the limited – the Spiff

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The Guide to a Figure-Flattering Easter Dress

March 20, 2015 No Comments

The trick to writing a guide of any sort is research. And if there’s ever been an Easter where I’ve done extensive dress research, it’s this one.

I will be 5 months pregnant by the time Easter gets here, which means I don’t know what my body will look like. On top of which, I’m in the Easter program at church, which means I have to find a dress that meets a long list of standards (not to mention my own crazy self-imposed ones).

But man do I love a good clothing challenge.

I started looking for a dress in January, just to start formulating a vision. Once I knew the direction I wanted to go in, I started seriously looking in February and had my dress by early March.

Saying all of that to say, I know my stuff. I know what’s out there and I know what will look good on your body type.

So let’s dive in…

The best way to flatter a larger mid-section is by going with a dress that’s waist defining. All three of these options give the illusion that you have a tiny waist whether it be through color blocking, a change in pattern or strategic rouching. Those are the types of things you need to look for in your dress.

And if you want to add a cardigan to the mix, stay away from those that are short and boxy. Go with one that lays a few inches below where you’ve defined your waist, or better yet, choose a structured blazer to give you even more shape.

For a larger bum and hips it’s all about where you’re drawing the eye. First of all, make sure to go with an A-line shape. This shape is flattering on so many body types, but especially yours as it perfectly conceals your lower half. To carry the illusion a step further, opt for a dress that has a pattern/detail on the top half which will instantly draw the eye up.

The White House Black Market dress does a great job of drawing the eye to your neckline with that lace detail; as does the JCP dress by putting that gorgeous blue color on the top half of the dress. And of course the print overlay is just pretty all over on the Fiore dress.

If you’re looking to create a figure, you’ve got some great options as well. Look for dresses with ruffles or pleats to add volume where you need it, but stay away from anything too baggy. You want to show off your slimness while adding volume in all the right places.

The blue dress from Express gives your girls a little help with the pleats in the bust line. The middle dress from The Limited does kind of the same thing but in a cool modern way – I love the illusion of a crop top over a black dress. And by the way, this one would really do a great job showing off a gorgeous statement necklace. Finally, the navy Ann Taylor number defines your tiny waist but gives you a curvy hourglass shape with the addition of those ruffles (the dress has a tiny polka dot pattern too, which I think is so classic).

I wanted to show you that no matter your figure, there is a dress out there that will make you look your best. I purposely stayed away from using words like “flaws” and “problem areas” because you don’t have to look at your body that way. Appreciate what you’re working with, and learn to dress so that you show off what you love most!

If you have any questions or need more help, you can reach me through any of my social media outlets I’ve linked to there in the upper right.

Happy shopping!

dress, dress shopping, the limited, west town mall

From the Runway to the Real-Way

March 13, 2015 No Comments

runway looks for everyday wear, how to wear what was on the runway, badgley mischka, the limited dress, scandal dress, bisou bisou, jcpenny, fashion blog, easter dress ideas, flattering dress options, how to find a dress that flatters your figure

Sitting on the floor watching Suits the other night, I noticed that one of the female character’s legs didn’t touch. You could pass an Oxford Dictionary through the gap between her thighs. I said to my husband, “I bet that girl doesn’t eat tater tots,” then popped a tot into my mouth.

So this post is for all of us tot-eaters who don’t have the legs of a supermodel but want to dress like one.

The runway version you see here is from the Badgley Mischka Spring 2015 collection. Which in all reality was probably sent down the actual runway last fall. It’s a beautiful sheath dress with panel pattern blocking on the sides – something that really flatters a gal’s figure.

To the right, are two wildly cheaper options that are accessible here in town (at West Town Mall, in fact).

The first, is from JCPenney. It’s Bisou Bisou (place special emphasis on the “s” in those words when asked who made your dress, and even when not). The white makes it perfectly daytime appropriate, while the side paneling draws all the attention into a smaller version of yourself that the dress has carved out for you. It gives the illusion that your curves are only to be found there in the middle. Consider the black portions of the dress completely invisible. It’s a very cheap, very fast, and very much pain fre e version of liposuction.

Beside that is a dress from The Limited but instead of darker paneling they inserted lace. This is from their Scandal collection (which won’t be around forever, folks!). It too carves out a beautifully slimming mid-section with the addition of the lace and even extends into the back of the dress.

A beautiful white sheath dress like either of these options would make a great Easter dress!

Fashion, goals, the limited, west town mall

Goals and a Style Plan Made Interesting, I Promise

March 6, 2015 No Comments

So I’m going to ask a potentially uncomfortable question…where are you at with your goals for the year?

I’ll share an update with my goals so it may make you feel better… Back in January I talked about doing a style refresh, which included some of my goals for the year.

For example, the one goal of mine was to make social media time productive. While I have done that in some ways (planned Jackson’s nursery…ok I’ve done it in one way), I haven’t really limited my mindless scrolling time. I don’t know why our brains suddenly depend on a social media break, when just 6 years ago they barely knew what it meant. Regardless, I can be better at stopping myself from grabbing my phone every 30 minutes to see information that does me absolutely no good.

The goal I have done well with, is being careful how I shop. The goal of not buying something just because it was on sale has really prevented me from buying things I’m really not going to wear. I don’t want to fill my closet up with junk pieces.

A new goal I’ve added to the list, is coming up with a maternity style plan. Funny thing about me…10 years ago I was not a planner. At. All. Then I met my husband. He plans his path through Wal-Mart. So in the 6 1/2 years we’ve been married, a lot of that planning has rubbed off on me. It’s mostly shown up in planning what I wear.

After showing up late to a lot of functions because I was frustrated with finding something to wear, I realized planning an outfit in advance would really help me feel better and look better (which is always the goal). I now religiously plan what I’m wearing. Saturday, my husband and I are going to run errands, I already know what I’m wearing. It’s not uncommon for my Sunday morning outfits to be planned out weeks in advance.

That’s why I came up with a maternity plan, because what I REALLY want to avoid is frustration over that baby bump.

Above is my idea board.

I’m going to shop for deals, but I do plan to replace each pair of jeans I currently wear with their maternity version. That way I won’t miss a beat with my pants.

Maxi dresses are going to really come in handy because I’ll be able to wear those before and after (plus I can wear them 100 different ways). And blazers, well I’ll be stocking up on these for the rest of my life pregnant or not.

And statement necklaces are something I’m really going to load up on so that I can get away with repeating the same basics but still add my own flare.

You should try this. Start formulating a plan for what you want to wear this spring/summer. It will really focus your shopping time and help you put outfits together with greater ease.

Beauty, the limited, west town mall, winter

3 Unexpected Reasons to Love Winter

February 27, 2015 No Comments

There are very few people out and about with a smile on their face as big as mine. I can’t help but get a little giddy with this snow.

I know people are tired of it (don’t ever move north…not even slightly. We’ve only had 2 weeks of it, they’ve had months) and I know it’s popular to complain, but I’m loving it. And I’m going to try and pass on some of that excitement to you…

1. No bugs.

When was the last time you saw a bug? I can’t remember at this point. Because by now they’re all either dead or hibernating or doing whatever bugs do – just not out in the open, thank God. Relish in that, because as soon as spring hits they’re going to be every where and in the summertime it’s hard to walk around outside without getting bit. That’s not the case now and I’m loving every minute of it.

2. You’re forced to slow down.

I’ve learned over the past two weeks that I’m a hard core home body. I’ve not been sad to have to stay at my house, I’ve been pretty content. And even when I start to feel frustrated, I think about the fact that in just a few short weeks we’re going to be running at high speed – especially on the weekends. So soak up this time of rest. At some point in the coming months, you may find yourself thinking you wish you could have just a lazy day inside – enjoy those days now. Everything is cancelled, soak up the free time.

3. Bundling up is less work than a bikini.

Yesterday I made the biggest snowman (actually snow-woman) I’ve ever built, ever. In fact this round of snow is the most I’ve ever seen in my life. Building it made me think of playing in the sand on the beach, but one thought made me realize it was 1,000 times better than that. You know why? Because I didn’t have to worry that my boob was going to pop out, or be concerned with how closely I had shaved. Yes the summer heat is nice, but it’s so much work. Being outside in the winter means I have to think about what scarf to layer over my sweater – not whether or not I’ve painted my toes, shaved high enough on my legs and gotten an even tan. Let’s all revel in this low-maintenance time period. I certainly am.

Each season has its pros and cons. I choose to enjoy the pros in whatever season I am, simply because life is better that way. And it’s what Paul did in the Bible…”I have learned to be content in whatever the circumstances.” -Philippians 4:11

And hey, if you have found yourself being a little less content with being inside…come to West Town Mall tomorrow! I’ll be hanging out at The Limited from 12-2:30pm. I’m there to help you find some pieces that you can wear now AND later. Plus if you have accessorizing questions, or need help with a certain piece, bring it in! We can chat all about it and get you feeling good in your clothes. Can’t wait to see you there!

Fashion, style setter, the limited, west town mall

Let Me Help You Shop

February 25, 2015 No Comments

Shopping for home decor makes me feel like I’m wandering around in a foreign country. I feel lost, very unsure and have to use lots and lost of visuals to understand whether I want something or not.

If you ever see me in Hobby Lobby with my merchandise sprawled out on the floor, along with my confused body…just keep walking. I’ll ~~get up~~ figure it out in an hour or so.

Maybe you feel this way about clothes shopping. Maybe instead of holding up a decorative vase and having a million questions pass through your head, maybe it’s a sweater or a skirt.

That, my friends, is where I can help. It’s like my bat signal. (True story: two girls I know were shopping once and had questions, even said out loud to each other they wish I was there…20 minutes later I showed up in the same store. Coincidence? Well, yes…but it makes me sound like a fashion caped crusader at least ;)

I understand that lost feeling, so let me help. I would LOVE to help!

That’s why this Saturday I’m going to be hanging out at The Limited in West Town Mall from 12-2:30pm. I’ll be there to answer questions, help you shop – mainly my purpose is to eradicate that confused look on your face (the same one I get when I’m in Hob Lob).

In fact if you already own something but don’t know what to wear it with, bring it in! We can look around and give you ideas as to how to get some good use out of it. The Limited has such a great selection of clothing that’s equal parts classic and on trend. And they’ve started getting in some spring pieces that I can show you how to wear now AND later (which will really stretch your clothing budget).

One of my favorite things at The Limited is the jewelery. They’ve got gorgeous pieces that are high quality and affordable. So even if you just need help with accessories, come on in! Accessorizing and editing a look is one of my favorite things to do in life – seriously IN LIFE. :)

I hope I’ve gotten my point across – I want to help you look and feel good about your clothes, so come on by!