Adhering to the Code: Understanding PROPER Event Attire

I'm the little one in the middle ;)

Honeybun Cake

   

Dress the Body You Have

I am…4 foot 7.75 inches.  I weigh (?) pounds.  I have been told by seamstresses that I am “LONG waisted”, which I find very odd given that I may technically be a “midget”.  But it basically means that I have shorter than average legs, and a longer than average torso.  I would further describe my body type as “EXTREMELY CURVY”.  Everything that should protrude on a women, is really round, and protrudes really far on my body.  I often find myself gazing longingly at women in the store with “average” length legs.  Wishing that I could slip into a pair of pants off the rack as they do, because even ankle/petite length pants are far too long for me.  Most people assume that because I’m so “petite”, my size is easy to find or that I can wear anything.  But the truth is, dressing this body can sometimes feel like a disaster.

I often spend hours in dressing rooms trying on the same item in 5 different sizes until I find the one that comes the closest to a proper fit.  But I learned long ago not to fret over what others have or don’t have (in the case of my protruding lady parts)…this is the body I have, and this is the body I will dress.  If you go into my closet, at any given time, you may encounter a size spread of 4-6 sizes because not all size (?)s are created equal.  Don’t dress for a size (number), dress for the body you have.  For example, in dresses I can pretty much always wear size(?), in pants I know I have to go up at least one full size larger (to compensate for the extra roundness in the back).  It’s the fact of my "style life", I live with it.    

As women, we MUST learn to recondition our thinking.  Stop viewing your body through a lens of "problem areas".  Remove that negative label, and recognize that what you have to work with, is what YOU have to work with.  Until you do something to change it, you must DRESS THE BODY YOU HAVE.  There are tips and tricks to address areas of our bodies that don’t fit perfectly into the size (?) molds.  I believe the number one trick is proper fit (as close as you can get off the rack).  It may be necessary to get some alterations done, so be prepared to make the sacrifice of a few dollars to get it right.  You could also find someone you know who can sew, or learn some basics yourself.  I've included a sample alterations price chart for reference. 

Service	Price
Hem Pants	$10
Hem Skirts	$12
Adjust Waist	$10
Adjust Sides	$12
Adjust Jacket Sleeves	$10-$14

And remember...at the end of the day... BEAUTIFUL IS WHAT YOU LOVE (love yourself).

The More the Better...

There's a saying that goes...less is more.  However, when it comes to your wardrobe, MORE IS MORE. When attempting to put together a great look my philosophy is that multiple options give you MORE options.  Don't be content to match that same blouse with the same skirt, pumps and earrings from the last time...mix it up.  To do that, you need MORE.  The best way to accomplish "MORE" is to occasionally buy pieces you LOVE, not just pieces that you think will go with other pieces.  Don't just wait to go to the store when you NEED something for an event; instead, get in the habit of browsing.  Work to develop your entire wardrobe; that includes the shoes, accessories, outerwear, blouses, skirts, slacks, etc.  It doesn't have to cost you a lot of money.  Develop a small budget of $10-$50 a month, and just pick up a nice piece here or there.  In the end, you will have more ways to reinvent those staple pieces (the little black dress, classic suit, etc).  So the next time you see that amazing pair of pumps or statement necklace...BUY it.  Don't stop to think about what you can pair it with, just add it to your fashion arsenal.


And remember...in the end...BEAUTIFUL IS WHAT YOU LOVE (love yourself).