Enjoy, Michaela

• Neckline

Choosing your individual neckline is an important decision since it sits so close to your face, as well to your bust. So, before choosing your preferred neckline  you need to know which neckline style will suit your neck, bust and build.  Rule of Thumb: The shorter and wider your neck is the more space you need to allow around your neck. The longer and thinner you neck is the more you can clutter it.  So, it is not only down to what you want to highlight but also what you should highlight. Necklines are great features for adding personality or a signature so really have fun with it.

• Bust

The bigger your bust is the lower your neckline for your cardigan should be as well as it should have no clutter or fashion details around the bust line such as layers, necktie or a high neckline.

• Body shape

Since there are so many styles are out there and one can be more tempted to choose what is the latest on the shop floor and/ or what one has seen a celebrity, girl-friend or colleague wearing it is important not to fall into this fashion. trap. Every body shape has its own characteristics and silhouette, which needs to be addressed when choosing your clothes and so as well your cardigan. Once you know what structure to apply for your body shape  you can apply  easily the current  fashion trends and see if they fit your body shape and its guidelines. The aim of choosing the right cardigan is to balance your silhouette. You may not be able to follow all the fashion tends that are out there, but nowadays there are so many trends in fashion that there is something available for every body shape. So, don’t get sidetracked by falling in love with a style and look that doesn’t match your body shape:

In general:

The Neat Hourglass

You need to wear shaped and fitted lines in order to follow your body lines

The Full Hourglass

You need to wear shaped and fitted lines in order to follow your body line, but avoid bulk and volume around your feminine curves

The Apple

Follow your bodyline – avoid details around bust, tummy and hips. Keep detail in top and lower thirds.

The Pear

You need to balance your top half with your lower half by wearing clothes that make your shoulders look broader.

Inverted Triangle

On your bottom half you need to wear clothes that make your hips look broader.

The Rectangle

You need to create the illusion of a waist

The lean column

You need to create the illusion of curves around hips and bust and of a waist

Click here to view more cardigans

Click here to view more knitwear

Michaela

There is a vast choice of cover ups available from halter dresses, kaftans, poncho, sarongs, shirt dresses, shorts, trousers, tunics- just to name a few.

Keep in mind that the dress codes between beach and pool life varies as well as lunch to afternoon or cocktail time. Go with what is appropriate for the location, occasion and time of the time of the day- looking out of place gets you the limelight but only for all the wrong reasons.

Since there are so many choices and each item varies with neck- sleeve and hemline it is difficult to give some general advice, which swim wear types suits which body shape best.

But in general you can say the following:

• Pear Shape should avoid sarongs and trousers as coverups and opt for kaftans with attention to shoulders, sleeveline and neckline
• Inverted Triangle should do exactly the opposite by avoiding kaftan choices and opt for trousers, mini skirts, sarongs to create visual balance with their broader shoulders.
• Rectangle should avoid any styles that is finishing on the waist. They need to look out for items and patterns that give them the illusion of a waist and a roundness like floral patterns.
• Lean columns need to add volume and roundness on their shoulders and hips. Therefore bulk and clutter work great in their cover ups.
• Neat Hourglass can wear what they like in their swimwear.
• Full Hourglass should focus on highlighting their curves by going for loose fit styles that follow their curves rather than hiding them.
• Apple should avoid any form of sarons or skirt. Best is to choose a Kaftan or Maxi Dress with a lower neckline with an Empire Style.

Click here for more info on how to dress for your body shape.

Click here to view more cover ups and swim wear on Joy of Clothes

Michaela

When choosing your swim wear, your aim is to create the illusion of having a balanced body.It is even more important to get the style line right for your body shape and body size in your swim wear than in your clothes since there is no place to hide.

The neat hourglass is considered to be the most perfect and balanced body shape with:

• Shoulders and hips in line
• A defined bust
• A waist, even with a softy curved tummy
• A curved bottom

The problem with understanding your body shape is that most women focus on specific area (i.e. problems zones such as the tummy, arms, bottom, thighs etc), which can cloud their judgment when it comes to seeing the whole picture. It’s important to view yourself as a whole so that you can define your body shape.

The Neat Hourglass

Goal: Show off in style your perfect body!

You can wear any swim wear you like but it would be a shame not showing off the curves and figure you have.

• Choose for a one piece a monokini; for  two piece choose styles that have details in or around the waist like belts, beads, ruffles or wear a skirt or shorts in your brief choice.
• Your bra can be a bandeau, triangle, strapless, tie front, one shoulder, halter anything what your heart desires. But make sure it has  dramatic details in the style lines e.g. bows, embellishments or in the pattern as colour blocks, prints
• Also, charm centers are great to show off your bust, back details to emphasize your back and straps that have a feature e.g. pattern or fabric or style.
• Patterns- don’t be shy about them since you can wear any type you like e.g. animal, dots, stripes, abstract, print, colour blogs, monochrome and the list goes on.
• Your bottom style can be low, high hipster, thong have side bar details or be a tide side- anything goes.

The only faux pas you can make is going neutral, simple with no eye catching styles, colour, prints or details.

Full Hourglass

Goal: You need to wear shaped and fitted lines in order to follow your body line, but avoid any bulk and volume around your feminine curves

Remember you have already got , so there is no need to add drama with strong patterns or style details. All you need are style lines that follow your curves!

• If you prefer one pieces swim wear choose a well constructed style with panels, so it really follows your shapes. Be easy on the Monokinis- they are not ideal for you.  By mixing style lines and strong patterns with your curves means you are overdoing it. Tankinis are as well not ideal- firstly- too much fabrics on your body, secondly because they cover up your curves and thirdly if they come in pattern it is all too much  for your shape.
• Balconette, halternecks or wider shoulder straps are most flattering and more comfortable than spaghetti straps. They hold in at the same time as they minimise an ample bust while giving view to some sexy cleavage. Important here is choosing a back fastening rather than string ties, which are less secure. This style will allow you to make adjustments for a personal fit.
• Triangle bikini tops tend to be skimpy, so choose instead designs with cups or substantial cups- depending on your needs- that cover up your bust properly.
• Underwiring is essential – you may need the extra support and it will provide you as well with an uplift . Foam cups are another great option. Important here : Go for styles that are cut high at the sides of the cups to avoid bulges.Think of your swimwear top as you would of your bra- it has the same requirements. It has to fit well as it has to be comfortable.
• High cut or low cut hipster – both work well. But avoid a too small side bars in your bottom style otherwise it won’t look proportional to your curves.
• Go easy on the pattern. If you must choose oversized patterns over small ones. Your shape will overpower the small pattern style. Best though is to make a splash in the cut and style of your swimwear or having a charm centre in your bikini top. But colour blocks work well for your shape.Therefore have a try at mix matching bikinis tops and bottoms.
• Straight cut bust styles give a clean and sporty look and feel. But if you love your curves choose a sweatheart neckline in your upper bikini top.
• Avoid any styles that provide you with minimal coverage, support, or security as well as petite patterns or styles in the design of your swim wear.

The Pear

Goal: You need to balance your top half with your lower half by choosing  swim wear that make your shoulders look broader and keeps the attention upwards, so it will visually minimize your lower half.

• The most important rule is: The drama and details stay on top- meaning in our bikini top! What we can’t have in our bikini bottom we make up in our bikini top with all the colours, patterns, style in designs, cuts and details we can get! Look for details that broadens your shoulder, boost your bust, show off your waist and balances out your hips and thighs.
• Any styles that makes the most of your top half such as  chunk shoulder straps, halter necks, back details are fantastic choices. Therefore keep away from spaghetti straps or strapless swim wear. It will make draw the attention downwards. That goes mostly as well for tankinis.
• Bikini top details such as charm centers, frills, ruche, tie in front or Empire styles and designs in one pieces are working great on this body shape. While monokinis or any cut out one pieces swim wear should be avoided as well as any styles that doesn’t have any waist definition.
• Mix match bikini styles are my favourite choice for this body shape. Since you can choose a busy top no matter what the colour, design or pattern and go for a simple classic bottom.It is the perfect solution to broaden the shoulders, keeping the attention on the top and distracting from the bottom and minimising it at the same time. Create impact with colour blocks or contrast!
• Choose hip reducing styles: A high cut hipster brief for your bikini is a much better choice than a low hipster one. It will make you look slimmer and leggier, but also you are avoiding any attention on your fuller part when your brief meets your thighs. So, don’t add any bulk on your lower part by adding details to your bottom style or avoid any styles that will finish on your thigh such as e.g. low cut briefs, shorties.Briefs that rest on your hipbones will highlight your widest point, and anything that comes up too high on the body will make that area look bigger.
• Avoid any side bar details, tie side options, shorties, skirts. Covering up means more material and therefore bulk and details such as tie sides or side bar details are drawing the attention to the wrong place of your body. Plus it will make you visually even more fuller on the lower half. So, stay clear of any details and keep it plain here!
• Also, if you have a smaller bust opt for padded cups to give it a boost.

The inverted Triangle

Goal: On your bottom half you need to wear clothes that make your hips look broader, so that you create visual balance with your broader shoulders.

• Well, for this body shape the rules are the  opposite to a pear body shape. The attention has to be drawn away from the top and emphasized with drama, fuss and buzz on the bottom half to balance the broader shoulders. Avoid any buzz near your shoulders- whether on top, at the side or below!
• Strapless in bikini or one pieces work are great as well as petite halter straps. Stay away from any shoulder staps or any Empire style designs.
• Monokinis are great to add roundness and volume to your bottom half. Tankinis are good as long as the top stays plain in design and colour and the attention is on the bottom half.
• The bikini bottom is your play ground! Shorts, skirts, low cut hipster, side bar details, saches, belts tie on side are fantastic options to make the bottom fuller, so it balances visually with your broader shoulders. Also, bikini bottoms that boost of colours, prints or any patter are made for you. The only option that is a no go are thongs or tiny bikini bottoms- for the obvious reasons- not strong enough in style to create visual balance between your smaller bottom and broader shoulders!

The Apple

Goal: Follow your bodyline – avoid details around bust, tummy and hips. Keep detail in top and lower thirds.

If you are self conscious about your tummy try one of those fabulous, tummy, control panel, swimsuits: they really work wonders.

• Many of the rules for a full hourglass apply here as well just with the difference that an apple doesn’t have much of a waist .
• Key aspects for apples are support and control in their tummy and bust area like under wiring ,boning styles, lace or mesh inserts and cups. Choose styles that are cut high at the sides of the cups to avoid spill overs or bulges.
• Invest in Lycra swimsuits and tankinis with an Empire style. These are best for tummy taming, avoiding bulk on your fullest part and draw attention to one of your best assets- your cleavage. This style will hold you in, give you shape and keep the attention where it is best!
• Halternecks or wider shoulder straps are most flattering .They hold in at the same time as they minimise an ample bust while giving view to some sexy cleavage. Wide straps are as well the perfect remedy for sloping shoulders, because they give you structure in your body shape.
• Details in your decolltee like charms, embellishments or other styles are fantastic option to create visual balance. As long as you avoid any form of bulk in additional fabrics like ruche and frill.
• Also, avoid any tight, low cut leg styles for your briefs, but instead choose higher hipster. It is not that you can’t take the attention around your slimmer thighs but it will make you look all too round in the middle section as well when you viewing yourself as and as a whole.
• Low neckline such as square, scoop or sweat hear are always winners for your body shape.
• Darker colours are slimming while lighter or while brighter colours are creating exactly the opposite effect. Make use of colours as accent colours around your neckline and decoltee line as well as embellishments.
• Say no to petite styles in bras, briefs, straps or patterns. It will create the wrong body balance.
• Though most apple have a small bottom and good legs they still should avoid shorts, ruffles or skirts in their swim wear. It will make them look fuller around the tummy and just add to a more rounder silouette. Keep in mind it is all about adoring your top third and slimming your second third- the middle section- and balancing your third with the other two thirds.

The Lean Column

Goal:You need to create the illusion of a waist and add roundness to your shoulders and hips

• In general it is all about adding volume at the right places.
• If you are small on top opt for boost busting features such as padded tops, cups and details that creates volume around your chest area e.g. ruche, frill, tie in front, embellishments. Adjustable straps will help for a better fit on the top half. Triangle moulded, padded styles are great as well as detailing on the cups, like seams contrasting colours or bolder, bigger patterns. And if you still can’t find a swim wear get a Brazilian one since they are often smaller on top.
• Bateau styles are great for creating roundness in the waist, but only if you have a bust to match otherwise it will look like a flat tyre.
• In general patterns themes that create roundess are best like dots, floral or horizontal lines. Avoid vertical lines since they will make you longer and straighter as well as abstract designs, because they will emphasize your more angular shape.
• Separates and monokinis are fabulous to create the illusion of a waist. While tankini style might make you look too straight unless you choose pattern with a “round theme”. Empire lines are not great for this body shape since it will stretch straight over the midriff and emphasize its straightness.
• In your brief your choices are unlimited. You can choose from the itsy bitsy string briefs to shorts, skirts, side bar details, saches, bows,tie side, drapes – you name it. These style will all provide fullness and roundess to your bottom.
• In general avoid any slimming or lengthening styles such as Empire Styles, dark colours or solid colours. They will make you look shapeless.

The Rectangle

Goal: You need to create the illusion of a waist and soften your angular shape in shoulder and hips.

• One can say that a rectangle is the extreme version of a lean coloumn. The shape is just more angular in comparison.
• Some of the style advice for a lean column and a rectangle are overlapping, but where a lean column has a small definition of a waist a rectangle has mostly none at all. So the emphasise is all about creating the illusion of a waist in order to create visual balance.
• Every style that has a V style is best to create definition in the middle part of the body like plunging neckline, v- necks, high cut leg lines, tieside briefs,monokinis. While everything that creates a horizontal line like square necklines, bateau styles, Empire lines, shorts, skirts, will make the body look even more squarish and cut the body visually in to halves. Horizontal stripes won’t work in the middle part of the body but can be great in the brief for adding roundness.
• Any asymetric style will work very well whether in the neckline, middle part or in the brief.
• Patterns such has floral or dots are best for visual balance.
• Belts can be more tricky than doing any good. Best left out.
• Avoid as well any style and designs in your swim wear that has a waist definition. It will  highlight your straightness and give and add unflattering bulk to that area.

Michaela

The nude look is like the explorer look or safari look- about ” blending in” , being compfortable in your skin, allowing your clothes to breath and avoiding to be roasted in the sun by wearing dark colours.  So, you can say the hotter the climate the ” the nuder the clothes” and the colder the darker the clothes .

The nude or neutral colours are coming in various shades and tones like stone, taupe, pewter, cream,beige, camel, grey/beige. Many times they will be combined with with pastel colours such as peach or pink or as well with white.

Question here is who looks best in nude colours? Which dominant colour can wear it best and where?

Light

Lights will look great in the nude look- no matter whether they wear it from top to toe or if  they combine it with other light or bright colours.

Deep

Unfortunately the nude looks is not good news for the women with a deep colouring. Best is to play this trend down by accessoiring with bags or shoes, but only if they combine it with deeper colours. The nude colours are not deep in enough in colour for this category and it just washing them out. Also, women with coloured skin should avoid this trend all in all. It simply clashes with their skin colour.

Warm

It is ideal for this group and represents almost their foundation for any colour combinations. It provides a beautiful contrast with their hair colour. Depending on their secondary colour they will opt either for more warmer or cooler colour combinations.

Cool

These women look great in strong colours whether they wear icy colours, bright or deep colours. Therefore the nude trend is not ideal with them. They should avoid a a top to toe nude look and keep it best for their lower part e.g. skirts, trousers.  A nude cardigan can work if the rest is dressed in stronger and sharper colours e.g. white, pink or blue. Unless the nude colours have more of a grey/ash ton than camel or beige touch.

Clear

Clears need contrast so, it balances with their personal colouring. So, best it is to wear it with white, black , pink or purple or even choose nude colours in a metallic look.

Soft

Softs are the opposite to clears and should choose a more tone in tone look- especially near their face. So, nude is a great trend for them whether they combine different nude colours with each other or combine it with other softer colours or make use of it by toning other bright colours down.

Click here for more information on dominant colours

Click here to shop by your colouring

Michaela

Coco Chanel

Jeans might be great multitaskers, but even they aren’t miracle workers. Don’t expect to buy one pair that will cover every occasion, from glitzy dinner to lazy Sunday morning. Work out which wardrobe job you want your jeans to do and buy accordingly – no single pair will do it all!

Firstly, keep your jeans current and sharp looking! They might have been in fashion for decades, but that doesn’t mean you can buy one pair and wear them for ever and ever. Jeans (like most clothes) do have a sell by date! Nothing will date your look faster than an outmoded style of jeans.

When buying jeans, you are not only selecting a specific cut with which you feel comfortable, you are choosing a “style” with which you should identify.

Make this decision with knowledge of the styling options and an understanding of the best fit for your body type.

In addition to this you need to think of the right colour.

The darker the colour, the more slimming the jeans are. Go for greys, blacks and dark blue (indigo) if you want to create the illusion of thin legs and hips.

The major choices available at any one time will vary with the current fashion trends and the market a particular manufacturer caters to (teens, juniors, active, urban, etc…). Jeans come in a variety of different:

• Fits

  This refers to how tight, how close to the skin the pants should be worn.

• Cuts

  This refers to the actual shape of the pants (leg, waist and pocket types).

• Washes and finishes

  Usually with the purpose of achieving a soft, worn in look.

• Fabric options

  Different weaves, weights and compositions.

• Embellishments

  This can be anything; embroidery, rips, studs, etc.

• Leg types

  Shapes/ Styles of your jeans- choose from skinny to a wide leg

This is probably the most important styling decision, because the jeans leg shape needs to reflect  your body shape, so it will give you a flattering silhouette. Here are some examples of leg cuts:

Click here for more info how to find your perfect jeans

Michaela

Here is an overview of the different prints dominating this season :

• Animal Print

• Graphic/ Abstract

• Image

• Flora & Fauna:

• Monochrome

• Brights/ Colour blocks

• Tribal

• Tropical

Here is some know how to wear them:

• Your dominant colour is a decisive factor when choosing the pattern of the print. For example the brighter the print is near your face the more suitable it will be for a clear, cool, light than for a warm or soft. Unless you wear the brighter print on your lower half and tune it down with a calmer top.
• Floral prints are great to add roundness to rectangle, lean columns and inverted triangles ( on the lower half only!)
• While graphic & abstract & edgy print will counter balance the roundness for apples, full hourglass and pears ( only on top!)
• Horizontal lines are only for lean and tall bodies or body parts since they either shorten visually your body or add roundness.
• Vertical lines are super for short people but a no no for tall people since it will you elongate you further.
• Block prints are great- but watch out. They add serious attention to that body part and add volume to it. So, firstly make sure the colour combination suits you, secondly the pattern size are right for body shape size and thirdly that the patterns are sitting at the right place of your body shape.
• Artwork/ photographs/image have to hang like a canvas from the wall. That means if you wear it on top you need to be slim, lean and flat chested. Otherwise it looks like if that the artwork or photographs got dents, which is really not a good look at all. Therefore they are never a good choice for women with a bust or fuller bust or have a apple or full hourglass body shape.  Don’t be seduced by the image.
• Last but not least make sure that the print you are using is suiting the occasion and the weather otherwise you look quickly out of place.

Have a nice day,

Michaela

In order to give the prints a current look and feel wear them with sharp shoes  or edgy jewellery. Try to mix and match rather than opting for a matchy matchy look. If this is too daunting play safe by wearing a simple white T-shirt with a heavy printed skirt or combine a pair of jean shorts with with a peppy print top or choose a work outfit with a peppy print shopper bag to jazz it all a bit up. But keep in mind to wear prints only where you can take the drama! Prints add volume and attention, so put it only where you can take it.

Here are some print ideas for all 7 body shapes:

• Inverted Triangle

Click here for more recently added products for inverted triangle

• Lean Column

Click here for more recent added products for the neat hourglass body shape

• Rectangle

Click here for more products recently added for rectangle shape

• Apple

Click here for more recently added products for apple shape

• Pear

Click here for more recently added products for pear shape

• Neat Hourglass

Click here for more recent updated products for neat hourglass

• Full Hourglass

Click here for more products recently added for full hourglass shape

Have a nice day,

Michaela

Although slowly but surely the next collections are  hitting  the shops we still don’t feel ready for all the spring and summer looks- it is just too grey, cold and wet outside and really doesn’t go with the theme of the clothes. One would feel utterly undressed or wrong for the occasion. Quite right!

So, why not ease the way by wearing clothes in the colours of hot pink, fuchsia or magenta? It is a fantastic investment buy because you can combine with any colour, dress it up or down, create different feels, looks and themes. Last not least it is the perfect colour to path the way from winter to summer from last collection to the new one.

• Fuchsia/ Black: Glamorous, edgy, sophisticated
• Fuchsia/Grey: Feminine, formal, elegant
• Fuchsia/ (navy) blue: Cools the pink, takes the nudge down, adds masculinity to femininity
• Fuchsia/ neutral colours: romantic, elegant, soft
• Fuchsia/ lime green: fresh, fun, strong
• Fuchsia/ orange: bohemian, creative, excotic
• Fuchsia/ purple: creative, feminine, indulgent
• Fuchsia/ red: daring, glamorous, sexy
• Fuchsia/ white: summer here we come!

Find your perfect piece for your wardrobe, body shape and body size. Make sure you wear it the colour at the right part of the body so it can take the spotlight. There is no point for buying a piece because you love but doesn’t play up to your strengths. A beautiful outfit can only follow a woman’s body line, shape and size- it can’t make you into something that you are not.

Click here for more  Fuchsia/Magenta/ hot pink

Have a nice day,

Michaela

Our guide will help you find the perfect regime for your shape choose the right diet for your body shape!

• Inverted Triangle

Your build is characterised by:

• Straight and squared shoulder line
• Little definition between waist and hips
• Flat hips and bottom
• A bottom half that seems smaller than your top half

Advice

Doing a mixture of cardiovascular and resistance exercises will help. More resistance exercises on your lower body will be necessary, to obtain a balance between lower and upper.

Essential diet tips

• Stick to foods that are moderate in unsaturated fat – to avoid piling on the pounds – and high in calcium.
• Incorporate a balance of low G.I carbohydrates with lean proteins.

Essential exercise tips

• Lower body exercises like squats and lunges.
• Upper body toning exercise.
• Incorporate moderate to high amounts of cardiovascular exercise

• Lean Column

Your build is characterised by:

• Narrow shoulders
• Flat chest or small bust
• Small and non-defined waist
• Narrow hips and flat bottom

Advice

An exercise routine should include exercises to enhance gluteus and shoulder muscles. This will help curve out the shape of the body. Also do whole body

Essential diet tips

• Make sure you include plenty of lean protein, like fish and turkey; complex carbs, such as wholegrain rice and pasta; and calcium-rich foods, like yoghurt and tofu in your diet.
• Avoid carbonated soft drinks and cut down on starchy foods like white rice and potatoes.

Essential exercise tips

• No activity is off limits for your shape, but abdominal and back exercises should be high priority.
• Three days a week of formal exercise with lots of rest in between is ideal level.
• It’s important to exercise intensely and really tax the muscles during each workout in order to achieve good muscle tone.

• Rectangle

Your build is characterised by:

• Straight shoulder line
• Straight hips and bottom
• Very little waist definition
• Straight ribcage

Advice

Short fast bouts of cardiovascular exercises are recommended. High repetition resistance exercises may help tone and define shoulders, waist and hips.

Essential diet tips

• Eat a high protein diet to help muscle development. i.e fish, chicken, eggs and dairy products.
• Include RDA (recommended daily allowance) of omega 3 and 6, to help with joint suppleness during extra resistance training.

Essential exercise tips

• Upper body cardiovascular exercises will help define shoulders. Boxing training may help this as well as helping definition of the waist.
• Compound resistance training will help shape and strengthen of the middle part of the body.
• Exercises such as squats, deadlifts and pressing movements will help.

• Apple

Your build is characterised by:

• Rounded shoulder line
• Curved back
• Fullness around the middle
• Flattish bottom

Advice

Apples shapes should concentrate their exercise regimes on cardio activities to bring the body back to proportion by reducing upper body mass, while core- strengthening exercises will help to trim the waist further.

Essential diet tips

• Eat a moderate amount of healthy fats found in grains and oils, as well as lots of fruit and vegetables.
• Replace brown-coloured whole grain foods with smaller quantities of white.

Essential exercise tips

• Do high reps with low resistance for the upper body and high reps with moderate resistance for the lower body.
• Best exercises include step and spinning classes, racquet sports, abdominal crunches, kick-boxing and skipping.
• Worst exercises include all upper body exercises that involve using heavy weights.

• Pear

Your build is characterised by:

• Full hips or thighs
• A defined waist
• Shoulders that may slope and are narrower than your hips
• A top half that appears small

Advice

Doing cardiovascular exercises for quadriceps, hamstrings and gluteus for long durations will help. An example of this could be cycling or running. It would also help to do heavy resistance training on the upper body.

Essential diet tips

• Stick to foods that are low in fat – to avoid piling on the pounds – and high in calcium.
• Lower your salt intake to reduce water retention and cellulite in problem areas.

Essential exercise tips

• Use aerobic activities to slim your lower half and then strengthen the upper body with weights and resistance training.
• Best exercises include push-ups, chin-ups, leg lifts, jogging and dancing.
• Worst exercises include rollerblading, stepping and high resistance weights.

Neat hourglass

Your build is characterised by:

• A defined bust
• A defined waist
• A neat bottom
• Neat hips

Advice

Doing moderate to high intensity cardiovascular exercise will help tone the whole body. Carrying out resistance training at high reps and low weight will also help.

Essential diet tips

• Eat lean protein, such as skinless chicken breasts, and lots of leafy green vegetables, like spinach, broccoli and cabbage.
• Avoid foods high in sugar and limit your intake of eggs, dairy products and nuts.

Essential exercise tips

• Focus on losing weight and inches first with high reps and low resistance exercises, then slowly incorporate weights if you want.
• Best exercises for your shape include fast walking and slow jogging with no incline, jumping jacks, swimming for distance and stationary cycling with light resistance.
• Worst exercises include step and spin classes, leg presses and thigh machines on high resistance, weighted squats and lunges, and running or rollerblading on incline.

• Full Hourglass

Your build is characterised by:

• A full bust
• A small waist
• A rounded bottom
• Rounded hips

Advice

To help fat burning do interval training or circuit training. This will help burn excess fat around the body.

Essential diet tips

• Eat lean protein, such as skinless chicken breasts, and lots of leafy green vegetables, like spinach, broccoli and cabbage.
• Include lots of antioxidants and minerals to help break down fats within the body.

Essential exercise tips

• Use interval training and circuit training to help burn fats and tone up the whole body.
• Include exercises that help strengthen both lower and upper back.
• Include toning exercises like light resistance training for the whole body.

Click here for more advice

Have a nice day,

Michaela

P.S: Net- a- porter is now available on Joy of Clothes