Every woman knows that you can't show up in just anything for the opening night of the Sex And The City Movie.  So with only two days left before the evening dubbed, the official National Girls Night Out, I have some last minute suggestions to look your best. 

Nordstrom has now made it that much easier for shoppers to find a dress in own silhouette.  You can now search dresses by five different body types!  Now if only all designers would adopt Cricket Lee's Fit Logic, we would be all set.

Let's start with Pear...

(Please note that some selections come in petite as well. Click on image for shopping details.)

APPLE

Hourglass

And take a look at these babies!  These look like the same shoes that SJP wore on Oprah and Diane von Furstenberg wore for the Met Superhero Gala.  As my friend at Fashion Nation says, Shoe Fairy I need a visit!

(Click on image for shopping information.)

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When considering ones figure, if you want to draw attention away from a particular area, it's helpful to bring the focus elsewhere.  This could mean a fantastic necklace to draw the eye up or a geometric pattern enhancing the waistline.  

If you are dealing with a thicker waistline, it may go without saying, but you shouldn't opt for a patterned belt that will draw attention to your middle.  An alternative this season, is a flowing top that has an empire waistline such as this blouse from Anthropologie.

(click on images for shopping information)

This polka dot blouse is also another option that will hide your midsection leaving your admirers none-the-wiser to your secret.

I also like the effect of a jacket to add structure to your figure like this light blue example from J. Jill below, (I also like the sleeves pushed up). 

Furthermore, I thought this floral blouse would look nice underneath the jacket.  The V neckline will aid in drawing the eye down from a large bust (a common trait for Apple shapes) and the empire waist again accentuates the smallest part of your torso to make you look thinner.

Now on to dresses.  This first example from ABS, while I'm not especially enamored by the colors, (or the strange look on the model's face), I really like the geometric shapes.  The large gray swath that comes down the middle, makes the torso look smaller and the successive pattern following, makes the waist appear narrow.

Oh how I love this Diane von Furstenberg dress!  The twist neckline creating a downward drape over the abdominal area is ideal for an Apple shape.  Also note that the model is wearing a pair of neutral shoes.  A bright color like that, doesn't need any further distraction.  This is also a great way to add length to those gams.

Frankly, I think I could write about dresses all day.  I found numerous examples for this post, but am trying to edit my enthusiasm.

Here is a beautiful example of the long hemline and floral trend that was seen on the runway last Fall for Spring 2008.  This dress is by Malene Briger and is described as a "Patio Dress".  Oh how nice it would be to have something like this to entertain in during a warm summer evening!

Be aware though, if you have a large bust, the large beading will only make it look bigger.  If that's the case, give this one a pass. 

Also if you are a petite Apple shape, the large print on this dress would be overwhelming, look for a dress with a smaller print.

Judi, I hope this addresses your question and aids you on your next shopping trip.  If you have any other shapes or updates to previous Fashion Lessons, please leave me a comment and let me know. 

Next week, I will answer Stacy's request to address a petite, tubular (straight) shape for summer and swimwear.

Have a great weekend!

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Sara's Thoughts on Apples and Pears 
When you wake up in the morning, no matter what you are planning to do for the day, the most important thing is to feel good about yourself! Whether you are heading to work or planning a new exercise routine, it is important to understand your body and feel good about it in order to attain a healthier you. As mentioned several times in this blog, determining your body shape (apple or pear) can help you determine best exercises and clothes to wear to make you feel great! To determine your shape see the “Apple or Pear” post from November 2007. While it is important to exercise your whole body consistently, there are specific exercises you can concentrate on to work those “problem areas.” Check out these websites for exercises for apple and pear shapes.

Exercises for Apple Shapes:
Ab Crunch
Reverse Crunch
http://www.flat-stomach-exercises.com/ab-crunches.html
Elbow to Knee Side Crunches
http://exercise.about.com/cs/abs/l/bloblique.html

Exercises for Pear Shapes:
Lunges
Squats
Sumo-wrestler squats
Leg Circles

For everyone, it is important to have a strong core:
http://www.flat-stomach-exercises.com/pilates-exercise.html

Later this week, we will talk about clothing for your apple or pear shape.