Let Them Eat Turkey! Hot Holiday Looks without the Guilt.

Who cares if you ate everything on your plate and then went for seconds? Unbuttoning one's pants during the holiday season just to keep from buying new clothing seems to be a pretty good tradition. But what if you could look cute all through December (and into January:) and still eat extra cranberry sauce and stuffing? You can.

Nicole Ritchie may be the worst example of someone gaining weight during the holiday season, but you can definitely take a cue from her cute sweater tunic. Add some leggings or jeans to this look and the loose, easy feel of the deep v-neck tunic is perfect for any gal feeling the stretch of the season. Although this piece is super over-sized, there is still an obvious shape and style. The v-neckline draws attention to your face keeping all eyes away from your mid-section. The difference in length between the front and back of the tunic may not be helping your cover-up cause either way, but it sure does look cute!

This piece is also a fantastic "I ate too much for a month" dress. It is an A-line silhouette which allows you to still show off your figure while keeping it loose around the stomach. A-line means it is fitted around the chest area and becomes wider as it gets to the bottom just like an A. How ingenious! The pattern on this dress is also your friend. It is true what they say about horizontal stripes, they do make you look wider. Picking a vertical pattern during this season is a fabulous idea! It will help give the illusion that you are longer and leaner, even though your body may be getting wider.....

This is my ultimate favorite look for the season. I am comfortable, I am cute, I am eating anything I want. Wearing a darker foundation like a black t-shirt, leggings and black boots, with a lighter, longer sweater, will keep the attention on your layering item. The sweater becomes the focal point while your actual body is a backdrop. Do not fret if you don't look like a supermodel in your black catsuit, no one can see it anyway! Stetchy materials are going to be your best option so your tummy can breathe! My only big rule is to make sure that your sweater fully covers your behind. No one want to see your backside in just leggings even if it is perfect. And anyway, isn't the point of this post that during the holiday season it might lose some of it's perfection? Got it, good.


The empire style dress will almost always work as a stylish choice for an expanding middle. Let's just call it like it is, this dress is focusing on your bust which will most likely be expanding as well during this time. There are positives ladies! The vertical pattern on the chest is also a bonus as I have already highlighted the importance of picking these types of patterns. The bell sleeve is a cute design, but it additionally draws attention away from your middle to your arms. Pick a scoop or v-neck design to encourage people's eyes to look upward even more. Opening your neckline is always a perfect choice for drawing attention away from you middle.

So there are just a few ideas for looking great even when you may not be feeling it. Style is not just for size 2 and 4's, we are all beautiful no matter what size we are.

Summer Shorts CAN Work For You!

You have no idea how many people are horrified by the idea of wearing shorts in the summertime. I am here to tell you that (for most people) there is a style that can be flattering! You WILL feel stylish and sexy when you leave the house.... I wouldn't let you leave if you didn't!

Almost every designer showed some version of a summer short during fashion week. Trust me folks, this is a trend that isn't going anywhere. Let's face it, the heat will not allow it. Function and fashion go hand in hand and when something fits the concept so perfectly, you better open your mind, because it is here to stay.

Now, let's talk styles and options:

The short short: First thing that comes to mind for most ladies, ug. I get it, unless you have perfectly toned thighs, this style is petrifying. That is why it is an option and you don't HAVE to own them. Truthfully, I hate throwing out rules, but if you are over 35, this might be past your prime. I am 31 and I love them, but it appears to be countdown time to the end.....















Pop quiz: Which one of these shorts is too short even for the most in shape person? Um, if you don't know the answer I am scared. The orange shorts from J Crew are a perfect option for anyone that is looking for a fun and flirty bottom half. The silk material allows it to go from casual to dressy just by adding the right jewelry, bag and high heel shoes.

Now although this model clearly has the upper hand based on the fact that her legs are a mile long, don't let that deter you from choosing the same style of shorts! This mid-thigh option is a perfect choice for most women. Because of the slight pleating, there is room for movement and comfort, yet it is not adding on the pounds. Pleating can often be a gal's worst enemy, but this easy draping is masking flaws rather then adding them. In addition, the tie string draws the eye to the the middle and gives the shorts a bit more of a stylized look. Legs of all shapes and sizes can be happy in these shorts by Aqua at Bloomingdales!

Now if you are seriously still not convinced that shorts are your thing, let's try out one more style you might be comfortable with. The Bermuda short is great for a little more coverage, but still rocking the shorts look. They should be straight and be form fitting. A flat front is going to be the best option for a long short, otherwise you are going to be swimming in fabric and it will not look good! If you are extremely wide through the thighs then this is not you pair, but even if you have curves you don't extremely love, you have to make sure these skim the body. Otherwise, your sexy curves will turn to, well, fat. You get the idea!

So there it is folks. Three basic styles that should fit most women. Options are key and finding a pair that suits your body and lifestyle is the most important way to feeling and looking great!

J. Crew Dejeuner Silk Shorts: $88
Aqua Slouchy Paper Bag Pleated Shorts: $58
Lauren by Ralph Lauren Bermuda Shorts: $49.50