Beauty Tips Guides

Color can really spruce up your wardrobe. Does your lingerie consist solely of tidy whities? Do you consider your basic black bra to be risque? It is time to spice up your lingerie with a little color and flair. Here are some tips and ideas to steer you in the right direction.

Your basic black or white lingerie is always acceptable. Every woman needs the basics in her collection, but variety is the spice of life. Spice things up with a little color.

Red is a very sexy and sensual shade. Add a touch of red and watch the fireworks fly.

So many other colors are available to choose from when it comes to lingerie. Pale yellows, pinks, and blues can be beautiful. Darker hues such as purple and maroon can truly jazz up your collection of lingerie.

When choosing your lingerie, don’t just wing it. Keep color in mind when contemplating a new piece for your wardrobe.

What colors look good on you? Consider the color of your eyes, hair, and skin tone. Avoid colors that wash you out and make you look pale. Other colors may detract from your features. Find the right colors to compliment your assets.

If you have sparkling blue eyes, you may look fabulous in a piece of lingerie in pastel blue, for instance. In fact, any shade of blue will set off your eyes. Ladies, if you have hazel eyes, your options are open. Blues and greens look terrific on you. Earth tones will compliment your eyes nicely. If your eyes are green, don any shades of green in your wardrobe. Earth tones look nice on you, as well. A piece of red lingerie will truly spark up your look.

If you are a blond, direct your attention towards pastel shades. Yellow may not accent your hair color, but primarily the lighter hues will look terrific on you. Darker colors will look nice depending on your skin tone. Avoid letting your lingerie color take away from your personal attributes.

Brunettes should bask in the shades of earth tones and darker hues. For you, lighter, pale shades may fade into the background.

Your skin tone plays a role in what lingerie will look good on you. If you have light, porcelain skin, powdery white and sheer pastels will look fabulous. Experiment with a slightly darker hue to compliment your eyes. Women with olive skin tones, benefit from medium shades. Look to your hair color and eyes for direction. Pastel hues will typically wash you out and detract from your features. Ladies with darker skin tones look tantalizing in the darker hues. For a new look, experiment with lighter shades that complement your skin.

Your lingerie is a part of your wardrobe. Dress it up with style and color. The best way to choose your perfect shade is by considering your skin, hair, and eyes. Your boring basics will transform to dynamite with sexy shades of color that set off your assets. Experiment with new colors in your lingerie to see what looks best on you.

Gregg Hall is an author living with his beautiful wife and family in Navarre Beach, Florida. Find more about lingerie as well as fine lingerie at http://www.elitelingerieshop.com

2007/2008 styling for plus size tops follows the lead of the winter season’s stars; a celebration of curves, enhanced with vibrant colors, touches of sparkle and sumptuous fabrics. Gone are the over-sized tees and knits of old, replaced by kimono tops, embellished empire waisted designs and sexy knits crafted carefully to enhance feminine curves. Au currant runway inspired designs are finally being produced in a realistic range of sizes and are receiving a gracious welcome from the fashion loving plus size community.

The kimono style top, with wider sleeves, an a-line hem, v-neck and empire waist tie back is the natural choice for enhancing the curvy frame. Wide sleeves, in short, or three-quarter length make the arms appear thinner and create an upside down triangle shape; wider at the shoulder, narrower at the waist. The empire tie back waist highlights the smallest part of most women’s torso, the area approximately 5 inches below the base of the bust. Not the true waist, which often carries extra padding. The slight a-line hem of the kimono softly falls over tummy to the hips, never clinging. When fitted correctly, the kimono should flow softly over the bust, cinching at the empire waist and flowing softly to the hem, creating a beautiful hour-glass shape. Try a traditional silk Asian motif, or vibrant mod pattern for season current style.

The embellished, empire waisted design flatters for many of the same reasons the kimono does; the littlest part of the torso, the empire waist is highlighted and the top flows softly into an a-line hem, elongating the body and flattering the tummy and hips. Jeweled medallion detailing, beading and Grecian goddess inspired embellishments at the empire waist are gorgeous design trends finally available in curve friendly sizes. Such bold embellishments appear to be made for the plus-size frame; statement medallions and beading are proportionately correct for the curvy frame. Look for a narrow v-neck to elongate the neck and flatter the bust, a wide v-neck may show off ample decollete but in turn makes the torso appear wider and chose fabric that flows softly over the body in a solid color for a flattering, statement making look!

Sumptuous knits in sexy shapes have replaced oversized designs as the article of choice for curvy women. Quality fabrics in beautiful shapes are wonderful, comfy alternatives to the basic tee. Chose a thick fabric with plenty of stretch to best enhance your curves, in your favorite shape of choice. Empire waist designs, with a tie back are always flattering, narrow v-necks and wrap designs make the most of a curvy frame as well. Play with vibrant color; these basics are the perfect choices for trying out seasonal color trends. Avoid thin fabrics in overly clingy shapes; a good knit should always drape the body flatteringly.

With each passing year, fashion current plus size options become increasingly mainstream much to the delight of the curvy community. Winter/Spring, 2007/2008 designers follow the trend of embracing the true feminine form, crafting designs that enhance and flatter all shapes and sizes. With a plethora of style options, self-expression via fashion is finally feasible regardless of size!

Sara is the co-owner and product buyer at www.Velvetsiren.com - A Posh Plus Size Clothing Boutique For Curvy Girls. She currently works as a fashion consultant and personal shopper for curvy women worldwide. Come see what everyone is talking about!

The dressmaker capable of creating original design is an artist - as a sculptor working with the material on hand to create and mold a pleasing effect - one which creates an attractive picture by enhancing the best qualities of the wearer and unobtrusively subduing or camouflaging the less perfect points by applying the skill which comes with knowledge and practice.

A dress of good design is almost timeless - it can be worn for a great many seasons without appearing out of style.

The basic requirements of good design are the proper use of balance, rhythm, and proportion.

Balance

This can be symmetric or occult.

Symmetric balance is formal, dignified, simple, measured and exact. It is duplicated in reverse on each side of the exact center in the same line, form and shape.

Occult (asymmetric) balance is off center balance. It signifies movement and freedom and the balance is achieved by feeling and sight rather than by measure. It can be achieved by various methods - by the use of line, color, or ornament.

Rhythm

Rhythm is movement repeated. In dress designing it can be achieved by repetition of lines of direction in construction of the dress itself, or by repetition in the use of buttons and miscellaneous ornamentation, or the repetition inherent in tucks, pleats, and folds. Rhythmic movement can also be accented by the use of contrasting colors.

Proportion

Proportion is the relation of one part of a design to another in line, mass, or color. Proportion is also the relation of the entire design to the wearer. Care must be taken in keeping this relation of one part to another interesting - not to allow it to become monotonous. A good sense of balance and rhythm and the proper use of them will help your judgment in this respect.

Just as a chain is no stronger than its weakest link so is no design truly good unless each part of it is as perfect as you can make it.

Interesting Design

Balanced design, to be attractive, has to have one dominant quality which is achieved by convergence or a central focus of interest from which minor, or secondary points of interest take their cue. Proper contrast in direction of line design and contrast in color should attract attention to the center of interest.

The secondary points of interest should never be important enough in line, mass, or color to detract from the dominant quality - but should be used in a way to create balance and rhythm to the entire design. Under no circumstances should there ever be more than three secondary interests - usually two are enough.

These can be expressed as contrasting color accents, pleats, ruffles, various types of ornaments, buttons, pockets, or the direction of any of the inner lines of design.

To preserve unity in your design so that each part of the dress or costume seems to be made for each other it is necessary to soften sharp angles and abrupt changes from curves to straight line. Such coordination or harmonious movement is achieved by transitional lines.

A well designed costume or dress will be pleasing in appearance for its line alone. Once the becoming outline is adapted to the figure, the next problem is the introduction of the inner lines of design which must be in harmony with the outer lines, or silhouette. All future ornamentation will be on this space within this outline.

If these proportions are not harmonious and attractive then the most beautiful ornamentation or colors cannot make up for this lack. If you remember and practice the basic principles of good design then the dresses and costumes you create will have unity and grace which will be both beautiful and becoming.

Good design should be applied to everything you create. Well balanced arrangement becomes good - in utility clothes, wash dresses, severely tailored garments, formal wear. Each will be more attractive and flattering to the wearer for the care and creative thought that went into it.

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Feeling sexy is more a state of mind than a look. Sexy lingerie isn’t just for women with hourglass figures. Women of every size can feel sexy and confident in carefully chosen lingerie.

Plus Size Lingerie
Wearing sexy lingerie can put you in a romantic mood and add excitement for you and your partner. Whether you are looking for bridal lingerie, a chemise, or sexy panties, thongs, bras, garters or corsets, buying them online allows you to shop from a larger inventory and takes the embarrassment out of the situation.

Plus size women can certainly wear whatever they feel comfortable in, thongs and corsets included. The key to feeling sexy in lingerie is to find the right size, the right look and the right patterns to accentuate the positives and reduce attention to areas that make one uncomfortable.

Finding plus size lingerie, and particularly bridal lingerie, can be difficult at best. Online stores offer a better way to shop for plus size lingerie. You’ll find more sizes, a better variety of colors and patterns and a larger selection of lingerie for that special moment.

Lingerie That Fits
Sexy lingerie, like chemises, thongs, bras, corsets, garters and panties should not only fit your body, but also your personality. Notice the difference between sexy lingerie and tasteless pieces that will send a completely different message to your partner.

Look for lingerie pieces that flatter your figure. Someone with a large chest, for instance, may require a bra with an under-wire to prevent sagging and create the illusion of cleavage. If you have love handles around your middle but long sexy legs, wearing garters will accentuate your positive body feature and draw attention to it.

Lingerie doesn’t need to be skimpy in order to be sexy either. A long chemise or a silk robe can do wonders to cover up a tricky area while giving your partner something to get excited about with a little extra bare skin. Tastefully chosen lingerie can be incredibly sexy to look at and to touch.

Finding Your Style
The style of lingerie you choose also says something to your partner. A leopard print may give off the impression that you are bit of an animal. Soft pinks, mauve, and lavender show a more delicate side, while red says you’re ready for some adventure.

Dressing up for your partner can be incredibly fun. Different pieces of lingerie can be used for different occasions. Bridal lingerie, for example, can be sweet and innocent. Save the more dramatic lingerie and fun pieces for spicing up the relationship later on down the road.

Finding the right look that matches your personality and your comfort zone while showing your partner a sexier side may take a little exploration on your part. You may have to try a few different outfits to see what’s going to work for you and what makes you feel sexy. Once you find your style you can stock up in different colors, patterns and textures.

Tempting Your Partner
Buying lingerie is a fun way to tempt your partner. Lingerie doesn’t need to be limited to the bedroom. Wearing sexy bras and panties under your clothes while on a date to make you feel flirty and fun. Tempting your partner with a sneak peek of sexy lingerie during the date is a teaser that will leave them wanting more.

Above All Else, Have Fun!
The whole idea behind the purchase and wearing of any type of lingerie is to impart as sense of pleasure between two people at the most intimate of times. Remember, it’s not the garments the man is attracted to, they are just the icing on the cake.

Roosevelt Simmons has lingerie sites like Sexy Lingerie 4 Women and Thongs R Us Online . It’s important to educate women that Sexy Lingerie isn’t just for women with hourglass figures. Women of every size can feel sexy and confident in carefully chosen lingerie. Men can learn how to buy lingerie for that special person and expand their knowledge on lingerie at http://www.thongsareusonline.com

Is your closet full of old and out-dated clothing? Or is the clothing in your closet new and up-to-the latest fashion styles? No matter whether you have a closet full of pieces that you still wear (and many that you just do not want to part with); having some of the important classic pieces is not only a dream, it is a must.

The wardrobe of any fashion conscious woman includes classic pieces that are fashionable, and also includes clothing that is coordinated and matches your personality. Many of these classic clothing choices may include your basic colors, shoes appropriate for each occasion, and accessories for special evening or daytime events.

Your choices also depends on your tastes. However, when buying any classic piece, it must be well made in a quality fabric. Classic pieces that are well made wear better, feel better, and will always look better on you. Some quality fabrics used for classic styles are lightweight wool gabardine, silk, cotton, linen, cashmere, and some in textured yarns. Go an extra step and make sure all pieces fit well. If not, have your outfit altered by professional tailors, especially if you have a change in your weight or size. It is worth the extra money.

Ten of the most important classic pieces that must go into the closet of your dreams include:

One. That all-important little black dress (and gray is becoming the new black this season). A black dress is flexible and can go from day to evening with the addition of a jeweled belt, or a luxurious satin, or velvet jacket or long tunic. And for even more different and elegant looks, add a scarf, several necklaces, or different leather, fabric, or chain belts.

Two. A single strand of pearls to wear with your little black dress. Pearls also give an elegant look to a turtle neck sweater and classy jeans.

Three. An all-weather coat, better known as the trench coat is especially good and can be worn with a casual or dressy outfit. A neutral colored trench, when worn over a bright dress or skirt and top, stands out on those gloomy days.

Four. A black or navy blue solid color blazer makes a great fashion statement.

Five. At least three pairs of pumps in good condition and in good quality leather are always suitable. Leather shoes can be worn with either day or evening wear. So, save your fabric shoes in suede, satin, and kid for your evening wear.

Six. A three-piece suit includes your jacket, skirt and pants in a solid color, and may be in one of the classic fabrics or fibers. Make sure it coordinates with your basic colors. It can be in a lightweight wool or flannel, and tailored in simple lines. Select one without trimming, and with full-length sleeves. The skirt can be straight or slim, and pants in a straight-leg cut gives a more elegant, tailored look.

A long sleeve white cotton shirt with or without French cuffs is always a must. Keep it clean and crisp for that professional look and feel.

Eight. Slacks in a Khaki fabric are versatile and can stand up to a harsh winter.

Nine. A Cashmere sweater or twin sweater set gives you many different looks. Choose one that is plain and simple, and dress it up with pearls or a scarf, or choose a seductive and bold set for that touch of sophistication . It is your choice.

Ten. Jeans. Keep them current and classy. Dry-clean or press them yourself after washing. Jeans worn with dramatic T-shirts or tops are great for mixing and matching outfits.

To top off any outfit, whether the occasion is casual, or for an elegant evening, a smile adds to your confidence and self-esteem. A positive self image must be a part of the wardrobe of every woman who wishes to dress well. Nothing looks better on a woman than her confidence and pride.

Now make classic styles and elegant dressing an important part of your dream closet.

Gerri D Smith designs apparel for women who love dressing for elegant evenings. Her designs are created with style, grace, sophistication; a regal, almost queenly elegance. Why elegance? You could say that it is found where beauty and style intersect with imagination. For a peek at her collections - Visit, http://www.distinctiveimpressions-2.com
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When it comes to the importance of the way we look, writer Gore Vidal put it simply: “Style is about knowing who you are, what you want to say, and not giving a damn.” However, for many years larger women in the UK have had little choice when it came to fashionable plus-size clothes, and so have been forced to ‘not give a damn’ by default!

Thankfully, at least some enlightened fashion retailers are waking up to the fact that they need to offer more trendy plus size clothing so that fuller figured women can have a bountiful choice when it comes to defining their wardrobe. Although still in the minority, an increasing amount of major fashion chain stores in the UK are now increasing the amount of retail space they dedicate to plus size clothing. Indeed, specialist outlet Matalan now offers their own Rogers & Rogers plus-size collection offering the absolute latest in larger women’s fashion.

Most fashion experts agree that looking good is all about achieving proportion and symmetry. So, even though you cannot change your body in an instant, you can instantly change the way you look by revising your wardrobe. The trick is to highlight your best assets while hiding or downplaying less flattering parts of your body. Get that right and you will undoubtedly feel confident, feminine and sexy, regardless of your body shape.

Plus-size fashion has come a long way in only a few years. Previously the only clothes available were frumpy garments that more resembled sacks or tents, specifically designed to hide the wearer’s body shape. Now, however designers are now producing gorgeous plus-size clothes at eminently affordable prices that will appeal to everyone. A well-made, stylish plus size top can transform a basic ensemble into a ‘wow’ outfit! Plus, as we’ve already discussed the secret to looking good is promoting good features and hiding less flattering areas. You will already be well versed in which of your features, such as your neck, bust or legs are flattering or need less prominence but regardless, the golden rule is to think vertical. That means you should forget horizontal stripes, hoops and other patterns which will invariably make you look wider.

Also stay clear of ultra-busy prints that make the wearer look bigger. Instead go for vertical stripes and big bold buttons to give you a slimmer look; this works as the eyes are drawn up and down, rather than side to side. But, the look itself is only part of the total picture and you should also carefully consider the fit. Any reasonable fashion top should hug your body, but not too tightly. Plus-size figures should not be hidden, but just like with any size woman a top that is too tight will highlight areas that would make any woman feel uncomfortable. Similarly, don’t wear a top that is too baggy in an attempt to hide your body. Show it off, be proud, but ensure that you pick the right size which will show off your beautiful curves as well as making you look classy and chic.

The classic slimming shade is black, but why should you always dress like you are attending a funeral? Have some fun with bright colours and go for colours that will highlight your eyes, skin and hair. If you want to be bold, show some flesh and opt for a low-cut V-neck that has the dual effect of accentuating your bust and lengthening your neck, however, be wary of showing your mid-riff unless it is well-toned.

As a rule, plus-size women should avoid animal print tops as they too will make the wearer look bigger, however scarves with animal prints can be a fantastic addition to a stylish outfit. As we all know accessories add the finishing touches to any outfit, and the latest trendy handbags, shoes and scarves can all transform your everyday outfits into a stylish, fashionable look. Jewellery such as necklaces, pins and brooches can add a fabulous touch of glamour to fashion tops and jackets.

Have fun finding the plus size clothes at Matalan that show you at your best; select the right style, colours and size and you’ll feel fabulous and confident all year long.