Next up on our tour de force of the best trends for your shape is the round body type. There are significant benefits to this body type if styled correctly because you have the ability to look good AND be comfy. The key is to showing off your fabulous arms and legs while camouflaging your torso. This does not mean getting into your best hunting gear, it merely means you should not have on anything super fitted through the middle.

 

The round body type is defined by having a circular middle with more slender legs and arms. You typically do not have a defined waist so either foregoing a cinched style or actually creating a waist through styling are your two best options. Read on to learn my expert tips….

 

 

Single Breasted Blazer

 

The first trend that we are working into your fall look is plaid menswear. A lot of what is in the stores tends to lean towards oversized, but this is NOT your friend. I would strongly suggest a structured, single-breasted blazer that is a little longer then your hips. As with the example above, look for a one-button option to create a waist for your body type. You are quite literally giving the illusion of an hourglass shape. The structured blazer actually creates a differing silhouette that what your body type truly is. Styling is all just smoke and mirrors….

 

 

Tweed Dress

The tweed dress above is the perfect “one and done” piece for any round body type. Dress on, outfit complete. A great silhouette is the fit and flare. This is defined by cinching at the waist and having the skirt flare into an A-line (smaller at the top, wider at the bottom). The example above even has gold buttons at the waist drawing the eye to the center and defining your waist even more. It should be slightly shorter in length to show off your great gams.

 

 

 

Leather Leggings

The final trend I’m obsessed with is the 80′s. Yes, Dynasty and big hair bands are back. Even though I know you are dying to go all out, brining in just an ode to the 80′s will suffice. These black leather leggings are the perfect tip of the hat to 1987. Pair an oversized top (NOT a dress) with your new, awesome leggings and get ready for a rockin’ night. You are showing off your slender, sexy legs while keeping it loose and easy in your mid-section. This is the second option for styling a round body type, leaving it unstructured in the torso and NOT cinching at the waist. 

Every season new and fabulous trends hit the fashion runways and every season I get the same question, “But what works for ME???”. Finding the perfect trend for your body type can be tough. Not to mention that some trends are just flat out crazy and no one, no matter what body type, should be trying them. Let me be your “what the hell is my body type and which of these crazy trends do I choose” guide.

The first step is knowing what body type you are (which is difficult enough). Know this, none of us fit into one body type, we are typically a mixture of a few. Don’t let this overwhelm you, just go with the basics of your body type and utilize the general rules of those body types. I will be doing a series focusing on 5 body types, rectangle, apple, pear, hourglass and upside down triangle. I will be sure to explain the criteria for each so you can finally figure out what body type you are! 

  

First up is the rectangle body type. This body type is defined by being very straight with narrow shoulders and hips. You typically have no super definable parts, smaller bust, smaller bum, straighter and less curvy.  Your weight is evenly distributed throughout your entire body.

 

 

Double Breasted Blazer

 

The first trend that will be huge this year is plaid suiting, it is going to be everywhere. There are a lot of ways to rock this look, but as a ruler body type, go big or go home. You have the amazing luxury of wearing things oversized without having it make you look bigger. A double breasted blazer is insanely difficult for most body types to wear (you can’t really have boobs), but you can do it! Go super over-sized and long (this allows you to pair it with leggings too). You even have the option to pair it with slender or wide pants, the world is your oyster. Less curve= the ability to wear over-sized pieces.

 

Puff Sleeves

The next trend that is making a strong comeback is the puff sleeve. The rectangle body type is very straight and even allowing you to add volume in unexpected areas. You will not look big as long as you pair this puff blouse with a slender bottom half, think skinny jeans, ankle pants or a pencil skirt.

Slouch Boots

And the final trend I strongly suggest for the rectangle body type is slouchy boots. You may not think of shoes as being good for a specific body type, but slouchy boots can be difficult. On a wider leg they will only add more width and be very heavy looking. On a rectangle body type, you typically have a more slender, straight leg allowing you to add slouchy volume to your foot.

So my rectangle body type readers, now you have the beginnings of your fall shopping list! These trends are perfect for your straight, rectangular shape and will add that extra pizazz without looking like your poured on every trend of 2018!

Going on vacation and you have NO idea what to bring? I always encourage my clients to think like a local. Do your research and check out Pinterest or Instagram to get some visual recon on what is destination fabulous. But beware, you are not wearing a costume, you should merely be inspired by the locale to which you are traveling to….. 

Most recently I was lucky enough to go Greek island hopping to Mykonos, Paros and Santorini.  Packing for a long trip can be daunting so I always try to daydream about my looks beforehand. This is meant to be fun, not stressful!!! So what did I dream about? Lightweight, packable materials, white linens, colors reminiscent of the ocean and lots of shimmery metallics! Don’t overwhelm yourself with trying to put together outfits in your head, think about the overall feel you are going for by focusing on materials and colors to start. 

 

When you are island hopping, most of your time will be spent on, by or in the ocean so beach looks are a necessity. A bathing suit can be a “look” if you add the correct accouterments. This typically includes a fabulous hat, cute sunnies and simple jewelry that is ocean-friendly. I’m always sure to pack multiple hats, tons of sunglasses and as much jewelry as I can. These are all small items making it easy to re-style your clothing over and over with different accessories. Most people get stumped on hats because they are concerned about ruining them in transport. The key is to ONLY buy hats that are made of packable, malleable material and put your underwear in it to keep its shape. Lie it flat in your suitcase and pack underneath and above the brim. Problem solved.

 

 

Another important realization for travel is that comfort and style should go hand in hand, enter the caftan. No matter what your body type, lifestyle or age, this is a piece that will work for you. It is glamorous while being without any body constraints. You can eat as much as you want on vacay and no one will be any the wiser. Sounds like a perfect combo to me.

 

 

Shopping on vacation is also a typical activity for most ladies so be sure to leave some room in your bag. I picked up this fabulous off-the-shoulder top in Paros by a Greek designer. I’m always big on supporting local designers whether state-side or traveling internationally. Not only does it boost the local economy and support entrepreneurs, but I come home with a piece that no one else has!!! Unique is my style game.

 

 

I believe in “style moments”. I knew this long white eyelet dress was the perfect piece for Greece and wanted to wait for the perfect moment to wear it. I rarely buy items JUST for a trip, but this dress was too good to pass up. I dreamed of walking cliffside in an all-white backdrop of Santorini with one of the world’s most beautiful sunsets behind me….  So that’s exactly what I did. Sometimes the reality of a dream surpasses anything you could have imagined. Shout out to Lord & Taylor and Michael by Michael Kors for making my style fantasy come true.

 

Pushing yourself to be the most fabulous you on vacation is truly fun so why not do it? A lot of times we throw caution to the wind when on vacation, why not go that route with fashion too? I’m certainly not wearing an all-gold mesh two-piece bathing suit cover up anywhere else but Mykonos! I saw the moment and I went for it. No rules, no judgement, be your badass self and try things that you would never do at home. “Vacation you” is awesome.

CHECK OUT ALL MY LOOK @SASSNSTYLE ON INSTAGRAM!!!

I love a jumper, a onesie, a romper…. Whatever you want to call it, I’m obsessed with the adorable ease of this one piece wonder that looks cute on almost all figures and ages. Yes, you have to choose your style wisely as to not look like an adult channeling a teenager (or a two year old for that matter), but there is an appropriate option for everyone. EVERYONE.

I recently made the mistake of counting how many jumpers I had in my wardrobe and once I got up to 18 I stopped. My obsession has clearly gotten out of control. Or has it? Every single jumper I own truly has it’s own personality and purpose. Below are a few of my favorite options. I leave it up to you to scold me for my addiction…. Or go out and build your own collection once you fall deeply in love with this style……

 

 

Everyone knows that jumpers are great for casual activities, but what about dressy events? I fell in love with this floral jumper the moment I saw it. I had no idea what fabulous event it was going to, but it was 30 bucks and fit like a glove. Shortly after I bought it I was invited to a horse race, event found. A jumper is a great option instead of a dress, choose something different. You stand out in a good way!!! Trust me, every lady tugging at her dress will wish she was you looking trendy, cool and comfortable in an awesome jumper.

 

 

Another fabulous way to rock a jumper is by wearing it as a bathing suit cover up. How freakin’ chic are you? It may take a little more to get down to your sexy swimsuit, but it it totally worth it. Choose a cotton style to keep it cool and simple.

 

Lately I have an obsession with American Eagle. It is true, I’m almost 40 and this store appears to be for teenagers, but I swear it is for everyone!!! I got this awesome comfy and casual jumper at the beginning of the summer and I have worn it to death. It is light-weight and easy to get on and off  (think bathroom breaks) making it a no-brainer for a super hot day. Plus anything with ruffles is making it into my wardrobe right now, they make everything sassy and fun.

 

This is my travel jumper. Yes, I wear the same thing when I travel during the summer months because well, it is perfect. I have no shame admitting that I bought this baby at Forever 21 about 7 years ago and she is still rocking it. It only comes out when I’m getting on an airplane so I get a little giddy when I put it on because it means I’m going somewhere fabulous! It has gotten to the point where my friends also call it the “travel jumper” because they expect to see me in it if we are traveling together.  The joy of this jumper is that even styled with a jean jacket (airplanes are cold!) I can pull it down and up easily in the ridiculously small airplane bathroom. Super functional, super comfortable, super stylish.

 

 

This is one of my favorite jumpers. I look like a big, sexy banana. I bought it at a vintage store and in a very rare occurrence, I had buyers remorse.  I just wasn’t sure that this oversized jumper was my style. When I finally pulled it out on my trip to Tuscany last summer I fell in serious love. It is stupidly comfortable and chic as shit. People also seem to lose their minds over it. Every time I have worn it since people have gone crazy over it!

 

 

In one of the biggest moments of my career I definitely thought a jumper was the best choice. Who doesn’t want to rock a red carpet in an insanely fabulous and cool onesie!!! I was lucky enough to borrow this from Rent the Runway and feel ever so confident walking the carpet following Alissa Milano (crazy). It is by Erin Fetherston and it is awesome. The only snafu with this jumper was that I was literally taped into it. I barely drank anything all day knowing that I could not pee 50 times the way I usually do. My solution? Wait until I got to the event to begin my drinking extravaganza and bring a ton of double stick tape to put myself back into this thing when I finally did inevitably go to the bathroom. Problem solved!!!

 

July 4th is my ultimate favorite holiday! Why you ask? Well for starters it is at the very beginning of the summer meaning there is tons of warm weather to come. Secondly there is no real activity expected other than eating, drinking and lighting off fireworks. And finally, for the past 20 years I have been chilling in upstate New York at my best friend’s house which is conveniently located on one of the finger lakes. It is a little slice of heaven with people I adore and are like my second family.

Now even though this chilling is insanely relaxed, I still have a stylish reputation to uphold. With any holiday comes the “costuming” part of the equation. What am I going to wear to fully represent honoring our forefathers? Below are some cute ideas for doing just that, George Washington would be proud.

 

 

Last year I was lucky enough to bring along my entire family. Yes that means 6 other people besides myself, my second family and the one I was born with luckily really like each other! As you can tell from the picture above, I’m not the only stylish one in my clan. My nephew Nathan believes in dressing up appropriately for July 4th as well (or at least his “stylist” mother does). The key to any good themed look is to make sure it is just that, a theme. You should not end up looking like you are wearing a costume. To execute this properly you have to be playful with the concept. A little red here, a little blue there, throw in a splash of white and you are good to go.

 

                Romper

 

I’m all about a comfy and cute romper. Yes it is age specific, but I’m almost 40 and still rocking it so don’t be afraid of an awesome onesie. I LOVE the one above because it is actually easy to go to the bathroom. It is obviously cute which is super important, but every lady who has worn a jumper knows that the second most important element of this piece is simplicity with the on/off function. The other great element of this romper is that although it is July 4th friendly, it can also be worn any other day of the summer without hesitation. Remember my words of wisdom, think theme NOT costume!

 

 

Headband

 

Adding a themed headband is the most inexpensive and easy way to show off your patriotic side on July 4th. You can pick something like this up for around $10 and slap on a red lip, boom, July 4th ready. This particular option is also utilizing a big trend for summer ’18, gingham. So don’t worry about this cheap and chic purchase, you can definitely wear it over and over throughout this summer season!

 

Red Swimsuit

 

What July 4th holiday is complete without a dip in the water? Why not choose a fabulous swimsuit to compliment your love of all things America? This awesome red one-piece is not only super patriotic, but it screams 007 babe. Why not conquer 2 amazing themes in one? You are a sexy James Bond girl that loves her country.

 

 

 

Sunglasses

The final touch of any great July 4th look is always going to be your sunnies. One thing you can almost always count on for this summer holiday is some rays, so why not protect your eyes in style? I love RayBans in general, but their aviator style is always on point, or as the kids say, “on fleek”. The blue tinted lenses let people know that you think our forefathers rock and that you are stylishly proud of the place you call home.

Now July 4th will not only be about beer, fireworks, burgers, barbecues, boats, the beach or whatever you do to celebrate this rad summer holiday! It will mostly be about the most important thing that binds us together as Americans, your super cute and stylish July 4th outfit!!!