The number one rule is to always get the right size, too big makes you look bigger, too small makes you look ridiculous!! If you don’t know what is the right cut for you, get your favorite pair of jeans or slacks the one you always get complements on ..and look at the shape of the garment. Memorize it!! Take a picture, keep it with you on your cell phone, and look for that shape garment when shopping. Also, knowing your body type and what looks good on you is important too. The five most common body shapes are apple shape or inverted triangle (bigger frame on the shoulders and smaller in the hips and butt), bananas shape or rectangle (straight up and down, not to many curves), pear shape, bottom heavy or triangle (smaller frame on the top but heavy in the hips and butt), oval shape (this is when your larges measurement is around your middle) and last but not least the coveted hour glass shape.. no further description necessary!! No matter what your body shape you can look fabulous. Don’t try to ware what your girlfriend wears just because it looks good on her.. if your body type is not similar it could be a disaster that could have been avoided..

Do’s..

1. Know your body type!!! Shop with that in mind...buy clothes that are appropriate for you and your body type. Know your inseam (inner leg measurement from your crotch to the ankle).

2. Show your assets we all have something.. show your shoulders, cleavage, legs arms, what ever your asset is..use a fine glitter or body glow lotion to warm up your skin! Always make sure your skin is properly moisturized..if your legs are you assets make sure you keeping up the maintenance.. let’s not forget our dear friends Nair and our razors!! I know we are in a recession ladies but lets keep our Estheticians and Waxers on speed dial! Tanning or fake tan is good gives a nice warm glow to your skin, take notes ladies!!

3. Make alterations!! Most local dry cleaners will also do alterations. I think you will all be surprised to find out how cheap it is to get alterations. If it fits good for the most part and a small alteration will make it perfect do that. Sometimes we have to go up one size to make it fit right and then get it altered. If it bothers you to see yourself buying a bigger size – cut the tag out!! after you buy it of course.

Don’ts

1. Don’t buy clothes that are not a good fit for your body type. A lot of plus size store are becoming aware of the importance of this, for example Lane Bryant and Fashion Bug. If you don’t know your type someone there can help you determine your type! Don’t buy it if it too short, too big, too tight!

2. Don’t accentuate the negative. If you are oval shape..try to steer clear of a belt over a shirt or sweater. It causes the eye focus on the largest part of your body. Try a shirred (shirred is my secret weapon) top or dress, which is when the material is gathered to make decorative folds. Also if you have cankles (hate to say it but some of us do) steer clear of miniskirts and shorts. Highlight your assets, wear a long pant but couple it with a low cut back shirt, or maybe something off the shoulder; still sexy and revealing but concealing your flaws. If you don’t want to say good by to you skirts, capris and shorts you can always couple your skirt with a tall boot or bootie, still concealing your flaws. Love that!! Torrid has a line of wide calf and wide width boots that are stylish and go up to about a size 12.

3. Do not be afraid to alter your clothes. Alter-Alter-Alter, I can’t say it enough. It is cheap and so worth it!! And girls .. dry, ashy feet that are un-manicured is a NO-NO, no matter what size you are. Do it yourself if you have to, but just do it!! Don’t be afraid to buy a bigger size and tailor it to fit you. Don’t forget to keep up the maintenance, stay tweezed, waxed and moisturized. Do forget to accessorize, go bold make a statement with your pieces. Don’t be afraid to spend a little extra here as you can change to canvas but keep the accessories for the long hall! Love life ladies and have fun!!