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Father’s Day Gift Guide

WATCH // SUNGLASSES // SHOES // GRAPHIC TEE // SOCKS // SHAVING KIT // MUG // HAMMOCK // BBQ KIT // HEADPHONES

 

Happy Monday Y’all!

Father’s Day is just around the corner {June 19th}. and I wanted to share some cool and unique gifts I found for that special man in your life. Instead of going for the common ties or gift cards you might have given him in the past, checkout Nordstroms for their huge selection of sports wear, dress clothes, and even accessories; or my new favorite: Urban Outfitters with their awesome graphic tees and swanky socks –even handy gadgets. Even some fun outdoor toys for the grill or to go camping with will be a great way to start off his summer.

Hope this helps with your shopping and let me know what else you found!

Here are a few more ideas to shop before you go:

Stylishly Yours,

jen young

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

 

 

ONE // TWO // THREE // FOUR // FIVE // SIX // SEVEN // EIGHT // NINE // TEN // ELEVEN // TWLEVE // THIRTEEN

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!

1

 

ONE // TWO // THREE // FOUR // FIVE // SIX // SEVEN // EIGHT // NINE

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.

2

ONE // TWO // THREE // FOUR // FIVE // SIX // SEVEN // EIGHT // NINE

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.

final

ONE // TWO // THREE // FOUR // FIVE // SIX // SEVEN // EIGHT // NINE

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.

Finding Your Authentic Visual Voice

AUTHENTIC VISUAL VOICE

Authentic Visual Voice: What is it? How do I find it? How do I flaunt it?

Authenticity is defined as “not false or copied; genuine and real.”

My style icon, Coco Chanel, stated “Beauty begins the moment we decide to be ourselves!” I couldn’t agree more.

Using my Signature S.T.Y.L.E system, let’s dive in to define and find our Authentic Visual Voice.

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S. Streamline Your Wardrobe….This allows you to SEE MORE CLEARLY in life.

I always encourage individuals to begin the culling process with removing any physical clutter to pair things down to a manageable state. Reduce your overwhelm by ridding the “unlovely” and anything that doesn’t inspire your creativity. I think of the closet as a microcosm of someone’s life. It story tells about what is important or sentimental to an individual but also gives me a quick understanding of someone’s personal style….or lack there of! Wink.

Physical clutter can be a distraction but so can toxic people. Purge anything or anyone that causes you to be derailed from your calling.  While it may be difficult, don’t be afraid to break up with or limit time with people who are energy suckers.  Also coat those hard relationships with grace.

When you scale things down, you allow yourself to be more genuine with your values and future life choices.

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T. Take Inventory of your closet… and TELL THE TRUTH about your life.

Answer this simple question:

What are you non-verbally communicating to folks about your highest values with the way you live and dress in your life?

For me personally, this included surveying close friends and family to asses how they see me if described in three words. Writing down a list of my highest values and figuring out my gifts was imperative to speaking confidently to my personal truths.

When you tell people the truth about who you are—you become safe for people to hang out with. The things that often keep us from feeling safe are shame and fear of some kind often from our past, which makes us want to hide from people. Reality is all people just want to be loved and known. They want to show up  feeling fully themselves without being judged.

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Y. Your Body Type (knowing how to dress your shape; focusing on your assets not your age) …but also believing that YOU MATTER no matter your size or shape.

Learn more about dressing for your body type here: Pear, Apple, Peanut, Carrot and String Bean.

Accept who you are as God’s perfect creation—your shape—your life—your heart remembering God doesn’t make garbage.

You might ask, “How can I possibly accomplish this with all the input in the world we are mislead by?”

  1. Stop Comparing Yourself to others: don’t try to be a copy of someone else or judge yourself too harshly.
  2. Stop believing the lies that media portrays suggesting that “You are not beautiful enough, but we can fix you.”
  3. Silence the condemning voice in your head: avoid minimizing your assets and throw yourself in! Flaunt your shape and live like a boss…

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L. “Less is more” philosophy in your closet…. PROTECT YOUR SPHERE OF INFLUENCE in your life.

“Buy less. Choose Well,” said Vivienne Westwood as it relates to the closet. Shop with Intension!

For your life: placing boundaries around not only who but also what activities you allow to fill your calendar is key. If you are a “yes” addict, remind yourself that when you say no to something—you give greater value to your “yes!

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E. Express your Authentic Visual Voice….express who you are as an IMAGE BEARER or “LIGHT” FOR GOD! 

2 Corinthians 4:6 resonated with me when the Bible reads to be a light as Jesus says as we walk in our truth: “For God, who said, ‘Let the light shine out of darkness,’ made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.”

In summary:

When we choose to see ourselves more clearly we 1. Streamline our lives, 2. Take inventory of our relationships, values and stuff; when we adopt the belief 3. You matter and live out a 4. Less is more philosophy and 5. Express your Authentic Visual Voice.

As a result our:

  • Creativity is enhanced
  • Motivation to achieve goals increases because we are more pointed in our efforts
  • Self confidence is improved
  • Honor for God in His creation is esteemed
  • S.T.Y.L.E. aligns with our authentic visual voice.

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

5 Essential Tops for Every Woman’s Wardrobe

There are certain items that every gal needs in her wardrobe and today we’re tackling tops. As I coach my clients, there are five shirts that I consider “essentials” that will easily transition between seasons and will be a staple for any outfit.

These 5 shirts include: (1) Striped Tee (2) White Oxford (3) Denim Shirt (4) Patterned Shirt and (5) Layering Top. With these important tops, you’ll be able to put countless outfits together.

Speaking of essentials, in case you missed it, read about the five must have shoes for every season here.

STRIPED TEE

The striped tee never goes out of style. It pairs perfectly with other patterns as well as with denim, leather, khaki and the list goes on and on. Screen Shot 2016-04-25 at 10.29.33 AM

WHITE OXFORD

Paired with black trousers at work or thrown over jeans while running errands on the weekend, the white oxford is easily dressed up or down.
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DENIM SHIRT

Don’t be afraid to partner denim with a bright colored pair of jeans, a fancy skirt, or even with denim jeans. Denim on denim is a popular trend right now! Think of this chambray shirt as a neutral.
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PATTERNED SHIRT

Paired with blue jeans and a fun flat or wedge, a patterned shirt {A.K.A. stand alone top} can dress up any outfit and add a punch of something fun to your look. Screen Shot 2016-04-25 at 10.31.24 AM

LAYERING TEE

Layered under a leather jacket/ blazer or just thrown on for a day out with kids with a scarf, the lightweight layering tee is versatile in so many ways.
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Cheers to a stylish you,

Jen Young

How Best to Dress an Apple Shaped Body

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

GENERAL STYLING TIPS FOR AN APPLE: Apple shaped individuals have a heavier mid-section with a wide torso and broad shoulders. They have an average sized bust and an undefined waist. Also, these women have thinner arms and legs with a flatter bottom and hips that are narrower than the bust area. For an apple, draw attention away from your middle section by directing focus elsewhere {upper body or legs} or by creating more definition in the waistline. Don’t be afraid to show off your legs, which often tend to be a great asset for this shape.

Perhaps the apple frame is not your game? Explore each of the five body types here: Pear, Apple, Hourglass, String Bean, and Carrot.

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OUTFIT 1: one // two // three // four // five // six // seven

OUTFIT 2: eight // nine // ten // eleven // twelve // thirteen

OUTFIT 3: fourteen // fifteen // sixteen // seventeen // eighteen

WHAT TO WEAR:

  1. SHORTS/PANTS: Shorter length and high-waisted shorts draw attention to one of your assets–your great legs. Anything cut low at the waist may create a “muffin top” that negatively accentuates your middle section. Pick a cut that nips at the waistline making it slimmer and more defined. Focusing on your legs will help add more balance to your look. Wear pants with back pockets. This will create definition to enhance your flatter bottom and will balance out your waist. Wear pants that are denim or those that include some “stretch” in a trouser cut or boot cut style. Darker colors in jeans are best.  AVOID: Pants that have a lot of zippers in the front will draw more attention to your middle and super skinny styles will make your upper body appear more round.
  1. SKIRTS: Try wearing a skirt that has a bias cut or an A-line; or consider a full circle skirt. You can also wear a trumpet skirt or those with a hanky hem. AVOID: Skirts that are tight around the waist or those which fall at your                                                         natural waist are not flattering.
  1. DRESSES: A-line dresses or those that have an empire waist are fabulous. Consider a shirtdress that has a tie that will ultimately add more definition to your figure. Another strategy is to find dresses with a continuous pattern on it or those with color blocking. AVOID: Dresses with a built in waistline, as it will add unnecessary bulk to the waist.
  1. TOPS: Wear shirts that flow under your bust, or peplum styles that expand at the waist. Wear V-necks and plunging necklines as they can lengthen your body. Strapless, scoop or tops with narrow bodices draw the eye to your bust and elongate the upper body. Tops should fall lower than your hipbone. AVOID: Avoid high necklines and off the shoulder tops that can make your shoulders appear broader. Boxy, baggy or formless tops are not recommended as they make you look larger.Screen Shot 2016-04-24 at 10.25.51 PM
  1. JACKETS/OUTWEAR: The right jacket can help camouflage your heavier midriff. You should wear a jacket that is single-breasted and doesn’t have too many details. Wearing a structured jacket or coat will create curves in your chest and hips and will minimize your waist. AVOID: Double breasted coats or jackets/cardigans that finish at your fullest points.
  1. FOOTWEAR: High heels are a great way to elongate your legs. Or partner nude sandals with shorts to create even more length. Wear platform, wedges, calf-length boots, ballet flats, clogs, and strappy sandals. AVOID: Heavy boots, kitten heels, UGGS or any shoes that make your legs look smaller and draw more attention to the waist.
  1. BAUBLES: Pendant style necklaces help draw the eye from top to bottom creating a leaner overall look. Consider adding a lightweight scarf to add a pop of color on top but nothing too bulky. AVOID: No need to wear elaborate necklaces as you already have a great bust that Screen Shot 2016-04-24 at 10.45.54 PMdoesn’t need more adornment.
  1. ACCESSORIES: Dark colored wide belts are great. Shape- wear, especially “waist clinchers” will do the trick in an instant to define the waist. AVOID: Oversized clutches and shoulder bags are not recommended as they add unwanted fullness to the look.
  1. SWIMWEAR: A halter neck is suggested for swimwear, as it’s able to support a fuller bust. Wear underwired cups and thick straps to help with bust support. Try a tankini or vest zip top that covers the middle and isn’t too figure-hugging. For more coverage, use a sarong. Details on the shoulders draw the eye towards your face. AVOID: Low cut bikini tops aren’t recommended because they accentuate the waist, which isn’t the best feature for apples.

Cheers to a stylish you,

jen young

Trends at Any Age: Pantone Color of the Year

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The Pantone Color for 2016 actually includes two lovely shades: Rose Quartz and Serenity Blue. According to Pantone, the warmer rose tone and the cooler tranquil blue combine to reflect a sense of soothing order and peace. These two colors perfectly compliment each other when combined in an outfit evoking a sense of calm and restfulness.

In today’s post, I put together 4 outfits that are age appropriate and easy to style with several wardrobe essentials including white jeans, wedges, dark denim jeans, and fun accessories. And fabulous news– these colors are flattering for any age with any body type.

I often hear the common phrase, “Pastels don’t work for my skin tone.” Combining the right top that breaks up the solid pastel shade {like the oversized buffalo plaid shirt combining white and pale blue}often does the trick.  Then there is always good ole self-tanner {my favorite} to bronze your skin if you are pale like me!

30s: Dress // Earrings // Cuff // Shoes // Clutch

40s: Shirt // Jeans // Shoes // Earrings // Purse

50s: Shirt // Jeans // Shoes // Necklace // Purse

60s: Dress // Shoes // Watch // Nail Polish // Earrings // Clutch

We’d love to hear how you are styling the pantone colors of the year. Share more in the comments section below. This post is part two of our “Trends at Any Age” series. Check out part 1– Trends at Any Age: Tie Dye if you missed out on all the fun.

Cheers to a stylish you,

Jen Young

April Favorites Under $100

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one // two // three // four // five // six // seven // eight // nine // ten // eleven // twelve // thirteen

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

How Best to Dress a String Bean Body

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We continue our body types series focusing on the String Bean shape. Check out previous tips we covered for styling for a Pear body type here.

GENERAL STYLING TIPS FOR A STRING BEAN: A string bean (also known as a rectangle, ruler, or banana) has an undefined waist and little to no curves; your hips and shoulders tend to be the same width. Given your more “boyish/athletic frame”, your bust tends to be small and your bottom flat. As a rectangle you, will want to create more curves and a more balanced silhouette by strategically defining the waist and creating curves on the bottom or top by adding volume with added fabric or other details. Or opt for the straight look and surrender the waistline altogether.

Perhaps the string bean frame is not your game? Explore each of the five body types here: Pear, Apple, Hourglass, String Bean, and Carrot.

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one // two // three // four // five // six // seven // eight // nine // ten // eleven // twelve // thirteen // fourteen // fifteen // sixteen

WHAT TO WEAR:

  1. SHORTS/PANTS: Opt for styles that fit 
snugly at your middle but flare out at the 
bottom (whether it’s a skirt or pants) to create curves. Low or mid-rise pants are usually best. Consider styles with details and pockets on the hips and the body to add bulk. For shorts, consider a 4-6 inseam for length and cuffed styles. Cargo and boyfriend styles are fabulous. AVOID: Too wide of a flared pant that could create disproportion.
  1. SKIRTS: Most skirts will look great on this body shape, from A-line to tulip, pencil or ruffle. You can also wear a tight skirt {hugging the thighs or hips} to highlight the curves that you 
do have. If you like a waistless look, you can opt for straight or pencil skirts. AVOID: Extra fluffy or full skirts with intense pleating as they may create disproportion compared to the upper part of your body on your narrow frame.
  1. DRESSES: Consider a wrap style that pulls the fabric into the skinniest part of your waist. You can also wear straight styles such as tunic dresses as long as you add some interest to the top with a statement necklace and then on with bottom with a fun pair of shoes. Dresses made of two parts {bodice and skirt} or high waisted skirts with a top tucked in will be absolutely perfect for this figure.
  1. TOPS: Use strong blocks of color to help define your body. Medium to high necklines usually work well especially if you have a small bust and a long neck. If you want to create the illusion of bigger breasts, choose tops with pockets, ruches, other pleasing front details. Halters will also give the appearance of a bigger bust and show off your back. Blouses look great if they are tucked in.
  1. JACKETS/OUTERWEAR: Play up your shoulders to make them appear broader by adding embellishments or light shoulder padding to your jackets{and no I am not talking about the shoulder pads from the 80’s!}. Choose a coat that is tailored at the waist. Vests are also great for this shape to add movement and slim your mid section. AVOID: Boxy jackets or coats that are double breasted or with boxy pleats.
  1. FOOTWEAR: Opt for curvier and rounded options like ballerina flats and pumps. You choices are varied for your shape. You can wear ankle straps and also over the knee boots as well as ankle booties especially if they are larger that your ankle adding movement to your figure. AVOID: If you are really thin, stay away from really high heels, as you will look like a “bean” pole. Stay clear of square toed options that can emphasize your more rectangular shape.
  1. BAUBLES: Statement necklaces and earrings will draw the eye to your upper body.
  1. ACCESSORIES: Wear dark/wide belts around the narrowest part of your waist. This will act as a focal point of your entire outfit. Printed and bright colored scarves are a great way to add pizazz around your face. AVOID: Waist length bags that draw the attention to your straight framed body as well as overly large square shaped clutches and bags.
  1. SWIMWEAR: Look for swimsuits that have a form fitting waist and a soft cup bra. Two pieces make rectangle body shapes appear a little curvier. For a bikini, choose top and bottom styles that add volume with ruffles, padding, ruching, draped styles, pleating, blouson styles and embellishments. For your bottoms, make sure waistbands are cut straight across from hip to hip. Choose solid, bold colors and plunging necklines to make the bust and bottom stand out. Diagonal lines can do the same. Other great looks are tank-style suits or tankinis. These will accent the mid line, drawing attention to the smallest part of the body.

Do you have any tips you have found helpful to dress your string bean shape? We would love to hear about your success stories in the comments section below.

Cheers to a stylish you,

Jen Young