Take Root and Write

Where do you think you're going looking like that?

 

As a teen, something I heard constantly from my mother was, "Where do you think you are going looking like that young lady?" Ugh. Hearing those words come out of her mouth would bring such dread to my soul. It meant two things: I was changing my clothes, and that my mom and I were going to get into one of our huge fights.

Does that sound familiar? For many years - probably even centuries - children have been pushing the boundaries including what they are going to wear. Imagine the first woman to wear pants or the first man to grow long hair...they definitely pushed the boundaries. Even though it seems as if nothing is getting through to our kids (that they'll keep doing whatever they want), that is not always the case! Everything you tell your son/daughter is sticking--the catch is it may not take effect until they are older. This can change - you can talk to them now about this and it can stick. For the next couple of entries I want to be able to provide some great tips on how to talk with your kids.

If your little angel hasn't started pushing the boundaries with what they are wearing - I am sad to say - they will soon. Unfortunately, it is part of our human nature to rebel (in some shape or form). Everyone desires some sense of independence. It starts out with your toddler screaming "NO!" while trying to do things on their own. Next thing you know they're a little older and want to eat what they want, when they want. Next step may be fighting over the friends, but it varies from child to child. That little angel of yours at this point gets tired of being called an angel and begins to push the boundaries on what they wear. For me it was when I turned 11 - for some it might be sooner (and by the way the world is going don't be shocked if it's as soon as the 3rd grade). For even more it could be later. One thing remains as a constant for all children - they are doing this not only for independence but for attention. Attention from guys, attention from girls or just attention from their friends. This week let's talk about those sweet little girls.

Challenge of a Good Fit...Part 2

My last article discussed the challenge of a good fit for the Extra Curvy. I did fail to mention that those tips can be applied to any shape and/or size...my apologies sisters. Now it is on to the next body types.

The next shape is Diamond or a little extra in the middle. On this shape of women I have seen an unfortunate trend; accentuation of their skinny legs with skin tight pants and skirts. This makes the top half look even larger by comparison. Stay away from anything that is not structured, i.e. jersey shirts (good enough for sleepy time but not work time), boxy sweaters, and even the big puffy jackets. Yes, I did just say that. Regardless of how warm they are; big puffy jackets are no one's friend - well maybe your son or daughter's friend...but definitely not a friend of yours!

You see, with a puffy jacket you look about 40 lbs heavier. If you are one of those people who think "At least I'm warm Jessica", then I am sad to say there are other ways of staying warm and still being fashionable. Wool blend coats are very warm! Believe me, I speak from experience. I'm not trying to tell you it's better to be fashionable than warm. What I'm trying to say is there are other options to the puffy jacket. A warm wool blend coat with a scarf is shockingly sufficient. It never hurts to try out the coat and see what I am talking about ladies.

Back to what I was saying: structure is your friend. A great look for someone with a little extra in the middle is: A dark sweater; sweaters are fine as long as they fitted to a degree and not boxy. Pair a sweater with a dark wide-leg jean (or a nice A-line skirt) and a nice structured coat or jacket.

Next let's take a look at the hourglass figure or Curvy overall, the triangle or bigger on the bottom and the upside-down triangle or bigger on top. Women who have hips to die for, tend to wear the super-low rise items and end up with an unfortunate result...the muffin top.

Challenge of a Good Fit...Part 1

 

The challenge of good fit plagues every person in America. I don't care what size you are, I am telling you most people wear clothes that are either too big or too small for them. I have seen countless fashion "faux pas" recently and I want to help you, my dear sisters!

Let's start at the very beginning - a very good place to start (sorry, I had to). I am going to be very frank with you and tell you the problem starts with those evil little numbers...on the clothes. So many of us - I am including myself in there - get "done in" by that number. "Oh, I'm a size 6" or "I just dropped to a size 12". Those numbers are evil ladies - evil! Please do me the favor of not even taking that number seriously. Think of it as a suggestion (a "guess"timation if you will) of the actual number you are. I say this because a size 14 in jeans might actually be a size 16 in khakis. I'll go even a little farther to divulge a nasty little secret: retail stores lie about those sizes.

That's right, you heard me ladies. They lie about that size on those jeans you wear every day! It's called vanity sizing. Their thinking goes along these lines: women can't handle the truth about their weight and that she is not the size10 she thought she was; she is actually a size 18. Did you know, ladies, that the size 8's of today are actually the size 10's from yesteryear? I did some research on my own when I heard this and confirmed this shocking truth.

Intro: Fashionistas Fuse!

Do you ever wish you had a personal shopper and/or stylist who could just tell you what to wear, when to wear it, and how much to spend? Are you that type that says they have no fashion sense? Awesome! Join me as I take a look at the latest fashions, styles and best prices for each. Also, as I go over ways to talk to your daughter or son about the proper way to wear the latest styles. Love or Hate fashion we are all fashionista's in our own right.

By, Jessica Torres

Column Posted Every 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month.

Rock What You Wear!

Fashionista: A term used to define a woman with a penchant for and a natural flair for combining both current and vintage fashionable trends.

Don't tell me - I know what is going through that mind of yours right now: "Rock what you wear?! What is a column on Fashion doing here?" or "I have no time for fashion. Let me pass over this column." Well my friends, you would be sadly mistaken on both parts. As Coco Chanel said: "Fashion is everywhere. You cannot escape fashion!"

When you hear the term 'fashionable' or 'being in style' they are not only talking about the latest shoe from Jimmy Choo or the 'much sought after' Birkin Bag. They are talking about attitude, how high you hold your head up. Ladies, you need to Rock What You Wear! The last thing that I want you to feel is unworthy (such a nasty word - isn't it). I do not want to hear the words: "I have no fashion sense" - girls, smack your hands right now because honey, everyone has fashion sense! It's just a matter of whether or not you are listening to that little voice inside your head - you see it's the one that says: "Ugh! Not that ugly outfit again!"

Everyone has a hero right? Well, my hero is my mother. But not only is she my hero - she is my  "fashion icon". She taught me so much! This woman will wear makeup, have her hair done, and wear nice dress pants - to go to the grocery store! She is my inspiration for everything. I always think - if she can do it so can I. Quite literally, that woman awoke the fashionista in me! You know what? I want to do the same for you! No, I do not want ya'll to follow the trends - fashionista's make trends!

Let's say that you're off to pick up little Mikey from Little League and all you have to wear is a pair of sweats. You can totally work a pair of sweats!