By Erika Nolan, Certified DRES Stylist

New York Fashion Week Fall 2012 may be in full swing but Spring is just around the corner. For many of us Midwestern Fashionista's warm temperatures are still months away, but it is not too early to shop for those must have items. How do you will away the cold weather? Do you shop on line or in the stores? Have you started shopping for Spring?

As you begin to convert your closet to showcase the new seasonal items, think about what pieces you will need to fill in your wardrobe. One of the trends on the runway was Peplum: peplum hems on jackets and flouncy peplum skirts were everywhere, from Alberta Ferretti to Vera Wang. Not all body shapes can comfortably pull off this trend, but for those of you Rubies out there, this is a style we can wear now and forever. A Ruby shape is classified as broader through the shoulders with a narrower hip. We need to add focus below to balance out our large shoulders or bust and we need to accent our waist. I particularly love this Jason Wu bubblegum pink peplum skirt which adds a pop of color and volume where I need it. Remember at Holobi we believe you should dress for your shape, style and color and not necessarily trends, but with that said, it is always good to find inspiration in magazines or newspapers and then translate the looks into real life.

Do you struggle with dressing your body type?
What trends are you gravitating towards this season?

There are so many ways to complement each body shape and incorporate trends you like into an appropriate outfit. Check out this most recent spread in the New York Times and let me know your thoughts on the latest Peplum craze. I am curious if there are any other Rubies out there who will be sporting this style on the streets?

Until next time, find your style.

 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.

By Margaret Spencer, Founder and CEO

Wearing loose and baggy clothes to cover your sapphire lower half is not advised.  The trick is to choose flat front pants with long pant legs that hit the ground.  A little width to the pant leg helps as does wearing low-waisted pants, provided you have a flat tummy. Pants and skirts in colors darker than your top, are recommended.

 Make sure you wear a top with an interesting neckline whether fitted or loose.  Bold patterns will do, just be sure to choose a top that is larger at the top and bottom to accommodate you’re your hips comfortably.

 Choose tops with lots of detail.  Blouses and shirts with interesting collars and pockets over the breast will bring the eye upwards to your face.  You can also look for a slim styled tunic or short dress to wear with a pair of your most comfortable pants. Dresses with an empire waistline will complement your body shape.

By Kelli Hoover, DRES Stylist in Kentucky

Think of yourself as an artist every day.  You are painting, sculpting and composing your unique canvas, your body, with the choices you make to clothe it.  

One of the basic elements of art is balance.  Balance is critical to creating a successful end masterpiece.  There are hundreds of scientific studies indicating that the human eye is attracted to balance, symmetry and harmony. However, as our canvases come in a variety of shapes and sizes, it can be difficult to know how to clothe ourselves with balance.

Holobi identifies the basic canvases as Diamond, Ruby, Emerald, and Sapphire, each bringing a unique and beautiful opportunity for balance.

A Diamond canvas should focus attention onto her slender waist. Belts are a great medium for drawing in the eye.  

Rubies need to remember to balance their bountiful shoulders or chest by adding visual interest to their lower half.  Bottoms in a lighter color with extra detailing are a good way to achieve this balance.  

Emeralds should explore how to sculpt out a waist.  Tops and jackets with princess seaming are great sculpting tools.  

Sapphires need to play with color and volume on their top half to give balance to their feminine curved hips.  Shoulder detailing and more vibrant colors on top help create balance.  

We each start out as blank canvases, and each of us has the potential to become walking masterpieces. 

Painting by Emma Hack http://www.emmahackartist.com/artist.php

By Margaret Spencer, Founder

Choosing the right suit for your body type can be a daunting experience. There are many styles, patterns and variations to choose from. You may need to try on dozens of suites before you find the right one, so be patient.  Don’t make the mistake of buying the size you want to be instead of the size you are. Ignore the size on the tag and look for what works best on your gem of a body.  Buy a swimsuit that makes you feel beautiful. The object is to find a way to create balance with your body shape.

DIAMOND

The Diamond body shapes often need support on top, so be sure to look for a bra-style swim top that lifts your bust. Highlight the waist with a belt or bikini. 

RUBY

Emeralds want to slim the middle by choosing either a one-piece or a tankini that will give the appearance of a waistline with cutouts or gathers in the center.   

SAPPHIRE

With a sapphire body shape you will be looking for a suit that enhances and draws attention to your bust, while keeping simple lines and less focus on your thighs and hips. 

Remember:

• Balance brings confidence

• Look for bra-style tops

• Separates allow you to get the best fit for your shape

• Play up your best assets with patterns and adornments

• DRES Stylists can help you find the perfect suit for your shape

By Margaret Spencer -  DRES Stylist and Founder

Standardized sizing is not very standard. It’s such a shame that so many women’s self-esteem is tied to to a label size when the sized are not consistent and unreliable. In one store you will find a size 10 fits you and in the next your a 10.

As a stylist I often find that women are wearing the wrong size clothing, and no wonder they are so confused. I see them not wanting to ever try on an item if they don’t like the number on the label. In addition you have to bring into the dressing room several sized to zero in on the right fit.

A new company has a very scientific solution to fit. It’s called MyBestFit and it will be in 13 malls along the East coast and California by the end of the year. How it works is a customer steps into a circular booth, fully dressed, and radio waves records about 200,000 measurements and tells you what size you wear at over 50 retailers. The best part is that it’s free!

If MyBestFit comes to malls in the Seattle area, I’ll be one of the first to try it. In the meantime, why can’t designers simply use the actual size of the garment, as with men’s clothing?