BODY CONFIDENCE WEEK: Dressing Your Boobies

Holly Willougby
is famed for her cleavage.

No matter if your pear shaped or topheavy, curvy or athletic, you will definitely have boobs. Big or small, there is definitely advantages of both, and the main tip is to make the most of what you've got. If you've got smaller boobs you don't have to wear a bra, which is a lot less hassle. If you've got bigger boobs you don't need to splash out on uplift bra.
Here are tips on how best your work your cleavage, whether it be ample or minimal.

1. Choose the right bra

Lea Michele loves to make the most
of her smaller chest.

People say push up bras are full of false promises. True or false? Honestly, it's true. But who even cares? One of the benefits of being small-chested is your perkiness, so why not make the most of it?
Remember, too large a push of bra if you are already large chested can look a little too 'much', but there's nothing wrong for a bit of padding even for the largest of breasts; it gives extra support and gives the lift and shape that you need.
The push up bra is a wonderful invention. It makes girls feel confident, it gives a boost of sex appeal and it ca n make you feel for feminine.
However, going braless and working smaller boobs often looks very classy and modelesque, and you know that accepting that you're never going to be the most large-chested woman in the world really is true confidence.
Of course, there is minimisers available for girls with large chests, but they are far more uncomfortable that push up bras, so why where them?

2. Going backless

Backless dresses are perfect for slim girls like Kate and Keira.

One of the best things about smaller boobs? You don't need a bra. One of the best things about not needing a bra? It makes wearing backless dresses a hell of a lot easier. As well, if you are one of the leaner girls with smaller breasts, you're also likely to a nice, toned back which is great to show off.
However, don't think that just because you're large chested you can't wear a backless dress. Sure, it might be harder, but there are plenty of strapless, backless bras  that you could definitely work instead. Depending on your size, you will have to work to find the right bra, but you will find it eventually, and then you can feel free to work as many backless or strapless dresses in the world.

3. Plunging necklines

Go demure like Kristen, not tight like Katy.

The plunging neckline is ideal for showing off your boobies, be they big or small. However, if you are brave enough to work this type of neckline, you have to approach it with caution, particularly if you are large-breasted.

For small-breasted girls, if you are painfully insecure about your size, this could either be therapeutic or painfully terrifying, or both. However, a plunging neckline says 'I know my boobs are small, but they look amazing.' And it's true, they will. Plunging necklines tend to look better and more fashion on smaller chested girls, so roll with it.

As for larger chested girls, plunging necklines can be very sexy or look very tacky. It's about how you draw the line. Do it like Holly in the picture at the top of this page. She's at the Brit Awards 2012, and although she showed a lot of cleavage, her dress was vintage and looked very classy. It's also not a good idea to fake tan. Go it pale, unless your skin is naturally olive, and then it will look real and genuine. It is also a no no to push your boobs together with tight clothing - that's not a good image to pull off. Take a look at Katy. You don't want the 'Bimbo' look.

4. A note on 'Tit Tape'

Large chested Demi Lovato keeps her look classy, while
Eva gives her boobies a boost.

In relation to plunging necklines, Jennifer Lopez was one of the first celebrities to confess to using boob tape during her infamous 2000 Grammy Award appearance. A lot of people dismiss boob tape as an urban myth, but many celebrities swear by it. There are two ways to use tip tape: more larger breasted girls, you'll need to use tougher tape for keep your breasts upright and perky, or it could have the same effect as minimisers (although I don't see why you'd want that). Most importantly, bigger breasts will have more movement in them, and are therefore more likely to pop out, so body tape is the best way to keep your dress in place.

As for small breasted girls, it is a well known fact that you can not wear a bra with a plunging neckline, and without the ability to wear a push up bra, boob tape is a small girls' best friend. Take a leaf out of Eva's book.

5. Side boob

Supermodel Miranda Kerr looks stunning
with side boob while Lindsay look a little saggy.

If you lack in the cleavage department, a super sexy way to show off your breasts is side boob, which was practically invented for girls with smaller breasts, which is bad news for large breasts girls.

If you have been blessed with large boobs, there aren't many ways to show side boob. No matter how perky your large boobs are, if they are natural, a side boob will be very unflattering, so try to work what God gave you: super sexy cleavage from the front.

If you are desperate to show some side boob, you will have to copy Kim Kardashian here: https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcThDNRVDAv8lEIvdk-cKWlAttZawhvGjyWXhXPDLsSHloj_aHz5vw

Go for a side-boob revealing top, buy one with a structured bodice for support (see Katy Perry in her metal bodice in the 'E.T video. Super hot). 

6. Ruffles

Ashley Greene and Christina Hendricks both look
ravishing in ruffles.

Ruffles are amazing for all boob sizes. A ruffle-collar blouse brings attention to your cleavage, whether it be big or small, and ruffles minus cleavage are genius, in that they both boost small boobs and hide big boobs. How? All the ruffles are super-feminine, as well as dominating, so you will look ladylike and fashionable, whilst making it impossible to tell exactly how large or small your boobs are. Hey, if Christina Hendricks can hide her boobs with ruffles, anyone can.

Athletic Megan Fox and hourglass
Kelly Brook both work a corseted bodice.

7.  Corseted Dresses

No, I don't mean dominatrix, lingerie-style corsets. 'Corseted' is the term used, but sex kitten is not the objective. Quite the opposite. By 'corseted' I just mean a structured bodice, with a built in bra and straps. This boosts small boobs and offers support to big ones, as well as subtly creating a perfect hourglass figure.

8. Sweetheart Necklines

Taylor and Khloe both rock a sweetheart neckline, despite
differing in cup size.

Of course, a sweetheart neckline for a large chested girl is like presents at Christmas. Large busted girls should have at least one, or, ideally they'll have many. Sweetheart necklines show off your chest without looking slutty, but you need to make sure that the back is high up enough that you can wear a strapless bra for support, or that the cups are designed with support in mind.

But don't worry, athletic and pear-shaped girls, you can wear sweetheart necklines too. You can wear strapless push up bras, stick on bras, or go without the boob boost, because sweetheart necklines with less obvious cleavage can look endearing and demure.If you want to go braless, but want a boob boost, go for a halter neck for more push appeal and it helps to show off your slim shoulders. Tailoring at the waist can also help to create an hourglass figure, much like a corseted dress.

Small girls like Nicole can work any high neck, whilst large
girls should take a leaf out of Lauren's book.

9. High necklines

High necklines for small chested girls mean disguising a lack of obvious cleavage and making your boobs look noticeably larger.

On the other hand, many people say that high necklines for large-busted girls make their boobs look to large and cartoon like. This is a myth. You can be ladylike and still have large boobs, the main trick is a fifies housewife style dress, which means a high neckline, sleeveless with a full skirt and high waist. This will lift your breasts to make them perkier and bring attention to your waist.

10. Bralets

Katy and Selena show how it's done.

Both big and small boobs will look good in a bralet, it's just the the style of bralet you need to wear will vary slightly.

At the Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards 2012, small chested Selena Gomez and large chested Katy Perry both demonstrated how girls similar to them can work a bralet.

The tick is to be pretty, not pornstar. This is why the classic style of bralet, that looks like a slightly expanded bra will work for smaller chested girls like Selena. Large chested girls should be a bit more cautious, but Katy demonstrates perfectly how they can work a bralet; a bit more coverage, a bit more support and a bit more like a sports bra. Large chested girls can also wear bralets like Selenas, but you will need more support and a bit more of a gap between the cups, so it works like a minimiser.

11. And no matter what the size...

Body shimmer is essential. Try some with a hint of gold, but never too glittery. You could either put a light dusting of powder on your decolletage, or rub in some body lotion. It draws attention to your bust and gives you instantly sexy cleavage. Personally, I swear by Twilight Eclipse Bella Scented Body Mist. It has a hint of shimmer, is slightly gold tinted which is great for my tan skin, and it smells slightly of coconut.

Your Breast Essentials Kit

1. V Neck Long Sleeve Plain Jumper - £14.00 - M&S

2. Lust have - Ruffle Blouse - £294.00 - Ralph Lauren at Farfetch.com

3. Wonderbra Full Effect Bra - £29.00 - (boosts you two cup sizes)

4. 75ml Twilight Eclipse Bella Scented Body Mist - £7.04 - Amazon.co.uk

5. Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick for Body Set - £71.00

6. Eyelure Body Tape - £4.90 - Boots

7. Enhancing Silicon Stick On Bra - £9.99 - Stickonbra.co.uk

8. Animal Print Dress - £18.00 - Kelly Brook for New Look

9. Lace Ruffle Playsuit - £29.00 - Lipsy

BODY CONFIDENCE WEEK - Enhancing Your Waist

Whether you have a teeny-tiny waist or a wide waist, it will give you a super-feminine boost to draw attention to your waist and many it look as small as possible, so here are some hints and tricks on ways to dress around your waist.

Nina Dobrev

1. Grow a tail

If your waist is already quite small like Nina, a fishtail is a great way to show it off, and if your waist is wider, a corseted fishtail will cinch in your waist and give it definition. Nina is wearing a Donna Karan dress, which, let's face it, as regular people there's no way we can afford. Jess Wright's dress is much more pocket-friendly, has gorgeous lace detail and is less formal, making it more suitable for a night out 

2. Fake it

Kate Moss

If it's one of Stella McCartney's signature designs, you know that it's got to be good. The optical illusion dress is an invension sent by heaven. There are many different styles, colours and they can have many different effects. Some of them have  straight shapes on them to make you look more slender, some have oblongs on your chest to make your boobs look bigger, but what I think is the most flattering are the hourglass dresses, and these are possibly the best and most genius way of faking your way to a tiny waist, which is why this kind of dress is perfect for a boyish girl like Kate.

3. Trench it up

Jennifer Lopez

Audrey Hepburn brought MAC's on the map (I know it rhymes. Be mature ;-) ), and Trench Coats and MAC's are a really good way to define your waist. If you tighten the belt, it makes the top and bottom of the dress poof up and make your waist look miniscule in comparison. And it keeps you warm. 

To add to the advantages, if you're brave enough to wear it like a dress like pear-shape J-Lo it also brings the eye down to a point that enhances all cleavage, which make your bust look wider.

4. Go 50's

Zooey Deschanel

A 50's skirt/dress or a skater skirt could really help to emphasise your waist. Since they're normally high waisted and poofy it makes you waist look really...not poofy. And seeing as leather is the main material this autumn, you could combine the two together and get a leather skater skirt. Or you go could the whole hog like top heavy Zooey and get a 50's housewives dress, which would be really cute for a luncheon or formal-but-not-worth-a-ballgown event.

5.  Cut it out

Selena Gomez

If you have a tiny waist, cut out can draw attention to it to emphasis your hourglass figure. However, if you're boyish, like Selena, cut out just below the waist  can have the same effect as an optical illusion dress, and it is also an opportunity to take advantage of your slender hips. In addition, many cutout dresses (like the RARE dress at the bottom) have a backless detail, which is ideal for a girl like Selena, as generally, you have to be a slender girl to work a backless dress.

Eva Longoria

6. Go ruffly

Ruffles have the same effect as trench coats and 50's skirts - where everything around the waist is so puffy, it shrinks the waist in comparison, and, also like trench coats, if you choose to go for a ruffly collar like pear-shaped Eva, the plunging neckline will likely enhance and show off your bust.

Nicole Scherzinger

7. Peplum Power

So, this time last year, I'd never heard the word 'Peplum' in my life.

Then, 2012 comes, Victoria Beckham decides to design a totally 'unique' dress that fakes an hourglass figure and BAM. Peplum's everywhere!

The TOWIE Cast, Blake Lively, Kate Middleton, Charlize Theron, Kim Kardashian...everyone is wearing Peplum, and there's a reason.

It's basically just ruffles on your hips. Need I say more?

Oh, and if you can't be bothered to get everything in Peplum, try the Peplum  leather belt at ASOS.com. Lifesaver.

Kim Kardashian

8. To state the obvious...

Wear a belt to cinch you in at the waist. Waist enhancement 101.

Shopping List:

BODY CONFIDENCE WEEK (side note): The 'Perfect' Body

What is the perfect body?
Okay, so in my world, an ideal body would consist of Cameron Diaz's arms, Jessica Alba's stomach, Dita Von Teese's waist, Jennifer Aniston's legs, Kim Kardashian's bum and Kelly Brooks chest.

But Littlewoods.com took a survey, asking women all over britain which British women had the best individual body parts. With the results, a computer-generated image was released depicting the 'perfect' bikini body.

Want to see it? Here it is:

The body is constructed of the arms of Cheryl Cole and the legs of Kate Middleton, who both have boyish figures. It is also constructed of the stomach of super athletic Jessica Ennis, the chest of top heavy Michelle Keegan and the behind of bottom-heavy Pippa Middleton.

Interesting, nobody who made up the perfect body has the highly desired hourglass figure, and the resulting body still does not have an hourglass figure, which is often thought of as the perfect body shape, although the hourglass-y Kelly Brook narrowly lost out for Britain's best chest.

Bottom line? The perfect body was constructed out of women with completely different body types, so the perfect body couldn't possibly exist. It's far easier to learn to work with and love your own body that to try and achieve a perfect body.

BODY CONFIDENCE WEEK: What is your body type?

Okay, so step one of loving your body is to know it. Be honest with yourself. Do you have large hips? A large bum? Big boobs? Is your waist small or wide?
Remember, bodies aren't black and white. You can be athletic due to the fact that you have a wide waist, but you might do much exercise. You could also be athletic by having small boobs and small bum, but you could still have a tiny waist, like Audrey Hepburn. Eva Longoria is athletic from the front, and pear-shaped at the back, meaning she has a wide waist and quite narrow hips but a large bum. Tyra Banks has large breasts and a large bum, but little waist definition. So in reality, choosing your body shape could just be a judgement call.
Ready to find out your body type? Here goes..

Hourglass - aka Coke bottle, Cello or 'X' Shape.

Kim Kardashian is well known for her hourglass  figure

Typically known to be the 'perfect' figure, this is characterized by hips almost as wide as shoulders, a small waist, large breasts and a large bum. Although this is supposed to be the ideal figure, there are few models with hourglass shapes, and in clothing, an hourglass shape may seem too wide. Hourglass' often see themselves, or can be seen as 'fat', purely because you have curves you have to carry a little bit of extra weight. If this is your body type, count yourself lucky. Many women want this figure and many men are attracted to it. Retro icons with the body type are Sophia Loren and Marilyn Monroe, and modern celebrities with this body include Kim Kardashian, Scarlett Johansson, Kelly Brook, Holly Willoughby, Jessica Biel, Christina Hendricks, Rose McGowan, Dita Von Teese and Sophia Vergara

Top Heavy - aka Inverted Triangle, Strawberry or 'V' Shape

Pamela Anderson is famed for being top heavy

Being top heavy often means having large breasts, but a small bum and narrow hips. You may or may not have a small waist, if you have a large bust your waist is likely to appear smaller than it is. Although you may long for Beyonce hips or a J-Lo bum, many men are attracted to this kind of figure, and people who dislike a large behind area will see this as the perfect figure as opposed to an hourglass.

This is sometimes synonymous with an 'apple' shape. There is different beliefs about this. Some people believe being an apple shape is just having large breasts and some people believe that an apple has a large stomach and but skinny arms and legs. Either way, if you are an 'apple' shape, you would most likely come under the category of top-heavy.
Elizabeth Taylor was top heavy, as are Pamela Anderson, Kayla Collins, Rhian Sugden, Katie Price, Katy Perry, Miley Cyrus, Demi Lovato and Youtube sensation Laci Green.

Pear - aka Bottom Heavy, Triangle, Bell, Spoon or 'A' Shape

Nicki Minaj has a pear shaped body.

A pear shape is when you have smaller breasts but large hips and bum. Whether or not having a large bum is a good thing determines whether or not this is a good body shape to have, but it is the most common body shape for women and since wide hips are a secondary sexual characteristic developed for childbirth, this type of body is very feminine. This body shape, because of the wide hips, generally tend to be the most similar to an hourglass shape than any other body shape (which is why Nicki Minaj - pictured to the right - is often noted for having an hourglass figure when she's actually a pear shape. Celebrities with this kind of body include Nicki Minaj, Jennifer Lopez, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Beyonce Knowles, Eva Longoria, Rihanna and Kate Winslet.

Athletic - aka Boyish, Ruler, Banana, Waif, Rectangle, 'I' shape.

Megan Fox has an athletic body

An athletic figure is when the person is very slender, with a small bum, small breasts and often with little to no waist definition. The 'athletic' figure is the most open kind of figure, because some very slender people also have very tiny waists, and some people with 'athletic' figures have little or no muscle tone. It is also open due to disagreement on what is 'big boobs' and what is a 'big bum'. Although many people with athletic figures may feel quite unfeminine due to lack of curves, many of the worlds sexiest celebrities have this kind of body and there are many women long to have this kind of figure. Retro style icons with this body shape are Audrey Hepburn and Twiggy, whilst modern celebrities with this body shape are Megan Fox, Cameron Diaz, Jessica Ennis, Keira Knightley, Emma Watson, Nicole Scherzinger, Kate Middleton, Selena Gomez, Jennifer Aniston and many supermodels such as Kate Moss, Miranda Kerr, Rosie Huntington-Whitely and Gisele Bundchen. 

BODY CONFIDENCE WEEK - Tackling Cellulite

Hello bloggers!

Okay, so I'm guessing the people reading this blog are most likely girls, and I know that being confident in your body can be really difficult, so I'm dedicating my first week back to blogging to Body Confidence! I believe everyone deserves be happy in their body and everyones beautiful in their own way!

Cellulite

So I know that cellulite is a really big issue for some people. Some have it on their tummies, some have it on their calves, but most have it on their bum and their thighs. Honestly, if I ask any boy what they think off cellulite, they always answer "What's that?" or "I don't care, as long as the ass is a nice shape." Shallow, but not as shallow as you'd think. 

Despite this, cellulite does get a lot of people down, and so here's how to face it head on!

Note: Cellulite will not go away in a few days, or even a few weeks. The fight against cellulite is a long process and it will take month, maybe even a year or two, before you can get rid of it it. In fact, you may never shift it fully, you can just greatly reduce the appearance of it, but if you do this, it's unlikely anyone will notice it. So here's how to face your cellulite head on! 

Note #2: If you plan to reduce your cellulite you will need to lose some weight, so if you're proud of your kardashian booty, you may need to say your goodbyes. If you want to be skinny, be prepared to lose your curves in the process.

-Cut out cigarettes, alcohol, fizzy drinks and smoking.

-Do a combination of cardio and muscle workouts (i'm not exercise expert, so here are some tips:http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-1347777/How-rid-cellulite-Thin-thighs-30-days-exercise-tips.html)

-Okay, i'm going to tell you right now; cellulite creams do not work. but if you're that desperate, give them a shot, this one got great reviews: http://www.boots.com/en/Soap-Glory-Sit-Tight-8482-Intense-XS-Body-Firming-Serum-125ml_1254359/

-When your in the shower, scrub the affected area with a loofah.

- When you get out of the shower, massage the affected area with moisturiser.

-Any foods that you know are bad for you - cut them out. If they make you fat, they will cause cellulite (except good fats, like avocados).

-Reduce your salt intake.

-Drink plenty of water - aim for 8 cups a day.

-If you can afford it, you can always get surgery/cosmetic procedures to completely get rid of your cellulite. It's very pricey, and you will probably end up with your cellulite coming back anyway, but it's your own choice. Kim Kardashian is a fan of Velashape (http://www.lmaclinic.co.uk/velashape.asp )

-If you want to hide your cellulite (assuming its on your thighs/bum), wear black tights with your shorts, and instead of shorts, you could wear mixi skirts/dresses (short at the front, long at the back), maxi skirts, skinny jeans or pencil skirts (pencil skirts will also show off a J-Lo bum nicely)

Honestly, in my opinion, getting rid of cellulite is more trouble than it's worth, and to prove it, I created a slideshow (with no music) of the world's most beautiful women, most of whom are very skinny and/or have bagged gorgeous boyfriends/husbands. Lucky them.
Type any celebrities name into google images and put the word 'cellulite' next to their name, and I guarantee, in most cases, at least one image of their dimply bits will pop up. Cut yourself some slack. If 9 in 10 women have cellulite, it's the ones that don't who are weird.

BLAST FROM THE PAST: Bridget Hennessy (continued)

Here are a few more buys for your low-budget Bridget Hennessy look:

BLAST FROM THE PAST: Bridget Hennessy

Before there was TBBT, Kaley Cuoco was 'The Hot One' as Bridget Hennessy in the sitcom

'8 Simple Rules'. This ran from 2002 - 2005. The next year, Kaley joined the cast of 'Charmed' for its final reason as Billie, the 'Hot' young witch. That finished in 2006, and the following year she played Penny, 'the Hot one' from 'The Big Bang Theory.' Typecast much?

 Anyway, '8 Simple Rules' was one of my all-time favourite TV programmes. I used to watch it when it was new, I watched the re-runs when it was finished, and I despaired when they stopped showing it on UK TV, and now I watch it online from time to time.
My favourite was always Bridget. She was thick as mince, but always good comedy value and she was absolutely gorgeous. Her clothes were so girly and feminine, and she used to wear at least one article of pink clothing/accessories all the time, she loved wearing scarves, and, looking back, although there were several fashion faux pas, there's no denying that her style is the personification of fashion in the early noughties - bright colours, cropped tops and leather trousers (any fans of the show will always remember Bridget dancing in front of the camera singing 'I look hot in my hot new pants.' Classic.
Here's a collage of some classic 'Bridget' looks:

And here's what I like to think Bridget would be wearing today, I must say, I do love pink lace tube top and the leather trousers, and leathers are really fashionable this season, but I didn't buy them. I already have the Jeffrey Campbell shoes though - they're so gorgeous, my sister bought them for my birthday. I have found some lower budget pink shoes for other poor people like me, where are £20 shoes from www.chockersshoes.co.uk. I adore the Alexander Mcqueen scarf too - its girly but edgy. I can't afford it though. Wah