IMAGE - My Body Shape (continued)

The next shape we'll look at today is the H Shaped woman.

This is also called the Rectangle Shaped woman

• Appears to have a straight up and down figure
• Usually has a flat bottom and thighs
• Has a thick waist
• May have long legs
• May have an average to large bust
• Puts on weight through middle and tummy first

Goal:  You will want to create the illusion of a smaller waist and you can do this by wearing a bloused top that sits just below the waist line.  Add this to a flared skirt for balance.  Wearing belts may also help create the look of a smaller waist.  Wear a jacket or blazer that is fitted in the waist.  My favorite is to wear a straight chemise - style dress.

Here are some examples:

 

Now, let's look at the 8 Frame

This body shape is also known as the Hour Glass shape.

• Is curvy and perfectly balanced
• Has a full bust and small waist (may even be 10" smaller than bust or hips, regardless of what you weigh.)
• Has gently tapered hips with a proportioned bottom
• Enjoys balance between leg length and upper torso length
• Puts on weight evenly all over body

Goal:   Emphasize the waist without cluttering the body with a lot of layers or clothes.  Select garments that fit the body and call attention to the waist.  Actually, this shape may wear color in any way one wishes keeping your season in mind. 

Look at these examples:

Now, lets look at a couple more shapes and some suggestions for complimentary garments.

The Curvy All Over Shape:
These beautiful women are often our Romantic Season and naturally have a soft curvy body.   The clothing Goal for this shape would be bright or light areas of color running up and down with the darker more subdued colors on the outside of the figure area.  This is very slimming.  Use your season's darker colors in suits and skirts.  Wear brighter colors at your throat.  Choose beautiful earrings and pins to call attention to your lovely soft face.

The last shape is the PETITE
Goal:  DO NOT SHOP in the Junior Department if you are not a teenager!
Wear vertical lines of color not cut by a belt or trim.  This will give the illusion of tallness.  Wear one color suits and dresses with small proportions. Draw interest to the top part of the body.  Create a long visual line, not broken by design or color.  Do not detract from your beautiful small body by layering with a lot of clothes.



Look at these examples:

I hope this has given you some ideas to run with when selecting your new FALL wardrobe.  Oh to be so lucky, huh?


Before you head out the door though, shop in your closet.

IMAGE - What is Your Shape?

"You're in pretty good shape for the shape that you're in."..... Dr. Suess

We have spent several weeks looking at the best colors for each "Season," so now lets look at the next step in knowing how best to put together a wardrobe that best enhances your beauty.

Understanding Your Shape

 

This is probably one of the most overlooked areas in determining one's style, and probably one of the most crucial.  It is so important that we be honest with ourselves where this is concerned.  You may hate the genes you received, but you can't change them, so let's learn how best to deal with what we've been given.

As a pre-teen, I was bone rail thin.  So thin in fact, my nick name by the cutest boy in school was "Bean Pole."  Now try to live that down.  Remember also, I grew up in the day of the glamorous, shapely actresses of the 50's and 60's such as Marilyn Monroe and other curvacious beauties.  To say I had a body image problem as a teenager is putting it mildly.

I felt pretty this day in my dress-up clothes!

When I finally discovered I would never have an hour-glass figure and that there were ways I could actually camouflage what I perceived as major figure flaws, I became a much happier girl.  So, let me share with you some of what I have learned since that time.

1.  Very few women are a "perfect" size or shape.

2.  We must understand who we are, both without and within and accept these special qualities that make us unlike any other human being.

3.  We have an obligation to ourselves and those we love to accentuate the beauty God has given us.

So let's see what those body shapes are and how best to show them off:
There are 4 basic body shapes or frames.  A, V, H, and 8.

This shape is also known as the Pear Shaped or Triangle Shaped, A Frame woman.  This woman will have the following characteristics:

• Narrow on top half and wider at lower hips and upper thighs
• May have rounded bottom
• May have shorter. heavier legs
• Has average to small bust
• Puts on weight in saddlebag area first 

Clothing:  Keep bright colors and interest above the waist and subdued or darker colors should be worn below the waist.  Use simple, straight, slightly flared skirts and pants, or slacks with no interest stitching, pockets, etc. at hipline.  You want to visually widen the shoulders by wearing strong patterns or details, like shoulder pads or wide lapels.

 

This shape is also known as the Apple Shape, or Inverted Triangle, the V Frame woman.

• Obviously wider at the shoulders than the hips
• Usually large busted and may have a shorter waist and high hips
• Appears top heavy - may even have a barrel chest
• Usually has a flat bottom and thin legs
• May have a tummy problem
• Puts on weight in upper torso first

Clothing:  Keep bright colors and interest below the waist.  Use flared skirts and pants, or slacks.  Subdued or darker colors should be worn above the waist.  Soft raglan sleeves, halter necklines, and V-necks are good.  You want to achieve a balanced appearance by visually widening the hips and upper legs.

Next time we will discuss the other two shapes, the H and the 8.

In the meantime, if you have questions about what shape you are, try this website and take the shape quiz.  You may find it interesting and helpful.

http://www.youbeauty.com/

Life

Our long anticipated visit with our family in Indiana was cut short this week.  Dick's 95 year old mother had a heart attack and because of her age, decisions were made to not treat her except to keep her comfortable.  Hospice took over her case on the 2nd of September.  The next day, the Hospice Doctor suggested that we be called if we wanted to "see her alive."  We left as soon as we could repack our suitcases and say a quick goodbye to our kids.

Lafayette General Hospital

We have been at the hospital for two days now and she is still stable.  As the doctor said this morning, "We are waiting for nature to take its course."  I also add, that we are waiting for God's timing, praying that He will be merciful.  We say that, but we also know that God's nature is to be merciful with His children.  For that we praise Him.

Hospitals are never fun to spend extended time in, but Lafayette General Floor 9 personnel have been exceptional.  We met the Director of Nurses a few minutes ago - a young lady from Winnfield who is delighful.  She said she tries to instill in all of her nurses (4 floors) that they have such a unique opportunity to minister to people as no one else can do.  What a wonderful way to approach each day with seriously/terminally ill people and their families.

We met a lady this morning who is here with her 42 year old daughter who is dying from liver failure.  Also, we learned that her 92 year old mother wrote a book about "My Memoirs of Chenier Teague." This is an island off the central Louisiana coast where this dear lady grew up.  She was able to see 500 books published and autographed before she died on Sept. 2 of this year.  Dick and I hope to find the book before we leave Lafayette.

Even though there is very little that we can do for Dick's mother at this time, we take joy in being able to at least sit with her for a little while and be here when she opens her eyes.  It is also good to relieve our dear brother and sister-in-law who have so faithfully tended to Ms. Margie's every need these past several months since bringing her to Lafayette.  Thank you Tom and Martha.  We love you!

I will get back on my regular writing schedule next week, hopefully.

IMAGE - Autumn

This concludes our look at the 4 Seasons and the best colors for each.  So today we look at the Autumn.

"Your body has a color that identifies YOU.  You are an important person.  You matter to others.  The way you look affects people around you.  The colors you wear either blend or fight with what we call your Season (your personal color design)."  Brenda Kentner "Tie Me Up with Rainbows"

Okay, I've told you that I'm an Autumn, so what does an Autumn look like?  Well, this is what I look like, but I am not an absolute Autumn.

 

Look at these beautiful Autumn celebrities: 

 

Cindy Crawford



Kathrine Hepburn




Maria Shriver

 

Carol Tuttle

The absolute Autumn's skin may have more yellow, orange or gold undertone.  Because the hemoglobin count is high in the Autumn (I know, go figure), the color of their skin is more coral-orange.  This Season usually suntan beautifully,  We have been called the Bronze Goddesses of the Seasons.

There is nothing soft and frilly about this Season. Think texture and angles.  An autumn will not need ruffles and lace like the Summer, or bright active colors of the Spring, and neither will she feel comfortable in the jewel tones and elegant lines of the Winter.

Autumn's characteristics are those of strength and strong will, just like the rough and fiery colors of nature.  You are a determined woman (some even dare to call us stubborn) and you need to honor your desire to accomplish your tasks swiftly and practically.  From your make-up which should be in the warm tones with golden and bronze highlights to your hair which should be a no-fuss style, you demonstrate the practical nature of this beautiful Season.

Because your skin coloring is high, Autumns wear more neutral browns and bronzes on cheeks and lips, greens and coppers on the eyes, and blue-gold if the eyes are blue.

Your eye coloring ranges in color from blue, green and olive green, to warm brown.

 Remember, few of us are an absolute Season but because of genetics we are blends of all the four Seasons.  BUT, we will always have a dominant and sub-dominant Season.

For instance, a Gentle or Golden Autumn may feel more comfortable in some of the lighter softer shades of the color bouquet.  Once you know your dominant and sub-dominant Season, then find the shades that enhance your coloring and temperament best.

 

 My sub-dominant Season is Winter and as a result, my coloring and temperament reflect this.  This simply means that I can wear a soft black as a neutral as long as I have an autumn color near my face.  Otherwise, the black near my face creates shadows and lines I would rather not emphasis.

This blend also means that I must allow the Holy Spirit to soften me, to make my words gentle and kind, and to not be so judgmental and critical of myself and others.  What does God desire to do in your life?

I hope you have enjoyed our journey with the four Seasons and have found your distinct coloring and temperament here somewhere.  You may want to flip back and review the colors and characteristics of each Season.  I pray you will take this bit of information and find what best enhances your God given beauty.

Come back next time as we look at body styles.

IMAGE - Spring

Think vibrantly alive, freshly appealing, animated, bubbly, brilliant, radiant, crisp, fun, and unstructured!!!

Your natural gift is IDEAS!  You may have trouble carrying them all out, but you are absolutely full of them.

You are vibrant, expressive, cheerful, spontaneous, and the life of the party.  You help the rest of the world have fun and hope!

"You are like the sun, shining brightly on humanity."  

Carol Tuttle, Discover Your Personal Beauty Profile

Your skin undertone is ivory, peach, golden or dark beige making you a WARM season.

You are youthful and cute regardless of your age.  EMBRACE IT!  Your face may be circular or heart shaped, with full circular cheeks.  Your nose may be what we call a button nose, or a turned up nose.  It may even have a point or star at the tip like Meryl Streep.  Springs with blending Seasons of Winter or Autumn may even have a more angular face and features.

Your eyes will be round and full of sparkle or light and usually one color such as blue, blue-green, gray or gray-green, and even brown.  In this case your blending Season is either Winter or Autumn.

The best colors to enhance your radiant glow are the bright primary colors as seen in the painting at the top and the fan below.

Look at these beautiful Spring celebrities:

Christie Brinkley

Rachel Ray

Sally Field

Whether you are a Winter, Summer, Autumn, or Spring, this is the most important thing to remember:

1 Peter 3:3-4

New Living Translation (NLT)

³ Don’t be concerned about the outward beauty of fancy hairstyles, expensive jewelry, or beautiful clothes. ⁴ You should clothe yourselves instead with the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God.

Spring ladies, go out and let your "light so shine" for Jesus Christ today.

Next post will be about the Autumn.  I'm one what are you?

                         

IMAGE - Summer

Last time we talked about the Winter person who is Dramatic and looks best in Picasso bold jewel tones.  This week we are going to the other end of the cool skin undertone spectrum and look at the Summer who is all Romance.

One of the most interesting things about Image to me is how God put together the total package - the total person.  Let's look at our Summer girl for example.

What do you see when you look at this woman?  Soft femininity with Dresden-like qualities; quiteness, fluid movement; curves, perhaps even an hour-glass figure.

This person is somewhat introverted and moves slowly but deliberate.  She is steady, easy-going, relaxed, connected, nurturing, warm and detail-oriented.

The Summer's skin will be rosy or very pink which just fits perfectly with the overall sweetness of this person.

Think Monet!!

The Summer loves floral patterns, lace, frills, and flowing designs in her clothing which enhances her soft romantic appearance.

Wear silver and rose gold jewelry and remember, Pearls are always perfect for the Summer.  Hair should be worn in  a soft style around face.  If you have natural curls, showcase them.

The soft pastels and blued tones of Summer's bouquet enhance the tranquil appearance.

Hippocrates titled this beautiful person as having a "Phlegmatic" temperament.  This normally fearful, worrying temperament can be replaced with the self-confidence of the Spirit-filled life when the Holy Spirit is given control.

"For God has not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." 
2 Tim. 1:7

Beautiful, special lady, be all God desires you to be.

Next time - Spring!

COLOR - Winter

I'm late again getting a posting out this week.  Can someone tell me where the time goes?  The old adage, "I don't know how I had time to work" is so true in my case.  This past weekend my two sisters and I got together at one of their homes in Cajun Land.  We spent Saturday afternoon looking at antique stores and upscale flea markets in the area.  It was so much fun and I found a beautiful blown glass bowl that is perfect in my living room.

Our little shopping trip was also enlightening and it was a perfect example of what we are talking about.  As we shopped we would take turns saying, "Oh look at this," or "I really like this."  The other two may or may agree, but it was so typical of how we are all different.  To have grown up in the same home with the same influences, our individual tastes are vastly different.  That's because we are different.  We have different personalities/temperaments, body styles, and coloring.  We are each so uniquely special and different.

"Your true beauty comes from within and your outward beauty comes by accentuating your uniqueness."

Today, I finally have a minute to sit at the computer and think with you about color.  Have you decided whether you are a Cool or Warm season?  Whether you are a Winter, Summer, Fall or Spring?

Today we will look at the WINTER.  She has been described as "Shimmering ice with warm friendly fires.  Elegance, poise and drama, independence, quietness with a touch of shyness."

Winter's look is "Elegance"  The bold colors of winter accent the striking color scheme of the season.

Think Picasso!

The Winter person has cool - blue - skin undertones.  She will more than likely have a fair complexion, but not in all cases.

Winters are insightful, intense and precise.

The best shades are strong, vivid shades with blue undertones such as red, royal blue and emerald green.  The best neutrals are black and navy.  This is the only season who can wear pure white and look gorgeous.

Rich materials such a velvet, satin, suede and wool help to achieve the poised, striking appearance of the Winter.

Jewelry should be silver, crystal, diamonds, but gold may be worn if the skin has an outer warm appearance.

If you still have questions about your season, you may want to find a qualified image consultant for a personal evaluation.  Or, you might enjoy trying a free tool from author, trainer, and image consultant Donna Fujii at http://donnafujii.com.

Next time we will look at the Summer person.

The color fan for the Winter is by "Color Me a Season" and copyrighted by Bernice Kentner.
http://colormeaseason.com/

IMAGE: Color

Have you thought about the fact that you never get a second chance to make a first impression?  Within 10 seconds, someone has subconsciously formed an opinion about you.  What image are you projecting?

Image matters because people make assumptions based on limited information.  I know!  It's not fair!  But, that is the way it is.  Besides, aren't we a bit guilty of making these determinations of others ourselves?  Because of this, it is so important to consider what your appearance instantly projects about you. 

So, the first step in making a positive first impression is knowing what colors look best on you.

Does talking about your best colors bring to mind the 70's and 80's when a conversation starter was "I'm a Spring, what are you?"  Even though there doesn't seem to be as much emphasis on having your colors done today as it was back then, there is no doubt that having a personal color scheme is a hallmark of all truly stylish women.

The first step is to determine your skins undertone.  You will have either "Warm" or "Cool" undertones and this never changes.  It is what you are born with and have to live with.  Warm will mean that you have yellow undertones, and cool means that you have blue undertones.

Because of this, colors either blend and compliment, or fight and detract.  Look at this illustration:

 

Chadwicks

Right colors will make your eyes sparkle and give your skin a healthy, flawless appearance.  Right colors will make you look younger.

 Chadwicks 

Wrong colors will dull your skin, hair, and eyes, and magnify skin imperfections.  They will also make you look older.  And none of us want that do we?

To determine your colors, you need to assess your hair, skin and eye color as well as what colors you feel you look the best in.  Determining your "season" can introduce you to a whole new palette of colors!  Experiment with extremes near your face and see if you can tell a difference.

Now, let's look at those four seasons and see if you can find yourself.

Winter - Cool - Blue Undertones - Hair is usually Dark; Skin is often Pale; Eyes will be Brown, Hazel, or Blue with light flecks.  Think Dramatic! 

 Summer - Cool - Blue Undertones - Hair is usually Blonde but may be light or Dark Brown; Skin may be Pale or Rosy Beige; Eyes may be blue, Green or Soft Brown.  Think Romantic!

 Autumn - Warm - Yellow Undertones - Hair may be Red, Auburn, or Golden Brown; Skin may be ivory, Golden or Dark Beige.  Think Classic!

Spring - Warm - Yellow Undertones - Hair may be Honey Blonde, Auburn, or Golden Brown; Skin will be Ivory Peach, Golden Brown; Eyes will be Clear Blue, Green with Gold, or Golden Brown.  Think Natural!

REMEMBER:  God created you perfectly.  There is not one thing about your natural physical appearance that isn't absolutely perfect for the totally unique individual you are.

Next time we will discuss what colors are best for each Season and why.  In the meantime, I'm an Autumn.  What are you?