My mother-in-law who is a talented artist, that is self taught, just created a blog to showcase her work. Check it out by clicking here, http://jtwildart.wordpress.com. Enjoy!

If you are in need of a talented graphic and website designer check out Carrie Dahl Design, she is a free-lance designer that does amazing work. You can check out her website at www.carriedahldesign.com to see examples of her work.

You can find the perfect swimsuit to flatter your figure if you understand your body type and how best to accentuate it. Remember, your goal is a balanced silhouette. Find your problem area and read on for tips on what to look for and what to avoid.

If you are pear shaped look for swimsuits that accentuate the positives and conceal the negatives. Bikinis or one-pieces with eyecatching tops and darker bottoms draw attention away from the hips and bottom. High-cut bottoms lengthen the leg and have a slimming effect. Boy shorts provide a bit more coverage. Avoid string-ties or bright bold prints on bottom.

If you feel you have a bit of a tummy look for suits that flatter and firm. One-pieces with ruching and built-in control panels help hide any bulges. Prints that have diagonal lines, chevron patterns and dark side panels that curve in at the waist create a slimming effect. Check out swimsuits by Cass & Co and Miraclesuit.

Check back for my swimsuit guide for what to buy if you have a long torso or a short torso and the best swimsuits for a small bust and a large bust. Get out there and enjoy summer!

]]> http://clotheshorseok.wordpress.com/2008/07/05/swimsuit-fit-guide-pear-shape/feed/ clotheshorseok http://clotheshorseok.wordpress.com/2008/07/02/swimsuit-guide-general-fit-tips/ http://clotheshorseok.wordpress.com/2008/07/02/swimsuit-guide-general-fit-tips/#comments Wed, 02 Jul 2008 18:53:23 +0000 clotheshorseok http://clotheshorseok.wordpress.com/?p=211

Every summer there is one event that turns the most confident women into blubbering pools of jelly; the dreaded task of trying on swimsuits. There is nothing worse that peeling off your winter layers to reveal pasty white skin and more insulation than you had last summer - all under bad fluorescent lighting. Instead of obsessing, follow these simple tips and let my fit guide lead you in the right direction. I will continue to post a swimsuit guide for a variety of figures including, pear shaped, small bust, large bust, long torso, short torso and tummy issues.

First things first, only go shopping for swimsuits on a day you are feeling good. If you are feeling a little pasty apply some sunless tanner before going shopping. Don’t be afraid to try on swimsuits in a size larger than your dress size (swimsuits are cut differently). Try on a variety of sizes to find the one that fits best. Make sure the swimsuit isn’t baggy, riding up or digging into your skin. Move around, bending, twisting and turning to make sure it’s comfortable and will stay put. For tied straps, dance around to be sure the straps stay tied.

Check back to keep reading my swimsuit guide and happy summer!

Okay to be honest, “huh” was not my first response when I opened an e-mail from Cusp advertising a sandal bootie from Dolce Vita. My first response was WTF?, what are they thinking? Can these designers please just stick to designing beautiful shoes and leave the innovation to creating 6 inch heels that are comfortable as opposed to the very ugly combo of a sandal bootie. Which by the way, why would you even want to combine a sandal and a bootie, what would be the benefit, it is too hot to wear in the summer and too cold to wear in the winter?

What do you guys think? Cute and innovative or just plain ugly? One of my friends responded that they are “ick. the next uggs.” and I sure hope we do not see them on every high school girl worn with a too short, frayed, Abercrombie denim skirt like they did with Uggs. The joys of fashion! Check out the sandal bootie at www.cusp.com.

I always love it when fashion companies and designers learn to move on from what originally made them popular and thus create a constantly changing and dynamic line of clothing that I want to buy season after season.

The newest company to brave and accomplish such a feat is Goldhawk. Goldhawk came screaming on to the fashion scene with a very simple silk cami that was embellished with lace or beading and became an instant fashion must have. It was worn by everyone from celebrities to your next store neighbor and eventually knocked off by everyone from Express to Target. Once the knock offs start coming it is time to change tact and see if they have what it takes to actually create a cohesive line and collection versus one piece and I am happy to report Goldhawk has done just that.

Their line now features elegant tops, sassy dresses, buttery soft leather jackets and pieces that you will want to add to your closet to be worn for many seasons to come. Check out Goldhawk at www.couturecandy.com and www.revolveclothing.com.

]]> http://clotheshorseok.wordpress.com/2008/06/26/good-as-gold/feed/ clotheshorseok http://clotheshorseok.wordpress.com/2008/06/24/the-perfect-face/ http://clotheshorseok.wordpress.com/2008/06/24/the-perfect-face/#comments Tue, 24 Jun 2008 01:27:16 +0000 clotheshorseok http://clotheshorseok.wordpress.com/?p=209

You know how it is the morning when you are running late and scrambling around trying to get ready, while still attempting to look put together. Well, thanks to Stila they have made getting ready much easier with The Perfect Face Kit. Instead of digging around in your makeup bag or tackle box (in my case) trying to find all the right products hidden under all those colors you swore you would wear when you bought them (green eyeshadow, blue mascara, burnt orange lipstick) you can just reach for The Perfect Face Kit and have everything you need.

The Perfect Face Kit includes a Kitten eyeshadow (a shimmering nude pink that can be worn as an eyeshadow or highlighter), a black smudge pot (an innovative eyeliner that works wonders), Multi Effect Mascara in black (it volumizes, lengthens and curls), Convertible Color in Lilium (peachy pink multi-tasking marvel that brightens cheeks and lips with creamy, translucent color) and Lip Glaze in Brown Sugar (a shimmering gold nude color that is Stila’s most popular lip gloss). Available at www.skinstore.com and www.sephora.com.

There are a few fashion trends that come and go in a blink of an eye (ponchos, Jelly Kelly purses, black denim) and others that seem to stay in style and become part of everyone’s wardrobe (boot cut jeans, capris, hoop earrings). It seems like graphic tees just may join the ranks of boot cut jeans or capris by continuing to avoid the “whats out” list. Every season they keep coming back and are worn by men and women alike. They are easy and catchy and dress up jeans or shorts like a plain tee never can and it allows the wearer to display a bit of their personality or beliefs. So here’s to the graphic tee, may it continue to be worn and not put in the give away pile!

A great place to buy unique and quirky tees is www.threadless.com. Threadless is a community based t-shirt company that sells shirts that are designed by people like you and me. T-shirt designs are submitted to Threadless and the Threadless community votes on which designs they like and those designs make it on to the tees to be sold. They have a great mix of tees for gals and guys in wide variety of prints and they do limited edition runs on the shirts so you likely won’t see your shirt walking around on someone else and every time you log on to their site you see new shirts. If you are in the market for some new tees this summer check out www.threadless.com.

Also check out the t-shirts for sale on the Able and Baker comic website, super cool!

I saw this Ella Moss dress this weekend as I was shopping some local boutiques and instantly fell in love because it is the perfect dress for summer.  This dress radiates effortless style and encompasses all things a summer dress should be, simple, lightweight, casual, easy to wear and fashionable. Its loose silhouette is comfortable while still being flattering and it is made of soft lightweight rayon that feels like silk. The flower embroidery which is accented by yellow and tan details gives it a summery elegance and looks cool and refreshing in clean crisp white. Throw it on with a pair of leather gladiator sandals to take off the super sweet edge. Dress available at www.shoplastyle.com and if you can’t or won’t wear white it also comes in black available at www.couturecandy.com. Gladiator sandals available at www.piperlime.com.

Flip flops have been around for at least 6,000 years, making them one of the oldest shoe styles. Flip flops are the perfect casual summer staple, come in a wide variety of styles, colors and materials and are available at any price point. For sensational flips flops look no further than Yellow Box, a fabulously embellished line that blends the best of both worlds, glamour and comfort. Look for splashes of ornamental materials, rhinestones, glitter and fashion forward colors. Their casual rubber flip flops are also extremely comfortable and durable. Yellow Box shoes available at www.zappos.com.

Well, ladies the days are gone when we can wear Tom Ford designed clothing, since he has quit designing for Gucci and is only making men’s clothing but don’t cry just yet, you can cover your precious eyes with Tom Ford’s sunglasses. His sunglasses are big and bold but extremely elegant and lend the wearer an air of mystery and when the summer sun beats down we all need a little sun protection and air of mystery. Check out www.shopbop.com for a great selection of Tom Ford sunglasses perfect for summer.

A gorgeous pic of Tom Ford:

Celebrity fans of Tom Ford Sunglasses:

]]> http://clotheshorseok.wordpress.com/2008/06/13/eye-spy/feed/ clotheshorseok