When you cross paths with a particular person, who is obviously dressing in a way that is different than everything out there, you immediately know there is something different about that person. They may or may not be physically attractive, but something about the way they dress, causes everyone around them to take a second look. They carry an air about them that lets everyone in the room know that there is something special about them. It’s the woman who is “well put-together". They have class, but look sexy at the same time. This is what I call, someone with “the edge".
So how does one rise above the everyday ordinary look, and do it on a budget? I will admit it is easier to achieve “the edge" if you’ve got loads of money. Of course Versace makes clothes that just fit better. And the Louis Vuitton is a classy but elegant look that goes with every outfit. But not everyone can afford these items. If you can, great! Go for it and have fun. But if you can’t afford the high priced items, you can still look fabulous by using the tips I’m going to tell you.
Tip #1: Shop for items that fit your body style
We all are made so differently. Some of us have broad shoulders, some have large hips, some have no backside. So many clothes are made so differently and you must shop for items that compliment the body style you have been given. According to statistics, the majority of Americans are considered “overweight", and few people have the time to eat and exercise in a manner to achieve the model look. But every body shape and size can have “the edge". Don’t let your particular body shape stop you from looking great just because there might be something you don’t like about your body. When I was big and fat and pregnant, I got so many compliments from people telling me that I looked fabulous. I was huge, but what made the difference was how I dressed. Yeah, in the morning, I didn’t feel like putting on heels, and a nice outfit when I was so uncomfortable, but by the end of the day I always felt better emotionally when I did. I didn’t dress nicely for anybody else but me! I simply felt better when I took some extra time to make myself look nice.
I, like everyone else, have many qualities about myself that I wish I could change. For example, I have tall muscles on my shoulders. This makes certain tops look funny on me. Therefore, I am picky about what tops and turtle-necks I buy. I don’t want any top to accentuate this feature, but instead to hide or disguise it. For you, think of that particular feature about yourself that you don’t like. Try on different types of clothes to see which items accentuate it and which ones hide it. For example, if you have large arms. As often as you can, wear at least three-quarter or long sleeves. If you have large hips, do not buy pants that hug the legs. If you will go with a little wider leg, your hips won’t be in the “spotlight". If you have a little bit of a tummy, you can buy corset types of tops that will hide that. If you have large breasts, use the corset concept, and use tailored jackets to accentuate your waistline. A woman with large breasts will hide the fact that she has a tiny waist unless you wear things to bring more attention to your waist than your breasts.
Tip #2: Go for something unique
I have a few regular places that I like to shop and they always seem to come out with something in-line with the current fashion trends with a unique look. My first secret has to do with someone by the name of Victoria. Victoria’s Secret is an excellent source for unique fashion. Victoria’s Secret is largely known for their lingerie. However, you can find some awesome fashion items if you look at their online site, or in their catalog for clothes that you can wear out of the house. www.victoriassecret.com is a great website where you can browse through all of their merchandise. Their items always start out very high, but most usually go on sale within a few months if you can make yourself wait. Their website even has a section with sale or clearance items. Right now, you might be talking yourself out of a mail order shopping experience, but don’t let that stop you. Victoria’s Secret sends you a return mail sticker with every item you buy. If the item doesn’t fit, or doesn’t make you happy, all you do is stop by a UPS store and show them the return label. They will even provide the packing envelope for the return….for free!
But don’t limit yourself to one place. Look everywhere! Whenever you have spare time, go in a place to see what’s new in there. Then, if you’re on a budget, go back to see if it’s on sale later. I have found great buys for great prices in places all the way from Ross to Harold Powell. Ann Taylor also has great clothes that are “the edge", and if you wait long enough, their items will go to more than half-off. However, if you wait too long, you run the risk of them not having your size. Make it a fun day by just stopping at one place on your way home or to run an errand. And don’t buy just to buy. If you don’t feel like “I’ve got to have this", then put it back on the rack and wait until you find something that makes you feel great when you wear it.
Tip #3: Go for quality
Some clothing items might look good on the hanger because of a particular style, but you must always remember that “the edge" = quality. You can tell quality largely by how clothing feels to the touch. For example, many things at a Ross store can be cute, but they are thin, unlined and the stitching looks as if it might unravel. Ann Taylor is quality. If you touch their items, they are heavy and they do not fade with cleaning. I own a boutique in Northwest Houston, and I have many vendors that I buy from. However, one of my favorites is a line called Bentley Arbuckle. Their clothes have the fashion “edge", and they feel like quality when you touch them. You can view their items at www.sweet-chic.net/bentleyarbuckle.
Tip #4: Underwear
Even though a select few will actually ever see your underwear, it makes a large difference in how your clothes appear. Underwear can make or break an outfit.
Concerning breasts, some individuals have breast enhancements or lifts. These are the only people above 18 years of age who should go bra-less. Some women over 18 years old have been naturally given a beautiful lift, and they can pass it off. But for most of us, gravity takes over, and it is vital that you wear bras with an under-wire. Yes, they are uncomfortable, but mark my words, they will make or break, your outfit. You’ve got to have the lift.
As far as the bottoms go, what you should wear will depend on the outfit. Jeans are tight and will hold a great deal in if we are a little “pudgy" around the middle. However, if you want to wear a sheer pair of pants, or even some that are a little tight on your figure, always wear support bottoms. If you are wearing a dress that is form fitting, you can buy body-suits or (don’t laugh) girdles that hide a world of issues. Yes, these are all uncomfortable, but believe me, they will make or break your outfit.
Tip #5: Accessorize!
I have put on an outfit in the morning, taken a look at myself, and said, “Hmph." I could tell that my outfit just wasn’t “the edge". But I thought, “What’s wrong with this outfit." Then, I took a broach, and added it to the button tab on my pants, and voila! The outfit then looked fabulous. Accessories can also make or break an outfit. Knowing the way to accessorize can be difficult, but you will learn with practice. Sometimes if I am going to leave my dress shirt un-tucked, it just doesn’t look right unless I wear a loosely fitted belt with it. Belts with beads or chains work well with shirts that are un-tucked.
Jewelry is another excellent means of accessorizing. Rings, bracelets, watches and earrings are all important, but your most important piece of jewelry is your necklace. This is the piece of jewelry that catches everyone’s eyes when they first see you. I suggest something with a medium to large pendant. If you have a long thin neck, you can wear chokers well. If you are wearing a turtle-neck, a long chain is very attractive. And most definitely, a turtle-neck needs something to break up the long stretch in that particular piece of clothing. If you are wearing a spaghetti-strap blouse, I would recommend a more delicate necklace to allow the beautiful nature of the female upper chest, shoulders and neck to stand out.
Your accessories will make all the difference in whether you catch glances from others, knowing that you have “the edge".
Tip #6: Shoes
I have seen many individuals with a stunning outfit, but their shoes totally disabled their look. The shoes you choose are very important in finishing your “edge" outfit. For example, tennis shoes are pretty much limited for women. Even if you’re wearing jeans, sandals and high heels are the best to finish your look.
It can be hard to explain which shoes go best with certain outfits. My advice is to make sure you have a long mirror, put on your outfit, and add the shoes. If something just doesn’t “look right", try another pair, or save the outfit until you can buy a pair of shoes that set it off well.
For sandals, wedges are totally in right now. You’re always going in the right direction if you wear high heeled closed-toe shoes with any outfit (except for shorts and possibly capris). I know they are uncomfortable to stand and walk in, but they really lengthen a woman’s figure well.
Tip #7: When it comes to our weight
I have many women who come into my boutique and say, “I’m going to loose some weight and come back." These women aren’t largely overweight, and I carry sizes that will fit them. This raised many questions in my mind. Then I recalled a friend of mine from a long time ago. She was a size 10 or 12…..not bad. However, she was unhappy with her current weight. We would go shopping together, and I felt excited for the occasion to go shopping with my friend. I was surprised though, when almost every time we went, our day would end up with my friend angry and crying. I couldn’t figure it out, I thought she looked nice. But she was unhappy with her size. I want to tell you, that if you are a certain size, large or not, and you’re happy, don’t let the TV models or our society make you feel bad. If you are happy, don’t worry about it. But if you are not, there are a lot of programs out there that can help. I have a manual that tells how my husband lost 40 pounds within 3 months, and he’s kept it off. Keep watching my website for a posting of the manual.
In closing, all of these tips might be hard to figure out for yourself at first. However, my advice is to be picky about what you buy. And you will learn volumes from the comments from other people. If you are not getting any positive comments from others about what you wear, keep trying some different things. The more comments you get, the more you will be reinforced and learn what “the edge" is for you. Good luck and go find your “edge".
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