There are times when even a stylist has her weak moments and buys a dress just because she liked it. When I do that, I go home with a thought that if it doesn't look good, it will be returned. Thank God for stylist strong will. The dress was from Banana Republic and I even took a photo of it with the purpose of writing this post but, being in a hurry, I simply deleted it by accident. Bad luck, because for some reason it's not available online. Banana Republic - why? Colours and price aside, the key information about this dress is the shape. It was halterneck with a subtle trapese shape, exactly the same tailoring as this one: 

From the moment I saw it till the time when I tried this on, before I stood in front of the mirror back at home, I totally knew that it will look funny on me but BECAUSE IT WAS VERY ELEGANT, colours good for me, and 25% discount that day was enticing, I simply bought it but more with an intention to test it, rather than to possess it. The reason why it is not suitable for me it's because I'm a pear. Although skinny and bony, I AM a pear with hips so wide, that if I squeeze my waist really tight I can put glasses on each side of them (ssslightly exaggerated, but just). Yes, my dear pears. You will not look good in halter neck dresses so don't even look their way because the day will come when you will be tempted to give in to your "I love this dress" id. Just don't. There are plenty of clothes out there so just walk away and tell yourself that you will get something perfect for yourself. And if you succumb to the temptation and you will bring it home, please please please return it - let it serve columns and apples. 
Now, if you google halter neck dresses and pear shape, you might find various theories but believe me I tested them not only on myself but also on other clients. Pears, just tell me, how many of you have your top one (sometimes two or even three) size smaller than your bottom? A lot. I know. So now imagine that the narrowest part of the dress is emphasising your small top (that's good, yes but wait for it), then the wider part is hanging on your waist which you actually SO MUCH WANT TO SHOW OFF, not cover up, and then widening even more on your hips, yet instead of flowing freely, it barely fits and wraps you up completely losing its shape and what's even worse - ruining YOUR look. 
Apples and columns on the other hand - please do. The halter neck trapese shape dresses will make your legs look like a million dollars, apples - your tummy will disappear (make sure though that the fabric hangs loosely around your waist, and columns - you will gain a little bit curve here and there. So both of you - go for it.

Because we're now starting our first May Bank holiday and it looks like there will be some sun, I'm sure many of you have already sent out invites for a Garden Party. For this outfit I chose a lollipop body shape lady. Get inspired.

I love heels. Oh my God, how much I love them. But running around shops every day doesn't give me much choice but put on the flat flats. For that reason I possess quite ample collection of these. And every time I wear flats I think to myself - you can look fab in flats. As long as they are fab. And it hurts me every time I see a professional lady rushing through the tube corridors in a work suit or a jersey dress and grey old sports shoes on her feet. It looks horrendous so please please please! allocate some sum for a nice pair of pretty heel-less shoes.

For these season designers were not so keen on flats, but there are certain timeless pieces that irrespective of the trend are always stylish. Here are some examples.

This season we've seen heaps of whites. Chloe, Victoria Beckham, Valentino, Stella McCartney... Designers showcased top-to-bottom whites. Let's talk about whites then. 

You might be aware of the fact that there's no such thing as white-full-stop. In fact Wikipedia has defined about 18 shades of white. Some of them you know - Ivory, Vanilla, Beige, Cream... But have you heard of Seashell white or Cornsilk or Old lace? If you have been recently redecorating your house, probably yes. Also, if you're a huge Fan of Colours, then yes again... 

When it comes to fashion, or should I say - your wardrobe, you need to know Your Whites. So for example Warm Autumns look best in Warm Ivory, Cool Summer - soft white (basically it's very cold white), Light Spring - can pull off outfits in both of these shades and Cool Winter willl look like a goddess in Pure White.
Know your whites and take the runway to where you are...

I spotted these ASOS trousers and couldn't help but notice that they are an affordable version of Balmain. So here it is - all items are available at ASOS

Balmain collection is about 80s style shoulders so if you're a cornet (inverted triangle) - show them off. If you're not, fake it and strike up a brave Conquistador pose.

When styling, I put together all your criteria like lifestyle, budget, personality, personal style, suitable colours and of course your body shape. 
There are 4 main body shapes - pear, apple, strawberry (all inverted triangle) and rhubarb (or column), however, we all know, this is not that simple. So the image consultants, dieticians and personal trainers have defined a few more. 

My ultimate favourite definition is created by Trinny & Susannah. It's close to perfect. Close to, because after all, each of us is unique and irrespective of all the rules on how to dress for various body shapes, there's still YOU as YOU. Nonetheless, Trinny & Susannah's body shapes chart is my absolute Bible in my daily styling. The reason being:
* there are 12 figures as opposed to standard 4 or 6.
* they use photos of real women so you could have clearer understanding
* the guidance on what to wear for your figure is spot-on.

So here it is:

Here you can read on what to wear for your shape - Trinny & Susannah

This one is from The 16th Bar. Petite Womenswear - an American retailer targeting petite ladies.

I'm absolutely loving this one. Well, it's Dove vs Victoria Secret:)

This one is awesome - it's from Beautiful Magazine 

This one is so cute. It's by Best Body Fitness Guide

More on colour analysis:
PRETTY YOUR WORLD
12BLUEPRINTS
HOUSE OF COLOUR
COLOUR ME BEAUTIFUL

Please note that when you book a session with I A.M. the Brand you also have your colour analysis done as part of the service. If you have had your colour analysis done earlier, I work with/advise on the swatches you received.