Greer's OC

Fashion

Wear to Where: Suit Your Shape

06.22.11

Bathing suit shopping doesn’t need to be summers most dreaded ritual. Every year around this time I get questions from women that are reluctant to take the plunge. These questions range from, “How do I pick the right bottoms for my boyish figure?” to “What top works best for a busty gal?” This year I decided to break down a cheat sheet that will help you suit your shape.

Pear…Pick a suit with some lift, to give you a little more oomph and curve to your shape. Your best bet on top is a push-up bra to give your breasts maximum support. Since most pear shapes have a slightly larger bottom than top, buy your bikini bottom one size larger than you would your top. The beauty of separates is that you can mix and match.

Rectangle…If you find you have larger breasts than the average beach bunny, splurge and buy a supportive top with full coverage. This will give you control over your top and a healthy shape. For total control, I recommend Miracle Suit; they have girdle-like boning in the sides and stomach that helps make women look slim and firm. It's supposed to make you look 10 pounds lighter... Yes, please!

Boy-Shaped...Choose a high-waisted bikini bottom, one with lift for your rear. I am a fan of Spanx Full Coverage Bikini Bottom (yes, they make bathing suits). This style accentuates your waist and makes your long, lean body look curvier. The beauty of this shape is that you can pull off a one or two piece suit. One-pieces will make your body look even leaner while a two-piece will bring out the curves.

Hourglass…If you have an hourglass shape, your waist is typically much smaller than your bust or hips. Pick a suit that will accentuate your waist and flatter your other assets. If you are a taller hourglass, then boy shorts or a high-cut bottom will bring definition to your legs. Match it with a bandeau top or one with an under wire for support.

Petite...For smaller, petite figures opt for a string bikini that tie on the hips. This will bring attention to your curves, especially if you are a petite boy-shape. Halter tops are best for those with a smaller breast size, as they will push up and support your chest. To give yourself the illusion of added curves, buy a bottom with a floral print or one with ruffles.

Leslie Christen writes "Wear to Where" for pacific-creative.digital each week. She is the owner of Leslie Christen | LifeStyling a business that does personal shopping, fashion styling, closet edits and organization. For tips on What to Wear and Where to Buy view her website at www.LeslieChristen.com and contact her at Style@LeslieChristen.com.

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Dining

Leatherbys for Broadway Musicals!

06.22.11

By Sheryll Alexander

Leatherby’s Café Rouge, which is a Patina Group restaurant inside OC’s famed Henry and Renée Segerstrom Concert Hall, has announced a series of three pre-theatre, themed, prix fixe menus for the Broadway-caliber Mama Mia!, Mary Poppins and West Side Story musical performances.

We recommend Leatherby’s for dinner-and-a-performance because the scene is spectacular with the restaurant’s floor-to-ceiling clear and undulating walls and modern minimalist décor. Chef Ross Pangilinan’s modern American cuisine with international influences is just as pretty on the plate as it is delicious (and seasonal and organic!).

Beginning with the opening of Mamma Mia! (June 21-26), diners can choose from a three-course menu for $39 for adults (free for children!) or $54 for adults with wine pairing (excluding tax and gratuity). Highlights of the Mamma Mia-inspired Mediterranean menu include the “Dancing Queen” with romaine hearts, cucumber, tomato, feta, olive, bell pepper, and red onion in a lemon oregano dressing; the “Chick-ita,” a lemon-oregano organic chicken breast with crispy falafel and grilled farmers’ market vegetables; and the “Abba” – Zaba, a peanut butter sponge topped with vanilla panna cotta, peanut butter ice cream and crispy meringue.

For guests enjoying a meal before Mary Poppins (July 14-Aug. 7) Chef Pangilinan’s British-influenced dishes include “The Perfect Nanny,” an asparagus soup with poached crispy egg; the “Chim chim cher-ee,” a certified Angus beef sirloin steak with smoked salt, Yorkshire pudding, bubble and squeak and au jus; and “A Spoonful of Sugar” mini dessert tasting.

From Sept. 6-18, West Side Story’s Latin-themed menu items include the “Maria,” poached tiger shrimp with avocado and a spicy mango jam; “The Sharks,” grilled shark with mojo isleno, crispy plantains and a corn sofrito; and “Cool,” dulce de leche and a roasted pineapple empanada.

Segerstrom Center