By Elizabeth Noblitt, Certified DRES Stylist

Trying to find a belt that is functional to wear while golfing can be an arduous task.   I had been wearing fabric ones that lay flat but there’s always the question – “What do you do with the flap?”  You know, all the extra belt that’s left over at the end that you inevitably try to contort into a knot to keep it from hanging down and interrupting my swing.

Problem solved with hipsi,  the ingenious belt designed by two career women-turned-moms.  Both Alyson Harber and Amy Sirich, the company’s founders, are golfers but the idea began when they started dreaming of a belt to wear with their Seattle soccer mom uniform of t-shirts and jeans.  They created a long list of criteria including no flap, it would lay flat, be invisible under their shirts, and be fashionable.  When they looked and couldn’t find anything, they knew they were onto something.

It took nine months of designing, but their finished product is brilliant.   The buckles come in various colors and designs and are interchangeable.  Your first purchase of $60 is a belt and matching buckle of either “Back in Black” or “Bubbly,” a champagne color.  You can then purchase additional buckles, for $32, each named after a song.  The belt itself is made of superior-grade elastic and doesn’t have a lot of give, so it stays in place.  They come in three sizes AND have bra hooks on the inside so that you can adjust it to go around your waist and your hips.

When I ask them how they came up with the name, Alyson and Amy look at each other and smile.  “It’s a play on words of ‘hip’ and ‘hips,’” Amy explains.  “But it wasn’t our  first choice.  We were getting ready to submit our trademark application for the original name and Victoria’s Secret beat us to it.  So we made this up instead.” “Hipsi fits the company so much better,”  Alyson adds.  I agree.

I tried the belt when I went golfing and it works perfectly.  It doesn’t slip, move around, or have the annoying flap.  And, it looks great.  What more can a girl ask for?

To see the whole collection and buy your favorite, go to hipsiworld.com.

By Erika Nolan, Certified DRES Stylist

At Holobi, we believe that every woman is a precious gem.  The D.R.E.S. system is based on years of research and mathematical equations. We have discovered that the ideal body shape is a Diamond, which is defined as similar width in shoulders and hips with a smaller waist.  I guess they say you always want what you don't have but when I am working with clients I think it is important to focus on their positive assets.  So whether you are a Ruby, an Emerald or a Sapphire, we strive to help our clients restore balance in the body and build confidence.

I have been reading a lot about body image and interestingly enough, there is recent research proving that men too like curves.  Lavinia Rodriguez, a US Clinical Psychologist, has found that men prefer a more rounded shape.  Her study found that men are more accepting of a wider range of body shapes than women.  Women are intuitively very hard on themselves which is not warranted. 

The last time you got dressed was it for yourself or to impress someone else?

Do you struggle with your body image?

At Holobi, we work with our clients to enhance their own body shape.  So, for instance if you are a Ruby, which is classified as larger shoulders or bust with smaller hips or thighs, it is important for you to de-emphasize the upper half of your body and add volume in the hips.  By dressing for your shape you are creating curves.  The study also found that size wasn't as important as the proportion.

Ironically, on this same topic, Vogue Italia, always willing to up the ante, celebrated curvy models by featuring a trio of beauties, considered to be plus size, on the June cover.  To me they look fabulous not plus size but in the fashion world the standards are unrealistic.  The pressure and expectations on models could be a whole other controversial topic of discussion!

At Holobi, we honor all shapes, sizes and ages.  We should dress for ourselves not the men in our lives but if knowing that curves are acceptable to the opposite sex gives those ladies with a more bodacious body the confidence to flaunt it, then more power to them.  On the flip side, for those of us who are not well endowed we can certainly find the right clothes to give that illusion! Either way, embrace what you have and celebrate your shape!

Until next time, find your style!

By Margaret Spencer, Founder and CEO

Emerald

With an Emerald Shape you want to achieve the appearance of a waist.  You can accomplish this by wearing a blouse of a contrasting color from your skirt of pants.  It also helps to choose a top that has some movement to it, a kind of flowing or softly belted, giving the illusion of a waist.

You want to show off the curves you do have.  Look for pants with pockets in interesting places.

Belts of all kinds will work magic for your gem of a body.  Whether the belt is fancy and elaborate or plain, it will be needed to provide you with symmetry. 

By Margaret Spencer, Founder and CEO

Diamond

What we want to do is to minimize your curves by choosing loose but not sloppy tops with a drop waist.  Keep it simple with tops of light flowing fabric with little detail, or even a simple cardigan would do. 

You don’t want pants with pockets.  Flat front pants with wide legs will help hide your curves.

Pants without pockets will be easier to alter if you need the waist taken in.  You might try finding pants with a knit waist.  Jeans with lycra are a good choice as the waist will be likely to shrink lending a better fit.

If you like wearing shirts, make sure they have plenty of stretch and fit your breasts.  Blouses may be easier to fit and even a quality sweater will work well, with a plain neckline.  To avoid shrinkage, be sure to wash sweaters by hand.  You might try a nice warp dress to adorn your lovely curves.  

By Margaret Spencer, Founder and CEO

Ruby

For your Ruby Shape you will be looking for plain, v-neck or scoop neck tops with simple collars and no pockets over the breasts.  Well fitting with no pulling across the front.

Pants that are a bit loose will give a casual appearance and you will enjoy yourself in comfort.  If you have a small backside, you can stand to wear front pleated pants a long as your tummy is flat.

Pants that have something to draw attention to your lower half will help you create the balanced silhouette you are looking for. You will look great in flared skirts, or shirtdresses.  You might also experiment with a wrap dress.