1. I know my size. From jeans to dresses to tops, I know my size in everything – including U.K. and Italian apparel. About 90% of the time, I can just rely on the little number on the tag and know that it’ll fit.

First thing first, get to know your size and accept it. We all gain weight over the years. It’s natural, common and nothing to be ashamed of. If you’ve gained weight, don’t be so hard on yourself. Love your body. Love your new size. Get to know it intimately and accept it.

Your size is established by your measurements. So find some time and privacy to measure your body and use the following link to accurately discover your size: www.womenssizechart.com.  While you’re at it, take note of your size in other countries, because some of your most favorite fashion finds will be imported from outside the U.S. – especially if you’re a fashion forward gal.

2. I know the best fashion styles for my body. Wrap or faux wrap dresses and blouses look amazing on me. (Actually, they look amazing on all figures.) I know that scoop necks and V-necks are best for me. I know that I have to be careful with pants because I have a big booty. I know my body’s best features and its challenges. And I stick with what I know.

Do you know what styles complement your frame best?

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Phillip Lim for Target, launching September 15th, has got the fashion industry all abuzz this past week. Lim, who started his 3.1 Phillip Lim label in 2005, is a favorite of editors and celebrities alike. Check out the vid above for a sneak peak into Lim’s world, and his thoughts on this collection.  The line for Target features men’s and women’s offerings, with more than 100 items and ranges in price from $19.99 to $299.99 for apparel (the most expensive being leather jackets) and $19.99 to $59.99 for accessories.  The Wall Street Journal recently wrote about the collection, comparing it to Mr. Lim’s regularly-priced line as well as previous “high-low team ups.” Want to use social media to share your thoughts on the line? Use hashtag #PhillipLimForTarget.

Rich, full grain vachetta leather and high quality materials always go into the Kork-Ease footwear collections, however fall 2013, seems to take it all to a new leather of sumptuousness. I can’t single out a pair as a sure blockbuster for fall, as all of these styles are so easy to easy to wear, and available in a well-edited color palette that provide the utmost on-trend matching abilities with your wardrobe, not to mention overall versatility for a variety of work and non-work related functions.

La Prairie’s Cellular Emulsion Matte Pore Minimizer ($225) is a miracle moisturizer that once again proves the brand to be an industry leader in the science of beauty technology. This product works to dissolve skin woes associated with large pores, redness, irritation, lines, wrinkles , and discoloration. Good for normal to oily skin, this La Prairie invention of flawless skin actually KNOWS where to scale back on the oil, and when to moisturize–genius! While moisturizing, however, the Cellular Emulsion controls shine via it’s matte finish, so that you can easily add this product into your daily hydrating and makeup routine.

I’m a bit of an oil junkie; I dump olive oil like nobody’s business on my pasta, bread, and salad at any chance I get, and naturally, use oil as a nighttime source of hydration (Olivella, Jurlique, and John Masters Organics are among my favorite offerings). The Aromatherapy Associates beauty brand has six different face oils, and I had the opportunity to recently test the Soothing Face Oil ($67); which includes natural essential oils and plant extracts such as German chamomile and primrose oil. Perfect for dry and irritated skin, only one to two drops is all that is needed for the entire face, which makes the cost of the bottle well worth it.

Besides putting oil in my food and on my face, I’ve started to transition a bit of the slick stuff to my tresses. Now that my hair is colored and quite long, I need to be more watchful of my hair drying, frizzing, split ends, and the like, so I recently tried the Nexxus Youth Renewal™ Rejuvenating Elixir, a leave-in treatment that fights the sign of aging (and damage) in hair. Did you know that as we being to show the signs of aging in our skin, so does our hair? It makes sense; not as much hair grows, our strands don’t get as plump, so the latest trend in haircare has been addressing these kind of issues (see this The Wall Street Journal article for a run-down of the hair aging and new products related to it).

Although I don’t think my hair is beginning to be effected by aging, I can tell you that in testing this product, strands felt more sealed and silken, and is light enough to apply directly to the roots, opposed to the ends, which is usually a 100% no-no when it comes to fine hair like mine!

With the latest science of beauty coupled with natural ingredients at prices that rival mass market offerings, I am in awe of the newbie brand b•leve, which seems to do it all with aplomb! So, am I a b•leve(r) now? YES I AM! The multi-benefit hair care, skincare, and body care line of products are the epitome of affordable luxury. The most expensive item in the line is $19.99 (B-Youthful Face and Eye Serum) while the body products (body wash and body lotion) are truly unisex, aka “for him” approved, in their light scents and effective formulas.

Hair care options, with three dubbed B-Colorful, B-Hydrated, and B-Voluptuous ($7.99 each) use natural ingredients such as white tea, olive extract, cactus, and kelp to create hydration, volume, and protection. Worth an honorable mention is also the brand’s beauty tools, includes a tweezers, a brow kit, body brush, eyelash curler and a B-Calm Stress Relief Neck Wrap (only $8.99), with a removable insert made of grape seed with lavender and chamomile — and it is a GODSEND!

b•leve products are available at the brand’s website as well as at fine grocers nationwide, such as my hometown Giant Eagle!

From our friends at thefind.com:

Try as I might to train myself to wear heels more often, somehow I always seem to fall back on my trusty arsenal of comfy-yet-stylish flats. And while I’m more likely to splurge on a killer pair of pumps or sexy platform sandals, the truth is, I get a lot more use out of flats… right? I guess you could consider that my way of convincing myself to bite the bullet and splurge on a pair of Charlotte Olympia’s new Horoscope Flats. Inspired by the twelve signs of the zodiac, each loafer-inspired flat boasts a shade and embellishment unique to the sign they represent. Sure, I’ve never been hugely into astrology, but I’ve been known to peruse the horoscope section of my favorite magazines… and that’s enough to convince me that these flats were destined to earn a spot on my shoe rack! Of course, Charlotte Olympia shoes don’t come cheap, so scooping up a pair of these adorable flats is a pretty big commitment. Is it weird that I’m tempted to buy a Sagittarius pair… and I’m not even a Sagittarius?!

- Alexandra Gambardella

The Hydrator (pictured above, $40) works first to treat, calm, and hydrate the skin with chamomile extract, glycerin and shea butter, then works to limit inflammation which gives the look of obviously stressed skin, but using Rosa Gallica extract to minimize the flare ups. Last, the product reinforces the skin barrier with mannose (a sugar derivative), squalane (comes from olives)  to heal, and a mix of ceramides (lipids) to protect and strengthen that aforementioned, all-important skin barrier. Use it for several weeks to see results of improvement as the visual signs of stress on your skin begin to dissipate.

Next, in lieu of a powder, foundation,  and primer, I’ve been using the Skin Tone Correcting & Beautifying BB Cream (“BB” here stands for “blemish balm;” $37, available in four shades), which takes a different approach to the category by zeroing in on skin tone correction. Uneven skin tone, including dark spots, is a concern for most people, and via a high concentration of Vitamin C and light yet buildable coverage, imperfections disappear while the true problem is chipped away at and a noticeably smooth, even, and brighter look will emerge. The BB Cream also uses glycerin, which helps retain moisture all-day long, along with the previously noted Vitamin C, natural mineral pigments, SPF of a whopping 50, and a variety of UV filters.

In a few more weeks, my wedding to-do list will diminish, and I’m banking on my skin looking radiant and fresh for the Big Day — thank you Kiehl’s for masking while repairing me!

[Schick Intuition Naturals Sensitive Care limited edition w/ enriched Vitamin E and aloe.]

So go ahead and get your legs/armpits/lady bits ready for stiletto/short skirt/bikini season with these new, updated, and limited edition products from Schick:

Schick Intuition 2013 Limited Edition Handle Designs

Tthe lather-and-shave razor that has an ergonomic handle and skin conditioners that for this season, come in Naturals Sensitive Care (green, pictured) that has enriched Vitamin E and aloe, and the Renewing Moisture with Pomegranate Extract (pink) which includes pomegranate extract and conditioners. ($9.99)

Schick Quattro for Women Trimstyle Handle Now in Pink:

The bikini trim AND razor handle has been recolored with a pink handle for summer, and if you haven’t tried it before, you’ll find all that you need in the package (AAA battery, shower hanger, razor cartridge, handle), to get your bod free of unwanted hair in a jiffy. The trimmer is waterproof, so adjust the comb to the desired length and take it in the shower with you for an effortless shave. ($10.99)

[Schick Hydro Silk refillable razor]

[Schick Hydro Silk refillable razor w/ pearlized travel cover]

Featuring water-activated moisturizing serum & 5 curve-sensing blades, you will get a precise shave with the Hydro Silk, time after time, without having to worry about cuts or scrapes occurring thanks to the built in skin guards. For me, the most exciting part is the pearlized travel cover, which easily snaps into place over the blade so you can bring it with you on vacation, to the gym, etc, and not have to worry about the exposed blade! ($9.99)

Schick Hydro Silk Disposable Razor for Women

I have recently re-embraced the convenience of a disposable razor, thanks to Schick, and learned that the razor on their disposables is the same as the refillable ones; it just comes down to your preference of wanting a refillable razor or not! The Hydro Silk Disposable Razor touts the same benefits as the refillable version, so choose whichever one suits your habits best!  ($9.99 for a 3-pack)

Now, I would say I’m about ready to shimmy into a sexy pair of Jimmy Choo pumps and strut, don’t you?

I played around with the options for customization, which were extremely user-friendly and beyond easy to navigate, akin to customizing your own pair of Nikes, Converse or New Balances, however with more streamlined options. I went with a two-toned blue/green pair (pictured above and below), which bore my signature stamp of fearless color, and literal stamp of my initials. No word on how long these take to be manufactured and arrive at your door, but nonetheless, I am smitten!

Would you personalize a pair of Vara or Varina Ferragamos?

From our friends at thefind.com:

Any bargain-loving fashionista is likely already well-versed in the many designer-for-less collaborations from the likes of Target, H&M, Uniqlo, and more… and now Kohl’s DesigNation program is proving that the superstore is a force to be reckoned with when it comes to copping designer looks for less! Derek Lam is the second designer to create a capsule collection for DesigNation, following in the footsteps of Narciso Rodriguez, and he’s channeling the spirit of Rio de Janeiro with a bright, festive spring/summer collection that’s sensual and fun but still sophisticated. Urban meets jungle in this versatile mix of trousers, shirt dresses, silky blouses, maxi skirts and more, with pieces priced from $36 to $98. The collection has already been out for a month, so unfortunately, some of the hot-ticket items are already sold out… but better late than never, right? Plus, there’s still plenty more sexy summer sundresses and fancy printed pants to go around! Shop the full collection here!

- Alexandra Gambardella

My personal style can drastically differ from day to day, but I think the elements that make my look unique yet uniform comes down to these few mantras. For me, it’s less about the actual look, and more about the execution of putting together that particular outfit that I consistently do:

 sometimes buck the trends, and just dress in silhouettes that work for my body type — I know that certain trends, like 1920s “Gatsby-era” dresses look just plain awful on me, but defined hourglass, 1940s shapes look GREAT!

having a good tailored fit, either right off the rack, or making alterations — know what brands work best for your different body parts, and stick to them or use the fit as a reference point. If something has potential and you can tell that it may need a slight alteration, take care of that before you even try to wear it! I constantly get pants hemmed (for example, the ones pictured), and tops and dresses taken up and in.

mixing in the right, high quality pieces- I’ve learned that a good bag goes along way, as does a jacket and spending more than I want on a pair of pants that fit perfectly will get 100 times more usage than a pair that just fits okay but was much less expensive.

buying inexpensive items that can be mistaken for high quality pieces – this is my favorite game to play and always feels so rewarding when you find a piece you absolutely love and didn’t break the bank on it

always wear, and carefully pair bright color -it really makes a difference, even if you always choose the same color

match your fabrications!  be mindful of the weight and texture of each item you put on, including hosiery!

take care of your stuff — no really take care of your stuff! Make sure to treat stains right away, get your heel stoppers replaced before your heels get worn away, and lovingly fold, hang and put away clothing and accessories after use and laundering.

I felt like a true New Yorker in this largely black and cream ensemble, but it also felt like genuinely me with touches of color interspersed.

Here’s what I’m wearing:

Forever 21 moto Jacket (old)

Alternative Apparel Cream Long Sleeve tee, with American Apparel mint tank underneath (both old)

NYDJ Black Pants (c/o NYDJ)

Milly Pointed T Bar Stud Trim Ballet (c/o BOOHOO)

Massimo Dutti Leather Bag (c/0 Massimo Dutti)

Oversized Green Swatch Watch (c/o Swatch)

Cherry Two Colour Chain Necklace (c/o BOOHOO)

Wayfarer Sunglasses (c/o 39DollarGlasses.com)

NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Damned (c/0 NARS)

A mannequin displaying how the garments perform in motion.

Gorgeous back details at Athleta; easy to do, thanks to their built-in bras!

New sports bra back detailing.

It's all about the details at Athleta; here, a collection of our favorites

Mannequins rocking some sport and lifestyle pieces for fall 2013.

Back pant pocket detailing found in a new print for fall.

Loving the flare on this top (plus colors),; slouchy and soft pants.

Some gorgeous, well-fitted tops from Athleta.

Choose your adventure — Athleta will always have you stylishly covered! From yoga to running, tennis to swimming and everything in between, you won’t have to worry one bit about how your clothes are functioning while you are striving to perform at your very best. Plus, with Athleta‘s sophisticated lifestyle offerings, you can seamlessly throw on a dress, sweater, or jacket to move to and from your activity looking just as amazing as you feel after completing a challenging workout.

For fall, FPD’s most loved pieces were hands down found in the variety of tops, ranging from space and tie-dye to colorblocked, gathered halters, body-consciously seamed for fit and style, along with flattering ruching to accentuate and stretch where needed.  Plus, did you know that Athleta has athletes test out their products and provide feedback before they even begin to sell the items? That’s a very important differentiator from other sport-related apparel brands, and no wonder its garments work so well!  See the slideshow above for a wide selection of Athleta’s top performing active wear and lifestyle offerings for fall.