Stylin' Tip: Wedding Dress Love!

Shopping for a wedding dress can be a frustrating process, but it is much worse when you are over size 10. The traditional wedding dress shops do not carry larger sample sizes (and if they do you are most likely to try on a princess gown resembling something possibly worn in the Victorian era) so how are you to know if something is the right shape and style for you? You want to look modern and pretty, just like everyone else!

I totally understand this predicament as I was married a few years back and took (for me) the easy way out- I made my dress. But going store to store trying to get an idea of what I liked was so hard because I couldn’t try anything on and I was (and still am) angry about the whole thing. Here is a pic of my dress:

It had a lace jacket, was tea-length and a had pops of color in the crinoline and waistband!

So, below are some possible options to help you get through this process alive and make it a bit more fun!

Tip #1: Think outside of the box. Who says you have to buy your dress from the “traditional” wedding shop with all their rules and fees. I say, look for dresses that are plus-size that can be added to or manipulated to create what you have in mind. Adding lace, beading, tool, etc. can all be done by a seamstress relatively easily and can end up getting you exactly what you want.

I would also search at vintage stores to see if you could spruce up a used number (an old wedding gown or simply a white dress).

Also maybe think about getting a new dress that isn't necessarily white- just something you like a lot- and add white accessories and shoes to make it look really bridal. A really great printed dress would look fab with a great headpiece, belt and shoes!

Tip #2: Buy Online I know this can be scary, but it is a great place to start. Be prepared to pay for some alterations once you get it, and perhaps some design adjustments, but really, you could have a totally one of a kind look this way.

Madison Plus has a great list of online stores with fab dresses! Check it out HERE!

As long as the dress is purchased from a reputable site, you should be able to get all the measurements you need to order the right size. This can also be cost effective. The downside to this is knowing what style looks good on you.

Some tips:
-strapless is a nice fit on basically everyone (I also love the halter and sweetheart necklines)
-try getting or adding a lace jacket for the ceremony- it is soft and demure and helps hide some of those trouble spots around the arms most of us have
-Tea length or short dresses are super cute and you don't have to worry about getting them hemmed
-think of a dress you have that you wear often and like the shape of. Try and mimic that style for your wedding gown- it is important to choose something that suits your personal style.

Tip #3: Go Custom Made Keeping in mind the tips I just gave you above for fit, locate pictures of things you like and bring them to a local seamstress or designer. If you don’t know anyone, go on Craigslist or ask around. It shouldn’t be that hard to find someone in your area you like. Most will work with you to create a custom look. Remember this process is all about trust. If you aren't feeling the vibe of the designer, just walk away. Don't feel bad about that. If this is the case, be prepared to spend at the very minimum $1000. It takes a lot of time to create a customized dress just for you and just consider this- it is your wedding day after all- treat yourself!

Hope you all have beautiful weddings and know that I am here if you need me!
Xoxo
Stefanie

Stylin' Tip: Bra Fit Secrets

So I'm not really sure if these are "secrets" or not, but it always good to get a refresher, don't you think?

First of all, you don’t need to live in discomfort and you don’t need to be ashamed of your size- big or small we are all fab! So don't be afraid to get your bra fit professionally. I have had it done numerous times and I can tell you there is nothing to fear. If you choose a smallish bra boutique (avoid stores at the mall if at all possible), you will get the best service and the best fit.

Fitting a bra is complicated and I don’t want to freak you out here with too many details. What I do want to tell you about are some simple things that will help make the bras you already have fit better (and maybe even talk some sense into you and convince you to buy a new bra).

Here are some basic tips to get you started:

Tip #1
Trust The Underwire. I hear people complain about underwire often, and really, I don’t get it. Underwire is the best invention ever! It lifts and holds those ladies up! If you are having trouble feeling comfortable with underwire style bras, you definitely are wearing the wrong size. The wire should be just on the outer edge of your breast and should not be digging into you anywhere. (See photo Tip#1)

Tip#2
Pull Up The Straps! If you are wearing a bra everyday, there is going to be movement; In particular, movement in the straps. The straps are a great way to add extra lift and definition to your breasts. Check them and make sure you are at the maximum resistance level. (See photo Tip #2)

Tip#3
Make Sure To Pull Your Breast Into The Cup. This is a must- after you put on your bra, you must take your hand and manually ensure your breast is in the cup. It helps the bra sit flatter against your chest, gives you more cleavage, and is definitely more comfortable.

Tip#4
Never Wear A Sports Bra Outside Of The Gym. A sports bra is the devil. First of all, it obviously does nothing for the figure- it flattens, it shows the nipples, and it is so tight and bulky it makes it look like you have a log on your chest. I am of the mind that if you have a bra that fits right, you will never need a sports bra, not even for the gym. A good bra will hold you in, lift you up, and not bother you. Second, they are just uncomfortable. Do you really want a huge elastic band strapped to your chest making you all sweaty and leaving you looking like a man? I didn’t think so.

Tip#5
Always Wear A Bra. Listen, I know this may sound harsh and anti-feminist, but it isn’t, I swear. Without a bra, you look at least 1 size bigger than you are. Why? Because your breasts sag into your chest and meld with your stomach and create one large mass which is totally unflattering. It may be comfortable, but it is not appealing to the eye. The only reason I can see not wearing a bra is because it is uncomfortable; that only happens if you wearing the wrong size (both being too big or too small can cause troubles). With the right size, you won’t even realize you are wearing a bra and the rest of the world won't be distracted by your sagging chest.

Tip#6
Beware of the problems. If you are wearing the wrong size here are some of the clues and possible solutions:

The Bra Band Rides Up In The Back: Adjustment of the straps or getting larger cup/band size should help (See photo Tip #6 A)

The Bra Underwire Cuts In At The Sides: Try adjusting your cup size. You’ll most likely need a bigger one

The Centre Front Is Not Sitting Flat Against Your Chest,
There Is A Bulge Created In The Front Where The Edge Of The Cup Meets Your Skin, Or
The Bottom Of The Cup Is Not Sitting Flat Against Your Chest: Your cup size is most likely too small (See photo Tip #6 B)

There Is Gaping In The Cup,
The Band Is Sagging Or Loose, Or
You Just Can’t Seem To Get Any Lift: Your cup and/or band size is probably too big

So again, please don’t be afraid to get fit properly. It is actually a lot of fun and you will feel so much better after. Don’t forget, it is really important if you gain or lose weight that you get re-fitted. Your body is constantly changing and you may need to adjust your size from time to time. The good news is, if you are wearing a bra correctly you can look sizes smaller and feel a lot sexier in the process.

xoxo
Stefanie

Stylin' Tip: The Half-wrap Shirt

I have seen this style of shirt everywhere, on every woman, in every size. It can be the most flattering fit if worn correctly, but worn incorrectly it can be disastrous. I’m sure you’ve seen it as well…

It isn’t always the fault of the wearer; I’ll give you that. Most of the time this style blouse is made by the manufacturer in haste, not taking into account the actual size of a woman’s bust. This is the main problem. The line of this shirt cuts right across the widest part of the bust and the fabric below falls in such a way that it makes a woman’s entire upper body look like a linebackers.

 

So some quick tips on how to avoid this troublesome issue: