Look Your Best: Play Up Your Best Assets

FLAUNT YOUR WAIST
Show off a defined midsection with color contrasts, waistline details, fabrics that glide over your frame, or a great belt.

OUTFITS THAT WORK

1. A snug, light colored top creates a striking counterbalance to a dark high-rise skirt.
2. A waistband that dips in the middle points to and slims your torso.
3. An eye-catching side-tie wrap dress calls attention to the waist, while fluid draping makes the most of curves.


ACCENTUATE YOUR CHEST

No matter your size, scene-stealing details and necklines (hello, sweetheart!) flatter your bust without revealing too much.

OUTFITS THAT WORK

1. A ruffles sweetheart neckline adds dimension and definition, while the sheer paneling keeps things demure.
2. A sculpted bodice on a monochromatic dress offers support--and directs the eyes up.
3. A kimono-style V-neck top uncovers just enough cleavage while elongating your frame.


HIGHLIGHT YOUR BUTT

If you've got curves Venus would envy, bump it up back there with flirty ruching, clever pocket designs, and seriously sexy seaming.

OUTFITS THAT WORK

1. Ruching along the entire back adds voluptuousness without overemphasizing your derriere.
2. Accent the curves of your backside with a deep yoke and simple large pockets that have outlined seams.
3. Contoured seams bring attention to the back of the behind instead of the sides, and help shape and smooth your bottom.


CALL ATTENTION TO YOUR ARMS

 You work hard to tone your arms, so highlight those sleek biceps by framing them with cuts that contour and complement them.

OUTFITS THAT WORK

1. On an otherwise unadorned dress, eyes go to the romantic ruffles that accentuate the upper arms.
2. In a strapless dress your neckline is more prominent than your arms. So try a one-shoulder style instead to put the focus where you want it.
3. A racer-back tank with a shapely cut lengthens arms and defines shoulders.


SHOW OFF YOUR LEGS

Put the spotlight on your gorgeous gams: Keep arms covered so they won't compete for attention down below.

OUTFITS THAT WORK

1. A high-waist skirt adds inches to legs. Top with a jacket that hits at the hemline for an uninterrupted vertical line.
2. Shorts expose a lot of leg, but temper that sexiness by pairing with flats and covering up on top.
3. Strapless skin-tone heels create a sleek, continuous line from thigh to toe.

Figure Flattery-Full Figured

I love how Adele plays up her voluptuous curves in retro '50s and '60s-inspired silhouettes. Clearly a fan of black, the gifted singer emphasizes her beauty with subtle details.

For an award show, Adele chose a Burberry dress with an embellished neckline that drew all eyes upward to her stunning features.

A shirtdress gone sexy! Sheer lace sleeves revealed a seductive hint of skin without baring all.

An A-line dress glided over her body, while a subtle front-panel of pleats added interest (but not bulk) to the LBD.

Structured fabric (like this metallic brocade) ensured a sleek silhouette, no tight shapers required.

A classic belted trench drew emphasis to her waist, while revealing her gorgeous legs clad in slim trousers!

Figure Flattery-Pregnant

Although Jessica Alba gave birth to Haven a couple of years ago, I can't stop thinking about her amazing maternity style. Using a combination of bold color and unexpected layering pieces, she looked flawless throughout her nine months.

Trendy colorblocking beautifully camouflaged her bump. A bright melon hued bodice drew eyes upward while a less bodacious purple skirt downplayed her stomach.

Jessica took tunic dressing into new frontiers with a fashion forward neon number. The loose fit of the T-shirt-style piece hid her stomach (and kept her comfortable).

New layering piece alert! Jessica added some edge to a print maxi dress with an unexpected (and perfectly proportioned) cropped vest.

A flowing striped top echoed her wide-leg jeans for some '70s-style chic.

An A-line coat kept Alba cozy, while keeping focus on her skinny jeans and studded heels.

Figure Flattery-Curvy

Kim Kardashian makes the most of her famous shape with formfitting, waist-centric pieces

A statement belt brings Kim's little middle into focus.

When you have an hourglass figure, you never want to obscure your waist--Kim used a well-placed knot to make a blouson top work for her.

Kardashian loves pairing a strong-shouldered jacket with leather leggings. The wide shoulders balance out curvy hips.

A magical ruched sheath is universally flattering, slimming voluptuous spots while adding volume where needed.

A sculpted dress with a full skirt is a ladylike (and waist-flattering) alternative to a fitted sheath.

Figure Flattery-Tall

At 5-foot-11, Taylor Swift is a statuesque stunner and proud of it. Instead of hiding her height, she emphasizes it with high heels and bold patterns. 

A deep-V neckline echoed her rangy frame while amping up her femininity.

High heels put Swift well over six feet tall and make her legs look their best.

When you have a canvas like Taylor's to work with you don't shy away from bold prints! With her height, oversize polka dots were in perfect proportion.

Horizontal stipes add volume to a boyish figure. Swift emphasized her top half with a long-sleeved tee while downplaying her legs with an all-black skirt, tights and shoes.

Figure Flattery-Petites

Rachel Bilson is such a fashion giant, it's easy to forget that she's only 5-foot-1. How does she do it? It's all about fit!

The vertical lines on this minidress keep the eye going up and down for a long, lean look.

A blouson maxi dress would overpower a less-than-towering type, but wear one with a slim-fitting bodice and the result is a slimming success.

Head-to-toe nude gave the illusion of legs (and a body) that go on forever.

A micro hemline is a great way to make legs appear miles long.

A cropped jacket was the perfect topper to a multi-print dress. The key measurements? A flawless fit through the shoulders and a hemline that hit right at the hipbone.

SPRING 2014 STREET STYLE: STATEMENT PUMPS

You can't go wrong with a pair of pointy pumps and  these days, there's no shortage of interesting takes on the classic. Women at the spring 2014 runway shows have been wearing their boldest pairs with minimalist skirts or slouchy-straight jeans for a cool contrast. Feeling this combo? Some of my favorites are right here...

THE LOOK: BOLD-COLOR PUMPS

Ultra-bright colors or metallic look great worm with no-fuss denim and neutral pieces.

 

Topshop Slipper Pumps, $100



 

THE LOOK: LEOPARD-PRINT PUMPS

Classic animal print pumps add a gorgeous pop of pattern to fall's basic black and white looks.

 

Jeffrey Campbell Darling Pumps, $155

 

 

THE LOOK: CRYSTAL-COVERED PUMPS

For an uber-glam update to work-appropriate skirts or basic jeans go for a pair of fun crystal-covered heels.

 

Boutique 9 Milana Crystal Pumps, $190

Giuseppe Zanotti Ester Crystallized Pumps, $1495

Absolute favorite...a girl can dream!

 

 

HOW TO WEAR A TURTLENECK

The turtleneck sweater is back and chicer than ever this season. Since we live in Minnesota with cooler temps why not jump ahead to next fall's trend?! If you are eager to nail the trend in an unexpected yet glamorous fashion, check out three iconic looks from the pre-fall 2014 shows for flawless styling ideas!

INSPIRATION: 3.1 Phillip Lim Pre-Fall 2014

Make an unexpected statement by taking a basic black turtleneck dress to the next level via metallic jacket or sweatshirt. I adore the pop of color and contrast of textures featured in this look.

GET THE LOOK:

Benitez Jacket, Pinko, $525
Ribbed Dress, Zara, $50
Shearling Cross Body, Foley + Corinna, $225
Microfiber Tights, J.Jill, $16
Ankle-Wrap Booties, Prada, $695


INSPIRATION: Erdem Pre-Fall 2014

Get girly by teaming a cashmere turtleneck with a floral sweater and full skirt combo the way that Erdem did for pre-fall. An appropriate look for a family brunch or other daytime activities, I'm giving this creative take on the turtleneck trend two thumbs up!

GET THE LOOK:

Cashmere Turtleneck Sweater, 360 Cashmere, $348
Embroidered Sweatshirt, McQ Alexander McQueen, $348
Simona Full Skirt, Tibi, $395
Patent Leather Pumps, Gucci, $695


INSPIRATION: Prabal Gurung Pre-Fall 2014

Sleek and sexy, Prabal Gurung pre-fall 2014 nails a stunning nighttime look. A fierce alternative to your average cocktail dress, this perfect pairing assures head-turning results (especially when teamed with a shimmery red pucker).

GET THE LOOK:

Tuxedo Blazer, Maison Martin Margiela, $2375
Turtleneck Jumper, Damir Doma, $485
Fitted Trousers, Reiss, $220
Lipstick in Berry Shimmer, Bobbie Brown, $25
Jeweled Pumps, Miu Miu, $990

trend to try: dress up a graphic tee

Channel Burberry's Pre-Fall Look on a Budget

INSPIRATION: BURBERRY PRE-FALL 2014

Few things in life are as thrilling as a new trend that is super stylish and easy to execute. Exhibit A: Burberry's casual graphic tee and chic pencil skirt combo from pre-fall 2014. I'll show you how to channel the fresh, unexpected look here with a roundup of pretty pieces that don't cost a pretty penny!

GET THE LOOK:

GRAPHIC TEE-Can't speak French? Let this soft statement tee do the talking!
zoe karssen merci t-shirt, $75

BAROQUE PENCIL SKIRT-The classic pencil skirt receives a lux update in this body-con piece with a textured surface.
topshop, $56

LACE-UP SANDALS-Transition from winter to spring seamlessly with these lovely lace-up sandals that can be worn with jeans, a skirt and everything in between.
nine west lacey pump, $99

FAUX FUR COAT-This cropped faux fur coat will add an instant element of glamour to a basic tee.
topshop, $158

BOWLING BAG- Carry a classic handbag like this bowling-shaped beaute to streamline your look and keep the focus on the trend at hand.
zara, $129

NUDE NAIL POLISH-Formulated for sensitive skin, this limited edition nude hue will start your mani off on a clean slate for 2014.
clinique polish in pajama party, $13