Create Your Signature Style

She wore a short skirt and a tight sweater and her figure described a set of parabolas that could cause cardiac arrest in a yak.
Woody Allen

Every woman is born with a best feature. Some spotlight it well and others can't seem to find it with a magnifying glass. This post is about 1.) finding and refining your best features or 2.) manufacturing great features where nature may have shortchanged you.

When we first "met" I told you I'd share a few of my epiphanies and here is one: My thick curly brown hair started to thin when I was young. After wearing my hair pulled back in a chignon for many years (to hide the thin spots) the conditioned worsened. So I visited a wig shop, left a blond bombshell and never looked back. I chose a light two toned blended blond shade with (borderline trashy) dark roots showing. It has become my signature style.

Is there some trade-off? I guess a little. There are times when my son is pitching in an early springtime baseball game, the wind is blowing ferociously, my hairdo wrapped in a silk scarf, I'm wearing bold black sunglasses and doing a pretty good job of affecting a movie star look. At times like these, however, I'm worrying more about whether my lid will blow off than if my son strikes out the next batter. But I can cope. Blond bombshells can, you know.

Here are some enhancing "signatures" to consider: ·

• Whiter Teeth - A great smile does increase confidence, makes you and the people around you happier. ·
• Manicure and Pedicure - "Act as if..." Act as if you live the lifestyle of which you dream. ·
• Fragrance - The olifactory sense is among the most powerful of the human senses. Own it. ·
  
• Skin - You can create beautiful skin and it's well worth the effort. ·
• Safe Tanning - Want to look slimmer, richer and healthier in minutes? ·
• Jewelry - Does it have to be real? No. It has to be bold, memorable, proportionate to your stature and it has to enhance YOU!

Think about cultivating a star quality! I hope you'll share personally enhancing ideas with each other right here. For all the significant efforts we expend each day, am I recommending a little dose of vanity? You bet, we've earned it!

Babe

Feel good in what you wear.

Custom Fit: Top Three Alterations

Some of my (new) clients balk when I suggest alterations. If getting an item altered seems time-consuming and indulgent, think of it this way - you’d have to log months at the gym to come close to what a tailor can achieve in minutes. Alterations can make you look 20 pounds thinner!

The Matte Jersey Essential Dress illustrates the bullets well.

Here are my top three alterations:

• Separate your arms from your torso.

Shortening long sleeves to three-quarter or elbow length reduces the appearance of width at hip level. The distinction from fabric to skin, torso to arms, is fresh and slenderizing. Bare skin on the forearm is a great backdrop for beautiful jewelry.

• Show-off legs.

Every woman has a “most attractive” place on her legs. Shorten skirts or dresses to just above that attractive place on you. The eye will be drawn to where the fabric ends. Personally, I have some nice shapeliness just below my knee, so I choose the bottom of my knee for my best length.

• Accent your natural waist.

Trim excess fabric in tops with well-placed darts to suggest contour at your natural waist which is the narrowest place on your torso. Tailor bottoms so that they are fitted to your natural waist and drape from that point.

Alterations allow us to look our best right here, right now - not in ten pounds. A custom fit expands our reach from “ready-to-wear” to “lucky-to wear,” great fit was formerly reserved for couture. Not anymore!

Please share some of the alterations you find necessary or helpful. We’d also love to hear how your Ulla items fit.

Babe

Feel good in what you wear.

Tribute to the Skort: Active-wear and Beyond

I’m not just an Ulla stylist, I’m an Ulla customer. As I write this message, I’m comfortably wearing Ulla’s Must-have Skort, and I might add, looking sleek and fresh. This is not always an easy accomplishment as the weather gets warm. Today, I want to get personal; I want to talk about chafing.

I want to tell you a story in the words of one of my first clients.

I was shopping in the mall and wearing a denim skirt. I was hot and uncomfortable and squatting every few steps (separating my thighs) because I was developing painful welts between my thighs as I walked. I thought I was being discreet, but I guess I wasn’t.

This big, beautiful stranger came up to me, looked me straight but compassionately in the eye and said, “Follow me, I can hook you up with relief in about 10 minutes.” I followed her to a lingerie department where she introduced me to biker’s shorts (a shaper that comes mid-way down the thigh.) AHHH!!! I haven't chafed since. When we parted she said, “We don’t have to chafe anymore.” And when she said “we” - I knew she meant it. (Debra B.)

Girlfriends, I share this story with you because Ulla offers some great products that are an antidote to chafing:

• Must-have Skort (#82810) (skirt with shorts hidden underneath) - comes in several colors
• Ulla-la! Short Panties (#62003)
• High Rise Thigh Shorts (#04906)

Please share any suggestions or tips you might have for sisters who deal with chafing. This is truly the stuff upon which we can build our community.

Babe

Feel good in what you wear.

Girlfriends - I need your help!

Our son’s high school graduation is a month away and I need to pick a great outfit! I want to look elegant, sleek and pretty; I want to feel good in what I wear.

To do that, I must select an outfit that is well-designed – namely, one that minimizes visual weight, which is the illusion that the body is larger than it really is. Visual weight is often created through the use of saturated color and extra fabric in terms of the fullness and length of the style.

You may know what I look like from my U.P. Life pictures and videos, and therefore what you think would be flattering, but please keep in mind “visual weight” and a couple of other considerations too: it will be very warm and I prefer to keep my upper arms covered.

I’ve narrowed it to three outfits that I love.

• Three Piece Duster and Pants (#52814)
• Crinkle Metallic Duster (#02465) and Crinkle Satin Tank Dress (#02269) - chocolate color
  
• Crinkle Dress and Duster Set (#53216)

I’m really hoping for some advice here. I’d love to hear your opinions and especially if you’ve had any first-hand experience with any of these three outfits, or similar Ulla styles. More the better if you’d care to share some photos!

Babe

Feel good in what you wear!

Ulla-Pants Give-away!

Pants emit a very sexy, slightly masculine, wholly durable sensibility. They are reflective of the demeanor of a strong and stylish woman. Frida Giannini

Ulla Popken will give away a pair of pants, listed below, to the first ten customers who comment here, on our blog. All we ask is that you send a corresponding email to me (babehope1@gmail.com) with your selection, size, and mailing address and agree to submit a review of the product within 30 days.

Pants are a highly personal part of developing a wardrobe that really works. That is why I often suggest that my clients start with bottoms and then work their way up in developing outfits. Personally, I look for sleek, elongating comfort in pants.

Five Ulla Styles – Which ones are right for you?

• Feel soft and pretty…

and reduce visual weight with our Drawstring Hem Capri (12831)

• Elongate your silhouette…

with a straight shape (pair with tonal footwear) such as our

Matte Jersey Straight Leg Pants (02635)

• Look lean and well-tailored…

and forget about wrinkles with our Essential Pencil Leg Pants (64822)

• Seek comfort and sophistication…

and get a flattering drape with our Wide-leg Stretch Knits Pants (91624)

• Channel strong and stylish…

and balance full hips with our boot-cut Jeans (regular wash available) (11841)

I’d love to hear what you look for in pants and if you agree or disagree with the Giannini quote (above) or how you’d tweak it!

Babe

Feel good in what you wear!

Warm-Weatherize with Color

The best color in the whole world is the one that looks good on you! Coco Chanel

Pick a fresh, fabulous color! I love lavender and shades of cool-lavender love me. Here’s a three-point test.

• When you walk into a room or peruse rich colors in clothing, what color pops out and makes you happy?
• In natural daylight, examine the area beneath your eyes. If it’s deep blue or purple, choose cool tones. If it’s yellow, green or brown, choose warm tones.
• Bring an item of that color, in a cool or warm tone close to your face, if your face lights up and imperfections seem to fade, it’s your color!

Warm tones tend to include reds, pinks, and oranges. Cool tones include blues, greens, and purples. Choose coordinated items, head to toe, for a pulled-together, polished look. Here's a cool-tone collection I've put together for myself.

• Crepe Shacket, 02326 (orchid)
• Crepe Dress, 02283 (orchid)
• Our Favorite Smock Dress, 11241 (violet)
• Fan Print Tunic, 12542
• Stretch Artist Print Tunic, 11579
• Print Floral Scarf, 11999
• Andiamo Beaded Slide, 12932 (lilac)
• Wishbone Espadrille, 11915 (purple)

Be colorful and enjoy! How do you bring color into your wardrobe?

Babe

Feel good in what you wear!

Packing Smart

One suitcase, one heck of a well-dressed vacation! A dozen pieces and one is not an iron.

Three fabrications beg to be packed:

• Cotton
• light to carry
• stylishly wrinkled for interesting texture

• The Matte Jersey Group - 95% polyester/5% spandex
• colors and prints mix and match with each other and many other items

• Ponte Knit - 95%poly/5% spandex
• great anchor pieces

1. Print Halter Dress (02287)

2. Casual Crinkle Blouse (82408) – Watermelon

3. Matte Jersey Pants (02635) – Navy

4. Matte Jersey Angel Sleeve Jacket (02571) – Navy or Blue Print

5. Matte Jersey Tank Top (94568) – Navy

6. Matte Jersey Essential Dress (12233) – Blue Print

7. Ponte Knit Suit Jacket (11566) – Black

8. Ponte Knit Suit pants (11635) – Black

9. Graffiti Print Tank (12538)

10. Baby Doll Embroidered Blouse (12437)

11. Pintuck Stretch Blouse (91432) – White

12. Gathered Neck Tank (12550) - Pacific

Twelve pieces, well over 12 outfits, how many combos can you make?

Babe

Feel good in what you wear!

Love your Ulla!

According to one of our very smart customers, who commented recently…"I love Ulla Tops, Tops, Tops!! …Pair them with black, white, navy slacks--even JEANS -- and you're GORGEOUS!!"

A few customer-favorite tops and why they love them:

• Star Dolman Tee (11583) Love this t-shirt. Just the right amount of room in the fit, and this is after washing. Sleeves are comfortable. I’d recommend this to a friend. (Raven from Juneau, AK)

• Baby Doll Embroidered Blouse (12437) This top is everything you want it to be. It’s comfortable, attractive and flattering. Well made, washes up well. I only wish it came in a couple of other colors, I’d recommend it for anyone looking for casual hot weather tops. (Mary from St. Augustine, FL)

• Sequin Burnout Tunic Jacket (11441) This is a very comfortable duster and with a little shimmer in it and very light and could be worn with dress or tank top and pants. A must have for something special. (Diane from Orleans, Ontario)

When I hear words like, “Love, just the right amount, I’d recommend, A must have” …I know our shopping dollar is well-respected.

Please share your Ulla-favorites!

Babe

Feel good in what you wear!

A Tale of Three Dresses

Dresses are the way to go to make the quickest and biggest impact on your spring wardrobe ... especially with this 15% Off Ulla Dresses offer!

Dresses ...

• are one-stop-shopping. Add a shrug or a sweater (or not,) a fresh pair of sandals and some great jewelry and go!

• offer the longest vertical line possible, top to bottom in the same color palette, solid or print, creating a flattering, sleek line on every woman.

• are cost-effective - you get a whole outfit with one piece of clothing.

• show skin, neckline, arms and legs, which is fresh and open and says “I’m ready for spring!”

Each of these dresses can be worn to casual, career and special occasions, because the quality, fabric and coloration make these items highly transitional. A quick change of accessories and out-the-door.

• Lace Trimmed Tiered Dress (12235)
• Matte Jersey Essential Print Dress (12233)
• Chiffon and Lace Dress (12234)
• Andiamo Buckle Sling Sandals (12933).

All Ulla dresses are 15% off when you use the code: Babe15, March 28-April 3, 2011!

(Offer excludes Outlet.)

Please share "wardrobe impact" ideas!

Babe

Fade and Focus

“To thine own self be true.” Yup, Shakespeare got it over 400 years ago and some of us still struggle with it today. My concept of Fade and Focus is about knowing yourself, heart and body, and pretty-partying accordingly.

Heart: it’s all about selecting styles that reflect your life style, comfort zone, aesthetic sensibilities as well as that which you aspire to become.

Body: it’s about minimizing and distracting from your larger, puffier areas (fade) and identifying your most attractive areas and putting the spotlight there (focus).

Some women find it difficult to acknowledge their most attractive areas. It isn’t their fault it is the result of a lifetime of media, with the help of Mattel, lauding the virtues of Barbie-doll-proportioned women. Academics from the University of South Australia suggest the likelihood of a woman having Barbie's body shape is one in 100,000. Other reports make Barbie even more unrealistic.

Here’s an exercise I want you to try:

Privately, stand in front of a full-length mirror (dressed is fine.) Emotionally, step outside yourself, stand off to the side and become your best girlfriend, or someone specific, who loves you. From their perspective, tell the person standing in front of the mirror, what her most attractive features are and remind her that she is lovely and you love her. Those are the attributes (face, hair, eyes, skin tone, shoulders, neck, décolletage, arms, hands, legs, etc.) you must trust and highlight!

Here’s a glimpse of Fade and Focus for me in this video. I love my face, hair, décolletage, forearms, hands, legs, ankles and my height. I choose to “fade” my tummy, hips, thighs and upper arms.

Please post - share the attributes that you will be focusing on (spotlighting.) If you’re stuck, post a clear photo and I’ll show you the love you can’t give yourself – yet!

Girlfriends, it is foundational to build your wardrobe by accentuating the positive!

Babe

Vertical Storylines

What do 6 foot, size 2 models and real women like us have in common? We both hang our prettiest silhouette on the longest looking body line possible, the former are born with it and we must create it. And that’s okay, because we can.

Your tallest silhouette hangs on two things.

The line of the outfit:

Keep the silhouette narrow and worn close to the body. Choose soft fabrics that drape. Select tone on tone or monochromatic palettes, and vertically designed details like, seaming, single breasted jackets and zip-front jackets.

The fit of the clothing:

Choose intimates that smooth but don’t restrict. A perennial favorite are the Ulla-la! short panties. They do just that and are a great deal starting at $14. Pick fabrics that are fluid but have enough body to glide and not cling. Ulla’s best selling matte jerseys accomplish this beautifully. Two styles I particularly like are the essential dress starting at only $39 #12233 and angel sleeve jacket #02571 at only $44. Too big or too tight equally compromise your vertical storyline.

You’ve succeeded in creating a vertical storyline if…

• The lines and illusions of this outfit go up and down.
• All items float closely and gently on the body.

Want to telegraph your vertical storyline? Stand up straight, roll your shoulders back, focus your eyes and chin on the subject ahead, smile and think, “Hello world!”

Please share other ways that you telegraph confidence and walk tall!

Babe

Wardrobe Building: A Foundation of Physical and Emotional Comfort

“To be a fashionable woman is to know yourself, know what you represent, and know what works for you. To be ‘in fashion’ could be a disaster on 90% of women. You are not a page out of Vogue.”-Author Unknown

Shopping for plus size women can be either exhausting or exhilarating – the choice is yours. To make it fun and productive, I suggest three things:

• Develop a Pretty Party Portfolio
• Inventory your closet ruthlessly
• Develop a shopping plan

A Pretty Party Portfolio is a plastic accordion envelope with 12 compartments. This becomes the place where you identify and organize your wish list. Each time you come across something that intrigues you from a magazine or catalog, cut it out and put it in the correct section (tops, bottoms, dresses, jackets, footwear, jewelry, handbags, etc.). While you may not purchase the specific item you’ve identified, often you can replicate the style or feature that is appealing in an item that is appropriate for you. This is how you inform and inspire yourself before shopping, and get real bang for your buck!

Next, inventory your closet. If you haven’t worn it in a year or more, repair, donate or trash it. If an item is attractive but not right for you for any reason, physical or emotional, let it go, make room for the things you love and will wear. I’ve heard it said that women do NOT wear between 70-80% of what’s in their closet.

From what remains in your closet, put together several outfits, carefully identify a shopping plan based on what is missing to make the outfit complete and in ready-to-walk-out-the-door condition. Start a list or use the Essential Inventory Card, shown here and referred to in my book, Pretty Plus. You need at least two go-to outfits for every occasion of your lifestyle. This is the beginning of developing a shopping plan and building a wardrobe that works for YOU!

Please help me start a conversation here by commenting on:

My fashion wants and needs are…

Babe

Body Frames: A Balancing Act

The inimitable Coco Chanel said “Fashion is architecture: it’s a matter of proportions,” so while my size (and budget) bars Chanel labels from my closet; Chanel wisdom thrives there. Proportion is about understanding your body frame, leading to my concept of Fade and Focus which will help you pick flattering, fashionable items every time you shop.

Your frame is the basic shape of your body, 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? So, why not call yourself, “a round diamond?” I do.

Pear Shape Diamond

Smaller through the arms, shoulders and breasts, however, has wider hips, tush, thighs and calves.

Balance wide hips by inserting a small shoulder pad your top.

Heart Shape Diamond

Broad and full through the arms, shoulders and ribcage, however, narrows through the hips, thighs, and legs.

Use dark, muted colors on top and bold shades or patterns on the bottom.

Marquise Shape Diamond

Thinner arms, shoulders, hips, tush and legs, however, has a full tummy.

Wear tops that are fitted through the arms and shoulders and fall into an A-line - interesting patterns through the tummy can actually distract from puffiness.

Round Shape Diamond

Round and full through the arms, shoulders, back, tummy, hips and thighs, however, has a noticeable waist and shapely legs. If you’re confused about which diamond shape you are – if you’re curvy but proportionate - and have a waist, this is your frame.

Wear dresses and skirts that hit the bottom of your knee to show off shapely legs.

Emerald Shape Diamond

Wide and full from the shoulders and arms through the hips, thighs and legs and has no appreciable indentation at the waist. If you’re confused about your frame – and you’re proportionate but straight up and down, this is your frame.

Wear items that that have gentle curvy lines embedded through cut or pattern.

Stop hiding behind your clothes. Wear sleeker items where you can to promote a shapely, smart silhouette. Not being aware of your shape causes the biggest mistakes and wastes money. Knowing which diamond you are, however, is the beginning of manufacturing the silhouette you seek, consistently.

If you’re still unsure, Ask Babe…”Am I a marquise or a round shape diamond?”

Send in photos of yourself, which I’ll post on the site to help you and others determine your diamond, and I’ll suggest some styles that will complement too!

Babe

GIVE-AWAY! What I Look For In An Anchor Piece

ULLA POPKEN IS GIVING AWAY ONE OF THE ANCHOR PIECES HIGHLIGHTED BELOW TO THE FIRST 10 LADIES TO RESPOND TO THIS POST!

I love this pink jacket! This jacket is a great example of an anchor piece, it is also what I call a go-to item, and they often overlap.

I look for three things in an anchor piece:

1. It has the muscle to be the backbone of many outfits, and can reach across the different facets of my lifestyle: casual, career and special occasion.
2. It is a go-to item, it flatters every time.
3. Its coloration and fabrication make it easy to identify the right accessories.

Here’s why the Sparkle Stretch Knit Jacket, which I’m wearing in this video, works for me.

1. It has the muscle to work with one of my three signature looks: the long, uninterrupted column of black underneath (tank top and skirt or slacks,) giving me casual, career and dressy options. It will also work with a white lace tank top and jeans.
2. It is cut well and the fabric drapes lean but doesn’t cling: flattering princess seaming, vertical lines of detail (seams and buttons) both of which are emphasized by leaving the jacket partially open.
3. The fabric is shot with a gold metallic thread so I know that gold jewelry will accessorize well and the pink color flows right into the coordinating print floral scarf, which together, polish the outfit.

An anchor piece doesn’t have to be a jacket, but let’s consider these top pieces for now, each one could be a go-to item:

• Shawl Collar Matte Jersey Jacket

• Animal Print Jacket

• Sheer Abstract Color Tunic Duster

• Stone Detail Stretch Top

The GIVE-AWAY!

Ulla Popken is pleased to give away your choice of one of these items to the first ten bloggers to respond to babehope1@gmail.com. All we ask in return, is you review the product and share your review within 30 days. It's that simple. Reviews should be sent to babehope1@gmail.com. We'll post the reviews on Talking It U.P.

In the meantime, we'd love to hear from you. Please post what you look for in an anchor piece or any questions you may have regarding this topic.

Babe

Strategic Black and Other Comfort Zones

Imagine standing in front of your closet still half asleep and instinctively knowing what to reach for, when you need an outfit that will make you feel pretty and confident in a snap. Reach for strategic black: You know this outfit will work every time – that’s what I call a comfort zone!

Strategic Black requires that you know yourself. What part of your body do you want to accentuate and what part do you want to minimize? Strategic Black, using black (or deep muted) coloration in a flat matte jersey (or similar fabrication) to minimize AND bursts of color or interest (within the garment, outfit or accessories) to focus attention. If it’s all black, it may be spectacular, but it’s not “strategic” - every wardrobe has room for both!

Especially after the holidays, life is just easier when you have identified at least two strategic black outfits for each occasion of your lifestyle – casual, career and special occasion. There should never be a time when you feel frustrated because you have “nothing to wear.” Here are a few easy examples of strategic black:

Strategic Black within the Outfit:

• Matte Jersey Straight Leg Pants (Choose the slacks to create a sleeker lower half.)
  

Strategic Black within the Item:

• Water Stripe Stretch Tie-Dye Hoodie Outfit (Choose the hoodie to elongate and trim upper torso.)

• Embroidered Stretch Knit Dress (Choose this dress to emphasize a waist and soften puffy arms and hips.)

• Ikat Colorblock Knit Dress (Choose this dress to create balance between a large bust and arms and a smaller lower half.)

• Moody Blue Batik Tunic (Choose this tunic to draw attention to the neckline and chest and soften a larger tummy, hips and thighs.)

Strategic Black Questions answered here!!

Using Strategic Black is the beginning of understanding your body frame and how to achieve the illusion of balance and harmony. If you have questions about how to make Strategic Black work for you, all you have to do is ask!

Babe

Muzzle the Scale: Empowerment is Not a Number

The title of this week's blog was inspired by the work of Geneen Roth, author of Women Food and God.

"You're sailing along in life, feeling pretty good about everything, even your body. No, it isn't perfect, but it is yours and it's doing what it's supposed to do - mowing the lawn, ironing your skirt, playing baseball with the kids. Then you get on the scale. You weigh more than you thought you did, and within a nanosecond, the scary voice in your mind begins to rant: 'You're fat, you're a failure, you don't deserve to feel good about anything!' Suddenly everything that was right before you stepped on the scale is wrong."

What's wrong with this picture? The number on the scale says how much you weigh but not who you are, where you stand, what you achieve, how you love - or even, how good you look. Perhaps these are the benchmarks that matter. When you think of phenomenal women, I doubt the scale is a relevant tool of assessment at all. I doubt they are putting their life on hold weighting for the scale to reflect a lower number before living their life to the fullest.

What makes some women phenomenal? How do some women manage to get it all done? Anais Nin said, "Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one's courage."

Ulla Popken is proud to put the spotlight on inspirational women through our new video blog series called Living It U.P. These phenomenal women are role models who help each of us muzzle the scale!

In our first video, The Sky's the Limit, meet model Julie Henderson and our first Living It U.P. phenomenal woman, Yvonne Baldwin. Very inspiring! Thank you, Yvonne!

If you know a special woman, like Yvonne, who is Living It U.P. , please nominate her, by March 14, 2011. Nominations can be made for someone else or yourself. The next selection will be made in April. We will shoot the video in May and post it on this site in June. In the meantime, please share your personal stories of inspiration with us, right here, at Talking It U.P.

Babe

Rockin' the Red Dress

For the last 50 years, the movie industry has been captivated by a woman in red. For good reason: there's something about a red dress, especially on Valentine's Day, that can really rev up your star power.

My secret to rockin' a red dress is threefold:

1. Choose hosiery and heels (even a kitten heel) in the same coloration to lengthen and narrow your silhouette, black with black, nude with silver or gold. If you are a person of color, choose pewter or bronze. You want your shoes to match your skin tone as closely as possible.

2. Select sexy, feminine accessories like an evening bag or bold jewelry. Choose accessories that are bold and significant enough for women of our stature.

3. Wear a firm, full-length slip underneath. The slip should be fitted through the bust and drape snuggly from a high, empire waist, and that will help create a flattering shape, smooth out bumps for an overall toned quality. Did I mention the color? Black. The texture? Satin. And that will take care of the rest of the evening!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Babe

Red Surplice Tieback Stretch Knit Dress
Red Stretch Knit Velvet Surplice Dress
Red Matte Jersey Gathered Maxi Dress
Camel or Black Open Toe Sling-Back
Bronze or Black Sling-Back
Carol for Eva Graham Jet Bead Necklace

New Year's Resolutions: Silence the Hungry Heart

My relationship with food caused the metaphor "didn't fit in" to become my literal truth, pushing me to the outskirts of certain social circles, including fashion circles. Food became my knee-jerk reaction to everything: celebration, sorrow, boredom and friendship. Each new January, for more than I care to count, I would resolve to lose weight...and falter within days (if not hours).

I'm not sure what I was afraid of - life or living it plus size - I thought dieting was the answer to everything. Then life dealt me three awakenings and I learned the only thing I had feared was fear itself.

A diet was not the answer for me. I decided to make fashion fun and to make its accoutrements work for me. I decided to stop the pity party and launch a pretty party. I identified one area in particular that detracted from my overall appearance and turned it into my star-quality signature. I'll reveal that and my three awakenings to you in time, as we get to know each other better.

I've learned that there is no enemy. Today my New Year's resolutions focus on nurturing those I love and me as well.

I'd love to hear your New Year's resolutions especially those that nurture and encourage. Please share them. Girlfriends, the days of starving to fit in are over!

Babe

Talking it U.P.

Join Babe Hope as we launch our new community site - Talking it U.P. Talking it U.P. is more than a blog it's a community of women encouraging each other to be their personal best. We will discuss topics of interest to you. We'll share videos of inspirational women and some great fashion advice. Babe Hope will moderate and she has a passion for fashion with compassion. We'll turn the pity party into a pretty party with fun along the way.

We look forward to you joining us and hearing from you. We know you'll be glad you did.