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Posts Tagged ‘Ask ThinkThru’

Ask ThinkThru: Flattering Swimwear For Your Body Type

Memorial Day weekend marks the official start of summer—and it’s when most of realize we need to whip our body in shape ASAP for bathing suit season. One of the biggest questions on everyone’s mind is always, What looks good on my body type? So, I’ve asked the experts over SwimSpot to share some of their tips on figure-flattering suits. Check out their guest post below, and then come back tomorrow for my video that shows trendy suits for all body types.

SwimSpot guest blogging here. Your one and only source to the latest news, tips, and tricks for being part of the beach bombshell elite.

First things first, a common faux pas for fashion is not dressing for your body type. Growing up during those awkward pre-teen years (you’re a saint if you didn’t), we thought we could pull off any cool trend and just throw it on. Baggy overalls, platform sneakers, two size too small, you name it. Result: bad news where your flaws are intensified with must- burn-now polaroids.

Splendid – Solid Triangular Bikini Top and Solid Tie Side Bottom

Keep Calm and Carry On. There’s no need to hide under your towel or summer dress. We’ve got some swimwear tips to boost up your confidence with your most appealing features accentuated. Lend us your ears, slather on your bronzing oil and consider yourself on your way to being a Beach Goddess.

Missing some oomf, needing a little bust?
If you have a boyish figure and need a little more ooomf, consider rummaging through the racks for a top with ruffles. The ruffles speak volumes…literally! Avoid wearing horizontal stripped bikinis which will make you look more like a ruler. The trick is making you curvilicious. Your swimwear bff? String bikinis that hug your bod. (more…)

Ask ThinkThru: What to Wear to My High School Reunion?

What to Wear to My High School Reunion?
I was wondering if you have any advice about what I could wear to my 30-year high school reunion coming up this summer. I’d like to wear flats if at all possible because I’m 5’ 10” and my husband is shorter than I am. I also hate towering over people as I do when I wear heels, and most all my friends from school are short—even the guys. I don’t really want to wear a dress with flats. I think that looks clumsy, plus it looks like you’re trying too hard not to be tall and I hate that! I have long legs and a long waist and a pretty good figure if I do say so myself, and I don’t mind showing it off a little, but I want to look appropriate. Any advice?—Rhonna

Reunions are stressful. You’re seeing people you haven’t talked to in years so you want to look hot, while still staying classy and sophisticated. Since you don’t want to wear a dress or skirt, your only other option is pants. But instead of basic black slacks, try something a little different: the jumpsuit.

Michael Stars Surplice Jumpsuit ($172) is flattering for all sorts of body types. The straps are thick enough to wear a bra while the flattering v-neck shows off just the right amount (if it’s a little too low for you, you can always layer a black cami underneath). The ruched waist is incredibly slimming and the slight flare in the pants will hide the fact that you’re wearing flats. Another plus? The material won’t crease so it’s easily packable if you’re traveling for your reunion.

Now that you have your basic down, it’s time to talk accessories. (more…)

Ask ThinkThru: Where Are Good Vintage Shops in Los Angeles?

Vintage Shopping Los AngelesI’m going to LA soon, can you recommend some vintage stores? — Pinktulip

It really depends what you are looking for. Today, I was on the hunt for a 60s costume to wear to my upcoming swanky birthday soiree. I returned with three choices plus a Mad Men style sheath I just couldn’t resist. Here are my top five faves…

American Vintage 1750 Hillhurst Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027, (323) 661-8081
I always have luck at this Los Feliz store. They don’t have a huge inventory but that just means you don’t have to dig to get to the good stuff. They have a great selection of vintage dresses, cool boots, fur stoles, hats and everything is reasonably priced.
I found my velvet 80s dress there last year and just bought a turquoise 60s dress today for $30.
Good for: Costumes, Accessories, Dresses

Squaresville 1800 N Vermont Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90027, (323) 669-8464
Another fun Los Feliz shop. They have a large selection of dresses, cool bags and fur coats. Everything is very reasonably priced. I bought two dresses there today for $37.
Good for: Costumes, Accessories, Dresses

Zachary’s Smile 4014 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90029, (323) 668-1900
This Silverlake store is a little more expensive but the prints alone are worth it. In addition to vintage, there’s the ZS Collection, which is reconstructed clothing. I bought a jumpsuit there that I’m obsessed with, which features piping made from vintage scarves. Each one was different.
Good for: One of a kind

Jet Rag 825 N La Brea Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90038, (323) 939-0528
Unless you like digging through piles of clothes, skip the $1 Sunday sale. I’m sure you can find some cool stuff but it’s just too overwhelming for me, personally. I’d highly recommend this place for costumes. Their inventory is arranged by decade and they have a fabulous 80s section if you’re in the market for heavily embellished dresses. It’s also fun to go through their wedding dress rack in the back. But if you’re not looking for a costume, I’d probably go elsewhere.
Good for: Costumes

The Way We Wore 334 S La Brea Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90036, (323) 937-0878
It’s impossible not to find something you like here. They have stunning dresses, coats, handbags and shoes from all decades and designers. The only problem is even during their bi-annual sale everything is very pricey. But I’d still recommend checking it out, even if it’s only to drool over the vintage couture.
Good for: High quality vintage

Photo credit: myvintagevogue.com

Ask ThinkThru: What Are Good Swimsuits For Pear Shapes?

Swimsuits That Flatter Pear Shapes

What kind of swimsuit suits a pear shape best? —pinktulip

The most important part about picking out a swimsuit for a pear shape is to find styles that draw attention to the upper half. Mixing and matching is ideal. Pair a bright or printed bikini or tankini top with a dark solid bottom. Halters are the most flattering since they broaden the shoulders, which balances out a larger bottom half. Stay away from bandeau tops. They’ll just make you look flatter. And boy-shorts are a big n-o.

One-pieces are another great option for pear shapes. Try one that features fringe or ruffles on top with a deep v-neck to keep the eyes focused on your upper half.

Full Tilt Plaid Womens Swimsuit Top ($34.99 $27.99) and Full Tilt Solid Womens Swimsuit Bottoms$19.99 $15.99) Alloy Deep-V Ruffle One-Piece ($49.90 $40.90)

Do you have a fashion question? Ask me in the comments below or email ask@thinkthrufashion.com. And keep reading for more swimsuit shopping options that flatter pear shapes. (more…)

Ask ThinkThru: What Shoes Should I Wear to Travel Around Europe?

Comfortable Shoe Recommendations for Europe

My husband and I are traveling to Europe for the first time and I need a shoe that is dressier than a sneaker but more comfortable then a standard flat. Also one that would go with most outfits… is there anything that you recommend? Also any good packing tips? –Meredith

When I was traveling around Europe over three years ago, London Sole ballet flats saved my soles. I wore a bronze pair, similar to these Harriet Metallic flats ($215) walking all over Paris, Barcelona and London. At first, I was horrified by the price. But the shoes held up through my travels and are still in good enough condition for me to wear to work today. I suggest ordering half a size larger than you usually wear, and then adding a Dr. Scholl’s insole for extra comfort.

When it was colder, I relied on my Cole Haan Air boots to keep me comfortable. I had a pair similar to these Cole Haan Air Petra Tall Boots ($301.95) that I wore with leggings, skirts and skinny jeans. A bunch of my friends swore by the rest of Cole Haan’s Air line, including flats like the Cole Haan Air Maggy Ballet ($153.95) and Cole Haan Air Seana Ballet ($181.95 $106.43). Go for a metallic since it will match most outfits.

And don’t forget to break in your shoes before you go. Wear them while your packing and when you’re running last minute errands. Sometimes I wear mine with socks around the house a few nights before I leave.

As for packing
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Ask ThinkThru: Which Handbag Should I Buy For School?

Back to School Handbag Options

What do you recommend to use for a school bag for a college student/grad student? I don’t want it to look like a “School bag” but need it to be functional but still stylish. –pinktulip

The Hayden-Harnett bag you’re thinking about is a great choice. When looking for a school bag you want to ask three questions:

  1. Is it big enough to hold my books and laptop?
  2. Is it strong enough to hold my books and laptop?
  3. Can I comfortably carry it on my shoulder?

If you don’t go with the Hayden-Harnett, I suggest trying Linea Pelle Dylan Zip Tote Handbag
($495). It has three compartments inside so you can organize your notebooks and three pockets outside for your phone, pens and keys. The dark olive or tan goes with everything and the gold hardware makes it incredibly stylish. Audrina Patridge, Vanessa Hudgens and Marcia Cross are all fans.

Another option is  Julie K Brie Convertible Bag ($583). You can wear it as a purse, but if your shoulder starts hurting the bag converts into a backpack. While the grape is fun (and trendy for fall), the slate goes with everything.

At a lower price point…
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