Kill With Curves: Tips for Dressing a Curvy Figure

As we have explored in i’mperfect, beauty comes in all shapes and sizes. This includes killer curves. Just as we’ve offered advice on dressing a petite frame, there are tons of ways to play up your curves.

Below are ways to accentuate your gorgeous figure.

Variety, Variety, VarietyAccording to vogue.com, belts have been used as an “easy way out” for much too long. Do not be afraid to emphasize other body parts. Tall heels, for example, are a great way to make your legs look longer.

Your Best DressAccording to instyle.com, the best dress for your body includes semi-fitted styles that follow your curves and show off the waist. Other flattering styles include sheaths and full skirts.

Try wearing dresses that cut diagonally or on the bias. The dress should hug the hips and fall loosely to the thighs and calves, showing off your fantastic figure.

Find Your Middle GroundYou should find balance between clothes that are loose and fitted.  You have amazing curves, so embrace them!  Avoid necklines that might be too high--experiment with v-necks and scoop necks to find what you feel most comfortable in.

Finding a middle ground applies to fabrics too! Go for medium weight knits--not too bulky, but not too clingy either.

Solid ShadesBlack looks great on a curvy figure, but be sure to pop some color into that wardrobe! Add bursts of bright colors, and mix and match solid colors with attention-grabbing patterns. Colors like neutral brown and navy are solid choices too when you add personality with colorful accents.

Tailor It!Finding a good tailor always helps make clothing look flattering. Good alterations take clothes from looking boxy to fitting. Tailors can also raise hemlines on dresses, skirts, and pants to make them fit your figure perfectly. Even Kim Kardashian (save your groan) said: “"Anything you wear should be proportioned to your body, and a good tailor will make sure everything fits perfectly. I either have my tailor at every fitting or I have my stylist pin my wardrobe and take it to the tailor before I wear anything.”

ConfidenceAs you have probably heard before, sexiness is confidence. Rock that form-fitting dress with a healthy dose of confidence and you will turn heads!

 

By: Isabella Basco

Dressing a Petite Frame

Beauty comes in all shapes and sizes. In the case of celebrities like Natalie Portman, Reese Witherspoon, Eva Longoria, and Lea Michele, beauty tends to be a lot smaller.

In other words, these gorgeous women all share one thing in common: their height. All are at least 5’3 or under.

There is no doubt that different figures require different ways of dressing. In the case of petite women, there are certain suggestions for style that are great for elongating a petite figure.

1. Wearing dressesDresses are exactly what petite women needs to elongate their figure!

Knee-length dresses, specifically, help make you look taller. Just remember to wear dresses with simple solid or print patterns. Complex and busy patterns will overwhelm your small frame.

2. Small, statement bagsAs a 5’1 child, I used to love oversized tote bags. I often got the response: “That bag is bigger than you, Issa.” I used to laugh about it nonchalantly until I realized how true it is. Big bags on petite women look overwhelming! Something that is smaller and more understated is better fitting for smaller women.

3. Stay snug!A snug fit is best for petite women. Big sweaters and flowy skirts look overwhelming you. Wearing clothing that properly fits the body helps define and maintain the shape.

4. Leg is bestPetite women should wear outfits that show off their legs because it will help make you look taller. Showing of your legs will make them look long, creating the illusion that you’re taller and your legs are longer.

As petite women we may be shorter, but we have big style!

By: Isabella Basco 

Traveling Fashionista: How to Be Stylish Abroad

If you are lucky enough to travel abroad--whether for school or just vacationing--packing is one of the most important tasks. Some traveling fashionistas might wonder: “How can I stay stylish with limited packing space?”

As a traveling fashionista myself, I decided to compile a list of essentials that are useful for your future treks.

1. Sturdy Walking Shoes

This fall, I am studying in Salamanca, Spain. As I looked for shoes for my semester abroad, the saleswoman suggested I find solid walking shoes.

Traveling usually involves lots of walking. For instance, if you are sightseeing in Europe, keep in mind that cobblestoned streets might be hard on the feet. Whether it’s a darling pair of converse sneakers, boots, or Toms (my personal favorite), wear something comfortable. Those Jimmy Choo or Louboutin heels can be used for another occasion!

2. Solid Colors

As much as I love patterns, traveling equals simplicity and sophistication. Collegefashion.net suggests ladies bring solid colors. After all, they are a safe bet for whatever country or continent you are traveling in. The basics are always a must in fashion: Plain white or black shirts, skirts, dresses, etc.

3. One of everything (including something fancy!)

Every summer, I travel to San Francisco for a family trip and the Bay Area weather in July is much different from Memphis humidity! I usually bring a jacket for the summers but also remember to bring one of everything: shorts, pants, long-sleeved shirts, short-sleeved shirts, rain boots, sneakers, heels, a study coat, etc.

Whether you are going abroad for summer, winter, fall, or spring, it is important to pack one of every type of clothing because as we all know, weather is unpredictable. You never know if it will rain or shine! Always bring something nice when packing for a trip. Don’t go overboard with 5 fancy dresses. 1 or 2 should do but always prepare for a possible international date.

4. Cross-body bag

There are few things more annoying than a heavy purse, especially when traveling. A sturdy cross-body bag is always a good investment and light on the back and shoulders.

Prepare to pack your bag light as well. Packing the essentials like your guidebook, sunglasses, sunscreen, phone, and wallet should sustain you.

And my last advice for all of you traveling fashionistas...

While these essentials might sound too practical, remember the best way to update and keep your wardrobe fresh is accessorizing. I suggest packing the basics and then using a few accessories to update old outfits. There is always a way to stay stylish even out of a small space!

By: Isabella Basco

Skin That’s In!

If someone were to ask me one of my biggest insecurities, it would be my skin.

Growing up I struggled with eczema, which basically meant I always had really dry skin. As my parents lathered layers of moisturizer on me, my skin would always get inflamed or itchy in the sun.

It was all over my body and people always asked me about scratches on certain parts of my body.

Needless to say, skincare has been a hobby and interest of mine as a result. In fact, I consider it to be the key to looking fresh and healthy. Forget caking on make-up. Beautiful skin is in.

As women, I believe taking care of our skin will not only protect our health but will also protect our complexions and self-image. While beauty isn’t everything, it is one part of the mosaic that is you.

Thus, I decided to compile dermatologists’ advice on how to maintain skin that is in. Read below for more information!

1. Wear lots of sunscreenThis does not just apply to the beach. Since it is summer, you will always be in the sun. While it is fun to get Vitamin D, the sun can always be very damaging to the skin. According to prevention.com, dermatologists suggest wearing sunscreen whenever you go out whether it’s in a casual setting or by the pool.

Wear SPF 30 or above and generously apply it to the face, neck, and ears.

2. Less stressAs a compulsive type-A personality I know stress well and trust me, it does not look good. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, stress can cause acne lesions that are inflamed. Whether it’s yoga, bubble baths, face masks, or listening to calm music, remember to take time out for yourself.

Remember the less the stress, the better!

3. Face wash and moisturizerIt is great to start your day off with a healthy breakfast and brushing your teeth. Add a solid skincare regimen to that as well for an even better start to your day. Use a trusty skin cleanser like Cetaphil Facewash or Cerave and remember to always moisturize.

Hopefully these tips will boost your confidence and health—we always want to encourage you to take care of and love the skin you’re in!

By: Isabella Basco 

Different Cultural Perceptions of Beauty

When it comes to beauty, we have often heard the phrase: “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.” After all, there is no doubt that there is definitely more than one kind of beauty in America. Blonde and blue eyes are no longer the characteristics of the standard “All-American Girl”—she comes in all figures, can have any eye color or hair color, and is simply gorgeous.

If such differences can exist in just America, imagine the different kinds of beauty that exists all over the world. Interestingly enough, different countries have different perceptions of what beauty is.

Skin Tone...While some Americans work hard to be tan, people in the Philippines and Thailand love light skin. As we use tanning beds and self-tanning lotions, they use skin-whitening treatments.  Appreciate the skin you’re in—we know you are beautiful as you are!

Ears...Different cultures’ perceptions of beauty define attractiveness in other specific parts of the body. For example, according to hercampus.com, the Masai women of Kenya emphasize their earlobes. They pierce them, stretch them out, and then remove the teeth from the jaw and shave their heads.

Eyes...In South Korea, women undergo surgery to obtain wide, round eyes while French women enjoy minimizing their eye size with as much make-up as possible. Statistics say 1 in 10 women undergo eye lifts to “westernize” their eyes.

Scars...According to cosmopolitan.com, women’s scars are considered pretty in the Karo tribe of Ethiopia while the Maori people of New Zealand consider tattooed lips and chins attractive.

Weight...Do you believe skinny is in? Well, it is not in Mauritania, where weight gain is popular. In fact, it is so popular that parents send their daughters to camp to eat 15,000 calories per day. Gaining weight in this country is often associated with status, which makes certain women appear more appealing to men.

The lengths that women pay, sacrifice, and travel for the price of beauty is astounding. Whether it is plastic surgery, skin treatments, weight-gaining camps, or simply piling on the cosmetics, one universal truth about beauty around the world is that women are highly prized for it.

But like any solid relationship, the relationship we have with our faces and bodies requires balance. One truth I believe women should know is that it is important to feel confident, and one of the easiest ways to feel confident is to feel comfortable with the way you look.

It is perfectly fine to care about how we present ourselves to the world, but don’t let it consume you.  You are perfect.

By: Isabella Basco 

The Dangers of Tanning Beds

Tan. It is something most women aspire to be. There is no limit to what some women do to attain it, whether it is lying on the beach for hours or paying to use tanning beds.

While changing the color of your skin tone might seem harmless, there are many dangers associated with tanning beds.

Breaking it downAccording to Doctor Oz, tans and sunburns are the same because both damage your skin. Whether you become golden brown like a cookie or red like a lobster, your skin has been exposed to UV radiation. But the real danger of tanning isn’t remembering to reapply sunscreen, but rather the use of tanning beds to achieve a summertime glow.

Why are tanning beds bad?Tanning beds themselves are much worse than the actual act of tanning itself. The rays emitted from the sun, UVA and UVB, are potentially cancer-causing depending on the amount of exposure. But tanning beds exceed safe UV exposure limits: your skin is NOT safe in a tanning bed, so please stop putting it in one.

Well I’m not actually in the sun, so this process can’t be harmful to me. You only get skin cancer by sitting on the beach.

Think again. Routinely using tanning beds can put you at as much risk for skin cancer as tanning (or burning) on the beach. In addition your cataracts and corneas could be burned and damaged.

The numbers32% percent of Caucasian women ages 18 to 21 use tanning beds.

30% of white women ages 22 to 25 say they use tanning beds.

40% of college students admit to using them to tan as well.

People who use tanning beds at least once a month are increasing their melanoma risk by 75%.

And doctors believe tanning beds are a cause for the rise of melanoma amongst girls from the ages of 18 to 39.

Tanning—the healthier wayIf you still want to achieve a sun-kissed glow but do not want to risk your health, there are options: try self-tanning products or if on the beach, use lots of sunscreen to both tan and protect skin.

But the most important piece of beauty advice I can offer is to remember that tan skin does not make a person beautiful—health does.

By: Isabella Basco 

Mom’s the Word

We all have one and we all have some kind of significant relationship with them. They tell us if a skirt is too short or if your makeup is too heavy. They teach us the differences between right and wrong. They nurture us, care for us, worry about us, and most importantly, love us.

That’s right, I’m talking about our mothers.

And more often than not, they are a key influence in how we see ourselves physically. According to webmd.com, the cause of weight concerns for many teenage girls is having mothers who are worried about their weight and looks as well as having mothers who are overly concerned with their daughters’ appearances.

There is no doubt that as children, we pay attention to every move our mother makes. Playing with my mother’s cosmetics and clothing was my favorite “womanly,” thing to do as a child.

Whether your mother is constantly reminding you to check the weight scale, count your calories or even constantly praises how beautiful you are, here are some great tips on how to maintain a healthy relationship with the most important woman in your life about body image.

1. Communicate openly with her.If you feel there is too much pressure about maintaining a certain weight or looking a certain way, sit her down and tell her how you feel. Communication is key to any great relationship.

2. Work together.If you do want to make an effort to be healthier and your mother is pressuring you too much or not pressuring you enough, make an effort to run a few miles together, bike or complete a 5K or cook healthy recipes together. It’s a great bonding effort!

3. Build each other up.A lot of the way we see ourselves stem from how our parents see us, not strangers. Parents and children that build each other up will help better your relationship long-term.

4. Love.Love each other. Love yourselves. That’s ultimately the best beauty advice anyone can give you. Always remember, your mother loves you more than life itself—which includes your body. So embrace it and love it!

By: Isabella Basco 

The Definition of Sexy

What is sexy?

To society, sexy may be exposing cleavage, wearing crop tops, or rocking daisy dukes. “Hot,” a variation on the term, might be Britney Spears and her form-fitting outfits in the late 90’s, Jennifer Lopez’s hourglass figure, or Kim Kardashian’s famous bottom.

In general, there is no shortage of “sexy,” in this society. We can find it on our television screens, the glossy pages of a magazine, or in the window displays of a mall.  Society’s definition of sexy is accessible to anyone who wants to see it or be it.

But should we limit our definition of “sexy” to a certain look, or should we expand it to include other positive qualities like confidence?

While we may believe form-fitting clothing may seem sexy to guys, what about our attitude? To guys, there is nothing hotter than a woman owning who she is, loving herself, and doing the things in life that make her her.

One example of a sexy woman is Beyoncé. While she is unbelievably gorgeous, what makes Beyoncé stand out is her confidence. Whether she is rocking the Super Bowl halftime or being a nurturing mother to Blue Ivy, she lets her light shine through. There is no doubt that Beyoncé would not be as appealing if she weren’t super-confident on stage.

To me, sexiness is confidence. There is nothing that exudes intrigue or excitement more than a woman who is comfortable with whom she is.

Renowned actress Sophia Loren defines sexy best: “I think the quality of sexiness comes from within. It is something that is in you...and it really doesn’t have much to do with breasts or thighs or the pout of your lips.”

So, own who you are, strut, and believe that sexiness is not found in a fashion trend, but by putting your best self forward.

By: Isabella Basco 

Makeup Less: Why Makeup is Not Needed to Feel Beautiful

Wearing makeup was never interesting to me in high school. After getting only 4 hours of sleep a night, it was amazing I could even put together a decent outfit in the morning.

To me, being smart was more important than looking beautiful. So once I got to college, I assumed I would carry this mentality with me.

But things changed once I got to college and suddenly, there were bevies of attractive boys everywhere: the cafeteria, my dorm hall, my resident

advisers. Wearing makeup seemed like the easiest way to make myself look better to get their attention. Thus, I soon became another consumer of the billion-dollar industry.

When I got to the point of never being able to leave my dorm room without some form of color on my face, boys or no boys, I decided to go “makeup free” for a day during finals week.

“I get the no makeup thing too,” said one friend.

“Oh goodness, you look so tired,” said another.

These were two comments already made to me by just going a day without makeup. So I wonder: Are we a society conditioning women to believe that women are only beautiful with cosmetics?

There is no doubt that the makeup industry capitalizes off of insecurity. According to a study done by Science Daily, one way cosmetics companies make money off of consumers is implying there is something wrong with their “natural look” by showing photographs of incredibly beautiful models.

And it is ironic that the word we use for cosmetics is “makeup.” It is as if we subconsciously name it because cosmetics are used as a way of masquerading our natural selves to the world. When we do not want to look one way, we can use it to tailor ourselves to look another.

We can wear red lipstick to look bolder or catch more attention. We can use concealer to hide the massive bags under our eyes from late nights of studying. Or we can use eyeliner to make our eyes “pop” more.

My hope is that these industries can use their influence to encourage women’s uniqueness—beauty is found in curly and straight hair, curvy or pin-thin figures, and Asian or Hispanic ethnicities.

Luckily, we have sites like The Dove Campaign for Real Beauty which began in 2004. Their campaign launched a discussion about the limited definition of beauty in society. Operation

Beautiful was begun as a campaign to end “negative self-talk,” where positive post-it messages are left all over public restrooms to combat any negative feelings one has when looking at themselves.

One high school in Texas even fostered a campaign where over 1,000 females showed up to school all-natural.

I am not saying there is anything wrong with wearing makeup. Just like style, it is a powerful form of self-expression and experimentation for women.

“For me, I use makeup as a way to play with my gender presentation rather than as a way of getting external approval,” Molly Dunn, a senior at Wake Forest University said.

It is only when we depend on the cosmetics to feel beautiful that it becomes dangerous.

Like any great relationship, ours with beauty revolves around balance.

“I am not going to lie, makeup makes me feel more confident,” Gracie Harrington, a junior at WFU said. “However, I have always told myself that I can wear it, as long as I believe I look beautiful as well without makeup.”

By: Isabella Basco 

Learn Your Lipstick: The Perfect Shades for Every Occasion

When reflecting on the topic of lipstick, a friend once told me it is a very “womanly” thing to wear. I could not agree more. While some of us might

see lipstick as another cosmetic, I see it as a significant staple in the world of beauty for women.

Lipstick defines the look you want to present at a certain event or occasion. It can be subtle or a bold statement. Since there are multiple brands and colors of lipstick for women to choose from, it’s important to know what shades to wear and when to wear them.

For Daytime EventsIf you are heading to a bridal shower, tea, church or to meet the parents, we think it is best to wear a light pink lip-gloss with that flowy sundress. Light lip-gloss is easy to find amongst all brands from Benefit to Laura Mercier to Neutrogena. It is also the perfect kind of cosmetic for ladies to start out wearing if they aren’t comfortable with bolder lipstick.

For A Night on the TownAre you later hoping to pull out the shimmery tops and Jimmy Choo heels for a nighttime event? Celebrating a Bachelorette party or just hitting the clubs? Now is the time to take out a sexy shade like red lipstick or a burst of orange. While many believe that they cannot rock a red lipstick well, that’s simply not true! There are multiple brands and shades of red lipstick. By visiting a counter at your local mall or Sephora, they can happily work with you to find a good color for you.

A note of caution: when wearing bold lipstick, make sure to opt for a lighter application of other makeup. You want the attention to gravitate to your lips, not the rest of your face. So if you decide to rock a smoky-eye on your night out, choose a more subtle lipstick color so the looks do not compete with one another. While it is fun to wear bold colors, it is important to have balance in your makeup palette as well.

Making the Ordinary ExtraordinaryNow let’s talk about the everyday things. Whenever you are running errands or rushing to the gas station, are you questioning whether it is still appropriate to wear lipstick? The answer is yes! Lipstick can be worn on all occasions. You should never turn down the chance to have fun with your cosmetics. Just make sure you pick the right colors. It is best to go with a

pink nude color—it is subtle with that extra “pop” of color to your complexion.

For a day at the office, try a more purple or berry tone. It is noticeable but not too showy. Appear professional and put-together with this more balanced color.

Final AdviceEvery woman should embrace the power of lipstick—it keeps your mouth moisturized and fashionable. Add this pop of confidence to your beauty routine and you will be turning heads!

By: Isabella Basco 

The Beauty That Really Counts

“I will never be the woman with the perfect hair, who can wear white and not spill on it,” Carrie Bradshaw famously said. After hopelessly comparing herself with Big’s second (but not permanent) and perfectly manicured wife, Natasha, the beloved Carrie felt inadequate.

While it might have taken Mr. Big a lot longer to appreciate her, women everywhere fell in love with Carrie on Sex and the City. Her unique style, quirky humor, and wild, curly, hair won us all over leading to movies, spin-offs and a legacy that helped empower women to be strong, single and feel absolutely fabulous in any pair of heels.

Bradshaw is just one of many characters in television who help redefine beauty inside and out. From Rachel on Friends to Olivia Pope on Scandal, television offers some of the greatest icons that any girl can learn from.

Her beauty was so sought-after that they even named a widely imitated haircut after her character called “The Rachel.” One of the female characters to help redefine beauty in the 90’s was Rachel Green on Friends. On the show, Friends fans clearly see that Rachel grows beyond her superficial lens: she transforms from a “poor little rich girl,” to a woman who is able to stand on her own two feet. She develops a high-powered career and becomes more than her Daddy’s credit card. Her story is a testament to how one can grow beyond what people “expect” or “label” them.

With the emergence of Callie Khouri and Shonda Rimes as show creators, strong women are becoming the norm on television. On Khouri’s Nashville, Juliette Barnes and Rayna James are the show’s two central characters: both fighting to be the reigning queens of country music. Juliette offers a lot of sparkle on and off stage by fighting for what she believes in whether it comes to her beliefs or what is best for her career or her troubled mother.

Rayna takes a stand as a strong woman of conviction by breaking away from her record label and starting a business of her own. Both women are gorgeous, talented and will happily fight for what they believe in. In a genre dominated by males, the fact that the show is centered on two female country superstars represents how far women can make it, which is the true test of beauty in our modern society.

In Shonda Rimes’s Scandal, Kerry Washington’s passionate portrayal of Olivia Pope is a testament to how far women have come. Washington is the first African-American female lead in a network drama in several years. The show has received a lot of praise and started a lot of conversation about race in television. Washington’s character goes beyond stereotypes or archetypes but instead delves deep into the emotions of a human constantly in crisis from her personal to professional life. But Olivia holds her own in the office, in a boardroom with the President, or at odds with her father. But while her beauty is obvious in the realms of D.C., Pope’s sharp tongue and quick wit are her most valued assets on the show. That, and her endless array of incredible trench coats.

What is one theme you see in all these women on television? It is not that they just offer beauty on the outside, but their professionalism, passion and intelligence is what really makes them stand out, which can be just as true for us women outside of the television sets. So remember the beauty that really counts.

By: Isabella Basco