Body Shape and Barbie

Did you realise that if Barbie were life-size,
her measurements would be 39-23-33 inches? (100-58-84 cms)

In each workshop, I teach on the design lines of clothes and basic body shapes. Understanding our silhouette & shape helps us make the most of the lines within clothes - so we can camouflage our figure 'challenges' and highlight our assets.

Virtually every time the comment is made, "I'm not as bad as I thought I was" or "I'm not so big in the hips/waist/shoulders." While I'm sure I'm not dealing with the true psychiatric disorder of Body Dysmorphia (being excessively concerned about and preoccupied by an imagined or minor defect in physical features) it's sad that so few are positive about their body.

We are continually fed LIES via magazines, TV, movies etc. The body shape of models exists in just 4% of the population, and even the super-models have their photos enhanced & changed ... the women we see in the media DON'T EXIST!

Yes, of course we need to be fit and healthy; eating food that's good for us and exercising appropriately (not always easy in our hyper-busy culture) but please look around and make sure you are feeding realistic, healthy images into your mind.

The mind doesn't know the difference between fantasy and reality - that's why the imagination is so powerful and visualisation can improve an athlete's performance. But if you focus on an unachievable, unrealistic goal you are setting yourself up for constant disappointment and failure. Don't be so cruel to yourself!

Reducing Stress

The Ten Commandments for Reducing Stress

1. Thou shalt NOT be perfect, nor even try to be
2. Thou shalt NOT try to be all things to all people
3. Thou shalt leave things undone that ought to be done
4. Thou shalt NOT spread thyself too thin
5. Thou shalt learn to say "No"
6. Thou shalt schedule time for thyself, and thy support network
7. Thou shalt switch off and do nothing regularly
8. Thou shalt be 'boring', 'untidy', 'inelegant' and 'unattractive' at times
9. Thou shalt NOT even feel guilty
10. Especially, thou shalt NOT be thine own worst enemy, but be thy best friend.

Body Shape

Understanding your Body Shape is one of the basics to choosing the design lines that will work best for you. I like to keep things simple - I refer to four basic shapes (Hour-Glass, Triangle, Inverted Triangle, and Rectangle). But there is an even simpler classification: Straight or Curvy.

Straights usually have rounded stomachs, a 'soft' waistline and fairly flat bottoms; any extra weight is carried on their tummies or upper hips.

Fitted dresses, skirts & trousers work well, as do skirts with straight lines. Choose minimal waistbands & slim fit rather than full, gathered or pleated skirts/trousers.

Make the most of your shapely legs, and SKIM the waist (don't try to create/emphasise what you don't have).

Curvys tend to have wider hips with flatter stomachs, rounded bottoms and curvy upper thighs; their extra weight is carried on their lower hips, bottoms or upper thighs.

Soft, flowing lines on the lower half works well but shift dresses and straight skirts don't. Highlight your waist & top half.