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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

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

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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

The 5 Best Shoes for Every Season

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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 […]

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Valentine’s Day Gift Guide

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Happy Friday, everyone! Can you believe Valentine’s Day is this weekend? I’ve created a little gift guide full of fun Valentine’s Day gifts and inspiration. Whether or not you have a significant other, it’s completely okay to “treat yourself” to get in the Valentine’s spirit. A fun statement necklace or a comfortable pair of pajamas will instantly do the trick.

cheers to a stylish you!
jen young

Why hire a wardrobe consultant?

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It’s a pleasure to welcome you to the Forever Styled blog/community which suggests you might have an interest in hiring a wardrobe consultant or perhaps you are simply enamored with the fashion industry!

We are going to embark upon an insightful new journey together including conversations about style trends, tricks for dressing appropriately for your body type and age {for both men and women}, the closet overhaul experience and testimonials, new outfit ideas, exploring the “less is more” dressing philosophy and a myriad of other fashion-centric topics.

So let’s begin the conversation by asking an important question:

Why in the heck would anyone who isn’t a celebrity or those without disposable incomes hire a wardrobe consultant?

Conquering the art of making a fabulous first impression is “king” in my world–easily accomplished with a defined and confident sense of self and style. No matter if you are a stay at home parent, a working professional, an entertainer or athlete, rich or poor, male or female, defining one’s personal brand is equally important across all lifestyles and budgets.

The Forever Styled process begins with asking the powerful question: “What do I want to say to the world with my overall image and non-verbals?” We will take time to develop your personal response to this question with an awareness and sensitivity of how you spend your time and money on any given day. Arguably, once you invest in a Forever Styled service,  you will save time AND money by adopting more efficiency in your daily dressing routines.

So move over Jennifer Aniston and Ryan Reynolds–securing style confidence is available to the masses. Read more