NashVogue

Swim suit shopping can be a tricky thing. Trying to find the suit that best fits you or hides the part of you that you simply don’t want anyone else to see. Knowing what styles of swim suits fits your body type can be a great starting point in finding that perfect suit.

The pear body type is characterized by larger hips and thinner shoulders. In my experience, this is the most common body type of the average woman. The pear tends to have a smaller bust and larger back end, both areas she would love to change with her swim wear. (For more details about the pear body type, click here).

Bathing Suit Tip #1

Wear simple bottoms. The last thing you want to do is to draw attention to your hips – what you would consider your biggest problem area. Simple bottoms will help draw the eye up simply because there is nothing much to look at. Avoid high cut bottoms, boy shorts, and skirts. All of these will make your hips look wider, and make people take notice of that area of your body.

Bathing Suit Tip #2

V-neck halters will help enhance your bust and make it appear bigger. The very construction of a v-neck halter will help to push up your chest and make it appear bigger. For some added help, choose a top with built in padding or a bit of a push up. Fit is key though. If you choose a top that is too small to make your chest look larger, it will do nothing more than make it look like your top is too small. If the fit is right, the look will be fabulous.

Bathing Suit Tip #3

Wear tops with a lot of detailing, this will draw the eye up and help create the hourglass look. This tip goes opposite the apple’s bottom tip. For the pear, wear your bows and ruffles on the top. This will draw the eye up and help to create some weight on top – creating an hourglass figure.

Tomorrow we will cover the Rectangle and Hour Glass body type. The tips for them are very much alike, so I figured I would cover them in one day. I hope these tips are helping to make the idea of swim suit shopping a little less scary. Happy Shopping!

Technorati Tags: bathing suit, Body Type, how to, pear, shopping tip, swim suit

Surfing Twitter today I found a link to an article about bikini jeans on Twirlit. My curiousity was piqued. Upon following the link I found these.

They are apparently all the craze in Japan and were created by Sanna’s Brazil Fashion clothing line for women. The designer is hoping to make them just as popular in the States. However, I don’t foresee myself ever wearing them. Nor is there anyone I can think of whom I would want to see wearing them. It kind of takes the thong flash to a whole new level. Of course, this is just my opinion. I want to know. Would you wear these?

Technorati Tags: bikini jeans, sanna, would you wear these?

Spring is here and Summer is just around the corner. It is time to start the most dreaded shopping trip of all – the swimsuit trip. The swimsuit shopping trip is the one where you take only the most brutally honest of shopping partners. While the truth may sting a little, at least you know what suits you don’t want. I myself have to get a new suit this year and will only take myhusband with me. I know that he will point out every little pudge that I don’t want to have. I thought in light of this daunting task, I would go over some body type tips for swimsuits, that will hopefully give you a starting point for the ever painful shopping trip.

Starting off with the apple, let’s review the body type a bit first. The apple body type is characterized by wider shoulders and a larger bust. Lucky for her, she has thin hips and a tiny bottom. Think of an upside-down triangle. (For a more in-depth discussion of the apple body type, click here.) Our goal for apples is to minimize the shoulders and emphasize the hips in order to create an hourglass figure.

Bathing Suit Tip #1

Pair bottoms with a lot of color, pattern, or detailing (ties, belts, etc) with simple tops. The eye will automatically be drawn down to the hips and away from the widest part of the body. The detailing, such as ties or belts, will also help to create some added width and create an hourglass shape.

Bathing Suit Tip #2

Avoid v-neck tops. Halters with plunging necklines are not for you as they will make your shoulders appear wider. Strapless, wide straps, and tube tops are best for you. They will minimize the width of the shoulders and draw the eye downward. Also, if your bust is on the larger side, it can be hard to get a proper fit with a plunging neckline. You don’t want to look like you are squishing it all in the top. You also don’t want the nerve-wracking fear that comes with feeling like you will fall out of your top at any time.

Bathing Suit Tip #3

Avoid spaghetti straps. The thin straps might appear dwarfed by your larger shoulders and make them look bigger. Plus, the thin straps will draw the eye up instead of down, giving you the appearance of being top heavy. Remember, we want to create the hourglass look.

Through the rest of the week I’ll go over the other body types and tips to look for on the ever dreaded bathing suit trip. I’d love to hear from you. Have you ever had a bathing suit that just made you feel and look fabulous? Have you already found the perfect one for this year?

Technorati Tags: apple, bathing suit, body types, how to, shopping tips, swim suit

Many of my readers know that I have a special little someone in my life. Any other moms out there will know how hard it is to wear jewelry with little people in your life. Especially when they are teething, like my little guy is. That’s how I heard about Teething Bling by Smart Mom Jewelry.

Teething Bling Jewelry is made from soft silicone, and is free from all the harsh chemicals we want out little ones to stay away from. Best of all, it’s dishwasher safe! Available in two different necklace styles (donut and heart), bracelets,and key chains, as well as a wide assortment of colors, there is something to match nearly every outfit you might want to wear it with. Not to mention it is a stylish alternative to simply not wearing any jewelry at all.

When I first opened the Teething Bling, I was impressed with the weight of it. Relatively lightweight, I was expecting something much heavier. The construction is very nice, with few visible seams (a common problem with silicone products).

The first thing my son did when I picked him up with it on ws play with it. He didn’t really do to much with it, but I could tell he was curious. The necklace proved it’s worth, however, when I went to put him in his carseat, normally a terrible and unhappy time. The length of the necklace was perfect to dangle right in front of him. He played and chewed on it the entire time, making this one of the few times he did not fight going into his carseat. Additionally, the clasp in back is snap closure, meaning it can be pulled off of your neck without break the clasp or strings.

The only drawback I had to the jewelry (I have the bracelet as well) was the rapid pace at which it collected dust. Even while wearing it during the day, I noticed bits of dust collect on the silicone pieces. One of the perils of silicone I suppose, but when you know it is going into a little one’s mouth, not a pleasant one.

Still, overall, I think it is a great product for any mom. In fact, when I mentioned to the company that I was a blogger, they sent extras! Lucky for you! I’m going to give away the other two sets of Teething Bling (Jade and Bronze). Each set contains a donut-shaped pendant and matching bracelet.  All you have to do is now through Easter (April 12), post a comment on this thread telling me why you and your little one would love to have some teething bling. Maybe even post a picture of you and your little one. The other way is to let others know about the contest through Twitter. Simply post the link to this article and use the hashtag #TeethingBling. One winner will be randomly selected using each method (so there are two chances for you to win!)

Good Luck!

Technorati Tags: contest, smart mom jewelry, teething bling

Feminine is definitely the trend the Spring. I talked about ruffles yesterday as being a feminine style popular this Spring. Florals are another feminine trend that seems to be blooming around us this Spring. I know…terrible pun.

Florals are absolutely everywhere this season. Most commonly seen on dresses and skirts, they are also gracing tops, shoes, bags, and accessories. These are not any old florals, though. Bold and bright, they add a warm splash of color to everything they touch.

Accessories have jumped into the floral theme with gusto. Necklaces are sporting large flower pendants, while brightly colored flower pins are adorning lapels of jackets everywhere. These large pins also make great additions to the scarf look by placing one where the two sides of the scarf cross at the neck.

Just as the real flowers outside bloom to make us smile, the floral patterns of this Spring will add some color to your day. For me, the best part about these floral garments is the lack of allergies. All the look, with none of the sneezing.

Technorati Tags: floral, New York and Company, newport news, Spring Fashion, type b

Spring is here! The weather is getting warmer and it feels oh so nice! The Spring fashion trends are out in full force as well. Among them is an abundance of ruffles.

This feminine flounce can be found anywhere from tops to skirts to dresses. Necklines seem be getting extra special ruffle attention. You can find it spilling down the front of many tops this season, adding a feminine splash to an otherwise drab work shirt.

Dresses also are getting their fair share of ruffles. Wrap dresses are getting ruffle detailing along all edging. As gorgeous as it is, the ruffles are turning an every-body-type-friendly dress into one that not everyone can wear. However, the dresses are flirty and fun – a perfect option for Easter.

Apples need to be especially cautious of ruffles. Anywhere they are around your neck or across your bust line, they will accentuate the widest part of your body. Keep your feminine frills below the waist and you will be just fine.

Spring is fully here for most of us. Go out to lunch with friends. Enjoy the weather and wear ruffles while you’re at it.

Technorati Tags: arden b, charlotte russe, matthew williamson, Ruffles, Spring Fashion, Tocca

Happy 50th birthday, Barbie!! In honor of that gorgeous, blond fashion icon we all know and love, Canadian shoe retailer, Town Shoes, has introduced a line of Barbie inspired shoes. Capturing the glamor of Barbie herself, the line features pinks, black and animal prints in three different styles: a classic pump, a feminine peep toe, and a sexy sandal.

The pump has the signature Barbie “dip” near the heel, making it ultra authentic looking. Ringing in at $130 a pair, these shoes would be a treasured addition to any shoe-aholic’s closet. Unfortunately, for those of us outside of Canada, I haven’t been able to figure out how to order them.  There is an online order form, but shipping is only inside of Canada. We may just have to drool for now…

Technorati Tags: 50th anniversary, Barbie, town shoes

To round out the series on Personal Style, let’s discuss the laid back Casual Chic. For her, comfort is key. Often she is athletic or a mommy. She chooses this style to fit her lifestyle instead of choosing a lifestyle in line with her fashion.

The Clothes

Casual Chic’s clothes are going to be the ultimate in comforatble. The primary fabric used will be cotton due it’s lightweight nature and softness. Her bottoms will more than likely be denim or cotton. Jeans and yoga-style pants are staples in her wardrobe.

Her tops a easy-going. She opts for t-shirts and tanks over blouses. The tops themselves will be low frill with barely a ruffle or bow in sight.

Accessories will be simple. The biggest accessory you’ll see with be the sunglasses she perches a top her head when she walks inside. Tennis shoes and flip flops are her favorite shoes, although you might see some flats on dressier days.

What the Clothes Say

Casual Chic is laid back and “cool”. She doesn’t care too much about what other people think or what’s “hot” in the fashion world. This doesn’t mean she doesn’t care about her appearance or herself. It simply means she doesn’t buy into trends and wear what she wants – what makes her feel comfortable.

That wraps up the personal style series. My personal style is a bit of a mix between Fashionista, Casual, and Boho with a little bit of everything else. My wardrobe is a bit eclectic – stylish sweaters next to a stack of t-shirts, boho skirts next to black pencil skirt. I would love to know what your personal style is. You can post pictures in the comments field or send them to via twitter, @nashvogue.

Technorati Tags: casual, personal style

The uber trendy girl sitting near you at the coffee shop is up next. Fab Fashionista is the girl with the look you’re dying to have. Her jacket? You saw it in this month’s vogue. Her shoes? Straight out of InStyle. And yes…they are Louboutin’s.

The Clothes

It is much harder to pin Fab Fashionista to one particular style. Top to bottom she is high fashion chic. Her wardrobe changes with trends, and she wouldn’t be caught dead wearing last seasons Prada heels. If it’s not new, it’s not good.

One thing can be said about her clothing, they are the envy of every fashionista wannabe out there. Many of us can not even afford to keep up with her wardrobe and have to settle for creativity to get us by.

What the Clothes Say

“She’s got it together.” Fab Fashionista’s highly fashion forward wardrobe shows that she cares about herself, they way she looks, and what others think about her. The obsessive use of labels may even show a bit a of insecurity. She needs the big names to show that she is in the know, can afford whatever she wants, and doesn’t need to answer to anyone.

Fab Fashionista may have another, less deirable impression given by her clothes. Thanks to movies such as The Devil Wears Prada and numerous other programs to show the cut throat attitude of the fashion industry, many people may few her in a negative tone. They may see her as snobby, stuck up, and ruthless. She’s gotten where she is by less than pleasant means.

Tomorrow will conclude the Personal Style series. Have you figured out your personal style yet? Most people don’t fit into one category. I know I am at least three or four different style personalities. Which one I am today depends on how I feel when I get up that day. Which are you?

Technorati Tags: Fashion, fashionista, personal style

Today, we’ll discuss the passionate, Punk Princess. Named for the genre of music, our Punk Princess is passionate and spunky with a bit of an attitude. While not always a musician, she loves music and going to concerts is one of her favorite things to do.

The Clothes

Like our friend, the Gorgeous Goth, the staple color of Punk Princess’ wardrobe is black. However, while Ms. Goth’s wardrobe have very little other color to it, Punk Princess loves to accent with bright colors – red, pink, green, even white all add a bit of flair to her outfits. They are often very layered, with skirts over leggings, and vests, jackets, sweaters galore.

When she wears pants, they are often tight, tapered leg jeans – preferrably in black or a bright color. If she wears a skirt, it will be short with leggings. The leggings are usually bright in color or they are black fishnets. Sometimes the leggings with be black with designs in them – often a skull and crossbones. (The skull and crossbones is a staple figure in Punk Princess’ wardrobe.)

Pink Princess loves to accessorize. Bracelets, necklaces, and especially piercings adorn her. The piercings are not just in her ears though – lips, eyebrows, ears, bellybuttons, nose – there are hoops and studs everywhere.

What the Clothes Say

The clothes give off a bit of an air of attitude. Like the music she favors, Punk Princess’ clothes give a stay back warning, though not nearly as strongly as Gorgeous Goth. You automatically assume she is into music and coffee shops. She likes to party, as many punks assimilate into the night club scene. To the outside observer, it can be hard to tell the difference between a punk and raver.

However, Punk Princess’ personality can easily negate all of this. I myself am a bit of a Punk Princess (though my clothing style is a bit different). All of the Punk Princesses I know are fun, outgoing, and highly energetic. In all of this, remember, stereotypes are what they are, but don’t judge a person by her clothes.

Technorati Tags: personal style, punk