How-To: The Sneaky Way to Whittle Your Waistline

Whether you're a curvy woman or a woman who wishes she had more curves, you will love me for this small trick that will make a big difference in your shape.

Take a look at this picture of Kate Winslet on the red carpet at the Venice Film Festival...

When I first saw this picture of Kate in that Stella McCartney number, I thought, "No way! Her waist is TEENY tiny! That has to be Photoshopped..." Alas, it is not! Take another look. Kate has a bod men drool over and women envy anyway, but her secret's in the fabric. Thanks to strategic placement of colorblock panels, every curve is highlighted in the best way. It's one of the oldest tricks for stylists - using dark panels on the sides creates the illusion of the perfect hourglass figure. It's along the same lines as using a belt to cinch your waist, but it's not quite as obvious and can work in a more formal setting. And this girl is all for getting a bod like Kate's without stressing myself at the gym!

Check out some of these colorblock options to get the same effect for less, including one that's just like Kate's for only $78!

Cinch your waist with side panels by fashionistaerin featuring a reversible dress

Will you be using this sneaky waist-cinching trick? What are your favorite ways to cinch your waist?

The Normal Girl's Guide to Color Blocking

Color blocking with hot hues is all over the runways these days, and it looks like it's here to stay until spring 2012. Not to mention it's the hottest fall trend you can participate in right now.

I know what you may be thinking, "But how can a normal girl wear that trend?" Let me tell you, it's easier than you think!

Color blocking is really about mixing up your brights. You can mix two different brights, like red and fuchsia. You can mix bright in with dark, maybe with an electric blue maxi skirt. Or you mix your brights with white for an unexpected fall pairing. Whichever remix you want to try, all you have to do is follow these easy tips.

1. If you're going to mix two different brilliant hues,  try colors in the same family or unusual compliments. Think red and fuchsia, orange and purple, or head-to-toe blues. If you're pairing complimentary colors, don't go overboard. We all know red and green go together, but you don't want to look like an out-of-season watermelon or an early Christmas tree. Try this color block inspiration from Sarah Jessica Parker.


Color Block Look from Express



 

 2. If you're a little afraid to jump right into color blocking, try one hot-hued piece with a neutral you already own.



ASOS Midi Skirt with Pleats, $73.18

3. Make a clean, chic statement with your flashy pigments by adding white. I love white during the cold months, it feels so winter-wonderland! White is graceful no matter what season we're in, and it makes your brilliant shades shine even brighter.

ASOS Jet Pocket Slim Cropped Trousers, $36.59

What do you think of the fall color blocking trend? Will you be color blocking this season?