COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS

We are continually exposed to pictures of beautiful people and it's easy to fall into the trap of comparing ourselves unfavourably to these unrealistic ideals. Whilst some are undoubtedly natural beauties we also know that the photographs we see have often been airbrushed, the best lighting will have been used and a team of expert make-up artists, hairdressers and stylists will have brought their skills to the shoot. So someone may not be 'perfect' but the rest of the world can be made to believe that they are! 

Chances are that the person being photographed has some insecurities about their appearance that we wouldn't have even noticed or seen as a flaw. I once met a 'Miss Universe', who having won the contest, had her lips surgically enhanced. I was puzzled as to why a woman who was considered to be one of the most beautiful women on the planet (oops Universe), needed that treatment. However, many clients later, I have come to realise that everyone has moments of self doubt and negative self esteem.

Well it's time to be kind to yourself and think about the positives! I want you to think about your 3 best features and write them down. If modesty prevents you from thinking like this or you're not sure, ask your friends and family and think about compliments you have received. Next, think about ways to draw attention to and accentuate those features. Likewise, consider ways of deflecting attention from those parts of your body you are least happy with. 

Remember to use eye catching details to draw attention to the part of your body that you want to emphasise.

For example, if you prefer your legs to your arms invest in fabulous shoes to draw attention to your pins.

Office

If you want to divert attention from your hips and thighs, draw attention up to your face and neck with eye catching earrings or scarf.

La Redoute

If you've got a fabulous back show it off in a backless dress.

www.olvistrend.com

If you like your thighs, skinny jeans will reveal your shapely assets, however, if you think your thighs are too full then counterbalance them with a boot cut jean.

La Redoute

La Redoute

If you are concerned about your arms keep them covered and look for 3/4 length sleeves that finish at the slimmest point of your arm. If you've got pretty and well toned arms, show them off in a sleeveless top.

 River Island Clothing Company Ltd.

If you think you've got great abs show them off in fitted tops and sweaters but if you are worried about a bulging tummy disguise it with ruching or an empire waistline and at all costs avoid low rise jeans.


Flatter a great cleavage with a v-neck top or draw attention to it with a pendant necklace. A ruffled neckline will highlight your décolleté.

La Redoute

Fenn Wright Manson

www.vestryonline.com

Use colour strategically, remembering that as a general rule dark colours minimise and light colours highlight. Likewise fabric finishes can reveal or conceal. Matt fabrics will minimise and shiny fabrics maximise. 

Stripes are a great way of creating illusions, vertical lines will elongate and horizontal lines will widen.



All images from www.prshots.com