Dressing the Male Body: Trapezoid and Inverted Triangle

OK, gentlemen… I did several posts last fall {here, here, and here} coaching the women on how to dress for their body shape, and some of my male clients have felt left out. SO, I’m doing a couple of posts devoted to the boys!

But ladies, I’ll be back next week to elaborate on your body shapes and offer a few more tricks I have up my sleeves!

*side note* these are guidelines. If you’ve read over my 10 Shopping Commandments, sometimes rules are meant to be broken, but when you’re not utilizing your stylist {wink, wink}, these guidelines will keep you on the right track!

Let’s look at two of the athletic body types…

The Trapezoid: You are perfect. Everything looks exceptional on you, and you are the envy of all men, everywhere! For real. But really, it’s hard to go wrong with any style on this body type. Your shoulders and chest are broad, waist and hips are medium-narrow, upper torso is bigger than lower torso, and you are well proportioned. I suggest going for fitted/tailored clothing. I’m sure a sack would look great, too, but why hide such a nice physique you either inherited or worked really hard for?

The Inverted Triangle: The only difference between the trapezoid body type and the inverted triangle is in proportions. The Inverted Triangle is more of a bodybuilding physique: broad shoulders and a narrower waist. Your shoulder, arms, and chest muscles are well developed; even bulky. Your upper body is significantly heavier than your lower body. 

• Suits and jackets: Athletic cut styles with extended shoulders and narrow-angled body cuts are best for your frame. Look for larger lapels to give your larger chest proportion, and two side pleats in jackets look best. To hide a deep V-shaped torso, opt for a slightly longer jacket. Tailoring is key as loose fitting suits are not flattering. Play up the patterns with pinstripes, windowpane, and houdstooth. Basically, think big! Bigger lapels and larger collared dress shirts. Avoid double-breasted suits.
• Pants: bulk up! Think cargos, details, heavier denims. The idea is to create balance.

Dressing the Male Body: Trapezoid and Inverted Triangle

OK, gentlemen… I did several posts last fall {here, here, and here} coaching the women on how to dress for their body shape, and some of my male clients have felt left out. SO, I’m doing a couple of posts devoted to the boys!

But ladies, I’ll be back next week to elaborate on your body shapes and offer a few more tricks I have up my sleeves!

*side note* these are guidelines. If you’ve read over my 10 Shopping Commandments, sometimes rules are meant to be broken, but when you’re not utilizing your stylist {wink, wink}, these guidelines will keep you on the right track!

Let’s look at two of the athletic body types…

The Trapezoid: You are perfect. Everything looks exceptional on you, and you are the envy of all men, everywhere! For real. But really, it’s hard to go wrong with any style on this body type. Your shoulders and chest are broad, waist and hips are medium-narrow, upper torso is bigger than lower torso, and you are well proportioned. I suggest going for fitted/tailored clothing. I’m sure a sack would look great, too, but why hide such a nice physique you either inherited or worked really hard for?

The Inverted Triangle: The only difference between the trapezoid body type and the inverted triangle is in proportions. The Inverted Triangle is more of a bodybuilding physique: broad shoulders and a narrower waist. Your shoulder, arms, and chest muscles are well developed; even bulky. Your upper body is significantly heavier than your lower body. 

• Suits and jackets: Athletic cut styles with extended shoulders and narrow-angled body cuts are best for your frame. Look for larger lapels to give your larger chest proportion, and two side pleats in jackets look best. To hide a deep V-shaped torso, opt for a slightly longer jacket. Tailoring is key as loose fitting suits are not flattering. Play up the patterns with pinstripes, windowpane, and houdstooth. Basically, think big! Bigger lapels and larger collared dress shirts. Avoid double-breasted suits.
• Pants: bulk up! Think cargos, details, heavier denims. The idea is to create balance.

White Out

jun & ivy swiss dot blouse // textured skirt // studded t-strap pump {splurge, save} // LOVING this similar clutch // similar cuff // similar necklace // zoya nails in evvie
photos by Rebecca Mayer

A huge thank you to all you lovelies who attended ‘Night with the Stylist’ at Shop by John Michael Villa. It was fun meeting new faces and sharing summer style.

When I finally found time to style myself for the event, I knew I needed the perfect look for hosting a summer style session. 

What better color says summer than white?! And it happens to be my favorite crisp, go-to look this season. 

Think LWD {little white dress} ladies! It’s definitely hot this summer AND classic. Though, I did separates, I kept the look streamlined, playing only with textures {lots of textures!} and added subtle jewelry to complete the style. I didn’t add any real pops of color or prints because I wanted to keep it simply stated… which, in my opinion, can sometimes make thee biggest statement.

http://widget.shopstyle.com/widget?pid=uid1601-13325449-37&faveList=44256546&size=Small&width=6&height=1&layouttype=0&border=0&footer=0

What do y’all think? Would you swap an LBD for an LWD this summer?

White Out

jun & ivy swiss dot blouse // textured skirt // studded t-strap pump {splurge, save} // LOVING this similar clutch // similar cuff // similar necklace // zoya nails in evvie
photos by Rebecca Mayer

A huge thank you to all you lovelies who attended ‘Night with the Stylist’ at Shop by John Michael Villa. It was fun meeting new faces and sharing summer style.

When I finally found time to style myself for the event, I knew I needed the perfect look for hosting a summer style session. 

What better color says summer than white?! And it happens to be my favorite crisp, go-to look this season. 

Think LWD {little white dress} ladies! It’s definitely hot this summer AND classic. Though, I did separates, I kept the look streamlined, playing only with textures {lots of textures!} and added subtle jewelry to complete the style. I didn’t add any real pops of color or prints because I wanted to keep it simply stated… which, in my opinion, can sometimes make thee biggest statement.

What do y’all think? Would you swap an LBD for an LWD this summer?

How to Put in Clip-In Extensions Tutorial

Hey there, lovelies! Thanks for stopping by.

Today, is my very first hair tutorial. I was kind of reluctant to do one because I have such baby fine hair, and let’s be honest, who wants to watch a tutorial that doesn’t showcase amazing hair? But I decided to go ahead and do one because I know so many people with fine or medium to shorter length hair that don’t think it’s possible to use them. It is! And you can blend them well, and no one will know you’re wearing extensions unless you tell them.
So, even if you have fine, medium length hair you can achieve those awesome styles you’ve seen on Pinterest, too!

Today’s tutorial is all about the clip in extensions I’m using and how to put them in…

How to Put in Clip-In Extensions Tutorial

Hey there, lovelies! Thanks for stopping by.

Today, is my very first hair tutorial. I was kind of reluctant to do one because I have such baby fine hair, and let’s be honest, who wants to watch a tutorial that doesn’t showcase amazing hair? But I decided to go ahead and do one because I know so many people with fine or medium to shorter length hair that don’t think it’s possible to use them. It is! And you can blend them well, and no one will know you’re wearing extensions unless you tell them.
So, even if you have fine, medium length hair you can achieve those awesome styles you’ve seen on Pinterest, too!

Today’s tutorial is all about the clip in extensions I’m using and how to put them in…

Styling Session

You guys, as you read this, I am on my way, once again, to NYC! But I’m super excited to share with you some summer styling from this past weekend.
I am so fortunate to meet such great people along my path in life, and John is one of them.

Together, we hosted a style session Saturday, and it was so fun to share some of my summer styling tips while putting together looks with his ah-mazing vintage pieces. Seriously, check out his shop!

from left to right: A Day at the County Fair– light and easy going pinstripe cami sundress paired with leopard flats for some pattern mixing! A shoulder bag in a contrasting pop of color for interest. This look is just as fun as all the goings-on at the county fair! A Summer Wedding– this look is cool for those hot summer afternoons, but dress appropriate for a garden wedding. A Concert in the Park– sure you want to be relaxed listening to your favorite jams, but functional doesn’t have lose the fashion! Overalls are all the rage this summer and a fun trend to try out for a casual concert in the park. I paired it with a lace blouse to give it a girly feel and added the pops of pink with the clutch which played well with a nude, open-toe sandal. For just a little bit of rocker edge, I added the silver statement necklace.

Playing with summer florals and soft pastels {from left to right}, the sheath dress is a summer essential. The floral strapless dress would be another perfect look for a garden wedding or brunch with your girls. And finally, sundresses are always a perfect summer staple. I paired this halter sundress with snakeskin heels to give some texture to the silky fabric and add interest. 

Which is your favorite look? 

Styling Session

You guys, as you read this, I am on my way, once again, to NYC! But I’m super excited to share with you some summer styling from this past weekend.
I am so fortunate to meet such great people along my path in life, and John is one of them.

Together, we hosted a style session Saturday, and it was so fun to share some of my summer styling tips while putting together looks with his ah-mazing vintage pieces. Seriously, check out his shop!

from left to right: A Day at the County Fair– light and easy going pinstripe cami sundress paired with leopard flats for some pattern mixing! A shoulder bag in a contrasting pop of color for interest. This look is just as fun as all the goings-on at the county fair! A Summer Wedding– this look is cool for those hot summer afternoons, but dress appropriate for a garden wedding. A Concert in the Park– sure you want to be relaxed listening to your favorite jams, but functional doesn’t have lose the fashion! Overalls are all the rage this summer and a fun trend to try out for a casual concert in the park. I paired it with a lace blouse to give it a girly feel and added the pops of pink with the clutch which played well with a nude, open-toe sandal. For just a little bit of rocker edge, I added the silver statement necklace.

Playing with summer florals and soft pastels {from left to right}, the sheath dress is a summer essential. The floral strapless dress would be another perfect look for a garden wedding or brunch with your girls. And finally, sundresses are always a perfect summer staple. I paired this halter sundress with snakeskin heels to give some texture to the silky fabric and add interest. 

Which is your favorite look? 

Perfect in Paisley

shop by jmv paisley blouse c/o// paige denim {Major SALE!} // maison scotch clutch // justfab heels // similar cuff // similar necklace // essie polish in tart deco & mint candy apple

I immediately fell in love with this paisley blouse when I laid eyes on it. It styled so well with a swept back faux hawk braid for a dressy casual Father’s day dinner with the hubs, the bug, his dad and brother. I love the accents of gold that really gave a pop, and of course the shoes! These shoes are amazing and comfortable, and part of my Mother’s day present.
Happy Friday! Hope y’all have an amazing weekend. Just a reminder for you locals, I’m hosting a styling event TOMORROW NIGHT with John of Shop by John Michael Villa. Come hang out, shop, and get some summer styling ideas!

http://widget.shopstyle.com/widget?pid=uid1601-13325449-37&faveList=44255151&size=Small&width=6&height=1&layouttype=0&border=0&footer=0

Perfect in Paisley

shop by jmv paisley blouse // paige denim {Major SALE!} // maison scotch clutch // justfab heels // similar cuff // similar necklace // essie polish in tart deco & mint candy apple

I immediately fell in love with this paisley blouse when I laid eyes on it. It styled so well with a swept back faux hawk braid for a dressy casual Father’s day dinner with the hubs, the bug, his dad and brother. I love the accents of gold that really gave a pop, and of course the shoes! These shoes are amazing and comfortable, and part of my Mother’s day present.
Happy Friday! Hope y’all have an amazing weekend. Just a reminder for you locals, I’m hosting a styling event TOMORROW NIGHT with John of Shop by John Michael Villa. Come hang out, shop, and get some summer styling ideas!