I'm a Fashion Designer and Fashion Stylist - Ask me Anything

amother

Thu, Apr 25 2013, 9:55 pm

amother wrote:

Thank you so much for this!

I'm a short apple with a big bust and big tummy, and narrow shoulders but chubby upper arms. My skin coloring is medium, and my hair (sheitel) is light brown, maybe a shade or two from dark blonde. I'm so nondescript--short, blobby figure, mousy hair, mousy skin. Can you please recommend some colors and styles for me? What rules should I follow when putting together outfits and what should I avoid?

I've been wondering about this topic for a while now, so this is a huge, huge help. Thanks again!

Hi there my lovely Inverted Triangle with hints of a cute Apple,

Let's do the opposite, start from the bottom until reach your beautiful shoulders. Why? Because you're paying too much attention to your upper half... the more you pay attention, the more "illusions" start to appear in your mind, perhaps bringing negative feelings. So let's first bring equilibrium to your vision of yourself.

Real beauty starts with self-acceptance and a hugs smile. Loving and accepting who we are unconditionally is the real step to find out our inner beauty and bring all that beauty out to the external world.

Your legs are beautiful and sensitive. In order to bring more balance to your figure, please consider using fuller skirts (fit and flare, A-Line) instead of the straight ones. If you wear maxi skirts, they should fall straight from your belly button to your feet, meaning, they should be large at the hipline.

I'll even reinforce that a bit more: usually jeans skirts (or any other skirt or dress that has lycra in it) stretch and then, ladies are usually let by the industry to wear a size below their own... (vanity size) and what happens is that these stretchy skirts are tight at the tummy... that's what brings the biggest frustration on Apple shapes. So, when buying a stretchy skirt, look at a mirror to see your side view. If it makes the "curve" from belly button to legs, better leave that skirt on the rack and go for another style or another size.

I imagine your waistline is a bit above what the industry tell people. You have to give a deep breath in order to calm down, get a belt and try to find your waistline spot. Once you do that, go for big belts (did you see the picture of Oprah I posted above?). Why not to try a colorful belt? The belt will drive all attention to your waistline.

Now your pretty arms: a straight sleeve instead of fitted (stretchy) one brings an harmonious view. A fitted sleeve is also nice, but only wear it if you feel good about yourself. Now... have you ever used sort of a kimono sleeve? If yes, how did that feel? What about a bishop sleeve? A bell sleeve? These sleeves will draw attention to the lower part of your arm, which will balance the upper part. Let me know your thoughts.

You full bust is beautiful and rich. In order to bring attention to your waistline, lower body and at the same time elongate your neck, you must bring a V illusion to your neckbone/bust area... I use the word "illusion" because we're frum and crew neck is our law hahahaha

A V-neck top is good. A necklace in V shape is wonderful. A BIG necklace in V or U shape will suit you well. Petite Apples can use and abuse of big necklaces and statement earings. Ok, ok... the frum world does not like very much this use and abuse of accessories so... why not buy a pair of earings that have a hot color, like dark orange or NY cab yellow? It's small but still will drive the attention to your face. Then, if big necklaces are not so welcome in your community, buy a small one with a colorful stone. No silver or black, it must have a bright color... you'll see the difference it will cause.

Have you ever tried a peplun jacket/blouse? I think it goes beeeeeautiful in Apples. I had a client who was also a Petite Apple and we found a blouse that had a V-neck and peplun at the waistline and sleeves... it suited her very well.

Regarding the sheitel, brown suits everything. Have you ever considered buy a Paula Young in another tone or shape, just to have fun? It's worth it.

Regarding the skin... what do you eat in a daily basis? The skin is the latest 'organ' to receive nutrients... if your food is good, it will give you a naturally nice skin... if your food is not so natural, your vital organs will take precedence for its intake of nutrients.

Do you like natural juices? I mean, take fruit, water, sugar (or sucrazit), put into the blender and let it do its job? The body absorbs nutrients more fast if they're liquid... juices are great allies for skin beauty. Overtime we can add some greens (spinach leaves) into our smoothies... well... you know what I mean.

Hope that helped Smile

amother

Thu, Apr 25 2013, 10:02 pm

amother wrote:

Hello Fashion Designer!

I'm soo excited to "meet" you! At 5'3" and 160 pounds, I can't say that I'm your best looking gal out there..... I'm a size 12-14, wide on top, wide on bottom, and somewhat of a waistline. Help me look great!! What can I wear?

Thanks!

You ARE the best looking gal.

You're probably an Hourglass? Wear dresses that cover your knees (even if you were not religious I would say that) and plenty of pencil skirt that also goes below the knee.

1. Do you wear belts? If yes, go for the big ones. The thick belts. It will suit you well and bring attention to your beautiful waistline.

2. Match colors. An example: http://www.tourisme-montreal.o.....real/ - It's Oprah wearing a white shirt, a light purple/pink cardigan, a red belt and beige pants that could also be a skirt.

Oprah is hourglass + apple. Keep an eye on how she dresses. Her stylist is not afraid of colors and for our happiness, Oprah isn't either.

Also, try A-line skirts made of beautiful fabric. Coco Chanel clothes were extremely simple, but she invested all she had in the fabric! That's a tip right there... go to a fabric store and check the "luxury" fabrics... see one that you like and try to picture yourself wearing a maxi skirt or an A-line skirt made of that fabric. If you know a nice seamstress, why not try to make the statement skirt? Have you seen Dior summer 2013 collection? It has simple long skirts (I talk now as a pattern maker) but made with amazing fabric.

Remember: if the fabric is luxurious, go simple with the style. Always. And it works... did you know that Chanel is the ONLY Fashion House that makes money with clothes?

Thanks for this!! So excited to try new things.
I feel like belts accentuate my stomach, making it stick out more. I"m a little high-waisted.

Thanks for responding!

amother

Thu, Apr 25 2013, 10:33 pm

amother wrote:

Green amother here. I voted hourglass. I can't believe so many people here did.

My bust is 30H-32GG depending. My waist is about 32 inches, and my hips are exactly the same as my bust.
I'm not as slim as I used to be (BH babies) but my curves keep growing.

I read your tips for hourglass shapes, but I want some tips how to stay tznius without having to wear sackcloth. I want to wear the right size clothes, have my top fitted nicely, but not them being the first thing you notice about me.
Ideas?

Now for my fashion dilemma. I have a wedding coming up, where I want to be pretty fancy, and I will be about 16 weeks pregnant. So far (at 13 weeks) I haven't put on weight but my shape is changing...
What can I wear, that won't make me look obviously pregnant, but that also won't make me look super fat.
Regularly, I would wear a dress, but I'm thinking maybe I need a 2 piece here?

Body shapes change. We change. That's super natural.

I would guess... you're a Rectangle (close measurements bust/waist/hip) and your secondary body shape is Hourglass...
The right size clothes depend on your height.

If you are an Average height (5'4" to 5'8") and want to dress tzinius, your skirts should be what we call "Midskirt", which are generally 23 inches long. Make a test with a metric tape or a line and ruler. Measure and see if this measurement if enough for you.

I know your dilemma of tzinius, actually, we all know! Being tzinius and looking good at the same time? Is that ever possible? Yes, it is. Tzniut is more about the personality... just bring your inner beauty out, in an elegant way and you'll be super tzinius Very Happy

Now I'm going to talk for myself, the following is totally my personal opinion and you have the right to disagree: Being tzinius is to be elegant. Elegance is all about moderation, balance, harmony... think about an elegant person/celebrity and you'll start to have a more clear idea of what I mean. Elegance is built in the details, not on the whole figure. You can wear a simple black dress, but pay attention on which necklace you'll wear, bracelet... even a tiara... these details are the important ones... as Coco Chanel said "No one remembers a woman's name, but everyone remember what she was wearing." Details, details, details.

Mazal Tov on the wedding! Dance for all of us Smile

You could look for a dress made of lace. All attention will be on the delicate patterns. If you know a seamstress, this style can be "transformed" in a tzinius way http://www.igigi.com/leigh-lac......html - It's a simple black lace dress with golden lining.
Another beautiful lace, from the Master Elie Saab: http://www.redcarpet-fashionaw.....iere/

The second dress has very simple pattern pieces but an exuberant fabric. It creates balance.

If you don't have a lace dress, what about something very loose like this: http://hollywoodlife.com/2011/.....ings/

If you're tall, a long very loose satin like fabric will be just elegant. Why not go for a acqua color? You know, that light blueish/greenesh color?

amother

Thu, Apr 25 2013, 10:49 pm

amother wrote:

Fashion stylist - I will take you up on the offer for links for handbags for petite women.

I searched online and there was a lot of reading material on this topic but not really any links to actual bags.

Thanks!!!

For Petite Ladies, Petite bags!

Being Petite is being delicate. Huge totes are useful but if you want to look charming, go for petite bags. While shoulder bags are the more practical ones, keep in mind that if you want to give an impression, you should have at least one satchel for emergencies haha

I never bought a bag online because I like to open it while in the store and check how many pouches it has inside. If the zipper is easy to open etc, etc, etc.

If you're in the USA, take a look at Nordstroms bags, it will give you tons of ideas and inspiration: http://shop.nordstrom.com/c/ha.....llets

Inspiration is free! That's why it's always nice to take a look what mid and high end retailers are offering. They give us a nice idea of what is cool and then when we go shopping, it's just a matter of remember what we liked and get something in the same style. Makes our shopping lives way easier Wink

amother

Thu, Apr 25 2013, 11:11 pm

amother wrote:

Hi, Im so excited ur doing this! Im 5'7" and weigh 115. My busts r a 34b. I go very well dressed all the time but I spend a fortune on clothing... I dont really know how to pair up clothing by myself ex. Shop at malls... and dont know what to look for. (I mostly shop in yiddish stores and nothing is below 500-600 dollars or I try to stick to brand names which I know have nice stuff) I was wondering if u can help guide me to websites and stores that r a bit cheaper andhelp me figure out what to go for. I was also wondering if u knew where I can find cute tops to wear with my slinky skirts for home.
Thanks in advance!

I think I should start learning Yidish! Very Happy

Oy vavoy!

Buying designers clothing is safe but not always 'satisfaction guaranteed'. Knowing your body type will make you calmer before shopping and it will help you to find the best pieces and color combination.

To pair clothing you have to pair colors. Do you prefer light or darker tones?

If you know your body type and which colors make you feel happy that will help a lot.

Regarding the websites... if you wear tzinius, it's difficult... like... a matter of luck to find pieces that cover what we want to be covered. Perhaps you could combine a maxi dress with a 3/4 sleeve top?

If the idea attracts you, I would recomend Nordstrom website. On the left side you'll find the "filter" that will help you to find exactly the dress (or other garment) you want. http://shop.nordstrom.com/c/wo.....ftnav

Michael Kors also has a few maxis: http://www.michaelkors.com/sea.....82133

Regarding tops... you means 3/4 sleeve or jackets? I like http://www.poshtop.com/

For jackets, you have to tell me more about your body type. Each body type requires a different type and length of jacket.

Good luck!

amother

Thu, Apr 25 2013, 11:34 pm

fmt4 wrote:

Hi! This is so cute!

So I have a pretty unusual body type I think. I'm petite, 5"2 and thin, about 108 lbs very small waist probably like 25, but I have a big chest and biggish hips, very hourglass. My chest size is always changing because of pregnancies and nursing, but right now my latest measurement was a 30DD. Almost impossible to find bras, but that's a separate story. Anyways, so I have a little belly, just from extra skin, but I'm pretty flat unless I've just eaten. I do have some love handles and sometimes therefore have a little muffin top. My hips are prob my biggest problem area. In general I'm very happy with my body, but I feel like sometimes the way I dress doesn't flatter me as much as I can, because my chest and hips make me look less thin than I am, and I also look very short. Would appreciate help! Thanks!

You are a Petite Hourglass! How cute!

Bras are suuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuper important! A woman could have the best dress in the world, in the right color, from the most famous designer but... if she wears the wrong bra... ai, ai, ai... it will be a... situation...

Ok, let's talk about bras:
1. If you know a store that has specialists who can analize and give you the right size, go for it! I heard Nordstrom offers this service for free (Hey! I should ask a commission from them, it's the third time I mention Nordstrom! Hey! Fourth time now!)

2. VALID FOR ALL LADIES - Do you know why the numbers and letters of the bras? 32C? 38D?
The numbers are inches. The letters are the divisions of 1 inch. Do you have a metric tape at home? Try doing the test, it's fun. Now... do the test with different bras... maybe it will change a little bit, because the bra shapes the bust. That's why all women need a bra fit made by a professional.

Do you like wearing shells? Longer shells will elongate your body.

Petites should be careful when wearing maxi skirts. If they do, it's important to do it with moderation.

What about a maxi dress? That elongate the body.

Usually, when Petites wear tops inside the skirt, their body is "divided" in two... making them look shorter. If that happens to you, try to use tops that reach your hip bone.

Please read all Houglass and Pear tips written 2 or 3 pages ago. It may give you some insights.

Do you like belts? If yes, go for the thin ones. Any color your like.

If you wear tzinius skirts, they should just cover your knee... if you wear a "new length" that ends by the calf, it will shorten your figure.

Longer jackets that end at hip bone, pencil skirts, straight long dresses with crew neck, small accessories.

Hope that helped.

amother

Thu, Apr 25 2013, 11:45 pm

amother wrote:

now I'm getting worried when I look at the results of your poll. Don't believe that there aren't loads of apple figures out there. There are so many short, chubby women who just didn't answer the poll. Why am I worried?? Because if you are basing new fashion ideas on the latest poll, then there will not be anything manufactured for my figure! It is really hard to find clothing ..really, really hard when you are short and well..fat. I was hoping there would be some new options for us soon. Try buying a nice shabbos robe --- forget it! You know why, because fashion does not cater to us .... don't go by the poll .... believe me, there are so many more of us apples out there who could use help with clothing!

Thank you so much for your care!

I see the results of the poll but most questions are from adorable Apples. I believe some ladies are just asking and not voting.

I do understand your thoughts and concerns. Most of my friends are Apple, actually and I hear all their fashion stories, memories, wishes...

The industry wants to save fabric. That's why it's not so easy to find nice clothes for Apple body types and all full figure women.

I have a dream! (ok, ok... I confess I admire him because he knew what he wanted and stood for his rights) that is to invest in all body types and create for all of them. Everyone. Why? Because I don't believe in logistics, I care less for the rules and I want to all of us to have tons of fun while shopping! Very Happy

And adding 3 inches more of fabric in my garments just will make me happy because I love fabrics!

My beautiful Apple, while my dream is being brought down to the physical world, you can look for some inspiration at www.igigi.com

Igigi's designer is also a woman full of passion who cared less about logic. The result is just beautiful. Some pieces are tzinius, some more-less... but it will show you options and inspire you. Perhaps if you know a nice seamstress, you could discuss one of Igigi's style.

A big and warm hug!

amother

Fri, Apr 26 2013, 12:16 am

Ashrei wrote:

where can I get a personal shopper for myself here in flatbush?

Wow... that's a question... I will ask a few friends who live in the Big Apple about it.

Just a hint: the personal stylist and personal shopper have different personalities and different roles. The stylist must be your best friend because she will put way the old and bring in the new. She will take whatever does not look good on you, give it away and bring in the new style. Sometimes that cause tears... yes, yes, yes... that's why she must be great and you guys have to like and respect each other very much. Trust is a must.

The personal shopper will also be a great friend but... she will just bring in the new.

The risk is: dressing habits are like an addiction. Even if a lady buys new gowns that fit her perfectly... if she still has the old baggy stuff at home, believe me... she will wear it again and put the new nice clothes in the end of the wardrobe and forget their existence.

I've seen it.

amother

Fri, Apr 26 2013, 8:10 am

amother wrote:

I am tall 5'6 and very slim I have a huge pouch belly though. What can I wear to cover that?

You're probably a lovely Apple.

The larger proportion of your body is carried around the tummy area without a defined waistline.

How to bring out the best of this body type?

You can embrace waist-less styles or use the help of belts for a more fitted style. V-necks or necklaces with a V or U shape will elongate your upper half and take away attention from your midsection.

What to wear?

Wrap dresses that create pleats at the waist will look great on you. Prints also look great. When wearing jackets and sweaters chose the ones whose hems finishes at the hip bone or lower. Avoid cropped jackets.

Leave your tailored or structured jackets open, as they create a slimmer figure. When using belts, try to place them a little bit above your waistline, which is usually the smallest part of your torso.

Try to bring attention to your bottom half with the help of A-line and flared skirts. Pencil skirts at the knee length will elongate your body and look very charming.

Detailed sleeves, such as bell shape sleeves or others with fuller details and embroideries will also balance the attention given to your beautiful slim arms.

Baby-dolls and empire waist look great on you while A-line and full skirts create an “hourglass” illusion.
I’m leaving now to meet some friends, any final tips?

Prints work better on you than solid colors.

If you like pants, avoid the tapered and skinny styles and give preference to comfortable trousers with straight legs.

Do you have any statement necklace and earrings? If yes, wear them with a big smile.

I am this poster Wink

How can I be an apple if I am slim? it is just a pouch in front (think like 1-2 months preg look)
I am small on top and have never ever worn a belt because I am too self-conscious about my belly
Is there a way to successfully pull that off?
Also I have a brothers wedding coming up what style gown should I look for?