Dressing Slim: The Tops That Work

Fashion changes constantly of course, although it reverts to styles that were once in fashion years before. If you don't believe that's true, just wait until you're over 50, and to your surprise you will find that "something old is new again." Happens all the time. Of course, vintage is recognized as vintage because there's always a different take on the fashion: the material is very different, the colours are modern, the style is old but the length changes. This is why I cannot pass off the mini I got married in (the first time) for those that are in style now.
Of the newer styles, one that I almost passed on that would have been a great mistake is the Empire waist look, both in dresses and tops. Why was I going to pass on it?
First, because I remember wearing the Empire waist dresses in junior high - not my favourite time period (circa 1965). Secondly, I associate a lot of the Empire waist with clothing worn during pregnancy - not my favourite look either.

But I was wrong. Instead of making a woman look like she's pregnant or has a gargantuan tummy. the Empire waists today are cut subtly and naturally and give a pleasant shape to the body, often emphasizing a good bustline and making the most of a small one, and hiding a multitude of faults, including a protruding tummy and wide hips.

The tops (such as these from Anthropolgie, a favourite online store) have shape and give shape to a thickening middle. The long tunic you see above also have the virtue of de-emphasizing large hips and tummy. In a solid colour with good tailoring details, you will look fashionable and slimmer!
The second top perhaps really isn't an Empire, but has the same look in many ways. Its shaped with darts that lead the eye to the center of the decolletage ; its lacy neck is feminine and sexy rather than froufrou and it's almost 3/4 length sleeves hide the upper arms (which are sometimes a bit less than beautiful on some of us). Just make sure that it is not too low!
The cummerbund top (to the left) has the flattering (and usually slimming) V-neck, and sleeves that aren't skin-tight. The Empire waist is subtle, and the vertical lines of the bust area both lead the eye to the bustline and give the illusion of slimming. The blouse is cut so that the waist is shaped - which means that it will give you some shape instead of hanging like a square cut boxy tee. The wider sleeves give a feminine look, but once again without being froufrou.
The great thing about these, too, is that they work for any age. Even if you are over 60, you can still wear these tops and look age-appropriate.
Finally, dresses with an Empire waist can be even more slimming than the tops. Be careful about the length however since a too-short Empire dress can make you look like a sausage with a bit of twine tied around it. A longer length or below knee length is usually best if you are over 40, and wearing the dress with boots is even more flattering.
Also pay close attention to the neckline: low necklines with a V or a higher neckline look good. Both the red and brown Empire waist dresses here are flattering to the slightly overweight figure. However, the fuschia dress with the square cut neckline screams, "WIDE". If you're even slightly overweight or busty, run screaming from this one!
By the way, the best way to look slimmer? Get slimmer! Start your diet today, and start exercising, too.

Note: all the clothing on this entry from Anthropologie.com.


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It's After Labor Day!

It's after Labor Day, and you know what that means. Yes, you must put away any white shoes and white pants that you have been wearing - that is if you are in the USA. If you are in Brazil (or anywhere else below the Equator)you can ignore this rule; however, even Catherine Zeta-Jones shouldn't wear white pants in the US after Labor Day - and wearing white shoes is infinitely worse!
While we are on some "rules" or fashion faux pas, here's another: don't wear light, bright blue eyeshadow. First, it isn't in style, second, it won't make blue eyes look bluer, and third, it really doesn't look good on anyone.



In most places in the USA, it's still too hot to wear long sleeves or anything remotely resembling Fall clothing. Seasonless clothing that will keep you comfortable includes khaki pants and skirts, crisp white cotton blouses, dressy tees, and black and navy as long as it's in cotton.
One of the best bets for the next month or two are tops (tees and shirts) with three-quarter length sleeves. They are perfect for cooler mornings and hot afternoons. This year the fashion magazines are full of three quarter and shorter sleeved sweaters as well - great for transitioning into colder weather.
For work at least, put aside those brighter summer clothes, the light linens, and of course the whites. For many people, wearing those summer clothes now is going to make you look like the French Quarter the day after Mardi Gras.


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Shoes for Fall: The Dos and the Don'ts

I've been reading so much about shoes for this Fall, what is in, and what is supposed to be so fashionable that we can't live without them, that I'm dizzy. So I figured that it was time to have a look at the world of shoes.First, the peep-toe is big this Fall. Uh, oh. Now these may look great on you, and if they do, wear them, but I remember these from the 'seventies and it's one reason I have so many foot problems today. High heels and little open toes do not go together. If you must wear peep-toes, try these great flats by Calvin Klein
(Gia):Cute, chic, and they won't ruin your feet with your toes scrunched through a 2 inch hole by 3 1/2 inch heels. Or the little beige suede shoes with a tiny heel. You've got the peep-toe, and you can walk for more than 15 minutes at a time.
Next is the metallic finish. I'm all for it as long as it is Christmas or New Year's Eve or maybe even Valentine's Day. Or if you choose a subdued colour such as pewter or bronze. Wear bright gold or shining silver high heels and if you're over 40 you're going to look as though you should be wearing a leopardskin blouse and using a cigarette holder while visiting the local laundromat. If you're younger and it's during the daytime, unless you are at a wedding or involved in a very dressy occasion, people are just going to think that you do not know any better. Save them for disco night or
Just say NO. Instead try these cute ballet flats (below). They are great, not only because they are a more subdued metallic, but because they are a great classic that you are going to be able to wear for more than one season.
Patent is another look that is supposed to be good for Fall. I still associate patent leather with black patent Mary Janes's that I got for Easter year after year when I was quite little. When I was in high school, the rumour was that patent leather shoes were outlawed because boys could see up a girl's skirt in their reflection (yes, it was so long ago that we couldn't wear pants to a public school).These Ferragamos look classic and lovely, but if they're a bit too "old" for you, try these feminine looking T-straps(below). They are patent, have a sexy sling-back as well as the feminine T, and these are in grey, one of this Fall's hottest colours. But please, please make sure that you don't have cracked heels! No one will notice your shoes, and the long line from the rear view that is created with sling backs will be ruined.
Don't forget about the platform - still going strong. But unless you have a fortune to spend and shoes and very strong ankles, opt for the mild platforms instead of the exaggerated ones. The snakeskin pumps below by Cole Haan are wonderful if you can wear the heel and the peep-toe at the same time. However, if you can't stand the height, you may want to forgo the Christian Laboutins.


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