Flatter Your Body Shape: Pear Shape


April 13th, 2010 | Body Shapes, DIY, Tips | No Comments

In our society, we all embrace the hourglass shape as the ideal female body form – full bust, small waist, and a curvy hip.  Basically, we’re idolizing Beyonce Knowles and Salma Hayek.  But exactly how many of us have that type of body?  Unfortunately not too many, I have to say.

HourGlass_Celebs

Beyonce Knowles (left) and Salma Hayek (right) are the classic examples of having the perfect hourglass figures.

So, if you don’t have the right assets, does it mean you cannot achieve the ultimate female body form?  Absolutely not.  You just need to know a few tricks to balance your body and you will look fabulous and sexy in any outfit that you wear.  You do not need to be a size 2 to look smoking hot.  It all comes down to how you wear your clothes and the confidence that comes with it.

Flatter Your Body Shape is a series discussing ways to enhance your body type.  Each post will talk about one specific body shape and how you can flatter your figures by using some simple tricks.

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Paper Flowers for All Occasions


April 1st, 2010 | DIY, Planning, Reception, Tips | No Comments

As I am searching around for creative ways to promote ju.Lee, I came across the idea of using paper flowers.  Initially, I figure that it’s essential to have dozens and dozens of flowers for the set in order to create the perfect romantic feel.  As I research further into paper flowers, I found tons of ideas at DIY blogs and even on You Tube!  They are really not hard to make.  It just requires time and some creativity along with the right materials and tools.

Magnolia_Bouquet

These are some of the magnolia paper flowers that I made using a paper flower kit.

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DIY Home Project: Facelift for Your Walls


December 23rd, 2009 | Tips | No Comments

Christmas is quickly approaching and before you know it, it’s the new year.  So, are thinking of doing home improvement projects to kick start the new year?  I’m not a big DIY type of gal but when my husband and I purchased our new home in March, we decided to do some painting to spice up our place.  I’m an amateur painter but I’ve been so inspired after watching HG TV for three straight months.  They really make it look VERY easy.  But the truth is, it’s not!  It require hours of prepping before you can even touch the paintbrush.  However, the results can be very fulfilling when the rooms are done and not to mention how much money we saved.  Nowadays, we can all keep the cash in our pockets.

paintingPhoto courtesy of Patrick Goossen.

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Secrets to Looking Hot in Any Dress


November 30th, 2009 | Dress, Eveningwear, Tips | No Comments

How do the celebrities do it?  No matter what sizes and body shapes they have, they seem to be able to look smoking hot at any red carpet events.  What are their secrets?  True, they might be hiring the best stylists in town to dress them, but there are some simple tricks that you can do to enhance your bodies for the next special event.  All you need are these secret weapons.

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Featured – from Left:  Halle BerryAmy Adams, and Cameron Diaz

The Perfect Bra

You don’t think about it but what you wear inside is sometimes more important than what you wear outside.  The right bra can really take you the distance.  Lift up the twins and create a sexy cleavage.  Push-up bras are my favorites because if you don’t have the cleavage, you can always fake it.  Depending on the dress itself, the bra that you use will need to work well with the neckline of the dress.  You don’t want the bra to peek out.  If you are not sure, take the dress with you so when you shop for the bra and try them on together.

Bra

Left:  Jennifer Aniston – Perfect cleavage with the right support

Right: Versatile and sexy; try the Plunge Multi-way Bra with Gel-Curve, Victoria’s Secret, $50 – 53

The Perfect Body Shaper

Every woman should own at least one good body shaper.  For most occasions, you can use body shapers like Spanx.  They will offer you enough support along with smooth lines when you wear your evening or cocktail dress.  But if you plan to use it for your wedding, you should purchase one that is strapless with bonings.  A shaper with bonings will ensure that it doesn’t roll down your body.  A nude color is better than white because some times white undergarments can show throw white or light color dresses.  Shapers come in many different styles.  Some only support your torso while others support your glute and thighs.  Everyone should at least have a full body shaper that combines the bra and torso support in one.  A good body shaper can be pricy but it is well worth the money.  You can wear it under any dresses and it is not something that you need to purchase often.

Beyonce

Beyonce Knowles has the perfect body support – smooth lines and a flat tummy.

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Left:  SPANX “Hi-Rise” Body Smoother, Nordstrom, $68

Right:  If you want the best support, try a strapless body shaper with boning.  Jezebel Caress Bustier, Ella Park Bridal, $56.99

The Perfect Heels

Once you have the perfect dress, the perfect bra, and the perfect body shaper, you should also have the perfect heels.  Depending on your comfort level, you should always have a pair of heels that will work for all type of dresses.  From my experience, a 2.5” to 3” black or nude heels are the best but any neutral color heels are great investments too.  They will elongate your legs and force you to stand up tall.  Whenever I wear heels, I will get a boost of confidence to anything that I wear.  If you are not used to wearing heels, start with 2” and slowly work up to 3”.  Although 4” plus heels look very alluring, they are usually not comfortable and can cause problems for your feet.  I am guilty of owning a few 4” plus heels but I only take them out for a walk once in a while.  Well, it’s hard to resist their charm.

Shoes

Left:  Taylor Swift and Lisa Rinna wearing the perfect sexy high heels.

Right:  Try the 3″ peep toe pumps –  Pippa Patent Peep Toes, J.Crew, $198