FASHION TIPS

Flattery and Necklines: Generally your neck will look longer and thinner in an open neckline, and sleeve length can work for-or against-you. Boatneck is good if you are looking for coverage, it can also help to make narrow shoulders appear wider and balances out wider hips. Works well on both small and large busted women. Scoop: The deeper of the angle of the scoop the more flattering. This neckline can make a short neck appear longer and minimize a large bust or balance a long face. V-Neck: This is universally flattering, the deeper the v, the more slimming the effect, it can make you look taller and balance a wide or round face. It is also good for either large or small busted women. Crewneck: Avoid if you have a short neck, double chin or a large bust. Turtleneck: By seeming to elongate the torso it can be universally flattering. However you should probably avoid turtlenecks if you have a short neck, round face or a double chin.

Bathing Suit Basics - Color: Use darker colors on areas that you would like to slim and bright or light colors in places that you want to showcase. All black is good, however you may do better - say it is your hips you want to play down. Black on the bottom and color on top will draw attention upwards and away from your hips. Another good trick: Look for an otherwise bright suit with dark insets on the sides, they will make you look slimmer and sculpted. Patterns: Allover patterns with lots of swirling movement keep the eye from focusing on an one area. Shine: Matte fabrics are more slimming, shiny, reflective ones make things appear larger. Details: Bows, belts, shirring, beading and ties are attention grabbers, so use them on areas that you want the eye to linger. LESS IS MORE - do not add volume- it only adds volume.

Coat length: Today, rules are more fluid-which leaves you and your sense of proportion to figure out what looks best. While it depends on the styles of the coat and skirt, generally, you're are safe if a straight skirt is longer than the coat by at least one inch. Over fuller skirts, a shorter coat should be wide or short enough not to be visibly bunch the skirt fabric together.

BELTS: A Belt fits it can be buckled comfortably into the third hole. Belting your waist to look smaller just makes your hips and bust look bigger. COLOR: Dark or matte-finish belts are more slimming than light-colored or shiny ones. Belts that blend in with a garment are most slimming. Wear a belt in a contrasting color only if your waistline is an asset. WIDTH: A classic 3/4" width flatters most women. If you're heavy, busty, short, petite or have waist or hip problems, a thin belt toned to your outfit is best.

JEANS:
Flat derriere? Choose stretch jeans with slim legs that hug your derriere, emphasizing the curves you got. Avoid stiff denim, loose fits and boy cuts.
Curvy? If you don't want skin tight jeans, get straight cut jeans that are one size too large.
Short? Choose a classic style that doesn't overwhelm your small frame. Wear the legs slightly long and pair with heels. Avoid flared or wide-leg jeans, they'll make you look shorter.
Bottom Heavy? Try a slightly lower rise; it will allow room for the butt without being big all over. Consider dark denims which hides lumps and bumps. Boot cut helps to balance out the body. Avoid widely spaced back pockets or small back pockets which will make the butt look larger.

SIZE:
From someone who sees hundreds of different clothing labels a day, I am here to tell you that if you buy clothes according to size that you will only end up frustrated. Buy clothes for the fit not for the size on the label. EVERY manufacturer is different from one another. There is a game known as 'vanity sizing'. Some high-end manufacturers will put a size 6 label on a size 10 blouse. Which explains why you always may want to go back to that manufacturer. Scene II is a perfect place to try out many different manufacturers and test what works best for you without all the mall craziness or sales pressure.

Missy Sizes: (even number, generally 2-18) If your figure is average.

Junior Sizes: (odd numbers, generally 0-13) Slim figure and prefer snugger clothes.

Women's Sizes: (16W-32W) Full bust, extra weight, overall cut is fuller.

Petite Sizes: (2P-32WP) Height 4'11" to 5'3" tall with shorter arms and smaller back.

COLOR:
Even though dark colors can make you appear slimmer, and lighter, brighter colors can do the opposite, there is still a place for vivid hues in your wardrobe. Place brighter colored clothing or accessories over the part of your body that you like to make sure it gets the attention it deserves. Monochromatic dressing is an advantage in that it gives you a long un-broken line and can make you appear taller and slimmer. The eye will glide right over any trouble spots, this effect works in any color.

PATTERN:
Always choose prints that are in scale with your size. If your petite wear small, low-contrast patterns. Tall women can handle big geometric patterns. Large women can also wear large patterns but perhaps not such a great contrast. An all over pattern keeps the eye from resting on one spot.

PROPORTION:
Generally, to avoid cutting your body in half, every outfit should either be "short-over-long" or "long-over-short". A short jacket over an A-line skirt or a cropped jacket over trousers is one way to get the short-over-long look. Or a long jacket with or tunic over a pencil skirt creates a long-over-short look.