Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Drop Dead Diva

Read this article in The New York Times about an "overweight" character who struggles to lose weight. Recent research on weight loss, how the brain works and the truth about genetics are revealed in this article. I haven't seen this show or the character, but we might want to check it out on Lifetime.
Read the article.

Monday, September 21, 2009

How To Wear Leggings

How To Wear Leggings
By Linda Arroz
Leggings are actually very easy to wear, no matter what your age or shape.
The hot silhouettes – the shapes, for fall are bigger on top - broader shoulder and longer, as in tunic length, with a narrow bottom. Leggings work from day to dinner, so have at least two pair to wear! The length and fabric are the two most important things to look for in a legging.
One of my favorite looks is to wear black matte leggings and black low heel ankle boots with a dress that has a full skirt.

Length: The length makes a difference to the success of feeling comfortable and looking great in leggings, as a hemline is a horizontal break on the leg. Note the best length for your own leg: capri /cropped / long if you have longer legs, thin and/or shapely legs, or thin ankles. If you have thicker legs go for ankle or just above the ankle.

Alterations: Don’t hesitate to get a slight alteration to adjust the hem for the best length for you.

Tips to look and feel your best in this season’s hot trend:

Thicker Legs: Wear a tunic length top or dress.
Try ankle boots especially if you have thick ankles. Ankle boots the same color as the legging visually elongate the leg. If you have thick ankles wear ballerina flats or low heels with a scooped out oval toe box showing toe cleavage, or wear low, pointed flats or low heels.
Avoid shiny material if you have thicker legs.

Cellulite: If you have cellulite, make sure the fabric is a bit sturdier, suggestions include Danskin® leggings with Supplex®. Danskin® makes plus sizes too but the missy XL can fit up to a size 18W. Call a local dance wear store to find them and go try a pair on to see what size you have. Make sure to ask if they carry 1x etc. as they may not have in them stock but will order them. When I called a local dancewear store, they told me the XL runs large, so I was encouraged to go over there and try them on.
They fit me! In fact they are actually a bit long, but I hemmed them.
This particular fiber blend – Lycra® with Supplex® has strong but not tight with a smooth matte surface and they aren't tight around the waist. Thinner cotton leggings don't hold their shape and they can reveal lumps, bumps and bulges. Newport News has their Shape FX leggings and I just ordered the high-waisted style to try it out.

Be Your Own Stylist:
A white shirt worn a bit oversized and belted lower on the hip - or not, worn with leggings and a boyfriend jacket works for women of all ages.
Instead of a boyfriend style jacket, choose a longer cardigan, nothing too thick and not cable style.

Dresses:
Leggings work with dresses now; just remember that thinner is better for this purpose, unless you are funking it up with motorcycle boots and vintage. ;-)
Take a party dress, pair with leggings, flats or peep toe shoes, add lots of beads or arm bangles to bring the party dress down to a more casual style.

Washing Tip: turn the leggings inside out, use a detergent designed for dark loads and hang to dry. These tricks will keep your leggings black longer, as black can fade, although the Supplex® leggings don’t really fade. Avoiding the dryer will keep the elastic fibers from breaking down.