FASHION NOVA: DRESSING FOR YOUR BODY

I always say that dressing is about knowing your own recipe. Everyone has a different body shape, and once you learn how to accentuate the right curves, you can really start to shop and dress in ways that you know are flattering. This doesn’t mean you need to repeat the same styles, but to accentuate the right fit.

Below I’m sharing some of my foolproof tricks:

If you want to accentuate your chest, my opinion of the classiest way is a deep U-shape scoop neckline. The obvious is a plunging V-neck, but a deep scoop feels like an innocently fashionable way to reveal some plump cleavage.

If you want to accentuate your waist, you want to build above and below it. If you are curvy, a tight tailored body-con dress will show off your hourglass shape. But if you’re looking for everyday separates, it’s best to wear jeans or trousers that are high-waisted, just to your waistline, and a top that meets at that same point. The contrast in the fabrics will meet at the small of your waist and show off your figure.

If you want to accentuate your legs, it’s always best to wear something high-waisted. By extending the length of the pant, it will give the illusion of an even longer leg. It can be a loose fit or tight, you just want them to be long. Also, if you are doing shorts or skirts, this is the time for minis.

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If you want to accentuate your hips, it’s important that the line is continuous around them. A mini skirt will just look like a wide block, whereas the best for this illusion is to extend the line above and below your hips. A longer length body-con skirt, dress, or high-waist fitted jeans will help create an hourglass around your curves, because it draws it in above to your small waist, and below to your knees, showing off the natural hip curves.

If you want to accentuate your butt, style yourself in looks that emphasize your waist and your legs. This means that the smaller your waist looks, the bigger your rear will look. It is also important that the fabric comes in under your butt, so a wide leg pant won’t be the best option. Instead, think pencil skirts, fitted jeans, and body-hugging fabrics.

If you want to accentuate your arms, I like a tank top or shirt that scoops lower under the armpit. If you have incredibly fit arms, you’re able to wear something that is high neck and sleeveless. But for most of us, we want to give the illusion of slender arms, so you want to let the arm look like it’s purposefully exposed and floating, and not just left to blow in the wind. This means something with a low-cut armpit or exposing more of the collarbone and chest so that there is more glowy skin to look at than just the arm.

WHICH STYLE TIP ARE YOU MORE INTRIGUE YO TRY? COMMENT BELOW!

Pajamas Are Clothes Nowβ€”Here’s How to Look Put-Together Without Wearing a Blazer

I’ve always been a pajama girl. I like to look nice when I’m around other people for the most part, so if I’m going to hang around you in my PJs, I want cute ones. I also tend to get uncomfortable in my pajamas quite easily, so they’ve got to feel soft, and a little luxury doesn’t hurt anyone. So, you’ll know I was elated when I realized my favorite pieces in my closet are considered the normal clothes we wear every day now. 

The Lounge was the dream of a young couple. The brand was born in their lounge in the West Midlands. Loungewear is known for its Triangle Collection which first launched in 2015. loungewear has extended their brand from bras to comfortable leggings to pajamas to sexy feminine lingerie, etc which are everything I need to get out of bed and onto the couch in the morning (maybe even my desk if I’m feeling extra special). Because the clothes we normally only wear from 8 pm-11 am every day are now our 24/7s, we deserve to look and feel our best.

FYI: When shopping at Lounge, you do have to move quick because the next day, the item that you wanted yesterday could be sold out today.

Instead of popping on that blazer and jeans and being sad all day, here are ways to make the comfiest clothes in your dresser feel professional.

Follow the same styling principles

Most of us know the styles that work best for our bodies and what styling tricks to use to look the best. So, why not follow this same framework for your loungewear? For example, if you prefer to stick to one tight piece and one loose piece, you can do this easily with leggings and a baggy sweatshirt or joggers and a tight tank. Loungewear might feel like pajamas, but the high-quality fabrics and neutral (but trendy) colors make them look classic on video calls for work. Styling your loungewear in the same way you would your normal clothes gives you the same feelings of professional and put-together without dealing with zippers and stiff denim.

Choose clothes that are lounge and work-appropriate

Instead of focusing on lounging in loungewear and working in workwear, invest in pieces that do both. β€œBusiness casual” is a little different than it used to be, meaning looking nice doesn’t have to come from a suit or dress like it used to. When you want to feel professional for work, opt for pieces that are both comfortable and slightly tailored, like a classic pair of joggers. You’ll feel more put-together than if you were wearing a pair of joggers, but you also have to change out of them before you head to the living room for your daily workout, creating the illusion that you actually are changing tasks.

Invest in good fabrics

When it comes to pajamas, a breezy, smooth fabric is everything when it comes to both comfort and style. Make your PJs totally Zoom-meeting-appropriate by choosing a pair that looks and feels luxe. Even though all of the items in Lounge Sleep Collection are way more expensive than normal sleepwear, you’ll look more presentable even when you’re wearing what you slept in. This is also a great time to go matchy-matchy with a set; it’s like the suit equivalent of working from home if you ask me. 

Wear a bra

Obviously, no one is actually seeing this step, but hear me out. Whether you’re rocking yesterday’s T-shirt, a hoodie, or a nice sweater to ~dress up~, wearing a bra underneath will make everything look more polished. You’ll sit up straighter, and you’ll fill out your tops more. But just because you’re wearing a bra doesn’t mean you have to resort to those God-forsaken wire torture devices either. LOUNGE BODY CONTOURING COMFORT bra is the bra we never knew could exist. Even though it doesn’t have wires, the Lounge Bra is all things soft, simple and most importantly, comfortable! Lounge Bralet Sets make every day feel like you’re practically not wearing any underwear, what a dream!?! The Contour Bra is designed with a V shape plunging neckline and features flattering mesh panels, extenuating the contours of your body. The bra’s comfy matching thong replicates the mesh panel features, bringing you the perfect new matching set for everyday lounging. This new set looks good under every tee you could possibly imagine.

Do your hair and makeup

You’d be surprised by what can look good just by swiping on a little blush and mascara. Take the time to brush (maybe even style, if you’re feeling wild and crazy) your hair and put on whatever makeup makes you feel good. Whether it’s a tinted lip balm and CC cream or a full beat, you’ll feel more like yourself, even when you’re wearing the most comfortable pajama set on Earth.

Add a robe

Early β€˜00s and β€˜90s TV had the art of chic pajamas down to a science, and the #1 trick I’ve learned from binge-watching it all lately? Never underestimate the power of a chic robe. Whether you’re wearing a T-shirt and leggings or a sexy chemise, a robe just makes it look a little more elegant and styled.

Wear a nightdress

Could it get any more comfortable than a dress?! I swear by a sleep dress for their comfort, breathability, and middle-of-the-night-bathroom-break ease. From short dresses to midi-lengths, add on a denim jacket and your fave slippers and you’re ready to take on the dayβ€”without even stepping out of your PJs.

When did you discover Lounge and What was the first item you ever bought from them? Comment below!

3 Moves To Get YOUR ABS Bikini-Ready

If you’re anything like me, then you already have way too many bikinis lined up on your shopping wishlist for the new season. With swimsuit weather around the corner comes the pressure to kick your fitness plan into high gear. While a toned body doesn’t appear overnight, there are exercises you can do to quickly tighten and define your core so you can feel your best once bikini season arrives.

Here are tips for how to get your abs ready for summer + my favorite bikinis from IconSwim that compliments the curves.

Before I continue, I do want to say this post was written ahead of time and I purchased these gorgeous bikinis when it was on sale. So no I did not get the price wrong. IconSwim always have a sale going, so don’t be discouraged. Scroll down to read!

Raised-Leg Crunches

Tones: Lower and middle abs

How To: Lie flat on your back and raise your legs, bending your knees to form a 90-degree angle. Place your hands behind your head and slowly crunch straight forward, pulsing your upper body toward your knees. Remember to keep your back flat, chin up, and try to get your shoulder blades off the ground for each crunch.

Reps: 3 sets of 30

Jackknife Push-Ups

Tones: Arms, core, and legs

How To: On a BOSU ball, position your arms shoulder-width apart and do a push-up. As you power up, pop your feet open, and then bring them back together as you go back down. The ball requires you to engage your core muscles while you complete this move, making it great for strength training.

Reps: 3 sets of 30 seconds

Bicycle Crunches

Tones: Middle and upper abs

How To: Lie on the floor and place your legs at a 90-degree angle with your arms behind your head. Keep your shoulders high and your lower back squeezed against the mat. Pump your legs back and forth in a bicycle motion, with your shoulders off the ground. We suggest crunching left and right, touching your elbow to your opposite knee to engage your obliques (a.k.a. love handles).

Reps: 3 sets of 30 seconds

ICONSWIM BIKINI FAVES:

Drippin’ Bikini-Blue,$16

Blue top featuring the word, Drippin in yellow with matching bottoms

Stripe Me Down Bikini-Black,$16

Black, long sleeve, cropped top featuring a white trim design with matching vertically, striped high waist bottoms. 

You Had Me At Aloha Bikini-Blue,$16

Blue top with matching bottoms featuring a cutout design.

Stripe Where I Belong Bikini-Black,$16

Multicolor neon cropped top with a thick stripe design featuring matching bottoms with a thick waistband and color trim

You Had Me At Aloha Bikini-Floral,$16

Multicolor, floral print top with matching bottoms featuring a cutout design.

Sea Level Bikini-Orange,$16

Orange top featuring purple straps with matching high-waist bottoms

Surfin Bikini-Floral Print,$16

Floral print cropped top with matching high waist bottoms. Bottoms feature a cutout and mesh paneling. 

Running Game Monokini-Red/Orange, $16

Redish orange colormonokini featuring a front keyhole cut out with an added strap.

In A Bind Bikini-Orange,$16

Orange short sleeve, cropped top featuring a front knotted style with matching thin strap, cheeky bottoms. 

Two-Faced Monokini-Orange,$16

Multicolor one-piece featuring keyhole cutout designs in the front and back.

All In All Bikini- Neon Yellow,$16

Bright neon yellow top featuring left side gold zipper. Bottoms feature gold zipper down left hip and high waist fit.

Now You Sea Me Bikini-Print,$16

 Multicolor print top featuring matching bottoms with a criss-cross cut out design.

Catch A Break Hikini-Neon Yellow,$26

Yellow bikini top with matching high waisted, high cut bottoms. Paired with a yellow, half sleeve mesh top.

I will definitely be buying more swimsuits from IconSwim! The quality and prices are amazing plus the sizes range from xsmall-2x. Hopefully Rona decides to give us our Summer back so I can actually go to the beach or on a yacht somewhere that is beautiful and secluded. Unlike others, I have been staying inside making sure I don’t gain anymore weight and planning my next mini trip that no one is going to know about sssshhhhh.

HOW ARE YOU GETTING READY FOR THE SUMMERTIME? Comment Below!

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WHAT TO WEAR ON A FIRST DATE

I’ve been on my fair share of first dates (aye, single women, you feel me!). Aside from matching with or being set up with someone (however you meet your potential s/o), committing to meet up for a first date is typically the hardest partβ€”coordinating schedules, picking the right location, etc. Deciding what to wear should be a breeze.

Instead of putting unnecessary pressure on myself combing through my closet 30 minutes before my date, I always wear the same outfit combination on nearly every date. For me, I feel most confident in leggings (right now, these a.n.a High Waisted from JC Penney), a basic tank or bodysuit, and heels (heeled boots count too). If it’s chilly, I’ll throw a jacket over my shoulders. This combo is what works for me and is appropriate for pretty much any outing (coffee/drinks/dinner). But find what works for you and makes you feel your best. Moral of the story: to ease your wardrobe decisions for your next first date, don’t overcomplicate it, keep it simple, and reach for an outfit combination that always makes you feel fire.

Shop Pretty Little Thing foolproof first-date essentials below.

EYELET DETAIL MESH SLEEVE BODYSUIT – White,Black

$35.00

RIBBED TIE WAIST BODYSUIT – Black,Dusty Blue,Cream

$30.00

THICK RIB CAP SLEEVE BODYSUIT – Cream,Dusty Blue

$30.00

SLINKY RUCHED ORGANZA SLEEVE BODYSUIT – Dusty Pink,Black,Cream,Dusty Blue,Peach

$35.00

POLKA DOT MESH SQUARE NECK BODYSUIT – Black,Stone

$35.00

ACCESSSORIES

DIAMANTE HOOP MULTI CHAIN BELT – Gold

$35.00 $15.00

CHARMS CHAIN BELT – Gold

$20.00 $9.00

POLKA DOT CLUTCH BAG – Lilac

$38.00 $17.00

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