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Showing posts with label body-type. Show all posts
Showing posts with label body-type. Show all posts

11.8.10

Cheongsam Dress Style for Apple-Shaped-Body-Type—Part 2—Cut & Paste

Following the last 3-part series of How-To for the pear-shaped body-type, we went on to show you several cheongsam styles that are suitable for the apple-shaped body-type. We showed you how to dress, as much as you would deny in public—slimmer, taller, & younger— by choosing the right silhouette to accentuate your pride and hide the less-than.

In this post, we pick up where we left off in Part 1, we will be showing you how to choose the right cutting and print for your apple-shaped body-type.

First, take a look at the set of photos below. They may look seemingly different at a glance, but there is ONE similarity.
honey dressMazzario Cheongsam Gwen Ruched Wrap MiniCotton Printed Capsleeve
Have you picked out the similarity? It may not be very obvious... all 3 designs are waisted, at natural waist. This way, the waistline which, beforehand, was less obvious is now highlighted. The ruching treatment in all the dresses also adds more 3-dimensionality to the otherwise flatter silhouette. 

Next, what is common among the following 3 cheongsam designs?
Mazzario Cheongsam Talia Togacheongsam open mandarin collar a-line with leather trimFall & Petals Cheongsam

Did you guess elaborate hemline? If you did, you are absolutely right.

From left to right:
The Talia Toga has a thigh high front slit that leads to a elaborate metallic lace insert;
The V-neck low waisted cotton mini cut across just above the hips, increase visual weight and horizontality;
The Petals Cheongsam has intricate lace applique adorning the otherwise simple black keyhole cheongsam, bring the attention down, to your legs instead.

Using the above 2 Cut & Paste techniques combined with identifying the right silhouette in Part 1, you should be well equipped for your next cheongsam spree. Remember, in doubt, trust your instincts, or in case that fails, visit or email us for advice as well as product enquiry.

2.8.10

Cheongsam Dress Style for Apple-Shaped-Body-Type—Part 1—Slimmer by Silhouette

Following our introduction to how-to dress for pear-shaped body type, in which we covered different techniques in 3 the 3 part series—

we shall look at a completely different type in this post. This type is always envious of the Pear, just as the Pear is of them.

Apple Shaped Body Type typically has an enviable upper body and problems in the middle with thicker waist, smaller hips. Many wish they could do fair exchange with the Pear Shaped body type.

The first idea that comes to mind for the Apple body types, just like everyone else, is to cover up the parts you dislike about yourself. We notice many clients wear loose fitting dropped waist dresses, and Korean Hanbok-like flared-above-bust tops that only makes matter worse.

Isn't Cheongsam only for the hourglass screen siren? Many have asked.

There are certainly more options for the blessed, but life isn't all that grim for the Apple body type either. We have summarized 2 categories of cheongsams suitable for the Apple body type with a bigger waist.

PART 1—How to Look Slimmer by Silhouette
Cheongsams or Qipao, or even just dresses in general, that fulfill the following will most likely be suitable for your Apple body type with a less-defined waist line.
  • Halter Neck or Cut-In Cheongsam
  • Open Mandarin Collar
  • Low-Back or Bare-Back Cheongsam
  • Mini or Short Cheongsam
  • Mermaid or Fit & Flare Cheongsam Gown
If you happen to encounter more than 2 of these qualities in a single cheongsam, it will most probably be very flattering for you.
The Othelia Cheongsam Gown ticks a few items on the list. It is opened collar to cut the bulk of the upper body, it is halter & bare back style which shows off the well formed area, it is of mermaid shape, with a very flattering fit and flare hemline to bring attention to those toned legs. Plus, it comes with a belt, which we will address in Part 2.
Othelia
Another flattering style with be the following ruched bustier mermaid cut cheongsam. The ruched bandeau style helps visually slim the middle by proportion, paired with a form fitting fish-tail bottom, it hugs at all the right places to divert attention.
asymmetrical circle cheongsam in silk chiffon

The Bow-Tied Cheongsam is one of if not the most perfect fit for the Apple body type. Low back, check. Cut-in Halter, check. Mermaid, check. Plus it has a contrasting band running from below the front collar to right above the hips, finished with a bow. Everything from the silhouette to the visual proportion makes this is number 1 choice for any one looking for a great cheongsam, qipao, or just any dress to divert attention from what we do not speak of.
Bow Tied Halter Cheongsam with Sweeping Train

By now, you should have a good idea of the cheongsam silhouette suitable for the Apple Shaped Body Type, in Part 2 of the series, you have learn more about using Visual guidance to choose the right designer cheongsam for your body type.

5.7.10

Cheongsam Dress Style for Pear-Shape—Part 3

How to choose a designer cheongsam for your body type is one of the most common inquiries we get receive in email. Following past weeks' Cheongsam Dress Style for Pear-Shape—Part 1 in which we talked about a common tactic of Hide & Conceal, and in Part 2 we talked about Distract & Balance. In this last installment we shall show you more of the lesser known, but in our opinion the best solution—Optical Illusion.


Cheongsam Styles for Pear-Shape

The problem with Hiding & Concealing your bottom is that everyone knows it as well. While everyone is busy making oneself taller and slimmer, there must only be one reason why any sane lady would want to wear a parachute on ground level which does everything but.

The clever use of the combination of tailoring and prints can do just that but look instead like you did not try at all. Opt for the right colour combination of big and small prints at the appropriate portion, with the right amount of ruche and tucks. Throw in some ingenious construction which gives you the right support where you need. Everyone would think you are a natural.

11.6.10

Cheongsam Dress Style for Pear-Shape—Part 2

How to choose a designer cheongsam for your body type is one of the most common inquiries we get receive in email. Following last week's Cheongsam Dress Style for Pear-Shape—Part 1 in which we talked about a common tactic of Hide & Conceal, we continue to explore a second method of choosing a Qipao, a Cheongsam or any tight fitting dress styles.

Cheongsam Styles for Pear-Shape

Distract & Balance

Many petite, especially Asian ladies are challenged by the Hide & Conceal Solution. Too much fabric easily drowns the small stature, or may be inapproriate for events that calls for a dress code that is sleek and simple. In such cases, Distract & Balance is a great alternative.

Sleeves such as that in Image 3: Diamond Capsleeve Lace Cheongsam is a common tool for balance. It should however be chosen with care, inot oversized compared to your frame, paying special attention to shoulder and chest width. Sleeve style is also important. The decision to pick a Dolman, leg of mutton, bell or tulip has to be a cautious one. Overdo it, and risk looking like Tarzan.

Draw the eyes up and outwards, with an element that stands out from the rest, such as a unique lace applique shown in Image 5: Fall Cheongsam, or paneled detailing that directs the eyes to the centre and towards the collar as in Image 8.

Another way of balancing is by adding volume to the upper body. Image 6: Honey Cheongsam Dress with it's voluminous ruching easily balances the heavy lower body. Image 7: Molten Cheongsam spots an interesting twist front design over a translucent layer of lace, drawing the eyes upwards. We guarantee no one will ever pay attention to what comes below.

Enough for now, let us tell you more about the last cheongsam solution to the pear-shape in the next article.



 

4.6.10

Cheongsam Dress Style for Pear-Shape—Part 1

Cheongsam is like fashion bungee. For the niche, and the daring. The cheongsam, or qipao's reputation as the extremely tight fit, suffocating, and only for the perfect bodies has set back many interested ladies. Tired of the same " I'm too fat", I'm not perfect." Seriously, there is no such thing as perfection. Therefore we are here to dispel the misconception with a series of suggestions for the different real body-types.

Cheongsam Styles for Pear-Shape or Other Bottom-Heavy Types

Cheongsam Styles for Pear-Shape

There are actually 2 different ways to choose the right Cheongsam dress style for the pear-shaped or bottom-heavy body types.

First, let us introduce the most common solution most of the trouble ladies already know by instinct.

Hide & Conceal

The first reaction we have to things we dislike is to hide it or run away from it. We treat our body no differently from these other generic things. Hiding & Concealing the bottom-heavy shape we have is the most common solution. We imagine that when we don't see the contours of our bodies, they in fact, do not exist. This solution calls for careful execution or may end up looking like the Ku Klux Klan, or an over-sized umbrella.


The use of soft fabric with a good drape is essential. It is important to ensure it does not fall too close to the lower-body (image 1). Detailing at the hemline well below the hips such as asymmetry and ruffles is also helpful (image 2). Prints carefully selected (image 3:cheongsam for summer days) in different scale, colour and density also visually minimizes.

Last but often forgotten is the length of the cheongsam dress. Where the hemline ends plays a significant role in the observer's perspective. Take into consideration the wearer's height and size, event formality & personality and you will be able to pick the best cheongsam style whatever body-shape you are.

11.4.09

FAQ | The Skinny on The So-Called Cheongsam Figure

12 woman body types

One of the most frequently asked questions is regarding body type.

Can I wear a cheongsam? Are my hips too wide? Am I too fat?


Have you ever look up style guide that teaches you to dress for your body type only end up frustrated at categorizing yourself as either 1 of 2 fruits ( apple or pear ), gender reversal ( boy ), or a time-keeper ( hourglass ).



These over generalized categories really do nothing but to deflate self esteem.



We have therefore put together a list of suggestion of cheongsam style for 12 different body types borrowed from Trinny & Susannah of BBC's What Not To Wear. To simplify things, we have divided the dozen types into 4 self explanatory sub groups as follows:



Bottom Heavy Types

Middle Heavy Types

Top Heavy Types

The Hourglass Variation Types

Click on your type to find out more. pictorial Cheongsam suggestions coming soon

6.4.09

FAQ | The Skinny on The So-Called Cheongsam Figure | The Hourglass Variation Types

3 Hourglass Types
Hourglass types

  • Hourglass
    Big bust, short waist, big bottom.
    Tight body hugging cheongsam is your best friend. Choose a cheongsam with sharp tailoring to balance your curves.


  • Vase
    Elongated hourglass. Big bust, tummy, flat bottom.
    As with ourglass, go for body-hugging styles, but with more give at the hips for the look of a fuller bum.


  • Cello
    Hourglass stretched horizontally. Big bone. Usually big built.
    Avoid short sleeve cheongsams, instead choose halter type with less coverage on top. A bit of body-con applique with also save the day.

5.4.09

FAQ | The Skinny On The So-Called Cheongsam Figure | Bottom Heavy

3 Bottom Heavy Types


bottom heavy

  • Skittle
    Slim upper half, average bottomm, big thighs
    Really less of a problem than you may worry, but we advise choose a cheongsam with lower slits to cover those thighs

  • Pear
    Slim upper half, big bottom, big thighs & calves
    accentuate the asserts with a body hugging top half, or empire waist. Or balance the lower half with puffed sleeve, structured, long cheongsam

  • Bell
    Tummy, wide hips, big bottom
    Pick a cheongsam with detailing on the upper half to divert attention. Balance with sleeve designs. Fabric is the real tough choice here, something not too soft or hard. Ask the us for advice.


image via mail.co.uk

4.4.09

FAQ | The Skinny on The So-Called Cheongsam Figure | Mid Heavy Types

3 Middle Heavy Types

middle heavy types

  • Apple
    Narrow shoulder, thick waist, round.
    A cheongsam with soft fabric and non-hugging should glide over the thick waist. Should you use some help of a body shaper or corset, instead pick a stiffer fabric that holds the shape well, with addition help of body-con prints or colour blocking.

  • Column
    Undefined waist, tummy.
    Little did you know you are suited to high collars, and tapered hemline. These elements of a cheongsam accentuates your height. With the additional help of a belted or flare design, only you know where your problem area lies.

  • Brick

  • Broad shoulders, undefined waist, flat bottom, masculine figure.
    This is admittedly a challenging type for any apparel. But having been in business for years, we have come across every type, and nothing is impossible. A cheongsam that will look good in the air will look good on you too. Structured, with innovative seam construction, body con colour blocking, strategic cut-outs, and meticulously calculated proportions, and shading, and disguises... and... should do the trick.

FAQ | The Skinny On The So-Called Cheongsam Figure | Top Heavy

3 Top Heavy Types


top heavy body types


  • Cornet
    Broad shoulders, undefined waist
    We suggest choosing a body-con, applique or seam construction halter cheongsam

  • Lollipop
    Narrow shoulders, long limbs, full bust
    Straighten those shoulders withcap/ puffed sleeve, and balance the top with a wider hem cheongsam

  • Goblet
    Broad shoulders, long limbs, full bust
    Cut down the visual prominence of the upper half with a bareback halter cheongsam. Or try a either a 2 piece or a visually divided cheongsam

image via mail.co.uk

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