Welcome to this Monday night edition of Carol’s Corner. Back home from our weekend trip. Had a great weekend but ate too much. Hubby bought me lunch and dinner today on the way home and not liking what the scale says tonight. Gonna have to be careful for a few days till it levels back off. Today’s picture was taken on the sun porch at the farm before we left today. Love how this outfit looks. Glad I didn’t get rid of this top. It looks like two pieces , but is actually one. My purple and black zebra striped FitBit band matches perfectly. You can’t see it in the picture, but these pants have a real leather stripe down the side.

This is one of my favorite bands.

My other picture came out blurry , so while my tracker is charging took another picture of the band with the black FitCuff.

This is my last two bands that came today. Love both of them, but think the black and silver one will get lots of use. So that ends my picture portion tonight and on to the next body shape, which is called The Lean Column Body Shape. Follow the same procedure by looking in the mirror as outlined yesterday. And then go through this list.

DO YOU

Wear the same size on your top and bottom halves?

Have a minimal bust?

Have little waist definition?

Have a flat hips and bottom?

YOUR BUILD IS CHARACTERIZED BY:

Narrow shoulders

Flat chest or small bust

Small and non-defined waist

Narrow hips and flat bottom

OTHER BODY SHAPE TENDENCIES

If you have gained or lost weight many times, your body shape can turn into another one. Read below to see what other body shape tendencies you might have.

You lean towards a pear shape if your hips are slightly broader( saddlebags) than your hips

You lean towards an inverted triangle if your shoulders are slightly broader than your hips

You lean towards a rectangle body shape if you are of a larger bone structure and have a medium chest.

GENERAL RULES FOR YOUR BODY SHAPE AND HOW TO CREATE VISUAL BALANCE

You need to create the illusion of curves around hips and bust and of a waist

Use layering to shorten your long top half

Create roundness around your extremities e.g. sleeve, neckline, leg line

Wear high or low waisted styles-broad shoulders; unfitted jackets,that slope to the waist; highlight your hips and bottom using pockets and pleats

YOU SHOULD AVOID:

Figure-hugging garments

Long straight fitted lines in dresses, trousers, and sleeves

Tops, shift dresses with square necklines

Shapeless jackets; loose or droopy styles that hang from your shoulders

Dropped waistlines, to me this contradicts something above

Bulky heavy textures

Double breasted jackets

THE BODY SHAPES AND THEIR CLOTHING LINES

Every body shape has it’s own characteristics and silhouette, which needs to be addressed when choosing your clothes. The aim of choosing the right clothes is to balance your silhouette. You might not be able to follow every fashion trend, but there are so many nowadays , there is something for everyone. So don’t get sidetracked by falling in love with a style and look that doesn’t match your body shape.

NECKLINE FOR LEAN COLUMN BODY SHAPE

Very flexible in you neckline; great choices are ruffles, cowl,necktie, cowls, turtleneck, scoop-neck-they will give you roundness and put the focus on the center of your body.

SLEEVES FOR LEAN COLUMN BODY SHAPE

Any form that will give body to your arms e.g. batman, dropped sleeve line, batman like sleeves, flared,cuffed, 3/4 length,loose short sleeves.

TOPS AND SHIRTS FOR LEAN COLUMN BODY SHAPE

Tops that add volume, curves, and shorten your top half are best e.g. empire lines,yoke line, layering,wrap tops, push up bras, breast pockets,padded tops. Details and patterns such as horizontal lines; dotty or floral are great as are scarves and shawls.

JACKETS FOR LEAN COLUMN BODY SHAPE

Waisted or belted jackets with details such as pockets; shoulder details; wide lapels; vent; single or double breasted. Shoulder pads will give extra width and the illusion of a waist.

COATS FOR LEAN COLUMN BODY SHAPE

Martingale shape, trench, single or double breasted with wide lapels, breasts and waist pockets. Belted versions are good for giving you a shaped waist and curves.

DRESSES FOR LEAN COLUMN BODY SHAPE

Princess line with curved darts and details, wrap, empire line.

SKIRTS FOR LEAN COLUMN BODY SHAPE

The slimmer you are the shorter you can go in you skirt (but keep in mind what is the most appropriate-both for your age and the occasion) Good shapes are a slight a-line, pencil skirt,flip, bias, or wrap.

TROUSERS FOR LEAN COLUMN BODY SHAPE

Choose from shaped, pleated, and pocketed, narrowing or tapered leg line, culottes, capris, or shorts. Details such as turn ups, washes, embellishments, side pockets are ways to add volume and curves.

JEANS FOR LEAN COLUMN BODY SHAPE

Choose skinny or boot leg lines. Avoid straight or wide leg because they will over power your frame.

SHOES FOR LEAN COLUMN BODY SHAPE

Wear kitten or medium heels ,ankle straps and boots, ballerinas, Ugg boots, cowboy boots , or any other boots with calf details such as straps, buckles. Opt for a rounded toe in your footwear.

BAGS FOR LEAN COLUMN BODY SHAPE

Choose round shaped bags with soft edges; clutch bags of petite to medium sizes.

SWIMWEAR AND BEACHWEAR FOR LEAN COLUMN BODY SHAPE

Padded styles are perfect. Use patterned two pieces to emphasize your bust and hips. Vertical chevron lines on a one-piece will give the illusion of shape.

That does it for the the Lean Column Body Shape. Follow this link to a myriad of information on all things fashion. http://www.joyofclothes.com

Tune in tomorrow where we will discuss The Rectangle Body Shape. I hope by the end of this series you will have found something to help you in choosing the most flattering styles for your body shape and maybe even help someone else to do the same. Hope your week is off to a great start. Stay focused, stay motivated, and remember, never ever give up. Till next time, God Bless.