Accommodating Thick Ankles

Ankles are seldom mentioned in fashion magazines, yet they are pivotal elements of how our calves meet our high heels! A clever turning of your foot—started by your lovely ankle—for instance, gives poise and elegance! Furthermore, the size of our ankles can affect how our calves look.

It can be a bit frustrating, therefore, when they rank among one of our dislikes! Often, our ankles are wider than we would like or our calves aren’t large enough to balance our bone size. While this certainly shouldn’t rank too high in your list of concerns, there are definitely some techniques available for minimizing the appearance of your ankles….and I don’t mean wearing snow boots!

Flattering Choices:

Wear heels with pointed toes as rounded or squared toes stop the continuity of your leg abruptly, making it appear stumpy!

Heels...enough said!  Mules and slingbacks are great options!

Pair dark, opaque hose with the same color heels; the dark color has a slimming effect while the continuity of color draws attention away from the shape, shifting the eyes to other parts of your appearance that are more appealing.

If you're not wearing hose or tights, opt for heels that match the tone of your leg!  Once again, continuity will slim them!


Less Flattering Choices:

The ever-so-fun shoe shopping 'No-No' list:

* No flats or birkenstocks

* No flipflips or loafers

* Keep away from gladiators or lace up platforms

* Clogs and ugs will look horrible...on any woman!

* White tennis shoes or white heels will draw too much attention.

* Sneakers and even kitten heels can detract from your appearance.

* Also, refrain from wearing heels that greatly contrast with your skin color!

Thick Calves...Lucky You!

Our calf muscle can be quite the alluring object if handled correctly. It is for this reason that many were shocked in the early 1920s as women began showing their calves. Contrary to common knowledge, any scholar can attest to the fact that the flapper dresses of the Roaring Twenties came to the knee.

They weren’t these mini-skirt numbers you see creep out for Halloween parties amongst the wilder in our society. Add a bolero over those bare arms and a bra, and the flapper dress would hardly be recognized.

The key, however, is how sexy a calf or a nicely-turned ankle can be. If you notice, most flapper skirts had fringe on the bottom hem. Why? Because such adornment drew the eyes to the woman’s legs for closer admiration!

This being said, you already have gorgeous, full calves or you wouldn’t be reading this page! The key, however, is—once again—balancing the calf with the rest of your body to give a balanced—if somewhat curvaceous—appearance.

To this end, I hope the following tips get you started in the right direction!
Flattering Choices:

Solid colored pumps are best; having too much ornamentation can make your legs look a bit too chunky with items!

Solid color A-line skirts add width to the area just above your calves, adding balance.

Very cute and chic:  black hose (preferably opaque) with dark colored heels to lengthen the leg and slim it!

High heel boots work well as long as they aren't tight enough to cause 'muffin leg'!

Maxi dresses or shorter skirts in darker colors like black, brown, or navy are slimming should you have fluff higher up!


Less Flattering Choices:

Ankle strap heels are a mistake as they often appear to be cutting into your ankles!  Only wear these if you small ankles.

Gladiators are never good; neither are those that lace up your ankle!

Bright colored hose or those with busy designs draw too much attention as does pasty white skin so get some sun!

Steer clear of ugs or furry boots; they don't flatter any woman, unfortunately!

Final 'no-no's: leggings that end at the ankle or fishnet that will accentuate very large calves.  I know putting leggings under your skirt for outdoor activities is common but for dressier events, please refrain no matter what your size!

Tummy Troubles? Not Any More!

Tummy? What tummy? Who? Where?
That’s what the response should be next time you’re complaining to a girlfriend about your diet! The fact is, that kind of anonymity for your stomach is not that far away. In fact, it’s probably hiding in your closet right now!

It’s time to wake up a smell the roses. None of us are perfect, and often—sometimes after childbirth but sometimes just because—we women put on a little pouch. But so what? With all we go through, I think we’re entitled to a little bit, don’t you?

The point is, a tummy is no reason to hide yourself in tent-like clothing. There is no need to become a hermit and go into hiding! Simply develop an awareness of what styles of clothing flatter you and disguise the little things you dislike about yourself. Here are a few quick tips to get you started!

Flattering Choices:

A-line swing jackets are a must!  They are gorgeous, trendy, and hide flaws without even trying!

Blazers or boyfriend jackets with shoulder pads that read to mid-thigh smooth the transitions of your abdomen and give width to your shoulders to balance it out!

Structured dresses with higher waistlines or even dresses with empire waistlines can look great and pull you in where you are small!

A pencil skirt underneath the swing jacket, blazer, or even a classy trench coat can accentuate your smaller, shapely legs!  Super cute and sexy!


Less Flattering Choices:

Refrain from wide belts.  The big block of color over your widest section emphasizes it!

Fitted t-shirts are not a good choice for obvious reasons!

No high-waisted skirts or tucking in your shirt.  This once again draws attention to your middle section!

Heavy layering can be as detrimental as tight clothing if it occurs at your mid-section.

Light colors, white, and elastic are all big 'no-no's!

Finally, say 'No' to shapeless clothes!  Accentuate what you have and mask what you dislike!  If you have great legs and calves, try the swing jacket and pencil skirt to get some looks!

Masking an Ample Back

Depending on the snugness of our bra straps, most of us suffer from a little break in the continuity of our backs. A little roll might show here and there.

While we would be correct in saying that it is a common problem and nothing out of the ordinary, that doesn’t mean we couldn’t look better, right?

If the lumps on your back are detracting from the YOU that you would like people to see, try these simple tips:

Flattering Choices:

A-shape, flowing tops are a must if this is really a problem!

Try a blouson!  It is loose around the abdomen but cinches at the hips; it's very trendy, cute, and the perfect cover for extra lumps!

A crisp tunic that falls straight from the shoulders to the hip makes your abdomen a solid and masks lumps.  You may need to add shoulder pads to make your shoulder width match your hips!

Prints and florals can draw the eye away from lumps as long as the prints and flowers are not too large.

An empire waistline works wonders!



Less Flattering Choices:

Tight shirts that show where each curve begins and ends as well as where your bra buckles are is not only indecent--it's unattractive!

Short jackets or boleros!  You need length for a smooth, continuous look for opt for longer jackets!!!

Sheer, layered dresses aren't a good idea; neither are silk and satin!  You don't want anything that clings or shines because it will highlight the cruves you are trying to mask.

Horizontal stripes are a huge 'no-no' for most body types!!

Baggy clothes hide your femininity.  There are definitely some flattering choices for you so don't hide yourself!