Natural Beauty

I'm currently obsessed with, and inspired by Ginnifer Goodwin's glowing skin, and gorgeous,"no make up" look in ABC's new show "Once Upon A Time".

As every woman knows-- looking like you barely wear any makeup and are a "natural beauty" is one of the trickiest tricks to master! ( I'm still a rookie.)

Her strong, but sweet, Snow White character is also very refreshing.

And alright, I'll admit it, her "Prince Charming" isn't too shabby either!

"The Road Not Taken": What I Learned in 2011

As many of you know, this has been a year of many significant changes in my life: a change in career, a huge change in location, a change in my relationships, not to mention a change in lifestyle.  Some changes were beyond my control, but most if not all, were fully maneuvered by my reins.  And I'm glad I did it too.  It's just what I needed to snap me out of my complacency.  But, I'd be lying if I said the adjustment has been easy-- because it hasn't been.  There have been many tears, and lots of heart-ache this year.  But that's okay.  I purposely chose the "Road Not Taken".  As Robert Frost, so eloquently wrote:

"I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference."

That being said, before I say "so-long" to my year of significant changes, I thought I might share some of the more personal life lessons I learned this year:

• I learned that sometimes being laid-off is a blessing in disguise.

• I learned to trust in and listen to my intuitive inner voice; it's has a very high accuracy rate.

• I learned to be honest with myself, and acknowledge when a relationship has run it's course, even if it hurts.

• I learned that if I don't like something about my life, it's up to me to change it; if I am afraid-- embrace the fear and do it anyway.

• I learned that if I am brand new in town, without any friends, the best thing to do is bravely head into town by myself, and make some new ones.

• I learned that having a sense of humor is crucial; it can get me through anything.

• I learned that this self-described "City girl" can survive out in the country too.

• I learned that true friendships can withstand, many miles apart.

• I learned that the fastest way out of a self-inflicted pity-party is to count my blessings.

• I learned that living in isolation, in the country is the perfect thing for a girl who is easily distracted and could use some self-reflection.

• I learned that I am incredibly lucky to have a family as quirky, yet unconditionally loving and supportive as mine is.

• I learned that volunteering makes me a better person: more grateful, more compassionate and less selfish.

• I learned that living in the country has it's perks: I get to experience the seasons and it's absolutely gorgeous in the spring and fall.

• I learned that if I sleep in a bed with two dogs and a cat every night, it's virtually impossible to be lonely. 

• I learned that if I speak from my heart, I will attract meaningful friendships with like-minded individuals who do the same.

• I learned that sometimes the best therapy is to hop on a horse and go for a ride.

• I learned to appreciate the phrase: "get back on the saddle again". Now that I have literally fallen off my horse, and had to get back on again, the phrase has a whole new meaning.

• I learned that life really is an adventure: it can be as boring or as exciting as I allow it to be.

• I learned that I can be wealthy and rich in ways that have absolutely nothing to do with money.

• I learned that if I look for the bad in things, I will surely find it.  But if I seek out the good- I will not only find it, but I will be amazed and humbled by the abundance of it. 

Internet Dating 101: Tips from a Professional Dater

I avoid giving advice or tips on things I know nothing about.
For example: I am never going to publish a post on how to fix a leaky faucet, or how to cook up a juicy steak. Because I haven't a clue how to do either of those.

But, as embarrassing as it is to admit, I do know a thing or two about internet dating.  Maybe it's my adventurous spirit?  Or, maybe it's because I'm willing to search "high" and "low" for Mr. Right?  At any rate, when it comes to internet dating, I am unfortunately, an expert.  Here are a few dating tips I'd like to share, that I hope will bring you dating success--as opposed to dating tragedies.

Tip #1) A picture is worth a thousand words:

Credit: Roy Lichtenstein

Once you've selected your dating website, be absolutely sure to post pictures of yourself, that are not only recent, but actually look like you!   This is common sense, but for some reason, is not as common as it should be.  Any pictures that imply that you look significantly different---other than how you really look in the full light of day, is false advertising.  Once your date actually meets you, they are more than likely, going to be disappointed, and annoyed.  Which means, the date is inevitably going to be awkward, and suffice it to say---it won't end well.  So, if you are going to put yourself out there-- do it right!  Ask a trusted friend to take your photo, they won't mind.  Opt for flattering, but natural light, wear an outfit that elicits compliments every time you wear it, think happy thoughts, and give the camera your brightest and most sincere smile!  This will win you genuine dates- with people who like you for YOU. (Not that pixelated, high contrast, high angle, cropped at the neck, from 10 years ago you.)

Tip #2)  Leave the past, in the past:

Credit: Roy Lichtenstein

Do not under any circumstances talk (at length) about your recent break up or your ex.  I can't think of a more direct way to turn what should have been a pleasant night out, getting to know someone into an awkward, therapy session.  As tempting or as harmless as it may seem, talking about your recent heart-ache or break up isn't going to "bond" you to your date.  What it will do is bring the "past" to the "present", when the "present" should be an exciting first date, getting to know someone new, and ideally, the fresh start to something great.  Yes, you should be getting to know your date, but there are a million other things to talk about other than how cute your ex looked when he/she smiled, and how you've been listening to "The Cure" a lot lately, since you've been nursing a broken heart.

Repeat after me: "my date is not my therapist".

Tip # 3) Mind your Manners:

Credit: Roy Lichtenstein

I hate to sound like Emily Post, but based on my experiences in the dating field, it seems we all could use a little brushing up on our dating etiquette. For anyone who is doubtful that "manners matter", continue reading:

First of all, your date is taking mental notes; noticing all the little things you do or don't do-- to be analyzed and interpreted in detail later.  **True confessions: on a really bad date I've made trips to the ladies room to call my BF and give her a play by play on just how bad it's been. You don't want to play any part of a date-horror-story, especially if you live in a small town. Yikes!

Secondly, on a first date-- there are so many uncontrollable variables such as: will there be chemistry? The one thing you can control is how you treat your date.  So, even if he/she doesn't turn out to be the woman or man of your dreams, you can still be courteous, and find yourself having a pleasant night, regardless.

A brief refresher course:

A- I can't believe I have to say this, it's so rudimentary, but it doesn't always happen and it should. Gentleman, always open doors for your date.  Ladies, be gracious and always say "thank you".

Also girls, when your date opens the car door to let you in first, (if his car doesn't automatically unlock on his side) lean over right away and unlock his side too. He'll be impressed!

B- Once the check arrives, don't let it sit there!  Guys, be the gentleman and grab it and be sure to take care of it right away, especially on a first date.  If you don't, you will forever be known as the cheapskate, who probably shouldn't be asking girls out in the first place.  And you can (literally) kiss any hopes of getting a romantic kiss good-night, good-bye!

Credit: Roy Lichtenstein

C- Be nice to the servers, bartenders or anyone else who waits on you.  Also, pay close attention to how your date treats others when they think no one is watching. This is a true sign of how they will treat you in the future.  If my date is dismissive, or rude to a server who is otherwise doing their best, I not only find it unattractive, but like many---take it as a sign, that that is how they are going to treat me later.

D- This courteous tip is for the gentleman, and kind of a dying gesture.  Want to go the extra mile and be a real gentleman?  It's easy! While walking on the side-walk with your date, make sure that she is on the inside of the side walk; farthest from the curb.  You'll earn bonus points, and if the date isn't going so well- this just might help you redeem yourself.  This chivalrous tradition hails back to a time when horse-drawn carriages would inadvertently splash mud on ladies' expensive dresses, to prevent this gentleman walked closest to the street to protect the women they were with. Thoughtful and romantic!

These manners may seem trivial, but I am telling you: you can tell a lot about a person by how courteous they are to you now.  If your date can't bother to be polite on the first date, what kind of a person are they going to be once you are in a relationship, and you hit a rough patch? It won't be pretty.

Tip # 4 Safety First:

Credit: Roy Lichtenstein

It's a crazy world out there and you just never know if your date is who they say they are.  In order to avoid being a statistic, I've employed the following dating-safety procedures before going out; I highly recommend this tips to everyone --especially if you are going out with someone for the very first time.
1- Meet in a public place (the more people, the better)
2- Drive separately and meet them there.

3- Let a friend or room-mate know where you are going and who you are going with; write down your date's full name, and phone number on a post-it before going out for the evening.
4- Since I moved to a new town, where everything was new and unfamiliar, I started taking extra precautions.  First, I take a picture of my date (from the dating website of course) with my Iphone.  Next, I add his pic to his contact info on my phone.  Lastly, I forward all my date's contact info to someone else (a room-mate is a good idea).  For me, it's my overly protective brother, who has requested the info in the first place.  Like me, he would rather I be a little neurotic, then a lot dead.

Tip # 5 Talk on the phone before your first date:

All I know is, talking to your potential date BEFORE you agree to go out, accomplishes much more than you would think.  If it goes well, it gives you motivation and encouragement to proceed forward. If it does NOT go well, if gives you a valid reason to not go forward and which would be a waste of each others' time.

Do you like the sound of their voice?  Would you mind hearing it for the next 20 plus years of your life? (These are real things to consider!) Are you hitting it off?  Are they making you laugh?   If so--then wonderful!  Now you are off to a really great start, and should feel optimistic and encouraged about your first date!

On the flip side, if you don't like the sound of their voice-- agreeing to a date is probably not a good idea; a person can't help the sound of their voice and it is not going to magically change into something pleasing later.  Sometimes it's not their voice, but the way they talk that is a major turn off.  If so, I highly suggest parting ways politely now.  Save yourself the trouble and time of a doomed date if you can tell within five minutes of talking to them, that the chemistry isn't right. Thank you technology!

These are all the tips I have to share for now!  I hope my learning experiences will be beneficial to others.  Meanwhile, I highly recommend to anyone who is considering braving the internet dating world-- to go for it!  Sure, there are the occasional dating tragedies, but they make great comedy stories later!  Plus--there is always the possibility that you might meet someone wonderful- and that possibility makes the risk worthwhile.

 Roy Lichtenstein

Confessions of a Cheetah-holic: PART TWO

Tips on how to spot, (if you'll pardon the expression), fashionable leopard print...and how to avoid leopard print disasters.

Leopard print is frequently touted in fashion magazines- as THE latest and hottest fashion trend.  If you ever wondered why, it's because it is beloved by: designers, stylists, celebs and fashionistas alike. We keep buying it! Therefore, it never really "goes out of style".  And it's a good thing too, otherwise my wardrobe would be in serious trouble!

So, for the uninitiated, how does one go about rocking the leopard print in a chic, fashionable way?


1- The more realistic looking the print- the better!
Regardless of the fabrication, be it chiffon, faux fur, or silk--the more authentic looking the print is-- the more luxurious and chic your ensemble will be.

Panthera pardus (photo credit: animaldiscovery.com)

2-Watch out for tacky leopard print! If a leopard print is a vibrant color intentionally- such as hot pink- it can look chic on the right person with the right outfit. But if you would prefer a classier, timeless look opt for the natural-colored versions: grey, beige, tan or buff. If it is bright yellow, or bright orange- put it down, and walk away.

The natural coloring, painterly brush-strokes and size of spots make this a flattering leopard print choice.

3-Keep an eye on the size! Generally speaking, smaller prints are universally flattering. While larger prints tend to make everyone look, well, larger. The same rule applies to leopard prints.

4-Less is more! For some, all-over leopard print can be a bit intimidating, or just a little too much.  In that case- opt for accessories!  If that floor-length gown looks great on the hanger, but less-than-awesome on you--go for the clutch, shoes, or belt!  You will still get to join the fun, and you will get more use out of it too.

Christian Louboutin

When in doubt, turn to designers who know leopard print and regularly show-case it in their collections: Roberto Cavalli, L.A.M.B., Prada, and Betsey Johnson --just to name a few.

 Last but not least, take fashion cues from celebs who always look flawless, and frequently rock leopard print from their wardrobe-- such as Dita Von Teese and Gwen Stefani.

Dita Von Teese

Gwen Stefani wearing L.A.M.B.

I Hope you are inspired, and if you haven't tried leopard print before-- I heartily encourage you too!  Leopard print is a classic and it knows no age: from babies to grandmas-- it looks fabulous on everyone!

What's New Pussycat? Confessions of a Cheetah-holic PART ONE

No, not cheater. Cheetah! As in, the print!

Ok, true confession time here.  I knew I had a weakness for leopard print, but after raiding my closet and finding all this to photograph:

I thought to myself, "I might have a problem..."

Or... Maybe I don't?
Some might be surprised by my extreme fondness for this pattern, and I'd like to attribute that to the fact that I wear it regularly, but I wear it sparingly.

I thought maybe I'd begun my predilection for leopard print after I discovered my beloved Bettie Page.  But, as it turns out, I was into it before then.  I found this little gem:

It's me at 19-- donning my finest 90s clubwear.  Funny thing is, the outfit actually looks okay.  It's my haircut that's less than awesome.

Since I have years of experience under my leopard-printed-belt, I thought I'd share tips on how to wear it- and come across as fashionable and chic, as opposed to trashy and scary.

First off- an abridged history on the legendary leopard print:
Historically, in ancient times, royalty donned leopard real leopard fur capes, coats, sashes and crowns.  This was a display of heirarchy, status and wealth.

Remember Eddie Murphy's Prince Akeem from "Coming to America?"  Ha ha!
He wore leopard fur for the same reason; status and wealth.
Ahem. Back to the fashion-relevant:
So, World War II has just ended and world- renowned Parisian designer, Christian Dior debuts a collection featuring leopard print in chiffon (not fur). Women, tired of fabric rations from the war, embraced the look- a sign of an official return to glamorous fashion.  Can you blame them?

Leopard print and Hollywood- a timeless, glamorous love affair:
In the 1930s and 1940s, Hollywood's most prominent movie costume-designer "Adrian" began to include leopard print & fur in his designs for his most glamorous stars: Greta Garbo, Katherine Hepburn and Joan Crawford among them. What Hollywood did, American women did, the love-of-leopard-print-seed had been planted.

Rita Hayworth

In the 1940s and 1950s, Hollywood's celebrated costume designer Edith Head continued the Hollywood tradition of dressing her stars in sophistication and style through the use of leopard print, including: Barbara Stanwyck, Audrey Hepburn and Elizabeth Taylor.

Audrey Hepburn

Elizabeth Taylor

The 1960s saw a huge re-surgence in leopard print popularity. You couldn't throw a shiny rock with out hitting a starlet wearing leopard print.  Just a few Hollywood stars that helped popularize the trend were:  Jayne Mansfield, Brigitte Bardot, Anne Margaret, and Catherine Deneuve.

Jayne Mansfield

Brigitte Bardot

Catherine Deneuve

Anne Margret

So the moral of this story is this- if you find a vague correlation between Retro Hollywood Glamour and Leopard Print, there is a reason; leopard print has been employed by Hollywood Fashion luminaries since the phrase "movie star" was practically invented, so it's no wonder!

I'm gonna end my history rant on a favorite, dear to my heart.
In the 1950s there was a subversive Pin Up Queen who made leopard print both sexy and scandalous. Have you ever heard her?  Her name was miss Bettie Page.

Among fetish shoes, seamed stockings and Frederick's of Hollywood lingerie, Miss Page was rather fond of donning the famed leopard print.  And she wore it well.  Old Hollywood aficionados, (like myself), as well as Rockabilly girls have been following suit ever since.

***Stay tuned for PART TWO- where I share fashion tips on how to wear leopard print that eschews "Ahhs" because you look so darn fabulous, versus "Eek!" (Because you look more like Peg Bundy.)

What's In My Bag:

Supposedly, what a woman (or man for that matter) totes around with them with religious fervor, and deems "a necessity" is rather telling...

So I'm dishing the dirt--or the goodies, rather.
A few of my very recent purchases, that I'm taking with me everywhere.
Why? Because I'm convinced they make my life BETTER.

Adhesive Eyelashes/drugstores- a recent must-have for date nights, or bartending nights. I bat them to plead my innocence, and to get more tips. I believe it works on both counts.

Chakra Spray/Aveda- This one is for "grounding". And lately, I need all the grounding I can get. ( I also bought Shampure room spray- just because).

Yogi Cold Season Tea/Whole Foods- It touts warming herbs of Ayurveda: ginger, cinnamon, and clove. I tout that it makes me feel better, when I feel a cold coming on!

L'Occitane/Lip Balm & Hand Cream- Both are must-haves when it comes to fighting off chapped lips & dry hands from the winter cold. Based on the 35 degree weather we had today, I'm already singing the praises of both these babies.

Charm Necklace-Betsey Johnson/Zappos- I little luck to carry around with me, as well as a darling accessory. I've "made it work" with three different colored sweaters already this week...

Revlon-Just Bitten Lip Stain/drugstores- I just bought these in 4 colors, I'm not kidding. Get subtle color "stained" on your lips with out the mucky-muck of lipstick or sticky gloss. Bonus! A moisturizing balm on the other end. I'm in love.

What are your current "must-haves"?

My 6 Month Mark

It's hard to believe that 6 months have already gone by. I can't help but feel a sense of accomplishment, although (let's be honest) I haven't REALLY accomplished all that much. At this 6 month mark, I can't help but pause to reflect on: how far I have come, and what an interesting journey it has been.

Over 6 months ago I was READY! I had been saying my "good-byes" to friends, co-workers, familiar streets, local shops, and favorite haunts for a solid a month. I just needed my 6ft 3 brother AND his muscles to help load up the U-Haul and we'd be on our way! To, not necessarily greener pastures, but something new and different- and that was reason enough. I was anxious to begin a new chapter in my life. I had been very content living in Los Angeles for a long time, but circumstantially, I was at a crossroads in my life, and the move was a welcome change.

First of all, I was jaded. The LA nightlife, for me, had started to lose it's sparkle and shine. What at 18 had been glamorous, and thrilling, at 30something was feeling forced and tired. The mustachioed hipsters, were starting to annoy me, and it was becoming increasingly difficult to decipher a bearded, grime covered trust-fund kid from an actual, well, homeless person. I had been a true-blue club kid jumping from one music genre, scene, party and club for over 10 consecutive years. It had to get old some time, and it finally had.

Secondly, but more importantly, I REALLY missed my family. I had started to lose myself in the chaos, crowded streets and strangers in LA. I wanted to go back to what mattered at the end of the day, and be reminded of who I really was at the heart of it all. Those who knew me best, and saw right through my rock n roll haircuts, tattoos and other layers of trying-hard-to-be-different-hipster-dom.

So 6 months have passed, and here I am. valuable insights have I gained?
Here we go:

Lesson #1
WHEREVER YOU GO, THERE YOU ARE~
I think I might have thought (or secretly hoped) that once I moved 1,400 miles away from where I had lived for 30 odd years, that maybe I could start fresh; have a new beginning, and all my old problems would sort of go away- like sand drifting in the wind, settling in the desert to be forgotten. I quickly realized that much like a new haircut, or a new wardrobe, re-locating does not change much - as far as your heart and mind is concerned. I had left broken-hearted, full of insecurities and idiosyncrasies. Lo and behold, all my mind-baggage tagged along right with me; it did not disappear along the journey as I had hoped. I had to deal with and resolve each issue one, by one. The location was merely a backdrop to the real drama going on in my life.

Lesson #2
THE ART OF PORCHING~
This is not a well-known past time in LA. In LA, it's all about catching the latest, hippest, thing while it's HOT, before the "bridge and tunnel people" discover it, and it's no longer novel or cool anymore. In Tulsa, this is kind of a foreign concept. In my six months here, I have yet to stumble upon a difficult to-get-into club or restaurant, let alone any kind of velvet rope. What I've learned to do here is relax. Not take anything too seriously. Enjoy the scenery. The best place to be, is right where you are, with good friends, light-hearted conversation, ideally at sunset in someone's back porch, and most likely- a cool beverage in hand. I love it. Life doesn't get any better than that: taking in the simple pleasures in life, and savoring the moment.

Lesson #3
THE ART OF BEING A GOOD FRIEND~
Good friends are hard to come by. I think we can all agree on that.
One of the hardest things to let go of when I left LA, where the cherished friends I had to say good-bye too. It's not every day that you meet someone who knows you inside & out, good sides and bad, listens to your problems as if they were all life-threatening issues--and still loves you no matter what. I had that in LA, and I was concerned that finding friends in Oklahoma would be hard. I had no reason to worry. Little did I know that I would I meet many amazing, friendly, genuine, good-hearted, and certainly, good-friend worthy people. As the old adage goes, 'the only way to have a good friend is to be one'.  I have been blessed with many friends here in Tulsa, and I am so grateful. It's up to me now, to hold up my end of the bargain and be a good friend right back.

In summary, I still have a long way to go, as far as getting myself settled here. Ahem, finding a good job, and going back to school to pursue my new career path. (I'm working on that too.) But I think the most important thing I can say is that even though I have days where I really, really miss the old and familiar, I am VERY glad that I moved here. I know, with my whole heart, that I made a good decision, and I have not regretted it.  I feel like I have more growing to do, and more lessons to learn.
And...(say it with an Okie accent), all the growin' and the learnin' are happening in the right place.

How did I end up here, in Oklahoma?

I grew up in California. I was a pint-sized, sweet kid with a big imagination. I spent many joyful and care-free days frolicking in sprinklers, riding my Blue Schwinn bike, making Barbie clothes, and climbing trees. I have many nostalgic memories of contented summer days spent at the beach, frolicking in the waves all day & coming home sunburned. As kids, Mom took us all up and down the southern California coast.

Then, I morphed into a rebellious teen with a penchant for vintage clothes, punk music, bleaching my hair and sneaking out of the house. I moved out just before my 18th birthday, to attend Fashion Design school in Long Beach, located smack dab on the famous Pacific Coast HWY. While living on campus for 2 years in a chaotic city far from home, I quickly realized one of my first big, life lessons; that the family I had rebelled so hard against all my teen years turned out to be my biggest supporters and my lifeline.

While in high school, I was labeled a misfit, but in college I was among other creative types and I felt right at home. I have fond memories of my college years; It was an exciting time, of idealistic youth, and living on the brink of greatness. During those years, I was the poorest I've ever been, but I believe, I was also the happiest.  I was "rich" in other ways; I lived and breathed Art & Creativity.  I drew, painted, made collages, wrote poems, and sewed my own clothes. I experimented with my hair (a past time that would would continue over the years) dying it: black, red, blond, blue, pink and back to black again. I began to fully embrace my individuality, and nurtured the seed of a fruitful, future career in fashion.

After completing school with my AA degree in Fashion Design, I moved to my beloved Laguna Beach, followed by a two years stint in the surfer mecca-Huntington Beach. While living there, I was snapped up as a design assistant, and continued from there to have a fairly successful career in the Fashion Industry for the next consecutive 13 years. While working like crazy in the cut-throat retail/fashion profession, I learned some invaluable lessons about  business, politics and of course, myself.

This was my view from my bedroom window- notice the Hollywood sign to the left & the Griffith observatory to the right.

Although I've lived in California my entire life, the city that has felt the most like "home" so far, has been a quaint, bohemian neighborhood bordering the east-side of Hollywood known as Silver Lake. I adored Silver Lake so much, in fact, I resided in the same apartment, with a great view of the Hollywood sign for the next 8 years.

Silver Lake Reservoir- there is a path all around it; this is how I kept in touch with nature all those years!

This past May, the stars suddenly seemed to align for me in an unforeseen way; I was recently laid-off, coupled with a desire to make a dramatic career change. In addition, my folks who had resided in Saudi Arabia for 13 years were about to retire to the midwest. This meant that for the first time-in a long time-I had a family home to "go home" too.  I took the timing as a sign, and felt an undeniable, magnetic pull-- to  uproot my heart and home and make the big move to distant, unknown lands... the "unknown land" being Sand Springs, Oklahoma, population: 18,000

This is the view from my steps of the apartment I lived in for 8 years. And that is the U-haul my brother drove for 30 hours.

So as of May 23, 2011 I began a new adventure in my life.  One that is simpler, slower and unmistakably different from the life I have lived up until now.  So far the adjustment has been bumpy, and challenging, but each week seems to improve in some small, encouraging way.  With my family close by, (whom all at once drive me batty and hold the place closest to my heart), I remain optimistic and hopeful about what the future may bring.
It's all an adventure.

What to Wear Guide- Fall/ Winter 2011: THE TUXEDO

Fashion Trend To Try:

"The Tuxedo"

 The Tuxedo inspired trend comes back in full force for a two reasons: it's sexy and it's classic.  Borrowing the tailored look from Men's dressing can make a women feel quite daring and surprisingly feminine.

Left to Right: Dolce & Gabanna, Salvatore Ferragamo, The Row (Fall 2011)

Take inspiration from the following designers: Dolce & Gabanna, and Salvatore Ferragamo by looking for silhouettes that are nipped in the waist and flattering (Note: If you feel like Marlene Deitrich it's working, if you feel like a penguin- you should skip it.) 

Marlene Deitrich

Avoid all-over velvet( It can make you look heavier than you really are) and any jacket that is over-sized or too boxy- these shapes won't do your figure any favors.

Credit: Express Blazer Fall 2011

For a subtle nod to this important trend, try a slighly tuxedo-looking, inspired blazer with perhaps a  velvet or satin lapel over a party dress.