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I am devoting today’s post to “Slim Dressing.”  I am having a moment….a fat moment.  Actually, who am I kidding? This is more than a moment. I’ve felt this way since the beginning of the year.  My samplings of the less-than-friendly carbohydrates from the holidays have caught up with me.  I would like to believe my scale is wrong but I’m noticing my clothing snug in more than a few places–where it didn’t use to be.

It is surely interesting how at this stage in my life, I have elected personal goals that I never would have considered at a younger age. The vision to launch a blog about older women aging with grace and style?  The personal challenge to commit to a training program to ready this body to walk 13.1 miles in early Spring? Totally out of my comfort zone. I mean, I do exercise on a consistent basis, enjoy riding my bike, walking along the Susquehanna River and using my weighted hula hoop but to challenge myself to walk for 13.1 miles and not finish last is out of character for me.

As I mentioned, I am scheduled to participate in my first ever Nike Half-Marathon on Sunday, April 28th in Washington, D.C.  The motivation to “walk” not run the 13.1 miles is actually inviting.  I have been fortunate that I have always been able to manage my weight but as I mentioned in an earlier post, “Meet My Saving Grace” my female hormones recently changed along with my ability to quickly drop weight.

Details on the training program, The Team in Training (TNT) is the world’s largest endurance sports training program, participants such as myself are coached by certified trainers to fulfill personal fitness goals in a  marathon run or walk, Century 100-mile bike ride or triathlon–I plan to walk. I have met some new people, and am looking to have a great time being part of a team that makes a difference for Leukemia & Lymphoma.

The difference is raising not only awareness about Leukemia and Lymphoma but raising needed resources to find a cure.  Since TNT began in 1988, more than 440,000 participants have raised more than $1 billion for blood cancer research and patient services.

Today’s photos reflect my slim dressing choices.

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Wearing: J.Crew Jacket, J.Crew Factory Tee, Boot-cut Ralph Lauren Jeans, J.Crew Black Suede Booties, & J.Crew Factory Gold Plated Chain Link Necklace

“Slim Dressing” Figure flattering style tips featured in today’s post:

1. Boot-cut Jeans.

A boot-cut jean is typically flattering for a woman with curves especially in a very dark  color. However, it’s important that you look for jeans with a slight boot cut, not a wide flair –this can make all the difference.

2. Long Dark Pants.

Create a long line on the bottom by wearing the same color, elongating your body.

3. Wearing an Interesting Necklace.

It will draw attention upwards, toward your face.

4. Sport the Right Jacket.

According to Glamour, jackets that are hip-length with tailored lines will look sleek, ones that too baggy or pull are figure-flattery disasters. Tapered jackets will always whittle our waist.

5. Don’t Be Afraid of Dark Colors.

Additionally, keep in mind…

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1. Proportion

The number one secret of slim dressing: full round shapes on top and bottom will make you look…full and round.  So always accentuate your smallest part by pairing your more generously cut pieces with a snugger mate.  Balance a wide leg pants with a fitted shirt or jacket.

2. Choose Shapely Skirts

The tailored cut of a pencil skirt makes all bodies looks sleek.

3. Wear Wide-Leg Trousers and A-Line Skirts

The extra material will stylishly camouflage any area that you don’t want to attract attention to.

4. Wrap It Up

A wrap dress will camouflage your tummy and create more a waistline.

5. Slip on a Long Cardigan

Waist-length cardigans tend to shorten your body while long hip-grazing versions make torsos seem long, according to Glamour.

Hopefully, after I complete my marathon, I will lose those pesky 10 pounds, but until then, I’l just have to mask them with these tricks. What do you do on the days you don’t feel your best weight?