Fashion Find: It’s Raining Boots, Hallelujah!
Psst, I’m gonna tell you a little secret. L.A. has a rainy season, and it is happening right now. Although the downfall is not nearly as romantic as an East Coast summer thunderstorm, the rain is needed, appreciate and with a charm of it’s own. The cascading water also provides me with a great opportunity to bust out some of my old gear and mix it up with a new purchase I have been longing for thanks to däv.
When colorful rain boots became a popular trend several years ago, I was all over it. The inclement weather of my New York City environment, made fashionable and practical all weather shoes a must for surviving and thriving throughout the seasons. However, when I moved to CA, I got rid of my collection of weather proof footwear hoping that one day I would find better suitable options. Here are some of my favorite from däv, the California based company that is an offshoot of Style West.
One of the staples in my Pear Shapely wardrobe are Chuck Taylor All Stars. They are comfy, perfect for walking and can easily be worn with jeans or casual dresses. However, they are not waterproof and will not keep my feet warm and toasty when it downpours. The next best thing are these beauties for $60:
Just like the model, I would wear these with a pair of cuffed up jeans and consider puddle jumping a worthy pastime. But wait there is more. Maybe you have a meeting where more professional attire is required. How about a rain pump for only $60?
Seriously, that is a spectator style rain shoe that will not only serve an important purpose, but will make shapely calves pop thanks to the heel. But if you want to kick it old school, they have the most adorable selection of English Styled, Sport and even Cowboy rain boots. Seriously, regardless of your rain shoe needs, this is the company for you. Right now until December 15, purchasing any three items from the entire däv collection of rain gear, hand bags and socks, will entitle you to free shipping, gift wrapping and a free pair of socks. Just enter the word “HOLIDAY” when prompted and happy shopping!
JC Penney Discount for Pear Shapely
When I was a tween in Long Island, there was nothing like a back to school shopping trip to Roosevelt Field Mall. Fashions and bargains abounded and although a run through of JC Penney was always part of the ritual of finding treasures for the school year, I always left the store empty handed.
What a difference several decades has made as this mid level department store chain has learned a lot from it’s nearly 100 years of operation. Now the store features great options courtesy of the lower priced point lines of Nicole Miller, Bisou-Bisou, Charlotte Ronson and Allen Schwartz and by shopping online and entering the code SWEETS4U will save you $10 off of a $10 purchase until 10/28/09. Some recommendations for your luscious pear shaped body including this great and affordable look from C. Ronson:
My favorite piece of the ensemble is the Ombre sweater. Because the dye goes from light on top to black on bottom the color fade provides the necessary palate for a best Pear Shapely optical illusion. Additionally the belt tie is sure to show off your little middle.
I think this sweater would provide you a perfect opportunity to show off some Hurricane by Jane jewelry, especially the pieces that integrate gold filled and sterling silver metals. My styling recommendations include the Boxer Earrings ($51), Circle Choker in the Gold/Silver combo ($47) and the Lock-Her Bracelet ($58(.
Let me know if any of the jewelry interest you and I’ll make you an offer you can’t refuse.
Bluefly.com Sale for Pear Shapely
Those in the know, know that Bluefly.com is one of they best websites for getting deals on designer and luxury duds. They are now having a clearance sale to get rid of tons of overstocked merchandise and are offering consumers up to 75% off some of their goodies.
I’ve taken a gander at the offerings that would work for my the sisterhood of the traveling hips and selected this gem (75% off) for pear shapely lasses, the T-Bags ruched sleeved dress for a low $54.99:
The slightly enlarged sleeves would help balance out our bottom curves and the V-neck would also help to bring the attention of the viewers eye upward. To further draw the eye upwards and away from the larger him region, the dress should be lovingly complimented by the Gold Triple Strand Necklace $48:
There is a slew of handbags, shoes, pants, skirts and everything else on sale and the discounts range from 30%-75%. However, ultimately it is up to you to roll up your sleeves and start digging for treasures on your own.
Stripes for Pear Shaped Bodies
By this time, we all know that dressing our pear shaped body is a labor of love and that sometimes good old-fashioned “smoke and mirror” techniques can help give us the added oomph that we crave.
Striped tops accented by great jewelry are one of the tricks of the trade as the combination will give the illusion that our upper torso is broader then our bottom. Pairing a great sweater or shirt with a pair of dark denim jeans, black pants or even a solid pencil skirt are all some great ways to drape your Pear Shapely figure. Plus complimenting the stripes with the Coco Chanel Inspired Pearl Before Swine Necklace ($86) from Hurricane by Jane will make the look completely yours:
As always, Bluefly.com has options and this Cashmere Striped Bubble Sweater ($123.99) will do the trick:
The ribbed waistband, will allow the garment to sit right above your hips, accentuating your whittled middle, the bubble effect will add a slightly fuller silhouette to your slim top portion, the stripes will work their magic and the cashmere will add the necessary “yummy” factor.
Menswear is currently a huge trend and I always keep some staples in my wardrobe. With a Striped Cashmere Sweater Vest ($139) available on Shopbop.com we can also balance our figures:
Depending on your mood you can just add a layering t or a white button down. Mix and match with all the aforementioned bottoms, and you will be good to go. The illusion is the same, it is just another twist on the look.
When trying something new, breaking the $100 range may not be a realistic goal. Never fear as the Gap always has affordable options. I’m totally digging this Striped Crew Neck Sweater ($44.50):
Out of all the lined toppers out there, this shirt will provide the best optical illusion for balancing out your figure courtesy of all the white space around your shoulders and chest (our two most narrow points).
From bargain retailers like Forever 21 to designer discounter happy places like Loehmann’s stripes are plentiful, flattering and affordable. Feel free to share your favorite finds with me, as I love hearing about a good shopping score!
Dressing For Your Body Shape: Animal Prints
Time and time again, women need to be reminded to dress for their body shape and to work with their strengths, not against them. With that in mind:
This is a clear cut example of what not to wear if you want to make the most of your pear body shape. Although the original fabric designer probably thought that the tiger print was “crazy enough it just might work” they were dead wrong.
It is not to say that women looking to highlight their pear body shape cannot wear animal prints, as they can, and trust me I do! However there is a way to do it in style. One example is a great fitting wrap dress like this gorgeous option ($325) from the innovator of the style, Diane von Furstenberg:
Believe it or not, both these items have some similar characteristics. The both feature bold colored animal prints, both were designed to hug curves and since the tiger stripe pants has a full zipper going from the front to the back, both items provide easy access to the danger zone. However only one of them will make you feel like a pretty woman, and the other will increase your chances of catching crabs from a nasty one night stand. Any guesses which is which?
Best Cardigans for Pear Shaped Gals
Cardigan sweaters rock! For years I have sworn by these must have layering pieces because of the versatility and ease of wear. This year the fashion industry has finally caught up with my taste and have been promoting these garments as the addition to purchase for your fall wardrobe.
Pear Shapely lasses looking to add some selections to their wardrobes will feel like a kid in a candy store! From preppy argyle finds of 100% cotton from Old Navy ($29.50):
To luxurious cashmere styles available on Shopbop.com ($295):
You can have it all. Regardless of how much you want to spend and the style you are interested Pear Shaped women need to think and ask themselves some questions before purchasing to ensure that they buy the right item for their needs. Questions to ponder:
- Fabric choices: Acrylic sweaters tend to add unnecessary bulk without providing any warmth, so make sure there is something of the earth like cotton, cashmere or wool involved in your purchase
- Allergies: Angora is a fur component from little bunnies. If you are allergic to cats and dogs make sure that this component is not in the sweater you are eyeing as you may react poorly to it in the long run
- Fit: Like with any garment for pear shaped lasses, showing off your little middle will flatter your shape most. Cropped cardigans, longer sweaters with ribbed neck trim that will lock the sweater above your waist or duster duds that have a belt feature will keep you warm, cozy and stylish.
- Length: Make sure the sweater you are eyeing does not fall mid thigh as it will highlight the bulkiest portion of your body. If you must get a sweater that hits that region, make sure that the item is not boxy and that there is either a built in belt or you can belt it to show off your curves
Whatever you choose, make sure the fit is right, that you can immediately picture wearing the item a number of ways and that you do not go into debt purchasing the said garb. Then with that extra cash, feel free to shop at Hurricane by Jane Jewelry and treat yourself to a little something, something like the stylish and affordable Swingtown Earrings ($32) and Necklace ($37)!
Best Swimsuits for Pear Shaped Lasses
Some may question my choice of writing about the best swim wear for Pear Shapely ladies on the first day of October. But if you are like me, I find the task of locating a cute, flattering and well fitting swim suit a year-long task and wanted to give y’all a head start on your 2010 season.
By far the best and easiest shopping experience comes courtesy of the “Build Your Own Bikini Shop” on Newport News. Dozens of combos can be made, so you can pick and choose the fabrics and cuts that work best for your particular figure and taste. My favorite summer selection of this year was built from the “High Contrast” collection.
For this option I selected the Shape fx® Bust-Enhancing Hardcup Top combined with the Shape fx® Concealing Skirted Bottom.
Yes, I have curves, but my stomach is awesome and deserves to see the light of day! If you feel the same you will be glad to know that these items are now on sale for $19 for the top and $24 for the bottom.
Shopping Tip-The best time to shop for any seasonal item (including winter coats, boots, air conditioners and swim wear) is off season as that is when consumers will benefit from the steepest discounts. As a Pear Shapely lady, I truly do not care if the pattern of my swimsuit follows the latest trend as fit is the number one factor for me. The only downside through shopping at Newport News are the shipping costs as if you do not like the fit you will be responsible for paying both the initial and return shipping charges. With that in mind you should consider:
- Buying a large selection of swimsuits to justify the costs of shipping
- Measure yourself with a tape measure and follow the sizing charts posted
- Be at least 95% sure of the purchase you are going to make
- Sign up for email blasts from the company as they sometimes will send discounts via email
- Check out Retail Me Not to see what online discount codes they may have for the site
My main goal of a swim suit is swimming, but it does not mean that a girl cannot properly glam up the look. On that note, Hurricane by Jane offers a great styling piece for two-piece looks called the Crystal Multitaskers in both sterling silver and gold filled.
Both these pieces are handcrafted by me, feature 28 dangling teardrop briolette crystals and measure a whopping 36″ long. The dainty clasp allows these pieces to be worn in a number of ways including as a waist chain or anklet for the skin bearing months. No need to wait for summer for this purchase as this piece also makes an excellent long necklace, double wrapped neck decor or bracelet either for yourself or for a gift for your loved one.
Please feel free to contact me through my ETSY boutique if you have any questions regarding purchasing pieces from the Multitasker Collections. I am more then happy to customize the length of this and all jewelry I make.
PearShapely 