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When done well, mixing two prints in one outfit creates a extremely well put together look.  An easy way to do this (as pictured above) is to choose two prints that incorporate the same colours, and are total opposites in pattern - i.e. one pattern with straight lines, like stripes, and another pattern with curvy lines, like this leopard print scarf.

This Outfit's for You, Circles

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This outfit is one that will feel incredibly comfortable, and look great, on a circle body shape.

Why it works:

• The cream silk tunic will drape nicely over your torso, and create a long lean line.  The long tie also helps the eye move vertically, which helps create torso length, and move the eye past the most self-conscious area of your figure.
• Tight leggings bring attention to your slim legs.  They also end at your ankle creating a horizontal line, which creates interest.  The eye is always drawn to interesting, and therefore you bring attention to another one of your best features, your ankles.
• The bracelet brings attention to your small wrists, and your potentially narrow hips.

If you're a circle shaped woman, this outfit has been designed affordably - around $100 from top to bottom - so it is easily accessible.  You can click on the image details to get a breakdown of where all the pieces can be sourced, and their individual prices.

If this outfit doesn't sound like something you would wear, one of these outfits might feel more relatable: Triangle, Inverted Triangle, Hourglass, Standard, or Rectangle.

Are You a Circle Body Shape?

Some people refer to this body shape as an apple, but calling ourselves fruit is never good for the self-esteem.  Instead, if you think of yourself as a shape, you can find clothing, and accessories, that follow your circle shape, and flatter your figure.

If you have a Circle Body Shape you:

• tend to have really narrow wrists and ankles
• limbs (arms and legs) may be your favourite feature
• tend to gain weight in your middle section
• may be self conscious of your tummy area
• have a higher waist (the narrowest part of your torso tends to be right below your breast)

Style Tips for the Circle Body Shape:

• bring attention to wrist and ankles as they are two of your best features
• garments with ruching in torso area will comfortable, and create flattering definition for your figure
• an empire waist garment (without pleats) will define the narrowest part of your torso, and float over tummy area
• show off your shapely legs
• look for pants made of stretchy fabric so the waistband feels comfortable, but the hip is narrow enough to work for you

Clothing and Accessories that will be easiest for you to wear:

• long tunics that skim your torso, will lengthen your upper body, and make it appear slimmer (wear with narrow pants like leggings or skinny jeans, to show off your shapely legs)
• bracelets bring attention to teeny wrists
• skirts and dresses are a feminine way to bring attention to legs and arms
• patterned tights bring even more attention to sexy legs
• shoes with ankle straps (very hard for many shapes to wear, but look great on you)

Look for an outfit that will flatter a circle figure coming at the end of the week!

If this shape doesn't sound like you, one of these other body shapes might feel more relatable: Triangle, Inverted Triangle, Hourglass, Standard, or Rectangle.

Dreaming of a Beach Vacation

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Dreaming of a vacation filled with sun that warms the skin, sand that tickles the toes, and swimmies that cheer the soul. 

iVillage.ca - 9 Canadian Jewelry Designers to Know

Necklace by Eliza Kozurno

Check out the article Wendy wrote for iVillage.ca "9 Canadian Jewelry Designers to Know".

Black & Gold

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I was chatting with my very stylish cousin on the weekend about how much we both absolutely love black and gold combined in an outfit.  It has such a pulled together fashion-forward feel to it, and so simple to execute with the clothes you already own.  You can use accessories that incorporate both black and gold (like pictured) or you can pair all gold accessories with black clothes.

Break the Rules

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Words to live by in life, and in style.  You need to know the rules before you can break them in a way that works well for you.  

Wendy 'Woulds' | Batwing Sleeve on Hourglass Figure

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Question submitted by Lisa: "I am seeing many dolman/batwing sleeve tops and sweaters in the stores.  They are cute, but don't have any waist definition.  Can this style be flattering on an hourglass figure?  Is the only option to belt it to nip it in at the waist?  If so, how long should be top be to avoid it looking all bunched up?  What type of bottom should it be paired with?"

Hi Lisa, thanks for the question!
 
I find that most women with hourglass figures are not comfortable in a batwing style, as it is a difficult style for them to wear.  It is best on women with inverted triangle figures (these women have hips that are narrower than their shoulders) as the style tends to balance out their body shape, and accent the narrowest part of their figure.  In general, if you try to belt this style to define your tiny hourglass waist, it looks messy... and not quite right. 

If you have an hourglass figure, and would really like to wear this style, you can make it work, it's just a little tricky.  I would suggest looking for a shirt that has a sleeve that starts to narrow just above your waist, or right at the waist (higher under the arm), so at least you bring attention to your waist even if you don't get the definition.  You could also use a necklace that ends at the top of your waist to bring attention to the narrow part of your figure, or look for a shirt in this style in a sheer fabric so you can see the outline of your silhouette underneath.

You will want to pair this style of shirt with a narrow pant or skirt, like skinny jeans or a pencil skirt, to balance the extra fabric from the sleeve.

Hope this helps you make your buying decision!
Wendy

Have your own burning style question answered by THE REFINERY.

 

Keeping it Classic

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Classic style pieces make their way into many women's wardrobes, and there are a select few who can wear all these amazing investment pieces together.  A Louis Vuitton bag, pencil skirt, navy cardigan, white blouse, nude pumps, and Chanel earrings are all pieces that you can wear for years to come, and look absolutely stunning all together... or you can pair them with other pieces that make them feel more like you.

Guest Perspective: This is what a naked woman looks like

"I really connected to this post by Carrie Klassen, because I find so often women are hard on themselves, rather than embracing who they are/what they look like, and dressing for the beautiful shape they are.  I hope you enjoy this perspective as much as I do." ~ Wendy

Carrie's Words:

I ventured into the mall today, although I hadn't planned to, because I needed to get my iPad repaired. While I was there, I passed a store with sexy little numbers in the window and thought I'd try on one or two to see if there were anything sparkly and pretty on me for New Year's Eve. 
When I got to the changeroom, another woman was checking herself in the mirror, turning at all angles. Disappointed. Although it's difficult to be objective about these things, looking at her I thought she and I had nearly identical bodies. Similar height, weight and measurements. I made a mental note to keep track of what she looked great in so I might try it too and save myself some time.

While I was struggling to pull the first stretchy, clingy dress over my body, I could hear my "twin" next door lamenting, "I need to lose weight. I have this belly." And I knew exactly what she meant. I am 5'2 (or so) and weigh 102 lbs (or so). Based on numbers alone, I know I'm not overweight. But put me in something tight and you will see the outline of my belly. I am soft where Shape magazine would have me be "defined."

My twin tried another dress and another but again and again she complained it was too snug around her middle. (Behind my curtain, I was having the same issue.) The on-commission sales clerk said, "Are you kidding? Your body is sick." (I bely my age when I tell you I know that's a compliment but that I don't understand it.) What the sales clerk likely knows is that NO woman can wear that dress without that look.

BECAUSE WOMEN HAVE CURVES.

The more she criticized her own body, the more she criticized mine. Of course it wasn't personal - all she was doing was saying things out loud that I say in my head all the time. But it wasn't until this past month that I began to think about this particular matter.

The belly.

Since its 30-something arrival, I've always looked at my little belly as "an area for improvement." An indicator that I need to get to the gym more often or eat differently, etc etc. I've begun shopping for "shapewear" and such things. When I was in Paris, though, I visited an erotica museum. There were gorgeous photographs and postcards from the 1920s up to the 60s - we're not talking Rembrandt or Rubens here - and the women had bellies. (And their breasts weren't the shape of basketballs but that's another matter.)

Here's the secret: women are not flat. We aren't.

When I dislike my belly, I'm disliking my dressing room friend's belly and that's not cool. But I'm also doing something more troubling than that. I'm disowning my femininity, my womanliness, my curves, my softness, my touchability... and on and on. I'm buying into a delusion that it's the body of woman that is flawed.

We are hating ourselves, women. Little by little, we are. And while we may be able to live with that hate ourselves (because, goodness, we women are strong), that self-hatred is also a hatred of each other. It's insidious. It's dangerous. And it, it is the thing that is sick.

Let's be healthy. Let's love our bodies with delicious foods, and lotions that smell like roses. Let's take long soaks in the tub. Let's wear strings of pearls over our hearts and breasts.

Let's remember the pleasure of being born women. And let's be grateful for every inch.

(Because I mean, seriously, can you imagine having a scrotum?)

Writer Carrie Klassen is a green tea enthusiast, amateur poet, fine point pen aficionado, INFJ Scorpio, and president of Pink Elephant Creative, a writing and design boutique for inspired entrepreneurs. She also writes workbooks and teaches workshops at Pink Elephant Academy for Entrepreneurs.

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Thought it would be fun to do a quick roundup of some REFINED. favourites from 2011 (in no particular order):

• Coco's Closet
• Chris and Wendy's Wedding Outfits
• Ziliotto
• Jewellery Storage
• Shop the Sales
• Office Chic
• Inspired by... J.
• Care Label
• 25 Ways to Wear a Scarf
• THE REFINERY Weekly Wear

Taking it Easy

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If you happen to have the day off today, what a wonderful excuse to relax inside, and enjoy a little bit of time to yourself.  Perhaps you would enjoy sipping on a hot cup of tea, and writing a list of dreams for 2012... or creating a vision board of what you would like the year to hold.