Fahion That Flatters Your Breasts

It's tiring, isn't it? Constantly comparing your body to others'? How many times have you wished you were taller, shorter, thinner, curvier? Women are on a constant quest to change themselves. Breast size in particular is a sensitive subject for many of us. We either curse that we were born with more or wish that we had more. But consider this: Many of us don't realize that the clothes we wear can make all the difference in the way we feel about our bodies. It's time we embraced and appreciated our bodies the way they are. Here's how to flatter your figure, not fight it!

• T-Shirts
• Blouses & Shirts
• Sweaters
• Dresses
• Jackets

T-Shirts

Isn't it amazing how hard it is to find a great fitting T-shirt? Such a basic item should a breeze to find. But with so many necklines, sleeve lengths and styles out there, this can be a tough task to accomplish. Needless to say, your first step is finding a great fitting bra. Here's what else you need to know:

Full Bust

• Best necklines are scoop necks and V-necks. They break up the expanse of the chest area and draw attention away from your bust. Stick with solid colors.
• Best sleeve lengths are cap sleeve, long sleeve and three-quarter sleeve. They camouflage larger arms that sometimes accompany larger chests.
• Avoid high, round neck and square neck T-shirts. They make full busts look like one bulky mass. Also avoid sleeveless and oversized T-shirts.

Small Bust

• Best necklines are high necks and asymmetrical necklines. They broaden the shoulders and create the illusion of a larger bust. Printed tees are also flattering for small chests.
• Best sleeve lengths are sleeveless. Women with small chests tend to have slimmer arms so the goal is to draw attention to them and away from the chest.
• Avoid low scoop-neck tops or deep V-neck tops with three-quarter sleeves. They accentuate bony chests and draw attention to the fact that you have a small bust. The V acts as an arrow to the bust and the sleeves accentuate small arms.

Blouses & Shirts

A blouse is a blouse, right? Wrong. There are many more cuts and styles out there than you may realize, and you just might be wearing the wrong one for your bust size. Even the size of your collar can make a difference. Here's the lowdown:

Full Bust

• Look for tops that are fitted, with deep, vertical V-necks. Wear styles that have small, vertical lapels and collars, with a bare minimum of detail. Styles with bust darts often fit better.
• Avoid pockets at all costs and stay away from styles with horizontal detailing, big lapels or collars and large prints.

Small Bust

• Look for fitted tops with narrow V-necks. Create fullness with breast pockets, ruffles, smocking and gathering. Try wide lapels and collars.
• Avoid voluminous or structured tops that you don't completely fill out.

Sweaters

For the most part, the rules about which T-shirt styles to wear should also be applied to which sweater styles to wear. There are obviously additional rules for sweater styles, such as turtlenecks, wrap styles, etc. Here's what else you need to know:

Full Bust

• Wrap cardigans are your best bet. They are the perfect solution to the "mono-boob" problem that certain styles cause, and they define your waist at the same time. Cardigans and deep V-necks are also flattering options. Stick with lightweight yarns.
• Avoid chunky knits that will add bulk to your figure, and anything too tight.

Small Bust

• Turtlenecks are elegant and flattering on flat-chested women. Chunky knits give the illusion of a larger chest as do fitted long-sleeve sweaters. As with T-shirts, look for styles with detailed fronts to cover the chest area. Halter styles show off shoulders and accentuate your small bust.
• Avoid ultra fine yarns that cling and draw attention to the bust area.

Dresses

Finding the right fit for your body is essential. Years ago, women had many different dresses for different occasions. But today, most women have just a few good dresses in their closets that they use for many different events. Follow these simple rules to ensure the dress you buy is appropriate for your body:

Full Bust

• Your best bets are wrap dresses, which hide the tummy area and separate the bust, or sweetheart and open necklines, which elongate the neckline and draw the eye up. Look for dresses with a slight flare to balance the lower and upper body.
• Avoid high necklines, which unify the breasts, and halter styles, which may cause breasts to pour out on the sides. Other shapes to avoid are boxy or baggy styles.

Small Bust

• Opt for high neck styles that emphasize arms or deep V-neck styles that only those with small busts can pull off. Look for smartly placed gathering and shirring or trim over the bust to create fullness. Backless dresses draw attention away from the front and can be very sexy.
• Avoid voluminous shapes that you can't fill out or skintight tops that draw attention to the bust area.

Jackets

A well fitted jacket is tough to find. The smallest of detail can determine whether a specific style is suitable for your body type or not. But once you figure out what to look for, it will save you endless amounts of time and money. The purpose of a jacket is to add polish to an outfit. Here's how to find one that fits and flatters:

Full Bust

• Choose a shorter style that is fitted, somewhat nipped at the waist and has a deep V-neck. Shorter jackets lengthen legs and the deep V divides the chest. Always buy single-breasted styles with narrow lapels for maximum flattery.
• Avoid boxy styles like double-breasted jackets that make you look square and top heavy. And never buy styles that have patch pockets.

Small Bust

• Best styles include fitted jackets that feature breast pockets, seaming and shirring. Belted styles and styles with scoop necklines are also good options.
• Avoid jackets with dropped sleeves, deep armholes or with too much shaping at the bust.

source from http://makeovers.ivillage.com

Office Party Makeover

The holiday season is upon us, and for many women that means lots of parties. But while most affairs offer a place to shine and be glamorous, flirt and be fancy, the office party is not one of them. "The first thing to keep in mind when you go to an office party is that you really are at work," says New York City makeup artist Deborah Grayson. "You may be interacting with your bosses and your bosses' bosses. Don't think of it as partying, think of it as gracious networking."

Here, makeup and style do's and don'ts from Deborah to keep you on track at your office party:

Do add gleam. Sparkly chunks of gold and silver will look over-the-top, but there are numerous products that add a sheer gleam and a little dazzle to eyelids without being too sparkly. Among my favorites are Studio Stick from Ramy, Go-Wink liquid eye shadow by Estee Lauder and Luminous Pearl eye pencil by Shu Uemura. These will leave a subtle colored gleam across the lid. Use an extra-light touch if you're applying them over eye shadow.

Don't add glitter. Glitter and sparkle on the eyes (or anywhere on your body) is more about "party" than "office." Save it for your New Year's Eve soiree.

Do wear a brighter lipstick. Even a subtle change in your lipstick shade can dress up your look significantly. Treat yourself to a slightly brighter shade, or enliven the shade you normally use by adding a layer of another more vivid tone. If you normally wear plum, for example, try adding a layer of crimson on for a slight gleam.

Don't wear lip gloss. Matte lipsticks will last longer and are better suited to eating and drinking on your feet. Gloss will end up on your glass. Also, shiny lips may seem a little too sexy in some corporate headquarters.

Do get a manicure. Your hands say so much about you. At an office party when you'll be shaking hands, holding drinks and eating, it's best to keep your polish subtle. Essie's pale pink shade Ballet Slippers or Deborah Lippmann's Treat Me Right Treatment Set will look pretty and professional on everyone.

Don't paint your nails fire engine red. I know, I know, it's a holiday! I love red polish too, but your goal at an office party is not to be the life of the party, it's to remain the responsible professional you are. At a work event, with the CEO of your company mingling, neutral nails are the way to go.

Do look like yourself. The ideal office party look should match your "best" day at work. Look like the pulled together, the unfussy, basically, the all-encompassing professional that you are.

Don't get too fancy. Don't radically change your style, especially your hair. If you look too formal, you'll most likely feel out of place. Remember, whether you're in a restaurant, a hotel lounge or even dancing, if you're at an office party you're in a professional place.

source from http://makeovers.ivillage.com

Waist Watcher: Wide Belt Trend

Add some inches to your waist this season. But not with donuts and ice cream… with a wide belt. Embellished, woven, patent or plain, this must-have item was preferred by all designers. Wide, wider and widest styles abound. And unlike the low-slung boho belts from the fall, these buckled beauties are worn snugly, just under the ribcage for maximum waist-cinching results. Whether you're styling spring's latest rock and roll trend or donning the latest in sexy skirt suits, a wide belt is an essential extra for figure flattery. Here's how to pull it off with finesse:

Dresses

Pick a dress, any dress this season. And then accentuate your middle with a wide belt. Dresses are the indispensable item of the moment, especially in white and natural, but these faintly colored frocks need some amping up and wearing a belt is the perfect way to do so.

• Keep it simple and accessorize your little white dress with a wide black belt. The graphic color contrast is the peak of chic.
• Balance a delicately ruffled dress with a substantial wide belt.
• Don't limit yourself to daytime dresses. Pair a glossy black patent leather belt with a full-skirted black dress for drama.
• Make an otherwise masculine shirtdress pretty with a brightly colored or embroidered-style belt.

Pants

This season, whether you fall on the super-skinny or the super-slouchy side of the pant-width fence, make a wide belt a partner to your trousers.

• Wear an oversized cardigan over leggings. Top it off with a wide belt.
• Pair a broad belt with slim cropped pants and a short jacket.
• Make your walking shorts chic with platform heels and a waist-defining belt.
• Make baggy pants brag-worthy by wearing them high on your waist and nipping them in with a belt.

Skirts

Skirts emerged as super-sexy and fabulously flirty this season. The long and the, ahem, short of it is that all lengths look great when worn with a wide belt.

• Go for a best Western look by topping off a long prairie-style skirt and ruffled blouse with a big belt.
• The new suit of the season consists of a slim skirt, short fitted jacket and wide belt. Make an evening suit ensemble dazzle with an embellished version.
• Diminish overdone daintiness by pairing a sizeable wide belt with a frilly blouse and equally frilly skirt.

source from http://beauty.ivillage.com

Jewelry Do's & Dont's

It's an all too familiar story. Woman gets dressed in fabulous outfit. Woman wears hottest new shoes and handbag with outfit. Woman ruins everything by wearing wrong jewelry with outfit. As if rules for skirt lengths, shoe height and lipstick color weren't enough, women also have to worry about the do's and don'ts of wearing jewelry. Relax ‑- these rules aren't that tough to follow, and we'll also tell you which ones you can now completely ignore!

Go Bold and Beautiful
Wearing bold jewelry takes confidence and fashion know-how. It says to the world, "I'm no shrinking violet, and I'm okay with standing out in a crowd." What it shouldn't scream is, "I am over-accessorizing with the wrong outfit!" The main thing to remember is less is more. If you are wearing a chunky bangle and necklace, forget the bling-bling ring and big earrings, or you'll look like you're playing dress-up in Mommy's closet. When you want to wear big and bold jewelry, don't wear prints ‑- they just don't get along. Sleek all-black and all-white, however, are perfect with big or colorful jewelry. Have fun with the coral and turquoise trends of the season. The last thing to remember is the larger a stone, the less real it looks. Large retro-cool cocktail rings are very in right now, but resist the "gem-tation" to pair yours with other jewel-encrusted pieces. Let the ring be the focal point of your look.

Mix Metals
We were once told not to mix metals, and this is one of the old-school rules (like no white after Labor Day) that designers now ignore. Wearing gold with gold and silver with silver creates a more traditional look, but isn't true fashion all about looking modern? The trick is, if you want to mix metals, keep the style of the jewelry the same. A modern gold cuff won't look right paired back to dainty, antique platinum and diamond earrings. The "stacking trend" lends itself perfectly to the mixing of metals. Stack square or round rings or bangles in different shades of gold. You can even layer gold and silver necklaces for a fashion-forward look. Sometimes rules were made to be broken.

Wear the Right Necklace Lengths
Have you even seen someone who is dressed to the nines, yet something seems somehow off? Wearing the wrong length necklace with a particular neckline is probably the most common mistake women make when it comes to wearing jewelry. Here are some simple guidelines for getting it right.

• Collar necklaces should lie snugly around the middle of the neck, and can be worn with V-neck, boat-neck and off-the-shoulder tops.
• Chokers fall perfectly at the base of the neck, and look great with strapless or plunging necklines.
• Princess length necklaces (17 to 19 inches) fall just below the throat. This is the most common and versatile length of necklace. It can be worn with most necklines except the high ones. Add a pendant and wear with a V-neck for a pretty look.
• Matinee length necklaces (20 to 24 inches) hit the top of the bust, and it's best not to wear this length with plunging necklines. If the necklace hits the very top of your neckline, it will be fighting for attention with your top.
• Opera length necklaces (28 to 34 inches) fall below the bust and look great with a very high neckline. They can be worn from day to evening. This length can also be doubled for a multi-strand look.

Consider Your Age and Body Type
Just as a piece of jewelry can accentuate the positive, it can also draw attention to your not-so-positive areas.

• Chokers are made for women with more youthful skin. Women with aging necks will want longer chains and necklaces to draw attention away from any neck imperfections.
• If you have a wide neck, you can balance that by wearing graduated necklaces, which are very thin around the side of the neck and larger below the collarbone.
• If you have a long, thin neck that you don't want to accentuate, try a triple-strand necklace, with the shortest strand hugging the base of the throat. Avoid V-shaped chains.

source from http://beauty.ivillage.com

Fashion in the City: I'm a Shoe Addict

My name is Melissa and I'm addicted to shoes. How do you know if you have a shoe-shopping addiction? Take a few moments to consider the following. Have you ever lied about a shoe purchase to friends and family? Have you ever experienced shortness of breath at the sight of a shoe sale? Do you consider a pair of shoes marked down from $750 to $450 a great deal? Do you talk to your shoes as if they were people? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then welcome to the club. We embrace you with open arms and empty wallets.

If you are not a member, let me try to explain. The first inkling I had that I might have a "shoe problem" was when I moved into my first Manhattan apartment after college. My rent left me with little to no extra income for shopping and dining out, so every penny had to be accounted for. I started off with every intention of "budgeting wisely" as my parents had instructed.

But then I saw "them." It was like destiny, being struck by a bolt of lightning, love at first sight. They were a pair of black patent-leather, pointy-toe pumps with a stacked wooden heel, and they cost hundreds of dollars. They spoke to me. They didn't say, "We're too expensive for you." They purred, "Hey, stranger, what's a fashionable girl like you doing without a shoe like us?" They were way above my price range, but my common sense evaporated and what I call "retail reasoning" kicked in. They were expensive, yes, but they were an investment, right? I mean, my parents wanted me to think about my future, and here, right in front of me, was a pair of amazing shoes that I knew I had a future with. I bought them and ate beans and rice for a month. That was the beginning.

"A woman with a shoe habit is like a man with a gambling problem" was the warning that my fiancé received from his friends when he confided in them that he suspected I was a compulsive shoe shopper. (He married me anyway.) But what constitutes a true shoe habit? I mean, don't all women go a little crazy from time to time with the shopping? Isn't it part of being the changeable, moody, mysterious, adorable, amusing, multitasking, fashionable, stressed-out females that we are?

The truth is, since obsessive shoe lovers tend to stick together, my perspective may be skewed. We enable each other. We say things like, "Yes, you should use your emergency credit card for those $450 Jimmy Choo strappy sandals," or, "Of course, it's perfectly okay to hide your purchases in the bushes until you can retrieve them when your husband won't notice." All is fair in love and shoes. When I get together with my shoe friends, any excuse is a reason to go shopping. New boyfriends, recent breakups, promotions, Groundhog Day. For us there is never an occasion that doesn't warrant a trip to the shoe department.

What's the allure? There's just something about a new pair of shoes that makes me feel good about myself. They have this effect even when I'm wearing a humdrum outfit or my "fat" pants. I feel sexier. I feel confident and fashionable. With a great pair of shoes I even feel skinnier sometimes. I don't want to be mushy, but when I buy a pair of shoes from my favorite designer, it's like reuniting with an old friend. And it always feels like we should have gotten together a lot sooner.

I'm addicted to shoes, but I don't think it's a problem ‑- I think it's my calling. I deserve beautiful shoes. We all do. Besides, giving up shoe shopping would be like giving up a part of myself. I'm good at it. It's a God-given talent. It would be like Picasso not painting or Beethoven not composing. What a waste that would be.

source from http://beauty.ivillage.com

Shoes Blues: Shopping for Small-Size Shoes

There's hardly an activity out there that's more satisfying or thrilling than shoe shopping. Except when you have small feet and can't find shoes that fit. Locating fashionable petite-size shoes is no easy feet, er, feat. Just ask Eileen from Weehawken, New Jersey. She has a size-5 foot and frequently finds herself reduced to shopping the kids' section of many stores. Cee from Illinois shares in this frustration. She often has to special order small shoes, a process that can be costly and time consuming. But what's the alternative? Petite-feet ladies, fret no more. Many retailers and Websites understand your plight and are now starting to stock stylish shoes in smaller sizes.

Whether you're looking for dress shoes, sexy heels, athletic sneakers, sandals or business shoes, online shopping gives you a wide selection of small sizes in a variety of different styles. That's where ShoeBuy.com comes into play. This wonder Website carries a variety of specialty sizes and styles for women who have trouble finding shoes that fit. It's a virtual shopping mecca for women looking to buy small-size shoes, with hundreds of styles from size 2 to 5, and it carries top brands such as Naturalizer, New Balance, Sebago and Sofft, to name a few. To top it all off, you can sign up to receive notification when new small shoes are added in your size. With free shipping and free returns, Shoebuy.com is a, ahem, shoe-in when it comes to best Websites.

The selection at Zappos.com starts at a size 3 but soars to hundreds of unique styles starting at size 4. Shoppers can find everything from sexy Stuart Weitzman stilettos and fashionable platforms by Lumiani to strappy sandals by Vaneli. This is good news for petite women who have had trouble finding high heels in the past. As Eileen from Weehawken puts it, "Don't shoe manufacturers realize that petite women want heels to look taller?" Zappos.com hears you, Eileen.

Formerly Shoedini.com, 6pm.com currently offers sizes 4 through 13 for women. "The smaller sizes are definitely a growing market for us, and we feel it is very important to offer a wide assortment in both fashion and comfort footwear," says spokesperson Alexandra Elliott. "We find that many of our customers come to our site specifically for the hard-to-find sizes, and our search-by-size feature is ideal for them." 6pm.com currently offers such brands as Franco Sarto, Kenneth Cole Reaction, Diesel, Ugg Australia and Dr. Scholl's. The site has just added the Jessica Simpson shoe line in sizes 5 through 11 for fall.

While online shopping is easy and fuss free, being able to try on shoes before purchasing them does have its advantages. Designers tend to size differently, and going to a retailer eliminates the problem of having to ship ill-fitting shoes back to a warehouse. Nordstrom is one example of a retailer that is committed to carrying a large variety of small sizes. Its selection consists of top brands such as Michael Kors, Anne Klein, Linea Paolo and Donald J Pliner. Nordstrom has excellent customer service, so if you can't find a certain pair of shoes in your size, the company will send a locator to find the shoes at a different location and have them sent to you. Nordstrom also has a mailing list to notify you when a specific petite-size shoe comes into its stores.

Trying to find more online retailers for small sizes? Look no further. We've short-listed our other favorites:

Cinderella of Boston

Cinderella of Boston is a Website dedicated solely (no pun intended) to women's petite footwear. Sizes range from 2 to 5 — narrow, medium or wide.

Steve Madden

Steve Madden’s in-stock selection starts with a size 5, but the company has recently implemented an extended-sizes service where you create your own shoe (you can pick the color and material of the midsole, upper, heel and liner). These nonreturnable creations start at a size 4.

Shoes.com

Shoes.com is an online retailer that carries such high-end designers as Marc Jacobs and Emilio Pucci as well as more moderately priced labels like Mudd and Birkenstock. Note that there's a size 3 in the search menu but the selection consists only of two to three styles; the selection becomes fabulous starting with a size 4 (narrow and medium).

Jildor Shoes

The Jildor Shoes site has an amazing selection of small sizes that starts with a size 4. It even has an exclusive line designed by Vaneli that is offered in petites.

source from:http://beauty.ivillage.com

Walking Tall--How to look graceful in heels

Natalie Glebova, winner of Miss Universe 2005 has mastered the art of walking like a pro in high heels. Here, she shares her secrets to sashaying in stilettos in an excerpt from Universal Beauty: The Miss Universe Guide to Beauty (Rutledge Hill Press).

Aside from the sash and crown, the mark of a genuine Miss Universe boils down to one question: How does she do in heels? Natalie Glebova does quite well, thank you very much. Before winning her title, she glided across the stage in four-inch stilettos as the hem of her evening gown swirled precariously around her feet. Meanwhile, the millions of women watching at home were eyeing Natalie's feet with a combination of awe and envy, asking, "How does she do it?" No doubt, a fabulous pair of heels can make a ho-hum set of legs look longer, leaner and more elegant — assuming, that is, you know how to wear them.

Find comfortable shoes

It doesn't matter how low or high the heel is — if the shoes don't fit properly, you'll be a hobbling mess. Rather than going for the skyscraper-high heels, consider a two-inch lift — you'll still get height, but you'll wreak far less havoc on your feet. And be sure to take several laps around the shoe store — preferably on uncarpeted ground — before purchasing the shoes.

Take test-drives

The key to looking like you live in heels? "Practice," says Natalie, who logged many, many hours in her stilettos before prancing around the Miss Universe stage. Wearing your heels around the house for half an hour a day will not only help you get used to them, but also break them in so that you're less likely to get blisters later on.

Get the walk down

With your toes pointing straight ahead (not out to the sides) and your legs close together, step on your heel, rolling smoothly onto the ball of your foot. To keep your balance, swing your arms as you walk. And keep your eyes peeled for uneven surfaces where your pointed heels might sink or catch.

Then add the evening gown

Natalie's secret for high-heeling it in an evening gown: Kick each leg at the knee. "You want to kick the fabric away from your shoes with each step," she says. "If the dress is long, no one will be able to tell you're kicking."

Keep calm during calamities

If your skirt or dress catches a heel, stop and "continue to kick your foot very subtly until you untangle yourself," says Natalie. "Above all, you don't want your face to look like something has gone wrong. Smiling always works wonders."

Take them off

Again, the higher the heel, the more your feet suffer — both short-term and long-term. To save your tootsies, slip off your heels under your office desk, between meetings, on the way to a cocktail party and whenever possible.

source from http://beauty.ivillage.com

Arm Aid: Bangles for Spring

More is more this season when it comes to adorning your arms with jewelry — chunky bangles and cuffs to be exact. They were first spotted on the runway at the Chanel, Stella McCartney and Hermes spring shows, and then they quickly made their way onto the wrists of Hollywood's major trendsetters like Beyonce, Jennifer Lopez and Kate Hudson.

Metallic bangles and cuffs in particular look luxe when stacked on top of each other, but one special piece does the trick as well. And whether you opt for polished, hammered, studded or braided, they perk up this season's neutrals and black and white prints.

Here's how you can rock the big bracelet look:

l Kick-start a new corporate look by pairing one or two bangles with a dress or skirt suit. Shirtdresses lend themselves perfectly to this office glam look.

l Lucite is a clear winner this season. Pile on your plastics with an all-white ensemble or with any electric shade of the moment.

l Studded numbers play the perfect partner to sleek all-black looks.

l Ramp up your evening attire with a racy jewel-encrusted bangle.

l Don't forget about denom. Live large and sport extra-wide bracelets with your jeans and sandals or denim jacket (sleeves rolled up of course) with wide leg trousers.

l  Look for broad cuffs that double as watches.

l  Don't exclude shorts. Dress up your cropped bottoms with shiny accessories and fitted jackets.

l  Menswear doesn't have to look butch. Keep it sexy and pair a slouchy suit, buttoned-down white shirt or vest with layers of embellished cuffs.

source from http://beauty.ivillage.com

How to Buy Fabulous Shoes for Large Feet

Like Tuscan villas and Hugh Jackman, beautiful shoes were things I'd salivated over in magazines and admired from afar but could never have. Finding cute pumps to match an outfit? Forget it. With size 11AA feet, I had to make do with a severely limited selection of boring, if not downright ugly, shoes in black or brown ‑- when I could find anything at all. But I'm happy to report that those days of footwear deprivation are over. With a great variety of manufacturers, stores and Websites catering to extended sizes worn by increasing numbers of bigger, taller women, today's size 10+ shoe fanatic can be fashionable from head to toe.

Eleven and 12 are not oddball sizes anymore," says Bob Lewis, whose Prevata line of Italian-made leather shoes is sold in those sizes at Nordstrom's and independent retailers. "I think it's a huge market, and in my own retail stores we take advantage of that tremendously," concurs Donald J. Pliner, who offers sizes 11 and 12 in his four eponymous outlets.

Stuart Weitzman, whose exquisite shoes adorn the soles of Hollywood's red carpet regulars, has earned the love and loyalty of women with hard-to-fit feet by offering a wide range of sizes in his 15 U.S. stores. "We do 3 1/2 to 12, AAAA to W, says Weitzman, who'll add outposts in San Francisco, Atlantic City and San Antonio this fall. Weitzman does a booming extended-size business via his Website and twice-yearly trunk shows in May and November, when customers can pre-order any style in their size. "It's custom made, and we don't charge any extra for it," notes Weitzman. Actress Kate Winslet, who wears a size 11M, wore Weitzman's T-strap Nighty to the Academy Awards.

Élevé by Forgotten Soles, the new custom line from DesignerShoes.com, goes a step further. "We have a virtual trunk show where women have the chance to see styles before they're actually made. We work with customers who have shopped with us before, so we can show them shoes and they can tell us what style and color they like," says company president Barbara Thornton, whose Boston store and Website cater exclusively to hard-to-find sizes. "We start at 10 1/2 medium and 9 on the narrow side and 8 on the wide side and go up to 15. We don't even carry a shoe unless it goes to size 12," notes Thornton, who can fit both the tall teenager who wants flats and the confident career woman who likes heels. "It's all about choice."

Nordstrom, with its 95 department stores nationwide and thousands of shoe styles available on its Website, maintains a commitment to extended sizes that reflects its beginnings 100 years ago as a Seattle shoe store catering to large-footed Swedes. "We try to carry sizes four to fourteen, and widths AAA to WW," says spokesperson Pamela Perret. You can get on the mailing list to be notified of special oversize shoe events and benefit from the huge national inventory. If your store is out of your size, chances are it can be ordered and shipped to you.

For fall, Perret promises a continuation of the bohemian and embellished trends, now in boots, "and what we're calling Baroque ‑- very decorated, rich fabrics like velvet and brocades. Skirts are huge for fall and whatever style skirt you have, we'll have lots of options."

So much choice can be overwhelming, but it's a dilemma that's way overdue. So clear some closet space and start shopping!

Stuart Weitzman
Where to buy: Stuart Weitzman stores, Nordstrom, Stanley Korshak, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue,StuartWeitzman.com
Plus sizes: 10 1/2 to 12, AAAA to W
What's hot now: Scrunched-down boots, booties, metallic leathers in shades of brass, pewter and anthracite, cowboy-influenced styles, moccasins in both low and high heels. "The platform and wedge are very strong for fall," says Weitzman. Donald J. Pliner
Where to buy: Pliner stores in Beverly Hills, Miami, Las Vegas and San Jose and at Nordstrom stores, or DonaldPliner.com
Plus sizes: 11 and 12 M, some N
What's hot now: Mid-heels and flats in cassis and olive green, hair calf, camel and white mocha print and "a newspaper print with a fuchsia underlay."

Prevata
Where to buy: Harry's Shoes, Nordstrom
Plus sizes: 11 and 12 M
What's hot now: Wedges and bootie-type shoes in stretch materials combined with leather in black, camel and gray and metallics like pewter, bronze and old gold.

Stores that stock plus-size shoesNordstrom
Where to buy: 95 stores nationwide,Nordstrom.com
Plus sizes: 10 1/2 to 14, AAA to WW
Brands: Stuart Weitzman, Anne Klein, VanEli, Linea Paolo, J. Renee, Charles David, Franco Sarto, Donald J. Pliner, Kate Spade, A. Marinelli, J. Renee, Ralph Lauren, Kenneth Cole, BCBG and exclusive house brands Classiques Entier and Brass Plum Marmi
Where to buy: 30 stores nationwide
Plus sizes: 10 1/2 to 13, AAAA to W

Brands: VanEli, Rangoni, Sesto Meucci, Eric Javits Elleven Up
Plus sizes: 10 1/2 to 13 N to W

Brands: Anne Klein, Donald J. Pliner, VanEli, Claudia Ciuti Join mailing list for sale and new style info. Friedman's Shoes
Plus sizes: 10 1/2 to 13, AA to WW

Brands: VanEli, J. Renee, Cianni, Paul Melian DesignerShoes.com
Plus sizes: 10 1/2 to 15, AAAA to WW
Brands: Via Spiga, Stuart Weitzman, Anne Klein, Pancaldi, Claudia Ciuti, Donald J. Pliner, Steve Madden, custom Élevé line
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Plus sizes:10 1/2 to 12 AAAA; 10 1/2 to 13 AAA and AA, 10 1/2 to 14 M, W and selected WW

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Plus sizes: 10 1/2 to 12 M

Brands: Anne Klein, Stuart Weitzman, Via Spiga Beautiful Shoes
Where to buy:Beautiful-Shoes.com
Custom shoes, made to order from your photo or suggested styles similar to Christian Louboutin, Giuseppe Zanotti, Prada and Manolo Blahnik. Pricey, but worth it for a great copy or replacing a beloved old or discontinued pair. Shoedini
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Plus sizes:10 1/2 to 12, AA to W
Brands: Via Spiga, Donald J. Pliner, Anne Klein, Stuart Weitzman Shoes.com
Where to buy: Shoes.com
Plus sizes: 10 1/2 to 12, AAAA to WWW
Brands: Cole Haan, Donald J. Pliner, ViaSpiga

Hot Hosiery: How to Wear Tights

Hi hose, hi hose, it's off to work, or dinner, or drinks we go. Whether you opt for the '80's trend, the layering trend or the mod trend this season, chances are tights are required to complete your ensemble. But legs have been bare for many seasons now, and many of us need a refresher course on how to pull this look off with confidence. Here, we answer the most-asked questions triggered by this legwear affair.

Which shoes look best with tights?

Really, any type of chunky-heeled shoe looks smart with opaque tights. Winterize your peep-toes by pairing them with ribbed hosiery, or update your silver metallics by pairing them with shades of gray. Boots (short or long) are an ideal match with woolly hose this season, as are grown-up Mary Janes or platforms teamed with darks or brights.

Do I have to match my legwear with my shoes?

While matching your hose with your shoes is leg-lengthening and an easier option when you're getting dressed, don't be afraid to have some fun with color and texture. And remember, the old-school rule that you shouldn't pair brown and black no longer applies, so achieve an ultrachic look by donning rich browns with your black footwear.

opaque tights evening-worthy?

Fashionistas can now stop freezing in their dressy frocks, as black tights are no longer taboo for evening. Many designers showed shimmery evening tunics and dresses paired with black opaques and dressy sandals, and celebrities like Sienna Miller and Mischa Barton have already debuted this look down the red carpet. Keep an eye out for unique patterns and textures as options to basic solids.

How do I wear colored tights?

Bright tights made a splash down the fashion runways this season in eye-popping colors and wild prints. But looking over-the-top may not mesh with your lifestyle, so assemble with caution. Avoid ultrabusy patterns and horizontal stripes and stick to delicate designs or easier-on-the-eye prints on dark backgrounds. For solids, team your tights with a hue that's featured in your ensemble, or play it safe and wear them with a black dress and black boots. Keep in mind, your legs will be the focus of attention, so make sure your gams are an asset to your figure.

What about semiopaque legwear for the season?

Not only do sheer hose look dated and too ladylike in this season of,tweeds, plaids and layering, but they also aren't nearly as slimming as opaque tights. The thicker opaques counteract any lumps and bumps that occur under knit dressing, and they hide a multitude of sins when you're wearing an of-the-moment micromini. But keep in mind that pairing them with lightweight clothing such as frothy skirts and gauzy dresses won't do.

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"In" Outerwear: The Trench for Spring

In a panic about how to update your look for spring? Don't be. All it takes to refresh your wardrobe are a few key pieces. One in particular is the trench coat. This smart staple is still chic in its classic Casablanca style, but the updated version for the season is much more luxe. Look for new details like cool belts, cropped or puffed sleeves and contrast piping to add impact to any outfit. And don't commit to khaki either. Eye-popping brights, fanciful prints and cool pastels are the new neutrals. How can you wear this universally flattering (it complements any figure — yes, even yours)? Let us count the ways.

• Opt for a masculine mix, and pair your trench with loose-fitting trousers, tailored oxfords and roomy vests.
• Let your topper work double duty and wear it as a dress — belt it, roll up the sleeves and walk out the door. Don't forget your heels.
• Look for party-perfect trenches adorned with feathers, sequins or beading for evening affairs. It'll make your age-old LBD (little black dress) feel new again.
• Just cinch it — add your own wide belt in any color, to pack extra punch into your ensemble.
• Or crop it — whether you buy an already short style or lop off a few inches of an existing long one, pair it with a full skirt for a full-on flirty look.
• Opt for light layering by pairing a three-quarter-sleeve trench over a long-sleeved blousy top and slouchy pants. Keep it girly by wearing a short belted number with an asymmetrical skirt.
• Keep your accoutrements simple when sporting printed or metallic outerwear. Pretty linen flats and a sleek cuff are elegant extras to pair with a statement coat.
• Don't rule out shorts. Don a baggy pair of khaki shorts with a matching khaki cropped trench for the ultimate safari look.

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Movie Star Looks--Lindsay Lohan's Hairstyle

She sings. She acts. She parties up a storm. She's been in a dozen movies and she's still a teenager. Lindsay Lohan has spawned a red hair trend all on her own, and no wonder ‑- she is often described as a young Ann-Margaret. To find out how Lindsay gets her graduated, Raphaelesque waves, we interviewed Ouidad, known as the "Queen of Curl." Ouidad's pioneering curl expertise can not only tame, but can also create any curl in any hair type. Here's how to make Lindsay's ultrafeminine hairstyle your own.

See Recommended Products below.

STEP 1 Start with a gentle shampoo, massaging the roots of your hair and sudsing downward, taking the lather along the length of your hair.

STEP 2 Apply a balancing, rinse-out conditioner, holding the hair in a ponytail and distributing the conditioner onto the outer surface of the hair. Start at least two inches from the roots, so as not to clog the pores on the scalp.

STEP 3 Rinse, but leave some conditioner in your hair. If you just rinse at the scalp and nape of the neck, leaving approximately 10 percent of the conditioner in, your hair will be soft, extra moist and easier to work with.

STEP 4 When you get out of the shower, drape a towel over your hair and gently take the excess water out. Rake your fingers gently and evenly through your hair.

STEP 5 Apply styling mousse or gel. Distribute evenly, starting at the nape of the neck and moving up to the crown of the head.

STEP 6 Next, separate your hair into five sections. Working section by section, twist your hair around your fingers, sculpting wavy curls. Don't forget the top of the head, or the crown area. Ouidad points out that many women forget how important curling the crown is to achieving a style that has balance.

STEP 7 Dry your hair with a diffuser to set the waves you sculpted, which should take 15 or 20 minutes. As you're drying, gently bring your head down and hair forward to diffuse the center, being careful not to disrupt the curls you've created.

STEP 8 Now that the hair's dry, smooth the bangs by pulling up a small section of hair from the front and roll it in a medium-sized hot roller. Ouidad recommends fabric-coated rollers, which aren't as likely to damage the hair.

STEP 9 When the roller cools down, take it out, run your fingers through the bang and position it in the curl pattern that you've created.

STEP 10 For the finishing touch, put a drop of shine product in the palm of your hand, rub your hands together and pat it lightly onto the outer part of your hair. Spray your hair with a light-hold product.

Recommended Products:

Product Name: Ouidad Clear and Gentle Shampoo
Removes styling buildup and is still gentle enough for color-treated hair.
Price: $10 for 8 ounces
Available: Ouidad.com

Product Name: Ouidad Balancing Rinse Conditioner Detangles, seals the cuticle and moisturizes.
Price: $12 for 8 ounces
Available: Ouidad.com

Product Name: Ouidad Volumizing Mousse Moisture-rich foam that builds body and exaggerates fullness.
Price: $18 for 8 ounces Available: Ouidad.com

Product Name: Ouidad Finishing Spray Holds your style in place softly.
Price: $10 for 8 ounces
Available: Ouidad.com

Product Name: Shine Hair Glaze Offers wonderful shine in a lightweight serum.
Price: $25 for 4 ounces
Available: Ouidad.com

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Movie Star Looks--Gisele Bundchen's Makeup

They say Brazilian supermodel Gisele Bündchen was discovered by talent scouts at the tender age of 14 while chowing down on burgers at McDonald's. By 2006, Forbes had named her the highest-paid model in the business! Fresh and animated, with deep blue eyes, tawny skin and lithe, sinuous curves, she's a modern-day enchantress. Here she is in a palette of sand, bronze and muted peach. Makeup artist Deborah Grayson tells us how to get her breezy, beachy look.

Step 1: Start with a clean, lightly moisturized face; allow the moisturizer to seep in for a few minutes before applying makeup.

Step 2: Using a damp sponge, apply a fine film of creamy (but not oily) stick foundation to any ruddy or blemished areas of the face, neck and shoulders.

Step 3: With your fingertips, dot a tiny bit of the same cream foundation onto the area just under the eyes, to hide any darkness or shadows you might have; blend in soft patting (not pulling) motions.

Step 4: Dip a flat, fan-shaped contour brush into loose flesh-toned translucent powder. Shake off any excess and apply the powder lightly to the cheeks. The powder will set a base for the contour, which you'll apply in the next step.

Step 5: With the same fan-shaped contour brush, place a sandy, bronze blush to the apples of the cheeks, moving back toward the ears.

Step 6: In the same direction you applied the blush, repeat step 4, to "diffuse and evenly distribute your sandy bronze blush, creating a subtle circle of color," says Grayson.

Step 7: Next, define the brows using an angled, hard-bristled liner brush dipped in blonde brow powder. If you don't have a marked arch like Gisele's and you'd like to create one, you might try experimenting with an eyebrow kit that contains stencils.

Step 8: Outline the eyes using a pointed eyeliner brush and opaque coffee brown cream liner. To emulate Gisele's subdued look, trace a fine across the upper lash line, staying as close to the lashes as you can manage.

Step 9: With the same pointed brush and what remains of the coffee brown liner, apply it to the bottom third of the lower lash line; for a really subtle line, you don't need to re-dip your brush.

Step 10: Use an oval-shaped eye shadow brush to place a crescent of russet brown shadow just at the outer edge of the eyelids.

Step 11: Next, use a cotton swab to apply an iridescent, pearly powder eye shadow just above the creases of each eye; blend back and forth in soft "windshield wiper" motions, allowing the powder to subtly disperse for a soft halolike effect.

Step 12: Apply two coats of medium brown mascara.

Step 13: Fill the entire lips with a fleshy nude liner pencil.

Step 14: Use a lip brush to apply a shiny, translucent peach-tinted gloss.

Recommended Products

Clinique Colour Surge Impossibly Glossy Lip Gloss in Peach Goddess
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LipFusion Lip Plumping Pencil in Buff

This lip-color pencil really plumps and hydrates! We love it. It doesn't hurt that the colors are insanely gorgeous.
Price: $28
Available: FusionBeauty.com

Sue Devitt Light Reflecting Bronzer in Three-Tone Beausoleil
A terrific palette of shell, sand and bronze — all the tones you need for this tawny, beachy look.
Price: $30
Available: SueDevittStudio.com

Make Up For Ever Diamond Powder in White Gold 2
Both pearly and iridescent, this loose eye shadow powder gives a luminous sheen — think fairy dust!
Price: $24
Available: MakeUpForEver.com

Smashbox Cream Eyeliner Palette
This palm-sized palette contains 10 classic cream eyeliner colors, including a gorgeous caviar black, a deep bronze and a russet brown, plus an extra-large mirror and its own eyeliner brush.
Price: $32
Available:Sephora.com

Sephora Arch It Brow Kit
This chic little kit has a slew of goodies to groom, shape and define, plus three stencils, so anyone can create the perfect brow.
Price: $35
Available: Sephora.com

Make Up For Ever Pan Stick
The perfect creamy, but not greasy, foundation. Apply it with a moist sponge for sheer coverage, and use it directly for denser coverage — it's also excellent as concealer.
Price: $30
Available: MakeUpForEver.com

Yves Saint Laurent Mascara Volume Effect in Rich Brown This is a superbly elegant, beautifully colored mascara. It gives subtle volume, and lashes don't appear clumpy at all. You'll love this really special, high-quality product.
Price: $25
Available: Nordstrom.com

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Movie Star Looks--Eva Mendes's Makeup

Those pouty lips! Those curvy hips! Those fiery eyes! We know and love voluptuously stunning actress Eva Mendes from the silver screen and as a Revlon cosmetics spokesperson par excellence. Here she's wearing a lush palette of pinks, and her eyes are lit with a coppery shimmer. Makeup artist Deborah Grayson tells us how to get this lovely look.

Step 1: Using a soft, round-headed shadow brush, fill in the entire eye area from lid to brow with a fine layer of translucent pearly-white matte eye shadow.

Step 2: Use an oval-shaped shadow brush to apply medium smoky ash-brown matte eyeshadow; fill in the whole eyelid area from corner to corner.

Step 3: Next, you'll use the same oval-headed shadow brush with what's remaining of the smoky ash-brown shadow to line the lower rims of the eyes. Do this by holding the tip of the brush toward your eye, and sketching in a line just underneath the rim.

Step 4: For this step, switch brushes; use the round-headed shadow brush from Step 1 to place a semicircle of coppery red-brown shadow toward the outer edges of the eyelids. The idea is to create tiny crescents of color, which will contrast nicely with the ash-brown shadow underneath.

Step 5: With a dark-brown eyeliner pencil, draw a fine yet opaque line across the upper lash line. Extend the line slightly outside the outer edges.

Step 6: Apply dark-brown waterproof mascara to the upper and lower lashes.

Step 7: Enhance the arches of the eyebrows with a dark-blonde pencil liner by faintly sketching in any empty areas upward, from root to end. Remember, the look here calls for the brows to be defined, not necessarily darkened, so keep the strokes faint.

Step 8: To prep for concealer, use makeup-remover towelettes to clean up any debris that may have dropped below the eye.

Step 9: Using a soft, flat concealer brush, apply a creamy, flesh-colored concealer under the eyes (wherever you see any darkness) and to the sides of the nose and chin to cover any redness there as well. Then, use your fingertip to pat gently against the skin so the color blends smoothly.

Step 10: Next, use your fingertips to apply cotton-candy-pink cream blush to the apples of your cheeks. Blend out in wide, generous circles up toward the cheekbones.

Step 11: Fill lips in completely with a pinky-nude pencil liner, being careful not to extend the color outside the lip line.

Step 12: Use a pointed lip brush to layer a pale-salmon matte-textured cream lipstick over the lip liner.

Recommended Products

Lorac Cream Lipstick in Babydoll
A gorgeous pale-salmon creamy lipstick.
Price: $17.50
Available: Sephora.com

Bare Escentuals Quick-Stick in Escentual Fig
This is the perfect pinky-nude lipstick and lip liner. It's got a matte yet creamy finish and comes with its own built-in sharpener.
Price: $14
Available: BareEscentuals.com

LipFusion Micro-Injected Collagen Lip Plumping Pencil in Buff
Okay, we love this stuff! It does make our lips appear more plump, and the colors are divine.
Price: $28
Available: Nordstrom.com

M.A.C Cheek Blush Creme in Tickle Me Pink
M.A.C.'s cream blush imparts the best, most believable flush of color to the cheeks, and it's soft and easy to apply.
Price: $17.50
Available: MACCosmetics.com

YSL Touche Éclat
Touche Éclat may be the chicest little concealer ever made, and it covers spots like a dream.
Price: $37.50
Available:Nordstrom.com

Givenchy Prismissime Eyes in Intense Chocolate
A wonderful palette of powder eyeshadows in a two-tiered, mirrored case. Shades include a rich reddish copper, a deep matte taupe brown, a medium brown with gold, a matte reddish brown, and more — all perfect for creating Eva's look.
Price: $52
Available: Sephora.com

Laura Mercier Eye Colour in Temptation Shimmer
A stunning shimmery brown-red shade.
Price: $20
Available: LauraMercier.com

Jane Gliding Liner Eye Pencil in Velvet Brown
A classic brown that's easy on the pocketbook.
Price: $3.39
Available: Drugstore.co

Sonia Kashuk Hidden Agenda Concealer Set
Everything you need to conceal like a pro: a set of two concealers, a neutralizer, a translucent powder, two applicator brushes and a small mirror.
Price: $9.99
Available:Target.com

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