Love your body.

So this is the picture that accompanies the slogan "I Love My Body byVictoria.....introducing 3 new bodies to love". This is an add for Victoria's Secret 7 new styles of 3 new bras. While it is actually the bras that they are talking about, 'Body' by Victoria push-up, multi-way (which I love) and racer back, I think that it is rather humerous that there are 3 beautiful, very thin women posing under the slogan "I Love My Body by victoria"....again it is the bra that they are talking about loving. They really are not using these models as examples as the the 3 body types to love (that would be way too funny because they are all the same...SKINNY), and these are the models whom we are used to seeing wearing all of the lovely VS attire and accessories, however when I saw this add waiting for me in my mail box I had to chuckle at it. 'I Love My Body' ... of course you do! Who wouldn't love their body looking like that? Although I have to say that while these women are absolutely beautiful I myself happen to love my hips, my 'softness' (as my husband puts it;) and my curves. While curves have made huge head way, I doubt they will ever really take over the runway. I do agree with this add in the fact that every women really should be able to say "I Love My Body".

Women are so beautiful because we all come in different shapes, sizes, style, race, and cultures and the beauty we exude really does come from the confidence we hold with how we feel about ourselves.

With that being said, happy Monday and may all of you step out feelin' some big love for yourself today.

Blessings

oxox

Confidence is Sexy.

As many of you have read, in several of my posts, I am constantly writing about how important it is to feel confident and comfortable in your own skin. There are many flaws, imperfections, a couple extra inches here and there or lack there of, etc. that each of us tend to pick apart on ourselves, but when it comes down to style and how you feel, Confidence in how you look will show more style, and sexiness (effortlessly) than what you are actually wearing will. Of course having a fab pair of heels with a slammin' outfit is part of your style, but I have seen many women out there who have a rockin' outfit on yet don't look comfortable with themselves in it, and it takes so much away from their whole ensemble. The opposite of that is true too. I have seen some women with some 'different' attire ( according to my taste) yet they are confident in how they look, they feel like they are rockin' it and you can't help but notice them. And of course there are those that are wearing some things that they really should not be wearing and feel confident in that, and that is just simply denial when in the mirror! Part of being confident is really knowing what looks good on you, what flatters you, and what just doesn't look good on you (no matter how "in " it is). When you are aligned with knowing what to wear, and how to wear it, your confidence naturally goes up because your belief in knowing you really do look good is there. Part of that is also learning to embrace the good qualities about yourself, play those up and know that everyone has flaws and certain things about themselves that they don't like. That's just a fact of life. It is interesting too, that in almost every article we read in our Glamours, Cosmos, Vogues and so on, we hear that men are always attracted to a confident women...they just are. Confidence is sexy! Women notice confident women too...we all know we do;)

I hope I can help to inspire many of you readers in stepping out with confidence in how you look and feel about yourself. It doesn't mean looking perfect, but it does mean really deciding to go with what looks best on YOU, what doesn't (oh well, there is never enough for us to get a hold of in the world of fashion...hence go with a different look) and dressing for yourself. If it's a little different but looks amazing on you then wear it. If you truly know something looks good on you, then go with it...the attitude you will have will make it look even better too. Don't always assume sexy is just by what you are wearing. In fact sometimes we try to wear something to look sexy and it just doesn't look that way at all, due to it might not really being the best look on us, not feeling very comfortable in it, or perhaps feeling to old for it. Perhaps the best advice I can give is this (which was given to me by a beautiful, graceful, and confident women herself): Sexiness only lasts for so long, but having confidence in yourself, and who you are, lasts forever if you want it to...and that is sexy!

Here are some women I have posted that always seem to have a sense of confidence with who they are, which is a big reason for their success....and I am sure many of them have certain flaws they dislike, though we would never know it!

some photos courtsey of: killervirgo/backseatcuddler/elsaelsa/u93

A great article you can read for "10 habits of Confident Women" is here: redbookmag

Blessings this week Lovelies!!! I dare you all to do at least one thing for yourself that will boost your self confidence.

It's your choice.

With another new year coming, it's only to safe to bet that most of us are also coming back around to those resolutions for this year of 2010. It is also probably safe to say that many of those resolutions are those that deal directly with our bodies. Whether it is to quit smoking, put the bottle down, or get back into that work out routine, many of us have improvements that we want to make with our bodies. As many of you readers have seen, I am an avid believer of taking care of yourself, because I truly believe that looking good and so much of your 'style' comes from how you feel. Confidence in one's self truly does wonders for how you carry yourself and look overall. When we take care of our bodies it is like a domino effect through out our being. Our minds, thoughts, feelings and so on begin to change as well. For example: Once you start working out, faithfully, 3 or more times a week, you naturally start eating a little bit better, which means you start to have more energy, which means you're mood through out the day will be more uplifting, and you start to feel better in your clothes and how you look, which means you might also take some extra time with the hair and make up, again your feelings and your mind are becoming more positive, because you are feeling good! I am not saying in order to feel good go workout and strive to be a size 2. Definitely not. I am not a believer in sizes, or weight. To me it's all about the fit and the flattery of your shape, so the size is out the window as far as I am concerned. However, we only have these one bodies. There are no renewals, or warranties that come with us, not to mention the good Lord gave us these bodies as his temple to take care of, so it really is up to us to take care of ourselves. I am writing this not only because I believe in the importance of taking care of yourself, but also because I have read twice this week now about the significance of exercise and the affects it has on our bodies.

Did you know? Working out 80-90 minutes a week (broken up- 4 days of 20 mins. cardio and weights, or 3 days of 30 mins.) has an outstanding affect on the fat that your body holds around it's organs, not the fat under our layer of skin, but around our hearts, liver, kidneys, pancreas etc. Exercising will not only help to rid your body of those dangerous fats, but also help to ensure they don't return...being that you make it part of your lifestyle. For a full article on this click here: health

* Eating well also contributes a whole lot to our health, and believe it or not what we eat does affect our mood as well, see Good Mood Food.

Truly more than anything, I hope to inspire and encourage all of you to take a hold of your health and take care of those bodies that we have all been so blessed to be given. While none of us know what tomorrow holds, that's why we should not boast about tomorrow, we can still live for today and take care of ourselves. I can almost guarantee you that once you start living more balanced with exercise, eating and rest too, you will be feeling fabulous...and, therefor, looking fabulous....I really believe that it all ties in together!

Happy New Years Lovelies!

Bendiciones!!!

Dare to be Bold?

With getting all dolled up for all of these special occasions, that the Holidays and New Years bring, we not only put on something extra pretty but we tend to spend some extra time with our pretty little faces too. This is a great time to go for that bolder look that you may always want to do, yet steer away in fear of looking too 'over done'. Well, why not try it now, to go with that fabulous dress, jumpsuit, or rockin' pant suit you will be wearin' and a stylin' in ? Here are some looks to give you some inspiration and a little extra push, perhaps, in daring to be a little bit bolder with your make up these Holidays!

Love Cameron's hi-lited cheekbones.

A little softer look, yet still on the bolder side.

I have always been a fan of Jennifer's smokey eye look.

Here's a quick self help 'how to' with a smoky eye look...there are more you can view...lips, cheeks,etc. too.

If you're not a fan of the bolder make up style, yet want to add a little more to your look, accessorize your hair. These lovelies did and all look fab! All images below found @ essence

Great for short hair when you want to dress the hair up.

I love that Kelly went for something different and is trying to bring back a style.
You can find a style of this look, beautifully designed, here: RACHEL STEWART





Not only love the clip, but Tyra has a nice make up app. herself.

These are just to give you a couple of ideas, when looking for that perfect hair piece!

Whether you do go BOLD or play it safe, just remember to go loving how you look, and with what you feel confident in. The confidence you hold in how you look will, by far, have you looking more beautiful than any extra eyeliner, eyeshadow, blush or bronzer will...though, those don't hurt to try either;)

Bendiciones!!!

What you wear underneath DOES make a difference.

Bras oh bras....where to begin? As my, very wise, mom told me once "A good bra is definitely something we should buy for ourselves as we get older and especially after having kids, yet it is the one thing that we don't really buy". I have to say that she has never been more right! She made that comment when my two kids and I were visiting her in Lakewood, CO and after she made that comment, she took me to buy 3 good, supportive, contouring bras. That has seriously been the best gift (okay for being an adult;) she has gotten me. I love my Warner's contouring bras, and they are very reasonably priced too! A good fitting bra improves your look in general, how you look underneath your clothes, and it helps with your posture. My suggestion would be to go get fitted, yes you can do it yourself but I say to have it done, and invest in at least 3 good bras. Even if they are a little more expensive than you are used to, trust me, you won't be sorry you did. I can't tell you how much better I look in tighter shirts with my good bras and how much more confident I am when wearing a more fitted shirt. I have posted some great selections from Warner's bras, that are very reasonably priced, and they have many, many more to choose from for all sizes here:barenecesities.com . Also, there are many brands that offer great support and fits....I just happen to be a new fan of Warner's! Oh, and they feel so nice, sleek and soft on your skin too!



Elements of bliss contour:$24.00

Sleek undrwire contour:$26.40





















Unslippables contour $25.60



Invisible bliss underwire:$25.60



Daisy lace soft cup: $24.00














Here are some awsome styles, from Fashion Form bras, for those tops that we love but cannot go with out a bra with. Seriuosly, don't go with out one if you know you probably shouldn't. Find a speciality bra for that low back, strapless, or low cut front top. There are many more of these specialty bras found here: fashionform.com . Just thought I would show that they are out there!

**OK, one more thing. ALWAYS wear a nude colored bra under a white, or very pale colored, t-shirt or fitted blouse....looks nicer, cleaner, classier and more put together.

Style DO for 30's.

I think most of us who are approaching our thirties,or have reached them already, have gone through that question in our head of "am I really dressing for my age?", or "am I dressing too young for my age?". It is a hard time in the fashion world because you want to feel stylish and look good, yet, you don't want to feel like you're trying too hard to have a certain style and look. I know that having kids has made this dilemma even more challenging for me. I want to look like a cute, stylish mom with out looking like I am shopping in the Jr.'s department. So, here is a DO for when you are rummaging through your closet for something stylish to wear. Remember that this is just suggestion, as you should always wear what fits and flatters your figure and also what you are comfortable in. The more comfortable you are with what you are wearing, the more confident you will feel=the more style you will exude.

*Reverse the proportions: If you are wearing a tighter, more fitting pair of jeans, then wear a looser top such as a cute button up, a blouse or even a knit shirt un tucked. Blazers always look good with this fit too. The same goes the other way, if you are wearing a looser fit jean, usually with a wider leg, then go with a more fitted shirt. These proportions will balance your shape.

* Kick up your look by wearing some brighter colors with your blouses and then adding pretty jewelry! Also, add some extra jewelry when even wearing t-shirt and jeans. You'll be surprised with the extra style you'll feel when adding it to your casual look.





Here are some styles of flaterring jeans for you to see and, hopefully, help with some ideas when shopping for those figure flattering jeans.....


Seven's Trouser fit: no price listed but great style to see for some ideas

Blue Couture Trouser: As low as $34.00

Levi's 505 broken dark washed: $44.00

Great Skinny Jean fit by Rich and Skinny Jeans, found at Nordstroms:$161.00

New Port catalog, Straight leg fit: $39.00

The straight leg by Seven- 7 For all man kind: $165.00

Need some inspiration? Here are some classic beauties you can look to, who all have great, age appropriate style whether they are all glammed up or staying more casual.

Eva Longoria

Reece Witherspoon

Gabrielle Union

i












images via: Elle.com
cinnamonsta.com
aww.ninemsn.com