Guests enjoyed a fashion-filled night out with complimentary cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. The fabulous spread provided by Truxton’s included an Ahi tuna tower, bistro salad, salmon skewers and more…we can’t wait to go back!

MyShape staff were there to help each guest get measured for her free Personal Shop—her own personalized online boutique filled with styles that fit her measurements, flatter her shape and work with her unique personal style. (Want to create your Personal Shop at home now? Click here to get started.)

Fun was had by all as our guests networked and swapped fashion and holiday gifting tips. And everyone who created her Personal Shop received a complimentary suede jacket!

The latest collection from iK Studio was also on display, from elegant multi-strand necklaces crafted with freshwater pearls to smoky quartz drop earrings and onyx-adorned lariats. You can shop the entire iK Studio collection here.

Keep an eye on our Facebook page, where we’ll announce our next MyShape mixer. Hope to see you there!

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!

The softness of the fabric helps to streamline and add curves to the straight lines of your frame. But the real key to this look is the tailoring. The lines remind me of the mastery of any bespoke wool coat outlining the body’s natural contours, but with just a touch extra shaping. The modern styling of well-placed exposed zippers lying along the waist, which is usually the smallest part, creates the illusion of a curvier figure. Who doesn’t love that? A tucked-in hooded collar fitting tightly at the neck helps to narrow the body, creating a beguiling look for your silhouette.

Be sure to offset the volume on top with sleek skinny pants. You can even tuck them into a pair of over-the-knee boots. A puffy coat that’s this lean means you can reserve puffy marshmallows for where they belong: with chocolate and graham crackers.

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.

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.

BCBG Max Azria’s Kimono-Style Tunic Top takes the cut of a traditional boatneck and turns it on its bow. The straightness of the neckline widens shoulders to equalize your proportions. When the bustline and shoulders are aligned, the focus is diverted from the chest. The pale coloration with that bold stripe of black at the neck draws attention up instead of down, while a hint of ruching makes the silhouette slightly slimmer and adds visual interest. Cascades of the sleeve hit right at the waistline to create a more balanced shape, highlighting curves and creating proportion all at once.

Maximizing the shoulders accentuates the upper body while creating a little cleavage control. Now that summer has passed, there are new ways to flaunt your beautiful shape without letting it overwhelm you.

Don’t have a Personal Shop yet? You’re not too late to enter! Just create your shop today and start signing in.

Congratulations to everyone who’s won so far! Here are some words from a few of our lucky winners:

“OMG!!!! I read and reread this email and can hardly believe it is true. Thank you so much.”
– Lana

“I am stunned! What a wonderful, unexpected and delightful treat! I am looking forward to using the gift certificate. My many and sincere thanks.”
– Claire

“Thank you very much for the good news! I thought it was a great initiative of MyShape to collaborate with breast cancer research in this way, and of course I am very happy to be the winner of the giveaway!”
– Maria

“Wow, that is so wonderful. I have been in such despair about my body image lately, and this is just such an antidote.”
– Kate

It’s no wonder that Oprah has fallen for this style. The Boyfriend Jean features a rolled leg, moderate distressing, a contour-fit waist and a relaxed fit, making it incredibly comfortable and great for women with curves. And MyShape has the CJ by Cookie Johnson line and several jean styles ready to be matched to your measurements.

Enter the MyShape $500-a-Day Shopping Spree Giveaway by joining MyShape today. Just register for a FREE Personal Shop and sign in to your shop every day in October to be automatically entered in the daily sweepstakes. With a Personal Shop each woman is treated to a free personal styling service that provides her with looks that match her measurements, flatter her shape and reflect her style.

MyShape is also donating an additional $500 a day to the Dr. Susan Love Research Foundation “to end breast cancer in our lifetime.” MyShape members can take pride in knowing that every time they create or sign in to their Personal Shop during October, they are supporting the fight against breast cancer.

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.