Over the next few posts, will be highlighting a few basic tips to flatter the basic figure types. Nothing overwhelmingly revelatory, but the basic principles that need to become second nature.

The Hourglass: 

You have: A defined waist, your hips are at least 10″ broader than your waist measurement. Your shoulders roughly match your hip. Curvy, with a medium or full bust.

Your Style secrets: 

1. Accentuate your profile with a few pretty belts and cinch everything (from dresses to blouses) at the small of your waist.

2. Jersey and silk lightly graze curves. Wool and tweed add bulk.

3. Defined, structured shoulders and exposed necklines (think v neck, and scoup) flatter necklines.

4. Worn high or low, girlish necklaces play to your feminine form. Wear them if they match your style.

Classics to look for:

A long V-neck fitted cardigan, like the boyfriend cardigan, elongates and refines curves.

A belted trench, or any belted coat for that matter, defines your waist - keeping your feminine and flattering.

Slightly tapered knee length skirts (think pencil)  obscure full hips and create balance.

A wrap dress is your best friend. It’s adjustable and made for the hourglass.

A classic blazer, tailored to fit, can be worn over dresses, jeans, slacks and skirts. Incredibly versatile.

Sources:

Grace Lee, InStyle mag,  The Lucky Shopping Manua, Kim France and Andrea Linett
Modest Fashion, Modesty

Who doesn’t love the horse “race scene” from My Fair Lady? Is it the black and white? (Or maybe it’s those fabulous hats

This dramatic trend is perfect for those of you who shy away from color. Create a striking combination of black/white prints or solids and step away from the mirror radiating confidence.

Why you should love it:

1. Black-and-white draws attention like a bull’s eye. It’s strong graphic sare stylish yet effortless. You neve look like you’re tyring too hard to be chic.

2. Accessorizing is a cinch. Shoes and bags of every color work with it-black, white, beige, brights, metallics.

3. It’s a great pallette for packing, since everyghing works together and goes easily from day to night. A patterned piece adds punch to the mix.

Black and White - by christa_t on Polyvore.com
Do:

-Black-and-white can be flattering! Black side panels will whittle your waist.

-Use patterns to your advantage. Balance wide hips with a print on top. If you’re petite, create the illusion of additional inches with vertical lines.  An allover print with a diagonal drift works well for curvier figures.

-Add a bold black belt to a simple white dress

-Add just a touch of graphic black-and-white in some bold accessories, a cuff, handbag or heels.

Don’t:

-Wear black/white stripes at your widest part. That horizontal lines draws the eye sideways, widening your hips.

-End up looking like a waitress or like you’re just heading to the office in your business attire. Break up the black/white with a bold splash of color if need be.

we’re goofing off after the shoot - 

We fell in love with Victoria the moment we set our foot on the dock. From the stunning Bay, Capitol building and the grand Empress Hotel, we relished every minute.
We had a ball shooting the C-T dresses in and around the city…and it was the first time I ever modeled my own clothes! (yikes!)
The Regent Frock was highlighted in Victoria because of it’s strong Nautical inspiration. The design was based off a vintage pattern from the 50’s with some slight updates to make it more wearable today. It really is a fantastic dress to wear, and because of the slight Polyester/Cotton blend, it barely wrinkles! Could life be better?

For 24 hours only- it’s $19.99 (below cost)

You decided that your favorite promo was Buy One Get One free (BOGO).

So you got it.

Buy one Striped Tunic, and receive a second absolutely free.

Simply, add 2 of the items to your cart in the appropriate size/color and we will only charge you for one.

Happy Shopping!

Note: 

Discount will be taken after you place your order.

Any extra shipping will also be credited.

On the suggestion of my younger brother we are initiating Fashion Friday. 

Do we give you special fashion tips on Friday? no.

Do we give an oration on etiquette or femininity? no.

Do we give you a killer deal?  ooooh yes.

Every Friday, here on the Christa-Taylor blog, we will feature one product at a ridiculously low price.

But it only lasts for 24 hours.

5 Things that you’ll like about this idea: 

1. It’s a surprise. I love surprises.

2.It’s at the end of the week. Give’s you something to look forward to during those long hours of work.

3. It’s only for you,  our faithful blog readers.

4. It will make your closet a whole lot happier.

5.  It’s like finding a fabulous find at a thriftstore- except- it’s brand new and part of the CT collection.

  When we first envisioned creating our own vintage inspired “Black dress” we knew we wanted to pay tribute to that timeless beauty- Audrey Hepburn. When we saw “Funny Face” the pieces fell in place- “Think Pink”,one of my all-time favorite songs from the legendary film gave us the pink accents and the actual dress shape came straight out of “Sabrina”.This dress is utterly AudreyWho can resist that vintage charm?

Think Pink

Think pink! think pink! when you shop for summer clothes.Think pink! think pink! if you want that quel-que chose.Red is dead, blue is through,Green’s obscene, brown’s taboo.And there is not the slightest excuse for plum or puce—or chartreuse.

—for bags! pink for shoes!Razzle, dazzle and spread the news!And pink’s for the lady with joie de vive!Pinks for all the family.Try pink shampoo.Pink toothpaste too.Play in pink, all day in pink,Pretty gayin pink.Drive in pink, come alive in pink,Have a dive in pink.Go out dancing but just remember one thing:You can get a little winkIf you got a little pinkIn your swing.

I can’t resist adding a few of my favorite lines from the Sabrina film:

David Larrabee: What makes you so sure Sabrina still wants me?

Linus Larrabee: Of course she wants you. She’s wanted you all her life!David Larrabee: Until you came along in that silly homburg. [homburg is his signature hat]

Linus Larrabee: Why don’t you straighten that silly straw hat and on your way. You’ll miss the boat.

.David Larrabee: Don’t worry. I won’t miss the boat.

David Larrabee: Funniest thing. Linus Larrabee, the man who doesn’t burn, doesn’t scorch, doesn’t melt… suddenly throws a twenty million dollar deal out the window.[stops at the door]

David Larrabee: Are you sure you don’t want to go with her?

Linus Larrabee: Why should I want to go with her?

David Larrabee: Because you’re in love with her.

Whittle down your waist with an eye-catching floral belt, right in time for one of Springs top trends. Personalize your belt for your wardrobe, or even for a specific outfit.

 Needed: 

Silk flower of your choice

Rhinestones

1/2 -3/4″ ribbon

Velcro square (both hook and matt so they adhere to each other)

Hot glue gun

_______________________________________________________________________

Snip off the stem of your silk flower with wire cutters.  If your flower is flat, you can adhere sparkling rhinestones or buttons to the center for some bling.

Measure your waist and cut a piece of ribbong accordingly, leaving a 1″ overlap to act as the “clasp.

Hot glue, (or sew if your prefer) the 2 velcro sides to the appropriate ribbon end so they catch securely.

Glue your silk flower to the front of the ribbon end and secure by sewing a few additional stitches through the flower petals (you can hide the stitching by sewing on petals that are concealed by others) and to the back of the ribbon.

You’re done!

Be creative and come up with some alternative ideas- (ribbon bows, brooches etc)  

These gals had fun. While a bit overdone, Sisters Samantha and Nicola Chapman demonstrate a few vintage looks that will get you inspired- see it as a spring board to develop your own vintage look.

Florals are sticking around, though these seem more fun and flirtatious than their fall ‘08 counterparts.

Florals in all shapes, sizes and colors have been adorning the runways.Whether you pair your posies with suiting or denim they add flair and panache that is truly feminine.

Do: 

Ground your wild, bright florals with the simplest pieces. Straight neutral pencil skirt or jeans.

Bring in florals through flower-inspired jewelry, brooches, scarves and hair accessories.

Try a floral belt or floral pumps.

Mix your florals, but keep them in balance by mixing contrasting sizes. Big floral cardigan with small floral blouse.