For those who love the beauty and femininity of Anthropologie here’s one for you!  ShopRuche.com has the quality and style of Anthropologie but at a fraction of the cost.  So to look great without the burden of over-spending, surf on over to www.shopruche.com.

This Monday, cyber monday, Nov. 30, 2o09, enter code RUCHEBFCM to get an additional 15%.

I was flipping through Details (Men’s Fashion Magazine) and read this article listing a few great advice from Kenneth Cole.  And even though it was geared towards men, I feel that these rules are just as important for ladies to take to heart as well.

First and foremost, Cole makes the point that clothing is maybe the “single greatest form of self-expression”.  Therefore, regardless if you feel you have great taste or not-so-great taste, spend a few extra minutes every day to consider the message you’re sending to the world.  That extra thought you put into dressing translate into feeling better and people will take notice (in a good way).

However, in the same thread, Cole mentions that no matter how long it takes you to get dressed, “it shouldn’t look like it took more than 10 minutes”.  There is a fine line you walk between looking put-together, and vain.  Don’t stress yourself out thinking about what to wear/what not to wear; it should be joyful, not painful.

“And if all else fails, wear black.” suggests Cole.

So tomorrow, what is your objective?  Spend a few extra minutes to consider what “message” you are expressing.

And if any of you are having trouble each morning getting dressed, please don’t hesitate to contact me.  With my help, we can discover, embrace, and illuminate the style that is all your own.

Trends for 2009

1. Retro/Vintage cuts: This means that high waists and low cut leg holes. This is great because this style flatters the larger body. It is more forgiving of extra bumps.

2. One Shoulder: Just as the one shoulder look was popular for Spring, this style has taken hold in swimwear. Because of its asymmetrical neckline, the eye is draw upwards and has the potential to hide flaws below the neck.

3. Skirt Bottom: Really cute look! But not for those with short legs.

4.  Monokinis and Cutaways: I absolutely think this style is the hottest ever! It’s like playing modesty, but not really. This is best for the petite frame.

5.  Chunky Jewelry: Look for statement pieces. Just remember, don’t try to confuse the eye…if you wear jewelry that is the attention-grabber of the outfit, you want to wear a swimsuit that compliments, NOT compete.  Which means, NO complicated-looking monokinis or cutaways, busy prints, excessive ruffles or embroidery.  (Below is an example of what NOT to do…too much going on!)

6.  Sheer Coverups: Remember in one of my older posts in Spring, sheer panels were all the rage? Well now it’s been brought into swimwear.

7.  Plunging Neckline: This is for the adventurous one. Not for the very large bust.

If you profess to have a boyish body type, then most likely you do not have any distinctive waist between the bust and hips. To create curves:

1. Wear a 2-piece with a sweet-heart neckline or halter, or both!

2. The bottom should have some ruffles or string ties on the side to create the illusion of fullness.

3. Monokinis are wonderful! They are 1-pieces that have cutouts…you want to find the ones that accentuate the arc of a waist, alluding to a curvaceous body.

4. A 1-piece that has a deep V neckline with a wrap around the torso will help to emphasize the slight curves you may have and create an hourglass silhouette.

If your problem area is the tummy that cannot be held in check, then to camouflage that area:

1. Wear diagonal lines cutting across the tummy.

2. Draw the eye up towards your face with an interesting neckline.

3. Because Vintage and Retro style swimsuits were made with larger bodies in mind, this style will do a great job of hiding the bugles. (Even better if you can find one with ruching over the belly as in the second picture)

4. Find a swimsuit with a high Lycra/Spandex percentage fabric and with Tummy Control. For example, Miraclesuit is a great brand for those who are concerned about the extra pounds gained over the holidays and never lost.

This Style Note will address the chest area: Large Breasts vs. Tiny Breasts.

If you have Large Breasts:

1. Find a top with enough bra support, such as a hidden underwire. (Example below is from Roberto Cavalli)

2. Avoid thin straps as this will make the chest look relatively even larger.  Having wide straps on the swimsuit top will also help to support the chest. (Example below is Betsey Johnson)

3. A bandeau-top is actually a very flattering style for women with large breasts.  Look for one with a cinch in the center such as this from Vitamin A.

If you have tiny breasts:

1. Avoid boyshorts. This style will make your bottom look larger and in comparison, will emphasize the smallness of the chest.

2. Ruffles on the top gives volume and creates the illusion that there is more going on than what there really is. (Example below is from Victoria’s Secret)

3. Choose to wear a tankini top with padding.  Just be sure that the tankini is form-fitting and tight against the skin, otherwise it will look like you are swimming in your swimsuit. (Example below is La Balanca and can be found at Tahiti Street Swimwear)

4. The triangle bikini is another option, but you want to make sure that the top is secured enough that it won’t move around when you move or swim.  So that means no string bikini. (Example below is taken from Victoria’s Secret)

5.  The bandeau with halter straps is also very cute if it has a sweetheart neckline to give the illusion of cleavage. (Example below also has ruffles to give volume and is also from Victoria’s Secret)

What a wonderful name for a skincare/cosmetics line–Fresh.  That’s exactly how I want my face to look–Fresh.  My imagination conjures up dewy, healthy, clear skin that is radiating the glow of beauty.  Who wouldn’t want that?!?!

For this summer, freshen up your face with FREE FACIALS at any Fresh location nationwide!  It is called the Refresh Spa Express–a 10 to 20 minute spa experience in one of their private back spa rooms.  Listed below are the available beauty rituals as taken from their website:

REFRESH SPA EXPRESS TREATMENTS

SOY ESSENTIALS

Good skin starts with soy. This treatment calls upon the restorative powers of this amino acid-rich natural ingredient to optimize moisture levels and revive skin cells. Gentle enough for all skin types, this ritual leaves skin smooth and glowing.

HYDRATE & NOURISH

Perfect for dry, dull skin, this treatment reveals a soft, supple complexion. Delivering instant moisture where the skin needs it most, this ritual also addresses the first signs of aging.

PURIFY & BALANCE

Designed for combination to oily skin, this treatment balances the complexion without irritating or over-drying the skin. Umbrian Clay, a proprietary ingredient to Fresh, neutralizes acidity on the skin to purify clogged pores, soothe redness, and refine skin texture.

AGE-DELAY

This luxurious treatment transforms dry, aging skin that’s in need of intense moisture. It calls upon the exclusive Crème Ancienne, a rich moisturizer hand-blended in a remote European monastery. The ritual reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, increases elasticity and firmness, and provides long-lasting moisture retention.

What are you waiting for?  Call your local Fresh store and ask for availability!  Locations can be found on the website www.Fresh.com. (If your local Fresh store is South Coast Plaza, ask for Erin.  She gives wonderful facials!)

Over the next few weeks, I will periodically be posting tips on how to choose a swimsuit to address any body problem areas.  Today, we will start with your torso length.

For some people, their torso is so short that often times it feels as if their legs start right under the breasts.  For others, they feel that they are all torso and no legs.  So when looking for swimsuits, here is something to look out for:

If you have a long torso, look for a top with a wide band under the bust.  This takes off inches from the look of your torso.

Also, one-piece swimsuits that have cutouts will help to break up the space of your torso.

If you have a short torso, avoid the wide band under the bust.  If you have the courage, wear bottoms that sit low on the hips.

You can also try a one piece with a plunging neckline to give the illusion of a longer torso.

If you would like me to address a specific body area in my next posting, please email me at christine@illuminartstyle.com or leave a comment.

I am also available if you would like me to take you personal shopping to find that swimsuit that is just right for you.  You can contact me by email (christine@illuminartstyle.com) or by phone (310) 430-6684.

If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, then ABS has been profusely complimenting the top designers for years.  ABS has opened the portal for fashionistas to dress like their favorite star for much much less.  ABS offers affordable luxury that takes inspiration from the latest trends and top designer collections on the fashion runways.

Below is a quick snippet from an article to give you an idea of how Allen Schwartz brings red carpet style to the everyday woman…

“Allen B. Schwartz never misses the Academy Awards television broadcast. Every March, he invites his employees to his Los Angeles ranch house  to watch it with him. It is not because of his love for the movies. Allen’s co-workers watch the Oscars intently with him with their sketchpads in hand. They furiously sketch all of the multi-thousand dollar designer gowns worn by the movie stars. It is not their hobby.

By the next morning, Schwartz’s seamstresses have taken the sketches and whipped out copies of the gowns. By Wednesday, the copies are hanging in a New York showroom for buyers to see. By the end of May, Allen B. Schwartz versions of the gowns hit the stores carrying a retail price of $200-$345 instead of the $20,000-$30,000 of the originals.

Most fashion designers search for inspiration. Allen B. Schwartz relies on what he calls interpretations. He is the “King of the Knockoffs”. He takes the best ideas from the spring and fall designer shows as well as the Oscars and makes his own version of them at a fraction of the cost.”  Courtesy of Free Enterprise Land (Click on the link to read the complete article.)

Here is an example of their work:

The picture on the left is of Natalie Portman in a vintage strapless Chanel from the 50’s.  The picture on the right is the ABS by Allen Schwartz version of the same dress.  Shameless knockoffs!  I don’t mind…

There are 3 ABS stores that are having this sale:

South Coast Plaza
3333 Bristol Ave.
Costa Mesa, CA
714-979-9101

Santa Monica
1533 Montana Ave.
Santa Monica, CA
310-393-8770

Pasadena
55 West Colorado
626-577-8505
Pasadena, CA

Now is the time to go out and shop Lacoste. If you’ve always wanted one of their classic polo shirts with the alligator logo, now you get get it on sale! On June 22, Lacoste on the first floor of South Coast Plaza, Costa Mesa, CA is having their Semi-Annual Sale (30% – 50% off). Please tell them that you heard about the sale through Chris.

Short-sleeve Polo shirts are wonderful during the summer. It’s a great option for those who don’t like to wear tank tops.   Look for stretchy, breathable cotton blends that are lightweight.  The sleeveless Polo shirt is another conservative choice.

Polo shirts look great on those with rectangle body shapes. Just make sure that the drape over the bust contours well. Those with large breasts need to be aware of how the shirt falls from the bust. If there is too much gap between the torso and the shirt, it is not a good fit. Let me know if you have any questions. Subscribe or leave a comment to let me know your thoughts. Thank you.