The Curvaceous Hourglass

'Tea-time' by Pengtao Yu

Hi Friends,

Each time I remember the hourglass, I remember, the voice-over epigraph for the soap opera, Days of our Lives, “like sands through the hourglass, so are the days of our lives”.

The hourglass is the most proportional female body shape and certainly attractive too. The bust and hips are nearly equal if not equal in measurement. The waist is very obvious, at least 9 inches smaller than the bust and hips and sometimes, the bust may be slightly bigger than the hips.

If you are wondering the difference between the pear and hourglass body shape especially when you have small to medium sized breasts with broad shoulders, defined waist and big hips, fear ye not! The pear shape is notable for her narrow shoulders BUT there are also pear shaped females with broad shoulders who are often mistaken for an hourglass but aren't. Note to self: What is used to measure the proportionality of the different body shapes is the bust, waist and hip only.

Now, back to the hourglass, because you have a full bust, you should avoid wearing blouses with turtle necklines, unless you are a petite hourglass; turtle necks and blouses that are busy on the bust area such as blouses with frills and ruffles add volume to your bust and your bust is just perfect the way it is. Deep square necklines, u- and v-necklines, scoop and boat necklines, halter neck and sweetheart necklines and wrap-round styles flatter you best.

When getting a jacket, make sure it has a deep neckline. It should be fitted at the waist with preferably, two buttons to elongate your waist. You can also leave your jackets unbuttoned  to elongate you torso. Unlike other female body shape, you can wear any length of jacket.

Lucky for you, your body can rock just about any style of skirt and pant. Skirts fitted at the waist that flare from the hip or pencil skirts are good for you; you can tuck-in blouses with different skirts styles as long as the skirt is fitted at the waist. Pants can be straight cuts, boot-cuts or skinnies. Especially when wearing skinnies (pants, leggings, jeggings...name it), you can go for the classic look of long tops that end just above your hip bone or mid thigh or you can be daring especially if you have a flat tummy and  tuck-in a fitted blouse in your skinny to give you a chic look.

Like the pear shape, dresses were made for you. very well with any of the necklines mentioned above as well as with wrap-round and empire waist dresses.  Use a waist belt to emphasize your tiny waist but do not be dependent on a waist belt, I repeat, do not be dependent on a waist belt instead just make sure you wear dresses that accentuate your waist.

Embrace your figure Missy, you are beautiful! Get a good bra to give you a better lift and if you feel your bust is too big, you can wear dark coloured blouses or blouses with one colour to create a slim-effect instead of patterns and prints. Don't be afraid to show off your waist; as a matter of fact, most of your clothes should be fitted especially at the waist from blouses to jackets and from skirts to dresses.

Below are pictures of the lady whose vocal range is to die for, the beautiful Aituaje Iruobe aka Words Aren't Just Enough...Waje!

If P=Personal; My style is P!

Hi friends,

Every time I look at the title of this post I can't help but smile because it reminds me of mathematical equations and I so do not like mathematics.

Your fashion personality is an expression of your character. Its like your temperament; an extension of your personality and your natural mode of dressing. It may be shaped by your upbringing, hobbies, religion, profession and even finances. For instance, bankers would go for the classic look and footballers would naturally lean towards a more sporty-casual look. Interested? Keep reading!

Classic Fashion

The classic look is the basis for chic and preppy fashion. This look is timeless; never goes out of fashion e.g. the classic black dress and black tuxedo. You are simple but elegant and love the formal look. Not that you aren't aware of the latest fashion trends but you prefer being more conservative (safe). You have more neutral colours in your wardrobe such as black, white, gray, navy blue and pastel or cool colours like sky blue, lilac and beige. And you let out a bit of your trendy but classic personality with accessories like jewelry, ties, shawls, bags and shoes.

Piers Morgan and Jennifer Aniston

Urban Fashion

This is street-inspired fashion also known as the rap and hip-hop fashion. This is culture that is inspired by the fusion of different lifestyles, ideas, attitudes and individuality in cities and towns. It is a dress code you and your peers share and tends to change but have the same overall look. Your style isn't determined by trends but trendsetters who dress according to their individuality. If you look like you stepped out of a hip hop music video, yep, this is you.  From baggy to skinny low jeans; Timbaland boots and Nike Air yeezy 2; tattoo's, blings and beats by Dre, design-haircuts to dyed hairs, graffiti inspired t-shirts to colour blocking :) When you think urban fashion you think about brands like Rocawear, House of Dereon, Balmain.

Rihanna and Kanye West

Chic Fashion

Smart and stylish! You are basically a fashionista; you watch out for the latest fashion trends, love designer brands and are a bit of a romantic. Chic women are very feminine and it reflects in the girly way they dress- ruffles, Alice band and stiletto shoes. Chic men know their fashion; they are stylish and confident-fitted shirts and aren't afraid to wear coloured trousers. Although you have some neutral colours, you have more of bright and romantic colours in your wardrobe like sky blue, pink, red, orange and yellow.

Trey Songz and Eva Longoria

Preppy Fashion

In with Gossip Girl fashion? Preppy is the new Ivy League style! Your are classy and unique. Its not just a style for your but its an attitude. Your wardrobe is well polished. Both sexes have similar dress styles- fitted blazers, traditional cricket sweaters, vests, polo shirts and rugby, tennis and golf inspired shirts. Where both sexes differ- for men, Bermuda shorts, khaki and chinos trousers; for women, pleated skirts, tea-length and summer dresses. A few of your popular patterns are plaid, tartan, and nautical stripes. You accessorise with pantyhose, knee socks, suspenders, bow ties, moccasins and loafers. Your colours are white, black navy, beige, yellow, pink and lime green.

Zoey Deschanel and Ed Westwick

Sporty Fashion

Comfort and simplicity are your mantra. You are athletic, energetic and adventurous. As a sporty woman, you have tomboyish tendencies are totally a tomboy. You love your t-shirts, polo shirts, jersey's, sweatpants, jumpsuits, hoodies, jackets, shorts and jeans trousers. You are either wearing slippers, casual shoes, low heels or flat shoes, sneakers and boots.

David Beckham and Jessica Biel

Bohemian Fashion

This is the gypsy look. Boho chic or hippie is a style which is individual, romantic, creative and free-spirited. You just love to express yourself; a free thinker. Boho chic is unisex and is all about beads, headbands, funky floral and print motifs, the maxi dress, fringe, feathers, bangles, over sized rings, berets, hats, bags with fringes and tassel's, scrunchy boots, tunics, a braid in the hair and vintage finds! Your colours earthy tones-shades of whites, browns, tans, greys, oranges, greens, blues and some reds.

Nicole Richie and Johnny Depp

Dramatic Fashion

This is high end  or dramatic fashion. It is simply...eccentric and only the bold and crazy dare! You don't mind being the centre of attention. If you like to make bold fashion statements with your clothes, jewelry, hairstyles and shoes then you fall under this category.

Will Ferell and Lady Gaga

Personally, I feel we all have an innate personal style but we don't have one particular style of dressing. We have a primary/ predominant style and then a secondary and sometimes, even a tertiary style. For instance, my primary style is classic, my secondary style is sporty while my tertiary style is chic, so what's your style?

Happy Independence Day Nigeria!!