REFINED.

Evening Outfit Idea for Rectangle Body Shape

2012-12-13T19:14:00.002-05:00

Evening Outfit Ideas for Rectangle Body Shape Details

Likely, over the next month, you will have a few more evening events to attend and you'll need multiple evening outfit ideas to get you through the season. If you are a woman with an rectangle body shape this outfit will suit you beautifully.

A form-fitting dress with a peplum (the ruffle on this dress above the hip) is an awesome choice for a rectangle shape woman. Often a rectangle woman will want her outfit to give the illusion that she has more curves. The peplum of this dress does that well as it creates the illusion that the waist goes in and gives the idea of a hip with the frill going over. This dress is also great as it can really take on any personality you would like depending on the accessories you choose to wear with it.

If you know someone who would love to be inspired by their wardrobe again, perhaps a gift certificate for an awesome style service would be perfect for her.

2012-12-10T08:48:00.000-05:00

Evening Outfit Ideas for Circle Body Shape Details

Likely, over the next month, you will have a few more evening events to attend and you'll need multiple evening outfit ideas to get you through the season. If you are a woman with an circle body shape this outfit will suit you beautifully.

Leather leggings are an awesome choice for the circle body shape as they bring attention to one of your favourite features - your legs. These art deco accessories bring focus to your tiny wrists and beautiful face. And, why not add even more edginess with a leopard-detailed clutch.

Sometimes all you need to pull an awesome outfit together are some really great accessories. We could go shopping to get some that are just right for you.

Evening Outfit Idea for Hourglass Body Shape

2012-12-05T10:35:00.000-05:00

Evening Outfit Ideas for Hourglass Body Shape Details

Likely, over the next month, you will have a few more evening events to attend and you'll need multiple evening outfit ideas to get you through the season. If you are a woman with an hourglass body shape this outfit will suit you beautifully.

The dress is a wonderful shape to suit hourglass proportions, and the belt will highlight your tiny waist even more. This outfit idea would work well on a woman who wants to a vintage vibe to her personal style. I picture this woman standing at a home cocktail party sipping on her glass with crimson red lips... perhaps singing carols around a piano. So romantic.

You may want this romantic look for the holiday season, but need the just right pieces to achieve it. Let's go shopping together and find your perfect holiday look(s).

Evening Outfit Idea for Triangle Body Shape

2012-11-29T10:41:00.000-05:00

Evening Outfit Ideas for Triangle Body Shape Details

Likely, over the next month, you will have a few more evening events to attend and you'll need multiple outfit ideas to get you through the season. Since the body shapes series was so popular, I thought it only fitting to do an evening outfit ideas series - an evening outfit idea for each of the six body shapes.

Today's feature is an an outfit idea best suited for a woman with a triangle body shape. The skirt (although in a bold pattern) has a structured triangle shape with a waist-defining band at the top. The overall effect will be one that brings attention to a triangle woman's tiny waist, and float over the hip area - looking like the skirt is creating a fun shape, rather than your figure. Bold earring, a sparkling top, and an edgy leather jacket will also bring attention up to your face, where you want it!

Some hourglass-shaped women may also be attracted to this outfit, and it will work well for you too, just switch the shirt to a v-neck to better suit your shape.

You may already have the pieces you need for all your evening events this year. All you need is to Shop Your Closet and have a new set of eyes pull together 30 stylish outfits that will make you feel great.

Good People

2012-11-21T10:45:00.000-05:00

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I believe in good people.

Of which you are one.

Thank-you so very much for being here.

xo.

Juxtaposed Outfit Idea

2012-11-19T10:47:00.000-05:00

Juxtaposed Outfit Idea Details

I saw a beautiful tulle skirt at Anthropologie the other day, and got to thinking about how one could wear it so it didn't look quite so pretty. I came up with a lot of outfit ideas, but the majority were a little too ballerina-ish for most of my clients. So I took a totally different path, and paired it with the most unexpected thing I could think of - cowboy boots - and fell in love with that outfit idea. The key to a well done juxtaposed outfit like this one, is to make sure that each of the "opposites attract" pieces have friends - i.e. the skirt, clutch, and watch would often be paired together, as would the boots, belt, and shirt.

Wouldn't you love to feel inspired by your wardrobe? Shop Your Closet for 30 outfit ideas from the clothes you already own.

Wendy's Words: Introducing Audrey

2012-11-14T10:51:00.000-05:00

I would like to take a moment to officially introduce Audrey (my daughter) to you, a loyal reader. Although I'm usually very transparent online, my pregnancy felt like something I wanted to keep to myself, and those I interact with in face-to-face life. Audrey is just over 9 months old now, and my life has evolved. It feels like the right time for you to meet her. She's an absolute joy - a social butterfly like her mommy.

I'd also like to introduce you to the new me. The core is the same, but some focuses different. I am adapting, changing, evolving as a person, and my style is moving with me. As my attention shifts to different subject matter, you may notice a change in the articles here too. My eyes have been opened to a whole new world, and I'm excited to share this part of my journey with you.

Until next time,
Wendy xo

Wear White Now

2012-03-06T09:24:00.000-05:00

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This Outfit's for You, Inverted Triangles

2012-02-12T09:27:00.001-05:00

This outfit is one that will feel incredibly comfortable, and look great, on an inverted triangle body shape.

Why it works:

Narrow-leg pants create a hip and balance for your figure.
Rounded v-neck sweater with raglan sleeves (sleeves that are attached from the neck to underarm rather than at the shoulder) narrow shoulders, and feel most comfortable for your shape.
Pendant necklace creates an inverted triangle shape and bring attention to narrow waist, and hips.

If you're an inverted triangle shaped woman, this outfit has been designed affordably - around $100 from top to bottom - so it is easily accessible. You can click on the image details to get a breakdown of where all the pieces can be sourced, and their individual prices.

If this outfit doesn't sound like something you would wear, one of these outfits might feel more relatable: Triangle, Circle, Hourglass, Standard, or Rectangle.

Are You an Inverted Triangle Body Shape?

2012-02-08T09:24:00.000-05:00

The inverted triangle body shape is much more common than many women think. For some reason women have been socialized into thinking that they have wide hips, and buttocks when that area is actually quite slim. If you're having trouble separating yourself from your body image, ask a friend to help you define your shape.

If you have an Inverted Triangle Body Shape you:

have hips that are narrower than your shoulders
your waist may go in slightly, or be a bit straighter, but the main defining feature of your shape is the different proportions of shoulders and hips
may describe feeling like a "football player" in certain garments
often well endowed in proportion to the rest of your figure, but not always
tend to be drawn to v-necklines

Style Tips for the Inverted Triangle Body Shape:

bring attention to narrow hips
keep clothing slim in hip area to create definition and curve, which will create visual balance in your shape
make sure all details like ruffles, patterns, and other design elements are in areas other than shoulders
bottoms need to be cut straight, if there is room for hips cut into a garment you will find it gapes, and looks too big
clothing shapes that also create an inverted triangle shape will be most comfortable for you

Clothing and Accessories that will be easiest for you to wear:

narrow pants like skinny jeans look amazing on you
a pencil skirt is your best skirt shape (this skirt is in the shape of an inverted triangle, too)
v-necklines are amazing in all shirt styles as they visually narrow shoulders (think collared shirts, sweaters, t-shirts, etc.)
belts look awesome on you and create balance for your shape
tend to look good in leggings, which bring attention to narrow hips/legs

Look for an outfit that will flatter an inverted triangle figure coming at the end of the week!

If this shape doesn't sound like you, one of these other body shapes might feel more relatable: Circle, Triangle, Hourglass, Standard, or Rectangle.

This Outfit's for You, Triangles

2012-02-03T08:55:00.001-05:00

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This outfit is one that will feel incredibly comfortable, and look great, on a triangle body shape.

Why it works:

When you tuck the blouse into the skirt, you will bring attention to your tiny waist, which shows off a flattering part of your figure
Statement necklace brings attention to slim décolletage, neck, and face
Simple a-line skirt skims hips without bringing too much attention to the area. Buttons in vertical line create length

If you're a triangle shaped woman, this outfit has been designed affordably - around $100 from top to bottom - so it is easily accessible. You can click on the image details to get a breakdown of where all the pieces can be sourced, and their individual prices.

If this outfit doesn't sound like something you would wear, one of these outfits might feel more relatable: Circle, Inverted Triangle, Hourglass, Standard, or Rectangle.

Are You a Triangle Body Shape?

2012-02-01T09:33:00.001-05:00

Some people refer to this body shape as a pear, but calling ourselves fruit is never good for the self-esteem. Instead, if you think of yourself as a shape, you can find clothing, and accessories, that follow your triangle shape, and flatter your figure.

If you have a Triangle Body Shape you:

have shoulders that are narrower than the widest part of your hips
upper body may be a favourite part of your figure
tend to gain weight in your hip area
may be self conscious of hips and/or bottom
tend to enjoy wearing skirts and dresses more than pants

Style Tips for the Triangle Body Shape:

bring attention upper body including waist and shoulder area
anything that is fitted around the hip area will be most comfortable made out of stretchy fabric
an empire waist will define the narrowest part of your figure, & float over hips
find pants that fit hip area and alter the waist band that will often gape
make sure all details like pockets, patterns, and design elements are in areas other than hips

Clothing and Accessories that will be easiest for you to wear:

look for clothing that is also in a triangle shape like an a-line skirt
shirts with ruffled or puffed sleeves balance shoulders and hips
statement necklaces draw the eye to svelte shoulder area, and face
patterned shirts are a comfortable option paired with solids on the bottom - the patterns will bring attention to the narrowest part of your figure
pants that go out at the bottom - like boot, wide leg, and trouser cuts - will be easiest for you to wear

Look for an outfit that will flatter a triangle figure coming at the end of the week!

If this shape doesn't sound like you, one of these other body shapes might feel more relatable: Circle, Inverted Triangle, Hourglass, Standard, or Rectangle.

2012-01-30T16:15:00.000-05:00

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When done well, mixing two prints in one outfit creates a extremely well put together look. An easy way to do this (as pictured above) is to choose two prints that incorporate the same colours, and are total opposites in pattern - i.e. one pattern with straight lines, like stripes, and another pattern with curvy lines, like this leopard print scarf.

This Outfit's for You, Circles

2012-01-27T09:20:00.001-05:00

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This outfit is one that will feel incredibly comfortable, and look great, on a circle body shape.

Why it works:

The cream silk tunic will drape nicely over your torso, and create a long lean line. The long tie also helps the eye move vertically, which helps create torso length, and move the eye past the most self-conscious area of your figure.
Tight leggings bring attention to your slim legs. They also end at your ankle creating a horizontal line, which creates interest. The eye is always drawn to interesting, and therefore you bring attention to another one of your best features, your ankles.
The bracelet brings attention to your small wrists, and your potentially narrow hips.

If you're a circle shaped woman, this outfit has been designed affordably - around $100 from top to bottom - so it is easily accessible. You can click on the image details to get a breakdown of where all the pieces can be sourced, and their individual prices.

If this outfit doesn't sound like something you would wear, one of these outfits might feel more relatable: Triangle, Inverted Triangle, Hourglass, Standard, or Rectangle.

Are You a Circle Body Shape?

2012-01-26T13:03:00.001-05:00

Some people refer to this body shape as an apple, but calling ourselves fruit is never good for the self-esteem. Instead, if you think of yourself as a shape, you can find clothing, and accessories, that follow your circle shape, and flatter your figure.

If you have a Circle Body Shape you:

tend to have really narrow wrists and ankles
limbs (arms and legs) may be your favourite feature
tend to gain weight in your middle section
may be self conscious of your tummy area
have a higher waist (the narrowest part of your torso tends to be right below your breast)

Style Tips for the Circle Body Shape:

bring attention to wrist and ankles as they are two of your best features
garments with ruching in torso area will comfortable, and create flattering definition for your figure
an empire waist garment (without pleats) will define the narrowest part of your torso, and float over tummy area
show off your shapely legs
look for pants made of stretchy fabric so the waistband feels comfortable, but the hip is narrow enough to work for you

Clothing and Accessories that will be easiest for you to wear:

long tunics that skim your torso, will lengthen your upper body, and make it appear slimmer (wear with narrow pants like leggings or skinny jeans, to show off your shapely legs)
bracelets bring attention to teeny wrists
skirts and dresses are a feminine way to bring attention to legs and arms
patterned tights bring even more attention to sexy legs
shoes with ankle straps (very hard for many shapes to wear, but look great on you)

Look for an outfit that will flatter a circle figure coming at the end of the week!

If this shape doesn't sound like you, one of these other body shapes might feel more relatable: Triangle, Inverted Triangle, Hourglass, Standard, or Rectangle.

Dreaming of a Beach Vacation

2012-01-23T09:19:00.000-05:00

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Dreaming of a vacation filled with sun that warms the skin, sand that tickles the toes, and swimmies that cheer the soul.

iVillage.ca - 9 Canadian Jewelry Designers to Know

2012-01-20T15:05:00.000-05:00

Necklace by Eliza Kozurno

Check out the article Wendy wrote for iVillage.ca "9 Canadian Jewelry Designers to Know".

Black & Gold

2012-01-16T08:51:00.000-05:00

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I was chatting with my very stylish cousin on the weekend about how much we both absolutely love black and gold combined in an outfit. It has such a pulled together fashion-forward feel to it, and so simple to execute with the clothes you already own. You can use accessories that incorporate both black and gold (like pictured) or you can pair all gold accessories with black clothes.

Break the Rules

2012-01-13T09:24:00.000-05:00

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Words to live by in life, and in style. You need to know the rules before you can break them in a way that works well for you.

Wendy 'Woulds' | Batwing Sleeve on Hourglass Figure

2012-01-11T09:33:00.001-05:00

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Question submitted by Lisa: "I am seeing many dolman/batwing sleeve tops and sweaters in the stores. They are cute, but don't have any waist definition. Can this style be flattering on an hourglass figure? Is the only option to belt it to nip it in at the waist? If so, how long should be top be to avoid it looking all bunched up? What type of bottom should it be paired with?"

Hi Lisa, thanks for the question!

I find that most women with hourglass figures are not comfortable in a batwing style, as it is a difficult style for them to wear. It is best on women with inverted triangle figures (these women have hips that are narrower than their shoulders) as the style tends to balance out their body shape, and accent the narrowest part of their figure. In general, if you try to belt this style to define your tiny hourglass waist, it looks messy... and not quite right.

If you have an hourglass figure, and would really like to wear this style, you can make it work, it's just a little tricky. I would suggest looking for a shirt that has a sleeve that starts to narrow just above your waist, or right at the waist (higher under the arm), so at least you bring attention to your waist even if you don't get the definition. You could also use a necklace that ends at the top of your waist to bring attention to the narrow part of your figure, or look for a shirt in this style in a sheer fabric so you can see the outline of your silhouette underneath.

You will want to pair this style of shirt with a narrow pant or skirt, like skinny jeans or a pencil skirt, to balance the extra fabric from the sleeve.

Hope this helps you make your buying decision!
Wendy

Have your own burning style question answered by THE REFINERY.

Keeping it Classic

2012-01-09T21:37:00.000-05:00

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Classic style pieces make their way into many women's wardrobes, and there are a select few who can wear all these amazing investment pieces together. A Louis Vuitton bag, pencil skirt, navy cardigan, white blouse, nude pumps, and Chanel earrings are all pieces that you can wear for years to come, and look absolutely stunning all together... or you can pair them with other pieces that make them feel more like you.

Guest Perspective: This is what a naked woman looks like

2012-01-06T09:52:00.001-05:00

"I really connected to this post by Carrie Klassen, because I find so often women are hard on themselves, rather than embracing who they are/what they look like, and dressing for the beautiful shape they are. I hope you enjoy this perspective as much as I do." ~ Wendy

Carrie's Words:

I ventured into the mall today, although I hadn't planned to, because I needed to get my iPad repaired. While I was there, I passed a store with sexy little numbers in the window and thought I'd try on one or two to see if there were anything sparkly and pretty on me for New Year's Eve.
When I got to the changeroom, another woman was checking herself in the mirror, turning at all angles. Disappointed. Although it's difficult to be objective about these things, looking at her I thought she and I had nearly identical bodies. Similar height, weight and measurements. I made a mental note to keep track of what she looked great in so I might try it too and save myself some time.

While I was struggling to pull the first stretchy, clingy dress over my body, I could hear my "twin" next door lamenting, "I need to lose weight. I have this belly." And I knew exactly what she meant. I am 5'2 (or so) and weigh 102 lbs (or so). Based on numbers alone, I know I'm not overweight. But put me in something tight and you will see the outline of my belly. I am soft where Shape magazine would have me be "defined."

My twin tried another dress and another but again and again she complained it was too snug around her middle. (Behind my curtain, I was having the same issue.) The on-commission sales clerk said, "Are you kidding? Your body is sick." (I bely my age when I tell you I know that's a compliment but that I don't understand it.) What the sales clerk likely knows is that NO woman can wear that dress without that look.

BECAUSE WOMEN HAVE CURVES.

The more she criticized her own body, the more she criticized mine. Of course it wasn't personal - all she was doing was saying things out loud that I say in my head all the time. But it wasn't until this past month that I began to think about this particular matter.

The belly.

Since its 30-something arrival, I've always looked at my little belly as "an area for improvement." An indicator that I need to get to the gym more often or eat differently, etc etc. I've begun shopping for "shapewear" and such things. When I was in Paris, though, I visited an erotica museum. There were gorgeous photographs and postcards from the 1920s up to the 60s - we're not talking Rembrandt or Rubens here - and the women had bellies. (And their breasts weren't the shape of basketballs but that's another matter.)

Here's the secret: women are not flat. We aren't.

When I dislike my belly, I'm disliking my dressing room friend's belly and that's not cool. But I'm also doing something more troubling than that. I'm disowning my femininity, my womanliness, my curves, my softness, my touchability... and on and on. I'm buying into a delusion that it's the body of woman that is flawed.

We are hating ourselves, women. Little by little, we are. And while we may be able to live with that hate ourselves (because, goodness, we women are strong), that self-hatred is also a hatred of each other. It's insidious. It's dangerous. And it, it is the thing that is sick.

Let's be healthy. Let's love our bodies with delicious foods, and lotions that smell like roses. Let's take long soaks in the tub. Let's wear strings of pearls over our hearts and breasts.

Let's remember the pleasure of being born women. And let's be grateful for every inch.

(Because I mean, seriously, can you imagine having a scrotum?)

Writer Carrie Klassen is a green tea enthusiast, amateur poet, fine point pen aficionado, INFJ Scorpio, and president of Pink Elephant Creative, a writing and design boutique for inspired entrepreneurs. She also writes workbooks and teaches workshops at Pink Elephant Academy for Entrepreneurs.

2012-01-04T11:16:00.000-05:00

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Thought it would be fun to do a quick roundup of some REFINED. favourites from 2011 (in no particular order):

Taking it Easy

2012-01-02T11:36:00.000-05:00

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If you happen to have the day off today, what a wonderful excuse to relax inside, and enjoy a little bit of time to yourself. Perhaps you would enjoy sipping on a hot cup of tea, and writing a list of dreams for 2012... or creating a vision board of what you would like the year to hold.

Happy New Year

2011-12-30T07:55:00.000-05:00

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Have an absolutely wonderful weekend, filled with good times... see you in 2012!