Hello Christa,

I just wanted to thank you for your great website. I wished I had stumbled across it sooner.
I'm a 31 year old mother of 2. I measure in at 5'1". I'm fit and slim, but I have what my mum would call, "a thick waist".
I have strong broad shoulders and a very small bust (barely an A cup), flat strong tummy, and a full bottom . Even with all the wonderful advice, I still have a problem deciding what body shape I am and what I can wear (or rather, what I can't wear!).
Any advice you can give will help me a long way.
Thank you!

Sue from Ottawa



Hi Sue!

You have a similar body to Shakira! You lucky lady! If you're not sure, let's check the similarities. Both of you are fit and slim- check, with strong thick tummies-check, broad shoulders- check, full bottom-check, and very small busts check! Shakira is also very petite at 4'11.

You both have strong athletic builds that are feminine and sexy. You just have to dress them to create curves in the right areas and to create balance. So, enough about Shakira, because I don't think belly tops and belly dancing accessories are going to work. So, let's get you dressed!

1. Wear Wrap Dresses. They will define your waist and accentuate your bust. Add a padded bra (for a little extra) and Voila! Hello Mama! You can wear this style of a dress very casually too. Wear a tank or cami underneath and wrap it a little looser. Wear tights underneath and you're ready to play on the floor, do laundry and go to the park. I actually do all of those activities in my wrap dresses.

2. Flowy Sleeves. Like the sleeves on the dress pictured. Look for that style in shirts (even wrap shirts) as well as dresses. This will soften your shoulders.



































3. Define your Waist. Choose jackets, coats, shirts, sweaters that come in at the waist, even just, slightly. Avoid everything that is boxy and that goes straight down. You want to create an hourglass figure by always accentuating your "natural waist" right below your rib cage. You can always add a belt a "waist cincher" to create shape in garments that are lacking it. I belt my winter parka and it looks fabulous! Also, by defining your waist your legs will appear longer.

4. Wide Leg Pants. I'm guessing you didn't hop on the skinny jean trend and if this is true, thank you! It would not have complimented your figure. Because you have wide shoulders you have to balance them with your bottom half. That's why dresses will work wonderfully. But, we all need at least a few pairs of pants. Choose a wider leg style even a boot cut to balance the width of your shoulders. Most petites' will find wider leg jeans and pants more flattering, especially when paired with a great heel just peeking out.

If you do want to wear "skinny" jeans or leggings, pair them with tall boots that are looser on top.


A few more tips...

~Do accentuate your curves.
~Don't try to camouflage your strong core, define it with tailored clothes and belts.
~Do stand tall and have great posture.
~Do wear heels, even a slight heel. It will make your body look even better and it will perk up your bum.
~Don't wear black shoes with bare legs. They will make your legs look "stumpy".
~Don't have your hemline longer then 2 inches past your knee.
~Do wear V-necks and deep necklines.
~Don't wear "Hard" Clothes. Choose more feminine cuts with softer lines.
~Do wear longer earrings to elongate your neck. For more casual, a sparkly stud will work.
~Don't be afraid to show off your shoulders.


Let me know if you have any other specific questions. Also, if you're in Toronto or planning to be, I'd love to take you shopping.

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