FIND FASHION THAT FLATTERS

Fashion is all about dressing your body. If you know your body shape — and every woman should — then you will be able to find clothes that fit and flatter.

Determine and embrace your body shape

Body shape is all about proportion, and fashion is all about dressing those proportions to look their very best.
When you think about body types, don't focus on height and weight... focus on shape. A slender gal can have the same body shape as a curvy gal, just as a short woman can have the same body shape as her taller friend.
Each of us is unique — and our bodies are, too! Nevertheless, our body shapes are generally narrowed down to five general categories: pear, wedge, rectangle, apple and hourglass. You might fall into one category, or you might be a blend of two or more categories.
Once you've determined your body shape, you can begin to consider which fashion trends to embrace and which to avoid. Spend some time in front of the mirror and do a fair and honest assessment of your body. Then put these fashion tips to work for you!

1

Pear body shape

Pear-shaped celebrities: Kim Kardashian, Eva Mendes, Jennifer Love-Hewitt, Katherine Heigl

• Pear body traits: Your lower body is wider than your upper body — in other words, your hips are wider than your shoulders. Your bottom is rounded and your waist is well-defined.
• Your best assets: Shoulders, torso and flat stomach
• Your fashion goals: Emphasize your waist and arms, add volume to your shoulders and upper body and minimize your hips.

Dos and don'ts

If your body is pear-shaped like Kim Kardashian's, then you want to minimize your lower half and focus attention upward.

• DON'T wear clothing that draws attention to hips and thighs, such as cargo pants or print skirts.
• DO try a-line skirts, which camouflage wider hips.
• DO keep hems of pants, skirts and dresses wide to balance the hips.
• DO experiment with light-colored tops and dark-colored bottoms for contrast.
• DO look for boat neck tops, square and cowl necklines.
• DO wear strapless dresses to show off arms and even out proportions.
• DO try styles with ruffles on top.
• DO wear jackets that hit right above the waist.
• DO opt for pointy-toed shoes to elongate your legs.

2

Wedge body shape

Wedge-shaped celebs: Naomi Campbell, Demi Moore, Renee Zellweger, Teri Hatcher

• Wedge body traits: Also known as the inverted triangle, this body shape features a broad chest and wide shoulders which are large in proportion to a narrow waist and hips.
• Your best asset: Your legs
• Your fashion goals: Accentuate your lower body while softening your shoulders and upper body.

Dos and don'ts

If you have a wedge body like Audrina Patridge's, then you want to draw attention downward to the narrower parts of your body, such as your waist and hips.

• DO wear bright colors on bottom.
• DO wear wide-leg pants.
• DO wear full skirts.
• DON'T wear spaghetti-strap tops.
• DON'T wear boat neckline tops.
• DO wear tops that call attention to your waistline.
• DO experiment with high-waisted styles.
• DO look for clothes that create the illusion of a waist.

3

Rectangle body shape

Rectangle-shaped celebs: Natalie Portman, Cameron Diaz, Kate Hudson, Hilary Swank

• Rectangle body traits: The waist, hip and shoulder widths are similar and are usually on the slim side. Slender rectangles have an athletic look about them.
• Your best assets: Your arms and legs — and you don't have to minimize any body features.
• Your fashion goals: Create curves and show off slender legs and arms.

Dos and don'ts

If your body is rectangle-shaped like Natalie Portman's, then you want to create curves where they don't necessarily exist.

• DO wear scoop neck and sweetheart tops to create curves.
• DO wear long jackets to create a lean look.
• DO wear tops with collars, ruffles and details to flatter your chest.
• DO wear a good bra that will make the most of what you have.
• DON'T wear overwhelming styles.
• DO layer to add more dimensions.
• DO wear dresses with ruching. Cinches on sides are ideal.
• DO have fun with colorful bottoms... feel free to experiment.

4

Apple body shape

Apple-shaped celebs: Drew Barrymore, Queen Latifah, Eva Longoria, Jennifer Hudson

• Apple body traits: Most of your weight accumulates above the hips, which are narrow. Your back, ribs and shoulders are broad, and you may feel wider than other body types.
• Your best asset: Those legs!
• Your fashion goals: Elongate the torso, show off your legs and use fashion to create the illusion of a waist.

Dos and don'ts

If you have an apple-shaped body like Jennifer Hudson's, then you want to elongate your midsection and create the illusion of a smaller waist.

• DO go for monochromatic looks.
• DO go for v-neck tops to create the illusion of a longer torso.
• DO wear a bra that offers good lift and support.
• DO wear belts at the smallest part of your waist.
• DO conceal tummy bulge by wearing empire tops and dresses.
• DO wear boot cut and flared jeans to create an even line from the shoulders down.
• DO wear shorter skirts to show off your legs and draw attention away from your midsection.

5

Hourglass body shape

Hourglass-shaped celebs: Beyonce, Salma Hayek, Scarlett Johansson, Halle Berry, Vanessa Minnillo

• Hourglass body traits: Your shoulders and hips are similar in proportion and set off by a tiny waist.
• Your best assets: Curves, curves, curves!
• Your fashion goals: Show off your curves... without going overboard.

Dos and don'ts

If your body is hourglass-shaped like Beyonce's, then you're a lucky girl! Your shape is all about tastefully showing off those curves: not too baggy, not too tight.

• DON'T hide your curves with baggy clothing.
• DO wear a good bra and showcase your bust.
• DO wear fitted dresses.
• DO wear a belt at the waist to enhance your hourglass shape.
• DO try wrap dresses.
• DO go for high-waisted skirts to show off your hips.
• DO pick thin, lightweight styles and fabrics.
• DO wear skinny or straight leg jeans.

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WONDERFUL WATERMELON!

Who doesn’t enjoy a slice of watermelon during the warm weather months? Wonderful as a snack, watermelon also makes a great ingredient for a face toner.

Watermelon isn't just a sweet treat to enjoy in the warm weather — it makes a great ingredient for a DIY face toner, too. Watermelon can act as an exfoliant and will cleanse and tone your skin as well. Because watermelon and its seeds are loaded with all sorts of things that are good for you and your skin (vitamins A, C and antioxidants that may help prevent cell damage and protect your skin), it makes a super ingredient for a face toner. Combine it with a few other ingredients that are easy to get your hands on, and you have a great DIY toner.

DIY watermelon face toner

Before applying the watermelon toner to your face, first test it on your inner arm, where you skin is more sensitive, to help ensure you can tolerate the ingredients. Don't forget to first wash your face to remove any dirt or makeup, and then gently pat your face dry.
Pull your hair away from your face, and soak a cotton ball or pad with the toner and apply to your face with a cotton ball, moving in upward strokes. Allow the toner to stay on your face for a few minutes, rinse with warm water and moisturize as usual. The toner should keep for several days stored in your refrigerator.

Supplies:

• 1/2 cup watermelon, blended in a food processor or blender (seeds included)
• 1 tablespoon witch hazel
• 1 tablespoon distilled water
• Clean container with a tight-fitting lid for storage

Directions:

1. Blend the watermelon in a food processor or blender (including any seeds), until smooth.
2. Add the watermelon puree to a bowl and add the witch hazel and water, and mix well.
3. Pour the mixture into a clean container with a tight-fitting lid.
4. Store extra toner in the refrigerator for several days.
5. Apply the toner to a clean face. Allow the toner to remain on your face for a few minutes, and then rinse it off with warm water.

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HOW TO DEAL WITH THE PEEL

After a day in the sun, you may find yourself with fiery sunburn. And then a few days later, you have itchy, peeling skin. Peeling skin is not only unattractive, it can also be quite painful. Here are a few simple ways to deal with the peel.

1

Cool it down

If you notice your skin start to peel, the first thing you should do is take a cold shower or bath. The cold water will help your skin cool down and slow the peeling process. When you are drying your skin, be sure to pat dry with a clean, soft towel and avoid rubbing. By rubbing your skin, you can actually speed up and spread the peeling of your skin -- and you definitely don't want to do that.

2

Stop the itch

At all costs, you should avoid scratching your skin when it's peeling. You can actually do permanent damage to your skin in the form of scars. If you get the urge to scratch, the best thing to do is to use ice to dull the sensation. Put ice in a piece of soft cloth and gently place the cloth on top of the area of your skin that itches. The itch should subside once the ice begins to cool down the skin.

3

Moisturize your skin

Once you get out of the shower and dry your skin, apply a moisturizing lotion. Look for a moisturizer that is specifically designed to work on sunburn or peeling skin. Generally, the lotion should contains aloe vera, which will cool your skin, reduce inflammation and slow the peeling. Aloe vera is a natural cactus extract that has long been hailed for its soothing properties. You can actually buy pure aloe vera gel (or break open the plant, if you have it) and apply it directly to the peeling skin to aid healing, fight pain and avoid infection.

4

Drink up

Now that you have cooled your skin from the outside, it's time to start working on your skin from the inside. Truth be told, nothing helps your skin as much as a tall glass of water. Healthy skin needs to stay hydrated. When your skin is damaged -- like after a sunburn -- water becomes even more important. Drink a lot of water to give your skin all the fuel it needs to repair and revive itself. If you notice your skin beginning to peel, be sure to drink eight to 10 glasses of water per day.

5

Don't peel it!

Flaky, peeling skin is more than just irritating and unattractive. It can also lead to an infection. Peeling skin can become infected if you scratch or try to forcefully peel the skin. If there is a segment of dead skin that is hanging off and you want to remove it, don't pull on it - no matter how temping it is. Instead, get a small pair of scissors and carefully cut away just that section of skin. Be sure you are only cutting away dead skin and you don't tear skin that is trying to heal. Once you cut away the dead skin, apply an antibacterial ointment (such as Neosporin) to the area.

6

Prevent scarring

Reduce the itch associated with peeling (and moisturize your skin) by taking a cool bath containing colloidal oatmeal. You can find this fine oatmeal in most pharmacies. To help prevent scarring, promote healing and reduce long-term skin damage, take antioxidant supplements -- vitamin C and vitamin E. Also apply a topical vitamin E cream to reduce the chances of scarring as well.

BE PREPARED

Prevention is the best cure for peeling. Plan ahead and don't get sunburned in the first place. By the time your skin starts peeling, that means that the damage has already been done. Before you go out into the sun, always wear sunscreen to protect your skin from harmful ultraviolet rays. If you are going into the water, be sure to re-apply sunscreen each time you get out. When applying sunscreen don't forget about hidden areas, such as behind your ears, which are often forgotten and end up burned.

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4 Nail design tutorials inspired by fashion designers

NAIL FASHION FUN!

Here are four fun and easy DIY nail designs inspired by the collections of the best fashion designers in the biz!

Paloma print nails inspired by Tibi

The Paloma print from Tibi's fall 2012 collection is a fun and graphic statement. The silhouettes of the flying birds is slightly abstract and is a great option for a tropical nail design any time of the year.

Supplies:

To complete this simple yet elegant nail design, there are a few supplies you'll need. You need to buy Sally Hansen White On as well as China Glaze Liquid Leather. Of course you can't forget the paint brush either. It is best to use a small paint brush so you can truly capture the detail in this design.

Instructions:

1

Base coat

When you start, make sure your nails are clean. It is now time to begin with a thick white base. This is going to be the background and you want to make sure it provides the proper backdrop for the birds.

2

Time for the design

Using your paint brush, paint a curved line and fill in part of it. This will make the bird's body. Then paint a perpendicular line curved through the middle. Fill in the line and feather the bottom part of it to create the bird's wings. Using this same method, paint more birds on the nail in different positions. The sky is the limit on how many birds you want to add per nail.

3

Repeat

Use all of the above steps on the rest of your nails. It would probably be smart to make varying patterns from nail to nail.

4

Finish up

Congratulations! You have almost completed the task. All you have to do now is add a top coat or sealer to really make the design pop. Doesn't it look wonderful? Don't be afraid to go out and show off your hard work.

Diesel-inspired nails

A number of the looks at the Diesel spring 2013 show involved large crosshatch fabric. The graphic way they filled in parts of the design is very modern and breezy and perfect for spring.

Supplies:

This nail design is a little bit more involved. You will need some Scotch tape and China Glaze Liquid Leather.

Instructions:

1

Time to paint

Paint two coats of black polish on a strip of tape and let it dry. Make sure you allow the proper time for the paint to dry, as it is a very important step in this process. You'll need one section of tape for every finger.

2

Cut the tape

Cut off the tips of the piece of tape, and then cut a thin strip off that piece.

3

Application

Place the first strip of tape across the middle of the nail. Repeat this process for strips above and below. Place a strip of tape vertically down the middle of the nail. Once again you need to repeat this step with two or more strips of tape, one on each side. This completes the crosshatch design.

4

Runway ready

Using the black paint brush and a photo of the runway for inspiration, color in some blocks to make a pattern. You probably want to switch up the pattern for each nail and add some variety.

Elie Saab-inspired nails

This is a fun abstract design inspired by some of the prints from the Elie Saab spring 2013 show. Their breezy chiffon dresses were made more dramatic with this bold, playful print and they were inspired to translate it into nail art. It's almost like a spring camouflage!

Supplies:

The colors used in this particular design are Essie Turquoise and Caicos, Bikini So Teeny, Haute as Hello and Sand Tropez; Sephora by OPI Hi Def; Piggy Polish You Had Me At Yellow.

Instructions:

1

Base coat

To kick things off, you need to start with a solid base coat of Sand Tropez.

2

Get artistic

Now it's time to let your creative side take over. Add in some abstract splotches of blue. There are no specific rules to how you add the blue — just make sure you have fun with it.

3

Finish up

Now you can add the finishing touches with more splotches in various shapes with each of the remaining colors. Like I said before, the only rule here is that you need to have fun with it.

Etro-inspired nails

Nothing screams spring more than floral. While a flowery print may be an obvious sartorial choice, it is still surprising to see on nails — especially if done in an abstract way! These nails were inspired by the prints seen at Etro's spring 2013 show, specifically by a pair of black and white pants with a floral stripe.

Supplies:

The supplies you need include: A small paint brush, Sally Hansen Blue Me Away, Zoya Kara, China Glaze Liquid Leather, Essie Lovie Dovie, Sally Hansen Mellow Yellow, SinfulColors Innocent and Sally Hansen White On.

Instructions:

1

Get started

Start by painting half of the nail black and let it dry. You don't have to be precise because when it's dry, you will then paint white alongside it making a textured line along the middle of the nail.

2

Be creative

With the small paint brush, make some small blobs of color (representing an abstract flower), starting with yellow, then adding a small amount of green. Follow this process with a larger shape of light pink and then a bit of darker pink in the middle of that. Give it a few small blue accents as well.

3

Finish up

When it's dry, finish with a top coat to make the flower you have just created really pop.

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