If we all had perfect bodies, getting dressed everyday would be simple. Almost all of us have a body part that needs a little wardrobe styling magic. One of our readers wants to know the best way to conceal a tummy, so that people stop asking her if she is pregnant (a question no one wants to hear). This is surprisingly easy to do.

First, we will start with what not to wear. I suggest staying away from tight fitting tops. These will just accentuate your mid-section. Look for tops that float away from your body and are loose fitting at the bottom. Here are two tops that are a good example of this. The Tuxedo Tee by Kersh has some pleating in the front to conceal the tummy but won’t be so full looking that people will think you have on a maternity top. Also, this Chemise Tree Branch Blouse by XCVI is loose fitting and would work well. 

Another great way to conceal a tummy is wearing a jacket. The jacket will create a waist for you and pull the focus off of your mid-section. Go for something a bit more structured like the Brooklyn Jacket from XCVI.

Last, dresses are a great way to hide your belly. You will want to find a dress with an empire waist. Keep in  mind you want the dress to fit your body (not be too full) but have a seam under the bust. This Majestic Cotton/Cashmere V-Neck Dress is a great example. The body is fitted but thanks to the empire seam, it will conceal your tummy.

Hope this helps keeping you looking good and feeling good too!

Having just returned from the Spring fashion  markets, I have a lot to report on in terms of trends. However, my personal favorite trend is that Eco-Friendly and Green Fashion is tres chic! We saw a tremendous growth in the number of new lines available with stylish garments that were green. Not only were they green, they were truly adorable.

For those of you who are unaware of why it is important to embrace Eco-Friendly fashion, here are a few facts.

Growing of non-organic cotton is a toxic nightmare. Over one quarter of all the pesticides used in modern agriculture are applied to the modern cotton plant. So while it maybe comfortable, it’s an environmental nightmare.

These pesticides used contain some of the most dangerous compounds known to man, including cyanide. Of the nine major pesticides used on cotton five are proven cancer-causing chemicals and all nine are classified by the EPA as type 1 and 2 - the most dangerous listing possible.

Artfulwears will be presenting you Sworn Virgins next week. Sworn Virgins is a gorgeous, contemporary clothing line made from Bamboo. It’s eco-friendly and reasonably priced.

XCVI’s featured fabric this fall is their illustrious stretch baby corduroy. Forget the corduroy you had as a kid that was hot and stiff. This fabric is breathable, soft, and great to wear.

My favorite piece from this collection is the Waterfall Skirt. It love the a-line cut, the drawstring knit waist, and the subtle pin tuck details.

An Artfulwears.com Blog reader is headed to New York City in October and would like to know what to wear.

Since the weather in the Fall fluctuates greatly, I would suggest layers. I would do a tank, a long sleeve top, and a lightweight jacket on top. It’s still warm enough that you don’t need sweaters or heavy coats, just a few layers. If you have a cute and funky jacket, you can easily pair it with a few different tops to keep your luggage to a minimum. (Hint: Thin warmer fabrics like cotton/cashmere tees are great for travel.) On the bottom, jeans are always easy but if you want to get a little more funky go for a great skirt or a light weight pair of XCVI corduroy pants. 

Here are few great items I love to layer for Fall.

First is the Majestic Wrap Top and Long Tank. This makes layering a no brainer.

The XCVI Corduroy Side Tier Palazzo Pants are great for traveling. They are soft, comfortable, and breathable.

The XCVI Braid & Belt Jacket is a great light weight item. You can layer it over a tee or tank and still put a coat over it for cooler days.

XCVI’s Fall 2008 collection has arrived at Artfulwears.com. Some of your favorite styles like the Double Shirred Panel Skirt, Scrunch Leg Pants, and the Side Tier Palazzo Pants are all available in corduroy. We also have some great jackets, tops, pants, coats, and more. Check back tomorrow for featured items for the new collection.

Great news! We are interested in what you want to read about on the Artfulwears.com Blog. If you email us your fashion questions and we blog about them, we will give you a 15% discount on your next order. These questions can be about trends, styles, accessories, or an item we sell. We would love to hear what you have to say and what you want to learn about. Email us: Artfulwears Blog

This should be a no brainer but bare midriff clothing is not an option for anywhere other than the beach. Teenagers may be able to get away with it but as a general rule, you should opt for shirts that a least reach your waist.

Chan Luu is well known for creating an “it” item and this season will be no exception. The Infinity Loop Scarf is her “it’ thing of the season. Artfulwears shoppers have already started indulging in this great piece. You can wear it as a scarf, shrug, or wrap. We have a shown a few of the ways to wear it but we assure you there are many more. It’s made of a 100% viscose which is luxuriously soft and eco-friendly. The hardest decision to make is what color to get!

Over the last several years, I have come to realize that many adult women do not understand or recognize the different between junior and adult sizes. So I would like to shed some light on this subject.

First, odd number sizing is always junior. I.E. 3,5,7,9 etc. Even number sizing is adult. I.E. 2,4,6,8 etc. What is the difference you ask? The most important difference you need to understand is that junior sized clothing is cut for teenagers. Most teenagers are more compact and don’t have hips yet. The proportions are different. As a general rule, after 20 you should not be wearing junior clothing. It looks too young and if you wear it actually will age you. In addition to that, it’s not cut to the right proportions.

Within adult sizes you have clothes that are a contemporary or a missy cut. The contemporary clothing is cut a little slimmer and is generally geared at women  20-45 but there is some flexibility here.  Missy clothing is cut slighly fuller and is appropriate for women of all ages.

Ok, I have been babbling on lately about new products. However, it’s that time of year where FANTASTIC new arrivals are on my brain. The Further On Cafe Dress by Butterfly Dropout is simply to awesome not to mention it. I kept one for myself and wore it the day it arrived!

Do we really even need words to tell you how GREAT this dress is? I think this dress speaks for itself. Our Butterfly Dropout dresses have been very popular and this one is truly HOT. We love the muted animal print and the body slimming silhouette. It has lots of burnout detail in the fabric and a graphic on the upper-back as well. It truly is a work of art. It’s a great transitional piece. As the weather cools down, throw a cropped cardigan or denim jacet it over it and put on some boots and you will be ready to go!