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When you cross paths with a particular person, who is obviously
dressing in a way that is different than everything out there, you
immediately know there is something different about that person.
They may or may not be physically attractive, but something about
the way they dress, causes everyone around them to take a second
look. They carry an air about them that lets everyone in the room
know that there is something special about them. It’s the woman
who is “well put-together". They have class, but look sexy at the
same time. This is what I call, someone with “the edge".
So how does one rise above the everyday ordinary look, and do it
on a budget? I will admit it is easier to achieve “the edge" if
you’ve got loads of money. Of course Versace makes clothes that
just fit better. And the Louis Vuitton is a classy but elegant
look that goes with every outfit. But not everyone can afford
these items. If you can, great! Go for it and have fun. But if you
can’t afford the high priced items, you can still look fabulous by
using the tips I’m going to tell you.
Tip #1: Shop for items that fit your body style
We all are made so differently. Some of us have broad shoulders,
some have large hips, some have no backside. So many clothes are
made so differently and you must shop for items that compliment
the body style you have been given. According to statistics, the
majority of Americans are considered “overweight", and few people
have the time to eat and exercise in a manner to achieve the model
look. But every body shape and size can have “the edge". Don’t let
your particular body shape stop you from looking great just
because there might be something you don’t like about your body.
When I was big and fat and pregnant, I got so many compliments
from people telling me that I looked fabulous. I was huge, but
what made the difference was how I dressed. Yeah, in the morning,
I didn’t feel like putting on heels, and a nice outfit when I was
so uncomfortable, but by the end of the day I always felt better
emotionally when I did. I didn’t dress nicely for anybody else but
me! I simply felt better when I took some extra time to make
myself look nice.
I, like everyone else, have many qualities about myself that I
wish I could change. For example, I have tall muscles on my
shoulders. This makes certain tops look funny on me. Therefore, I
am picky about what tops and turtle-necks I buy. I don’t want any
top to accentuate this feature, but instead to hide or disguise
it. For you, think of that particular feature about yourself that
you don’t like. Try on different types of clothes to see which
items accentuate it and which ones hide it. For example, if you
have large arms. As often as you can, wear at least three-quarter
or long sleeves. If you have large hips, do not buy pants that hug
the legs. If you will go with a little wider leg, your hips won’t
be in the “spotlight". If you have a little bit of a tummy, you
can buy corset types of tops that will hide that. If you have
large breasts, use the corset concept, and use tailored jackets to
accentuate your waistline. A woman with large breasts will hide
the fact that she has a tiny waist unless you wear things to bring
more attention to your waist than your breasts.
Tip #2: Go for something unique
I
have a few regular places that I like to shop and they always seem
to come out with something in-line with the current fashion trends
with a unique look. My first secret has to do with someone by the
name of Victoria. Victoria’s Secret is an excellent source for
unique fashion. Victoria’s Secret is largely known for their
lingerie. However, you can find some awesome fashion items if you
look at their online site, or in their catalog for clothes that
you can wear out of the house. www.victoriassecret.com is a great
website where you can browse through all of their merchandise.
Their items always start out very high, but most usually go on
sale within a few months if you can make yourself wait. Their
website even has a section with sale or clearance items. Right
now, you might be talking yourself out of a mail order shopping
experience, but don’t let that stop you. Victoria’s Secret sends
you a return mail sticker with every item you buy. If the item
doesn’t fit, or doesn’t make you happy, all you do is stop by a
UPS store and show them the return label. They will even provide
the packing envelope for the return….for free!
But don’t limit yourself to one place. Look everywhere! Whenever
you have spare time, go in a place to see what’s new in there.
Then, if you’re on a budget, go back to see if it’s on sale later.
I have found great buys for great prices in places all the way
from Ross to Harold Powell. Ann Taylor also has great clothes that
are “the edge", and if you wait long enough, their items will go
to more than half-off. However, if you wait too long, you run the
risk of them not having your size. Make it a fun day by just
stopping at one place on your way home or to run an errand. And
don’t buy just to buy. If you don’t feel like “I’ve got to have
this", then put it back on the rack and wait until you find
something that makes you feel great when you wear it.
Tip #3: Go for quality
Some clothing items might look good on the hanger because of a
particular style, but you must always remember that “the edge" =
quality. You can tell quality largely by how clothing feels to the
touch. For example, many things at a Ross store can be cute, but
they are thin, unlined and the stitching looks as if it might
unravel. Ann Taylor is quality. If you touch their items, they are
heavy and they do not fade with cleaning. I own a boutique in
Northwest Houston, and I have many vendors that I buy from.
However, one of my favorites is a line called Bentley Arbuckle.
Their clothes have the fashion “edge", and they feel like quality
when you touch them. You can view their items at
www.sweet-chic.net/bentleyarbuckle.
Tip #4: Underwear
Even though a select few will actually ever see your underwear, it
makes a large difference in how your clothes appear. Underwear can
make or break an outfit.
Concerning breasts, some individuals have breast enhancements or
lifts. These are the only people above 18 years of age who should
go bra-less. Some women over 18 years old have been naturally
given a beautiful lift, and they can pass it off. But for most of
us, gravity takes over, and it is vital that you wear bras with an
under-wire. Yes, they are uncomfortable, but mark my words, they
will make or break, your outfit. You’ve got to have the lift.
As far as the bottoms go, what you should wear will depend on the
outfit. Jeans are tight and will hold a great deal in if we are a
little “pudgy" around the middle. However, if you want to wear a
sheer pair of pants, or even some that are a little tight on your
figure, always wear support bottoms. If you are wearing a dress
that is form fitting, you can buy body-suits or (don’t laugh)
girdles that hide a world of issues. Yes, these are all
uncomfortable, but believe me, they will make or break your
outfit.
Tip #5: Accessorize!
I
have put on an outfit in the morning, taken a look at myself, and
said, “Hmph." I could tell that my outfit just wasn’t “the edge".
But I thought, “What’s wrong with this outfit." Then, I took a
broach, and added it to the button tab on my pants, and voila! The
outfit then looked fabulous. Accessories can also make or break an
outfit. Knowing the way to accessorize can be difficult, but you
will learn with practice. Sometimes if I am going to leave my
dress shirt un-tucked, it just doesn’t look right unless I wear a
loosely fitted belt with it. Belts with beads or chains work well
with shirts that are un-tucked.
Jewelry is another excellent means of accessorizing. Rings,
bracelets, watches and earrings are all important, but your most
important piece of jewelry is your necklace. This is the piece of
jewelry that catches everyone’s eyes when they first see you. I
suggest something with a medium to large pendant. If you have a
long thin neck, you can wear chokers well. If you are wearing a
turtle-neck, a long chain is very attractive. And most definitely,
a turtle-neck needs something to break up the long stretch in that
particular piece of clothing. If you are wearing a spaghetti-strap
blouse, I would recommend a more delicate necklace to allow the
beautiful nature of the female upper chest, shoulders and neck to
stand out.
Your accessories will make all the difference in whether you catch
glances from others, knowing that you have “the edge".
Tip #6: Shoes
I
have seen many individuals with a stunning outfit, but their shoes
totally disabled their look. The shoes you choose are very
important in finishing your “edge" outfit. For example, tennis
shoes are pretty much limited for women. Even if you’re wearing
jeans, sandals and high heels are the best to finish your look.
It can be hard to explain which shoes go best with certain
outfits. My advice is to make sure you have a long mirror, put on
your outfit, and add the shoes. If something just doesn’t “look
right", try another pair, or save the outfit until you can buy a
pair of shoes that set it off well.
For sandals, wedges are totally in right now. You’re always going
in the right direction if you wear high heeled closed-toe shoes
with any outfit (except for shorts and possibly capris). I know
they are uncomfortable to stand and walk in, but they really
lengthen a woman’s figure well.
Tip #7: When it comes to our weight
I
have many women who come into my boutique and say, “I’m going to
loose some weight and come back." These women aren’t largely
overweight, and I carry sizes that will fit them. This raised many
questions in my mind. Then I recalled a friend of mine from a long
time ago. She was a size 10 or 12…..not bad. However, she was
unhappy with her current weight. We would go shopping together,
and I felt excited for the occasion to go shopping with my friend.
I was surprised though, when almost every time we went, our day
would end up with my friend angry and crying. I couldn’t figure it
out, I thought she looked nice. But she was unhappy with her size.
I want to tell you, that if you are a certain size, large or not,
and you’re happy, don’t let the TV models or our society make you
feel bad. If you are happy, don’t worry about it. But if you are
not, there are a lot of programs out there that can help. I have a
manual that tells how my husband lost 40 pounds within 3 months,
and he’s kept it off. Keep watching my website for a posting of
the manual.
In closing, all of these tips might be hard to figure out for
yourself at first. However, my advice is to be picky about what
you buy. And you will learn volumes from the comments from other
people. If you are not getting any positive comments from others
about what you wear, keep trying some different things. The more
comments you get, the more you will be reinforced and learn what
“the edge" is for you. Good luck and go find your “edge".
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