Shop your shape: Apple

Shop you shape: Apple

You are an apple shape if you carry your weight around your middle have no defined waist but lovely slim legs and arms and narrow hips. Your bust could be large or small.


If your tummy is your trouble-zone, more so than your hips - you're not alone. Thankfully, there are plenty of stylish suits that offer some camouflage & help to create the illusion of a more defined waist. Side-detailing, wrap styles, and ruching all help to make the middle look slimmer.

When shopping for a suit, keep an eye out for:

- Swimwear that provides support for the stomach. Many of today's styles offer some sort of built in tummy control lining that can reduce the appearance of the stomach and help to create a more slender silhouette.

- Ruching or shirring at the sides and middle gives the appearance of definition to the waistline.

- A swim suit with built in bust support is important. These built in bras can either be soft cup or underwire.

- Halter tops and suits with a deep V or plunging neckline are also a great option for an apple shape. They help by creating length and bringing the eye up towards the face and neck.

- Wrap tops are also great options since they not only draw attention to the bust, but help in creating the appearance of definition to the waist.

Lane Bryant

Sorella Swim

Swimsuits for All

Next up: Shop your shape - Pear

It's that time again...swimsuit season!

Pic Malia Mills

All right ladies. Let's do this! The weather is finally getting warmer, & summer is right around the corner which means now is the time to get out there and find the perfect suit. Courage my loves - it can be done!

No matter what our size may be, most women have moments of anxiety when exposing so much skin.

Here are my top tips to get yourself prepared to brave the beach in comfort and style.

1. Plan Ahead
Don't just haphazardly walk into a store and decide to buy a swimsuit, and don't leave it to the last minute and buy the first suit you see.  Please, do yourself a favour and don’t buy a suit that is too small and tell yourself you will lose weight by summer. Or conversely, select one that is a size too big and may fall off when splashing around in the water. And if you're one size on top and another on the bottom—like most women—look for stores where they sell separates.

2. Go Alone
I think it is less stressful to go alone when it comes to a buying a swimsuit. What matters is that you feel good in the suit. That trumps everything and everyone else. If you try on a bathing suit, and feel good in it, then go with it. You will no doubt hit the beach with confidence.

3. Ignore the Lighting
I remember standing in a dressing room wearing, what I felt was a great bikini, when I saw dimples on my legs that I had never seen before. I was furious - but I tried to keep my cool.  The suit fit me well. It highlighted my best features and it also fit my personality. Dimples or no dimples, this suit suited me. When I got home, I tried it on again, far away from the harsh unflattering, want to crawl under a rock lighting of the dressing room, and I was happy with what I saw. Phew.

4. Fit & Function
Think about comfort and fit rather than trends. Like when shopping for clothes, pick a suit that is YOU. Some swim suits can be plain and simple while others can be bold & bright, choosing one that highlights your personality will make you feel good all the time. Equally important is function. If you are going to be running around chasing after your kids, the two piece string bikini may be out of the question!  So be sure to pick a style that is appropriate for the setting.

5. Accessorize
Buying a cute cover up, sunglasses, hat, and sandals will make your outfit more complete. Instead of hiding behind an oversized shirt, buy a pretty sarong that will make you feel beautiful and self assured.

6. Own It! 
Once you've made your choice, own it. Wear that new suit confidently.  There is nothing more attractive than confidence, so embrace that beautiful body of yours and have a good time wherever you are.


Do you have your own tips for surviving buying a new swimsuit? If so, please share them!

Next up - Shop your shape. Styles that suit your body type.

What I'm coveting...

When the sun starts shining, the birds start chirping and the days grow longer I am almost always in the mood to go shopping! 

{I am sure my husband would say that I am ALWAYS in the mood to go shopping.} 

Here are just a few items that are on my OMG I Want list.

BCBGenerations Available at Heel Boy

 Steve Madden Mint Fringe Purse available at Winners

Off Duty Sweatshirt available online at http://sincerelyjules.bigcartel.com

Ankle Length Trouser available at H&M

Embellished Tank from Topshop available at The Bay online

What are you coveting this Spring?

Unwrapping your holiday style

[image from Real Simple]

Somehow, you've managed to walk past a million clothing store windows, ignored the dozens of magazines with images of party dresses, and suddenly, your big holiday bash is this weekend. Sound familiar?  Now, before you grab your purse and head out the door to frantically to find something to wear, here are a few things to keep in mind.

1) Start with your closet.  Take a good look at what you already have.  You may be surprised with what you find!  Simply by changing your jewelery, your shoes or even adding a touch of colour, can change the look of your little black dress and turn into a festive frock.  For more versatility, mix & match your separates.  Play with colour, pattern and texture.  Just think how great you'll feel when you tell your friends that you created the outfit with what you already had in your closet!

2) Make a list.  To avoid wondering aimlessly and feeling overwhelmed with the selection, make a list of 3 stores that have worked for you in the past and go to those first. Also, make a list of what you are looking for - a necklace, fitted blazer, long skirt. This will help you from getting side tracked.  

3) Don't buy the first thing you see.  You will need to give yourself some time. Try on a few items at one store - then walk away. Try another store, try on a few more pieces, and again walk away.  Now is not the time to experiment! The last thing you need is another holiday outfit that sits in your closet because a)you don't really like it b)it doesn't fit very well or c)you have nothing else in your closet to wear it with.  Go grab a coffee and think about which one works best for the occasion and what you felt the best in. Then go back and get it!


Armed with this knowledge, you are ready to hit the holiday party circuit, stress free and in style!

Take some time

Before the hustle and bustle of the holiday season takes over, why not take some time for yourself.  Not sure where to start? Here are my top 5 - I'm taking time for me - activities.

1.Go for a long walk.
With the crisp air and vibrant colours, now is the perfect time to go for a walk.  Before the snow falls, and you're stuck indoors cooking, baking, roasting, take some time to enjoy one of the best times of the year.  There is absolutely no substitute to the crunching of the leaves underfoot or the wonderful fresh scents that nature brings.

What to wear: Needless to say, you want to be both comfortable and stylish!  Put on your favorite pair of jeans tucked in to a pair knee high boots, a warm, yet breathable jacket, layer a knit sweater worn atop a cotton tee, and to finish the look off, a bold coloured scarf.

2.Tuck into a book
With December fast approaching, taking time for oneself is at a premium.   The best way to indulge is simply by curling up with a good (or trashy) book.  Escape from all of your daily distractions – that also includes turning off your phone – and let your imagination do all the work.  Or better yet, watch Magic Mike!

What to wear: Again, comfort is key.  However, since there is always the chance of unexpected company, it’s good to be prepared.  Jogging pants are not what they used to be.  Instead of sporting oversized athletic wear; invest in form fitting yoga attire - equally cozy, and extremely trendy.

3.Clean out your closet
Changing of the seasons is always a good time to sort through your closet.  The holidays are right around the corner, making it the perfect time to make room for welcomed additions.  Remember, keep only the items that fit and that are in good condition!

What to wear: As little as possible.  Take this time to try things on and take a walk down memory lane - reminisce, laugh and then get rid of it!

4.Start your holiday shopping early
Once the hustle and bustle of the holiday season arrives, who really has the time to put much thought-let alone effort -into gifts for family and friends?  Take this time to ask what people would like and then browse the stores.  Bring a pen and pad to make notes of what you liked, the price and what store it was in.

What to wear: Whose kidding whom?  We all know, when out shopping for other people, we most often find things for ourselves.  So be prepared!  Wear clothing that can easily be slipped on and off.  Try a cardigan over a simple tee so you can easily take off the cardigan to try on that killer jacket.

5.Go out for dinner
Once again, with the busy month of December around the corner, now is the perfect time to schedule in date night.  Take this time to reconnect with your loved one (just think, no cooking and no clean up!).

What to wear: Choose something that looks great on you, is comfortable, and makes you feel your best.

There you have it - 5 fun things to do this November.  So what are you waiting for?

Fall Fashion

It's that time of year again. The mornings are getting crisp and the evenings are turning a little bit chilly. If you haven't already done so, now is the perfect time to start putting away your summer frocks and start pulling out your warm & cozy knits.

It's no surprise that most people love the fall.  The cool breezes, the colourful leaves and the woodsy scent that invites you to head outdoors.  I love all those things.  But what I am particularly looking forward to, are layers, leather and - I can't believe I am going to say this - the colour burgundy!

Here are my top 4 Fall fashion trends.  

Leather:  Although leather has always been a fall favourite, this season you will see even more styles, cuts and colours. Leather is so versatile that it can be worn with almost anything, from the most casual of outfits to evening dresses.
What to look for: unique pieces with leather insets.

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White: Cool, creamy and sophisticated, winter white is wonderful wardrobe addition this fall.
What to look for: knit sweaters.

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Burgundy: If this rich, sensual colour doesn't make you want to curl up with a good book (or fashion mag) and glass of wine in hand, I don't know what will!
What to look for: jeans or trousers.

Black & Blue: A sexy and sophisticated colour combo. Think blue pants with black blazers, dresses with abstract blue and black patterns, pairing a blue scarf with a black blouse. Worn together, these create a fresh and modern look. What to look for: mix your separates and shop your closet!

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Peplum

PEPLUM: is a short overskirt or a ruffle attached around the waistline of a shirt, jacket, skirt or dress.

After two seasons of gracing runways and store fronts, there's really no way to ignore the peplum this fall. But why would you? Believe it or not, the peplum style is actually quite flattering. Seriously, wearing peplum can create the illusion of shape, balance out proportions, or enhance curves that are already there! I know right?!


Here are some super-cute ways to rock the trend.

Vegan Leather Peplum from Piperlime

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What do you think? Is this a style you would ever consider trying?

swimsuit season continued

Although it is really important to love your body, it's equally important to know what to look for when shopping for a swimsuit. A proper fitting suit will not only keep you from potential embarrassment when coming out of the water, it will also give you confidence that you are looking your best.

Here are some tips on shopping for the right swimsuit.

1 - Give yourself plenty of time to find a swimsuit-remember Rome wasn't built in a day. Finding the perfect swimsuit takes more then a few minutes; so allot at least an afternoon to try on a number of suits. Be prepared to try on many different styles to come up with the one that will work for your body type.

2 - Swimsuit sizes are not the same as dress sizes!  So do not get discouraged because all of the suits feel too small. As a general rule expect to go up two sizes from your regular dress size. It's not you that's gotten larger, it's the suit that's gotten smaller! If going up a few sizes in some suits doesn't work, just accept the fact that some swimsuit cuts don't work for everyone.

3 - Treat swimsuit shopping like a day at the beach - spray on a little self tanner the night before, treat yourself to a pedicure, and might I suggest a bikini wax as well.  That way when you go to try on swimsuits you are looking and feeling your best and aren't busy focusing on how horrible your skin looks under florescent lighting or the fact that you forgot to shave your legs.

4 - Don't be afraid to try new styles, you might be surprised about how fabulous you look in a suit you never imagined wearing. Often people get stuck in a comfort zone when buying swimsuits and they stick to buying the same suit year after year. So go ahead and have a little fun and try on that metallic bathing suit! You might shine!

5 - Be realistic. There are suits out there for every body type under the sun. The trick is to find the one that fits you properly, that you are comfortable in (yes, it is possible!), that offers enough support and  adequate coverage.

Embrace your body this summer and give yourself a pat on the back for your perseverance. Now get out there and celebrate the sun, the surf, and your own beautiful body!

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Break the Cycle

Most of the time when we shop for clothing, we are instantly drawn to certain items, colours and styles. Unfortunately, most women don't choose the right ones. Which may leave you with some great pieces, but these pieces probably just hang in your closet.  They are constantly tried on. Manipulated. But no matter what, they just don't seem to work.

Here are the reasons:
1) It's too big or too small
2) It's the wrong colour for your skin tone
2) It doesn't work for your body type

Let's break the cycle!

1)  Ok ladies. My number one rule (and I am a women with very few rules) is you have to try it on before you buy it! I know that for some of you this is a no-brainer. But believe me, I hear a lot of "oh, I didn't have time to try it on".  These items then are still hanging in closets with tags on. With many thoughts of being returned, but ultimately these pieces accept their fate as closet fillers - and this, whether you are aware of it or not, becomes a closet burden. Bottom line: it's a waste of money and energy. So please, try before you buy!

My second rule is buy items that fit your body NOW. Not "when I lose weight", or "in case I put the weight back on". Again, this is just a waste of time, money and energy.

2)  As for colour, when I work with clients, I know just by looking at them and by a series of questions, what colours suit them best.  If you really look at yourself in the mirror when getting dressed or trying things on, you can see what colours work and which ones don't.

Here's an exercise for you to do at home. Go to your closet and pick out something that you really love and that fits you well, but for some reason, it just doesn't 'feel' right. And then pick out something that you know looks great and it's a colour you always feel good in.  I bet that the reason the first item doesn't work has to do with it's colour. Really take a look at the difference between the two. When wearing a colour that suits your skin tone, you will look fresh and vibrant. The colours that don't compliment your skin tone will make your skin look dull and yellow.    

For more info on colours, click here. 

3) Not sure what your body type is? You are not alone. There are different categories with varying names: pear or bell shape and inverted triangle or martini glass shape. It sounds pretty complicated and to make things worse, you can be a mix of two of them!  When choosing clothing, dress your body by accentuating the areas that you LOVE, and camouflage areas that you would like to minimize.

See if you know the answers to the following questions. If you are not sure, send me an email and I'd be happy to tell you.

Question #1: I have heavier arms. Which sleeves are my best option?

A

loft.com

B

banana republic

Question #2: I have heavier thighs, which jean would suit me best?

A

Gap.com

B

Gap.com

Question #3: I have a boyish shape. Which dress will give me the illusion of curves?

A

my-wardrobe.com

B

stylehive.com

Question #4: I want to create the illusion of a fuller bust. Which blouse is best?

A

jcrew.com

B

bananarepublic.com

Question #5: I want to minimize my bust and make my torso look longer. Which blazer is better for me?

A

lechateau.com

B

h&m.com

Question #6: I want to hide the extra weight around my tummy. Which shirt is my best option?

A

piperlime.com

B

thisnext.com

Next time you go shopping or you are sorting through your wardrobe, keep these tips in mind. When you open your closet to get dressed, you should be faced with items that you love, that fit, that work with your lifestyle and your body type.