Tip: Trim Inches Off Your Waist by...

Hello Dolls!

I wanna share a little tip on how to look slimmer, sexy, and beautiful especially when taking full-body photos or when you're walking around in your HOT bikini! (not that many of us are, especially since it's Fall season, but pocket this tip for when summer comes!) 

Before my bellydancing days, I never really understood the importance of good posture (okay, well I understood it but never paid too much attention to it), even when I took ballet and jazz at a very young age and in high school, I was told to stand straight but it was never really broken down for me until I started taking some serious bellydancing classes.  Last night I was in class and I noticed in the mirror how my posture has improved.  Great posture just has a way of making you look so Delicious!  Not to mention, it will also make you look a few pounds slimmer!  But there's more to it than just standing up straight.

First let me share with you how I used to stand; When I was very young, I used to stand with my knees always locked because it was comfortable and it was like a support for my body, my butt would stick out, my shoulders slumped over and my head would fall above my chest (I just had a Scarecrow image from the Wizard of Oz).  This is not a pretty stance for a young girl but it became a comfortable habit for me.  About 6 years ago, my Gynecologist told me that I had a tilted pelvis (WTH?) which is the reason why my tailbone stuck out, developing this strong lower arch in my back (glad to know I wasn't intently showing off my assets to the world)!  I was also having serious back pains.  Fast forward many years later: my bellydance instructor tells me, "Chruszhet, stand shoulder-width apart, tuck that butt in, put your ribcage on a shelf, elongate your neck, and put some energy in those arms! Now look at the curves in your silhouette."  And she was right!  Yeah every now and then I do catch myself slouching with but sticking out and then I have to correct myself. And I've seen those old photos of me with bad posture- NO BUENO!  So here's how to look irresistibly delicious (I'm sure my bellydance sisters can attest to):

1.  Stand shoulder-width apart, with your weight evenly distributed throughout your feet.
2.  Tuck your pelvis (tailbone ) in, but not too much that you look like an animal from a National Geographic episode.
3.  Roll your shoulder blades back and down, causing your chest to lift up (as my instructor said- "put your ribcage on a shelf"). You should also feel your stomach muscles contract a bit
4.  Lift your head up (making those neck muscles long and strong)
5.  Put some energy in those arms, don't let them just dangle to your sides. (In dance, we have certain positions for our arms) but be natural

Ooooweee now look at yourself in the mirror! You will look much slimmer showing off your torso and you will also look and feel confident. Most importantly you will save yourself from a back injury.  So the next time someone wants to snap a photo of you, remember your posture and your SMILE   =D  !

It's about Looking good and Feeling Better!
C-

How to Find the Best Fit When Purchasing Clothes Online

Okay Online Shoppers or Soon-to-be-Online Shoppers, I've got a few tips for you that have helped me with buying clothes online and I'm here to share them with you so grab your handy-dandy clothes tape measure!

1.  Yes, first grab that tape measure or if you don't have one, a ruler will work but keep in mind that since the ruler is flat it may be tough to wrap it around your body!  hehehe

2.  Remember that different brands of clothing run differently in sizes.  If you are buying an item from a certain manufacturer for the first time and you don't own any other piece of clothing from that manufacturer, it can be a challenge at first, but don't get discouraged we will and can fight through this! 

3.  Use all the fitting info and sizing charts on the site.  This is the time to take your measurements and compare your measurements to the sizing charts (note: not all sizing charts are the same, a size 4 on one site can be equivalent to a size 6/8 on another site)

4.  Check all the feedback and reviews on that article of clothing that you are interested in purchasing.  A lot of buyers will give their input on whether or not the sizes run big or small.  Also they may add in a bit of info about the item like "the lapel of the tulip skirt keeps folding over when you walk" and you may not want to deal with such hassle.

5.  This one fits in with #2.  Stick with brands you are familiar with.  The sizing can give you a ballpark idea. 

6.  Grab your favorite-fitting pair of jeans or pants, lay it on a flat surface and measure the waist across (x2), hips, inseam, the rise (from the crotch seam to the top of the waist) and use those measurements (especially when you don't have a tape measure and you're using a ruler).

7.  Grab your favorite sweater or blouse, lay it on a flat surface and measure the arms from the shoulder seam to the end of the cuff, the width of the shoulders, and the length of the piece from neck to bottom hem.  Also don't forget to measure the width of the chest area (this can be the most important measurement for all of you who are well-endowed in your upper body or you can also donate some my way!  hahaha)

8.  Always check the website's return/exchange policy before submitting your order!  Most sites will offer free returns and exchanges. 

9.  Buy two sizes and return one.  This is only economical if the site offers FREE returns!

10.  Last but not least, consult the site's fit specialist or call their toll free number and talk to a representative if you are having doubts about sizing!

In my 3+ years of being a work-at-home Mom, I have been doing most of my clothes and shoes shopping online, and have had to exchange only 1 item so far!  I even bought all my bridesmaid dresses online and all I had to do was alter the bottom hems.  Just think of all the gas you save, the stress of jam-packed and messy dressing rooms, and pushy sales people.  What I love the most is that I find some incredible deals and a lot unique stuff online.

Next week, I'll give you a few tips on buying shoes online!

I'd love to know if this post has helped you in any way!

Happy Online Shopping! Hugz & Kisses!