Why six? Well, I was going to blog about five, but I couldn’t eliminate any one of these amazing pieces that went right to my wish list the moment they appeared on our site. Aside from the perfect slouchy suede boots with a not-too-low, not-too-high heel, which I haven’t been able to find anywhere yet, below are my top winter wardrobe must-haves. You may notice a theme—most of them sculpt and accentuate the waist, which is Figure Flattering 101 for an M like me.

1. Fit-and-Flare Wool Coat ($178)

This Jessica Simpson coat is first on my list because of the impeccable tailoring that works well on many shapes, not just an M. The trapunto-stitched insert that tapers at the waist and the single row of buttons slim the body’s center, but the generous gored skirt that offsets a strong shoulder line really makes this vintage-inspired topper special. The oversized face-framing collar also suckered me in. It’s dramatic and practical, leaving space for a fluffy scarf.

2. Belted Silk Dress ($341)

Bianca Nero knows exactly how to pare down her designs without turning them generic. In the case of this silk and Lycra dress, she pretty much lets the gorgeous, sensual hue speak for itself in a classic sheath shape. You’re not restricted to the included belt, which is detachable, either. Just substitute a metallic or graphic-motif belt or even a printed scarf to create a new look. I also love how the neckline isn’t plunging but still looks sexy with all that ruching that plays up the bust—another nice touch for an M. I normally gravitate toward lower-cut tops that balance my straight shoulders, but this dress achieves the same effect a little more creatively with the ruching forming vertical lines. It is a Bianca Nero, so it’s a little pricier, but it’s a look that could be worn for years, not only to formal events like weddings but also for more casual parties and even the office.

3. Straight-Leg Jeans ($68)

Good jeans are hard to find—so who better to turn to than MyShape, where you can have dozens of jeans styles matched to your specific measurements in your Personal Shop? The Sutters Jane Jeans made my must-haves list because they’re available in a versatile wash without any whiskering or distressing, and they’ll coordinate with just about any type of shoe: boots, flats, stilettos. Even round-toed heels tend to look appropriate with slim-fitting, straight-leg jeans, whereas I’d never pair my favorite round-toed, vintage-style pumps with flared jeans. (Pointy toes still work perfectly with straight legs too, though.)

4. Jewel-Toned Wrap Sweater ($118)

The color, the texture, the deep ribbed hem…sigh. This adorable wrap sweater from Urchin Knitwear goes with both dresses and jeans, and the design instantly lengthens the torso while slimming the waist. Without my Personal Shop I used to have a hard time finding wrap tops and dresses that fit well, but now it’s a no-brainer. And it’s really a shame to skip over such a flattering classic silhouette that instantly shapes the bust, waist and hips.

5. Marbled Sweater Tunic ($45.90)

I have no idea how this piece ended up on sale in almost every size before selling out. Yes, it’s essentially a sweater vest, but that doesn’t mean you have to prep your whole look out by pairing it with an Oxford shirt. I’m layering this tunic from Mac & Jac with long-sleeved tees and wearing it over my Sutters Jane Jeans. It’s stretchy enough to outline my waist curve but sturdy enough that it doesn’t cling to every jiggly bit of flesh. Plus, check out how the knitted twist design down the center draws out a flattering vertical line.

6. Curvy Pencil Skirt ($198)

And finally…the perfect black pencil skirt. You have no idea how happy I am that this wool-blend Trina Turk skirt is in my Personal Shop. Like most Ms, I happen to have a butt. So finding a pencil skirt that fits both my waist and posterior can be really, really difficult. I typically wear pleated and A-line styles, but I’ve been wanting to embrace the Mad Men aesthetic with a pencil silhouette. This is the one! I’m completely enamored by the way its pleats create volume that contrasts with the high cinched waist and pegged hem. Hello, retro va-va-voom!

A Dutch inventor (female) has created a garment that smoothes out the wearer’s cleavage, keeping it wrinkle-free. Picture a racerback sports bra worn backwards and you get the idea. You wear it while you sleep and it spreads the breasts apart so folds don’t become permanent. (Oh, those clever Dutch. Weren’t wooden shoes enough?)

Okay, that was a long lead-in to the topic I’m blogging about—mature breasts. Big or small, breasts luxuriate as they grow older, relaxing and growing comfortable in their own skin. Ironically, despite our youth-besotted-meta-breast-obsessed culture, this seems to be the most appropriate moment to show them off, wrinkles and all. Why? Well, there’s actually a very practical reason to go “lower.” Higher necklines exaggerate the distance between face and bust (especially on those “bad bra” days) making the breasts appear much lower than they are. But if you go with a lower neckline, you notice the curves, not the distance. Charlotte Tarantola’s Ribbed Top with Ruffle and Jewel Detail is a great way to flatter what you’ve earned.

You could, of course, layer a cami or shell underneath if you want to expose a little less cleavage, but the point is: don’t hide it. Low necklines aren’t just for the young who flash cleavage to encourage reproduction-based pairing. Older women—those who’ve passed reproductive age—are revealing the eternal mystery and joy that dwell in that soft, dark crevice where children have nursed, tears have been shed and nuzzles much enjoyed.

How and when joy, love and experience (read: forgiveness) got stripped out of the definition of sexy is probably a discussion for another blog, so until then if you got it, flaunt it. People who dwell on cleavage wrinkles be damned.

There is something about the term “plus size” that has never sat well with me. Am I an equation? If you add a size 6 to my size 16, does that give you the theory of fashionable relativity? That’s the thing about sizes—we cannot become defined by them. We have to do our curvy best to navigate our way through stylish waters.

For the curvaceous set it can be hard to find flattering clothing without looking like you’re ready for retirement or 10 years late for a Marilyn Manson concert. Igigi has answered the call. No, it’s not the name of a Saturday morning children’s cartoon but a contemporary label founded by Yuliya Raquel to “transform the world’s view of beauty.”

I have to admit I was skeptical. Many years of leaving stores with cheap or not-so-cheap garments made of flimsy material that was only a tad bit flattering has left me a little plus-shy. Listen up all my voluptuous ladies and raise your hands up: I finally found something worth my style dollars.

Raquel’s designs get the three elements of what makes garments for our bodies sing: fabric, color and structure. Let me tell you about two looks that went on my must-have list.

Dresses are your best friends, and I stockpile them for all occasions. A style that hits right above the knee is probably one of the most flattering things you can ever wear because it maximizes the positive. One of the best parts of working for MyShape is that I know the whole gamut of plus size styles we have (there are so many). So when I go gaga over something, I sign in to my Personal Shop, just like you do, and order.

Igigi got me to sign in immediately. From the time I slinked into Igigi’s Kamryn Viscose Stretch-Jersey Dress (which just happens to be on sale now), my feet did a little dance. Bright colors are nothing to be afraid of, I reassured myself. They are instantly slimming and make me stand out from the crowd in a good way. I was also impressed by the medium weight of the fabric and the lining underneath. It molded to the natural curves of my body while the lining smoothed out my least favorite peaks and valleys. A day I don’t have to fuss with my beloved Spanx goes in the record books. Dresses also break up my body into threes: a little highlight on the chest, exposed arms and a chance to show off my great legs.

Everyone needs an LBD. I need several. For those who have been reading BusinessWeek instead of Vogue, that means a “Little Black Dress,” and believe me, Coco Chanel was right when she said an LBD is an essential to any stylish wardrobe. Since the holiday season calls for party clothes for social events (and hopefully a little romance), I want a new LBD that fits the bill but doesn’t break the bank.

’Tis the season for the Anais Jewel-Neck Viscose Jersey Dress, and it’s perfect for any height, especially petites (OK, so I’m not petite, but it works for me too!) This dress really opens up the body with a sweetheart neckline that’s embellished with faux jewels, so I won’t be wearing distracting necklaces with this one—another cost-saving factor. Those gorgeous jewels bring all the attention upward to my collarbone and face. Yes, I like my face! In this case having people say you have a pretty face is not a read-between-the-lines message—it’s a compliment caused by a great dress.

Having a few extra curves does not mean you have to sacrifice quality for style or vice versa. Designers like Igigi are beginning to understand that we crave the same looks as our single-digit sisters. This cannot be defined by words but rather by the way we feel when we find dresses that get it just right. Now that is a plus.

Sometimes the command “Be confident!” is much easier said than followed—and really sounds quite trite. Like most teenagers, I spent too much time obsessing over my “weak” chin, my upturned “hog nose” (as one of my classmates termed it), my perpetually frizz-tastic hair. Then, at 17, I read a magazine article on how women in France define beauty and personal style, and I learned about an empowering little phrase that completely altered the way I viewed myself.

Trust me, I’m not some slobbering Francophile who thinks our beret-and-scarf-wearing sisters across the pond have all the fashion answers. But in this case they’re really on to something, and it’s even bigger than fashion. The French have a term, belle laide, that celebrates the magnetic appeal of individuality. The belle laide or, translated literally, “beautiful ugly” woman (though, unfortunately, there’s truly no comparable term in English) may not be a conventional beauty whose features fit an arbitrary golden metric of proportional perfection, but she doesn’t hide what some would call her flaws. In fact, she flaunts them. If she has a high forehead, she doesn’t cover it with bangs. If she has very thin lips, she doesn’t try to create a painted illusion that they’re fuller. She embraces what is distinctive about her physical features, and in doing so emanates an irresistible self-assurance.

This idea extends from the face to body shape. Sure, an hourglass figure is gorgeous…but so is an athletic figure with elegant broad shoulders, and so is a figure with a smaller bust and goddess-like curvaceous hips. No matter what shape you are, you’ve got features that differentiate you from every other woman—so why not proudly play up what makes you you?

Who wants be one of a million clones, no matter how “perfect” those clones try to be? Why should any of us want to look just like anybody else? When we acknowledge and own what makes our bodies unique, we make a visual statement that we’re not only comfortable with ourselves but value ourselves. And that is the most attractive fashion statement of all.

There are days I just want to give up on wearing pants. I know you understand how I feel, petites. For years, pants haven’t seemed to love me back. Sure, I’ve hit the petites sections in stores, but styles seem so limited. I was envious of all the fashionable options my taller friends had. So I hit their racks and made the local tailor my best friend. But I’m tired of having to dole out the extra money to get things hemmed to be petites friendly and the waiting period before I can enjoy my purchase. Just because I’m more diminutive than the next girl, I’d appreciate instant flattering-pants gratification.

Since becoming a member at MyShape, I can believe in pants again. (And I’m not saying this just because they give me a paycheck.) Only pants that fit my measurements appear in my Personal Shop, so I no longer have to browse racks for the right size. And neither do you, pretty petites, because I’ve found some great office-ready pants for our many shapes just waiting for you to discover.

For As like me I’ve found the ultimate easy-living bottoms in Tribal’s stretch-gabardine pants sans buttons and zippers. I can just slip them on and enjoy how the slightly flared leg makes me appear taller, while on Ss the detail flatters their curves. These pants look so great I’m tempted to get them in every color: charcoal, black and navy. A petite P will also benefit from the contour-waist style as the lower, wide waistband lengthens the torso.

With fall upon us these straight-leg corduroys in black and brown will be a welcome addition to the wardrobes of Hs and Ys. The pants’ stylishly stitched back pockets add some interest to H bottoms, while Ys will appreciate the texture of corduroy, which adds softness that balances out strong shoulders.

The straight-leg appeal continues with Liz Claiborne’s indigo stretch-cotton Jackie pants that petite Es will love to pair with heels, keeping their bodies looking lean and long. Ms also can go Jackie chic as the slightly lower waist and straight-leg style keep their proportions super sleek. And the pants’ classic trouser design has “I mean business” all over it, offering a confident look all day long.

Women of every shape are covered—beautifully—when they have a Personal Shop. Because at MyShape, when I’m in my Personal Shop, it’s not about being petite—it’s about just being me.

Oh, fall—must you come so soon? As temperatures start to drop, it’s time to find that perfect fall jacket that works well for your curvy plus size figure. But by no means do plus size women have to settle for boxy looks that are totally unbecoming or opt for a plain choice that doesn’t reflect any sense of style. As my colleague Sheila says, “Plus is not a minus!”

Plus size figures come in all shapes, so you should choose the jacket that fits well and reflects the way you live—and it doesn’t hurt to look stunning in it too! Are you all about style, all about function or a combination of both? Here are some styles at MyShape to keep plus size ladies looking fabulous—and warm—next season:

Who needs to go basic black when Gayla Bentley has so many lovely options? There’s this great black dotted crepe jacket featuring a single-snap neck closure that is oh so chic. With its princess seams, slight flare and feminine collar, it beautifully shows off the M or S hourglass while creating a nice shape for an H. To really stand out in a crowd, this silk organza wrap jacket is a winner. And pay no attention to people who say that you can’t wear white after Labor Day. Flattering on an H and E, the extra-wide collar accentuates the shoulders and neckline, and the tie belt gives an H a nice waistline or sits easily around an E with a wider middle. Another good fit for an E is this jacquard jacket. The wide collar draws attention up, and the single hook closure allows the front to skim a wider middle.

Take a very vintage turn in this long cotton-modal jacket from Chalet. Ideal for A, Y and P shapes, the sleek bodice with a fuller skirt balances a Y’s strong shoulder line and a P’s full bust, while the full skirt skims an A’s hips. For a more casual style, Neon Buddha’s drawstring stretch-cotton jersey jacket works well on Hs and Ys. Available in three colors—chili, sage and stone—this jacket features pockets that balance Y shoulders and fill out H hips.

With so many wonderful jacket options for fall, you’ll be ready to greet the new season in style!

My mom’s getting remarried in October, so I’ve been scouring the MyShape website for the perfect dress for the occasion. There won’t be a bridal party, but there will be a reception…so the wedding’s still a great excuse to wear something new and a little fancier than any outfit I already own. After work on Friday I visited our warehouse to do a little trying on—and testing of my Personal Shop’s recommendations.

First up: a chocolate brown stretch-sateen dress by Donna Ricco. I met this drop-dead gorgeous sheath while writing product descriptions a couple of months ago and immediately fell in love. Unfortunately, it wasn’t in my shop. Drat! But I decided to give it a try in the size I’m most often matched with. I stepped behind the curtain in our ShapeMatch team’s makeshift dressing room and shimmied into the dress…and as I zipped up the side, I realized why MyShape hadn’t chosen it for me. It wasn’t exactly too large or too small; it just wasn’t cut to fit me. The straps reached a little too high, making them slip off my shoulders, and the front was slightly baggy even though the dress looked fine over my hips and back.

I should have known to trust my Personal Shop and not wasted any more time sighing over this gorgeous piece that’ll look fantastic on someone else. Is it in your shop? Somebody needs to enjoy it! The curve-hugging silhouette and shirred chiffon bodice that adds a little oomph to the bust make it dazzling for an M (just not my particular M shape) or H.

Dress number two was a satin-twill beauty by Suzi Chin. Now, I have to mention, in case you’re eyeing it that the photo of this dress doesn’t reveal just how rich the color looks in person. This dress is purple—okay, “aubergine” according to the designer, but to my eye really, really purple and not as dark as I would expect aubergine to be. I was surprised when I first saw it but, as it turned out, pleasantly surprised. This option was chosen by my Personal Shop, and not only did the intense color flatter, but the dress fit beautifully. The neckline was subtly sexy, revealing only a hint of cleavage, and the pleating around the midriff made me forget any worries about the lustrous fabric outlining my belly.

I adored the Suzi Chin dress, but I’d saved another amazing contender for last: a Nanette Lepore in some of the most beautiful jacquard I’ve ever seen. Now, normally I wouldn’t consider a bubble-hem dress since it’s such a youthful look. There’s something different about this one, though. Asymmetrical gathers and a weightier hem make the full skirt look almost sculptural, and the sweetheart neckline forms curves that complement a straight shoulder line—an altogether great design for an M, or a Y or H for that matter. I was afraid this dress would be too short, but it only fell about two to three inches above the knee. (I’m five foot six with longish legs.) As with any Nanette Lepore dress, there are so many convenient details too…bodice boning, detachable straps that button to the bodice, even a built-in partial bra band inside that keeps the bodice secure.

Help! I can’t make up my mind!

Length of just about everything is an issue for the statuesque (a word we hate, incidentally. I’d never dream of clasping my lanky hands together and gushing to a petite friend, “I just love how garden gnome-ish you are!”). But if there’s a third rail when it comes to the length issue, it’s inseam. Do not wave 34 inches at me and call that tall. I’m still scarred by cries of “Flood’s over!” from my early adolescence. And here’s another little-known inseam fact: tall women tend to brag about theirs the way certain men brag about…well, you get the picture. In fact, it’s probably the only body measurement women openly flaunt the larger it gets. But when the one-upmanship dies down, you need a pair of jeans that prove you’re the tallest of them all.

That’s why when rumors began swirling here at MyShape that Paige Premium Denim jeans were coming in, I went skipping around the office, which is something talls never do. I would, however, dumpster dive for a 36-incher, so when their Laurel Canyon Jeans in Lagoon finally arrived, I shadowed them from receiving to the photo studio. The product photoflash was still a warm, blinding aura when I snatched them up.

At home I gently draped them over my least sat-in chair, occasionally sounding a shy, goofy giggle like they were Brad Pitt or something. Once or twice I wandered out of the room, then immediately ran back in and gave a surprised gasp, like I’d totally forgotten I’d bought them. Finally, I slipped them on, and through that miracle called a Personal Shop, they fit perfectly—low and sexy-snug around my curvy hips—and were possessed of an eye-popping 37-inch inseam. I dug my platform sandals out of the closet and slipped them on, checking my look in the mirror. Swathed in premium denim, my legs were endless, and the boot-cut flare balanced my A shape perfectly, because I may be as tall as a supermodel, but I’m definitely not built like one. And now I’ve set my sights on my next conquest: Paige Premium Denim Laurel Canyon Jeans in McKinley. Darker wash, similar boast-worthy inseam and nice boot-cut flare. Looks like my dumpster-diving days are over.

I have to admit I’m a bit of a florals snob. It’s not that I think I’m above them or anything. It’s just that I feel floral fashions can be difficult to do well. There often are multiple colors that have to work with your coloring, and although I like feminine silhouettes and details, I’ve never considered myself much of a girly girl, garden party type.

That said, Donna Morgan’s jewel-toned floral cocktail dress gets the botanical look just right in my book. The lush brushstrokes of teal, fuchsia, sunset orange and golden yellow give the print an abstract, impressionistic aesthetic that feels exactly like a hazy late summer day just before the leaves start turning. The palette could work well with many skin and hair tones too. I fall somewhere between an autumn and a winter, and these hues compliment either type of coloring. The ultimate result? A fresh and flattering flourishing motif that’s much more painterly than prim and proper.

As far as shape’s concerned, I’m all about the bodice ruching and V-neck since I’m an M with hips fuller than my bust and a straight shoulder line. The function of the ruching for my not-very-buxom figure is pretty self-explanatory, but a V-neckline is great for drawing focus in from the shoulders and upper arms. (Coupled with the full, floaty skirt, this means the dress would flatter a Y as well.) The fabric is also 100% silk, so it won’t add a lot of weight that obscures my subtler curves.

This flirty frock clearly has a summery silhouette (which means I’ll be able to wear it by itself through October here in California), but it could be worn with a cardigan during the fall and spring. Another plus is that it’s easy to dress up or down—the vibrant print makes it appropriate for daytime with sandals, but the silk chiffon and deeper-hued ground allow it to transition into the evening hours.

Petites, my trip to Montreal is fast approaching, and all I’ve packed so far is my safari jacket. For day-to-night fun, I’m thinking this simple off-the-shoulder dress from Laundry by Shelli Segal. It’s the ideal length for petites, just above the knee, whereas a longer skirt or dress could make petites’ legs look shorter than they are. And it’s jersey, which means comfort, comfort, comfort! I can wear it on the plane and feel ready to hit the city streets the moment I land.

To dress it down for the outdoor music and arts events I’ll be attending, I can wear my Elizabeth Gillett ombre scarf—an absolute essential in Montreal for its dramatic weather—and throw on a pair of jeans to look très chic. When it comes to pants, I like to go long to lengthen my body, and these Kenneth Cole stretch-cotton jeans keep me looking fit, flattering my A figure with their straight-leg style. (Though capris with a little flip at the hem don’t hurt!)

I prefer shirts to fall at the waist, or close to it, and be semi-fitted. If I wear anything much longer or looser, I tend to drown in the garment and look like a little kid. (Not what I need in my 30s. I like to look young, but not that young.) Eileen Fisher has a beautiful come-hither square-neck tunic that has the most feminine silhouette and would work great for dinner into the a.m. hours, and the more casual pleated scoopneck from AGB in magenta would be super cute with my jeans for any occasion and especially for the return flight home. I could go with either top or an extra splash of color with the scarf, depending on my mood.

And, look at that, with six versatile pieces that take up little space in my bag, this petite’s packing is done. Au revoir!