Styling a short and curvy body shape

Styling a short and curvy body shape

Are you short and curvy? Do you find clothes that suit other body types just don’t suit yours? Here’s a few things you can do…

Do you sometimes feel like finding clothes that flatter your figure is a challenge because of your height and curves? Well, you’re not alone! Many people struggle with finding clothing that makes them feel confident and comfortable, but the good news is that there are plenty of styles out there that can do just that.

The key to dressing for your body type is to focus on styles that fit properly and accentuate your curves in all the right ways. Say goodbye to baggy or oversized clothing, and hello to fitted styles that hug your curves in all the right places.

When it comes to tops, V-neck or scoop-neck styles are a great choice as they elongate your neck and draw attention to your face. Pair them with fitted tops that have a slight flare at the waist to accentuate your curves without clinging too tightly. Wrap tops and blouses with ruching or gathering at the waist are also great options to consider.

 

For bottoms, high-waisted styles are your best friend as they create the illusion of longer legs and a smaller waist. Opt for bootcut or flared jeans to balance out wider hips, or a straight or tapered leg to streamline your silhouette. Skirts and dresses with an A-line or fit-and-flare silhouette are also excellent choices, as they accentuate your curves while providing a flattering shape.

 

When it comes to prints and patterns, avoid large, bold prints that can overwhelm your frame. Instead, opt for smaller prints or solid colours that create a more streamlined look. Monochromatic outfits or outfits with vertical stripes can also create the illusion of height. 

 

Add more height with a heel, matching the colour of your trousers. This will add more height to your frame of course but it will also add it visually too. making your legs appear longer than they are.

Remember, the most important thing is to experiment with different styles and find what makes you feel confident and comfortable. Don’t be afraid to try something new and step out of your comfort zone. With a little bit of effort and experimentation, you’ll find that dressing for your body type can be fun and empowering. Embrace your curves and rock your style with confidence!

How to style sudden weight gain

How to style sudden weight gain

Weight gain on the tummy and struggling to find stylish, flattering, and comfortable ways to dress your new shape? Me too!…

I am now 7 month’s pregnant and, even as a stylist, I’m struggling to find stylish, flattering and comfortable ways to dress my new shape and sudden weight gain.

Here’s the thing, the style principles are the same whether you have gained weight because of pregnancy, the menopause or illness. Although natural, it can be challenging to find the right clothes to flatter your new curves. However, with a few styling tricks, you can embrace your beautiful bodies and feel confident and comfortable in your own skin.

 

In this blog, we’ll explore how best to style weight gain:

 

 1. Choose the Right Clothes: When it comes to styling a tummy in general, choosing the right clothes is key. Opt for clothes that fit well and accentuate your curves. Avoid clothes that are too tight or too loose, as they can make you feel uncomfortable and unflattering. Look for clothes that are tailored or have a structured fit, as they can help create a streamlined silhouette.

2. Embrace the Empire Waist: The empire waist is a style that flatters any tummy. It’s a high-waisted style that cinches just below the bust, emphasising the smallest part of your body and giving you a flowing silhouette below. Empire waist dresses and tops are great for creating a flattering shape. You can also pair an empire waist top with a great fitting pair of jeans for a comfortable yet stylish look.

3. Embrace the High-Rise: High-rise styles are great for styling weight gain on the tummy. High-rise jeans, skirts, and shorts sit at your natural waistline, which is typically above your tummy area. This can help to create a smooth and flattering silhouette. High-rise styles also elongate your legs, making you appear taller and slimmer.

4. Invest in Shapewear: Shapewear can be a great tool for styling weight gain on the tummy. Shapewear can help to smooth out your curves and create a streamlined silhouette. Look for shapewear that is comfortable and fits well. Avoid shapewear that is too tight or restrictive, as it can be uncomfortable and create bulges in other areas.

5. Accessorise: Accessories can take your outfit from drab to fab. A statement necklace or earrings can draw attention to your face, taking the focus away from your tummy. You can also accessorise with a scarf, which can add colour and texture to your outfit. A cute handbag or tote can also add an extra touch of style to your look.

6. Experiment with Layering: Layering can be a great way to flatter your tummy. Layering can help to create a vertical line that elongates your body, making you appear slimmer. You can layer a long cardigan or jacket over a basic top and leggings or a dress. You can also layer a vest over a blouse or top to create a layered look that flatters your curves.

7. Embrace Comfort: Whether you are pregnant, going through the menopause, or generally bloated, it is a time to be comfortable, so don’t be afraid to embrace it. Choose clothes that feel comfortable and allow you to move freely. Soft, stretchy fabrics like cotton and spandex are great as they move with your body. Avoid clothes that are too tight or restrictive, as they can make you feel uncomfortable and can make the situation worse (look up “tight pants syndrome)

 

In conclusion, styling weight gain around the tummy can be challenging, but with the right clothes and accessories, you can create a comfortable and stylish look that flatters your curves. Remember, you are beautiful just the way you are, and your body is amazing no matter what size or shape it is. Embrace your curves and rock your unique style with confidence.

 

Best Jeans for Curvy Bodies

Best Jeans for Curvy Bodies

Attention, curvy ladies! Say goodbye to ill-fitting jeans and hello to the perfect pair.

Attention all curvy ladies! Are you tired of searching high and low for the perfect pair of jeans? Well, look no further because there are many UK clothing sites that cater to your needs.

Levi’s, a renowned brand for high-quality jeans, offers a diverse range of styles and sizes for curvy women. With their innovative Stellar Stretch technology, you can flaunt your curves without worrying about sagging or bagging.

 

Levi’s

ASOS, the ultimate online retailer, has a vast selection of clothing, including jeans tailored for curvy women. While scrolling through their website, keep in mind your body type and the styles that suit you. With the help of their filters, you can easily find the perfect pair to complement your body.

asos curve

Topshop jeans are not only affordable but also durable, making them a perfect investment for your wardrobe. Topshop now sells through ASOS, so be sure to filter your search to find the brand and style you’re looking for.

topshop

Marks & Spencer may not be the first place that comes to mind when looking for jeans, but their search and filter function makes it easy to find the style that suits you. With a wide range of curvy jeans in short and extra-short leg sizes, M&S caters to all body types.

M&S

Simply Be is a great option for those on a budget, offering a vast range of styles, rises, and looks. However, keep in mind that their stretchy material can sag over time. If you can, invest in a better quality pair that will last longer and retain their shape.

Simply Be

My advice would be to purchase a variety of styles from different retailers and see what works for you. Just remember, not to focus on the size label. Retailers use different sizing systems, so order several sizes to ensure the best fit. Let’s shift our focus from the number on the label to the fit of the jeans themselves. So, go ahead and shop around to find the perfect pair of jeans that accentuates your curves and makes you feel confident and beautiful!

Winter soup to aid menopausal symptoms

Winter soup to aid menopausal symptoms

REDISCOVER YOU – Simple tweaks to elevate your look in order to elevate your life during the menopause.

 Get our free programme here!

 COMFORTING WINTER SOUP TO AID MENOPAUSAL SYMPTOMS

 Prep Time: 15 Mins

Cook Time: 20 Mins

Total Time: 35 Mins

Serves 4 

This warming hormonal balancing soup is the perfect dish to enjoy whilst snuggled up under a blanket on a cold winter’s evening. Prepare ahead of time so it’s ready for you when you get home from a hard day at work.

We have chosen ingredients that are beneficial during menopause.

White Beans & Chicken Stock

High In protein. Women going through menopause should be consuming 59-102g of protein a day and including the important amino acid Leucine which can be found in both ingredients.

Plenty of Veggies

This soup is nutrient dense meaning you’re getting a high dose of vitamins and minerals. We need 116 essential daily nutrients to function properly.

Olive Oil

Healthy fats are crucial for good menopausal health. A great way to consume them is by cooking in them. 

INGREDIENTS

Olive Oil for cooking

4 Medium Shallots chopped

4 Garlic Cloves mashed

3 Carrots chopped

2 Celery Sticks diced

1 can Cannelli Beans drained 

1 can Butter Beans drained

2 Bay Leaves

1 tbsp Italian Seasoning

1/2 tsp chilli flakes

1L Chicken Stock (or Vegetable if you prefer)

Pinch of Black Pepper

1/2 bag of fresh Spinach Leaves

Crusty Bread for dunking 

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Heat the olive oil in a pan over a medium heat

2. Fry off the shallots and garlic for 2 minutes 

3. Then add the carrots and celery and sauté for another 5 minutes

4. Drain off your tinned beans and add them to the pan along with the bay leaves, Italian seasoning, chill flakes, chicken stock and pepper

5. Bring to boil, then reduce heat, cover and allow to simmer for 15 minutes

6.Discard of bay leaves before transferring 1/4 of soup in a blender, whilst leaving the rest in the pan. Blend what’s in the blender

7. Return blended soup to the pan and stir

8. Add spinach and stir in until its wilted

9. Butter your crusty roll and enjoy!

Menopausal Self Care Guide

Menopausal Self Care Guide

REDISCOVER YOU – Simple tweaks to elevate your look in order to elevate your life during menopause.

 Get our free programme here!

MENOPAUSAL SELF CARE GUIDE

Why reducing stress is so important

 

With work scherdules, family, technology demanding we’re contactable 24/7 and constant negative news blaring out of every electrical device, just to name a few, no wonder that, as women, our stress levels have never been higher. But if youre menopausal, stress is the one thing you really want to reduce and here’s why…

 

Stress is one of the biggest triggers for menopausal symptoms, it ultimately makes them worse. Without going into too much scientific detail, stress causes sex hormones, such as oestrogen, to reduce. When these hormones reduce cortisol and adrenaline become more dominant, causing the body to feel more stress…see the cycle? This not only causes menopausal symptoms to worsen but also for the body to store more fat…contribting to the menopausal tummy. So reduce stress and potentially reduce the impact of the symptoms. 

 

One of the quickest ways to suppress the stress/sex hormone cycle is to activate the parasympathetic nervous system and the simplest way to do this is through meditation or thought presence. 

 

Here’s a list of thought presence activities you may want to try:

 

Walking in nature 

Tai Chi

Colouring in

Listening to music

Dancing

Qigong

 

Meditation is a powerful tool for all sorts of ailments, but reducing stress is its main benefit. Here’s the thing about meditation, many people think you have to clear your mind completely for 30 minutes for it to be effective. This isn’t the case! It takes time and practice to get a completely clear mind for long periods of time. First start off with doing 5 minutes, if your brain is particularly chatty, that’s okay, just acknowledge the thought and let it pass. It’s an important point to remember that without your brain wandering you wouldn’t be able to bring it back, it’s the bringing it back that defines mediation, so don’t get frustrated if you’re constantly having to bring your mind back to the present. 

 

Some good meditations we would recommend are;

 

Anything by Jay Shetty

Meditations by Michael Sealey

Meditations by Calm – Calm provide free sessions on Youtube or, for a larger catalogue, in their app

 

Taking time for yourself can not only reduce stress but also help improve brain fog. Brain fog is caused by the decline in oestrogen so alongside HRT self-care has been known to drastically help. Here’s some easy ideas on how to take back some more “me-time”.

 

Read a book

Make your bath indulgent with salts and bubbles

Walk outside on your own

Buy a new body lotion and take the time to rub it in

Stretch to relaxing music

Journal

Move your body for fun

Hydrate yourself 

Practice EFT (Drop me an email if you want help with this)

Sing 

Dance like noone’s watching

Start crafting

Buy yourself a colouring book

Stroke a pet for 20 minutes 

Do a jigsaw puzzle

If you would like more help with reducing stress and anxiety during the menopause, why not book a discovery call and see how we can help. 

Book Here