Swimwear Confidence: Linear Figure

If you've never worn a swimsuit that didn't include generous helpers sewn into your cup support, these suits might inspire you to experiment with freedom. 

Fig Leaves Corsage Ruffle One Shoulder

A single strategically placed angle, creates and amplifies curves.

BDG Henley One Piece

A touch boyish, makes a figure look even more girly.

Shabby Apple Sutherland Point

One of my favorite swimmers of the season, perfectly glamorous ruffles in just the right spot.

Kenneth Cole New York "Going Greek" High-Neck Tankini Top & Banded Hipster Bottom

A higher neckline always leads to a fuller bust.

Floribunda One-Piece

Piped lines re-draw dramatic curves.

Want more ideas, use your mouse to poke the link below and visit the
Cardigan Empire Recommended Linear Figure Swim Shop. 

1 hundred 98 cents = your own Super Suit fashion look book cheat sheet.

Want a personalized refresher for Summer? Get your own Fashion Package, complete with a look book & virtual shopping session to compile a portfolio of uniquely customized ensembles.

Denim: Straight Figure

Parading down the linear figure runway:

Skinny, Cigarette, Slim Leg Cuts, the narrow end of your slender ankles makes your hips look shapely by comparison.

Whiskers & dimensional distressing, add interest and shape through the thigh.

Flap pockets with embellishment, round out a subtle bottom.

Lighter washes, quickly maximize a diminutive figure.

1 hundred 98 cents = your own denim fashion look book cheat sheet.

Procure your own empire constitution. Your personalized fashion look book can include your own rules of denim conduct and much more.

Fall Shoesies: Linear Figure

If a linear lady's lower limbs mimic the lines of her core figure, her stilts could appear spindly in a platform pump.

To avoid any illusion to gangly, she should opt for a pretty embellished flat, which by reducing the length of the line, will maximize the breadth of her leg contours.

1 hundred 98 cents = your own linear figured fashion look book cheat sheet.

Procure your own empire constitution. Your personalized fashion look book includes your own linear figure rules of conduct and much more.

One Style Fits All: Bootcut Jeans

(Marilyn Monroe in "Clash by Night", photo courtesy of Corbis)

Cowboys and coal miners strutted the "everyman's fashion" down the American West runway in the forth quarter of the nineteenth century. Jean, the fabric named after the Italian sailors in Genoa who wore them, was selected for its durability, and it soon became Mr. Manual's must-have item, circa 1870.

In the 1950s, jeans were just as likely to find company with white-collars as blue-collars. Jeans became the uniform of rebellion for America's middle-class youth, and the indigo flag was brandished by the likes of James Dean, Marilyn Monroe, and Marlon Brando.

Whether you're looking to make a statement or just avoid ironing, the classic boot-cut, cutting in at the knee then kicking back out to the ankle to accommodate your favorite boots beneath, is an all figure flatterer,

Middle Figures benefit best from a mid-rise that corsets the broadest part of their supple center. The rise should neither fall above (creating an uninterrupted pelvis paunch)or below (squishing your love into handles) the target.

Denim for a Lower Figure requires sophisticated scrutiny to simultaneously suit the seat, hips, and thighs. In summary look for a lower mid-rise, a generously cut leg, and a flare sufficient to balance the hips.

Rather than a tightly tapered, ice-cream cone leg, Upper Figures should highlight delicate thighs with creases, whiskers, striation, and other wash embellishments. These details highlight dainty stems without throwing the figure off-kilter.

The Linear Figure is bettered by only a whisper of a widened ankle. Slimmer fits create contoured curves from straighter structures.

The bass flare of an Hourglass jean should harmonize with both the tenor timbre of the hips and the soprano strain of the bust. This chorus will allow the dramatic melody of a narrow alto waist to sing. A dark, simple wash with a cleanly flared leg will ensure that the best profile of your figure is punctuated.

1 hundred 98 cents = your own Denim fashion look book cheat sheet

Procure your own empire constitution. Your personalized fashion look book includes your own figure rules of conduct and much more.

In recognition of Fitting Room Friday, these mothers offer an example of exactly what to avoid in denim.

One Style Fits All: A-Line Skirt

There's not a figure that the "Corolle Line" progeny does not flatter. Introduced by Christian Dior in a post-war world, the "New Look's" goal was to amplify feminine features. Initially reinforced with abundant petticoats, the A-line skirt was streamlined by Coco Chanel in the sixties, sported sublimely by Jacqueline Kennedy, and never forgotten since.

Today, this staple holds the category of skirts (and dresses) which from a narrow waist swell to a flared hem. Its obvious name is based on its physical kinship with the letter "A."

Few figures benefit more from the veil of the A-line than the Lower Figure. For best results the interpretation should be dark in hue, simple in pattern, absent in pleating, and dramatic in line from hip to hem.

At the opposite end of the figure spectrum, the Upper Figure benefits from the balancing effect of the A-line silhouette. The flared hem creates symmetry with a broader shoulder and/or bust. The ideal drape sports a bold color, pattern, and/or embellishment. Each component brings attention and proportional volume to a slim second half.

The Linear Figure's A-line skirt should mimic volume. The fabric should be fluid and the embellishments should be curvaceous. A strong high waistband and generous amount of pleating magnify feminine contours.

For optimum Middle Figure flattery focus should be given to a flexible waistband. Rather than stiff and structured, opt for zipper-less pull-on styling that secures the waist without squishing your soft delicious center. Pair with a finished-hem top and avoid tucking at all costs.

The narrowed center of an Hourglass should be tenderly embraced whenever possible. A high, structured waist will appropriately hug the core, while a full, pleated skirt will emphasize indigenous curves, resulting in an intensified silhouette. For additional dramatics, tuck your blouse into your waistline.

Procure your own empire constitution. Your personalized fashion look book includes your own lower figure rules of conduct and much more.

Swimwear: Linear Figure

The inaugural swim social is imminent. If the thought of such unequivocal exposure elicits involuntary wincing, the occasion has arisen for a super suit. One which will allow your figure's unique virtues to shimmer.

I make no qualms about excluding bikinis from the super suit category. The bikini-clad are consistently the focus of fashion mortifications in the preface of teen magazines, and super suits should never embarrass you.

Today we start with the linear figure. A particularly shy specimen of sunbathers. While her abdomen is straight so is the rest of her. Below we've outlined a resolution plan specifically for her.

1 hundred 98 cents = your own Super Suit fashion look book cheat sheet.

Points of note:

1. Add a touch of romance wherever you want to emphasize a curve. If your lack gusto in the busto, ornament it: ruffles, bows, and high necklines all give the illusion of fullness.
2. To create curvy hips apply a belt, side ties, fringe, or other feminine details.

Want a personalized refresher for Summer? Get your own Fashion Package, complete with a look book & virtual shopping session to compile a portfolio of uniquely customized ensembles.

PS: The black suit comes with a removable halter, I recommend using it unless you too want to be featured as a caution to 14-year-old girls across the nation.

Easter Frockery: Linear Figure

There are two equally successful roads for the linear figure.

















1. On the first road, no frill is spared in favor of a flirtatiously felicitation. Elegance is candied in the organdy hewn Musing Moon Dress It is then topped with three layers of crocheted delectation on the Boyer Cream Cardigan.






















2. On the second road, we opt for soft, submissive, supple shapes. The angles of the linear figure are softened beneath the yin shapes of the M.S.S.P. Printed Dress and Sand & Sea Bolero

Lady Hourglass, prepare to take center stage tomorrow.

If you already have your customized look book & want more outfitting ideas, book a 60 minute virtual shopping session to compile a portfolio of wardrobe options, at excessively competitive wages.

Essential Wardrobe: Trousers

Trousers: the white collar, upper level closet executives. Unlike their blithe, blue collar denim brothers, these wardrobe administrators have crisp efficiency running their entire length. Dress them up, dress them down, hem for heels, hem for flats, these proficient industrialists are a fashionably profitable investment.

Upper Figure Options
While your stems may look lovely in skinny cuts, the entire ensemble appears a bit rickety. Stabilize your ripe bounty with a boot cut or wide leg and fancy the hip and thigh area to your figure's betterment.















Middle Figure Options: A mid rise with generous stretch in the back and a stingy stretch in the front will minimize and secure your soft, delicious center.
















Lower Figure Options: While dark colors can aid minimization, fit is the trump. Check your trousers' resumé to ensure a mid to low rise, a boot or wide leg, a generously cut thigh and seat, and a waist that curves slightly in.















Hourglass Options: Wanted: Trousers trained to follow complex. Some of the most competent candidates offer a flat front or extended tab closure and a flared leg to balance the lines of your undulating line.

















Linear Options: You alone can conscionably hire capris and skinny pants for your closet. The taper and cut on both styles will make your hips look full and curvy, dramatizing the illusion of a angled waist.

Get the full package: A customized look book and a 60 minute virtual shopping session to compile a portfolio of closet managers, at excessively competitive wages.

Essential Wardrobe: Day Dress

Relaxed elegance in a one piece ensemble. Day dresses like flea markets and picnics. After running errands, you can find them stopping for afternoon gelato.

Upper Figure Options
Let your anterior curves speak without distraction. Then draw the eye down to posterior curves with a bright hue or playful embellishment.

















Middle Figure Options: Fit the shoulders and avoid a clingy waist. A well fitted bust will keep shift dresses sharp but never boxy.
















Lower Figure Options: Scoop necklines draw attention back to your smile while a-line and full skirts give your lower body the space it needs.

















Hourglass Options: Dresses are your body shape's calling. With a matching top and bottom size all you need to search for is a fitted waist.

















Linear Options: Soft lines and romantic ruffles show off your lines while adding some new curves.

Get the full package: A customized look book and a 60 minute virtual shopping session to compile a portfolio of closet managers, at excessively competitive wages.