#knowingyourbody

       (noun) the way in which something is designated with a particular name, description, or title

   Often the reason why women have trouble finding their style is because they don't know how to dress for their body shape. This often results in us wearing clothing that is too baggy, the wrong print, or too tight on us. So knowing your body is the key. Psalm 139:14 says that you are “fearfully and wonderfully made” which means YOU ARE PERFECT THE WAY YOU ARE! Everyone has a different body shape and different style preference which makes fashion and clothing even more fun. 

Body Types:

Rectangle - when your shoulders, waist, hips are roughly the same size 

For the best look, you want to focus on clothing that “creates” your waist for you which gives you a slimmer and curvier finish 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tPnXti2pHSk

Don’t Wear baggy styles, pants with too wide flares, steer away from clothes that create up and down straight lines

Inverted Triangle - shoulders and bust are wider than your hips

  This body shape is more common among women even models nowadays. The main focus for the best look is to soften your shoulder line and define your waist. While defining your waist, you want to draw attention to your legs by making them look elongated. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CzSSrZot7vc

Don’t Wear shoulder pads, skinny jeans, pencil skirt

HourGlass - when your shoulders and hips are roughly the same size and you have a smaller, more defined waist

Only 5% of women actually fall into this category. You have perfect portions between your upper and lower body with a well define waist. For the best look, accentuate your waist by finding tops and bottoms to not only show off your curves but that actually fit properly. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qgbg-lB3Zdo

Don’t Wear baggy and shapeless bottoms, overly short shorts, shapeless cuts whether in shirts, jeans, or etc.  

Pear - when your hips are wider than your shoulders

For the best look, you want to accentuate shoulders to draw attention the upper body and waist to elongate your legs. Essentially, you want to show off your curves by creating a hourglass look.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vV-bwpja38s

Don’t Wear pencil skirts, shapeless tops, capris, straight skirt

Apple - when you have broad shoulders, a full waist, and thinner legs

To create the nicest silhouette, highlight your cleavage and wear nice vertical lines which will help in creating the illusion of a waist

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OXh1TBrix60

Don’t Wear waisted pants, bodycon, shapeless and boxy clothes, shoulder bags

     Once you have identify which body type you have, then the fun begins! It is true that everyone might not know their personal style, but practice makes perfect. And this case, keep trying clothes that you love until you have perfected your style. Your style, the way you dress is a reflection of how you express who you are. Though fashion is always changing, style is about honoring your uniqueness. Here are some pointers just in case you do not know where to start: 

your personality is a reflection of your style

Ex. if you’re outgoing, you want pieces that have crazy patterns or prints, vibrant colors

what colors inspire you

Ex. red means lots of energy and confidence; purple means to feel spiritual, calm, and creative

Note: Color Blocking is essential to all styles! Color Blocking is when you pair two or three different colors together to give off a bolder look

make sure that every item brought FITS

Note: if you feel uncomfortable, you probably look uncomfortable as well 

keep notes or pictures of outfits you see trending

Note: Pinterest is an amazing source when trying to find outfit ideas especially when searching under body shape

So since this month is Breast Cancer Awareness month i did a little research to give some information that may help. Early Detection starts with knowing your body and doing self exams on your breast. Catching breast cancer at its early stages will give you the best chance at beating it. Self Exams starts with taking your right hand and placing it over your left breast. You can perform this exam laying down or standing up in the shower. Simply rub your right hand over your left breast in a circular motion and feel for any abnormal lumps that are hard , do not move and continue to get bigger. Copy this same step on your right breast. Dont stress if you find a lump or two in one or both breast because 8 out 10 lumps are not cancerous. If you feel uncertain be sure to make an appointment just to be sure. I know for me i remember the first time having a scare when i was younger i was at my regular gyn appointment and my doctor felt a lump and wanted me to get it checked out just to be sure. I wasnt nervous but my parents were i guess because i didnt have full knowledge of breast cancer. I finally had my appointment and the doctor did a exam on my breast and asked was my period coming. I told him yes and come to find out i get csyt (a small lump generally harmless sac filled with fluid) in my breast around my period. I was thankful it wasnt cancer but not knowing could be very scary. I encourage all women to do self exams monthly and pay attention to your body . Here are some tips and things to look for ....

Things to look for as symptoms a developing of a lump, swelling, skin irritation, nipple pain, or discharge other than breast milk.

All women should start self exams at 20 and have clinical breast exams every three years. At the age of 40 you should add a mammogram annually.

You can reduce your chances of breast cancer by eating five servings of fruit and veggies a day , get regular exercise , maintain a healthy weight , limit your alcohol to one drink a day and dont smoke.

Self Breast Exam