Leslie Christen Can Help You Suit Your Shape!

Yes ladies, bathing suit season is upon us! So, as we venture out onto those beautiful Orange County beaches, it's important to know your shape, but it's more important to know what swimwear is best suited for it. By following these simple style tips, you'll gain the confidence needed to look your best while strutting along the shore or working on your tan.

Hourglass Shape: If you have an hourglass shape, your waist is typically much smaller than your bust or hips. Pick a suit that will accentuate your waist and flatter your other assets. If you are a taller hourglass, a high-cut bottom or boy shorts will bring definition to your legs. As for the top, choose one with an under wire or a bandeau top.

                         

       [Rosa Cha]                  [Zimmermann] 

Perfectly Petite: For smaller, petite figures, opt for a string bikini that ties on the hips. This will bring attention to your curves, especially if you're a petite boy-shape. Halter tops are best for those with a smaller breast size, as they will push up and support your chest. To give you the illusion of added curves, buy a bottom with a floral print or one with ruffles. 

[Phillip Lim]                    [Annie Greenabelle]

The Luscious Pear: Since most pear shapes have a slightly larger bottom than top, buy your bikini bottom one size larger than you would your top. The beauty of separates is that you can mix and match, changing up your options. I recommend you pick a suit with some lift, to give you a little more oomph and curve to your shape. Your best bet on top is a push-up bra to give your breasts maximum support. 

          [Juicy Couture]                  [Tomas Maier Claudie]

Rectangle-Shape: If you find you have larger breasts than the average beach bunny, splurge and buy a supportive top with full coverage. This will give you control over your top and a healthy shape. For total control, I recommend a suit with a girdle-like boning in the sides and stomach to help you look slim and firm. They're actually supposed to make you look 10 pounds lighter - yes, please!

[Thorn]  



[Roxy]

Boy-Shape: Choose a high waisted bikini bottom, one with lift for your rear. This style accentuates your waist and makes your long, lean body look curvier. The beauty of this shape is that you can pull off a one-piece suit as well as a two-piece suit. One-pieces will make your body look even leaner, while a two-piece will bring out your curves. 

[Corsica]   

 [Lulu Frill]

Happy swimming!

-Leslie

(check out Leslie Christen's lovely lifestyle blog or contact her at Style@LeslieChristen.com)

Leslie Christen's Guide to Proper Wedding Attire

Let’s face it; June to September is wedding season! So, as a Personal Shopper, it's no surprise that I get asked about proper wedding attire etiquette every year around this time. As we all start receiving our Invitations and Save the Dates in the mail, we instantly think of two things. First, 'Who's going to be there?', and second, 'What am I going to wear?' But don't fret; this year will be a cinch by following a few simple rules.

From left to right:

Outfit 1) Leola Maxi Dress: allsaints.com, Kenneth Jay Lane Octopus Cuff Bracelet: bagborroworsteal.com, and Katya Dark Silver Sandal: barneys.com 

2) Lanvin Dress: colette.fr, Sunray Earings: barneys.com, Elie Tahari Kimberly Clutch in Gold: zappos.com, Bionda Castana Studded Cassie Gladiator Sandal: brownsfashion.com 

3) Alexander Mcqueen Preying Mantis Print Bustier Dress: brownsfashion.com, Susan Caplan Gold Vintage Necklace: matchesfashion.com, Yves Saint Laurent Arty Aventurine Ring: net-a-porter.com, High Heel Peep toe Boot: mrsh.se

4) RM by Roland Mouret Copia Long Dress: brownsfashion.com, Slender Curve fine crystal-embellished Clutch: net-a-porter.com, Margi Diams 120 Sandals: net-a-porter.com   

  
[Daytime, Evening, Black-Tie Optional and Formal]

Daytime Wedding - It could be on the beach, in a backyard garden or city hall. The main thing you want to remember about this kind of wedding is that the sun will be out (hopefully, for the Bride's sake) and it could be hot. This is not the time to wear black, instead wear something flowy and colorful, long or short. And since most daytime weddings have grass or sand in the equation; I suggest you wear flats or wedges.

Evening Wedding - This is the time to break out your best cocktail dress and statement shoes. There will probably be a lot of dancing so be prepared for your feet to hurt the next day. The idea here is to stay short and flirty but not too sexy. Remember this is not your day, so you shouldn't stand out too much. 

Black Tie Optional Wedding - This is a fun wedding to dress up for, but most confusing when you get the invite. Black Tie Optional means semi-formal. For men a tuxedo or dinner jacket may be worn, but it is not required. Proper dressy attire, like a suit, is necessary. As for the ladies, a short or long dress is appropriate, which leaves your options wide open, just don't go casual!

Formal Wedding - Think red carpet, (what would Sandra Bullock or Cameron Diaz wear?) kind of glamour when dressing for a formal wedding. The dress must be long and fabulous and your accessories should look like they broke the bank. The Bride and Groom didn't skimp on any details for their big day, and neither should you.

So, when you're deciding on what to wear, remember wearing the proper attire is not only crucial but it shows good etiquette. If you still need help on getting the right dress, visit my website LeslieChristen.com or call (310) 866-1026.

Laguna Supply in Laguna Beach

Over this past weekend I had the pleasure of spending the afternoon with the Dana Marron, co-owner of one of most well-stocked boutiques in Orange County, Laguna Supply in Laguna Beach. I visit my favorite boutiques often so that I can stay current about “who is carrying what?” in a particular season, which helps me when shopping for clients. But on this day my mission was specific: find the best beach gear in town. Obviously I could just go to the local surf store down the street and find a stock bathing suit and beach cover-up, but most of my clients demand the unusual and hard to find items. Laguna Supply is, well . . . supplied perfectly.

Searching through their racks, I had one thought in mind: “it all has to go well with sand and water.” So, as I looked high and low some of the gems I came upon were: Pool and Laura Urbanati swimwear, beautifully constructed bags by Epice (a perfect place to carry around your towel, sunscreen, and maybe a trashy novel). Laguna Supply is also well-stocked in LemLem caftans and scarves, which are produced by Super Model Liya Kibede. Proceeds of this brand contribute directly towards the livelihood of the Ethiopian women who handcraft them; shopping for a cause never felt or looked better. Next I came across Tretorn, which brought me back to when I was a young girl running down to the beach in their memorable shoes. Finally, I scanned the room to check out what the mannequins were wearing, because typically what is shown on a mannequin is what is loved most in a particular boutique. To my delight, I found an olive green dress by Isabel Marant, which was slightly shear, and a great transition piece that can take you from the beach to drinks on a rooftop, well worth the $298 price tag.

As my afternoon in one of my favorite boutiques came to a close, I felt more than confident that my mission was a success. For some of the best possible beachwear in Orange County visit Laguna Supply in Laguna Beach . . . now I’m off to happy hour!

Laguna Supply‎

210 Beach Street

Laguna Beach, CA 92651

(949) 497-8850‎

- Leslie Christen

(check out Leslie's lovely lifestyle blog or contact her at Style@LeslieChristen.com)