Sharon Haver- style expert, online business success strategist for women entrepreneurs, fashion stylist, founder & editor in chief of FocusOnStyle.com

Dress For Your Body Type: What is a flattering fit for large arms

Let's help this reader discover tops that flatter fuller arms I have large upper arms and would like to know what kind, type, and style of shirt or blouse to wear that is flattering or draws the eye away from my full arms. With warm weather coming, I can't hide under sweaters anymore. I am 43, and not really overweight, small chested, but my arms are big. Thanks. (Colorado Springs, CO) >> DON'T MISS: Dress for Your Body Type Flattering Fit Fashion & Style Guide Guns vs girth, the upper arm dilemma! Whether your arms are large from bursting muscles, a little extra weight, not perfectly toned, or simply your basic body type finding the right style tops to flatter

Retail Remedy: Topshop New York, An Inside Look at the newest cheap chic store in town

The fanfare, the fun, the frivolity, the fascination… I've finally had both the courage and time to make an inside trip to the brand-spanking new Topshop in New York to see what the greatest retail fuss in a long time is all about. It's been quite a while since I paid a visit to Topshop in London but do keep a media eye on its cutting edge trends, accessible pricing, and standing as a go-to Mecca for must-have cheap chic budget fashion. Topshop is nestled in the part of SoHo's lower Broadway that is sprinkled with major retail outposts to get the look for less like my favorites of Zara, Uniglo (picked up a Jean-Michel Basquiat T-shirt), H&M, Mango (the

The Haute Hippie- fashion lets the sunshine in…

Fringe, beads, and a whole lotta love The Haute Hippie - Fashion lets the sunshine in... Fringe, beads, and a whole lotta love We went to see the "American Tribal Love-Rock Musical" Hair on Broadway the other day and I have to say that the production is still wonderfully moving and that the costumes are right on the fashion money for one of Spring's top trends: The Haute Hippie. [img5188|right]Back in its day, there was the Rich Hippie look, which is what evolved into today's modern BoHo inspiration. Yes, we understand the political references to the counter-culture Hippie movement in its time, so no militant e-mails please like the ones we get about grunge— it's fashion here, not politics! Yes,

Slingback pumps and pantyhose… Is hosiery a dated don’t or fashion do?

Slingback pumps and pantyhose- fashion don't or style do? Is it okay to wear slingback shoes when wearing stockings? (via gMail) Tinted sheer pantyhose from subtle tints to rich jet, light textures, or patterned tights is very much on the radar. As spring styles lean towards fuller 1950's skirts, drapey Grecian silhouettes, and a broader shoulder, the leg tends to call for more substance than a bare leg and modern pantyhose is in order. However, your hosiery must be shown off to look right! When it comes to pantyhose, you need to think in extremes: Chiffon sheer in a subtle tint or rich jet to the ultimate vivid opaque or textured tights. The bolder your hose, the more you

Beards and greasy hair are taking over the downtown scene… Just last night while having dinner in SoHo, I counted seven men in deliberate need of a trim and, perhaps, a bottle of shampoo. The Hairy Hipster-cum-Geek-cum-Poet-cum-Anarchist look is on a fast rise from Williamsburg to NoLita to clear out of downtown New York. I admittedly have a cringe thing for extraneous ungroomed hair in any area, but come on guys, can you at least not look like you joined the army of the great unwashed??? How about an occasional beard trim to tidy up the edges, some hair wax to make your hair look piecey but not filthy, and a perfectly worn T-shirt– without the stains?? Huh, just asking.

Studded fashion trend, grommets on the side…

It's stud puppy madness! Studded fashion trend, grommets on the side | Stud puppy madness! Who doesn't need a fling with a gleaming stud, or two, or three who shows off your wild side? Sit back ladies. It's not about the boys, it's about the studded fashion. The stud fashion trend has been loitering for a couple of seasons but studded clothing, bags, shoes, and accessories are full on fabulous for spring. And in their little edgy way, have obtained cool classic status rather than its fast fad fringe cousin. When you need a little metal action to toughen up some strong shoulders, leather jacket, vivid neons, shredded denim, drapey tunics, or silky tanks, look no further than a pair

Michael Jackson Auction: Thrilled!

The King of Pop up close, personal, and for sale… It is hard pressed to argue the creative genius of Michael Jackson. No doubt that he is rather Off the Wall. However, what is patterned Bad is what keeps us fascinated with the living legend himself and in want of more old school MTV. Michael Jackson’s showmanship and iconic performance costumes have created a lasting impression that through the years have proved to be both artistically and musically timeless. His personal life aside, the man is an amazing talent. Fast-forward two and a half decades later– my gosh it doesn't seem that long– and those MJ red military jackets have continued to loiter as a trendy fashion statement since last

Sassy Casual, what in the world does that mean? I've been invited to a wedding and the dress code is "sassy casual." The 5:00PM wedding takes place in a fancy hotel in Southern California in October. The invitation says that no children are allowed. What in the world do I wear? Got me! It sounds like the party planners are trying their darndest to out cute themselves with some convoluted and hokey wedding dress code that needs a bit of decoding. The effort may be for some good ‘ol fun but the wording sounds truly confusing to me.When in doubt about what to wear to a wedding-- and not feel like a fish out of water-- it is always best

Duplicate the “Duplicity” look for your guy… When gorgeous meets gorgeous, of course the of the results are stunning! The collaboration between Giorgio Armani and costume designer Albert Wolsky for Clive Owen’s character in the new film “Duplicity,” which opens in theaters today features some very incredible men’s fashion. Owen’s character makes his way through the corporate world in Giorgio Armani's Made-to-Measure suiting. The hallmarks of this sleek, dashing, and luxurious style are what you– and your guy– can take note to echo the corporate chic and oh-so-powerful look. The luxury of being dressed by Giorgio Armani may be out-of-reach to many, but the elements of perfected corporate style can be included in any man’s wardrobe. Pencils up! Take note

Dog Walking Jacket does everything but wag the dog…

Dressing for the dogs meets style and function Dog Walking Jacket does everything but wag the dog...Dressing for the dogs meets style and function from Let's Go Design I know, a dog walking jacket does sound kooky! But if you are a pet owner who is into dog walks that consist of more than a once around the block quickie, take note... Typically, walking Fido involves grabbing the first item of clothing staring back at you from atop the chair, a pair of dark glasses to cover those unmade eyes, and a jacket with pockets big enough to hold some pooper bags. Rush out, 1-2-3, do the dirty deed, and be glad that the paparazzi could care less about your

Top 3 Outerwear Essentials to Transition into Spring…

Timeless Chic Outerwear Picks The Top 3 Wardrobe Essentials to Transition to Spring with looks from Burberry, worn by Liv Taylor Timeless Chic Outerwear Picks with looks from Burberry, worn by Liv Taylor, Misha Barton, Gwyneth Paltrow Dear Sharon:It's that time of year again when my winter coat is too warm and I still need to wear something to cover up to transition into spring and bring back for fall. My problem is that I really need to buy a new spring coat or jacket but I'm hesitant to spend a lot of money right now on a style that I may be tired of come fall. Since spring is such a short season I usually buy a trendy, throwaway

Burberry Prorsum- Womenswear

BURBERRY PRORSUM WOMENSWEAR Fashion Show Photos / Runway Collection Fall Winter / 2009 - 2010Milan Fashion Week collection notes from the designer... "Modern nostalgia – Great British icons… The Burberry trench coat, vintage Burberry check, tweeds,tartans, fair isles and tapestries, florals and barbs. Kilts and pinstripesCharleston, Vanessa Bell, Virginia Woolf and Elizabeth, Countess of Devon Uniting the past and the present using Burberry iconography with a collection that reflects our strengths, softness and contradictions." --Christopher Bailey Click on each picture for an enlarged view. as presented today at 5pm (Milan time) SILHOUETTESOversized and tapered, blanket trench, full skirted coats, great coat, collarless fur cape, frock coat, double breasted Chesterfield, kilt coat, bib front shirt dress, pleat front shirt dress, panelled

What type of jacket to wear to a formal dinner?

What type of jacket to wear to a formal dinner? How to dress down a cocktail dress Dressing down a cocktail dress... I bought a purple halter cocktail dress, pictured here, to wear to a formal dinner. I'd like to wear a jacket with it, but not sure what style of jacket or shape would work well with my fitted, knee-length satin dress. (Riyadh, Saudi Arabia) Your dress has a beautiful fitted hourglass line with an extremely flattering halter neckline. When you want to dress down a fitted dress either to have it look more business-like, conservative, or formal cocktail appropriate, you need to consider a layer that enhances the line of the dress. A shorter jacket with a fitted

PERSONALITY BRAND KICKSTART: Become An Authentic Superstar...

Sharon Haver