Frazzeled Fridays!

^{Fancy Pants}

But who are you, a human being, to talk back to God? “Shall what is formed say to the one who formed it, ‘Why did you make me like this? Does not the potter have the right to make out of the same lump of clay some pottery for special purposes and some for common use? (Romans 9:20-21 - NLT)

God says He created your inmost being (Psalm 139:13-14).  He even knew you before you were created!  He loves you very much and wants to have a personal relationship with you.  Not just when something goes wrong or something bad happens.  An every day, every hour, every moment relationship.

Go with me here... just because my body (the pottery) was not shaped like 'hers' does not mean that her body (or pottery) is more beautiful or special than mine!  I am constantly convicted when comparing myself with others.  Whether it's the way I look, the way I act, my blog, my ministry, my circumstances.  God loves us unconditionally.  We don't have to DO anything or BE anyone other than who He created us to be.  That should be freeing.  But I suspect others struggle with this like I do.  “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” Eph 2:10 (NLT)  

In one of her devotions, Renee Swope said "...God has taught me that He wants my spiritual ears more than my spiritual efforts. He wants daily dependence, interaction and intimacy with me. And He is more concerned with my character than my calendar."   Over this last year the Lord has been surveying, drilling, building and shaping my character.  I can say for certain that this has not been the most pleasant experience.  

When you (we) find ourselves comparing the way we look, certain body parts, your clothes, we MUST constantly allow the Spirit to whisper Truth into our hearts... “The king is enthralled by your beauty…” Ps 45:11 (NIV) and my "vase/pottery" may not be as fancy as "hers" but God created us exactly this way because he knew that it was the absolute best for each of us. 

Speaking of fancy pants... I thought I would give you some tips for the best type of jeans for your body type (click here for information on body types).  I realize it is summer now, but there are times when long jeans are necessary and, there are lots of jean shorts and other shorts with pockets.  And there is a secret to pockets.  Read on.

For 'b' body types:

• Make sure your jeans cover your midsection, particularly if you tend to have a muffin top.
• 
• Find jeans with flap pockets with buttons
• Pockets that are not too far apart
• Pockets with decorations in a curvy or vertical line or design.

For 'o' body types:

• No skinny or wide-leg jeans.  You want to have jeans that help form a straight line - balance.
• Stay in between the skinny and wide-leg styles with a relaxed fit or boot cut. 
• Mid-rise is best. 
• Consider wearing a tummy shaper or a camisole shaper. 
• Make sure the pockets on your jeans do not have lots of bling on them (draws attention) and, that the pockets hit right where your bottom begins to curve under.

For 'd' body types:

Because it is very difficult to find a pair of jeans that fit nicely on your waist, hips and thighs, you need to find jeans that fit nicely on your hips and thighs first.  Then if needed, have them taken in in the waist.  This may mean that you will need to go up a full size in your jeans so that when they are taken in it doesn't pull the waist down too far in the back.  Concern over the size? Cut the tag out!  You want to know that you look good in your jeans, not what size they are.

• Look for relaxed fit jeans that do not hug your hips and thighs (draws attention). 
• • Stay away from decorative pockets or pockets with flaps.  These make your rear end look bigger. 
  If the pocket has some detail on it, make sure it is curvy or vertical in shape.  Horizontal designs make your hips look wider.
  
  • Large pockets make your bottom look smaller
  • Simple and small designs are best on pockets that are proportionally sized and spaced on your bottom.

For 'x' body types:

• Because your body is already balanced or proportional top to bottom you can wear most styles of jeans (or pants/shorts)! 
• If you tend to gain weight in your tummy area, consider wearing a tummy shaper
• Pockets should be proportionate to your size and shape.  (i.e., women who are size 12-14 or higher should not have small pockets on their jeans - looks unbalanced).
• Mid size pockets with mid size designs
• Notice the design on the back pockets.  If your bottom tends to be wider, you want to have curvier and more vertical designs.
• Bottom of pockets should hit right where your bottom starts to curve under.

Now that you know what styles of jeans (or pants and shorts) to look for, PLEASE remember to bend over and look in the mirror when you try on jeans, shorts, pants.  Is anything showing or falling out?  When you crouch down does the waist line fall well below ... well, you know... no plumbers please!  Are they too tight?  If any of these are true, then move on to another pair. 

So that's it for today my frazzled friends.  Feel free to leave a comment or question!

Blessings!

Dawn

Frazzled Fridays!

Well Suited

Part 2

I'm back!  I apologize.  I took an unannounced hiatus for dance competition season.  I didn't really think that anyone was paying much attention to the blog until I received a facebook post saying they missed it!  So good; someone is reading this!

So where was I...?  Oh yes, bathing suits!  So did you try yours on?  I did!  Look, I'm not letting you do this alone.  We're in this together.  Today I will encourage you regarding the best 'style' of bathing suit for your body type.  We must also remember that we have a responsibility not to "trip" men/boys up - to see more than they should.  As a mother of a son, I cringe during bathing suit season the most.  It is absolutely possible to have a very stylish AND modest bathing suit!

In general, one piece suits or tankinis are most flattering and modest (in general) on all body types.  Here are some known concerns amongst our individual body types:

Do you want to conceal muffin top, tummy, or upper midriff?  This is for any of the body types - b, o, d, x.

Then you will need to get a suit with extra spandex or Lycra.  The sales associates can show you the different brands that have extra spandex or Lycra.  Do know that these suits are a little more expensive, but absolutely worth the money!  These suits WILL make you look several pounds lighter or slimmer.  Also, prints will make your tummy appear flatter!  Cool huh?

Do you have a waistline?  (b, o)  If not, look for suits that have a crossover or shirred middle or side.  This creates the illusion of a waist. 

 

Are you small - busted? (b, d, x)  You will need to choose a suit(s) that have decorative details on the top.  Rings, ruffles, prints, patterns, ruching or contrasting colors.  No plain, dark or solid colored tops.  Built in padding may also be an option.  I'm personally not a big fan of the removable padding, but that's just me.

Are you large busted? (x, b, o)  Support is key for you!  Always, always get a suit with a built in bra with an underwire.  Also look for suits with prints, patterns, v-necks, and darker colors.  High but armholes are nice to keep you all in with no spillage.

 

Do you want to hide your hips?  (d)  Look for suits that are skirted or have higher cut legs.  The skirted suits come in different lengths depending on just how much you'd like to conceal.  Just make sure your swim bottom is longer than the fullest part of your leg.  If it stops right in the middle of the fullest part of your leg that will draw attention to that very spot.   If you opt for a suit with a high cut leg, then a cute wrap skirt is nice to help hide your thighs.  Also, draw attention away from your bottom half by wearing details at the top half.  Look for straps that sit wide on your shoulders which will balance your hips.  Do not wear a halter neck top.  Remember, balance. 

Do you need to add more curves? (b, x)  Look for suits that have designs or patterns in the center of the suit to create the illusion of a curvier figure.

If you are long-waisted or are tall and slim look for lower neck lines and leg-eyes which will shorten the look of your body.  Avoid vertical designs or stripes!

 

If you are short-waisted or just short, vertical stripes or designs/prints make your body look longer and taller.  Higher cut leg eyes make your legs look longer.

 Are you a plus size?  Then go bold!  Bold prints are awesome for you!  Also look specifically for suits with 15-20% spandex or Lycra.  Again, you may spend a little more money on these suits because of the minimizing fabric, but quality is important as well as comfort and support.

Are your arms heavy?  Then find a suit that draws attention to your neckline with lots of details and decorations, or even a pattern in the middle of the suit.  An added sheer-armed coverup in the same color as your suit will help conceal your arms.

More tips:

For b body types, tankinis are perfect for you, especially those with a flare top that doesn't hug your tummy.  Patterns are best as well as halter tops.

 

For o body types, patterns and solid colors with shirring are best for you.  A suit with strong bra support is a must!

D body types should stay away from halter tops (minimizes shoulders, making hips appear bigger) and choose wide shoulder straps.  Suit tops can have horizontal strips or prints.  Skirted suits are great for you too.  Just make sure the skirt does not fall in the middle of the fullest part of your thigh.

If you are an x body type you can wear just about any bathing suit.  However, pay attention to where you tend to gain weight and use the tips above for the other body types to help keep your proportion and balance.

Accessorizing along with your new swim suit is fun too!  Don't forget hot shades (check out my earlier post where I talked about sunglasses), a coordinating cover up, sandals or flip flops and a great beach bag to carry all your sunscreen and magazines or books.  Don't forget painted toes!  Super cute!  

I'm ready to get my shop on and find a great new bathing suit and cover up!  How about you?!

As I end this week's blog, I would love for you to partner with me in prayer as I continue to seek God's direction for the ministry he has led me to.  I am sending promotional materials out for fall and winter speaking events, and into next year as well.  If you know of a women's group or church who would like more information on my speaking topics, please let me know.  Word of mouth marketing is so powerful!   I would also love to get together with small groups of women and do "style parties".   This would be a great way to find out more about your fashion personality and get tips and tricks on your best colors and dressing your God-given, beautiful body!  We could even do a fun fashion show! 

Blessings!

Dawn

Frazzled Fridays!

Well Suited

Part One

Hello Friday Friends!  I have chosen to blog about swimsuits/bathing suits before jeans because if you are like me it could take several trips to several different stores (or on-line ordering) to find the "right" suit.  However, if you are like me shopping for jeans is just about as stressful!  But that's because I am a 'd' body type and "normal" jeans don't work well for me.   But I digress...

For some, Spring Break is still a few weeks away, for others there may be big plans to get away to some place tropical around Memorial Day.  Either way, it's time...  And, please, please understand that I am right there with ya!  But I will be brave if you will.   Also, please understand that I am "preaching" to myself too.  

We have to give ourselves a break.  Regardless of what we see in airbrushed magazines and digitally enhanced movies, etc. no body is perfect.  Everyone has certain body parts they are not happy with; hence, the great success of plastic surgeons.  Uh um.  Just sayin'.  We need to be realistic.  Bathing suits are designed for swimming and/or sun-bathing.  Therefore, those areas that are not yet toned as we would like may very well be seen.  But you CAN look GOOD in a bathing suit!  Really you can!

Our goal for bathing suits is the same as dressing in general: balance and proportion.  Taking attention away from our challenge areas.  So you need to know your body type, challenge areas, and the parts of your body to accentuate.  Click here to review body types. 

Ok, here's what 'we' need to do first:  Try on last year's suit and get in front of a FULL length mirror.  This really is important!  I hear you now....ugh, no, argh... but seriously, if you are wanting to look your absolute best in a new suit this year it is imperative that you see how you look in last year's suit.   I hope I've convinced you this is a necessity. This activity is not meant for you to berate yourself and only look for flaws!  Look to see if last year's suit makes you look as cute as you are!!  Now, face the mirror first.  Does the suit conceal your fluffiest part(s)?   If you have a larger bust does your suit hold your girls in or is there spillage?  Do they droop, or sit nicely between your elbows and shoulders?  Then stand sideways.  Does it hold your tummy in?  Now face away from the mirror and look at the back of your suit.  Does it cover your bottom completely?  If you are a 'd' body type (hips and thighs) where does the leg opening stop on your thigh (cut high or not)?  Does it have a skirt?    Do you like the way the skirt falls or covers?  

Is last year's suit a color that flatters you?  For info on your best colors click here.  The right color is slimming!  It's that important!  If you are a soft, for goodness sakes please get rid of your black swimsuits! 

After your last year's suit assessment I would suggest having a plan by choosing one or two stores with a good selection of bathing suits and shopping there the first day.  Make sure you allow yourself plenty of time to shop.  This is too important to rush.  If you can go without children that would be best.  Wear really small underwear *smile*.  Don't wear socks when trying swim suits on!  You may want to get a nice pedicure before you go.  Make sure to take last year's suit with you to compare.  And finally, with the way bathing suits are designed you may very well wear at least one size larger than your regular clothes.  This is NORMAL!  So if you usually wear a size 12, then your bathing suit should be a 14.  And please don't stress about the tag size - like I've always said, if it bothers you, cut it out.  The most important thing is to be comfortable and look your best in your bathing suit, not what size it is!

Next week we'll talk more about which styles of suit look best on your individual body type.  I hope you all have a fantastic weekend and a blessed week ahead.  

Blessings!

Dawn

Frazzled Fridays!

 Spring Trends

pants, shorts, skirts, etc.
Pssst...another give-a-way!!

Welcome back my Frazzled Friends and a special welcome to those joining for the first time!  Why yes, we are still loving the spring-like weather here in NC.  However, I must admit that my sinuses and head are not playing nicely with the weather.

This week our focus will be on our bottom half *smile*.  You will see higher waists (anyone else thinking Prince and Purple Rain??), continued obsession with distressed jeans and boyfriend jeans.  

More of the late 70's early 80's styles coming back... rolled pants and shorts and guess what has coming back?? 

Jumpsuits!! (So now I'm having a Saturday Night Fever flashback!)

High waists look awesome of D body types.  Jeans look great on all body types... but not just any jean looks good on all body types.  I will do a separate blog on jeans in the next few weeks.  Jumpsuits will look great on all body types.  Just be sure to follow the advice previously given regarding how to dress to flatter your particular body type and,  just know that you may need to have your new jumpsuit tailored a bit (unless you are an X body type).  D's should stay away from the tapered leg jumpsuits.  I like how a jumpsuit provides a "put-together" look and can be dressed up with accessories, shoes and a dressy hairstyle or can be more casual with sandals, espadrilles, cork wedges and even a floppy hat!

Skirt and dress hem lengths are longer this season!  I am so excited about this one!  You will find hem lengths right above the knee or a little below.  This looks so feminine without crossing into the "cute" category (for those who don't like being called cute).  

You may even find a few dresses (or skirts) with tail hems - notably longer in the back or side(s) than in the front.

A quick lesson on where hems should fall on you:  Stand in front a full-length mirror (otherwise, this won't work!)  and put your heels together (or at least close) and your toes at 10 and 2 o'clock respectively.  Now look to see where the openings are between your knees and ankles, those openings are called diamonds (cool, huh?).  Your hems should fall in the center of those diamonds.  

There is a time and place for a maxi dress or long boho skirt, but not all your dresses and skirts need be so long.  Nor should they all be too short.

Since a new season will begin shortly, this would be a good time to plan a little closet "housekeeping".  Check your skirts, shorts, cropped pants and dresses to see where the hems fall.   While you're at it do a little "wardrobe inventory" with the goal of keeping those clothes that fit you properly and are in colors that flatter you.  So... if you haven't worn something within the last year:

• Remove it from your closet/drawer.  Do you like it?  Does it still fit? 
• If it doesn't fit are you sure you will wear it again one day (and it's a color that flatters you); or, you have multiple sizes, get some storage boxes and begin labeling them respectively.  Store them somewhere else in your house (if you can).
• Is it a color that works best for you?  This is where the beloved color swatches really come in handy.  If it is not donate it.
• Do you have special occasion pieces that you haven't worn in the last year?  If they are a color that flatters you then store them as well.

These steps should help you have just what fits and flatters you in your closet.  You could go further in your organizing and group things together by style and/or color.  You can now make a list of things you may need based on what you removed.  I would keep that list in your purse (along with your color swatches *smile*) and when you are out and about you can shop on purpose and not on impulse.  

OK, as promised I have an awesome give-a-way... a copy of Shari Braendel's newest hit book Good Girls Don't Have to Dress Bad.   Shari is my friend, mentor and certified me as a Christian Image Consultant and Speaker.  Her book is chock full of style and fashion wisdom for all women!  It makes a great gift for someone as well, which is why I'm giving away a copy!  


To be entered to win Shari's book leave a comment telling me what you have learned from this post or any of my previous posts that has made a difference in how you feel about yourself as a child of God, made in His image and/or any helpful tips or tricks you have learned and applied. 

Blessings!

Dawn

Frazzled Fridays!

Spring Fling!

Heavens!  If you live in the South you have enjoyed some beautiful spring-like weather this week.  Thank you Lord for the break from the cold!  The birds are singing LOUD today!

With the onset of Spring I want to tell you about some of the fashion trends coming up.  I walked/shopped around one of our local malls last night and found that not all stores are completely ready with this season's newest trends.  That surprised me.  They have their winter cruise-wear available, but just a few Spring options out.  I will try to stop by some of the smaller/stand-alone stores to see if they have more to offer here at the end of February.  It may be that stores are still clearing out from the winter to make room for spring things.. regardless, this week's focus is tops and jackets.

This Spring (and Summer) the decade(s) making a return visit are the late 60's, early 70's.  There are a lot of soft ruffles still to be found.  I really like ruffles personally.  I think they are very feminine and girlie.  

Jackets and some shirts are cut slim this season to show off your waistline.  

This is great for those with a D or X body type.  This is also good for B body types as well, just be careful not to have your shirt too tight around your tummy.  If that means you need to get the next size up, that's ok!!  Jackets will be important for B's just be certain that the length falls just below the fullest part of your body. 

Also, tunics will look nice on B and X body types. 

A word of caution to D's with ruffles... keep them closer to your face.  I have a cute shirt with a ruffle all the way down the front (bought it without trying it on first - my first mistake, in another state no-less!), and after getting home and putting it together with a great pair of pants found that the long ruffles hid my waistline and made me look much fuller through my hips.  

If you are an O body type, the newest graphic prints are a must for you!  You may even consider a bold, print scarf.

This season you will find bold colors both in solids and graphic prints.  Popular bold colors are fushia, hot pink, coral and citrus colors.  

This is great for those with a Deep, Clear and Cool dominant color characteristics.  Some bolds can be worn by those with a Warm DCC, but please, please stay away from pink!  DCC for additional information.  

However, if you are a Soft or Light, have no fear.  There is also an abundance of refreshing pastels and softer colors; some in lace and feminine menswear. 

Other popular "flavors" for the Spring include chambray (light denim), 

leather with decorative zippers and stripes with a nautical feel.  

When you choose something with stripes remember to make them proportionate to your size.  For example, those who have a smaller frame, maybe a size 6 or less and/or are 5' 4" or under should not wear very wide stripes as it may "swallow them" looking too big for their body.  You want people to see your face before they see stripes coming their way!  On the other hand, those who have a larger body frame, maybe a size 14 or above and/or are tall should not wear smaller stripes as those may make you appear larger. 

Next week I will have information on the Spring trends for pants and skirts.  There's another style coming back that many of you may have forgotten.  Can you guess what it is?  AND, I will have another awesome give-a-way, so be sure to check back again next week!

 Blessings!

Dawn

Frazzled Fridays!

So What's a Body to Do?

Happy Friday to you!  I will announce the winner of last week's give-a-way in just a few minutes.

This week I will help you discover your body type!  The God of the universe created your body uniquely for you!  Oh, but you don't like your body?  Well, I suspect strongly that you are not alone.  However, I want to breathe some truth into your soul... In Psalm it says that God knit you together in your mother's womb.  Can you just picture that?  Do you have a family member who knits?  Or have you ever attempted it yourself?  I crocheted for a short period of time way, way back in my younger days.  My Granny taught me how.  It was really cool to just crochet until my little heart was content and have something to show for my time!  But I digress... I was hoping to put together a word picture for you with the whole knitting/crocheting thing.   God made your body specifically for you, for a purpose, on purpose... and He called it good.  Regardless of what we think of our body, the LORD calls it good.  Oh my, that just makes a girl smile!  

So let's get to discovering your body type.  First question to answer:  Where do you carry or gain the most weight?   There are four different body types: b, o, d, x.

If you are a B body type you generally gain or carry your weight in your belly and you have little to no rear end!

If you are an O body type you carry or gain weight in your bust and upper midriff area.  Generally a fuller figure and you have very nice legs!

If you are a D body type you carry and gain weight in your hips and thighs and generally have narrow shoulders and a small waist.

An X body type has shoulders and hips that are even (or balanced) and you have an indented waist.

The key to dressing is to look balanced and evenly proportioned like and X by the way we dress. The main thing you want to avoid is drawing attention to or accentuating your challenge area(s).

Ok, now what?  Here are some tips and tricks for each body type.

Someone who is a B body type should never tuck in their shirts. Be careful not to wear a shirt that is too tight around your belly.  These both draw the eye immediately to your belly.  Instead wear shirts (and jackets) that cover your fullest part.  A slimming trick is wearing v-neck shirts as it draws the eye upward.  Just be careful that these v-neck shirts are not too low cut.  The low cut shirts are a trend today, but you can always wear a tank or cami under it.

Stay away from pleated pants as they will make your midsection appear bigger.  Instead wear flat front or side zipper pants that are a relaxed fit/ full leg.   Tummy shapers are a nice addition to your wardrobe.

Slimming tricks: wear a top and bottom that are either the same color or of similar hue and intensity.  This is called   column or monochromatic dressing. Then wear a jacket that is in one of your pop colors.  You could wear a long scarf draping in front which draws the eye away from your tummy and lengthens you.  Accessorizing around the neck also draws the eye upward.

Now if you are an O body type YOUR BRA is the most important piece of your wardrobe!!  If you missed my post on bras, click here.   Beware of low cut or v-neck shirts.  You will most likely need a tank or cami under these.  I saw on TV there is this thing called Cami Secret.  I cannot specifically recommend this since I’ve not seen them personally or used them, but I thought it is a great idea so that you wouldn’t need an additional layer.

Prints look awesome on O body types as well as jackets!

Your pants need to have a slight flare, you may appear boxy if they are too wide at the bottom.  

Slimming tricks  for O's include the column/monochromatic dressing with the inside pieces the same color/hue; wear jackets; push sleeves up 3/4 length. 

For those who are a D body type, v-neck shirts are not the best because they make your shoulders/upper body look more narrow.  Better choices would be square or scoop neck or collars.  Shoulder pads which balance your shoulders and hips.  If you have questions about where and what kind of shoulder pads, please ask me!
 
Find pants that fit you in the hips and thighs and then have them taken in in the waist.  This may mean you need to go up a size but I'm telling you this really makes a difference when pants are taken in so they do not pull down in the back drawing more attention.  There are some manufacturers that are making pants for curvier shapes.  Hooray!  Make sure pants have a flared or wider leg; no skinny jeans.

Slimming tricks for D's: your monochromatic dressing should be with your outside pieces (outer shirt or jacket and pants).  Accessorize with necklaces or scarves drawing the eye upward.  And shoulder pads.

And for X body types, look for fuller tops (shirts) to go over skinnier bottoms and vice versa.  Belts are a must with pants.  With your body type you want to draw the eye in and then up.

The best slimming trick for X body types is look for dresses, shirts and jackets with a cinched in waist.  

The drawing was quite scientific; I wrote down all the names of those who commented on blogger as well as those who commented on Facebook in some form or fashion and then my sweet daughter drew a name from the bowl!  Ok...drum roll please... The winner of her very own swatch color kit is.... Shirley Bryant!  Congratulations Shirley!  I will touch base with you and will get your swatches to you asap!  


Blessings!


Dawn

Frazzled Fridays!

Made in His Image:  Body Types

Has it been a week already!  Wow, I know time flies everyday, every year, but this time of years it gets faster by the hour!!  I have no idea if that even made sense! LOL!

Yes, God really did break the mold when he created you!  He made you unique and absolutely beautiful!  He did not make a mistake, he made you in His image and it is good.  I think Christian women have a "head" understanding of this, but in our hearts maybe not.  But we live in a world where society defines beauty completely opposite of God's Word and therefore, we are torn apart emotionally and do not feel good enough. 

The Bible says that you are “wonderfully made” (Ps. 139:14) and that your beauty is perfect (Ez. 16:14).  He is “enthralled by your beauty; honor him for he is your lord.” (Psalm 45:11)

In Shari Braendel's book Good Girls Don't Have to Dress Bad, she says "...beauty is not about the size of your clothes.  We are not a reflection of the number on that tag.  God gave us exactly the body He wants us to have, the exact frame size, and everything else that goes along with that."

Ok, what about our size in relation to health?  I can be a fluffy size 10/12 or a firm size 8/10.   It's about choices; eat better and exercise.  I have been counting calories for the better part of a year AND have been exercising regularly (for the most part *smile*), it works!  We have a responsibility to our Lord to take care of our bodies.  (I Cor. 6:19-20:  Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body. NLT)

So now to determine your body type.  When dressing your body type/shape, it's not about hiding parts of your body you don't like.  It's all about balance so you look proportional.   We all fit into at least one of the following body types.  Our body type depends on where we gain weight.   Where do you gain the majority of your weight?  Tummy?, Upper midriff and bust?, Bottom and hip/thigh area?, or evenly gain all over?  It is absolutely possible that some gain weight in multiple areas.  If that's the case you will want to combine the suggestions for those body types.

B - is for belly.  If you gain most of your weight in your belly and have somewhat of a flat rear end, then this is your body type.  

O - is for overly endowed.  If you have a fuller figure, rounded on top, bust and upper midriff then this is your body type.

D - is for derriere.  If you gain most of your weight in your hips, thighs and rear end and are narrow in your waist then this is your body type. 

X - is for those who have balanced shoulders and hips.  Generally you will gain weight all over.  

Here are a few tricks for each body type:

For B types, you want to draw attention away from the middle of your body.  Do this by accessorizing!  Particularly around your neckline.  A slimming trick would be to wear a long scarf draped in front of your body.  Another tip is to create a column by matching your top and pants/skirt (monochromatic dressing) and wear a contrasting color for a jacket.  Do not tuck in your shirt.  Tops and jackets should fall just below your waist or go longer with a duster that falls above your knees.  No pleated pants.

For O body types, your most important piece of clothing is your bra!  A bra that fits properly can take 5-10 pounds off!  Really!   Swing jackets will definitely flatter your figure - nothing too tight around your bust.  Push long sleeves up a little to 3/4 length.  Prints make a full bust appear smaller.  Camisoles should be a staple because so many tops are low cut.  See my previous post regarding cleavage.  You will also want to use the same slimming trick as the b body type by column dressing (top and pants/skirt same color with a contrasting scarf or jacket).  

For D body types, your most important asset will be a tailor or alteration person!  You will need to buy pants that fit your hips and not hug them.  Can I just interject here and say "welcome to my world!"  I have learned the hard way so let me encourage you here... if your pants just fit, buy the next size up.  Yes, up!  If the size on the tag bothers you, cut it out!  Or, have fun ... if it's a size 12, 14 (whatever) cut out the number one! Da-dah!  Remember, dressing is about looking balanced.  A d body type probably has slimmer shoulders, so shirts and jackets with collars are great as well as shoulder pads!  Not linebacker ones, small ones.  I got a small pair from Hancock Fabrics and use velcro tape to keep them situated under my bra strap.  Best tops are scoop or square neck.  Belts are great!  A slimming trick is to wear the same color jacket and pant/skirt with a contrasting top.  A contrasting jacket will draw attention right to your bottom.  Remember, outside pieces.  And absolutely accessorize and draw the eye upward with necklaces, earrings or bangle bracelets.

And for those with an X body type, belts of all kinds are great for you!  You definitely want to draw the eye to your waist.  Column dressing with your inside pieces (top, pant/skirt) is great for you as well.  Wear colorful accessories like a long scarf or necklace to also draw the eye inward and upward.  You also need to be mindful of dressing proportionally.  Fitted top over fuller pants or fuller tops over slimmer bottoms.

I'd love to hear from you!  Do you have questions about your body type?  Other questions regarding image, dressing, hair, makeup?  

Blessings!
Dawn