MyShape and Watchitoo, a real-time social collaboration platform, are partnering to provide live streaming online commentary of the Academy Awards®’ red carpet fashion. Coverage will start at 4 p.m. (PST) on March 7, 2010, and will be available at http://www.watchitoo.com/pro/oscars/.

Althea Harper, Project Runway’s Season 6 runner-up, and Vanessa Rae, an online host for the Today Show/MSNBC.com, will offer live critiques of the night’s fashions worn by the hottest stars. Sarah Evans, recently named by Vanity Fair as one of “America’s Tweethearts,” will join the discussion about the red carpet styles and also will discuss how new online platforms, such as Watchitoo, allow people around the world to experience live events in a new way.

“Oscar night is one of fashion’s biggest nights,” said Althea Harper, fashion designer and Project Runway Season 6 runner-up. “I am very excited to be partnering with MyShape to show women how they can translate these red carpet looks and trends into their own wardrobes. And what’s great about MyShape is that you don’t have to be a certain size or shape to find great clothes that flatter you.”

MyShape pioneered Personal Shopping as a solution for women of all shapes to select from only the clothes that fit and flatter™. MyShape lets its members build a Personal Shop™ by submitting their specific measurements and their taste and style preferences.

“We’re thrilled to have Althea, Vanessa and Sarah as hosts for our coverage of the Oscar red carpet,” said Mercedes De Luca, president of MyShape. “This is a great opportunity for women to hear from the experts about what’s hot this year, ask questions and learn more about how they can wear the trends of the red carpet in their daily lives.”

Users joining this Watchitoo Live Event will have the option to simply watch the hosts report live or to use video chat and instant messaging in order to pose questions for the hosts and engage in discussions about the evening’s fashions. During the event users will receive an exclusive promo code for a special deal on www.myshape.com.

“The Oscars has always brought people together and started discussions about fashion,” said Rony Zarom, founder and CEO of Watchitoo. “With the Watchitoo Live Event platform, people will be able to connect and comment with others outside of their living rooms and with our expert hosts.”

For more information, please visit http://www.watchitoo.com/pro/oscars/.

For more information on Althea Harper, visit http://www.altheaharper.com/ or follow her on Twitter at @altheaharper.

For more information on Vanessa Rae, visit http://www.vanessarae.net/content/home or follow her on Twitter @vrageous.

For more information on Sarah Evans, visit http://prsarahevans.com/ or follow her on Twitter at @prsarahevans.

How I Discovered Black

I realized how addicted I am to black clothing after reading my co-worker Heather’s blog “How to Add Color to Your Look,” which chronicled her efforts to step out of her comfort zone. The notion was confirmed when Sheila, another MyShape co-worker and blogger, referred to my wardrobe as “Chekhovian.” It’s amazing how one word can sum up an aesthetic—even one you may have just stumbled into. Do I wear lots of black? Yes. Do I feel off-kilter in color? Yes. Is a Russian playwright hiding in my closet? Yes.

My closet wasn’t always a suitable haven for the Munsters. Until the late 1980s, I happily wore color. My favorite dress in first grade was baby blue with Juliet sleeves; in seventh grade I ran around in purple suede oxfords with giant grommets; in college I had a beloved, tattered red sweater that I thought was so New Wave and—OMG—which I wore with jazz shoes.

Then I saw Funny Face, where a dashing photographer and a zany fashion magazine editor meet a black-clad beatnik named Jo Stockton (played by Audrey Hepburn). Fashion war is declared with Audrey as a hostage. Her character is taken through a series of Stockholm syndrome-like maneuvers, and soon they transform the lithe bookworm into a gauzy, pastel fashion butterfly.

The made-over Jo was enchanting, and as played by Ms. Hepburn, how could she not be? But I felt wistful for the vanished gamine in inky turtleneck, skinny pants and loafers who danced in a dive bar as though the absence of color freed her from all restraint.

That Jo Stockton was streamlined and sleek, with a world of ideas in her head, not an awkward blonde poured into jeans and a pin-tucked top. For me, she outshone all previous icons: Emma Peel, Morticia Addams, Natasha Fatale, Bettie Page, the Sister Act nuns—all, coincidentally, wearers of black. So as an era saturated with Patrick Nagel illustrations faded away, so did my closet’s bright hues.

Black to Work

As it turns out, a conversion to black was inevitable. One of my first jobs was at an underground, underfunded fashion magazine. Jo Stockton had the Eiffel Tower; I had the downtown Los Angeles 7th Street bridge, transvestite hookers and pool halls. With little money, I needed to buy clothes that could withstand downtown grit, survive shoots, go to clubs and make after-midnight trips to Tommy’s for chili burgers.

What I wore: a jacquard A-line tunic and palazzo pants I’d stitched up myself, final markdowns and thrift shop finds—all black, so everything would match. I thought my efforts paid off when a California Apparel News reporter asked if I was wearing Gaultier. That’s when I realized that black could define an identity or suggest another one—someone who could afford Gaultier, perhaps. In addition, it deflected Diet Coke and camouflaged weight gain. And despite the Gaultier incident, to dress in all-black seemed to be devoid of ego—when you don’t have to worry about how you look, I reasoned, you can focus more on work.

Since then I’ve made lots of transitions in black—editor, art director and writer. Then, on a lark, I became a movie and TV extra. Extras usually provide their own wardrobe—in nearly any color except black. So as an underpaid, non-speaking, non-union extra, I needed to readapt. At first, baby steps.

A Little Brown, a Dose of Navy, Then on a Big Day, Grey

I was cast in a cable promo as a matron who drags a patient through a psych ward and out a door that, as my Lucy Ricardo-style stage luck would have it, wouldn’t shut properly and ruined almost every take. On Alias I dressed in plum and spent a day pretending to scream my head off during a nerve gas attack. And on Malcolm in the Middle I wore a vintage Lurex tiki-patterned sheath to a Las Vegas concert scene where I threw pink panties (not my own) at David Cassidy.

The point of these anecdotes: I discovered that color could be fun. Or at least it could lead to funny situations.

Black Again

Cut to the present. My film industry flirtation is long gone; my foray into color has dissolved into Impressionist strokes peeking through coal-black sleeves—red rosettes on a summer skirt, a gold silk cheongsam, a milk chocolate leather motocross-style jacket. To me, it’s no longer a question of What Would Audrey Wear?, hiding spills, skimming bulges, or creating or shedding an identity. Black has also become an organizing principle, a natural boundary—why fight it? So now when I see a great new sweater or top, I don’t hesitate to ask, “Does it come in black?”

Which reminds me, there’s a Byron Lars dress I’ve been considering.

With its fitted bodice and flared skirt, it could have come right out of Roman Holiday—and it only comes in black.

Posted by Joyce at MyShape

Let me start this by saying I am one of the worst offenders when it comes to relying on black clothing. It’s practical, chic, slimming and understated, so of course it’s often the easiest option. On the other hand, there’s no denying that clothes in the right colors can immediately enhance your appearance in a way that black doesn’t. So lately I’ve been stepping outside of my safe zone and exploring how color works with complexion and how to coordinate contrasting hues without getting a garish result.

Are You Warm or Cool?

Some will say the whole warm tones versus cool tones thing is hooey, but I’ve found it surprisingly helpful as a guideline. Once I determined that my skin has warm undertones (golden to olive) and that, for instance, certain shades of yellow and orange actually look good with warm-undertoned skin, I stopped avoiding these colors that I’d once feared would make me appear sallow.

Our model Adel has a warmer complexion, so this khaki and brown outfit works for her.

This top with a blue and purple print flatters our model Becky, whose skin has cooler undertones.

I try to keep it simple. Rather than worrying about whether I’m a spring, summer, fall or winter, I just scout for shades with a hint of yellow, orange or brown to them. I don’t wear powder pink, which tends to flatter people with cool complexions, meaning pinkish undertones. But I’ve found that I love deep coral pinks, which are warm and, if you look closely, have an orange tinge to them under the rosiness. Likewise, if your complexion is   cooler, the colors that flatter you most will also be cool tones with blue, purple or gray in them. Periwinkle, mint green, royal blue and bright fuchsia are all beautiful on people whose skin has cool undertones.

If you’re not sure whether your complexion is cool or warm, there’s a good chance you are “neutral,” which means you have a little of both types of undertones. This is not uncommon, and it means a broad range of colors will flatter you. A friend of mine has skin with cooler undertones, but her hair and eyes are dark brown, so chocolate and even tan clothing that picks up the natural hues of her coloring works well on her. A former MyShape coworker could wear pretty much any color and look fabulous in it because she had a warm skin tone and brown eyes but cool silver-white hair.

Even though the warm-cool guideline has been helpful to me, it’s still just that: a guideline. Which in my case has meant, yes, almost all warm colors look decent on me, but I’ve still had to experiment a little to figure out which warm colors are especially flattering to my skin, hair and eye tones.

Do These Colors “Match”?

Once you’ve found the hues that really make you glow, it’s easy to add one of them at a time to an otherwise neutral ensemble: black shoes, textured black tights, black pencil skirt and—surprise—mustard blouse. If you’re just going to wear one color that you feel great in, on top is a good location for it, since that places it closer to your face. But what about coordinating different colors in the same outfit? That can get tricky.

Consulting a color wheel is the easiest approach to pairing shades. Complementary colors—colors opposite each other on the wheel—look attractive together. Trina Turk’s Foxglove Dress takes the guesswork away by contrasting color wheel opposites coral and navy.

Different shades of the same color can also pair well, particularly if they both have the same undertones. So a cool dark blue and a cool light blue both tending more toward purple will look appealing together and on someone with cool coloring. A warm dark blue and warm light blue both tending more toward teal, which has yellow in it, will also coordinate nicely and flatter someone with warm coloring. Lily’s Cowl-Neck V-Detail Dress combines four shades of purple, and it works because they’re all cool tones—just in varying depths.

The “same color, different shades” strategy also works well when you’re trying to coordinate, say, a solid cardigan with a printed dress. You could select a cardigan exactly the same shade as one of the colors in the dress’s print. But this can feel matchy-matchy. So to mix things up a bit, why not add a cardigan that picks up a color in the print—only in a lighter or darker shade. For example, I have a silk dress with a brown ground under a multicolored floral print. The print has lighter warm colors, including a pale green with a yellowish tinge. I like to wear a darker teal-green cardigan over this dress even though the sweater’s precise color appears nowhere in the print. It’s an interesting combination but still works because the two greens have similar undertones and, thus, tie together.

All of that said, choosing colors remains, to a certain extent, an art rather than a science. Sometimes clashing colors can appear stylish, edgy and, yes, flattering. And if it makes you feel better—I know I did!—even my artist friends tell me they still aren’t always sure how to choose clothes in colors that make sense together. So why not take a risk every now and then? Though you may always remain devoted to your trusty neutrals, playing with other possibilities can be a lot of fun.

Posted by Heather at MyShape

Given the current economy, people are scrutinizing their purchases like never before, determined to get the most for their money. So when it comes to quality and value in clothing, consider the salient words of model/designer Kate Moss:

“I’m not really a fashion designer. I just love clothes. I’ve never been to design school. I can’t sketch. I can’t cut patterns and things.”

Thanks for the warning, Kate. Although plenty of celebrity labels produce quality work (Jessica Simpson comes to mind), it’s a little worrying to see the growing number of untrained celebrities taking jobs trained designers used to have. So, buyer, if not beware, at least pay attention.

If you’re paying next to nothing for something, you’re probably not looking for quality and have no plans to wear it beyond one season. If, on the other hand, you’ve selected a style you consider pricey, you may wonder if it’s worth the money. You want to wear it over several seasons, but has it been made well enough for that? There are definite basics to look for—like whether the seams are all sewn straight or if there are loose threads—but let’s take a closer look at what constitutes quality across three different price categories.

Higher Priced

Just like an Olympic dive, you get points for difficulty. Here we have a gorgeous, cloud-light Catherine Malandrino silk peasant blouse. (FYI, silk is notoriously challenging to work with, from cutting to sewing.) This top is fully lined (even the sleeves) in a hue-matched silk georgette. This creates a lovely opaqueness, leaving undergarments reasonably invisible. All seams are French, which means inside it looks beautifully finished. (In fact, some people think the real indicator of quality is how good a garment would look if you were to wear it inside out.)

The scalloped petals travel around the entire neckline. They were probably sewn together first, then applied in strips to the garment. Considering all those layers and the delicate silk fabric, it took some skilled sewing to do this.

The smocking style is unusual (not at all like a little girl’s pinafore), and that creates a pleasantly unexpected touch. Also, the neckline stretches so you can wear it on or off the shoulder. So what will you be paying for this kind of well-crafted beauty? $375.

Mid-Priced

For starters, this sleek Calvin Klein dress is lined. Lined garments are wonderful for a number of reasons. They’re much easier to slip on and off (because the lining fabric is generally slippery), they help the garment hold its shape, and the lining takes the brunt of the wear and tear, protecting the fashion fabric. The lining of this dress is tacked to the side seams down near the hem, which means it will stay in place, no riding up or twisting around you.

The tucks—which are the featured style detail—extend all the way around to the back. This may not seem like much, but frequently you see clothing that has details like pleats, prints and embellishment on the front only. A waggish blogger once referred to such styles as “coffin clothing.” So when design details are transferred to the back, that’s a good sign.

The dress also has a back vent. That’s vent, not slit. It’s a much more elegant touch and trickier to sew. The price for this elegant, modern classic piece? $129.

Lower Priced

Finally, we have this sweet and smart L.A. Kitty Jacket. It’s visible proof that a lower price doesn’t necessarily mean lower quality. It’s made from a sturdy cotton-blend jersey that holds its shape (although, admittedly, all that princess seaming helps). It’s a very feminine look, and that theme is carried throughout the garment. It has a fitted waist and back pleated peplum flare, and notice how the gathering on the collar echoes the gathering on the sleeve cap. They didn’t have to do that, but they did and it’s a very nice touch.

The jacket also has a back garment shield that helps keep sweat at bay. Contrast-faced cuffs are a clever, fashionable touch, and the rounded lapels, again, keep the look feminine. How much will this one put you back? A mere $38.

All of the above are exceptional pieces. Tastes and budgets come into play here, but none is a throwaway item. Take care of them, and they’ll take care of you. And it’s important to remember that clothes, like people, send messages with their appearance. Have some fun and wear me only once, or wear me and keep me. If you’re looking for a keeper, it’s all about learning to read the signals.

This week our tech team asked everyone at MyShape—even the guys—for the top three improvements they’d like made to how their Personal Shops work. Improving the Personal Shop experience is something we discuss regularly around here because, believe me, we all know it’s not perfect yet!

I told the team that, first of all, I’d love to see more basics in my Personal Shop in wider ranges of colors. For example, I want to be able to shop for, say, a versatile classic cardigan in at least 10 colors. Although this is more of a merchandise issue, if the basics were available, it would be so helpful to have a separate category for basics in my shop.

I also said I’d like to be able to exclude items with specific qualities or details, such as skinny waist ties, eyelet, sequins, tie-dye and ombre. Though I’m open to a lot of different styles, certain design features just aren’t me, and I’d rather not see them.

Finally, I asked if a little box or some text could appear next to any style that’s getting close to selling out to show how many remain in stock in my size. I’ve seen another retail website that does something like this…they’ll have a little note saying “2 left!” if only two of a certain dress style are left in stock. I’m not sure when it would be best to start announcing the number of items left. Maybe when there are three left? I wonder if that’s too late.

The suggestions are pouring in right now at our office, and we’d love to hear from you too. What could make your Personal Shop work better? If you post your top three ideas as a comment on this blog post or on our Facebook wall, I’ll pass them along to the tech team!

Posted by Heather at MyShape

You’re right. It is too early to be blogging about Valentine’s Day. But in my defense, no sooner were December holiday goods whisked off the shelves than a rosy explosion of hearts took their place. It’s like Christmas now comes with a Valentine’s chaser. We get a good, long five or six weeks to contemplate the state of our love lives (oh joy!) and consume several pounds of chocolate. One way or another it’s a holiday that’s destined to make some of us feel bad about ourselves, single or married. What romantic feeling could possibly live up to the day’s besotted expectations? And, frankly, any holiday that’s had the word “massacre” tagged onto the end of it should probably be avoided altogether. At this point, like turning 50, I just want to get it over with.

A Brief History of (Valen)tine

One theory as to how the whole distressing day started has to do with an ancient Roman fertility festival. Young women placed their names in an urn, then young men would take turns selecting a name to be paired with. Apparently the two of them would be “in lerf” for the rest of the year. Yes, hard to believe, but Valentine’s Day started out as a kind of secret Santa thing. Then there was St. Valentine who, supposedly, while incarcerated and awaiting death wrote a goodbye letter to his jailer’s daughter and signed it, “Your Valentine.” The rest is greeting card history. Makes you wonder what would’ve happened had his name been “Spatula” or “Festering.”

Yes, Some of You Will Be Celebrating

But if you must celebrate Valentine’s Day, if you must go out, I suppose you must also have a killer dress to go out in. And what better look (and at what better price) than a $49 dazzler that’s also an Oprah pick! This Ellavie dress is a blazingly cheerful color and has rather elegantly handled gathering that creates enough drape to hide bulges. I also really like the front and back V-neck so you look sexy coming and going. I hate it when designers do nothing with the back of a garment (unless there’s nothing on the front). And let’s face it: if the date doesn’t work out, you’ve only spent 49 bucks on a dress you can wear outside of V-day. And if it does work out, you’ve established a wise and admirable pattern of thriftiness, which is always a good basis for building a lasting relationship.

Sort of in a particular order, these are 10 brands whose clothes consistently have made their way onto my wish list and into my closet in the time I’ve been at MyShape.

1. BCBG Max Azria

I feel like BCBG works this magic that turns trends into classics. The designers there really understand which innovations from the runway flatter a woman’s body and have the potential to stick around for a while. They’ve always got a perfect little black dress or two available, but they also use color and print expertly. I love what they’ve done lately with draping, color blocking and abstract motifs. Oh, and they also recently came up with this amazing pencil skirt that somehow makes elastic waist insets look haute.

2. Max & Cleo

You might already know this, but Max & Cleo is a division of BCBG that exclusively designs dresses at a lower price point than BCBG Max Azria. I had to talk about Max & Cleo too, though, because this line is just outstanding in its own right. They have some adorable vintage-inspired dresses on our site now with all sorts of pretty touches, from beautifully executed pleats and gathers to organza and lace detail that’s not in the least frou-frou.

3. Level 99

I love, love, love Level 99’s jeans. They’re so soft and stretchy, and I’m grateful that they often come in plain, dark washes since I’m not a fan of fading that makes my thighs and butt look larger. I’m also looking forward to seeing their new shorts for this spring and summer. I bought a pair of last year’s on sale and wore them to a beach picnic last weekend…super comfy and fine for walking a mile and a half through the streets of Santa Monica since they fall just above the knee.

4. Nanette Lepore

I’ve been a fan of Nanette Lepore ever since I first discovered her and bought a wool dress of hers that looks like it traveled straight out of the ’40s. And then I found out she still has her clothes manufactured locally (for her, in New York City’s Garment Center). How cool, and rare, is that? Check out the detail on the plaid skirt to the left. It’s a perfect example of the care that goes into Nanette Lepore’s pieces with the princess seaming in front and back, those adorable ruffles that fall just right and glossy high-quality buttons.

5. Betsey Johnson

When you think Betsey Johnson, you probably think bustiers, crinoline, oversized rose prints and skull motifs. Which is all fun and good…but there are also styles for those of us who want to try something playful that can still go to the office. I’m so impressed with the just-subdued-enough Betsey Johnson dresses we’ve had on our site lately, particularly styles 16328 and 16329, which are covered in jewel-toned blossoms.

6. L.A. Kitty

I had never even heard of L.A. Kitty jackets before I saw them on MyShape, but I was hooked the moment I found them. These babies are seriously comfortable and figure enhancing at the same time—typically fleece or plush with cute details like peplums and waist ties. Pretty impressive for under $50. (Yep, they usually run about $40 each.)

7. Nougat

This London-based brand always seems to give their clothing a little something extra—unique beading here, rows of pin tucks there, maybe a front or back keyhole opening. In short, Nougat makes every piece special. Their clothes also have a timeless quality even though they’re not your typical basics. Their silk blouses and camisoles are so feminine without being girlish.

8. Kersh

Kersh’s cardigans and boleros typically come in a range of colors, which is helpful if you’re trying to coordinate with a dress or top. They also tend to have ribbing or shirring that’s very flattering. Aside from their sweaters, Kersh makes versatile knit dresses and tops that aren’t particularly pricey, so they’re simply a great source for wardrobe basics.

9. Trina Turk

Trina Turk is another designer who knows just how to work with women’s curves, and she also uses a lot of beautiful saturated colors. I’m pretty picky about prints and don’t wear them often, but hers always look so tasteful yet unexpected to me. I’m even tempted by her brightest pieces because they mix hues so well.

10. Mac & Jac

There’s nothing like a smart tailored jacket or coat to pull your whole look together, and Mac & Jac does a superb job of crafting lightweight outerwear that’s easy to mix and match with your wardrobe. I most often find myself attracted to their jackets, but they have a full line including pants, skirts, blouses, sweaters and dresses, all with a look that’s trend conscious but still very versatile.

Posted by Heather at MyShape

Naturally, I’ve ordered from MyShape and, like everyone else, received an organza bag with my purchase tucked inside. The bags started to stack up, but I’ve put them to good use and, getting a little curious in this era of thrift, wondered what officemates were doing with theirs. I decided to stroll around and do some unscientific canvassing. It turns out that while the bags are as crisp and airy as egg whites, they’re also surprisingly utilitarian.

Stow Away

Storage was, far and away, the number-one use. If your home is shrouded in a perpetual cloud of dust like mine, these things are lifesavers—especially for shoes and purses you don’t use that often. You can actually see them, allowing you to forgo the pleasure of opening dusty boxes, while the weave is tight enough to keep the dust out. Someone mentioned snipping a hole at the top and slipping one over a hanging blouse or jacket. They’re also popular for storing linens and blankets.

Here’s one that came up more than once: use them to store wrapping paper. A co-worker hangs one from a hook in her closet and keeps all those maddening rolls and ribbons tamed.

I only have one laundry basket, but there are certain laundry items I like to “file separately” as it were. For instance, I throw all my dirty cleaning rags in a bag and hang it off a doorknob in the laundry room. I once used a plastic bag for the same purpose, but because light couldn’t penetrate, mold grew (yes, I’m pretty lazy about washing the cleaning rags). I ended up tossing it—contents and all—out. I’ve recently begun using a second organza bag for clothing that needs to be hand washed.

Use one to store anything that can be easily snagged, like fine lingerie, leggings or pantyhose.

One financial filing whiz uses one bag to hold tax receipts and another for things that need to be shredded.

And then there’s travel. We don’t want certain items to mingle in our suitcases either (see laundry comment above). And the bag goes through airport security easily—it’s see-through!

Re-Gifting

A member of our merchandise team uses hers to wrap gifts, stuffing any spare space with tissue paper. Then she might attach a pretty pin instead of a bow.

I have a baby shower to attend, so I’ve decided instead of wrapping the present, I’ll buy a gift bag, then use the organza bag as tissue paper.

And Now for Something Completely Martha Stewart

For the home sewers and crafters among us, there’s a reason “organza” rhymes with “bonanza.” Ever think of taking a pair of scissors to your bag?

I gave one to my landlady, and she cut it into strips, then used them to tie up her roses.

I’ve been longing to whip up some kitschy ’50s hostess aprons with leftover bags and give them out as gifts. I figure I can easily personalize them with sequins, embroidery and rickrack, and the Internet offers a treasure trove of vintage patterns.

Kitchen and bathroom curtains (where windows tend to be smaller), dust ruffles, doll clothes and Halloween costumes were all mentioned as possible ways to recycle the bags. How about faux-flower pins and corsages, detachable collars and cuffs? Use your imagination! Clever seamstresses can whip up just about anything.

Just a beginner? Try sewing up some sweet-smelling sachets. They make lovely gifts and are very easy to make. Fancy table runners, coasters…well, the list goes on. If you don’t sew or know any sewers, think about donating your collection to a local trade school, high school, sewing club, nursing home, community theater or drag queen (girlfriend, you know she’ll have ideas).

It’s true what they say about Catholic schoolgirls…they wear the same thing every day. But that doesn’t mean it has to be boring.

Years before Britney Spears’s “Baby One More Time” topped the charts, I attended an all-girls Catholic high school where the basic uniform was a white Oxford shirt with a navy blue or navy, black and white checkered pleated skirt. Layering options ranged from thick navy cardigans to navy blazers with shoulder pads to navy V-neck pullover sweaters.

If you also lived the school-uniform experience, you know that even with all that navy, there’s still a style hierarchy and usually some creative license. I have no idea what the kids are doing nowadays, but back when I was a sophomore and Clueless was a new hit film, the object was to roll your skirt at the waistband to raise its hem just level with the hem of your plaid boxer shorts beneath, keep your shirt untucked outside of class and as barely tucked in as possible during class and complete the ensemble with knee-high hose and Mary Janes—preferably Doc Martens T-straps.

My favorite addition to the uniform, though, was tights ranging from lacy and black to ribbed and gray. Because cold weather and a dress code that didn’t permit pants forced me to learn to coordinate stockings with skirts, to this day interesting legwear is a staple for me—and, in fact, integral to the work “uniform” I’ve developed for myself since I graduated from college and moved my career beyond the concession stand at Edwards Cinemas.

Of course I don’t literally wear the same thing to the office every day. And of course MyShape is an ideal work environment for a little style experimentation. But since my time is valuable and I already spend plenty of it thinking about clothing, I’ve come to rely on a comfortable yet polished Monday-through-Friday equation that hasn’t failed me yet: cardigan plus nice fitted tee or knit top (easier to move in than a blouse and no chance for bust gapping) plus pencil or pleated skirt. In fall and winter I add tights. My favorite pair right now is black with a sort of Art Deco abstract leaf pattern. For footwear I rotate pointy black flats, pointy black kitten heels, black flat Mary Janes and black round-toed heels.

I wear skirts that hit at the knee or higher, though never at the shocking heights I attempted at age 14 that prompted my dad to comment on how “unproportional” I appeared. (I’m sure that was his primary concern with my attire.) I usually keep my tops short-sleeved or sleeveless to fit nicely under cardigans. Nothing could be easier. Sometimes I deviate by replacing the skirt and top with a dress or the skirt and tights with jeans. Did I mention my closet is also color-coded?

To some this formulaic way of dressing may sound as boring as literally wearing a uniform every day, but the idea is to create your own personalized go-to look based on what works for your taste, lifestyle and body. I choose tees and knits over blouses because I can get away with it in my more informal office and because I’m uncomfortable in collared, button-down shirts. I always include a cardigan because I’m cold in the office year round, but since I’m in Southern California, it’s often hot outside, which means I need to be able to take a layer off. I wear pleated and pencil skirts because I feel like they make my waist look slimmer and because I love their clean, classic lines. And I still let myself step outside the box when I feel like it.

Do you have a personal dress code? Is there an outfit combination that you consider your unique uniform? Why does it work for you?

Posted by Heather at MyShape

As news programs reflect on 2009, one story that consistently makes the highlight reels is “The Boy in the Flying Bubble.” Remember that one? An eccentric (to put it mildly) couple in Colorado took over the headlines when their son allegedly took off in a huge Jiffy Pop flying saucer. When the pandemonium died down, we found out the real story was that it all may have been done in the hope of getting a reality show.

Hs, no need to think I’m about to tell you to make your shape more proportional by taking flight. Oh, no—this tip is firmly rooted to the ground. Let your shape take off in a bubble skirt and go where other bodies fear to tread. Anna Sui’s Posy-Print Silk Bubble Skirt is a pared-down example of the major volume popping up on the runways. Pleats create fullness at the hips, widening a straighter frame. The overall pouf, which is a no-no for my M back end, constructs an hourglass effect on an H. Instant curves. A simple inset waistband offsets the inflation below and defines a thicker waist. When your waist appears smaller, your legs do as well. It’s as if your shape is resting on top of its own little fashion foundation with the skirt keeping everything in balance, intact and firmly proportioned.

Remember to keep the rest of the look simple and fitted. A black turtleneck or cropped jacket easily transitions from day to evening. Also, don’t forget to warm up with a pair of tights. If your legs are bare, this look could be a headline-maker all by itself.

Posted by Marcia at MyShape