Thursday, February 11, 2016

She Hulk is a smash in these outfits

You ever wanted to punch someone in the face at work, but know you have to use your words instead? Yeah, me too.

She Hulk for the Petite Athletic


Being petite can make it hard, sometimes, to dress. Being any size can make it hard! People aren't built the same, but designers and clothing manufacturers can't really cater to every single body type out there. Sadly custom clothing also isn't a feasible option for most people, it's just too expensive. Thankfully there are people like me in the world who can help you out when you need a little advice.

Sometimes I like to go a bite more literal than others with an outfit. Green pants for a character who likes showing off her green legs? Definitely an easy pick, I know, but I'll make up for it, I promise. I picked skinny leg trousers for the look, make sure they are properly hemmed. If they are too long they will make your legs look shorter than they already are, and no one wants to look short legged (I have short legs, so I assume no one wants short legs.) They shouldn't have room in the butt, if they do, they are the wrong size and you have to go try on another pair. Yes, try them on. Always try on your clothes. I know the process is painful, at times, but it is worth it in the end!

The dainty lace top is sleeveless and high necked, but it shouldn't fall any lower than your hips. The eye will be drawn from the high neck down to the feet, making you appear taller than you are, especially with those cute wedges on. They are high and a soft grey instead of white because I am not a fan of white shoes. Mostly because I live in Seattle, land of rain, and imagine stepping in a questionable puddle while wearing cute white shoes. Yeah, it isn't pretty. I've done it. It's upsetting.

I like the hard and soft concept with She Hulk because Jennifer, despite being strong and intelligent, always seemed a bit soft to me in a lot of ways. The pretty woman with the mind like a steel trap and will of tempered vibranium. So with the pretty lace top all soft and delicate, I chose a structured, purple biker jacket with a flare at the hem. It will add shape to a body that is mostly straight lines, bulking the shoulders a bit and being snug at the waist, giving you the illusion of curves.

No outfit is complete without the accessories! Please note the delicate pearl Saturn earrings, they are lovely and my homage to Planet Hulk. Also the hulk watch because it was awesome. The hat was because I like hats and because Jennifer's hair is green, I love purses and have more than I need (not nearly as many as I want) and like to find one's I think fit the character. Cute, functional, classic, it all seemed very She Hulk to me. Leave your hair down, maybe put some sea spray in it to get some beach wave going, and stick with nude makeup - you don't need anything else to highlight your beauty.

She hulk for the pear shape


I have a friend who hates her hips, it boggles my mind but then the grass is always greener, right? Get it? Green! No? Okay, I'll move on. She wanted an outfit that would mask her hips a bit, so I offered her a skater dress. Simple lines, pretty, looks good on a variety of different figures. This one has a fuller skirt and while I'm usually not a fan of spaghetti straps at work, that is what the big scarf is for, you can use it as a shawl and cover your shoulders if someone takes issue.

We go back to the hard and soft disparity with the leather biker jacket over the sweet dress. The purple bold against the white. Biker jackets tend to have shorter torso's, which work well for pear shaped people as it can make their curves look more dramatic by nipping in at the natural waist and stopping above the swell of the hips. Perfect with a full skirt for the same reason. I wouldn't suggest wearing the dress on a bike, though, for what I hope are obvious reasons.

I am really into hats, I love interesting colors and fun shapes. The purple, in this case, was one that was almost like a softer version of the jacket, and with the black leather band I thought they would pop well together, especially with the green scarf between them. Scarves can be hit or miss. I like ones that are long enough for me to tie both ends together and loop around my shoulders like an infinity scarf. If they are even longer, all for the better!

I went with green ballet flats for this outfit, mostly because I am a big fan of flats, but also because I like the flats with the dress. Personally I'm not one for tights unless it's cold and I see this as more of a summer outfit, so I didn't add them. If you are a nylons person, go with a sheer nude. Or opaque nude if you are hiding tattoos.

I added the same purse as the last outfit because I am in love with it, same goes for the watch and earrings. I need a Hulk watch. I did find an awesome Hulk Fist silver necklace for this one, though! The deeper neckline needed a necklace. So, Hulk smash the cleavage. Super Leave your hair down, add some sea spray for beach waves to look relaxed and effortless. Go with nude makeup, the bright colors of the outfit could make fun colored eye shadow look garish, and you have a complete look!

Remember the key to any outfit is confidence and comfort. If you are emotionally comfortable in your outfit, you have more confidence.

Own it.

Stevie

Tuesday, April 28, 2015

How Perfectly Charming

My friend's mom asked me to help her put together something for a Princess Ball she is going to. She doesn't want to be a princess, though, she wants to be Prince Charming. Since it is one of the greatest things I've been asked in a while, I jumped at the chance. Here are two options that are a bit more workplace appropriate.

Prince Charming for the Athletic Shape


The trick with athletic shapes is to remember that without a lot of curves, you need to add some interest to keep from looking like an upright log. (I think my PNW sensibilities are showing with the end of that last sentence, I seem to have lumberjacks on the brain.) Anyhow, back to the topic at hand! I love bright slacks, in the Spring and Summer. They are cheerful, they are fun, and they keep an outfit looking fashion forward. Cropped slacks are a nice nod to warm weather while still being on the more conservative side. You can pear them with pumps, though my personal preference is ballet flats. Here I went with a pair of feminine loafers in a shiny gold, since this is Prince Charming. Admittedly, in the 1950's cartoon this is based on, he paired brain shoes with his red pants and cream top. I am still offended by this.

The bright slacks need to be paired with something not quite as eye-blinding up top, but you don't want the pants to overshadow the rest of your outfit. The soft yellow (Maurices calls it Custard) top I chose is not only pleasantly draped on the neck, it is also ruched down the sides, giving some extra shape to the body and creating curves that might not be there without it. I went with a simple, tiered chain necklace because it followed the drapes in the skirt, but was a strong and simple enough piece to stand out without overpowering the rest of the outfit and give a nod to the blinged cords Prince Charming wore.

For the jacket, because you can't skip that part since it's what most people remember about him, I wanted something with clean lines that would stop at the hips. I found the most darling jacket from Germany and a bit obsessed. Simple lines, champagne and gold brocade with the same gold edging, zip front for that straight line closure I was searching for, and a hint of flare at the hips to help give added shape to the silhouette.

Accessorizing for Prince Charming is easy. Gold. Lots and lots of gold. Well, I say lots and lots but let's be real, I think less is more and am not usually a fan of gold, so a belt, a little clutch, a couple rings and a bracelet is more than enough, some people wouldn't think that was anywhere close to lots and lots. I picked the clutch with the little tassels because it was a touch whimsical and made me happy. Everyone needs a bit of whimsy in their life. keep your hair simple. Pull it back in a ponytail or bun and call it good. If you have short hair, don't over style it, leave it down or slick it back. Stick to more natural makeup, maybe a hint of blue at the eyes, and you are ready to chase down some crazy lady who loses her shoe and doesn't bother coming back for it.

Prince Charming for the Athletic shape - 2


This one is a bit more dressy, but you can still get away with it at work. If you found more of a matte gold top it would tone down the outfit a lot, but I like shiny things.

I think everyone should have a nice maxi skirt in their closet, they are easy to dress up and down, flattering on most figures, and wonderful on hot Summer days. The pleating in this skirt give some added draping to the hips, adding curves where you didn't have much, and making your legs look a bit longer. Remember to hem your skirts. It might seem silly, but you do not want your skirt dragging on the ground while you walk. It will make you look shorter than you are, ruin the bottom of the skirt, and drag the skirt down as you wear it all day because it will catch on things. Hem it. To make you look really leggy swap out the flats for heels. Personally, as stated before, I love ballet flats. I commute by bus and as such tend to live in flats.

I went with more champagne and cream in this one, the skirt being so vibrant. The top is a sequined tank top, another fun item to have in your closet to dress up practically any outfit. Since it doesn't add a lot of shape to the torso on it's own I added a short sleeved bolero, the curve of the front will make your waist look a bit more nipped in and help give the illusion of curves. Note that this outfit does not have a necklace. That is because of the loudness of the shirt. Adding a necklace would take it overboard.

Just because a shirt is loud, though, doesn't mean you shouldn't still accessorize. I couldn't resist the tasseled chandelier earrings I found. They have that crazy art deco feeling I love. A nice cuff and a couple of pretty rings, all gold because that is Prince Charming's color scheme, and you are good to go. The same gold clutch, because I love how much it reminds me of the gold envelope that was sent with the invitation to the ball. It's the little things, after all, that really make the outfit a winner. Again, keep your hair simple, keep your makeup natural, and enjoy the day. Maybe, since it's summer, add your favorite sunglasses as well.

Til next time,

Stevie