Lace & Pearls

A Seattle Style blog. Helping women who struggle with their personal style or those who just need a fashion fix!

5 Style Tips for Busty Women

Dressing for a large chest is no joke! There are so many rules and not all are created equal. Take the v-neck for example. Wearing: floral spaghetti strap dress. Dressing for a large chest is no joke! There are so many rules and not all are created equal. Take the v-neck for example. Wearing: floral spaghetti strap dress. Dressing for a large chest is no joke! There are so many rules and not all are created equal. Take the v-neck for example. Wearing: floral spaghetti strap dress. Dressing for a large chest is no joke! There are so many rules and not all are created equal. Take the v-neck for example. Wearing: floral spaghetti strap dress. Dressing for a large chest is no joke! There are so many rules and not all are created equal. Take the v-neck for example. Wearing: floral spaghetti strap dress. Dress: Halogen (old) | Jacket: Loft (old) | Necklace: Lace & Pearls | Shoes: Josef Seibel | Purse: Old Navy (similar) | Lipstick: Rimmel London (Crystal Mauve) ℅

Dressing for a large chest is no joke! There are so many rules and not all are created equal. Take the v-neck for example. I once wore one in the middle of summer and cringed when I saw the photo. I looked huge! From that point on, I knew they weren’t for me.

On the flip side, if you find a top or dress that works, you’ll often discover that the fabric gaps in other places. What gives?! After experiencing this too often I thought I would share some tips for dressing a full chest.

5 Style Tips for Busty Women

  • Get measured for your bra. A well-fitted bra can do wonders. As much as I hate to spend money on them, it’s amazing how cleaned-up and polished I look when I do! Added bonus: you will also look slimmer when your bra is properly fitted.
  • Choose the right dress. The best dress options for large busts are the A-line, fit-in-flare, or shift. Sturdy fabrics that are on the thicker side look best. Stretchy material can be nice, but avoid super thin options that show every bump and bulge. The dress that I’m wearing in today’s post is silk and gives the appearance of a slim and smooth silhouette. Fashion tip: add a sweater over a dress to make the dress look like a skirt.
  • Separates are your friend. You can create the illusion of a dress by matching a solid color top with a solid bottom. This is a great trick for women who wear different sizes on the top and bottom. This way you’re guaranteed to get a proper fit.
  • Not all tops are created equal. Take the button-up blouse. I can’t stand when they gape in the front. Some brands never fit me, but others fit me really well, so make sure you try on multiple blouse options from various retailers before ruling out the style altogether. Fashion tip: do a half tuck with an oversized shirt or knot the waist. Then roll the sleeves for a casual cool look.
  • Add a topper. Look for a cute moto jacket, lapel-free blazer, or vest. Adding some type of outwear can make the upper body appear slimmer. A blazer can be super tricky, so you’ll want one that isn’t too structured and is a good length for your frame. Avoid buttoning or zipping up any of these pieces to maintain a more flattering look.

What tips do you have for minimizing a large chest? Please share in the comments.

📷’s by  Luba Kochubey Portraits

Related posts:

  1. Brighten Up Your Black and White Look
  2. How to Channel Your Inner French Girl
  3. The Best Places to Shop For a Day Dress
  4. Dress up your Little Black Dress this Holiday Season

How to Channel Your Inner French Girl

When I threw this look together and gave myself a once over, I thought wow, I look unintentionally Parisian! This got me to thinking about the elements of dressing French aka "channeling my inner French Girl."No one can deny that Paris is one of the most romantic places on earth and the fashion there is irresistible. Look at the women who live there and how they put themselves together! They have truly mastered the act of dressing simply and looking chic.

When I threw this look together and gave myself a once over, I thought wow, I look unintentionally Parisian! This got me to thinking about the elements of dressing French aka “channeling my inner French Girl.”

When I threw this look together and gave myself a once over, I thought wow, I look unintentionally Parisian! This got me to thinking about the elements of dressing French aka "channeling my inner French Girl."
When I threw this look together and gave myself a once over, I thought wow, I look unintentionally Parisian! This got me to thinking about the elements of dressing French aka "channeling my inner French Girl."How to Channel Your Inner French Girl

  • Wear classic prints (stripes, polka dots or neutrals). When your wardrobe consists of predominantly neutrals it makes getting ready a cinch, especially when the color palette is so versatile. The colors you will most often see worn in France are white, black, tan, blue, and gray.
  • Remember less is more. The French girl wardrobe is built on clean silhouettes and classic staples. While they do stay up to date on trends, they may only take one or two ideas from it and incorporate it into their existing wardrobe.
  • Ballet flats are a must. Especially when getting around those cobblestone streets! French women like their clothes and shoes to be non-restrictive and comfortable. They will also rock a classic heel and sneakers (non-fashion type).
  • Minimal accessories. A simple pearl, bar necklace, or even a locket are classic items that work with any outfit. This adds a special touch to your outfit without taking away from it.
  • Look purposely unpolished. Messy topknot or loose waves, winged eyeliner, red lips. All of these things embody the Parisian girl. Keep in mind that looking effortless is more involved than it actually looks especially when creating a “no makeup look.” Don’t beat yourself up if it takes you a while to master.

When I threw this look together and gave myself a once over, I thought wow, I look unintentionally Parisian! This got me to thinking about the elements of dressing French aka "channeling my inner French Girl."What I’m Wearing

This silk polka dot dress is one I’ve had for a couple years. It’s pretty perfect and has pockets and a drawstring waist. If I really wanted to add the Parisian touch I might have worn my classic black ballet flats and a swipe of red lipstick.

Mastering the Parisian look is all about keeping it simple and sticking to the classics. It definitely makes getting ready easier when deciding what to wear. French Girls don’t necessarily have a large wardrobe but that doesn’t prevent them from looking polished and fashion forward.

How do you channel your inner Parisian? Share in the comments.

Dress: J.Crew (similar) | Necklace: Stella & Dot (similar) | Ring: Stella & Dot (old) | Cat purse: Ted Baker London (old) | Shoes: Josef Seibel | Lipstick: Maybelline c/o

📷’s by  Luba Kochubey Portraits

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  1. The Best Places to Shop For a Day Dress
  2. Brighten Up Your Black and White Look
  3. Spring Trend: Ruffles + Anguay Designs
  4. Petite-Friendly Retailers For Short Girls

The Best Places to Shop For a Day Dress

My favorite dress style is the day dress; it's versatile and can be worn to the office, out to dinner, and sometimes even a wedding. For some reason, it can be really hard to find the perfect dress for the right occasion though. My favorite dress style is the day dress; it's versatile and can be worn to the office, out to dinner, and sometimes even a wedding. For some reason, it can be really hard to find the perfect dress for the right occasion though. I feel most comfortable when I wear jeans and a frilly blouse. Every so often I will rock a dress but that’s mostly during summer or when I’m going to an event. My favorite dress style is the day dress; it’s versatile and can be worn to the office, out to dinner, and sometimes even a wedding. For some reason, it can be really hard to find the perfect dress for the right occasion though.  That’s where today’s post comes in! I thought it would be helpful if I shared the best places that I’ve found to shop for a day dress.

My favorite dress style is the day dress; it's versatile and can be worn to the office, out to dinner, and sometimes even a wedding. For some reason, it can be really hard to find the perfect dress for the right occasion though. My favorite dress style is the day dress; it's versatile and can be worn to the office, out to dinner, and sometimes even a wedding. For some reason, it can be really hard to find the perfect dress for the right occasion though. The Best Places to Shop For a Day Dress

My two favorite places to buy dresses are J.Crew and Madewell. I can always count on both stores to have just what I need. Keep in mind that J.Crew’s price point is somewhat high but totally worth it. Madewell also is on the higher side but both retailers make quality pieces that last.

What’s nice about J.Crew is that a lot their dresses can be worn to the office and/or a wedding (I’ve done both). If you’re in the market for a special occasion dress and can’t find one at the J.Crew store, check out their online inventory. I tend to find their specialty items and larger selection online. If you can’t find what you need there, I recommend checking Nordstrom.com since they have a large assortment of dresses. If you’re looking for something less stuffy, you can also visit Asos or Zara for on-trend, affordable dresses.

Another great place to shop for dresses is Anthropologie. They have some of the most unique and beautiful dresses I’ve ever seen! They can be expensive depending on how fancy they are but again, you will be able to wear that dress year after year.

If you’re looking to up your work wardrobe, definitely check out BananaRepublic.com. They have so many cute dresses and always have a sale. If you’re lucky, you might also find a great pair of shoes and jewelry to go with it!

My favorite dress style is the day dress; it's versatile and can be worn to the office, out to dinner, and sometimes even a wedding. For some reason, it can be really hard to find the perfect dress for the right occasion though. What I’m Wearing

The dress featured in today’s post is from J.Crew. It’s a little different from their normal selection. I love the abstract black & white print and the flowy silk material. Surprisingly the length is great and I love that it also has pockets.

So there you have it! Those are my top picks for a day dress. Since a good dress is hard to find, I would love if you share where you shop for dresses! Leave a comment below so I can check it out.

Dress: J.Crew (old) | Shoes: Josef Seibel (on major sale now!!!)| Necklace: Charming Charlie c/o | Earrings: Kendra Scott c/o | Bracelet: Happiness Boutique c/o | Lipstick: Maybelline c/o

📷’s by  Luba Kochubey Portraits

Related posts:

  1. How to Channel Your Inner French Girl
  2. Brighten Up Your Black and White Look
  3. Petite-Friendly Retailers For Short Girls
  4. Tips and Tricks for Flattering the Midsection

Style a Bomber Jacket in 4 Easy Steps

Styling a bomber jacket is hard y'all! It took my mom and I an entire shop day to find something somewhat workable to realize it didn't. Wearing: floral bomber jacket, pink pants, and rose gold flats. Styling a bomber jacket is hard y'all! It took my mom and I an entire shop day to find something somewhat workable to realize it didn't. Wearing: floral bomber jacket, pink pants, and rose gold flats.
Styling a bomber jacket is hard y'all! It took my mom and I an entire shop day to find something somewhat workable to realize it didn't. Wearing: floral bomber jacket, pink pants, and rose gold flats. Styling a bomber jacket is hard y'all! It took my mom and I an entire shop day to find something somewhat workable to realize it didn't. Wearing: floral bomber jacket, pink pants, and rose gold flats.
Styling a bomber jacket is hard y'all! It took my mom and I an entire shop day to find something somewhat workable to realize it didn't. Wearing: floral bomber jacket, pink pants, and rose gold flats.Styling a bomber jacket is hard y’all! It took my mom and I an entire shop day to find something somewhat workable to realize it didn’t. Maybe it’s just me, but I really wanted to wear something other than a plain white tee.

Bomber jackets are somewhat sporty for my personal style taste. But I fell in love with this one because of the floral print. It also doesn’t hurt that my good friend Crystal designed it. She’s amazingly talented and you should check out her site and Instagram if you haven’t already. If you find something you can’t live without, use code LACEANDPEARLS to receive 15% off your order, discount is valid until 12/31/17.

If you also struggle to style the ever popular bomber jacket follow these steps.

Style a Bomber Jacket in 4 Easy Steps

  1. Get the jacket in a fabric you love! There are so many bomber options. You can most likely find one that suits your style preference. Get creative, go for one with a great texture or print and of course a solid will work with most of the stuff you already own.
  2. Find a shirt. The key to nailing this trend is finding the perfect neckline. Go for something that shows a little skin. Avoid tops that come all the way up to the neck; it will look all kinds of wrong! I did try a v-neck and didn’t like it so I would recommend a scope neck or something similar to the blouse I’m wearing.
  3. Choose your bottom. Take a tip from Crystal and pair your bomber with your favorite skirt. She is always rocking this combo and looks oh so cute! Or go the traditional route and wear your most loved jean. I decided that an added pop of color would look best and went with this pink pair similar here and here.
  4. Accessorize! Pull it together with your favorite accessories and a bright lip! A great shoe is also important.

Now rock that bomber with your bad self! 😉

Shop the post:

Jacket: ARD (thanks Crystal for the discount) | Blouse: Nordstrom (similar) | Jean: Loft (similar) | Necklace: Horse Shoe (similar) | Earrings: J.Crew (similar) | Ring: Madewell  | Shoes: Sam Edelman (gold version) | Clutch: DSW (now on sale!!!) | Lipstick: Maybelline c/o

📷’s by  Luba Kochubey Portraits

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From Business Casual to Date Night with J.Jill

All of my J.Jill pieces are great for the office and after work, just change out the shoes and your handbag if you need to!I work in a business casual environment. The only rule is that you can’t wear blue jeans, but colored denim is allowed. Thank goodness! I am such a denim wearer. When I’m not wearing denim, my other go-to is printed pants or a dress. A good brand that easily goes from business casual to date night is J.Jill.

J.Jill recently gifted me my choice of items from their latest collection. I ended up choosing two pairs of printed pants, a necklace, and a simple shift dress. All of the items are great for the office and after work, just change out the shoes and your handbag if you need to!

I thought it would be fun to style and feature all of the pieces in head-to-toe looks to help you with your own office wardrobe. Let’s get started!

From Business Casual to Date Night with J.Jill

First up is the premium bi-stretch pant in Black Aviero Border print. I seriously love this pant! It’s also my favorite item that I received and similar to the J.Crew Factory Winnie pant (my go-to work pant). What makes this one unique is the cute all-over print and thick-banded print at the hem. This pant is slim through the hips and thigh and has a nice cropped leg.

All of my J.Jill pieces are great for the office and after work, just change out the shoes and your handbag if you need to!All of my J.Jill pieces are great for the office and after work, just change out the shoes and your handbag if you need to!
Top: Nordstrom | Pant: J.Jill c/o| Shoes: Josef Seibel (on major sale now!!!)| Necklace: Charming Charlie c/o | Ring: Stella & Dot (style no longer available) |Purse: Old Navy(similar style) | Lipstick: Rimmel Moisture Renew (color Diva Red #500) c/o

Next is the Wearever Pleated Cropped pant in Black Indonesian Woodcut print. This pant literally feels like I’m wearing yoga or lounge pants. As much as I love these pants, I had the hardest time finding a top to go with. My advice is to stick with a slim-fitted top since the pants are billowy. The second time I wore these pants, I opted for a shorter, more fitted blouse and it worked much better. Also note, these pants don’t really photograph well and give a larger appearance. For size reference, I am wearing a small.

All of my J.Jill pieces are great for the office and after work, just change out the shoes and your handbag if you need to!All of my J.Jill pieces are great for the office and after work, just change out the shoes and your handbag if you need to!Top: Banana Republic (old) | Pant: J.Jill c/o  | Shoes: Josef Seibel (on major sale now!!!) | Necklace: J.Jill c/o | Watch: Klasse14 c/o| Bracelets: Charming Charlie c/o | Clutch: DSW (now on sale!!!) | Lipstick: Rimmel Moisture Renew (color Diva Red #500) c/o

I also wanted to highlight the Compassion Fund Reversible pendant (one side is etched with “love” and the other side has “hope”. For every piece that is purchased, 100% of the net proceeds will provide support to organizations that help disadvantaged and homeless women become more self-sufficient. What a great cause!

All of my J.Jill pieces are great for the office and after work, just change out the shoes and your handbag if you need to!Last was the Easy A-Line Dress. This was my least favorite piece. This shift dress is shapeless and needs a belt to cinch in the waist. Due to my broad shoulders and large chest, I would not recommend this item. I feel like the top would better suit someone who is smaller on top and would recommend sizing down as much as you possible. For size reference, I’m wearing a size 12P.

All of my J.Jill pieces are great for the office and after work, just change out the shoes and your handbag if you need to! All of my J.Jill pieces are great for the office and after work, just change out the shoes and your handbag if you need to!Dress: J.Jill c/o | Shoes: Josef Seibel (on major sale now!!!) | Necklace: Michael Kors (old) | | Watch: Klasse14 c/o | Purse: Foley + Corinna (almost identical) | Lipstick: Rimmel Moisture Renew (color Diva Red #500) c/o

I hope these looks inspire you to get creative with your work wear and try something new! Be sure to check out J. Jill for more stylish options.

Thanks J.Jill for gifting me these items, all opinions are my own.

Photos by Ana Luzia of Northwest Blonde

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