Fashion
How I Got Into Fashion
(From the Founder of RealSize in the City Shelitha)
I have loved fashion all of my life. True story anyone who knows me knows that this is a fact. I have always walked to the beat of a different drum with fashion. What ever everyone else was doing what ever the trend was I would figure out how to make the trend my own so that I could stand out from the rest. Huge ego at the time
I guess.
I can remember when I was in the middle of my 7th grade school year and had gotten a report card that wasn’t up to my moms standards and my mother asked me “Shelitha what do you plan to do with your future?" I said with a huge smile “I am going to move to Paris, design clothes for Chanel and live in a Château.” WOW even when I think about it today… My Godmother Olivia loves to tell my mothers response to that statment…Well over the years my sense of style has helped so many women. I had only gone to college for a couple of semesters for Image Consulting and Personal Shopping those were my vices. I never finished however I did learn some valuable and basic key information. I knew one day that my style, flair and flamboyant personality would get me somewhere...someday…
As a former Web Merchandise Fashion Stylist for Torrid.com a national plus size retailer, I had the great opportunity to style many of you RealSize Hotties. It is great to meet so many Beautiful women and be apart of that change from Fashion Faux Pas to Fashion Oooo la la!
Through this Fashion and Style section we plan to give you the right tools so that you can learn to be your own stylist to create your own style and be able to have fun with fashion without the faux pas.
There is no reason for us to be Fat and dressed Frumpy. RealSize fashions have been made affordable by such retailers as Wal-Mart and my favorite Target. The list goes on and on. I am a vintage/thrift store shopper myself, what a great way to find great deals!
One thing you should remember is that before you can say a word what you are wearing has already told a story and speaks volumes. What do you want your clothing to say about you? Also it is not only what you wear but how you wear it. The way you walk, the way you sit, how comfortable you look in what you are wearing. These are all major factors in your appearance. When you look Fabulous you should feel just as Fabulous and confident. I love high heels if I am in a pair of jeans and a tee and flats I am comfy and casual but when I throw on a pair of heels my walk changes from comfy and sweet to sassy and sexy! Yup that is what fashion can do for you!
Unleashing your inner Fashionista...the beginning!
Before we get started we want to give you one of the best tips ever. Are you familiar with one of the Top Celebrity Couture Fashion Designers Mr. Bradley Bayou? Well if not we are sure you have seen some of his fashions on the Red Carpet. Mr. Bayou has dressed some of the hottest celebrities out there. Oprah, Salma Hayek, Eva Longoria, Queen Latifa and Halle Berry just to name a few. Mr. Bayou has realized that we women come in all different shapes and sizes. He has written a book “The Science of Sexy” it is a sort of fashion bible if you will and totally works for the Real Size woman of today.
According to Mr. Bayou, the average American woman is 5’4” and weighs 160 pounds and wears at least a size 14 (as if we did not already know that). Any-hoot “The Science of Sexy” covers every shape and size and will help you to identify your unique silhouette shape (this is very very important) triangle, inverted triangle (that’s me) rectangle, or hourglass); then combines that information with your height and weight to determine which of forty-eight body types to turn to in the book. Each fitting room has Bradley’s specific advise on what to wear, what not to wear, what to conceal and what to reveal.
From: The Science of Sexy
-Bradley Bayou
Whatever your size whatever your shape, I can make you look great.
Here’s one example.
"Before I dressed Queen Latifah for the Academy Awards, she was known mostly as a rapper and wasn’t used to wearing glamorous gowns. In 2003 when she was nominated for the Best supporting Actress in Chicago, she wanted to make a grand entrance on the red carpet. She was nervous at the fitting because she’s not thin like most actresses. Yet wearing my gown, she looked beautiful. I continued to dress her, and by 2004 she had appeared in People magazine’s “Best Dressed” list and was called “among the year’s most dazzling in my dress at the Golden Globes".
"But Queen Latifah isn’t my only sexy success story. I’ve also helped other stars look stunning on the red carpet. In recent years, some of the celebrities I’ve dressed include:
Oprah Winfrey, Kristin Davis, Barbbra Streisand, Eva Mendes, Coretta Scott King, Mena Suvari, Donna Summer, Cybthia Nixon, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Mariah Carey, Mary J. Blige, Jenna Elfman, Regina King, Paula Abdul, Kerry Washington, Serena Williams, Felicity Huffman, Marcia Cross, Selma Blair, and Geena Davis".
-Bradley Bayou
What is the Science of Sexy?
The foundation boils down to two simple things
1.Dress to balance your body
Dress to balance your body2.Learn to conceal your flaws and reveal your assets
Learn to conceal your flaws and reveal your assetsBy the way we get no money for promoting this book…We wish we did. We just believe it is a great asset to creating your own style and becoming more fashionable not to mention there are not many books out there for us that actually show us how to become more fashionable instead of just telling us.
So for those of you that are not already Fashionistas this is the best book that we have ever read on how to achieve the perfect Sexy for your size. You can find this book everywhere from Borders and Barnes and Nobles to Amazon.com and more. If you do not want to buy it we would for sure say at the very least check it out when your in the book store.
Okay the first thing you want to do is figure out what you're body shape is. We know, sucks... but it is pretty easy. If nothing else the “Science of Sexy” by Bradley Bayou will help you to figure this out.
So here we go Style and Fashion Basics. What you need to become your own Style Guru!
.
Fashion and Style Tips a Real Size Girl Should Live By:
1.Make sure you choose proper undergarments ie: bras and underwear
Make sure you choose proper undergarments ie: bras and underwear2.Body shapers are your friend
Body shapers are your friend3.Always dress according to the size you actually are not the size you are going to be
Always dress according to the size you actually are not the size you are going to be4.Don’t spend a fortune on trendy items (they are a trend here today gone tomorrow)
Don’t spend a fortune on trendy items (they are a trend here today gone tomorrow)5.Buy pieces that you can mix and match easily
Buy pieces that you can mix and match easily6.Own at least 1 Fabulous pair of jeans
Own at least 1 Fabulous pair of jeans7.You may not be fashionable however you should always be Stylish
You may not be fashionable however you should always be Stylish8.Accessories, need I say more
Accessories, need I say more9.What you wear speaks volumes before you physically say anything
What you wear speaks volumes before you physically say anything Create your own style and keep Fashion Fun!
10. Make sure that you feel comfortable in whatever you were because if you look uncomfortable it will show.
-Don’t where anything that is too big or too small. We know sometimes we think it is better to cover up and so we put on baggy t-shirts or too small tiny tank tops. Either of these will make you look larger than you actually are. You won’t fool anyone by cramming yourself into a smaller size or hiding under loose fabric. Buy clothing that actually fits your body.
-Make sure your accessories balance with your overall look. A too-tiny bag or oversized earrings can throw everything off. Your purse, jewelry, and shoes should blend with the color and texture of the outfit (and be in proportion to your body size).
-Never shop when you are in a hurry of just after you have had a big meal. Trust us you never find what you want. Take your time so that you are able to try things on and get the correct fit for you. Don’t be shy ask other women in the store or in the dressing area for their opinion. Never hurts to get a 2nd 3rd or even 4th opinion.
-Don’t be afraid to mix $13 pants, a $50 shirt and $100 shoes. It is the way that you put things together that really matters. I do it all the time mix stuff I wore in the 90’s with something hip from today. I also mix and match expensive and cheap…Hey, what ever works baby.
-Don’t get hung up on the little tag that hangs inside of your clothing called a dress tag. It will be the death of you. Different stores carry different brands which come from different manufactures and they can’t all use the same size fit model for a size 18 or size 26. So when you go to different stores chances are you pant or dress size will go up or down. So that is the first thing you want to throw out. Example: if you where a size 18 in pants at Lane Bryant you might where a size 22 at Old Navy. Lane Bryant sizes are cut pretty true to actual plus size form. Old Navy although the clothing is cut to be plus size it still runs a little small in comparison. So ladies let the sizes go and go with what fits and looks good on you.
This is just some of my basics. There will be more to come in the future but in the mean time the most important thing is to always have fun with your fashions.
Okay ladies, lets get down to the nitty-gritty the base of our wardrobe. The undergarments ie; bras, underwear and body shapers. All very important. Most of us were never taught how important these things are we hope to give you some tips that will totally help you.
How To Choose & Care for The BRA!
So the most important part of your over all look begins with what is underneath. Your undergarments are the key to completing your overall look and even improving your posture. What better place to begin than at the top. The infamous BRA…as Real Size women most of us can’t live without it. No matter how comfortable they are it is one of the first things most of us want to get out of when we get home.
Your BRA is so important that you want to make sure that you invest in good bras and that they fit properly. The worst thing to see is a woman wearing a bra however she still has 4 boobs or her boobs are down to her waist.
The Bra. HELLO best invention ever even though it is the first thing we rush to take off as soon as we get home.
**Bet you didn’t know that the Bra was born over 100yrs ago by a grandmother who split her corset to be a 2 piece and patented as a Bra!**
The Bra can be a truly baffling contraption. The endless varieties and fit issues alone are enough to make a woman fantasize about life without them, and once you throw in the binding bands, falling straps and a annoying under wires, it’s a wonder women haven’t continued to burn them to this day. But the bra works harder for you than any other garment, fighting gravity and fine-tuning your figure. The right bra can enhance, minimize, lift, push together, separate or change the shape of your breasts. Of course, the key here is the RIGHT bra. And while the hunt for this Holy Grail can be labor –intensive, you’re sure to find the results uplifting.
-Lisa Arbetter
Here are some quick tips that will hopefully help you choose the right bras, and care for them properly:
What’s your Bra Size?
The first thing you want to do is have yourself professionally measured with a trained fitter. Don’t be afraid to ask them if they are a trained fitter. You can do this for free at many stores that carry lingerie or specialize in Bras. I know for a fact Macys department store and Fredricks of Hollywood can and will do this for you for.
Try and try on again!
All bras and brands are different try them on to see what works best for you. Don’t be afraid to ask the sales associate what she thinks. Even if you know your size, you’ll need to try on lots of bras, Follow these tips:
-The band fits if it’s level and not too tight when you use center hook(s)
-Situate breasts within cups manually. Cups should be full, with no spillage.
-Underwire and center piece should be flat against chest, not on top of breast tissue
-Breast should be secure even when you lift your arms.
Problems/Solutions
-Cups are wrinkly Go down a size.
-Breast spill out Go to a larger cup or a bra with more coverage.
-Straps fall down If adjusting doesn’t work, your breasts are probably not filling out the tops of the cups; go down a cup size.
-Band rides up Try a tighter hook or loosen the straps. If neither works go down a bra size.
-Straps leave marks They’re too tight or you need a more supportive bra perhaps one with padded straps.
A Bra’s life cycle
Usually a bra lasts three to six months, depending on how often you wear it and how you care for it. If you’re using the tightest hook to get the same fit you had when you bought it. And it starts moving up your back over time, you need a new bra. To make them last, you should have more than a few bras in rotation. How often to wash them is up to you. Some experts suggest after each wear; others say after every other. But no matter the frequency, here’s how to launder them:
-Machine wash cold in a lingerie bag on a delicate cycle, or hand wash cold.
-Use soap for delicates (no bleach!).
-Hang to dry. Heat from the dryer breaks down the elastic.
2 thong or not 2 thong. That is the question?
Listen underwear will not be as in depth as the bra. Wear what ever underwear makes you feel comfortable. We would however suggest that to avoid unsightly panty lines on some garments you will want to find the appropriate underwear that is specifically made to reduce panty lines. I you are a thong girl more power to ya! Whatever works.
Curves That Run Smooth "The Body Shaper."
Now I used to where a girdle all the time back in the early 90’s I would not dare where on now, even though I still need one. I was so excited when I discovered the Spanx body shapers. I have rolls that I try to smooth out and the Hide and Sleek black strapless cami by Spanx totally does the trick. I love, love, love them. . I have several of them and I wear them under everyday tees, under dresses you name it. I don’t believe it makes me look thinner however it does smooth out the rolls and wobbly bits. So my look is smooth and sleek I it’s all apart of that reveal and conceal thing that Mr. Bayou is talking about. I believe this actually enhances my curves. It is very rare to find me out and about without one on. (Sorry guys ya just have to get used to it!)
Every woman has a little number that makes her feel sexy, but what men may not know is that our swanky curves sometimes get a little help. One of the most widespread tools that women-use but we’d die before telling you about –are Spanx. Spanx is a line of suck-it-in and smooth-it-out undergarments. Their line will accentuate your curves and minimize your tummy and thighs, lifts your rear and makes inches seem to disappear, according to Spanx. You can also find Spanx at www.torrid.com!
Were just Getting Started Babe!
How to go from Fashion Faux Pas to Fashion Ooo La La!
and much much more!
Fashion Must have and Must have...NOTS...
If you have questions or comments about Fashion and Style email our RealSize Girl!
Email: realsizegirl@realsizeinthecity.com
"Body Beautiful"
Her Shameful Body Secrets
The Beauty and Grooming (what lies beneath)
Listen ladies one of the hardest things to do is address very personal body issues. As Real Size women there are lots of extra steps we have to take to be So Fresh and So Clean and beautiful. Many of us have it down to a science however there are some of us who don’t have all of the great resources or their afraid to talk to someone about things personal. Well worry no more were not scarred to tackle the tough questions, things that people are afraid to ask or afraid to say. Example: have you ever been with, near or next to a RealSize woman and she had an unpleasant ordor? What do you do? Do you say something or just walk away how do you handle that? Well in this section we will tackle all of those issues and more. We welcome you to send in your questions or even if you have tips to share that would be great. We will strive to our best to give you information that is true and very informative and hopefully we will help you on your way to a more beautifully and well groomed you.
So we have a panel of ladies that are RealSize women and often we will ask them to come up with questions or answer questions that we hope will in turn help hundreds of other RealSize women. Together we have come up with a ton of beauty and grooming tips that we know you are going to want to try if you are not doing it already! It’s the stuff we all live with but hate to talk about.
Here are some great tips from some of our
RealSize Girls:
Keeping Hair looking healthy and smelling fresh.
I personally use Suave Milk and Honey shampoo and Conditioner. It keeps my hair shiny and smelling great! It is hard to find, but when you do, pick it up and use it, it is great and cheap. By the way, it was recommended to me by a hair stylist in the movie industry. Best little secret ever! You don't have to spend tons of money on hair care products. Some of our favorites include Dove Advanced Care Shampoo and Conditioner for Color Care for Color Treated Hair. Garnier Fructics hair care products are awesome. Not only do they get the job done but they leave your smelling fresh and clean. Ladies with weaves and braids listen up. You too need to take good care of your hair as well. A lot of the times women of color do not wash there hair on a frequent basis. Hitting the hair salon once every two weeks. Trust we know. Some of us RealSize girls having had weaves and braids before know that there can be an odor underneath that fabulous do. So be sure to check with your hairstylist to find out what you can do to keep your hair looking and smelling fabulous.
Washing places you cant reach such as your back
Unless there is someone there to wash it for you, a husband, boyfriend, or even one of the children this can be a difficult task. Most of our RealSize ladies said they either use a larger towel like a hand towel or the by the long handle back brush or the long handle loofa back brush. Any of the methods should work.
Chaffing and sweat from inside thighs rubbing together This is a good one
When I was I get this a lot when I where dresses or skirt, especially in the summer. Cotton underwear are a great help to absorb the heat. I am a thong girl however thongs do not absorb anything. If you have not tried them the boy short underwear are great as well. Too keep you cool and smelling fresh I use a feminine deodorant spray such as FDS or Summers Eve. In fact I use these every day as apart of my hygiene regiment. One thing you can try as well is Luvees thigh coveralls. These nude Thigh Coveralls offer comfort and protection from the effects of inner thigh rub on bare legs. The silky stretch material stays in place and allows freedom of movement. Slip on. One pair Nylon and spandex blend. Machine wash. USA. You can find this at www.torrid.com in the hosiery section.
Keeping your feet looking, smelling and feeling soft, if you do not get pedicures or in between visits to the to the nail salon
A couple of our RealSize ladies gives us their tips on foot care. Soaking your feet in the bathtub with a few rose petals or a few drops of oil for at least 5-10 minutes in the evening before bed helps. Also, rubbing down your feet at night with a little alcohol and then moisturizing foot cream helps and it feels good. Again, use the kids or your man to do this whenever possible. I use a pumice stone every night when I shower or take a bath. Then just before going to bed you can use Vaseline liberally on the feet then put on a pair of thick socks. This a cheap way to keep you feet soft and smooth. If you cannot stand to sleep in socks, wash your feet and do this during the day and just walk around in the socks instead.
Under arm body odor
Your body chemistry is always changing. What worked for you yesterday may not work for you today. One Real Size lady said I change up deodorants every couple of months as my body chemistry changes that often and Secret starts tellin’ all of my business. Lady Speedstick comes to a screeching halt, and Suave goes out of style like one hit wonder Rico Suave did in the mid 80’s. I would agree you have to change up your deodorants as your body changes. Keep your underarms clean shaven. We find that Dove is good so you might want to try it. There is also a new deodorant by Secret called “Secret Clinical Strength” we have not tried it but I hear it works well. To see how it works go to www.secret.com
Facial hair and skin care
That slight mustache, or 12 o’clock shadow, pesky facial hair on your chin, neck or chest area. It's called UFH aka Unwanted Facial Hair. What ever you do don’t shave. Usually plucking, tweezing or facial hair removal cream should work. Thanks to my grandmother get lots of chin hairs another option that I use is the threading method. Most of all don't ignor them if you see or feel them trust us if you notice others notice. You can also talk to a Physician or Dermatologist for other methods of removing those pesky hairs that will work for you. Yhere is a product called "Vaniqua" that we hear works well. We have not tried this product yet however it was on "Oprah." We will have more on "Vaniqua" in July however you can check them out online at www.vaniqua.com for more information.
For Skin Care, you don't have to break the bank on skin care products. Try some of our favorites St. Ives we love the Apricot Scrub. They have an entire list of products and if your skin is sensitive no problem they've got you covered. You can find them at your local Wal-mart, Targets and drug stores. A bit more expensive but still worth it are Olay products. We love Clarity foaming cleanser great for controlling oil while fighting blemishes.
Threading, what is that?
Threading involves twisting two cotton strings around a hair, usually on the face. The twisting motion lift the hair out of the follicle without stressing the surrounding skin. It may sound painful, but it’s actually one of the most delicate hair removal procedures around. It is so gentle, women can get it done on the sly-during lunch breaks, after work, in between errands- without any tell-tale puffy red marks memorializing their recently departed hairs. “Men don’t know about the upper-lip peach fuzz that women just thread away. I have been getting threaded since 1997. My eyebrows, chin, upper lip (that hurts) and neck. It is smooth and precise. Check out www.zibabeauty.com to find a location near you. Eyebrow $9 and up, upper lip $5-$7, chin $5-$10, neck $5-$15.
Black circles under the eyes, blemish marks on light and or dark skin.
One of our RealSize ladies says, to cut a potato and stick it in a baggie in the refrigerator for a little while until it chills slightly and then rest it over your eyes for about ten minutes. The potassium in the potato will draw out all of the toxins that cause the black circles. As for the blemish marks for both light and dark skin, she swears by Palmers Cocoa Butter. It really does work. I have recommended it to lots of friends and they all now keep a good supply close at hand. To help prevent blemishes I also use St.Ives skin care products. They work and they are inexpensive. You can find their products at Target and WalMart.
Pads VS Tampons
Well that would be up to you. We would just like to share the fact that if you do use maxi pads Always has made a Plus-Sized Pad for Sizes 14 and up. Always Ultra Thin Maximum Protection. Maxi Pad...With Flexi-Wings!
Keeping the V-J-J (vaginal) area fresh and clean
So most of us hate to talk about this but we’ve all had it at some point and time. If you have an odor that persist and you’ve tried everything to get rid of, it suck it up and talk to your gynecologist. There may be a serious problem that needs to be addressed. In the mean time here are some tips that can help you in other ways. Taking a bath at least once a week is a good thing. This is if you shower almost everyday. Watch the soap that you choose. It is great to use the Bath and Body and Victoria Secrets shower gels however you should use a base soap that will really clean and not break you out. So if Caress doesn’t work then you might try Dove and so on. Your body chemistry changes so the soaps that you use may have to change as well. Now you are not able to douche all of the time as it will cause irritation. The best time to douche is after your menstrual cycle. On a more regular basis you can use a product called Norform feminine suppositories cost is around $3.50 to $4.80. You can find them at Target, Wal-Mart and drugstores around town. They have scented and unscented. I use them all the time. I actually only use half of one and insert it about ten minutes before I take my bath or shower because it leaks. The directions are on the package and pretty easy to follow. I have used these for years. This is great to use after you have sex as well. I use it whenever I feel I need that extra clean. Now after all of that cleaning the last step would be to use a feminine deodorant spray such as Summers Eve spray or FDS spray. FDS (Feminine Deodrant Spray) is also Hypo-Allergenic. This will help to keep you dry and smelling fresh all day long. I use one or the other every day depends on the scent that I am feeling. Also do not forget about the wipes feminine wipes you can keep them in your purse so you can use them after you go to the restroom this will also keep you feeling fresh and smelling sweet. Last but not least if you are wearing regular underwear or thong use pantieliners again I use them everyday and they too help to keep me dry and smelling fresh. Lets face it, sometimes we have to do more than one or two things to keep it fresh and clean. It’s the most important things that people won’t talk to you about but it needs to be addressed. So keep it fresh and keep it clean!
We are just getting started and we would love to hear from you. So if you've got questions or tips about grooming be sure to let us know.
Coming Soon! True beauty tips everything from make-up to beauty creams miracles in a bottle.
If you have questions for us or great grooming and or beauty tips don’t keep them to yourself share the knowledge.
Email realsizegirl@realsizeinthecity.com in the subject line put grooming tips!
We look forward to hearing from you!
RealSize Girl...
Style Isn’t What You Do...It’s Who You Are!
Work it, Own it Live it!
-Shelitha
When you walk into a room,
you are going to be noticed-
so give them something to look at!
-Liz Dillon
"Dare to have Spring Flair"
First things first. Think Fun! When you are putting together your spring wardrobe there are a few key pieces that are must haves.
Most important for RealSize girls? Body shapers! A good pair of Spanx never hurt anyone they give a smoothe silhouette and a more finished look.
VPL’s (visible panty lines) Let’s not and say we did. You should invest in neutral or skin tone under garments ie: bras, panties, boy shorts and thongs.
Got the basics covered, now for the fun stuff.
Delicious Hues, tasty prints and “All That Jazz” Metallic’s.
Hue meaning color Attitude! If you don’t already have it, it’s time to catch it!
Fresh out of the market citrus hues such as, sour lemon yellow, zesty lime green and tantalizing orange. Oh and please do not sleep on Turquoise, Coral or Pink for goodness sake. When you’re feeling a little less adventurous, frolic in neutral and blush tone hues, which are always very romantic. Add a splash of color to make it Pop! Let’s not forget Black & White which is always a classic combo and can be dramatically jazzed up with a splash of one of the hot spring hues.
Let’s not forget about the Bold Prints that you see all over the place. You may be thinking this just won’t work for me. Listen; choose your patterns wisely when you decide to go with bold prints. When wearing a bold print dress you want your bag to be a complimentary solid hue and also choose a shoe that’s a complimentary hue but not necessarily the same hue as your bag. Mix it up and have fun with it.
If you’re the type who likes to be adventurous when it comes to fashion and style but your not one to really act on it, well here’s your chance. If your ensemble is low key, add flair by using color with earrings, a necklaces, a bag or a scarf. This way you’re still creating a style that is uniquely you and you don’t have to commit to a trendy hue completely.
Metallic’s are always in. Again, a great way to incorporate what may be considered too bold for some is by adding a metallic belt, shoe or bag to a bold print.
If you’re looking for great “on trend” accessories that are inexpensive check out Forever 21 and H&M. The accessories are fun, flirty and trendy. Best of all you don’t have to break the bank to buy them. Keep in mind the bracelets are not quite made for a RealSize girl’s wrist however thinking outside of the box, if there is a really cool necklace or scarf, don’t be scared to use those cool items to create a unique bracelet. Bam! Go on Miss Style Guru! Didn’t think you had it in you? Well think again!
It’s only color ladies. Fashion should be FUN and the best part of it is creating a style that is unique and personal to You! After all no one can do You better than You.
The Go to guide for color trends: Pantone gives us the fashion forecasting trend for spring colors 2009 www.pantone.com
Even with this in mind ultimately you should wear the colors that are complimentary to you. And always dare to have Flair!
