How to Make Shopping Fun: Know What Your Body Needs

When shopping and admiring the curves and varities of women's bodies, it is easiest for me to group women in four body type categories: the triangle, the circle, the hourglass and the rectangle. I am by no means a body type expert. And, quite frankly, there are many different models of categorizing the female body. A simple Google search on "body type" identifed at least 5 additional body types that I have never considered (what the heck is an "oval body type?")

I encourage all Tashaan ladies to use my posts as a guideline. The best way to know your body type is to admire yourself and all of your extraordinary curves in a mirror, either in your birthday suit or in your favorite outfit to identify which one of the body types you are closest to. And, learn to love what you see. Remember, its not the clothes or your bootyliciousness that makes you, its your heart and soul. Your clothes are only an extension of what's already so beautiful.

In sticking with the fruit references, let's move from the bootylicious pear, to the "ample apple," a.k.a. the cirlce. You are an apple, if you have full breasts, slim arms and slim hips. And, when you gain 3 pounds, it all goes to the midsection - your tummy. If you have an apple body, it's important to remember that you are trying to de-emphasize your tummy, make your hips look wider and your shoulders look slimmer.



You want:
- low rise slim cut pants that will make your legs look long and lean. Pair this with a long tunic.
- the shift dress is structured and camouflages the tummy.
- a tunic glides over the tummy. Find one that has pleating and sits lower than your natural waist line.
- an empire waist top that sits at the narrowest part of the rib cage also creates a slimming effect. However, be careful because sometimes the empire waist top can create the illusion that your pregnant. (I've been asked if I was pregnant. Naturally, I donated that shirt the same day.)
- choose dark colours for tops and pair them with bold accessories OR tops that are light/pastel OR dress in monochromatic colours.
- pencil skirt
- large belt slung low on the hip
- accesorize your neckline. It will keep the eyes away from your trouble spot.
- sari: wear the sari lower on your waist and choose materials other than chiffon. You don't want to show your tummy hanging.
- churidaar: apply the same rules as dresses. Nothing too tight, stuctured and be careful of the anarkali style because it can create the pregnant look.
- look for subtle details in the clothing: cinching, rouching or wrap style. They add texture and drama to the outfit and camouflage very well.

To avoid:
- anything that draws attention to your tummy, such as high waisted pants or skirts, skinny belts or cinched tops.
- shrugs or boleros with skin tight fitting tank tops.
- below the knee skirts: rather than accentuating your assets, your hiding them and placing focus on your trouble areas.
- fitted or tailored clothes (clothing must fit properly, but it must note be skin tight).