Looking for some cool pieces to add in your wardrobe? Take a look at these stylish plus-size picks from UK retalier Asos’ Curve line.

As I always say, remember plus-size is a size and not a shape. Be aware of your overall body shape (i.e. hourglass, inverted triangle, triangle, boyish, etc.) but don’t assume you’re destined for a closet filled with shapeless duds because you’ve got a little more to love.

For more info check out the Dressing for Your Body tab in the menu bar above.

More Asos…

Need help? Contact me.

America’s most well known denim brand has just gotten more consumer friendly. Got a itty bitty waist but got much booty? Try their Bold Curve line. Does the waist of most jeans fit you, but the jean doesn’t flatter you? Try Demi Curve!

Almost like walking into an old school lingerie shop where you’re fitted by a skilled associate with tape measure in hand, Levi’s is changing the way we buy denim and have aptly called it Curve ID. Walk into a Levi’s store for a fitting and an associate will take quick yet calculated measurements of your waist and hips. The differences between the measurements will have you in one of three (or a cross between two) categories: Slim Curve, Demi Curve, and Bold Curve. Curve ID utilizes a revolutionary fit system based on shape, not size and was created as a result of studying more than 60,000 body scans and listening to women around the world of all shapes and sizes. Yes, Sixty thou–you read that right!

Once you’ve been fitted for your curve, you shop for different jeans styles, washes, and inseams in easy to find and clearly marked sections specifically for your curve.

Slight Curve – designed to celebrate straight figures
Slight Curve is designed to define a woman’s waist, while accentuating her curves. If jeans usually fit in the hips and thighs but are too tight in the waist, a woman should try the Slight Curve.

Demi Curve – designed to fit even proportions
Demi Curve is designed to flatter a woman’s waist, while smoothing her shape. If jeans usually fit in the waist, but don’t flatter the figure, a woman should try the Demi Curve.

Bold Curve – designed to honor genuine curves
Bold Curve is designed to hug the waist, without gapping or pulling. If jeans usually fit in the hips and thighs, but gap in the back, a woman should try the Bold Curve.

I’m 5’9″ normally wear a 29 waist in jeans, need at least a 34″ inseam (or longer–can’t have my ankles catching a cold) and have a normal waist with defined hips and thighs. I was measured as Demi Curve. I usually find that jeans that have a tiny bit of stretch work best for me otherwise I’ll have to size up in the absence of it. The Demi Curve bootcut jeans? Perfect! The Demi Curve skinny jeans? Couldn’t even get them past my thighs in a size 29….lol. But it sure was easy (and fun) finding a whole section dedicated to my frame.

At the end of the night I was gifted a pair of Demi Curve Straight Leg jeans. My hips and height (and slight lack of the bootay) say thank you!

To find your local Levi’s store and get your curves measured, check out www.levi.com

Photos: Phillip Angert

Cloak your curves in one of these hot statement dresses this weekend! Check ‘em out:

More Asos…

Shorts are a summer wardrobe staple that many of us rely on to survive in super hot temperatures. But are you wearing the right shorts for your body type? I’ve put together a quick guide on what to look for in your most flattering pair.

Big Tummy: Look for shorts that sit slightly below the waist line–they’ll offer more comfort for a big tummy as well as give it room to breath. Avoid high waists and any short that’s too small in the waist—it’ll emphasis the size of your belly. A high waist can make your tummy look like it’s oozing out while a too small waist equals muffin top.

More Tommy Hilfiger…

Boyish Frame: If you want to add some curves to a boyish frame, look for shorts that have pleating, ruching, or any gathering of material.

More Bebe…

Long Torso: To balance out a long torso, you can either go with a high waist or a shorter length. This can be tricky so proceed with caution and follow the tips for other body types if you have a long torso and a big tummy, etc.

More Levi’s…

Short Torso: To lengthen a short torso, go for low waist options. Bermuda shorts with a long tunic help to even out your frame.

More Elizabeth and James…

Thick Thighs: Avoid side pockets, they’ll only make your thighs appear larger. Go for plain front shorts with a wider leg opening.

More Monrow…

Petite: Remember that petite is a size not a shape. You’ll still need to follow tips for your body type. But with a petite frame of any shape, add visual length to your frame by wearing your shorts with sandals (flat or heels). Avoid wearing them with sneakers and socks which shortens your frame unless you’re at the gym. The idea is to show as much leg as possible and avoid any horizontal lines below the knee. A horizontal line can be formed by the hem of your shorts, the ankle strap of a shoe, the fold of a sock, etc.

More Lauren Ralph Lauren…

Plus-Size: Just like petite, plus-size is a size not a shape. Plus-sizes cannot be all lumped into one category because not every plus-size body is the same. So follow the tips for your body type. With a plus-size frame of any shape, be sure not to try and hide your frame in over sized clothing–you’ll only appear larger than you actually are. Also don’t be afraid of color.

More Gap…

Maybe it’s the extreme heat, but summer seems to make even the best of us lose our minds when it comes to getting dressed. To save you (and the world) from the effects of outfit-gone-wrong, I’ve put together some handy tips for summer dressing.

1. Take a good long and honest assessment of your body. Also take note of things you love and things you’re not too crazy about. It’s your body and there’s no use getting worked up about its size or shape–what matters most is that you understand your shape. Take a look at the Dressing for Your Body tab at the top of this page. Look for tips I’ve posted about what works best for your body type. And remember, plus and petite are sizes not shapes—so also look for what works for your shape. Still need help? Contact me.

2. Do show some skin, but don’t bare it all. Summer is the time to break out the shorts and miniskirts as well as tank tops. But be somewhat reserved in the amount of skin you show—if you’re wearing short shorts, don’t wear a revealing top and vice versa. You’ll look more fashionable.

3. Don’t wear tights or leggings as pants. This look didn’t work in the fall so it for sure won’t work in the summer. If I had $1 for every time I saw a troubled fashionista wearing sheer or super tight leggings like they were a pair of jeans just this weekend alone, I’d be one rich Style and Beauty Doctor. It just doesn’t look polished and many of us have jiggly parts that are highlighted once a pair of leggings hits our bodies with nothing to cover them. No spandex shorts either.

4. Pick a swimsuit that works for your body. Though you have more free reign over skimpy outfits at the beach, don’t get carried away. Check out my Swimsuit Guide for tips for your body type.

5. Too much bronzer. The idea is to look sun-kissed, not sun-baked. Control the application by using a fan brush and only applying bronzer where the sun would naturally hit (i.e. the hollows of the cheeks, the temples, the tip of the chin). Bronzer should be no more than 2 shades darker than your natural tone.

6. Too much foundation. Heck, too much everything! The summer is a time to lighten the load on your foundation and powder coverage while experimenting with bright shades on the cheeks, lips, and eyes. Go for tinted moisturizer or just loose powder on the face and go for more sheer finishes with everything else.

7. Raggedy feet. Not everyone is blessed with beautiful feet, but that’s no reason to walk around looking like a pterodactyl. Keep your feet soft by rubbing Vaseline in them before bed and then cover with socks. If you have pesky corns to cover, try T!ntalize Concealer.

Did I miss any Summer Don’t You Dares? Add yours in the comments.