LBDs for Girls with Curves

Another anonymous shopaholic enthusiast writes:
"I need your help, see, I'm going to my bf's graduation prom in August. But I have no idea what to wear, I'm overweight, but I've got curves u know, I weight around 170 lbs and I'm 5'2.. (pretty pretty short). Please give me some advice! what can I wear?? I was thinking a black dress, but I don't know what style goes better with my shape.. Thanks for your help!!!"

Well, Anonymous, since you didn't leave your name, I'm going to refer to you as Sasha b/c it sounds better than Anonymous. :) Ok, so first things first, for any new visitors, I claim no fashion expertise, but can only offer my personal opinion on reader questions. I welcome anyone to leave their comments, anonymous or not, in agreement or not, with any extra feedback that will help answer the question.

Back to business...So Sasha, firstly, you should check out my post on "How to Dress Yourself Taller." I would take into account some of these rules when you do your shopping since you're only 5'2" - be sure to check the comments b/c there are a ton of great comments with awesome feedback and tips.

Ok, back to your dress...an LBD is a great choice b/c it's super slimming and it looks chic on everyone. I checked Nordstrom.com and found out that they actually will let you browse their site by store (women, shoes, etc) as well as by figure. Here are a couple that may suit your body type:
Hourglass: Click here to view the "Occasion Dresses" for the "Hourglass" shape. According to the site, the hourglass is "Curvaceous, with full bust, defined waist, and full hips. Look for wraps and knit dresses with fitted or adjustable waists."
Pear: Click here to view the "Occasion Dresses" for the "Pear" shape. According to the site, the pear is "Fuller at the hips and bottom and smaller on top. Look for dresses with fitted, open-neck or strapless tops and full or A-line skirts."
Between these two styles, I think you'll find a great dress. Btw, you can also search for black dresses only by selecting "black" on the "In Color" drop down list. Anywho, here are some of my faves:

For long dresses:

Strapless Satin Gown with Shawl


Sean Collection Double V-Neck Illusion Gown


Betsy & Adam Illusion Back Matte Jersey Gown
*I think this one is my favorite of the group - it's a simply black dress with sparkly details around the shoulders to draw the eye upwards - the back is really unique too*

For Short Dresses:

Tadashi Jersey & Taffeta Dress


Maggy London Silk Chiffon Halter Dress


Donna Ricco Cap Sleeve Silk Dress

A last summary of tips to think of while shopping:
~ For shorter length dresses, look for A-line skirts - they help create/enhance a waist
~ Also, for shorter length dresses, look for skirts just above the knee - skirts lower than your knee will shorten you
~ If you want to show some skin, opt for a strapless dress to show off your shoulders (but strapless may be a bit risque for a graduation - maybe bring a cardigan or pashmina to cover up a bit if you do this)
~ If you don't mind the dress not being completely black, look for a dress with details (embroidery, cutouts, etc) around the bottom of the skirt or right at the top of the dress to draw the attention away from your mid-section - if you're shy about your tummy, that is) Click here to see a fab example - I love this dress!
~ Have fun! Your bf's graduation is an awesome event to celebrate, so enjoy shopping for your dress and enjoy the event!

Happy shopping!

Reader Q: White Ankle Boots

Someone sent me a reader Q a couple weeks ago, and I've been searching my email all day to find it...only to realize that it's probably in one of my comments...I can't find it! Sorry! But I do remember the basic premise of the question. I believe you were asking if it was ok to wear white ankle boots and if so, what to wear them with.

I'm not really a "super trendy" person myself, so I actually never even got one pair of ankle boots...although there were some really hot ones over at Rafe (who rocks and is also Filipino), but I couldn't afford them at the time that I wanted to get them. Anywho, as far as trends are concerned, it seems the ankle boot is out - I haven't seen them in mags, fashion blogs, or on TV lately. However, that being said, I believe fashion is more than just following the latest trend. I think fashion is more about personal style. If you love your ankle boots and can rock them with confidence, then rock on! They key to wearing something different is wearing it with confidence and not caring what other people think.

Here's Sienna Miller rockin some white ankle boot:


I think the white ankle boots would look good worn as Sienna wears hers - with skinny jeans. Also, similar to how I saw tons of black ankle boots paired with black skirts, I'd try a white skirt - probably mid-thigh to just above the knee in length.

Happy Outfit-Creating!

NOTE: Photo above found on a web search and is believed to be usable as fair use for commentary purposes only. If you are the owner of this photo and object to its use, please email me at shopaholicd at gmail dot com and I'll be happy to take it down. Thanks!

How To Dress Yourself Taller

Shopaholic sweetie, Catlin, writes in a bunch of questions related to the same idea - how to make yourself look taller:

"I am only 5 ft 1 and I weigh 90 pounds.
Are there any clothes that are definite no-no's when you're as short as me?
What should I absolutely have in my wardrobe, to make me look a bit taller?
I really like prints but in lots of magazines they say that short ppl should stick to one color to make it more lengthy. What do you think about that?
Is a one piece swimsuit flattering for my small body? I just bought one but I really don't know if a bikini is a better idea. I took pictures but I still don't know if it's a good choice. I'm afraid it makes me look bulky.
The big bags are in right now and I do like them but I always opt for smaller/medium sized bags because I think a big bag will look too big on me. Do you agree?
I also think wintercoats a bit over the knee are not a good choice for me. I have a beautiful coat but I never wear it because I think it doesn't look as good as a short one. Do you think so too?"

As I've said before, I claim no fashion expertise, I can only offer up my personal opinion, and if any readers disagree, then comment on with your take on the question. Now then...

Hey Catlin,

This is a good question - I'm sure there are lots more petites out there like you who are wondering the same things. First of all, I think you shouldn't worry so much about being short. You can only cover up or hide so much, so sometimes you just gotta work with what you have and by that, I mean, rock your pretty petite figure, girl! After all, being petite isn't such a bad thing. That being said, there are definitely a few things you can do to add some height to your look. Let's go over your questions in order:

"I am only 5 ft 1 and I weigh 90 pounds.
Are there any clothes that are definite no-no's when you're as short as me?
I've heard before that shorter ladies shouldn't wear skirts that hit mid-calf or a bit below the knee - they cut off your leg line, making you appear shorter. Opt for skirts that hits at or just above (i.e. maybe a half inch) your knee.

What should I absolutely have in my wardrobe, to make me look a bit taller?
A good pair of heels - not necessarily 5 inchers or anything - go with your comfort level, but heels instantly add inches to your height.
Also, look for vertical stripes and V-neck tops - they add visual length and will make you appear a bit taller. For work, opt for a pinstripe suit - they'll lengthen you and they're super chic.
Shop for clothes that fit really well - While well-fitting clothes add visual length, baggy clothes add visual width, making you look shorter.
Look for accessories that add visual length - long necklaces, stiletto earrings, maybe try a long scarf? Play around and see what you really like.

I really like prints but in lots of magazines they say that short ppl should stick to one color to make it more lengthy. What do you think about that?
Again, you can only hide your height so much. If you are dying to wear some prints, I say wear them! If you feel haute in prints, then wear them - who cares what anyone else thinks? Just because you're short, you should be banned from wearing fun prints? I think not!

Is a one piece swimsuit flattering for my small body? I just bought one but I really don't know if a bikini is a better idea. I took pictures but I still don't know if it's a good choice. I'm afraid it makes me look bulky.
I just saw my friend (who is about 4'10") at the pool rockin' a bikini and I thought she looked good and would have looked equally chic in a one-piece. I say wear whatever makes you feel beautiful, but if you go for a one-piece, keep the previous tip in mind and opt for a V-neck top.
Here's a cute suit - slight V-Neck and vertical stripes in the bamboo:

MICHAEL Michael Kors One Piece Bathing Suit - $98

Here's another one - solid color (in case you don't want a print) - deep V:

BCBG Max Azria One Piece Bathing Suit - $138

Images and items from nordstrom.com

The big bags are in right now and I do like them but I always opt for smaller/medium sized bags because I think a big bag will look too big on me. Do you agree?
I agree - I'd stick with the smaller/medium size. I think the super-huge bag isn't that attractive anyways.

I also think wintercoats a bit over the knee are not a good choice for me. I have a beautiful coat but I never wear it because I think it doesn't look as good as a short one. Do you think so too?
Same thing with the skirt (see above). However, if you have a beautiful coat and you love it, there's no reason to not wear it just because you think it makes you look a tad bit shorter. Of course, now that you know you don't like the slightly longer coats, you'll know better what type of coat to shop for in the future.

Live & learn, but rock those looks you love in the meantime! I think you should wear the clothes that make you feel fabulous. If you're super self-conscious about your height, then maybe stick to the fashion rules you've heard, but if you're so-so and just trying to add height, in addition to some of the tips you've heard before and read here, I'd stick to clothes that make you feel confident and happy. Afterall, you can't please everyone, so why not make yourself happy?

Anyone else have any tips for looking taller?

Reader Question: Peasant Blouse

Shopaholic sweetie, NormaGail, asks, "Where can I find a pair of wide leg trousers or jeans, am also looking for one of those blouses that have a peasant look with the big sleeves and that are meant to be tucked into the wide legged pants ?"

(For my "I'm-no-fashion-expert-disclaimer", click here)

Hey Norma, Since I wasn't sure about your colors or budget, I found three options for you. The tops I found are slightly modernized peasant tops, which I think will add some extra chic to your peasant top and wide-leg look:


Banana Republic Jersey Peasant Top - $44
Probably the most normal-peasanty-looking top of the group - simple and comfy


Kenneth Cole Reaction Swing Top - $99
I love how this top is lacy b/c lacy looks haute with wide leg pants - the femininity of the top balances out the menswear-style look of wide-leg-pants.


Marc by Marc Jacobs Broderie Anglaise Top - $268
Clean lines with ornate details that add extra style to the overall look

Happy Shopping!

NOTE: Images from bananarepublic.com, nordstrom.com, and net-a-porter.com, respectively

Reader Question: Stockings

Shopaholic sweetie, Tina, asks, "Is there any rule to wearing stockings with skirts? Should it be with a skirt of a particular style/length only? Is it too mature for a 27 year old?"

Before I answer, let me preface this with a couple "disclaimers". I've seen some nasty comments on blogs by people who get all pissy that the bloggers are claiming to be experts (even though most of them aren't). I am no fashion expert. I have not gone to fashion school and have no formal training. I can only say what is my opinion and talk about my personal style and if you don't agree, please feel free to leave a comment. I never intend for my answers or styling tips to be the final say whatsoever...In fact, I'd love to hear what some other readers think, so feel free to comment on!

Phew! Ok, that being said...

I've never actually worn stockings. I wear knee-highs nearly every day I wear dress pants to work (unless I'm wearing peep-toes, b/c you just can't really wear hose/knee-highs with peeps IMO). If I wear a dressy skirt to work - a pencil skirt or A-line skirt - I usually wear hose (again, unless I'm wearing peeps). It seems common practice at the bank (a location of pretty formal dressing) for ladies to wear some sort of leg covering under skirts, and by "ladies", I mean well-dressed sophisticates of all ages - recent college graduates to those about to retire. Come to think of it...maybe I should get some stockings - I bet they'd be more comfy that pantyhose!

I'm actually not a fan of hose/knee-highs in general b/c I don't think they're very comfortable, but I find them very appropriate for work and they seem to make the non-peep-toe heels easier to wear. Pretty much the only time I wear hose/knee-highs is to work. If I'm wearing a daytime skirt, I'm probably wearing sandals (from Rainbows to strappy heels), meaning I couldn't really wear hose, even if I wanted to...which I usually don't. Also, when I wear semi-formal to formal dresses - for special events or even dressy-dinner-dates, I don't usually wear hose...just my personal preference and really more of a comfort thing than anything else.

Sooo...to answer your question, no, I don't think stockings are too mature for 27. I just think they need to be worn on the right occasions, which in my book are usually work-related. For daytime or nighttime looks, I prefer to go without. If you do want to wear them to work, which I find 100% appropriate, you're probably not going to wear anything about your knee (at least not too far above your knee) anyways, so a length just above the knee and lower should be just fine - I wouldn't go much higher though...you don't want the stockings to show.

Here are some modern stockings for you working women:

SPANX via Nordstrom.com (photo and item) - 'Her Thighness' Thigh High Stockings

So, shopaholic readers...what do you guys think?

Who's That Necklace?

Shopaholic sweetie, CTPrep, asks "I like the color combination. What kind of necklace are you wearing?" in this picture (click).

I made it! It's one of my jewelry designs that I created using a vintage gold-plated pendant with 14/20K gold-fill chain and gemstones - amazonite and bronzite. It's a great necklace because it's super versatile, and the longer length is one of the trendier accessory looks this season. Here's the larger photo:

D Celestine Limited (aka me) - "Pocket Change Necklace"
Click for details

Sassy Swimwear for Thirtysomethings

Shopaholic sweetie, "Norma" asks, "I am the 32 yr old with a dressing young complex !! What bikini would you recommend for an older woman ?"

Well Norma, you act like 32 is old...I don't think 32 is old at all! As far as bikinis, you should be able to wear nearly anything you want (within reason, of course). I mean, take a look at celebs these days...

Penelope Cruz is right around your age, and she looks great! You even have some celebs well into their 40s and 50s still rockin the bikini, which means at your young age of a mere 32, you're good to go! I'd say that when shopping for bikinis, there are a couple things to keep in mind when you're wanting to dress age-appropriate.

1. Mind the stores you're shopping - If you're shopping in "teeny-bopper" shops for your latest summer 2007 bikini, then you're probably going to get something a tad too young for you.
2. Pick a classy pattern - If you're really worried about looking "appropriate" in your bikini, then you may want to err on the side of conservative when it comes to patterns. Stick with stripes, florals, polka dots, and, of course solids, but shy away from all-over metallic or super flashy prints, like leopard-print.
3. Same goes for the cut - Shy away from too skimpy a cut. I mean, you don't want to wear the two piece that is practically a one piece, but I wouldn't do a string bikini top AND bottom. It'd probably be best to go with a string top and a slightly more covering bottom, like Penelope's...you know...balance everything out.
4. Get a cute cover-up (like this sarong) to match your swimwear...or at least one that matches your favorite bathing suit. I love my cover-up that I got from Victoria Secret...they're great for those moments you're feeling a bit self-conscious, but they look hot too!

Here are a couple suits I found online to give you an idea:

Hot Mama!

Guess - This suit is a tad more risque than the others, but would be great for those days you're feeling extra sexy or want to look great for your next vacation with your SO

Just Beautiful


La Blanca via Nordstrom.com - this suit offers more coverage in both the top and bottom, but still looks great. It's just beautiful! This suit would make a great addition for those days you're feeling extra classy.

Simply Sweet

Lilly Pulitzer is the queen of southern charm and southern class when it comes to dressing...I mean, I wouldn't say Lilly has the most work-appropriate stuff if you work in a bank, etc., but especially for daytime or beach wear, her styles are just fun and classy! This pink, polka-dot suit is simply sweet for those days you're feeling cutesy.

The middle one is probably my favorite for you, just because it has a little more coverage, while still looking young, fresh, and oh-so-beautiful! Of course, all the tips here are just my personal opinions, and you may have to switch them around a bit to fit your body type and personal style, but hopefully, they help a bit. Happy shopping!

:) D

Reader Question: Semi-Formal Dresses

Shopaholic sweetie, Corine, asks, "I'm about to graduate, and after my school's graduation ceremony, we'll be invited back to a semi-formal. I know I won't have a date for that, but what can I wear? I usually go to extremes-I either over or under dress for events like these. Does a happy median exist?!"

Yes, Corine, a happy medium does exist! Since this event will happen after a school-related event, I recommend staying on the conservative side. You can wear pants if you want, but if I were you, I'd go with a dress. Also, you never know who you may be networking with in the future - your teachers, your classmates, their guests - so make a good impression now with a super ladylike look...you know...just in case. I recommend keeping the length around the knee since a long skirt says "formal" to me, and this is more "semi-formal." I, also recommend shying away from anything too low-cut or tight...if you want to go for a more classy-chic look, that is. Finally, a "LBD" or "Little Black Dress" is always a good choice. The LBD is a classic style you'll be able to use the rest of your life...making your purchase for the event a smart decision, if you get one with a classic cut.

Here are a few LBD's I found on the web, for four different budgets:

Forever 21 - Ramona Dress - $27.80
This dress kinda reminds of Breakfast at Tiffany's


Gap - Silk Voile Pleated Dress - $69.50
If the V-neck is too low-cut for you, add a cami for some extra coverage


Banana Republic - Linen Ribbon Tie Dress - $148
Super chic - the ribbon tie gives it a lil something extra


Anne Klein Dress Crepe Dress - $170
The belt makes this dress perfectly chic for 2007

Well, these are just my personal opinions for your semi-formal event, not hard and fast rules. Use them as you see fit and as they fit your personal style.

Shopaholic readers, what would you recommend?

Protecting Your Heels

Candid Cool made an excellent recommendation for protecting my latest investment - getting rubber soles for my Louboutins. I've never had shoes nice enough worth doing this for, so I have no clue what this means. Any one out there know the best method to have this done or questions to ask a shoe repair person to ensure they do this correctly?

Thanks, Ladies!

:) D

My Tallest Heels

Shopholic Sweetie, The Girls, asks, "what's your highest heel??"

Well, my tallest pair would be my Cole Haan Tivona Air Sling with the Nike Air Technology (which I still need to review...I didn't forget!). They stand with a 4" heel and are my tallest pair by 1/2 an inch. Click to see details



Anywho, since I've already posted that pair before, here are my next tallest - these have 3 1/2" heels:

From left to right: Black patent slingbacks by BCBGirls, Silver Espadrilles by bebe, Blue Pumps by MICHAEL Michael Kors (you've prolly seen this MK pair a couple times...I love them!)

Too bad I couldn't afford those Louboutins I was lusting over last season...then they'd be my tallest!

Shopaholic Fashion Question

One of the contest entries, Shopaholic sweetie Christiana, asks "I love the blue paired with the orange trim, kinda fun - but what to wear with it?"

Here are her outfit basics:


As soon as I saw the cute round-toe pumps and adorable sweater, the first thing that popped into my mind was a flowy white skirt. For fab, classic-cut skirts, I like to shop Banana Republic. They offer high quality styles at a relatively affordable price. After browsing their web site, I found this:

White cotton skirt - a great investment for $68 - click here for details

What do you think fellow shopaholic readers? What would you pair with the cute sweater top and pumps? I think Christiana was looking for skirts, but leave a comment with what you would pair with this outfit.