Thread: The Science ofSexy

This is the title of a book I saw at Borders. Basically divides women into four body shapes--triangle (like a pear), inverted triangle (thats me), rectangle, and hourglass (what we all aspire to). Then guides women to further analyze their figures within those types based on height and weight. You could be petite, short, normal, tall height and body build small, average, full or plus. I am a tall full inverted triangle (broad shoulders, narrow hips, full bust).

Once you find your shape and dimensions he goes over the good, the bad, and the ugly. Shows you what to wear, what not to wear, what to always look for and what to always avoid. For me the book said to go for trumpet skirts, godets, circle and petal shaped skirt. Vee, rounded vee, and sweetheart necklines, wear tops and dresses with sleeves to minimize broad shoulders. Layers on lower body.

Costume wise these are things I try to do but not always in street clothes. I think it is time for a new wardrobe. This may be my excuse!!!

Souzan

Sounds like Trinny and Susanna have some competition. Their new book is exactly the same kind of thing.

I wonder what they have to say about the "Oompa Loompa" body type. Actually, come to think of it, I'm more of a cross between an Oompa Loompa, a carrot, and a 12-year-old boy.

Sounds like it could be an interesting read, although I'd probably want to chuck that book out the window at one point or another :zillevil:

Lisa

As I get older, I'm leaning toward the 'barrel on toothpicks' body type. Wonder what shape of neckline will fix THAT for me???

(bedlah is clearly a no-no)

Originally Posted by SatinWorship19

I wonder what they have to say about the "Oompa Loompa" body type. Actually, come to think of it, I'm more of a cross between an Oompa Loompa, a carrot, and a 12-year-old boy.

Sounds like it could be an interesting read, although I'd probably want to chuck that book out the window at one point or another :zillevil:

Lisa

ditto.
The Deep Roy club.

OFF you, box, OFF!

Trinnie and Suzzane made me nuts. They had nothing for those of us who had both boobs and a backside. So according to them everything which I wore was a crime!

I am a full, average pear. With boobs. Right now, this is not so fun. When I become slim again, ie 30 lbs from now, this shape becomes lots of fun!

{{{HUGS}}}

haha... so maybe I'm confused!

I would say I'm between average & full, normal height, hour glass shape....but I have a chest that's on the small side. Does hourglass mean you're heavy on top with boobs or is it your shoulder width?

Originally Posted by Lauren_

As I get older, I'm leaning toward the 'barrel on toothpicks' body type. Wonder what shape of neckline will fix THAT for me???

(bedlah is clearly a no-no)

Affectionately known in our house as the "bird body." (teeny tiny legs on a robust/fluffy body!)

Mish, at least you have tinly legs, which is better than being a fluffy oompa loompa with round meaty drumstick like legs!

No bird bodies in our house---though I do think those ladies tend to have long, kick butt legs into old age--I'll never have those.

Originally Posted by sumayasaahir

Mish, at least you have tinly legs, which is better than being a fluffy oompa loompa with round meaty drumstick like legs!

I have drumsticks, too!..cr.:

Originally Posted by jenlindseys

haha... so maybe I'm confused!

I would say I'm between average & full, normal height, hour glass shape....but I have a chest that's on the small side. Does hourglass mean you're heavy on top with boobs or is it your shoulder width?

Jenn,

Hourglass is something like small waist and boob and hip measurements about the same. Inverted triangle is broad shoulders and chest and narrow hips. Triangle (smaller shoulders and chest, defined waist and larger hips) is triangle (or pear shape)

Souzan

well...then I don't fit into any of those categories! Or maybe I'm a lopsided hour glass.
Haha 34C-29 waist-41 hip with broad shoulders
I guess maybe if I lost some poundage in my booty area, I would.

Jenn, it would depend on your bust measurement, but you sound pretty hourglassy to me!

I'm really curious to check this out -- thanks for posting about it, Sue. T & S are all about wearing the right shapes for your own shape, but if you're a real hourglass, especially an oversized one like me, it does take some guesswork to figure out whether their "big top" or "big bottom" tips should take priority. (Love their advice on color and lots of other things, though.) It would be nice to have that extra thinking done for me, sez the hard-to-fit and easily-frustrated shopper.

Originally Posted by Zana

Jenn, it would depend on your bust measurement, but you sound pretty hourglassy to me!

I'm really curious to check this out -- thanks for posting about it, Sue. T & S are all about wearing the right shapes for your own shape, but if you're a real hourglass, especially an oversized one like me, it does take some guesswork to figure out whether their "big top" or "big bottom" tips should take priority. (Love their advice on color and lots of other things, though.) It would be nice to have that extra thinking done for me, sez the hard-to-fit and easily-frustrated shopper.

Suz, that is what I liked about this Science of Sexy book. It takes height, bone structure, and weight into consideration. A short curvy hourglass will look a lot different from a tall willowy hourglass. What is nice is you find your section based on your proportions, weight and height and everything is right there.

One thing I did learn from T and S was to wear peplums. They really do help to even out my uneven proportions. Very flattering for my figure type and fortunately they have been back in fashion the last couple of years.

Souzan

I'm in the drumstick leg club too. What do they say about a long torso, small chest, and thick legs and arms?

Originally Posted by tabitha

I'm in the drumstick leg club too. What do they say about a long torso, small chest, and thick legs and arms?

I would call that athletic ;)

I am never entirely sure whether I'm an hourglass or a soft rectangle or an apple or.... I have small shoulders, giant bosoms, "a" waist but not much of one (more defined since BD), hips that are wideish but not massively so, no arse, slim limbs. I carry all my fat between boobs and upper hip/belly. Measurement-wise I go something like 40-33-41, meaning my waist is not *that* small proportionate to my hips (and that's a low hip measurement we're talking). I know when I lived in England (and was smaller), any pants I bought that fitted my waist had these sort of "phantom hips and thighs" sitting out over my body. Many traditionally-cut clothes for women are massive on my hips and especially thighs if they fit my waist. Hence my preference for stretch.

So WHAT AM I?

Originally Posted by tahiradancer

Trinnie and Suzzane made me nuts. They had nothing for those of us who had both boobs and a backside. So according to them everything which I wore was a crime!

I am a full, average pear. With boobs. Right now, this is not so fun. When I become slim again, ie 30 lbs from now, this shape becomes lots of fun!

{{{HUGS}}}

Just to say 1. I'm a rectange (brick according to Tr & Suz) so think your shape sounds marvellous_ !!
2. I was prepared to HATE Tr & Suz , but actually love them as I have no sense at all regarding what suits me and they showed me what works - Great - - now I just have to do it!!!!!!
3. Do like the sound of the new book.
4. how many truly beautiful women do i know who are not satisfied with their looks - HUNDREDS (ok - so I exaggerate!!)(!spelling!)?
Cheers!

Originally Posted by zumarrad

I am never entirely sure whether I'm an hourglass or a soft rectangle or an apple or.... I have small shoulders, giant bosoms, "a" waist but not much of one (more defined since bellydance), hips that are wideish but not massively so, no arse, slim limbs. I carry all my fat between boobs and upper hip/belly. Measurement-wise I go something like 40-33-41, meaning my waist is not *that* small proportionate to my hips (and that's a low hip measurement we're talking). I know when I lived in England (and was smaller), any pants I bought that fitted my waist had these sort of "phantom hips and thighs" sitting out over my body. Many traditionally-cut clothes for women are massive on my hips and especially thighs if they fit my waist. Hence my preference for stretch.

So WHAT AM I?

Irish?

[QUOTE=shimmycelia;126741]Just to say 1. I'm a rectange (brick according to Tr & Suz) so think your shape sounds marvellous_ !![QUOTE]

Awwww, thanks! And when I am in the UK next - end of March - or for Raqs B, we can get together and go shopping! You can show me where to find the bargains!

{{{{HUGS}}}

Originally Posted by Zana

Jenn, it would depend on your bust measurement, but you sound pretty hourglassy to me!

I'm really curious to check this out -- thanks for posting about it, Sue. T & S are all about wearing the right shapes for your own shape, but if you're a real hourglass, especially an oversized one like me, it does take some guesswork to figure out whether their "big top" or "big bottom" tips should take priority. (Love their advice on color and lots of other things, though.) It would be nice to have that extra thinking done for me, sez the hard-to-fit and easily-frustrated shopper.

I have a hard time in the stores deciding if I want the top that makes my bust look good but my hips/rump look HUGE or the opposite. I eventually go on a tirade in the dressing room about clothing manufactures and how I am going to start my own line of clothes and just buy the baggiest thing I can find and go home mad.

Originally Posted by tahiradancer

Trinnie and Suzzane made me nuts. They had nothing for those of us who had both boobs and a backside. So according to them everything which I wore was a crime!

YES. I stopped at Borders to bail out of a horrendous commute home today and picked up their book.

I seriously had to restrain myself from chucking that garbage out the window. I, too, have been hailed a fashion disaster because I have small boobs and wear tank tops, tube tops and low-cut necklines. Tank tops on a small-chested woman are a "disappointment" according to the ultimate fashion goddesses, however, they did give me permission to go braless under a sheer dress, because "Some nipple display, as long as it's not vulgar, is exquisite with tiny breasts!" And I bet somebody who HAS boobs would probably be accused of looking "tarty" if they dared to step out in tube tops or tank tops.
Aside from see-through dresses and heavy, chunky-knit turtlenecks, there is apparently nothing an A-cup can do to look sexy, aside from, well, cosmetic surgery.



Seriously, people wonder why women are so down on their self-esteem....but look at the tripe we read. I don't think anybody but Gisele Bunchen is safe from the Fashion Police.

Here's a radical trend: how about we love ourselves the way we are?

Lisa

Originally Posted by SatinWorship19

YES. I stopped at Borders to bail out of a horrendous commute home today and picked up their book.

I seriously had to restrain myself from chucking that garbage out the window. I, too, have been hailed a fashion disaster because I have small boobs and wear tank tops, tube tops and low-cut necklines. Tank tops on a small-chested woman are a "disappointment" according to the ultimate fashion goddesses, however, they did give me permission to go braless under a sheer dress, because "Some nipple display, as long as it's not vulgar, is exquisite with tiny breasts!" And I bet somebody who HAS boobs would probably be accused of looking "tarty" if they dared to step out in tube tops or tank tops.
Aside from see-through dresses and heavy, chunky-knit turtlenecks, there is apparently nothing an A-cup can do to look sexy, aside from, well, cosmetic surgery.



Seriously, people wonder why women are so down on their self-esteem....but look at the tripe we read. I don't think anybody but Gisele Bunchen is safe from the Fashion Police.

Here's a radical trend: how about we love ourselves the way we are?

Lisa

well, what can I say? I agree with you!

Is their picture in the book? how sexy are these women? I mean seriously...I don't need anyone to tell me how to look sexy. I think we all already know what we feel sexy in....so why not wear what we think we look sexy in?

no matter what your shape, height, weight is, different colors/shapes work on different people. I don't know how many times I've bought stuff at the store, got it home and decided I was a whack job for thinking I would even look presentable in something like that.

In short- I think sexy is in the attitude as well as the person. If you feel sexy, you will look more sexy than you actually are. When a woman is confident in her self...people are attracted to that kind of "sexy"

done rambling!

If i were to compare the UK What Not to Wear (Trinny & Suz) to the US (Stacey & Clinton) I would pick Trinny & Suzanna. I think that they're not always on the mark, but their makeovers are generally better than their US counterparts. They do have a "way" about them, too. LOL Not sure if I could handle their initial attack - I've seen them rip pants right off of the girl!!

Anyways, their advice is meant to be a guideline and meant to draw your eye to what might be more flattering to certain bodies. It's not a be-all-end-all, throw out all clothes that don't meet the criteria. But it has its place if you're looking for assistance in picking out flattering clothing.

But please wear a bra :) I'm small-chested and nobody gets to see my nips out in public.

That brings me to an off topic issue though. I do wish breasts weren't so sexualized. If guys can go topless w/no problem I dont' understand why women can't....ANYWAYS! Back on topic

Originally Posted by jenlindseys

Is their picture in the book? how sexy are these women?

No sexier than your average soccer mom. *shrug* Heck, I've known hotter soccer moms. The models for the "don'ts" wear really ill-fitting examples of the clothes they're not supposed to wear, and are shown slouching and frowning.

I mean seriously...I don't need anyone to tell me how to look sexy. I think we all already know what we feel sexy in....so why not wear what we think we look sexy in?

I'm NOT going to give up my V-necks and tank tops because some dumbasses want to put me in nun clothes. I actually feel quite UNsexy when I wear turtlenecks, halters with high necks, and things that cover up my chest. I happen to think my small boobs are quite sexy, in that chic South of France kind of way. And if I really need a boost, that's what push up bras and "chicken cutlets" are made for.

In short- I think sexy is in the attitude as well as the person. If you feel sexy, you will look more sexy than you actually are. When a woman is confident in her self...people are attracted to that kind of "sexy"

done rambling!

Amen! I can't tell you how many times I've seen a gorgeous human being - male or female - and can't get over how attractive they are, and then they open their mouth and say something dumb or arrogant and all of a sudden, POOF. The sexiness is gone.

Lisa

Originally Posted by Safiyah

That brings me to an off topic issue though. I do wish breasts weren't so sexualized. If guys can go topless w/no problem I dont' understand why women can't....ANYWAYS! Back on topic

Oyyyy vey. Try working in construction with mostly male colleagues....it's like the all-boobs, all-the-time channel.

America is really the only country that is obsessed to this extent with breasts. Europeans seem to prefer a more delicate decoletee. In South America, they're Ass People ..l;, . And my former housemate, who was Jamaican, would always repeat her favorite expression from back home: "Boobs are for babies!"

Lisa

They had nothing for those of us who had both boobs and a backside. So according to them everything which I wore was a crime!

Ah, but did you see the episode where Trinny was investigating the possibility of having breast implants? Which would have given her both. They had all these pieces to camera with Susannah where Sus was talking about how it really upset her that someone as beautiful as Trinny would be considering doing this to herself (all the while obviously secretly freaking out for fear that if Trinny had boobs she would get ALL the attention and Susannah's comparative plainness would be exposed). Meanwhile, Trinny was squeezing implants and being fitted with a latext "chest" that gave her a look of what fake boobs might look and feel like. Since she wasn't actually topless she was running round "topless", freaking out her husband who was obviously terrified of these large bosoms, and later she had the experience of trying to do her usual exercise routine with all the extra weight on the front of her chest.

America is really the only country that is obsessed to this extent with breasts. Europeans seem to prefer a more delicate decoletee. In South America, they're Ass People . And my former housemate, who was Jamaican, would always repeat her favorite expression from back home: "Boobs are for babies!"

For those of us who have no choice in the matter, that's really depressing. I can't tell you the number of articles in women's magazines that basically say "be glad you don't have large, sluttish breasts that demonstrate to everyone that you are a thick whore, for truly interesting intelligent men like the smaller bosom and also, they won't sag!" They seem to forget that a lot of women actually *have* large breasts through no fault of their own, and a lot of us are not actually thick whores.

large boobs, through no fault of their own!!!


DUDE! AMEN SISTER.

Well, all I have ever seen of T & S is their book. Like Lisa, my impulse was to gag.

{{{HUGS}}}