Monday, August 27, 2012

Are you a round shape diamond?

The round shape diamond is round and full through the arms, shoulders, back, tummy, hips and thighs. She may or may not have a smaller waist.

Tips

We are going to allow for the fullness of the bust, and avoid pulling or gaping. We're going to create a gentle fullness between the bust and the hip. Interesting necklines, an open neck in general, brings attention up and on the face. In terms of the torso as a whole, the round shape diamond should look for outfits with a strong linear detail or focus.

Tops

Ulla's Gathered Beaded Center Knit Tunic, 25571, has a graceful fall of soft pleating which avoids any pulling and an A-line fit. Embellished with flaring rows of faceted beading, against a rich Merlot color (or Black)  - the tops centers attention on the face. In the same spirit, Ulla's Pintuck Trim Tunic, 24436, has a similar gentle drape with well-centered detail bringing focus to the face as well. Ulla's Embroidered Tunic Blouse, 05420, mixes complementary prints in a great way for the round shape diamond. The neckline is open and enhanced with vivid embroidery. The sleeves are a much darker pattern, allowing the fullness of the arm to seem to recede a bit.

Jackets
A linear masterpiece, Ulla's Grommet-trim Knit Coordinates, the Jacket, 25561, paired with the Tank, 25562, keep the eye running north and south. I appreciate the infusion of 5% spandex, making the set drape and softly glide over curves. This set is a great example of the line keeping the silhouette sleek and sophisticated, inviting rich colors like Emerald, Grape or of course, Black.

Pants
Pair any of the tops with Ulla's Matte Jersey Straight-leg Pants, 02635 for a slimming, comfortable bottom that takes you just about anywhere.

Dresses

I'm lovin' Ulla's Bead and Braid-trim Knit Dress, 25240, in Rio Red (or Black) for the round shape diamond. It is an Empire dress with a flattering V-shaped frame at the neckline. It flatters the torso with a sweat-heart shaped bodice with soft gathers below, front and back. The embellishment is rich and decisive.

Please share your own tips for round shape diamonds!

Babe

Ulla Popken Stylist & Blogger

Feel good in what you wear.

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Are You a Pear Shape Diamond?


My next five posts address "body shapes." Your body shape or frame is really an overall picture of the size of one body part compared to others, regardless of how much you weigh. Did you know that your body frame can be likened to the shape of a diamond?

In my opinion, there are five body types. Sometimes this determination is harder to identify than others. Often a large women is large all over. When this is the case, decide if one body part is disproportionate to or larger than other parts - this will be the key.

The pear shape diamond is smaller through the arms, shoulders and bust than the lower half and has wide hips, tush, thighs and calves.


Tips:

Jacket

Choose styles that have interest at the neck, lapel or shoulders. The goal is to broaden the shoulders just a bit to provide balance to your larger lower half. Ulla's Matte Jersey Jacket, 24546, with it's shawl collar, gathered shoulders and open front is an easy choice. Wear jackets, tops and coats that are fitted at the top but gently flare at the bottom with a slim solid bottom. Pattern plus size tops are your friend! Ulla's Dimensional Jacquard Knit Jacket, 25560, provides a great frame for your torso.

Jewelry

Bring the attention up to your neckline and face with bright, significantly sized jewelry, like Ulla's Blue and Silver Necklace, 24042. Adjust the adaptable hook so that you get a flattering 21 inch drop - right where you want the eye to focus.

Pants
Finish either plus size jacket choice with Ulla's Matte Jersey Wide-leg Pant, 85601, sleek, slimming and providing comfortable balance for the whole silhouette.

Dress

An empire waist dress is a winner for the pear shape diamond. This style draws attention to the bust or upper half of the body, because the embellishment and focus is at the neckline, right where you want it. Ulla's Sequin Bodice Knit Maxi Dress, 25220, is eye-catching at the top with graceful gathering that falls into soft folds below the bodice - perfect!

Calling pear shape diamonds to share their best tips!

Babe 
Ulla Popken Blogger & Stylist
Feel good in what you wear.