How Do I Wear That Trend…Long Scarves

Welcome to the first of a weekly feature for Clueless Fashionista. Every week, I will post a blog called “How Do I Wear That Trend?” where I will address practical ways that us non runway model women can wear current trends. I recognize that most of us don’t have a personal stylist so we may need some instructions on how to look our best while sporting the latest trends.

The first trend I want to address is an interesting one. As we come to the end of summer and start going into the fall months, long gauze scarves have become very popular. I like them myself but I don’t plan on wearing them until it gets a bit cooler, but for those of you in cooler climates, here is a picture of one.

Now here’s the instructional portion of this blog. Not sure how to wear this cute trend? Well here is a short video by the folks over at www.uniqlooks.com showing you three simple ways to work that long, gauze scarf.

10 ways to stop muffin tops

I got a comment from a blog reader today about the muffin top article.  If you haven’t read it, take a moment to do so.  The reader that commented on it has recently had some muffin top issues even though she falls on the “skinny” side of things.  She is a direct example of the different sizes of people that can be affected by the muffin top.  After reading her comment, I was inspired to write an article on how to disguise or get rid of the muffin top.  Check it out.

10 Ways to Stop Muffin Tops

1.  Exercise-The best way to get rid of that unsightly muffin top is by exercising so that you can fit smoothly into those jeans, skirts, shorts, etc.  Extra cushion around your waist is also quite unhealthy and can lead to diseases like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and heart disease.  I want all of us fellow Clueless Fashionistas to be healthy as well as fabulous so get those waist lines down!  Believe me, I speak from experience.  I’m currently taking kick boxing and jogging to get my waist line down as well as improving my eating habits.  It’s a lifestyle change.

2.  Larger pants-Once you realize that you’ve managed to acquire a muffin top, go up a size in your bottoms.  Don’t be ashamed or afraid.  You will look much better wearing a larger size than trying to squeeze in the size that you used to fit.

3.  Longer shirts-While you are out buying those larger pants, purchase some longer shirts as well.  Shirts that go past your waist are great ways to smooth out your silhouette.

4.  Looser shirts-Tight fitting shirts enhance and even create muffin tops.  Look for looser tops that don’t hug your belly and waist and the muffin top will be camouflaged.

5.  No belts-Believe it or not, belts can also create muffin tops.  Whenever possible go without a belt and your muffin top situation will be greatly reduced.  If you can’t go completely belt-less, put it on loosely so that it doesn’t cinch your waist.

6.  Jackets-If you find you have a muffin top situation and you don’t have the time to run to the store and buy some new jeans or a longer shirt, throw on a jacket.  It will immediately cover up your muffin top and add a different dimension to your outfit.  This isn’t as practical during the summer months but as we approach the fall and winter seasons, it’s a viable way to hide that muffin top.

7.  Dresses-No one ever has a muffin top in a dress.  This is a surefire way to disguise the muffin top.  Besides, a cute dress is an easy way to get dressed and look great in no time.  If you don’t have any dresses, go out and buy some.  I’m not a big dress person either but it has been my goal to find cute dresses so I recommend it to everyone.

8.  Elastic waist-Shorts, pants and skirts with elastic waists will also cut down on the muffin top action.  I know you may be wrinkling up your nose at this suggestion but give it a try.  There are bottoms that come with elastic waists that you can wear without looking like you’re going to a retirement home.  Yoga pants are one great example.  I was watching an episode of Oprah a while back and it was about improving on the casual dress of several ladies.  One of the ladies was put in yoga pants and they were a great comfortable option that can easily be dressed up or down while keeping you looking polished.  Don’t balk at the elastic waisted bottoms, especially if you are a muffin top victim.  Check it out.  Give it a try.

9.  Layering-I’m talking about layering shirts.  It’s been a popular trend for a while now and it’s a great way to disguise a muffin top.  Keep it basic though.  The easiest way to layer in the summer months is with a longer tank top underneath a t-shirt.  It’s a great way to add a nice pop of color to a casual outfit while covering up a muffin top.  Once it gets cooler, you can layer a sweater over a button up shirt or layer with a twin set.

10.  High waisted bottoms or ruching-I combined these two because high waisted bottoms aren’t for everyone.  It can be a very cute look but PLEASE be honest with yourself when you attempt this trend.  When you put on high waisted pants, skirts or shorts, take a long look in the mirror.  If you look weird or jacked up in any way, slowly remove the bottoms and take them out of the dressing room.  If in doubt, leave them there and come back with your most honest friend for a critique.  Ruching is something that has become popular recently.  It’s most prevalent in shirts but you can find ruching in dresses and swimsuits (oh yeah!) as well.  This is another great way to camouflage that muffin top.  Here are some pictures of ruched shirts.

I hope these tips can help you muffin top sufferers to work through that issue.  I still stand 100% by the first tip of exercise.  This is the best way to completely get rid of that dreaded muffin top and maintain good health.  Healthy fashionistas always have a glow.  Glowing is most definitely fabulous!

Oh and I got the full length mirror.  It was $5 at Target so there is no excuse for you to not have one in your room asap.  As soon as I get my camera fixed, I will post that picture.

Stay fabulous!  It’s a mind set, embrace it.

Taking risks with fashion and beauty

One of the things about fashion and beauty that makes it so fun and special is your ability to take risks.  The great thing about taking those risks is that the definition of risk isn’t the same for everyone.  If you typically wear all brown and khaki, a risk would be for you to start wearing more black and red.  If you typically mix polka dots with stripes, a risk would be for you to go basic and wear more khaki and brown.

Yesterday I took a risk.  I have been wearing locs for the past five years.  This past Tuesday, I cut those locs off and the following day I went with a curly bob.  It’s totally different than anything I’ve done in the past five years.  There are people in my life who only know me with the locs.  Here are some pics of my risk.

My locs

No more locs

My new do

Join me.  Take a risk this week.  Share your risk stories with me.  I can’t wait to hear them!

Blushing beauties!

One day I was really tired so I decided to brush on some blush to perk myself up. After I checked my reflection in the mirror, I was satisfied with the final product. I didn’t look as pale and tired and the blush definitely helped pull my total look together. When I met up with my friends, I got an additional pleasant surprise. My friend looked at me and said, “You look so refreshed and well rested!”

I was amazed. Here I was feeling tired and worn down and just by brushing some blush on my cheeks, I gave off the appearance of a well rested person. With this in mind, I want to share a video with you about how to properly apply blush. It’s not hard so don’t worry. However, if you’ve never purchased blush before, I would suggest visiting a makeup counter and getting help from a professional. You want a blush that naturally compliments your complexion so get some help with that as well as with choosing the right brush. It will be worth it in the long run, I promise.

Enjoy! Learn! Be beautiful!

Special thanks to TriniCandy223, the author of the video.

size does indeed matter!

First things first, I have to apologize.  I said I would get a floor length mirror and I didn’t.  I promise that I will be out looking for one this week.  I will hold myself accountable until I get one.  Then I will hold you accountable so go…get a floor length mirror!  Beat me to it!

Ok, now back to the subject at hand.

I am a people watcher.  Whenever I’m in a position to observe people, I will.  I’ve noticed another disturbing trend in recent years.  There are many people (men and women) who insist on wearing clothes that just don’t fit.  In most cases, the clothes are too tight but I do see people wearing clothes that are too big as well.

This is a bad state of affairs because ill fitting clothes are never fashionable no matter how expensive or trendy the clothes are.  If you are a size 10, don’t feel the need to squeeze into a size 8 because you want to be skinnier.  Take steps to actually become a size 8.  On the other hand, if you are a size 10, don’t hang on to those size 12 clothes.  There are many low cost options for those of you who are losing weight or those of you who may have put on a few extra pounds.

I am a huge fan of bargain shopping.  I have a preference for Target but Walmart, Kmart and Burlington Coat Factory are also great places to find inexpensive and cute clothes.  Don’t walk around in clothes that make you look uncomfortable.  I must say that I am a victim of it as well.  As a woman that is currently a size 14 working to get down to a size 12, I often find myself wearing clothes that are both too small and too big.  When I get dressed in the morning, I have to be brutally honest with myself.  If the clothes I am wearing are too small, I put them in the charity pile.  If they are too big, I put them in the charity pile.  Now, that does mean that my closet is a bit on the light side but it also means that I get to make a visit to my local Target every so often to find some cute, bargain basics that will fit me while I work on shrinking my waist line.

One of the easiest steps you can take to becoming more fashionable is to start wearing clothes that fit and flatter your figure rather than constrict or hide it.  If you need help on what clothes to buy, drop me a line.  Post a comment with your question and I will get the answer for you.  I think we all deserve to look good!