Archive for February, 2008

"Unwieldy thighs, a round belly, a flat chest… no matter what your challenge, Bridgette Raes helps you understand the unique proportions of your body, part by part, and prescribes cuts, styling details, and fabrics that make the most of your body's diversity." What more could a girl ask for? In black and white, style expert Bridgette Raes gives solid, essential advice on how to dress for your body in her amazing new book, Style Rx: Dressing the Body You Have to Create the Body You Want. Bridgette outlines which outfits flatter – or worsen – all of your body parts, from your upper arms down to your calves. Bridgette's contributed her style expertise to SheFinds in the past, and we're psyched to have her back to share her Top 5 Ways To Hide Fat And Still Look Sexy In Every Situation. And it gets better, ladies – we are giving away copies of Bridgette's book to 5 lucky readers. In order to be considered, you have to write to us in the comments section and tell us what body part you need some help camouflaging. The winners will not only receive a copy of the book, but SheFinds will offer you some tips in an upcoming post! 

Body Issue #1: Tummy

Solution: Get Control. Want to hide the tummy?  Choose a shirt with ruching or gathers over the tummy area.  Nobody will be able to tell if it is your tummy or the shirt. You can run, but you can’t hide out. Get some control over your tummy and contain it with shirts with shape and structure. SheFinds suggests this long sleeve draped tee with side ruching detail ($100). 

Body Issue #2: Big Butt

Solution: Go with the flow. Have some extra curve in your derriere? Choose a fit and flare skirt style that counterbalances the fullness of your backside while embracing your God-given curves. Boxy skirts just make your butt look boxy and wide. SheFinds suggests a classic linen skirt for the warm spring days ahead (was $69.50, now $48.65). 

Body Issue #3: Large Thighs

Solution: Go straight and avoid the narrow. Choose pants that fall straight from the widest point of your thighs or go for boot-cut style pants. Avoid pants that taper at the hem. SheFinds suggests these Super Lux Trousers ($178).

Body Issue #4: Large Chest

Solution: Rein the girls in. If your chest is large, don’t hide out! Rein the “girls” in and always wear shirts, sweaters, and jackets that shape in the waist. Shapeless tops just make you and your chest look bigger. SheFinds suggests this Safari Top by Ann Taylor Loft ($44).

Body Issue #5: Large calves and Ankles

Solution: Get un-strapped. If you have large calves or ankles get un-strapped and avoid ankle straps on your shoes! Ankle straps make your calves and ankles look bigger! Also, hem your skirts to the slimmest part of your calves to help them appear slimmer. SheFinds loves this elegant Stuart Weitzman Sandal ($275).

To learn more about Bridgette, check out her website – www.bridgetteraes.com. And go to amazon.com to buy her book. Or..

Win a copy of the book from SheFinds!

We are giving away copies to 5 lucky readers. In order to be considered, you have to write to us in the comments section and share with us what body part you'd rather keep under wraps. On Friday, we will choose the 5 winners! 

And check out the Top 5's from our other experts: Nadine Haobsh, author of Beauty Confidential, Kat James, author of The Truth About Beauty, Nada Manley, author of Secrets of the Beauty Insiders, and Charla Krupp, author of Hot Not to Look Old.

*All before and after shots are courtesy of Style Rx: Dressing the Body You Have to Create the Body You Want.