How Best to Dress a Carrot Shaped Body

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Get excited! The last body type we will be discussing in our body type series is the Carrot Shape. Check out the previous tips for styling a Pear, Apple, String Bean, and Peanut.

GENERAL STYLING TIPS FOR A CARROT BODY TYPE: A carrot body type is also referred to as an inverted triangle. You have a proportionally larger upper body including broad shoulders, an ample bust, and a wide back. Your hips are slim and your bottom may have a tendency towards the flat side. Your waist is subtle and you have a tendency to gain weight in your belly and upper body. Your beautiful, shapely legs are your best asset.

Thinking this frame isn’t yours? Explore each of the other body types here: Pear, Apple, String Bean, and Peanut.

Carrot Body Type-4

 

 

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WHAT TO WEAR:

  1. SHORTS AND PANTS: You are one of the lucky ones because you have a really wide choice of pants and jeans that look absolutely great on you! Go for any style that will accentuate your hips and bottom such as pockets and embellishments. The best styles for you are baggy pants, combat, wide leg and palazzo! Colorful and bright pants and jeans will look great, as will patterns and bold prints. Choose pants that will enhance your lower body and help balance your upper body. Boot cut or slightly flared trousers cut jeans are most attractive. Whiskering at the hips and flap packets will add curves to your lower half. AVOID: Skinny jeans and fitted pants that will accentuate the disproportion of the bottom part with the upper body. If you really like to wear tight pants, prefer instead straight legs or cigarette styles.
  2. SKIRTS AND DRESSES: A-line, tulip style and full circle skirts and dresses fill out your slight hips while balancing your upper body. Look for details around the hips {such as panels, ruffles, & pleats} or bright bold colors and prints to further enhance the effect. Pencil skirts are best if they drop straight from the waist instead of coming in towards the knee. You have great legs so feel free to play with length.
  3. TOPS: Flowey, drapey and light fabrics. Go for halter necks that will look absolutely great also to show off your gorgeous cleavage. If on the other hand your chest is quite small and you have a longer neck, choose higher necklines such as turtle, polo and mandarin necks.  The trick is to not button it up to the top but leave a couple of buttons open. Look for tops that accentuate your waist and help balance your bust with your hips. Narrow V-necks that nip in the waist and slightly flare at the hip are flattering for you. Wrap style tops with a deep V-neck and that are also flared slightly will add curves to your hips. Wear deep shawl collared or lightly coweled tops, especially in dark colors with a light shell underneath. Look for shirts with vertical details on the upper body. AVOID: Stay away from stiff materials that will hide your silhouette unless they are super tailored and have a bit of a stretch. Avoid necklines that will make your shoulders look broader such as boat necks. Steer away from small spaghetti strapped tops that will tend to make your shoulders look wider and other details such as puffy sleeves, shoulder pads and anything oversized and shapeless.
  4. JACKETS/ OUTERWEAR: Jackets with deep V-necklines that cinch the waist and flare at the bottom {peplum.} Go for those that are quite constructed and shaped with angular lines as well and look for details such as pockets and embellishments in the lower part.
  5. FOOTWEAR: Opt for curvier and rounded options like ballerina flats and pumps. Your choices are varied for your shape, but if you are really thin, stay away from really high heels as you will look like a “bean” pole and a bit awkward. You can wear ankle straps and also over the knee boots as well and ankle booties especially if they are larger that your ankle adding movement to your figure.
  6. ACCESSORIES: Opt instead for long pendant necklaces that will create a focus in the center of the body. Go for colorful, big, bulky and detailed handbags and avoid clutches. AVOID: Colorful scarves, statement necklaces and chokers that will attract the attention on your upper part and the shoulders’ area. Or choose daintier statement necklaces as an alternative.
  7. SWIMWEAR: Simple, solid color, halter style tops are a good choice for you. Dark, triangle tops can be good as well as long as you choose one with adequate coverage and support. Look for styles with wider straps. Bottoms that cut straight across your hips with side ties with look great with simple tops. Look for one piece suits with cut-out sides, hip details and deep V-necks. AVOID: Patterned tops with solid bottoms.

Hope you enjoyed learning all the body types; have a fun and stylish Monday!

jen young

How to Dress From Day to Night

Hey Beautiful Friends,

As busy humans living in this chaotic world we are constantly moving from place to place throughout the day. Sometimes (like most if you are me…) it’s difficult to go home and conduct a full outfit change before going out with friends or on a date after a long day. Here are some ideas of how to look cute during the day and easily transition to a night-time look with a few changes in your wardrobe!

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Day: Keep your day outfit causal and cute while running out and about.  Integrate a classic white button down with your favorite pair of denim shorts and strappy sandals {I adore espadrilles.} Roll the sleeve to accentuate your waist and then add accessories to finish the concept with your trusty tote and stylish fedora.

Night: Take your casual look to glam by trading out your sandals with a pair of colorful strappy heels, add a striped graphic wristlet and fun statement necklace worn like a collar around the nape of the shirt.

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Day: Professional attire for any women should always include a black blazer paired with an essential white, silk blouse underneath. In addition, add a knee length {or just above the knee if you have great legs} and a well tailored pencil skirt. A suede nude heal is all the rage which partners well with your “pop of color necklace” of choice. Make sure you have your fashion forward work tote.

Night: Take your hard working butt out for the night! With a simple switch into dark wash jeans and a fun metallic clutch, no one will ever know you just got off work. Then to make things more fun, coat your lips with a versatile gloss to adorn your unforgettable pout.

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Day: When styling your knee-length or tea-length skirt pair it up with your favorite graphic tee. Next, step into a playful  pair of patterned heels coupled with dramatic sunglasses to grab every one’s attention for the day.

Night: Your skirt and shoes are your statement pieces for tonight. With a dressy blouse and cute accessories, you’ll look like a celeb at your dinner party. Don’t forget a royal blue statement clutch for that extra punch to your look!

Hope these fun and simple ideas help your day wardrobe stay easy but still stylish when going out! How do you transition your wardrobe from day to night ? We would love to hear about your tricks.

Thanks for reading today!

Hanna S.

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Hey y’all!

My name is Hanna, and I am Jen’s new intern. I was born and raised in Austin, Texas, and I am currently attending school at Texas State University in San Marcos, Texas as a Fashion Merchandising major. I have always had a passion for fashion {with a slight shopping addiction} since I was little. I have found my style inspirations from fashion magazines, celebrities, and social media. Even though my style includes trying the new trends, I always tend to fall back on my preppy and timeless American look.

Facts about me: My favorite color is pink. My favorite movie when I’m sick or sad is Legally Blonde. I love to travel anywhere and everywhere, and I can never say no to coffee or brunch.

5 Best Mascaras of Spring 2016

I have been hunting for the best mascara over the last few months since I am basically obsessed with having beautiful lashes. Yes, I have tried the extensions and the glue on types, but nothing replaces a simple tube of lengthening, black magic to do the trick.

Let’s face it, extensions require a HUGE investment of time and money and the glue in’s are just messy unless the pros aid in the application. Interestingly enough, during my search for the best of the best–the same award winners seem to rise to the top. Here are my top 5 best mascaras of Spring 2016 from highest to lowest price points.

Inimitable Intense Macara by CHANEL

Inimitable Intense Mascara by CHANEL

Chanel’s Inimitable Intense Mascara is my absolute all time favorite. Although it is the highest price point, it is well worth the investment. The unique brush creates dramatic effects with the finest eye lash separation.

MIrenesse Cosmetics Secret 24 Hour Weapon

Mirenesse Cosmetics Secret 24 Hour Weapon

Winner of 13 International Beauty Awards, this amazing mascara has been called the ‘Holy Grail!’ Known for its smooth finish and non clumping formula, it certainly holds up its reputation.

Benefit Roller Lash

Roller Lash by Benefit

Benefit’s Roller Lash Mascara scored highest for its perfect combination of lengthening, defining, volumizing and curling properties. Its thicker finish also has long term staying power.

Lancome Hypnose Doll Lashes

Hypnose Doll Lashes by Lancome

Lancome’s Hypnose Doll Lashes is the perfect solution to create that “wide-eye” look. The cone shaped brush effectively curls, sculpts, and thickens each lash without flaking.

Great Lash Big Washable Mascara

Great Lash Big Washable Mascara

Great Lash’s Big Washable Mascara is the most cost efficient of my picks but really packs a full eye punch. With this supple new applicator, it is even more robust than when I used this as my “go-to” as a teenager.

What are your favorite mascaras this season ? We’d love to hear from you.

Cheers to a stylish You!

jen young

How Best to Dress a Peanut Shaped Body

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Today, we continue our body type series focusing on the peanut shape. Check out previous tips we covered for styling a Pear, String Bean, and Apple.

GENERAL STYLING TIPS FOR A PEANUT BODY TYPE: Also known as an hourglass figure, a peanut can get away with almost anything you want. There are no hassles in dressing because your body is already well proportioned. Always keep in mind that you should wear clothes that follow your body outline.

Perhaps the peanut frame is not for you? Explore each of the five body types here: Pear, Apple, Hourglass, String Bean, and Carrot.

  1. SHORTS AND PANTS: Best cut for pants is a slight flare {wide leg or boot cut are best}. Boyfriend styles and cargo shapes work but opt for a darker wash option. Straight leg shapes are also ideal for you especially in a darker wash with little striation. Be cautious of skinny jeans as they can make you look short and stout—although you can totally pull these off. The same is true for ankle length pants for spring/summer. Partner with wedge or heel to elongate the leg. Stick to mid-rise or high-rise cut jeans especially with a thicker waistband. Avoid bottoms with too many details on the hips. Go for flat front and pockets without flaps or large buttons. Opt for belted styles in shorts and those with a classic shape. Avoid large pocket details on the front. AVOID: Avoid an extremely wide flared pant as it could create disproportion.
  1. SKIRTS: Wear more voluminous style skirts that form to hips and hangoff of them naturally and lengthen the leg area. Great skirts for your shape are A-Line, Bell/tulip, Full Length, High Waisted Flutter/Circle, Pencil, and a Mini.
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OUTFIT 1

  1. DRESSES: Consider a wrap style that pulls the fabric into the skinniest part of your waist. Figures with a short waist or petite frame may not prefer this option since it may fall at the wrong part of their waist. Look for fuller cut dress options with a peplum detail, color blocked or belted {or giving the illusion of a belt} accents.
  1. TOPS: Opt for snug, tailored pieces. Everything from casual t-shirts to your button- down blouses should be fitted, nipping in slightly at the waist. A cropped sleeve that finishes at your waist is ideal. Stretchy materials work well especially if you have a flat tummy. Look for low, slimming necklines that help to minimize your bust, keeping it balanced drawing the eye closer to your narrow mid-section. Look for v-necks, v-neck halters, sweethearts and scoop necks. Avoid boat necks and squares since those can make you look top heavy.
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OUTFIT 2

  1. JACKETS/OUTERWEAR: Stick with short, shaped jackets. Belted and/or trench-style coats are the most flattering drawing attention to the waist area. Jackets/Outerwear that stop just above your hips are your best option to accentuate your curves. Choose an open necked two button version to contain and elongate your waist.
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OUTFIT 3

  1. FOOTWEAR: Look for heeled options. Your curvy hips may make your legs look thick and short when you wear flat shoes. Higher-heeled {open toed} or even slight wedge alternatives normally elongate the leg, creating a more proportional look. Avoid pointy shoes and opt for curvier toed option that mirrors your shape. Almond {rounded} or peep toes are your friend! When option for a nude shoe, pick a style in a similar shade to your skin tone. Tall Boots will work but a rounder toe is preferred as well.
  1. BAUBLES: A bright splash of color near your neckline can add personality to your look. Search for shortnecklaces that hug your neck or long necklaces that come down in a “V.” Necklaces that hang low and wide over your chest may make it look larger and unbalanced. Long pendant style necklaces that fall close to your breast or waistline are flattering for you. Wear large andinteresting bracelets {a cuff is ideal} which draw further a tension to your best asset–you waist!
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OUTFIT 4

  1. ACCESSORIES: Wear dark belts around your waist. A belt worn at the narrowest part of your waist acts
    as a focal point of your entire outfit. Skinny belts often work for hourglass figures of all types, but wide belts may shorten torso if you have a short waist or petite height. Scarves are a great way to add color around your face but be mindful of how you tie the scarf to not add too much bulk on top. A supportive bra will help you lift and tame your bust, giving you proper proportion for your upper half.
  1. SWIMWEAR: Your perfect style is halter or constructed tops, tie-side bottoms with thick ties, Matching top and bottom {Solid + Solid or Pattern + Pattern}. Avoid: Hipsters or Boy shorts and thin stringed bottoms.

OUTFIT 1: Studs // Dress // Cuff // Clutch // Heels

OUTFIT 2: Necklace // Shirt // Pencil Skirt // Heels // Cuff

OUTFIT 3: Earrings // Romper // Heeled Sandal

OUTFIT 4: Blazer // Shirt // Necklace // Rings // Purse // Shorts // Jeans // Tan Espadrille // Cone Heeled Wedge

Cheers to a stylish you,

jen young

April Favorites Under $100

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Is it just me or did we all blink and it was April? Well, with April showers brings May flowers including lots of Texas blue bonnets and indian paint brushes in my hood. I adore taking family pics during this season nestled in the wild flowers as well as reminiscing over some of my April favorites {under $100 no doubt} I’ve rounded up that I’m just loving this month.

With the weather sunny and warm outside, I’m just so happy that Spring is finally here. Off the shoulder dresses {best for string bean, hourglass, and pear shaped frames}, gingham frocks, tassel inspired accessories, and lace up shoes are among the featured trends. If you aren’t into the trends, consider the essentials: an oversized watch, adorable hair ties {yes, those make a statement for your outfit too}, a long pendant necklace and a clutch.

And don’t forget Mother’s Day is just around the corner, so get a head start and bless her with one of these goodies. Have a wonderful week everyone!

Cheers to a stylish you,

Jen Young

The LBD: The Little Black Dress

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Cocktail: Earrings // Black Dress // Clutch // Shoes // Necklace

Everyday: Earrings // Black Dress // Scarf // Blue Jean Jacket // Sneakers // Tote

Business: Necklace // Black Dress // Blazer // Bangles // Flats // Satchel

The classic LBD {a.k.a. Little Black Dress} is considered a staple for every woman’s wardrobe. When I work with my clients, I always encourage individuals to invest in signature pieces like this that can be styled in multiple ways and easily transitioned from day to night. A sheath style option {as shown above} looks great on every body type minding the fabric and construction.

Switching up shoes and adding different accessories is the key to transition each outfit concept from a casual everyday look, to a posh professional alternative or fabulous after-five option.  For busy moms and gals on-the-go, top with a denim jacket, add a tote bag to throw everything into partnered with a comfortable pair of sneakers and scarf. For a woman in the workplace, add a blazer with a fun pair of d’orsay, lace up, or traditional ballet flats that will be comfortable all day long! For a cocktail attire, add a strappy high heel with a statement necklace, simple stud earring, and a fun clutch.

Here is a hint: I actually have a “fashion emergency kit” that I keep in my car that includes a pair of colorful high heels, a seasonal scarf, pair of flats or vintage sneakers, a statement necklace & earrings, and a clutch so I can change up my look without missing a beat if an unexpected opportunity presents itself.

Shop more little black dresses here:

Cheers to a stylish you,

Jen Young

5 Everyday Beauty Essentials

Hey “Beauty-full” Souls!

Over Spring Break, I got caught up on all of my gossip magazines and must admit that I adore the celebrity focused column in Us Weekly called, “What’s In My Bag?” In an effort to give you the same fun insight {not that I am a celeb by any stretch–wink!}, here are my 5 everyday beauty essentials you will always find in my purse and those I consider a crucial part of my daily routine.

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Palladio I’m Blushing 2-In-1 Cheek And Lip Tint

A lip gloss and a blush? This is ridiculously amazing–especially for practical ladies.  This multi-tasking cream color stick provides a subtle flush of color to both cheeks and lips.

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Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50 Sunscreen

We all know how important it is to wear sunscreen and this does the trick. This sheer, tinted sunscreen adapts to every skin tone and provides the necessary UVA/UVB protection throughout the day. It is virtually odorless as well.

Screen Shot 2016-03-20 at 10.59.16 AM Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer

This mineral-based and water-resistant primer neutralizes the skin, minimizes shine, and creates a smooth, uniform canvas for flawless makeup application.
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Yves Saint Laurent ‘Touche Éclat’ Radiant Touch

This concealer is the perfect take-anywhere pen-brush to touch up your skin throughout the day–especially under the eyes. Like magic, it adds unparalleled radiance to your skin.

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Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Peel Extra Strength Daily Peel

 This refreshing, daily anti-aging extra strength peel {packaged in presoaked disposable pads} resurrects radiance and combats the common signs of aging.

What kinds of goodies would we find in your handbag? Please share ASAP!

Cheers to a stylish you,

Jen Young

How Best to Dress a Pear Shaped Body

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Styling for different body types can be tough but with these tips and tricks, it becomes quite easy! In the coming weeks we will explore each of the five body types {Pear, Apple, Hourglass, String Bean, and Carrot}. Today we’ll look at the pear shaped body!

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GENERAL STYLING TIPS FOR A PEAR: Curvy hips, thick thighs, and a full rear are the key characteristics of the pear-shaped woman. Many pear shapes also have a small bust, narrow shoulders, and a defined waist. Keep your proportions in check by drawing the eye to your upper body while de-emphasizing your lower half.

WHAT TO WEAR:

  1. SHORTS/PANTS: Choose pants that are straight leg or flared at the bottom to create a bottom half with full volume all the way down. Jeans that are equal width or slightly wider in the calf and ankle area will draw attention away from your mid-section. Look for darker color options on the bottom half for contrast. AVOID: Avoid skinny pants, as they will showcase the size of your hips/rear. Cigarette-style pants are the least flattering style for a pear-shaped figure, as well as cargo pants and pants with excessive detailing such as bold embroidery, rhinestones, etc.
  2. SKIRTS: Skirts that hit the knee or ankle are perfect for pear-shaped ladies. 
Avoid tight-fitting skirts, and look for those with ruffles or beading along the bottom hem which draw attention to your curvy bottom half without adding bulk to your hips. AVOID: Pencil, mini and straight skirts.
  3. DRESSES: Wrap dresses look fabulous on nearly every body type especially yours. Do look for dresses that show off your arms and even out proportions. Look for dresses that are A-line or that have a tulip-skirt. Color blocked dresses and dresses with a belted waist are fabulous as well. AVOID: Those that are tight and stick to your hips.
  4. TOPS: Look for tops that are tight around the waist highlighting your asset. Loose tops should be worn a bit long so as to cover the hips and provide substance for the shoulders. In general, the fit of your shirts should aim to highlight your waist and shoulders. The ideal sleeve style are wide-sleeved shirts or those with rolled or scrunched sleeves. The ideal top length is just below your hipbone to extend your torso and mask the widest part of your hips. AVOID: Tops with narrow shoulder lines. Crop tops should be widely avoided for drawing attention to your midsection, which is too close to your hips to be flattering.
  5. JACKETS/OUTERWEAR: Look for jackets that hit right above the waist or below the widest part of your hips and bottom. Wear structured A-shaped coats at knee length. A great coat for you is the trench. AVOID: Mid ankle trench coats and full-length jackets.
  6. FOOTWEAR: Opt for pointy toed or an almond toe shoe to help elongate your legs. High boots are very flattering as well. Wear medium to chunky heals with a bit of height to further elongate the legs. AVOID: Shoes and booties with ankle straps, delicate footwear and kitten heels as these will get lost in your frame.
  7. BAUBLES: Long pendant necklaces are your friends! A bold, bright necklace that hangs low draws the eye to your upper half which is fabulous. Integrate statement earrings into special looks that will frame your face as well, keeping in mind that you should only wear one piece of statement jewelry at a time. Choose chandelier style or dangly earrings for the best effect.
  8. ACCESSORIES: Circle/infinity scarves are a great way to add pizazz to your upper body and can even substitute for a necklace. Wide belts styled over cardigans, tunic style tops and dresses flatter your frame drawing attention to your best asset—your waist.
  9. SWIMWEAR: A fold-over style bottom with cinching side strings that adjust at the waist and legs are perfect for your frame. If you have longer legs, consider an asymmetrical skirt or a flirty skirt bottom. A bandeau style top with a full coverage body one-piece is also very flattering. Halter style tops with twisted details can help add fullness to the body.
  10. UNDERGARMENTS: Your entire upper body can undergo a major transformation when you wear the right undergarments. Consider a padded bra or push-up bra. This will add volume to a small bust and accentuate your waist.

Cheers to a stylish you,

Jen Young

The 5 Best Shoes for Every Season

Calling all Shoe-aholics…this post is for you! {Ahem. And me.} In an effort to reign in my own personal footwear addiction, I am reminded of Marilyn Monroe’s profound quote,” Give a girl the right shoes and she can conquer the world.” You heard it correctly ladies, all we need are the RIGHT shoes, not a […]

Trends At Any Age: Tie Dye

AT EVERY AGE TIE DYEHey Sophisticated Ladies!

Sometimes understanding how to incorporate runway trends into your everyday lifestyle is a bit tricky. This new blog series, “Trends at Every Age,” will help you understand how to add a pop of something voguish into your wardrobe that is age appropriate yet super stylish. This month’s trend is tie dye, and as you can see, be it a fun accessory or printed dress/top, this fun pattern can be easily translated into your everyday style!

We’d love to know how you incorporated this trend into your wardrobe. Tell us about your ensemble in the comments section.

Shop Tie Dye Trends:

30s: Shirt // Pants // Necklace  // Purse // Shoes

40s: Shirt // Skirt // Scarf // Shoes // Clutch

50s: Blazer // Dress // Shoes // Purse // Necklace // Bracelet

60s: Shirt // Pants // Earrings // Shoes // Purse

Shop Additonal Tie Dye Trends:

cheers to a stylish you!

jen young