Size 2, size 12, and size 20 - The Limited/Eloquii

SPRING! Welcome to longer days, more sunshine, and all of the fabulous springs trends. It's time to break out those sandals and your flirty dresses and get ready for a fabulous season! 

This is my second blog dedicated to creating three looks from the same store based on three different body sizes. The whole purpose of "size 2, size 12 and size 20" is to show my readers that every woman can be stylish. It's all about how you adapt the trends that you see in the magazines, TV, and even on the mannequins in the store to embody YOUR style and make it fit YOUR body type. Here are three stylish outfits - each one made for a specific body type!

The store featured in this blog is: The Limited (and Eloquii.com, which is the Limited's plus-size clothing line).

(www.thelimited.com and www.eloquii.com).

All shoes are from DSW Shoe Warehouse (www.dsw.com).

Look #1: Size 2

                                                                           

 I LOVE this look! Yellow is such a great color for spring and it looks so great when paired with coral-colored accessories. Because of the neckline, you don't need to add a necklace to this look. Keep the accessories fun with a coral bracelet and gold and coral earrings. 

The grey pant is a great option for spring as it is work-friendly, but it will also look great on the weekend with a cute heel! It's a spring alternative to black trousers.

 Both of the coral-colored shoes would look great with this ensemble. For those who want to stick to a more neutral (and versatile) shoe, the color-blocked shoe on the right will fit right in with this outfit. 

The snake print bag works really well with the rest of the outfit because of the combination of neutral colors. Finally, grab a black faux-leather jacket to throw on if it gets chilly. 

All clothing can be found at the Limited or at www.thelimited.com.

All shoes can be found at DSW shoe warehouse or at www.dsw.com.

Shoes (from left): Marc by Marc Jacobs Turnlock Flat ($99.94), Bandolino Perches Wedge Pump ($69.95), Tahari Peri Color-block Pump ($69.95).

 Look #2: Size 12

                    

 This outfit is perfect for this spring! The skirt is fabulous because the A-line is so flattering on every body type. The wide opening at the bottom of the skirt helps to balance out fuller shoulders and hips. The pink is a great color for spring and I love how elegant the turquoise looks with it. Mixing prints (like the print on the shoe and the print on the skirt) makes any outfit look put-together. To mix patterns, always choose one pattern that is more dominant (like the skirt) and one that is more subtle (the shoe). Keep them in the same color family to make the look work! As always, it's great to have a jacket you can throw on that will continue to enhance the outfit, rather than hide it. A granite-colored faux-leather jacket it perfect for this look! 

All clothing can be found at the Limited and www.thelimited.com. 

The shoes can be found at DSW Shoe Warehouse or www.dsw.com.

Shoes: Nine West Gwendle Pump ($59.95).

Look #3: Size 20

 This look is great because of the bright colors (which are very IN right now!). The yellow beaded necklace against the purple top adds interest and helps to make the outfit look pulled together. The faux- leather jacket is a trendy way to look good, even if it's chilly. Every women needs a versatile brown bag and I love this shade because it can go with brown or black!

Add a gold delicate earring and a pretty bracelet to up the femininity of the look.

 Wearing dark on the bottom can make you look smaller and adding a heel (like the wedge on the left) will make you look even taller (and slimmer). If you can't or don't want to do a heel, I love the color-block gold flat for a more elegant look of the turquoise flat for a fun, extra pop of color. 

All clothing can be found at www.eloquii.com (the Limited's plus-size line).

All shoes can be found at DSW shoe warehouse or online at www.dsw.com.

Shoes (from left): 2 lip too too oracle wedge sandle ($44.95), Libby Edelman Liv Flat ($59.95), BCBG Paris Magic Suede Flat ($39.95).

Have some fun with color this season and don't forget to LAYER! 

Happy Spring and happy shopping! 

Xo, Kristin @ Kristin Golden Image Consulting

www.kristingolden.com

Flattering outfits for every size - Size 2, Size 12, and Size 20!

Size 2, Size 12 and Size 20... great outfits for every body type with a great price tag!

As a stylist and a blogger, I have decided to feature a different store every week and to build an outfit for a size 2, a size 12 and a size 20. Size really is just a number - but your build and body type DO determine what will look good on you. By showcasing outfits for three different body types, I hope to show women  of all sizes that you can look good NOW - you just need to dress for YOUR body type!

The first store that I want to feature is: Target

I walked into Target the other day, looking for a few cosmetic items when the skew of colors coming from the clothing department caught my eye. I am NOT an advocate for sacrificing quality/style just because something is "on sale" or "cheaper", BUT, the styles that Target is serving up right now are SO hot that I just have to share a few looks!

Look #1 - Size 2

Look #2 - Size 12:

Look #3 - Size 20:

       

  

All items shown in this blog can be found at www.target.com.

Happy (bargain) Shopping!

Xo, Kristin @ Kristin Golden Image Consulting

www.kristingolden.com

"If not now, when?"

"IF NOT NOW, WHEN?"

Frustrated with the way you look? Convinced that you will take pride in your appearance once you gain or lose a certain amount of wait? STOP!

So many times, I have spoken to women (and men) who want new clothes and want to feel good about the way that they look but they continue to tell themselves that they will treat themselves to nice clothes (that fit and flatter) and really tackle that wardrobe ONCE THEY LOSE (or gain) 10, 20, or 30+ pounds. I understand wanting to lose (or gain) weight and not wanting to buy clothes when I feel like I'm not at my ideal weight. STILL, I really do believe in looking good NOW and feeling good NOW.

Dress for the body that you have RIGHT NOW! If you lose/gain the weight, that's great - I'm sure that you will find a way to come up with the money for more new clothes then. But what about right now? Why cheat yourself out of looking the best you can?

I believe in the "reverse snowball effect" - Once you start to embrace how you look now and choose to dress for your body NOW and feel good about the way you look NOW, you are more likely to make healthier choices with food, go to the gym, engage in social activities, etc. Just by embracing the way you are RIGHT NOW and choosing to dress yourself out of love for who you are NOW, you will find the way to look and feel great TODAY!

SO - cut the size tags our of your clothes (if that's something that makes you feel insecure), get those "inspirational too-small (or big) clothes" out of your closet, get your hair done, take five minutes in the morning to put some makeup on, and head out the door with your head held high knowing that you can and do look good NOW! No more"hiding out" until you lose/gain the weight. Start looking good, feeling good, and LIVING now!


Xo, Kristin @ Kristin Golden Image Consulting

www.kristingolden.com

Personality begins where...

I love this quote and I think it is a great way to start off the week. Every day, I have clients who come into my office and talk about why they can't look a certain way or wear a certain style. My response is always the same: "Everybody's different and that's what gives us style." By knowing how to dress for your body type, lifestyle, and PERSONALITY, you develop your own style which is better than any imitation. 

Dress for who you are, don't compare your body to someone else's, and let your PERSONALITY be reflected through your clothing - that's what will really give you "style."

Have a great week! Xo, Kristin @ Kristin Golden Image Consulting

www.kristingolden.com

Frame it! Dressing for YOUR body type

Anyone who has ever flipped through a fashion magazine has probably read about "body types" and how to determine whether they are a "pear" or an "apple," etc. I find those articles to be almost more confusing than helpful. (Who wants to be compared to a fruit?). 

Still, there is a great benefit to knowing your body shape and how to dress for it. Before I go into the different body types and subsequent clothing suggestions, there is one universal rules that is helpful in flattering EVERY body type.

One of the most helpful rules that I follow is what I call "The Golden Mean" (pardon the use of my name)! This rule is important in helping to give you the most flattering "line" and to get you the illusion of height and therefore, a slimmer look.

This rule states that your clothing should never end at the widest part of your body. I know it sounds pretty obvious but you'd be surprised how often we overlook this "rule" and at how big of a difference this makes. You never want your tops to end at the widest part of your hips (cutting your body in half). You don't want your sleeves to hit directly at the middle of your elbow (cutting your arm in half) and you don't want your short/skirt/dress to hit at the center of your knees, (cutting your legs in half).

My fashion philosophy is that trying to squeeze people into one particular category is too limiting. I also think that people associate negative connotations with certain body types. My hope is that in reading this, you will recognize (and appreciate) the beauty of the female body (in all of it's forms). This blog is not designed to categorize you, but to help you understand what type of clothes will be the most flattering on you and your gorgeous body. Love your body and appreciate your shape - no matter what "category" it falls into!

Here are some descriptions of the different "body types" and how you can determine which category/categories that you fall into as well as some helpful tips to best accentuate your frame. You go girl!

1) Hourglass: this is the "ideal" female shape as it denotes feminine curves with a small waist.
Characteristics of an hourglass frame:
 - You wear similar sizes on top and bottom.
 - You have a clearly defined waist.
 - You have a clearly defined bust.
 - You have a curved/rounded butt.

Scarlett Johansson is a great example of an hourglass shape.

With an hourglass figure, you have what many consider the "ideal female body." In order to best show off your shape, you should wear clothes that define your waist, enhance your bust, and highlight your hips and butt. Avoid clothing that is super loose as it will not only hide your gorgeous frame, but could also add the illusion of extra weight. 

2) Triangle: this body type is gorgeous as it brags nice curves on bottom and highlights a sleek upper body. 

Characteristics of a triangle frame:

 - Fuller hips and thighs.

 - A defined waist.

 - Shoulders that are (a bit) narrower than your hips.

 - A top half that appears smaller the bottom half.

 - Muscular, athletic legs (especially thighs).

Rihanna has a beautiful, feminine frame that resembles a "triangle" body type.

With a triangle body shape, it is really important that your jackets and tops hit above the widest part of your hips and butt. Adding detail/layers to the top half of your body will help create even proportions. Avoid skinny jeans, unless tucked into boots. Flare-leg jeans or pants will give your body a gorgeous line and make you look perfectly proportioned. Avoid wearing lighter colors on the bottom half of your body. 

3) Inverted Triangle: this body type flaunts a gorgeous lower body and a curvy upper body.

Characteristics of an inverted triangle frame:

 - Straight and squared shoulder line.

 - Little definition between waist and hips.

 - Flatter hips and butt.

 - A bottom half that seems smaller than the top half. 

Teri Hatcher is a good example of an inverted triangle body type with her gorgeous and upper body and slim hips and lower body.

With an inverted triangle body type, you will want to keep the top half as simple as possible (avoid big patterns or details on the top half). Simple and uncluttered lines will look the most flattering on you. Opt for crisp and structured fabric on the top half of your body. Halter necks highlight your gorgeous shoulders. 

4) Lean Column: this body type is made for designer clothes as most clothes hang beautifully on this frame! 

Characteristics of a lean column frame:

 - Narrow shoulders and lean limbs.

 - Smaller bust

 - Small and less-defined waist.

 - Narrow hips

 - A flatter butt

Kate Beckinsale is one example of a lean column body frame. She is beautiful from top to bottom and her dress drapes beautifully on her slender figure. 

With a lean column body shape, you will do best by highlighting your hips and butt. Enhance your bust with details such as stripes or other patterns. Use layering to create interest and focus on defining your waist. Textured fabrics are the best for your frame. Avoid frilly or gathered garments as they will overwhelm your small frame. Bulky texture will also overwhelm your beautiful shape. 

5) Round: this body type is fabulous with it's great legs and voluminous female shape.

Characteristics of a round frame:

 - Rounded should line.

 - Curved back.

 - Fullness around the middle.

 - Flattish butt. 

Gorgeous Mariah Carey is a good example of a round body shape. She has such a soft, feminine look.

 With a round body shape, you have a soft, feminine shape. You may feel as though your torso is a "problem area." In order to best accentuate your frame, you will want to wear clothing that hangs from your shoulders. Avoid detailing around your mid-section - keep detailing above your bust or below your hipline. Accessories are your best friend. As far as fabrics go, soft and fluid fabrics will fit you best. Crisp or textured fabrics may cause unnecessary bulk if the item doesn't fit you perfectly. Look for gathered waistlines around the stomach and feel free to highlight those gorgeous legs!


The key to looking fabulous is to dress YOUR best. ALWAYS, ALWAYS, ALWAYS choose to accentuate YOUR assets rather than longing after the body type of someone else. If you dress for your shape, you will look your absolute best - guaranteed. 

Now go out there and love your body! 

Xo, Kristin @ Kristin Golden Image Consulting

www.kristingolden.com