Get Noticed This Holiday Season: 3 Dress Types That Flatter Curves

The biggest concern I have when holiday season approaches surprisingly isn’t what I’m going to get everyone on my list. It’s what I’m going to wear! Trying to find the quintessential holiday look can be quite stressful especially when you have a particular body type and you’re looking for stylish options.

My biggest piece of advice during this critical time of party-hopping and social soirees is to stick to silhouettes you’re comfortable with. The last thing you want to be worried about, standing next to your CEO at the office holiday party, is whether your tummy needs sucking in or if you should’ve put on that extra pair of control-top tights. The best thing to do is stick with your tried & true.

Here are a few of my go-to silhouettes that have worked for my top-heavy, pear-shaped frame in the past:

1. A-Line Dresses

This might be one of my favorite dress silhouettes. An A-line shaped dress is super flattering for so many different body types, primarily if you have hips that you want to slim down or balance out. 

The A-line dress flares out right below the waist and is very forgiving whether it's your hips, thighs or backside you want to downplay. It also makes your waist appear even smaller (always a plus!)

2. Peplum Dresses 

Peplum dresses are another favorite. Not only do the lapels on the side and around the waist add a little extra "ooomph" to your overall look, but peplum dresses also famously disguise unflattering belly bulges, and the infamous "muffin top", by drawing attention to the slimmest part of your body.

This silhouette is perfect for pear-shaped and hourglass-shaped women. My body is a combination of both, so I'm obviously a huge fan of the trend. This isn't limited to just dresses either. You can totally rock a glam peplum top or jacket over a skinny pant or skirt as well, and it will have the same effect.

3. Shift Dresses

 Next on my list of figure-flattering silhouettes is the shift dress. It's a basic, and every fashionista should have at least one of these staples in her closet, in a classic color like black or white. The best thing about the shift dress is its simplicity. It has a pretty straightforward cut and gives a mod appeal while still being flattering. Vertical lines elongate the body, which is a plus.

The trick to finding the perfect shift dress is picking the right material and the right neckline. If you're top-heavy, you might want to stay away from high-neck or rounded necklines and spring for a shift dress with more of a v-neck shape up top. Also, don't be afraid to play with texture! The shift dress should be classic but not boring. This dress is great for office holiday parties and more corporate settings where conservative may be necessary, but you'd still like to show off your figure.

So now you guys know my secrets! If you're ever wondering why I wear the same styles of dresses over and over, this is why! I work what I have and stick with designs and cuts that make me feel beautiful.

What about you? What's your go-to dress silhouette?

This post is part of BlogHer's Get Noticed For the Holidays editorial series, made possible by Cover Girl.

LBS Luxe List: Top 10 Statement Jewels For Spring

There's nothing I love better in the spring & summer than a simple maxi dress, a great transitional jacket in denim or leather and amazing accessories to top it off. It's the ultimate fool-proof ensemble! The coolest thing about a statement piece, is that it does the talking for you. Here are 10 conversation pieces you should add to your arsenal:

Lover Not a Fighter

This season's emphasis on military chic - I'm into it. You won't find me on a real battlefield, but these city streets can definitely be a war zone...

Pictured above is the same military jacket I posted about in my Guide To Thrifting Trends. I scored this sucker for only $5.99. Tip for military jacket thrifting: look for unique detailing...

Military Jacket: Thrifted. Top: Forever 21. Leggings: H&M. Utility Boots: Anne Michelle. Jesus Piece: Forever 21. Silver Cuff: Street Vendor. Turquoise Ring: Street Vendor (posted about HERE). Quilted Bag: Thrifted.

Photography by Tia Hendricks

LoveBrownSugar's Guide to Thrifting Trends

 I'm sure you fashion lovers have already done your fair share of research regarding this season's hottest trends. From military chic to capes & ponchos down to mininalism, there's a trend to fit every personality this season. What I personally won't do is flock to the luxury department stores and load up on all these trends because 1) they might not be in style next season and 2) I want my pieces to be unique. This is where a good trip to your local thrift comes in handy! The pieces I get complimented most for are inevitably my vintage pieces, so I decided to compile my first Guide to Thrifting Trends. Shopping your local thrift can be intimidating but these tips should help you get a jump start in the right direction:

Military

Authentic Army Jacket, Thrifted

 Tip: No one army jacket is totally like another. Look for military pieces with unique detailing. Patches and buttons are a plus. Check closely for wear and tear around the sleeves, and for missing buttons or broken zippers. Check your local thrift shop or even army surplus stores for interesting options. And remember, don't leave home without trying these on!

Leopard

Leopard Wrap Dress, Thrifted

 Tip: Know what you're looking for. Animal print is a fairly easy trend to scour for at the thrift because the prints are so iconic, they ultimately stand out. If it's a blouse you seek, go to that particular section and only pick out options with recognizable animal print. Look for silhouettes that are versatile for the most wearability. Wrap dresses like the one above can easily be worn open for a loose, coverup feel. Major things to look out for: quality material. With vintage, stray away from cheap materials. You want something that will hold up to wear and tear. Especially with iconic prints, check for fading and excessive pulling of fabric.


Ladylike

Silk Button-Down Blouse, Thrifted

 Arguably the most fun trend to shop thrift! When it boils down to it, our predecessors were very ladylike, so there are tons of cool feminine pieces to play dress up in at the thrift. Tip: Tailoring is everything. There some amazing tweed suits, and blouses at the thirft but if they don't fit ust right, they'll look frumpy. Super important to try these on in store. Found this top that puts me in the mind of Chanel. Great material, romantic print and cute gold buttons. Ruffles and prints can be fun, but wear in moderation and pair with more updated basic classics for a well-rounded look.

Menswear

Don't be afraid to check the men's section ladies! Some of my favorite pieces have been picked up in that section. For curvy girls especially, you can find some pieces in the men's section thst give you just enough room for the baggy menswear effect without swallowing you up or making you look like you have no shape. Tricks of the menswear trade: scrunch, pull, tug, roll up! I easily transformed this flannel shirt from frumpy to fab just by rolling up the sleeves...

 Also important for meswear - mixing proportions. I would never wear two menswear-inspired pieces together. If I rock an oversized oxford, I'll wear skinny jeans or a mini skirt down below. If I wear boyfriend jeans, I rock a tighter silhouette up top. Balance and proportions are the way to go with menswear. Best menswear items to score thrft: Boyfriend blazers, plaid flannel shirts, and jeans!

Happy thrifting! LBS wants to know - what are your top thrifting tips? Post them below...

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Confessions of a Shopaholic: Zara Spring 2010 Lookbook

I peeped Zara's May 2010 Lookbook over at Refinery 29. I'm in love with these effortless chic designs. They have some great neutral pieces and of course, everything is reasonably priced yet well made.

Who knew extra long skirts would come back in style? Well, they are...boho chic at it's best.

Lots of work-friendly pieces to incorporate into your wardrobes. The pants on the left are a bit risky. I fear curvy girls need not apply for that one. Hips for days...yikes! 

 I'll be living in pieces like this, this season. Fringe, cutoffs and florals - story of my closet this spring...

And don't forget the denim on denim trend that raged across runways for Spring 2010. Denim - so hearty. so American...

What pieces are you guys gathering up for your spring wardrobes?

LoveBrownSugar Top 10 Spring Essentials

While I'm loving the fact that it's not freezing cold out anymore, it frustrates me when the weather spans from "too cold to go out sans a jacket" but "too warm for a scarf and hat". Hate the in-between, awkward stages of spring? Buy some new transition pieces to cheer yourself up! Here are LoveBrownSugar's Top 10 Spring Essentials.Work these babies into your wardrobe before the weather gets "all the way turnt up"...

Spring Essentials by CeCeSoChic featuring Marc by Marc Jacobs bags

1) Harem Pant: The harem pant is major for this season. While the chic and fashion-forward europeans have been sporting this look for years now (I saw them all over Paris and Spain back in '08), fashionistas in the states are just catching onto this leisurely stylish silhouette. Grab them in basic colors like black, beige and neutral green.

 (Harem Pant, Victoria Secret, $39.50)

2) Printed Dress: There are so many cool prints in style this season! From polka dots to geo-print to tribal. Big for this season - mixing & matching. Go wild with this one, but not too much...

(Geo-Print Dress, Eight Sixty, $118.00)

3) Peep Toe Wedge Bootie: Let's face it - wedges are the way to go. They're on trend, they're comfortable and cute. What more could you possibly want? Get them in a go-with-everything color or be bold and daring with a bright pair. Whatever you do, make sure they're included in your footwear lineup this season.

  (Laser Cutout Wedges, Pour La Victoire, $315.00)

4) Neutral Jumpsuit: Romper, Romper, ROMPER! I think I just like saying that word. Anyway, get yourself one. I'm wearing a floral number up top in my blog header. They are a little more casual than dresses but so easy to play with. If I can brave the jumpsuit, so can YOU! Scared? Try one in a neutral color first, then work your way up to prints...

(Safari Romper, Forever 21, $29.50)

5) Clogs: I thought I'd never say it, and I know there are some of you who will never warm up to this trend, but I must state facts. Clogs are in. There...I said it. The best way to get away with this trend without looking like a Dutch farmgirl? Wear them with a long lean silhouette - no big or frumpy silhouettes. Also, try a stiletto heel instead of a clunky one! The studding give the clog appeal but the stiletto makes it more sophisticated.

(Daynty Clogs, Steve Madden, $109.95)

6) Pastel Nails: What better way to usher in spring colors than with your fingertips? I don't know about you guys but pretty nail colors make me happy. When I see them, I smile :)

(Nail Color in Boy Toy, Ginger + Liz, $12)

7) Floral Leggings: Getting tired of your old black leggings? You know, the ones you've been sporting consistently for the past few seasons. Well, take it a step further in a floral pair! Florals are in for spring (when are they not) and fashionistas all over are sporting this brave new silhouette. Don't be left behind!

(Floral Leggings, Topshop, $40) 

8) Utilitarian Jacket: This season, you'll be seeing a whole lot of army green, beige and brown. Utilitarianism is huge and so is military. Inevitably, you'll need a military-inspired jacket in a neutral color. This is about the only minimalist piece I'll opt for this season. I'm just not very...minimal. And neither are my clothes!

(Military Anarak, Gap, $85.35)

9) Edgy Shades: While everyone else is reaching for the same old Ray-Bans or Marc Jacobs goggles, do something novel and try an edgy pair like the ones pictured above. Way back in LoveBrownSugar's beginnings, I blogged about chain link shades being the "next big thing" a la Amber Rose. Well, now they are! *takes a bow*

(Spikey Stud Shades, Coco & Breezy, $195.00)

10) Studded Bag: Take the studding trend from fall into spring with a nice bright pouch like this one. Opt for color instead of black and it's instantly fresh for the new season. I'm in love with the one pictured above.

(Studded Suede Pouch, ASOS, $40.58)

What are your spring must-haves? Sound off below!