Wednesday 3 September 2014

JEAN POCKETS.......Does my butt look big in these???

Denim now days is generally pretty flattering on most back-sides, however, when selecting your jeans you should always take into account the full 360 degree view!!!!

"You want to look as great walking out as you do walking in!!!"

In light of this, I thought I would share some tips on selecting jeans with back pockets that suit your butt.  For some, this will mean choosing pockets to create more butt and more curves on your back side and for others it will mean selecting pocket features to minimise a voluptuous bottom!

So...in a nutshell the things to consider when selecting pocket features for the perfect butt in your jeans are:

  • Pocket size
  • Pocket placement
  • Angle of pockets
  • Detailing on pockets
  • Bulk of pockets

Flat Bottomed Girls
You probably feel you'd like to create more bottom so you are looking for pocket features to accentuate your rear view!!

Consider back pockets with a 'flap' design to add some bulk.
Image courtesy of www.truereligionjeans.com


Contrast stitching and bold accents (embellishments, embroidery) also create the illusion of more fullness.

Image courtesy of http://missmejeans.info

As an alternative to jeans with flap pockets you can look for jeans with back pockets that are placed higher on the bum and tilted slightly outward, to give your butt a lifted appearance.

Image courtesy of www.denimblog.com
Ideally you should aim for pockets that are medium to slightly larger size to create more bum.

Note.....The bottom of back pockets shouldn't sit lower than the bottom curve of your butt (where your butt cheeks meet your legs), as this will give your flat butt a droopy appearance.

Big Bottomed Girls
Depending on your proportions you are probably wanting to find back pockets to flatter your perfectly curved bottom or you are wanting features to minimise a bigger bottom.

The size of the pockets is a big trick.  Choose back pockets that are a medium size (in comparison to your own bum).  Too small and you make a bigger butt look even larger.

Image courtesy of www.nydj.co.nz
 
Pockets that are angled in slightly to the centre will created the illusion of a slightly narrower bum.

Pockets that are closer together will also create the illusion of a narrower bum.
LTB Jeans image courtesy of www.soulclothing .co.nz
 
Pockets that sit slightly lower on your bum will have a flattening effect.  And pockets that are too high will create even more volume.  Ideally we are aiming for somewhere in the middle where the pocket sits on the widest part of your butt and just above your cheeks.

Levi's jeans image courtesy of www.hercampus.com

Avoid pocket flaps, embroidery, embellishments or any other features that are going to add bulk to your rear.

You can help create a slimmer butt, too, by always opting for dark washes of jeans.




Tuesday 12 August 2014

DENIM.....Which Jeans are best for my body shape??


One of the questions I get asked on almost every 'Shopping trip' I do with my clients is...."what style jeans would you recommend for my body shape"???

As kiwi girls, we love our jeans!  Jeans to most are a wardrobe staple and I recommend (if budget allows) to have 2 pairs....one pair for everyday living and one pair for dressing up. 

The most 'Universally flattering' shape jean on all body types (that's fancy talk for "it looks great on almost all body types") is the STRAIGHT LEG JEAN!!!
This style jean is my number 1 recommendation almost every time!!  
Source: Truereligion.com
They are fitted at the thigh (ie. they "skim the thigh") and cut straight from below the knee to the ankle.  The straight cut creates a long slim leg line.
The straight leg cut doesn't snug the ankle (like skinnies do).  This slightly wider ankle opening means this shape will balance out the hips and thighs. ...(unlike 'Skinnies' which will accentuate this area). 
The slightly wider opening around the ankle (as compared to a skinny) makes them ideal for heels and flats too, giving you more options.
 
OTHER THINGS TO THINK ABOUT......
  • The rise.  The general rule is to aim for around your hip bone or your belly button.  Do you have a long waist (opt for medium-high rise).....do you have a short waist (opt for low-medium rise).  If you have a tummy you may want to find a waist band with a little bit of stretch and aim for around your belly button. 
  • The darker the denim the more flattering and slimming!  Darker denim is also easier to dress up for a night out too.

  • Consider the thickness and rigidity of the denim.  A thicker more rigid denim is more forgiving and 'holds more in'.  However, a softer denim may be more 'pliable'  and comfortable for young mums playing around with their kids.

  • Curved waists suit the curvier girls.  These are higher at the back and slightly lower at the front. (eg. Levis Demi Curve Jeans)..... cos lets face it, no-one wants to see a 'builders crack'!!

  • The 'Rock Revival Trend' includes jeans with 'distressed features' eg. “whiskering” detail, faded lines on the upper thigh, rips and studs!  Just be wary they will draw the eye to that area.  If you are conscious of your hips or thighs you probably want to avoid these distressed features.


Source: Polyvore.com
  • If you are busty and broad up top, you may prefer to go for a wider leg jean to balance out your top half.  If you are slim and straight, you may prefer to go for a boot leg or wide leg with the intention of creating more curves. If you teeny up top with large hips and thighs, you may find that a boot cut balances out your curves better.
    • Boot legs are a great second choice for most of us........Straights are just a bit more 'now' x
      


    In my next post, I will follow on with flattering pockets to make you bootie look its finest!


     

    Thursday 15 May 2014

    TREND ALERT!!



    'THE PONCHO TREND.... Will this be your new fav this Winter???'

    Some might be mistaken for thinking you are simply wearing a 'blanket' draped around your shoulders, but, these 'blankies' are right on trend this winter.  Its a super comfy, all rugged up, snuggly kind of trend....we're going to like this one when the days get colder and darker!!


    There's the 'Boho' take on this trend....as seen below on the Fall 2014 runways


                                           Source - stylecaster.com


    You could belt your poncho/cape to create more shape and achieve a more feminine chic look?? (see below)

                                                      Source - fashiondivadesign.com

    Ponchos can be brought into lots of style personalities depending on the fabric choice (soft knit or chunky), colour, pattern, the way you wear them and what you wear them with....wear it your own way!!





















    Source -maxshop.com


    However, one cant help but wonder if 'Betty Suarez' (from TV show "Ugly Betty") has something to do with this!!  We love you Betty!!!


                                                             Source -Getty Images