Lace & Pearls

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

Tips and Tricks for Flattering the Midsection

I have always been self-conscious of my midsection. Even at my thinnest, I had a belly, so I’ve mastered the talent of minimizing it with clothing. I have always been self-conscious of my midsection. Even at my thinnest, I had a belly, so I’ve mastered the talent of minimizing it with clothing. If you’re subscribed to my monthly newsletter, you might have participated in my reader’s survey where one of the questions asked was about what you like to play up or minimize on your body. The response was almost unanimous! Most readers said stomach, and while I covered this topic briefly before, I wanted to expand upon the topic in a blog post.

I have always been self-conscious of my midsection. Even at my thinnest, I had a belly, so I’ve mastered the talent of minimizing it with clothing.

I have always been self-conscious of my midsection. Even at my thinnest, I had a belly, so I’ve mastered the talent of minimizing it with clothing. Tips for Hiding Your Midsection: Things to Avoid

  • Clingy or thin materials. Just don’t do it. If you prefer to wear something fitted, choose a thicker, more structured fabric.
  • Pleated skirts. The largest part of my body other than my chest is my midsection. For this reason, I tend to avoid wearing skirts altogether. I can’t stand to have the pressure around my waist. If you like skirts, pick up one that is smooth in material, since pleats can add volume around your middle.
  • Low rise pants or jeans. You don’t want them sitting under your tummy or cut across it. It’s really uncomfortable and not very flattering.

I have always been self-conscious of my midsection. Even at my thinnest, I had a belly, so I’ve mastered the talent of minimizing it with clothing. Tips for Hiding Your Midsection: Best Practices

  • Good posture. My photographer always tells me to stand up straight and to think tall! It sounds funny, but it’s true. Take a picture of yourself slouching and then one with great posture and you’ll look like you dropped 10 pounds. I’m serious, try it!
  • Watch your proportions. Wearing oversized anything can make or break you. This is why I like to opt for a petite tunic versus a regular one. Another trick is to size down if you can or wear a belt around your waist to create a feminine silhouette.

I have always been self-conscious of my midsection. Even at my thinnest, I had a belly, so I’ve mastered the talent of minimizing it with clothing. Tips for Hiding Your Midsection: Good Clothing Options

  • I absolutely love these tummy control workout pants that I found at Nordstrom Rack. Seriously life changing! Working out is tough enough, why put yourself through more stress when you don’t have to? These pants make you feel slim and pulled in, plus when you’re twisting and moving you don’t have to worry about exposing your belly.
  • Ruched tops and dresses do wonders for your midsection. I love the Zella workout tees for this very reason. I have them in a handful of colors and even wear them as a nightshirt. Another great workout tee is this one from the Gap.
  • Vest, jackets and long cardigans are your friend. Think of these as your security blanket. Not only do they provide a lean side profile, but they also add a touch of chicness to your look. Add these pieces to tops, blouses, dresses, and even skirts.
  • Have a variety of chiffon, silk, and even polyester in your closet. Be sure that the fabric is not too billowy otherwise it will just make you appear larger. Tops and dresses that have some form of draping at the front will also look great.
  • Dresses also help minimize the midsection. Of course, not all dresses are created equal, so try on different styles to see what works best on your frame. Take note of the silhouette and then look for variations of it. If you’re not sure, take a selfie and then assess your options.
  • High-waisted denim, pants, or skirts can really help flatter the tummy and elongate your frame. Plus they’re more comfortable than low rise styles.

What tips do you have for minimizing the midsection? Please share in the comments.

Jacket: Nordstrom (similar) | Top: Who What Wear (similar) | Necklace: Ann Taylor (also cute) | Earrings: J.Crew (cute and affordable) |Denim: Banana Republic (similar) | Purse: Marc by Marc Jacobs (old) | Shoes: Jessica Simpson (another cute option) | Lipstick: Maybelline c/o

📷’s by  Luba Kochubey Portraits

Related posts:

  1. Petite-Friendly Retailers For Short Girls
  2. Outfit Remix: Easy Ways to Maximize Your Wardrobe
  3. The Ultimate Pattern Mixing Guide
  4. 6 Essential Ways to Start Dressing Confidently

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

Related posts:

  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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  2. Spring Trend: Ruffles + Anguay Designs
  3. What to Wear to a Holiday Family Gathering
  4. Styling Texture

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