow my easy guide to find the perfect bathing suit. Discover your body type, what you want to accentuate (or possibly conceal) and you’ll be set for summer!

HourglassProblem Areas & Characteristics: Perfect body shape all styles look great on you
ConeProblem Areas & Characteristics: Upper body is considerably larger than lower body stomach area normally protrudes bulks easily in chest, arms and neck regions slimmer from hip down · shorts or larger style bottoms add volume to the lower half of your body to balance you out· If you like to wear a skimpy bottom for sunning get a skirt cover -up to even your body shape when not swimming· Look for a top with over the shoulder type straps· Prints on the bottom with solid colors on top balance hip and shoulder width, and add a more defined waist.· Highlight your waistline with colored binding· Stay away from any halter styles as they will broaden your shoulders

SpoonProblem Areas and Characteristics: Lower body distinctively larger than upper body, thick upper thighs, bulky inner thighs, outer thighs (saddle bags) stick out, dense calves, thickset ankles, · deeper shades on the bottom are visual minimizers, · lighter shades or designs on top draw the eye upward.· try trim detailing as it brings the eye upward· tops that tie or hook behind the neck as they widen the shoulder · Look for breast enhancing tops; like our underwire pushup styles .· high cut bottoms elongate the hips and leg· Try a square-neck tank with wide set straps--you'll appear more proportional.· V-necklines draw attention away from the hip area.

RulerProblem Areas and Characteristics: Not a big difference between the circumference of your chest, waist and hips - somewhat equal body proportions. Weight gain more prevalent in mid-section/abdominal region, does not bulk or add mass easily, weight gain or loss disbursed evenly.· Try a low leg style bottom (i.e.) lowriders or hipster as they will elongate the waist giving it form and curvature· Add special detailing that defines the hip area, like contrasting trim, ties or string that is color-contrasted . This will give your waist a more contoured look· Wider straps will widen the shoulders and minimize the waist.· Fabric with vertical ribbing or stripes will elongate the look of the waist.

DiamondProblem Areas and Characteristics: noticeable difference between size of chest and waist noticeable difference between size of waist and hips tend to be a little more heavy through waist · Look for suits with that smooth midriff and do no accentuate the waist. (i.e.) smooth waistbands.. · Shorts and Mid-low leg bottoms with a mid waist give more support and even out the waist leg ratio (i.e.) hip hugger, Caribbean, Parisian or European styles· Tie or Hook at neck styles widen the shoulders· vertical lines slim the torso and create the illusion of height. · Stay away from very busy prints, patterns, metallics (use for trim instead!)· To draw the eye upward and elongate the body, ONLY use lighter or print, contrast binding trim on the tops edges with a darker colored suit. Draws eye upward· Stay away from belts; as they will focus attention to your waist