Hello everyone! 

Measuring our body parts is quite an important topic as knowing your bust, hips and waist measurements to name a few can be key to having garments tailor made, but also as the ever growing trend of online shopping continues, it allows us to determine our sizes on size charts that now show when shopping online. In regards to online shopping, knowing your body measurements will enable you to pick the correct size when choosing a garment and ensure a perfect size and fit as we all know different brands and shops carry different sizes! 

  

For some of us it may be a daunting task as you may not know what parts of the body to measure, like where your waist begins and how to correctly measure the bust. Or it may just be the case that you may feel a little bit embarresed to get your bits and bobs out! 

For me, I remember the exact day that we were learning about this topic in college, as for the annual fashion show we needed to know how to properly measure models and know their exact sizes for when the stylists were pulling the clothes. So along comes our lecturer with a lovely basket of tape measures, and of course I nearly fell off of my chair! We had to measure each other, and this was something that I really did not want to do as at that time I was very self concious about my body. Of course I pretended to complete this task which left me not knowing how to correctly measure the body or knowing my own body measurements. Learning form my mistakes, I stayed back and learned every single measurement and so, I am going to talk to you all about it today, so you will be able to complete your measurements.

Measuring 

So firstly, you need to compose a good posture when taking your body measurements, standing in an upright position and not slouched over is the key to getting an accurate measurement. During this post I will talk to you about the eight main areas when measuring the body. This includes: 

• Bust
• Waist
• Hips
• Arm length 
• Upper arm
• Shoulder width
• Inner leg
• Inner thigh

For this task you will need: 

• A tape measure
• A pencil/pen
• Paper
• The assistance of a friend

Have your tape measure at the ready, and start measuring!!✏️ 

  

The bust – 

Taking your tape measure, wrap it around your back, across your shoulder blades and to the fullest part of your bust. Keep the tape straight, and place your thumb or a free finger underneath the tape to ensure that the measurements are correct and the tape is not too tight. The end of your tape measure should meet with a number on the longer part of the tape, this will give you your bust measurement. 

Measuring under the bust – place the tape measure around the chest area, directly below your bust (where your bra would sit) and record the measurement in the exact same way. 

The waist – 

A lot of people can get confused about where the waist actually is and where it is located. Your natural waistline is located at the smaller part of your torso, between your lowest rib and the top of your hip bone. Taking the tape measure, place it around the waist keeping your thumb or a free finger underneath to ensure an accurate measurement. 

The hips – 

Your hips are located around 7-9 inches below your natural waist line. Take the  tape measure and place it around the fullest part of the hips and top of the buttocks. Measure in the same way ensuring you keep a little space with your finger to get accurate results. 

Arm length – 

Ask a friend for a little assistance for this one! Stand with your arm at a 90 degree angle and place the tape measure from the top of your shoulder, down to the elbow and on to the wrist. Keeping your arm at this angle will ensure an accurate measurement as the measuring process should not be broken while measuring the arms length.

Upper arm – 

Asking a friend for assistance, extend the arm outwards, place the tape measure at the thickest part of your arm (usually the top) ensuring you keep a finger tip distance between the skin and tape.

The shoulders width  – 

With a little help, place the tape measure from the outer left shoulder and stretch it across to the right shoulder. Keep your posture straight for this one, but relax your shoulder blades. 

The inner leg – 

This measurement is usually used as a guide to determine the correct fit for trousers.

Note – When measuring the inner leg, take account if you may be wearing a high shoe or heel as this will alter the measurements. 

Asking a friend for help, stand up straight with legs slightly apart and measure from your ankle to the bottom of the crotch area to get an accurate measurement. 

The inner thigh – 

Standing up straight with your legs slightly apart, take the tape measure and like the upper arm, place it around the thickest part of your leg. Keep your thumb or a free finger underneath to ensure the tape is not to tight against the skin. 

I hope you have all enjoyed this post on how to measure your body correctly. 

Stay fabulous and enjoy measuring all! 

The Style Shaper x 

 

Hello everyone!

During this post I am going to explain to you in detail the five different body shape categories that enable us to determine our shapes and how they can be styled. I will also be giving some Style Shaper advice and top tips on how to dress your shape!

Keep scrolling to see what shape category you fall under!

A lot of us can get quite confused about our body type and our shape. Knowing your actual shape can help you determine what kind of styles flatter your figure, give you a shape and hug you in or out in all the right places.

As our bodys change from time to time, may it be weight loss, weight gain, pregnancy or even due to injury or ilness, it is important to take note of your changing shape as you may then be in a different “shape category”

Your body and its proportions

First things first! All of you reading this are unique in your own way. No body type or shape is exactly the same regarding your height, weight or size.

Our body shapes are usually broken down into five different categories to help you define your actual shape.

The shape of your body is determined by how it is naturally proportioned, and how you embrace your proportions to flatter your figure.

The five general categories used to define our shapes are as followed:

• Hourglass
• Inverted Triangle
• Rectangle
• Pear
• Apple

Now ladies, don’t drop the phone or tablet, or whatever you may be reading this on and shout around the house ” great, im an inverted triangle”  or “yep, I knew I was a pear” because you may fall into a different category or a mix of two!

Coming up:

I will explain each category in finer detail, and once you have figured out your body shape, you will then be able to consider different types of clothing and styles that will flatter that fabulous figure of yours!

The Hourglass 

• The shoulders, bust and hips are in proportion with each other
• The waist is noticeably smaller and curves in at the hips
• Your upper body is in proportion with your lower body
• Your legs have shape to them 

Flaunt your best bits

If you have got these curves, then don’t be afraid to flaunt them! Show off your curvacious figure without going too overboard. Work with your body in ways that will enhance your hourglass shape.

The Style Shaper advice – Do’s and Don’ts

Do – A fitted dress is always a good idea for the hourglass shape as it hugs those curves in all the right places

Do – A straight leg jean or a skinny leg jean works wonders for this shape as it balances out the different proportions of the body

Do – Famous for her iconic wrap dress, Diane Von Furstenberg may have created the perfect dress for the hourglass figure

Don’ t – Do not wear oversized or baggy clothing which is going to drown your figure. Covering up will create a frumpy shape and will give the illusion of being heavier than you are

The Inverted Triangle

• Prominent wide set shoulders
• Broader chest and bust area
• Smaller waist and hips

Flaunt your best bits

The inverted triangle shape is known for having a fabulous set of pins, so get those legs out ladies! The main thing you want to do is to ensure that you draw the attention away from your torso and down towards the lower part of the body.

The Style Shaper advice – Do’s and Don’ts

Do – Create attention towards your waistline, working with different pieces such as high waisted styles and brighter colours.

Do – Try out a wide leg trouser or jean as this will balance out your shoulders and give the illusion of a waist

Don’t – Steer clear of certain necklines on dresses and tops. Boat necklines and tops with smaller strings are a no no!

The Rectangle 

• This shape images that of an athletic type physique
• Shoulders, waist and hips are usually simular in size
• Torso and lower body are slender

Flaunt your best bits

Due to the shoulders, waist and hips being simular in size, those with a rectangle body shape will want to create curves, along with flaunting your assets – your arms and legs.

The Style Shaper advice – Do’s and Don’ts

Do – Wearing tops and dresses that include ruffles, collars, clinches and ruching are a must to create dimention and also to flatter your chest

Do – A great tip to create curves with the rectangle shape would be to wear scoop neck or sweetheart necklines as this gives the illusion of a waistline and curves

Don’t – I think that when styling your rectangular shape, you should not overwhelme your body with styles that can completely loose your shape

The Pear 

• Common body shape
• Bigger lower body, your hips will be wider than the shoulders
• Your bottom will be rounded and your waist will be well defined

Flaunt your best bits

The pear shape is known for a more prominent waist, so you are best to emphasise this while keeping attention to your shoulders and torso also.

The Style Shaper advice – Do’s and Don’ts

Do – The perfect shoe for you is the pointy-toe court shoe, as this will elongate your legs and give the illusion of a taller physique

Do – Try out A-line skirts as this will give a slimmer look and draw attention away from your hips

Don’t – Steer clear of printed skirts or trousers as this will draw the eye towards that heavier part of your body and create an illusion of a bigger shape

The Apple

• May feel wider than other body shapes
• Most of your weight is above the hips
• Larger bust
• A smaller waist can be defined by elongating the mid section of your body

Flaunt your best bits

Elongating the mid section of the body is key here. Wearing a V-neck, empire top or dress will achieve this for you, along with wearing a belt at the smaller part of the waist. Draw attention away from the mid section of your body by getting those pins out and about.

The Style Shaper – Do’s and Don’ts

Do – Monochrome can work wonders for this body shape as it gives an instant illusion of a smaller torso

Do – Wearing a shorter skirt or dress can draw the eye straight to your legs and away from the mid section

Do – Wearing a flared trouser or boot leg jean will create an even looking shape as this will balance out your shoulders

Don’t – Steer clear of frumpy tops and coats, shapeless pieces and high necklines

Don’t – Avoid wearing block and solid colours. Mix up your style with different colours and textures

I hope you have all found this post as fashionably educational as I have! Personaly I think it is very important to know your shape especially if your body may be changing.

Stay fabulous guys and gals!

The Style Shaper x

Hello everyone! 

As you all know myself and “The Naked Blondie” had the honour of sharing our stories and taking part in a shoot for our local newspaper, The Kildare Nationalist on Thursday evening at the beautiful Clanard Court Hotel. This issue of the newspaper will be out on stands this Tuesday, and will also be available to read online. 

Coming up: 

See how I styled “The Naked Blondie” and myself for the shoot, including all clothing items, accessories and our style steals!



The Naked Blondie – “What she wore”

“The Naked Bondie” wanted to go for a comfortable but stylish look, an outfit that wasn’t too dressy but effortlessly chic. We decided on this outfit as it not only looked fab, but also it was one Nic felt amazing in along with it bringing across her own personal style as we didn’t want to loose that when styling. 



Outfit details:

(Style steal) Black longline roll neck top – New look – €6

(Style steal) Black embroidered kimono – Pennys – €5

Leather effect leggings – Vila – €21.95

Barely there black sandals – Pennys – €15

Jewellery and accessorie details: 

Oversized gold chain neckpiece – New Look 

Rings – Pandora 

Bracelet – Pandora 

Watch – Guess 



Hair:

Nicolas hair was curled using the Tresemme Curling wand which was a Style steal at €25! It was then pinned at the back and set in rollers at the front to create volume. It was  then set with a dash of hairspray and left for two hours until it was time to take them out and relieve the curls! 

Make-up: 

For Nicolas make-up we wanted to create a very natural look, one which wouldn’t over power her face. 

Products used: 

(Style steal) Eyelashes – Pennys brand 

Primer – Catrice Cosmetics- Prime and Fine

Foundation – Maybeline Superstay better skin – shade 021 Nude

Fixing compact powder – Essence all about matt 

Contour bronzer – Mac refined golden bronzing powder

Highlighter – Benefit “Watts up”

Blush – Benefit Sugarbomb 

Eyes – Naked 2 pallet 

Mascara – Benefit “there real”

(Style steal) Lips – Essence lipstick in shade dark nude 003



The Style Shaper – “What I wore” 

On Wednesday night I found myself rushing about with crazy colours and prints, pulling every piece of clothing I own out of my wardrobe! I must have tried on a hundred outfits, even clothes I didn’t feel like “me” in! I said to myself this is rediculus and hung everything one by one back up on hangers. I looked into my wardrobe in deep thought and this is what I styled for the shoot as it’s “me” in a nutshell! 

Never overthink an outfit, just be you! 
– The Style Shaper



Outfit details:

White shirt – River Island – €36

(Style steal) Leather effect leggings – Pennys – €9

(Style steal) Black duster coat – Pennys – €7

(Style steal) Black court shoe – Pennys – €13



Jewellery and accessorie details: 

Rings – Pandora 

Bracelet – Pandora 

Watch – Marc by Marc Jacobs 

Earrings – Michael Kors 

Nude floral neckpiece – Handmade 



Hair:

For my hair, I simply straightened it using my Tresemme hair straightener! I wore it parted down the middle and set it using a small spray of hairspray. 

Make-up:

I always do my own make-up looks. I have never got it done anywhere as I have my own way of doing it, and besides that I know what products suit my skin and face. 

Products used:

Primer – Mac skin base 

Foundation – Mac studio fix fluid – NC30

Fixing powder – Essence “all about Matt” 

Contouring bronzer – Mac refined golden bronzing powder

Highlighter – Benefit – “watts up highlighter”

Blush – Benefit – ” Sugarbomb” 

Brows – Catrice brow kit 

Eyes – Naked 2 pallet 

Mascara – Benefit “there real” 

(Style steal) Lips – Essence lipstick in shade nude 001



I hope you have all enjoyed a sneak peak at what myself and “The Naked Blondie” wore for the shoot! All of the clothing items and accessories used were our own, nothing was purchased for the shoot. 

Styling on a budget is quite easy if you know how. You don’t need to spend lots of money to re-create a designer look or outfit! 

Just check out our style steals throughout the post and you will find less expensive fashion on a budget! 

A HUGE thank you from both of us x 



Stay fabulous guys and gals, 

The Style Shaper x 

Hello everyone!

Wow! What an amazing week! I am totally overwhelmed by the response from my first blog post, not only that, but I also have some very exciting news to share with you all so keep those eyes peeled and stay scrolling!

A lot of you probably don’t know that I have an amazing sister, who also has her own blog called “The Naked Blondie” which is a fabulous food filled blog, focusing on healthy recipes of which are all her own, and her journey to a healthier lifestyle.

So here’s the exciting news!!! 

On Tuesday, 10th March, “The Naked Blondie” and myself were approached by The Kildare Nationalist, which for those who don’t know is our local newspaper. We were asked to share our stories and also to collaborate in a photoshoot together! I know… So exciting! 

The shoot is taking place today on location, and the best bit is…. I will be styling “The Naked Blondie” head to toe for the shoot and interview! 

Stay tuned as a new post will be live in the next couple of days on how I styled “The Naked Blondie” and myself for the shoot. 

Stay fabulous guys and gals. 

The Style Shaper x 

Hello everyone!

Im super super excited that i finally have my blog up and running, and also that i get to share my first offical post with you today too! 

Firstly I would like to welcome you all to my offical blog “thestyleshaper” and hope that you are all ready because its going to be one heck of a fabulous, fashion filled ride! 

For me, deciding what I wanted to study after school wasnt a huge struggle as from a young age I began creating my very own look book, filled with my own sketches and inspiration of my favorite designers and looks. I got accepted to study  Fashion Industry Practice in Dublin which was the most amazing course ever! Here I learned all the tricks of the trade, touching on subjects such as fashion styling, buying and visual display to name a few, but the best bits included a fabulous trip to Paris to the trade shows, meeting with Irish free lance fashion stylist Aisling Farinella and to top it all off I got to style my very own look for the annual fashion show which was in conjunction with City Bank in Dublin. 

My blog “TheStyleShaper” is going to be focused solely around fashion, beauty, lifestyle and personal BUT….. with a little twist! I am a member of a fabulous weight loss group, and with that I will be blogging about how your body and body shape changes during the weight loss process along with how you can now style your new shape!  My aim is to help you with any questions you may have about my journey so far, your own journey and any fashion or style related questions you may have! 

 Stay Fabulous guys and gals. 

The Style Shaper x