Fall is fast approaching and it’s time to trade in the tank tops and shorts for more seasonally appropriate pieces. It’s imperative to not lose sight of style as the cold weather hits. Here are some tips to staying stylish (and warm) during the transition:

1.  Recognize your body type-

The female body varies in shape and size. If you have an hourglass shape, be sure to accentuate your tiny waist line. Belted jackets that cinch around the waist will bring your shape much positive attention. For the apple-shaped, or rounded, female, focus on the shoulders and leg area; this will minimize your midsection and create the S-curve illusion. Flowy fall tops or swing coats for chillier weather will be the most flattering. If you are noticeably heavier in the midsection and have a slim lower body (carrying all the weight toward the tummy area), aim for cropped jackets with banded bottoms that will again, create the illusion of a smaller waist. Pear shaped women with wider hips should accentuate their top halves and create balance. Structured jackets with details and fun patterns draw the attention to the top half of the body. A diversion of the attention to the lower half will create a more balanced body perspective. Remember, all bodies are different and it is up to you to decide what is more aesthetically pleasing. The key to styling for your body is creating the shape you desire and a balance so the body will be desirable to others. 

2.  Be mindful of the colors of the season-

Earthy neutrals are in this season. Fashion forecasters have foreseen sage, rose, and ranges of bold colors reflecting landscape (full of blues, browns, greens, and grays) as the colors of the upcoming fall season. Choose the color(s) that pop(s) against your skin. Do not be afraid to mix and match the colors. Fall is colorful in itself. Stay festive. 

3.  Layer, layer, layer-

The season is changing. Be bold! Do not be afraid to layer your clothes as you mix those colors. Always be mindful of styling for your shape; do not disguise your body under a plethora of items, but, rather, mix and match to create a nicely balanced full ensemble. Try a nice blouse with an outer jacket with an accessory piece such as a belt or a scarf. The great thing about this season is it is the perfect blend of warm and cool. The options are endless! 

4.  Wear your confidence-

No matter what garment you wear, remember YOU are carrying it; do not let it carry you. The most important piece you carry with every outfit will be your confidence. You confidence stays with you through all four seasons and will be consistently striking if exercised daily. 

Fall: a season of color, change, and celebration. Let your fashions match the season!

The post Styling tips for Fall by Dale Noelle of true model appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

Spring is finally here and what better time to bring some major color into your wardrobe!  Mixing bold colors can create a great look but it can also easily go wrong.  The key is to pair two or maybe three colors with classic neutrals to create a fun look that is not reminiscent of a circus clown!

This first outfit shows how you can fit 3 pastel colors in one outfit is a tasteful, classic way.  Start off with dark wash jeans.  Dark wash is important here because it anchors the look and keeps you from appearing washed out.  Next add a staple that I am obsessed with right now, a white denim jacket.  The reason that I am so in love with this piece is that it is super versatile!  Next add a colored v-neck.  These come in literally every color under the rainbow so feel free to pick your favorite.  I chose this great mint color because it screams springtime.  Now you can play up the outfit with fun accessories.  Nothing says spring like sunny yellow and this necklace adds interest to an otherwise very classic outfit.  Finish off with some trendy turquoise loafers that are both practical and stylish!

The next outfit is dressier and slightly less bold than the previous outfit.  It starts with this great coral wrap dress from Banana Republic.  Wrap dresses are great for slimming your waist and giving your body a more hourglass shape.  A blazer balances the dress by adding structure.  The fun khaki stripes and bright yellow lining definitely add some attitude to this outfit, but you could also sub the denim jacket from outfit one to dress it down a bit.  Next, bring in some teal with a delicate necklace and bold handbag.  Finish the outfit with some nude strappy sandals, just be sure to shop around to find a pair that complement your skin tone to maximize their slimming effects!

Every year Pantone comes out with the Color of the Year and I am in love with this year’s color, emerald!  Emerald translates so well across ages, body types, and lifestyles.  Another big trend is colored denim, which can be very hard to wear.  My personal rule for making colored denim wearable is that the color needs to be darker than medium wash jeans.  These emerald jeans are perfect for highlighting both trends!  My favorite color combo with emerald is magenta so I paired the jeans with this soft magenta top.  Finally, to brighten this otherwise dark outfit I added some bright orange earrings and sandals. 

The key to mixing colors is balance.  Mix dark with light, pair bold with classic.  When you create contrast, you get really interesting, wearable outfits!

Outfit One 

Anne Klein Talin Women's Slip on Shoes in turquoise

Anna & Ava Flora Bib Necklace in Yellow

GAP Essential short-sleeve V-neck T in Neon Mint Green

Gap Women’s Dark Perfect Boot Jeans Dark Wash

Gap White Denim Jacket

Outfit Two

GAP Striped Khaki Academy Blazer

BR Gemma Wrap Dress
David Jones Tote Bag with Removeable Shoulder & Crossbody Strap - Turquoise

Michael Kors Pave Slice Pendant Necklace, Turquoise/Silver Color

Naturalizer Dhani Slingback Sandals 

Outfit Three

Eddie Bauer Slightly Curvy Colored Denim Straight Leg Jeans

H&M Embroidered Yoke Top in Burgundy

Alexis Bittar 'Dewdrop' Earrings in Neon Orange

MICHAEL Michael Kors 'Plate' Thong Sandal in Tangerine

The post Put Some Spring in Your Wardrobe! appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

The venerable Maya Angelou once said that diversity makes for a rich tapestry, and nowhere is this truism more apparent than in the variety of shapes and sizes that make up women’s bodies. But instead of embracing these unique proportions, many women chose to forego shopping for styles that suit their current figures, saving it for the day that they lose “ those x-amount of pounds”, or exercise their way into those idealized, cookie-cutter shapes typically embodied by models and celebrities. Some,  unfortunately, may find the idea of choosing clothes off the rack so unbearable that they’ll skirt the issue all together, surrendering their shapes to baggy sweatshirts and any garment with an elastic waistband.

The good news is that more than ever before, retailers and clothing manufacturers —from department stores to specialty boutiques—are diversifying their options for women who’ve frequently felt like they were on the fringe of the fashion world. No longer having to choose from a meager list of frumpy options, there is no excuse for any woman—whether extra tall and willowy, petite and plus-sized or seven months into a pregnancy—to radiate confidence with a wide range of fashion choices.  The first step in determining which cuts, styles and fits are best for you is an honest evaluation in front of the mirror. Key areas to examine are your chest, your waistline and your hips, especially in reference to one another (also, don’t forget to turn around and take your bottom into account). Where do you carry the bulk of your weight? Where do the lines of your silhouette expand away from your center or curve inward? Which regions do you confidently want to highlight and which would you feel more comfortable concealing or deemphasizing? Eyeballing these ratios will more easily aid in determining your shape—literally.

While not all physiques fall perfectly into one category, observing them within the context of specific shapes is the gold standard for parsing out which garments will best flatter your frame. The following classification of body types and their associated guidelines will serve as a platform for building a wardrobe that will make you feel classy, sexy and stylish—no matter what the tape measurer or the scale may tell you.

The Apple Shape

Carrying the bulk of her body fat in the midsection, the apple-shaped woman likely has narrower hips and larger breasts, as well as a predisposition for weight gain in the abdomen. Smoothing away the dreaded “muffin-top” and camouflaging a too-generous waistline are top priorities for apple shapes, as well as flaunting those already lean legs.

 What to wear on the top: You can easily downsize a thicker middle by wearing  pieces that gather beneath the bust and skim over the tummy, such as breezy blouses and tunics with empire-waist styles (anything short and clingy, on the other hand, will just spotlight any bulge in this area). Feel free to wear V-neck and scoopneck styles with beading and other delicate, classy detailing to draw the eye up towards your face and chest.  Ditch the visual calories by opting for single-breasted jackets and fitted blazers that fall just below the hipbone.

 What to wear on the bottom: To draw attention to a fabulous pair of gams, skirts are definitely in order; A-line styles that flare away from the waist are especially flattering to your figure—as are drop waists (garments with waist seams that fall near the hips instead of the actual waistline—these are prevalent in shirt and dress styles as well as in skirts). Purchase straight-legged and boot-cut pants with a lower rise to avoid squeezing a bulky midsection.

 Flattering dresses: Because monochromatic outfits are optimal for lengthening and slimming, dresses in solid colors are a simple but elegant option for the apple shaped woman. Straight-lined sheaths and universally flattering wrap styles should be the go-to items on your dress list.

 Your confidence-boosting weapon: High-waist shapewear is a must for increasing your waist-to-hip ratio—buy at least one pair for your special occasion dresses, or as many as you can afford for everyday wear.

The Pear Shape

A prominent lower half characterizes the contours of pear-shaped ladies, which, aside from voluminous hips, thighs and buttocks, may also include thicker calves and ankles. Pears can harmonize their curves by subduing these larger areas while emphasizing their slimmer upper halves—such as a trim, defined waist and a graceful bustline.

What to wear on the top: To offset a larger bottom, pear shapes have license to play around with an array of colors, patterns , textures and detailing when it comes to dressing the upper body (so long as the hem doesn’t tier across the widest part of the hips). Broad necklines such as boatnecks and scoopnecks will add necessary girth to your upper body, as will puffy sleeves and shoulder pads on blouses and blazers. Call attention to the smallest part of your waist by wearing cinched-in and form-fitting tops, and don’t hesitate to punctuate your look with a loud, trendy belt.

 What to wear on the bottom: When it comes to styling beneath the belt, however, pear-shapes have a lot more restrictions. Wide-leg, straight-leg and flat-front trousers in dark, solid colors are prudent choices—avoid anything tight and constricting around the hips and thighs, such as tapered pants or skinny jeans. Slightly flared A-line skirts and pencil skirts will instantly make you look elegant and sexy—any  skirts that feature ruffles, pleats, tulle and sequins will only add a surplus of pounds.

 Flattering dresses: Pear-shaped women can have fun with their ultra-feminine figures in wrap dresses and belted shirtdresses. Also, look for frocks that call attention to your shoulders—strapless and halter-styles can do this quite nicely.

 Your confidence-boosting weapon: If you want a perky apple bottom and seamless hips—you’ll have to ditch the briefs and thongs (Goodbye, panty lines!). Opt instead for high-waist and capri-length shapewear, especially under sheer dresses and skirts.

The Banana Shape

The bust, waist and hip measurements of banana-shaped women are more or less the same, giving these super slim beauties an elongated, lean look that can pull off bold fashion trends. Because bananas are usually lacking in the curvature department, clothing and accessories should be used to create a waistline and the impression of a more sinuous shape.

 What to wear on the top: The mannequin-like measurements of the your banana shape means that shopping off the rack will be a breeze—as long as you don’t drown your frame in baggy, oversized blouses and jackets. Feminize your figure with

ruffles, embroidery and loud patterns galore—what will look frumpy and childish on more curvaceous bodies will look fashionably chic on you. Cinched-in waists and banded tops can add the illusion of curves.

 What to wear on the bottom: Lucky you! Your willowy legs can pull off a multitude of fun styles—feel free to experiment with singular items such as harem pants or vibrantly hued skinny jeans. Nipped-waist and high-waist pants can add some pleasing depth to your physique, while low-rise jeans with embellishments can enhance the volume of narrow hips and a flat derriere. Swingy skirts that flare away from your body—such as A-line, pleated and tulip skirts—can make you appear softer and add contour.

 Flattering dresses: As long as the dress is semi-fitted, any style will accentuate your figure; just be sure to shun anything too clingy, which will only highlight your angularity. Maxi dresses were practically made for the banana body type and are  easy, elegant pieces for spring and summer.

 Your confidence-boosting weapon: Belts that cinch in at the waist are crucial for banana shapes desire instant curves—the wider and more attention-getting, the better (You can wrap belts over your dresses, tops, coats and more).  Also, swathing yourself in different and layers and colors does wonders for breaking up a vertical stature; don’t forget to employ the help of strategically placed accessories, such as scarves and statement jewelry.

The Hourglass Shape

With symmetrical hip to bust measurements that are further complemented by a tapered midriff, the most balanced and desirable of all body types may seem to have no drawbacks. However, hourglass women will have to steer clear of bulky, baggy clothing to avoid appearing heavier than they are. As long as she doesn’t hide her shape, an hourglass has great flexibility when it comes to choosing figure-enhancing apparel.

 What to wear on the top: Single out close-fitting items that follow the lines of your body—think tops with ample chest room that also narrow down towards your waist.  Hourglasses look best in sweetheart necklines and V-necklines to elongate their upper halves, while drape-like cowlnecks, and jewel necklines will only add bulk. To further avoid looking boxy and shapeless, eschew straight-cut jacket and blazers— instead, choose styles that glide over your curves and flare slightly away from the hips.

What to wear on the bottom: Skinny and slightly flared bootleg jeans will highlight and streamline an hourglass profile; wide-legged trousers are also optional for shapely body types that want to appear slimmer and taller. Plus-sized hourglasses may want to stay away from low-rise pants of any kind, as these can pinch fuller hips and create bulge. Though most types of skirts would flatter an hourglass’s profile, your go-to should be the pencil skirt—there is no better style that will glorify your coveted waist-to-hip ratio.

Flattering dresses: Wrap dresses may look great everyone, but on an hourglass’s frame it has major head-turning power—talk about conspicuous curves! Hourglasses can play around with multiple styles of dresses—just be leery of excessive embellishments and showy patterns, which can add heaviness.

Your confidence-boosting weapon: If you want to give your feminine goods a slight lift without losing your shape, then opt for full body slimming shapewear to instantly tighten your curves.

By Sara Ferrer

The post Styling Shortcuts for Your Body Shape appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

4 Pairs of Jeans

1 Pair of skinny jeans to wear with flats or tuck under boots
1 pair of relaxed fit for comfortable days
1 pair of slim cut for a conservative lunch or dinner out
1 pair of long jeans for high heels

8 Tees 

2 turtlenecks
2 tanks
2 long sleeve
2 short sleeve

6 Dresses

1 black cocktail dresses
2 short comfortable dresses
2 long day dresses
1 special sexy dress “that knocks-em dead”

4 Pants & 4 Skirts

2 for the office/evening and 2 casual

2 Tops for every Skirt and Pants

1 dressed  up and 1 casual. This will make putting together outfits quick and simple

4 Sweaters

2 work worthy and 2 for weekends

1 Suit 

Mix and match for professional ensembles or wear together

3 Coats

1 sporty to throw on to take the kids to practice
1 elegant coat for the night on the town
1 classic trench

The post Tips for Shopping Smart appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

Your Perfect Pair of Jeans.

If you haven’t found your favorite pair of denim threads yet, then now is the perfect time to be on the hunt. Jeans may be in style year-round, but its usage as a warmth-inducing layer as well as a chic staple makes it all that much more essential to your winter wardrobe.

Even better, with so many variations in fits, cuts, colors, washes and brands it’s easy to find the pair that seems tailor-made for your body type – all you need is the time, patience and willingness to sift through a few pairs in the dressing room.

If you’re not sure where to start in your denim quest, the most ubiquitously flattering types are those with a medium rise and medium width, with either a straight or slightly flared boot cut leg. Another style that offers women of all shapes and sizes a sleek silhouette is the recently popular skinny jean (just make sure it doesn’t fit too tightly at the waist), as its snug yet stretchy material not only boosts your assets, but also provides the coziness of a veritable second skin.

Tights and Leggings.

These limb-warming necessities are crucial for layering and transforming your dresses and skirts into winterappropriate fashion statements. While you can never go wrong with dark, muted colors such as black, brown and grey, don’t be afraid to experiment with different textures such as lace, fishnets, and other decorative varieties when implementing tights into your outfit. To keep your look sophisticated however, patterned and brightly hued tights should be the focal point of your outfit and not clash with any other statement pieces (such as a lively jacket, shoes or bag), so just remember to keep the rest of your apparel polished and simple. Tights and leggings look best tucked into booties and boots, or worn with flats and low heels. And remember, ladies – leggings and tights should never be worn as pants, at least not with tops that don’t fully cover your derrieres! Also, tights can be useful for providing extra heat without the bulge, and can be covertly worn under your pants for those extra cold winter days.

Statement Outerwear.

If you’ve been wrapping yourself in that dependable, black or charcoal-colored coat for more than a few years now, then this is the season to venture out of your pragmatic comfort zone and experiment with statement outerwear. With such a stunning variety of coat, jacket, blazer and cape styles available, colder weather is just an excuse to channel your inner celebrity. Military-inspired trends, belted trenches and the classic pea coat are among a few of the diverse options available. Bright colors – such as cobalt blue and fire engine red offer opportunities to highlight your figure against the backdrop of the cooler, fainter hues of winter, as do zoological prints such as cheetah, leopard and python. If you’re a bit reluctant about sporting such a bold look but still want to have a bit of fun with your outerwear, then look for these prints and colors in the detailing, such as the cuffs, collars, buttons or hems. Also, be on the lookout for faux fur embellishments to add an effortless elegance and luxuriousness to your appearance.

Knee-high Boots.

Boots are every woman’s best friend, and don’t worry knee-high boots may be the standard, but an inch or so above or below the kneecap are fashion-friendly as well. To keep this footwear as versatile as possible, it’s best to stick with neutral colors such as black, gray, mahogany and tan – you can always experiment with variations in buckles, straps, buttons and other adornments if you want extra flair in your step. Boots should always fit very snugly around your calves at least so there not a unflattering, wide gap around them where cold air can wander in. And if snow and ice and are regular visitors in your region, wearing flat-heeled, equestrian style riding boots or wedges can give to the comfort and stability you need to brace the elements. For a long-legged and streamlined appearance, you can tuck your slim cut bottoms into your boots or even drape wide-leg trousers over them paired with a bodyskimming top for added sophistication. Tunics, wraps, a-lines, empire-styles are best types of dresses to wear with boots, as long as there is a few inches of visible leg between the top of your boot and your hemline (covered in tights or stockings, of course!).

Chunky Knits.

No garment is more indicative of winter charm then body-enveloping, chunky knits. To wear these cozy pieces without looking puffy or bulky however, it’s important to make sure the rest of your clothing is closefitting, long and lean. Donning a lengthy knit sweater or sweater dress with either skinny jeans or over tights and boots are is an ideal match. To further emphasize your shape, create a focal point by cinching either a skinny or chunky belt around your waist.

By: Sara Ferrer

The post Winter Fashion Necessities appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.