Apple, Banana, Pear & Hourglass...We're Going Shopping But Not for Groceries!

Banana   Apple   Pear   Hourglass...What's Your Shape?

Shopping trip!

I am a well trained shopper. My mom has always been very fashionable and she is a pro at getting a great deal. From the time I was born, she always made sure I was dressed perfectly. Granted, over time as I went from child to tween to teen, we didn't always agree and fashion forward mom made some interesting choices for me. (Photographic proof has been burned to protect the innocent.) As a teenager I would like to think I had a great eye for fashion. I always got compliments on my clothes and would help my friends with theirs. I think it's safe to say that most days now, I am pretty pulled together.

Part of being fashionable, having confidence and feeling good about yourself is being realistic with what you have to work with. Do I have a perfect body? Hell no. But, I know my body, what my assets are and where I don't want your eye to focus. You also have to be willing to try out different styles. How many of you have a closet that is a sea of grey, black and brown? Or you have the same cardigan in 8 colors.

With the change of seasons, brought the need for a little shopping with my sweet friend Kylah. We headed to TJ Maxx to seek out some fabulous deals. Kylah is a great shopping partner for me because we basically have the same taste and wear the same size. That means we get to take a lot more stuff into the dressing room. The interesting thing with Kylah and I, is that even though we wear the same size, we have very different figures. So what might look great on her, could very well be horrible on me.

In the midst of throwing clothes over the dressing room doors, it got me thinking about how many women don't know how to dress for their shape. It also made me think about how even though something is fashionable, doesn't mean it's meant for everyBODY. That's what you have to figure out. Think you can't wear leggings? You probably can, you just need to pair it with the style top that works best for you. Knowing that, is half the battle. I promise you if you figure out your body type and then choose fits that flatter that shape, shopping will be a much better experience. Also, break out of the mold when it comes to color. Very few people actually look good in black or grey. There are easy ways to ease into adding color to your wardrobe. 

So for today...let's figure out your body shape. Tomorrow, I will break down what styles work on each body type.

Apple:
* Your body is like an upside down triangle. (Think wide shoulders, narrow hips.)
* Usually your bust measurement is larger than your hips.
* Your bust is probably big for your frame. "Top heavy" (i.e.You wear XL top and S bottoms)
* You carry your weight or gain it around your midsection.
* Usually your lower half of your body is slender.
Think: Catherine Zeta Jones, Jessica Simpson

Banana:

* Rectangular body shape (Your waist is 9" smaller than your  hip or bust)

* Your upper body and lower body are proportionate to each other.

* Smaller bust.

* Nice legs, toned arms.

* Your waist probably doesn't indent much.
Think: Cameron Diaz or Nicole Kidman

Pear:

* Triangle shape.

* Usually a slim stomach, shoulders and neck.

* You carry your weight in your hips, bottom and thighs.

* Your hip measurement is bigger than your bust.

Think: Jennifer Lopez, Jennifer Love Hewitt

Hour Glass:

* Shaped, well, like an hourglass.

* Bust and hips are basically the same measurement

* You're curvy.

* Your waist is about 10" smaller than your bust and hips.

Think: Kim Kardashian

So figure out your body shape, and then come back tomorrow to see what styles flatter your shape the most. I am going to arm you with enough info to make your next shopping trip a success!!!

Have a beautiful day!

xo
Bethany