For you moms who definitely want tummy coverage, one of the cutest and sexiest swim dresses I've seen this season is this number from Miraclesuit. It defines the narrowest part of your silhouette dramatically while providing boob coverage, a bit of cleavage and coverage for your butt and tummy. Thick straps provide extra support for the more buxom among you.

Though Urban Outfitters is notorious for featuring sickly skinny models, their trend toward the retro this season is actually a flattering style for the thicker-midriffed among us. This skirted retro one piece provides good all over coverage and in the right size (go for Large if you're an 8 or above) and on a normal body will incorporate and flatter a more curvy figure. It won't do, however, for anything larger than a C cup due to the stitching about the bust.

Though it is counter-intuitive, a high cut on the leg actually improves (slims) the look of your leg. Combined with ruching through the torso and its empire bust seam, this suit from Victoria's Secret would look great on size 8 and up shapes, and will incorporate and flatter a larger bust. If you're wondering, yes there is full coverage in the bum.

For the flatter chested among you, don't be afraid to go for an underwire suit to enhance your upper proportion. Here's an adorable print suit from Old Navy.

Another great trick for the thicker-middled is the halter top -- which, despite what you may think, works well for a larger bust (especially if the sides are higher). Old Navy always does well here.

A tankini can be a great boon to a troubling midsection, however, you need to look for one that is either loose fitting through the torso (has a bit of an A-line drape), or that has a longer torso, so you don't get stuck with a a reverse muffin top situation. Here's a nice A-line looks to cover your tummy.

And here's another.

Or check out this longer tankini top from Target which would look good with a boy short bottom or a traditional bikini bottom.

Here's a nice longer tankini from J Crew in a great selection of colors that you can mix and match with bottoms you already have.

The boy short is one of my favorite bottoms for enhancing while covering the rear and thigh and even the pooch. But beware of the boy short that has an elasticized leg hole - this will only squeeze your thigh and emphasize its width. Here is what a flattering boyshort should look like.

For you moms who definitely want tummy coverage, one of the cutest and sexiest swim dresses I've seen this season is this number from Miraclesuit. It defines the narrowest part of your silhouette dramatically while providing boob coverage, a bit of cleavage and coverage for your butt and tummy. Thick straps provide extra support for the more buxom among you.

Though Urban Outfitters is notorious for featuring sickly skinny models, their trend toward the retro this season is actually a flattering style for the thicker-midriffed among us. This skirted retro one piece provides good all over coverage and in the right size (go for Large if you're an 8 or above) and on a normal body will incorporate and flatter a more curvy figure. It won't do, however, for anything larger than a C cup due to the stitching about the bust.

Though it is counter-intuitive, a high cut on the leg actually improves (slims) the look of your leg. Combined with ruching through the torso and its empire bust seam, this suit from Victoria's Secret would look great on size 8 and up shapes, and will incorporate and flatter a larger bust. If you're wondering, yes there is full coverage in the bum.

For the flatter chested among you, don't be afraid to go for an underwire suit to enhance your upper proportion. Here's an adorable print suit from Old Navy.

Another great trick for the thicker-middled is the halter top -- which, despite what you may think, works well for a larger bust (especially if the sides are higher). Old Navy always does well here.

A tankini can be a great boon to a troubling midsection, however, you need to look for one that is either loose fitting through the torso (has a bit of an A-line drape), or that has a longer torso, so you don't get stuck with a a reverse muffin top situation. Here's a nice A-line looks to cover your tummy.

And here's another.

Or check out this longer tankini top from Target which would look good with a boy short bottom or a traditional bikini bottom.

Here's a nice longer tankini from J Crew in a great selection of colors that you can mix and match with bottoms you already have.

The boy short is one of my favorite bottoms for enhancing while covering the rear and thigh and even the pooch. But beware of the boy short that has an elasticized leg hole - this will only squeeze your thigh and emphasize its width. Here is what a flattering boyshort should look like.

First things first. When most of your body (including your head, hands and feet) are covered for the winter, don't forget about your skin and face! Why not spoil yourself a little while brightening your overall appearance? My absolute favorite skin products come from Mario Badescu, who (for the record) uses all natural ingredients and does not test on animals.

I'm especially fond of the Glycolic face gel for night time.

The Whitening Mask works wonders on my sun spots and uneven complexion, and is great for anyone with some acne scarring as well.

I started using this Kera Facial Moisturizer while I was pregnant and had fragile facial capillaries -- now I can't stop!

There's also the Glycolic Foaming Cleanser -- dead and dull skins cells be gone!

Don't forget that you can get shipping discounts added to your order at checkout by searching online for the company name and 'coupon' -- and with each order you get three free samples of other products you'd like to try.

These products have really given my face a pick me up this winter, so indulge!

Another place to add a little spice is with lip color. It's such a simple addition to your 'wardrobe' but can really transform your face. With the drier weather I find mixing some sheer color with a regular lip moisturizer is great, but Origins also has some gorgeous moisturizing colors that actually stay on (they're waxy so have the same effect of blending chapstick and lipstick). Check them out here.

They also do a great line of sheer tints with SPF that are longer lasting than most I've tried.

Next up, eyes! More dramatic eyes doesn't have to mean a ton of eyeliner and shadow that, especially in the drier weather, will only rub off, crack, run and make you look like a sad clown. Keep it simple -- the idea is accenting, not overdressing. My problem in the colder months is that my eyes tend to tear, which can leave makeup in all the wrong places. My solution? I use an angled liner brush like one of these and line my eyes with eye shadow.

Powder does not smudge like traditional cream or pencil liners, and just slowly fades over the day rather than leaving a muddy looking smudge below my eye. Another trick is using colors other than the traditional black and brown. Paula Dorf makes a fabulous line of eye shadows in vibrant colors that have real staying power through the day - try a darker pink, purple, or green!

Mascara is another great way to make your eyes standout when nothing else feels good enough to flaunt. I have worked my way through the bulk of these and have settled once for all on Maybelline's Full and Soft Waterproof (and when its dryer, their washable version).

It doesn't run, clump, and it really seems to enhance my lashes across the board in both the thickening and lengthening sense. Great Lash (also by Maybelline) usually gets tops billing in the fashion mags, but I find it makes my lashes look to stiff and often clumps.

My last winter beauty tip is for your hair. First and foremost, if you color, and think that winter is the season you can afford to ignore your hair (because you're always wearing a hat, or pulling it back, or whatever) -- stop right there! This is the time to go get your color done right. Go to a salon and let your one indulgence of the season be a great color job when you're feeling otherwise tired an defeated. You wear your hair every day, so why not pamper it? If you're not a colorer (and even if you are), I have a great shampoo for you to try that will make your hair look the shiniest it's been in years.

Framesi Shine In Shampoo and Conditioner have given my limp, oily on top, dry at the ends, long, colored, none-too-thick hair new life and great shine -and it's all about the shine in winter!

So in this era of economic hardship, focus on the things closest to home - your face, skin and hair! Everyone's looking at it, why not make the most of your noggin's assets?

For you moms who definitely want tummy coverage, one of the cutest and sexiest swim dresses I've seen this season is this number from Miraclesuit. It defines the narrowest part of your silhouette dramatically while providing boob coverage, a bit of cleavage and coverage for your butt and tummy. Thick straps provide extra support for the more buxom among you.

Though Urban Outfitters is notorious for featuring sickly skinny models, their trend toward the retro this season is actually a flattering style for the thicker-midriffed among us. This skirted retro one piece provides good all over coverage and in the right size (go for Large if you're an 8 or above) and on a normal body will incorporate and flatter a more curvy figure. It won't do, however, for anything larger than a C cup due to the stitching about the bust.

Though it is counter-intuitive, a high cut on the leg actually improves (slims) the look of your leg. Combined with ruching through the torso and its empire bust seam, this suit from Victoria's Secret would look great on size 8 and up shapes, and will incorporate and flatter a larger bust. If you're wondering, yes there is full coverage in the bum.

For the flatter chested among you, don't be afraid to go for an underwire suit to enhance your upper proportion. Here's an adorable print suit from Old Navy.

Another great trick for the thicker-middled is the halter top -- which, despite what you may think, works well for a larger bust (especially if the sides are higher). Old Navy always does well here.

A tankini can be a great boon to a troubling midsection, however, you need to look for one that is either loose fitting through the torso (has a bit of an A-line drape), or that has a longer torso, so you don't get stuck with a a reverse muffin top situation. Here's a nice A-line looks to cover your tummy.

And here's another.

Or check out this longer tankini top from Target which would look good with a boy short bottom or a traditional bikini bottom.

Here's a nice longer tankini from J Crew in a great selection of colors that you can mix and match with bottoms you already have.

The boy short is one of my favorite bottoms for enhancing while covering the rear and thigh and even the pooch. But beware of the boy short that has an elasticized leg hole - this will only squeeze your thigh and emphasize its width. Here is what a flattering boyshort should look like.

The cloche is the retro shape of the season, but its bucket shape can swallow your head and make you look bald if you've got a pixie cut. These work best with bobs or longer hairstyles, and longer faces (the width will unfortunately overemphasize rounder features). Check out this cute tweed version from Lord and Taylor.

Or this cute pink corduroy version (pins not required).

Depending on its structure, a nice beret can work well with different head shapes. This looser fitting version is great for softening a more square jaw, but you'll need long hair if you don't want to look like you're wearing a scrub cap. Also, don't forget that hats are a great opportunity to add some color to your outfit. This yellow is a great example -- totally vibrant, but still neutral enough that it won't clash with your coat.

This more traditionally-shaped beret can be worn with short hair, plus its looser weave and hang will balance a rounder face. The texture adds pizazz to basic black (or check out the seaweed version for a little more color).

The firm brim of a newsboy hat works for a number of head shapes and hairstyles -- but make sure you try before you buy, as some brims are wider than others (and a brim that's too wide will overwhelm your face). This fleece version from Target is narrower and has a cute bow to boot.

If your head is on the larger side or you've got a lot of hair, try a newsboy with a fuller cut (but still a narrower brim).

There are a host of adorable hats with ear flap out this season, and not all of them come in gaudy colors or look like gear for a hunting expedition. Sure, these hats are more 'playful', but if you keep the style simple, they can be both warm and stylish. They'll work with most head shapes -- just remember that short hair requires a short ear flap so your head doesn't get consumed. Here is a cute one that would suit most hair styles and head sizes.

Avoid hats of the nubby, hand-knit variety or risk having your headgear steal the show. Remember: The idea is to integrate your hat with the rest of your outfit. This one is delightfully understated and comes in whatever color you need.

While it's often dismissed as childish or unfashionable, you can't discount the old pom pom. Depending on its shape, this hat can accommodate a longer, thinner face as well as a fuller, rounder one. If your face is on the rounder side, go for something tall and pointy -- like this one in vibrant blue.

Lastly, a narrower face can carry a thicker knit and a rounder shape, like this cutie from Moose Jaw.

The point is: Never miss an opportunity to make a practical item really count in your overall self-presentation. Any accessory can be helpful or harmful depending on your shape and stature, so keep these tips in mind when you're staying warm in your winter hat!

For the little Alaskan in all of us, check out this cute option from Sporto - waterproof, warm, and tall enough to keep the slush and snow out. In white brown or black at Planet Shoes.

If the slouchy boot craze has got you under its spell, check out these versatile boots from La Canadienne (a great company for fashionable winter boot options). Water proof, and a warm furry lining that can be worn folded down or up depending on your outfit.

Believe it or not, I went for these Sorels this season. There's a certain refined nature to their otherwise clunky existence, and you can't beat Sorel for warm and dry.

For a sleek basic black option that you don't necessarily have to change out of when you get to work, check out these ankle boots by Columbia Sportswear - light weight, très warm, and water resistant!

Or this sleek little black ankle boot by Nine West.

Also by Nine West, this fuzzy black option with treaded sole, faux lace up front and fur topper!

Check out these cool wedge boots with rubber sole - I'd wear them with cool tights and a dress just because they're so darn fashionable. By Oh Deer!

Oh Deer! also makes this lovely whiskey colored wedge option with fur lining for extra warmth.

This cute green pair is killing me (in a good way!) - why should we be stuck with brown and black all the time?

And since I can't seem to go one week without plugging the wonder that is Michael Kors, check out this gorgeous set of wine red stompers. Gripping rubber platform sole, fur-lined, great buckle detail at the top and contrast stitching -- there's nothing not to love here.

Here's a cute one from AT Loft that has just enough shaping through the bust to give you the nice appearance of a waist (even if yours has expanded for winter), yet is roomy enough to add a another layer beneath for warmth (silk long johns are a great option for less encumbered sweater dressing if you get really cold).

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AT Loft

Because wool and cashmere are always going to be warmer than acrylic, look for blends to avoid the big price tag (and the itch). This is a great deep v-necked cropped option from J Crew that will work with a bigger bust, and either a short or long waist.

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J Crew

Now is the perfect time to stock up on more expensive cashmere items, as retailers are eager to get rid of winter stock. Check out these great crew necked 'tee' sweaters that, if you're still cold, are thin enough that they can be layered -- even with other sweaters!

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J Crew

Like this cute sweater from J Crew, for instance.

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J Crew

Or this adorable option -- also from J Crew.

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J Crew

Layering sweaters of different weights is a great way to add warmth without necessarily bulking up. A sweater jacket or wrap will work well when paired with something more form-fitting -- both make your torso look narrower underneath its roomier cut. Check out this cute striped option from the Gap.

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Gap

Try and stick to layers that don't cling in the wrong places. Remember that, for the best layering effect, your look should skirt your silhouette, not hug it -- like this option from the Gap.

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Gap

But who says sweaters should only be used as block colored layering piece? Here's a great little piece from Anthropologie that functions as a jacket. Pair it with a v-neck fine gauge sweater (especially of contrasting color) for extra warmth, lots of style and sculpting.

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Anthropologie

And, while I normally discourage turtlenecks, I do make exceptions for those with shape or some design detail -- like this one from Anthropologie.

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Anthropologie

Nothing like some good ribbing to smooth out a midsection, and check out the cool sleeve detail! Macy's has this in black or teal.

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So don't just default to your shapeless ski sweater or turtleneck collection in these cold times - you can be warm and still look like you have a shape!

Macy's

It's nice to know that a few trendy stores have started offering options for those above a size 12 -- who, according to most statistics, are actually more common than those who inhabit sizes 2-10. I'm on a crusade to figure out how things actually fit based on how they're advertised online, and because this plus size line is only available via Old Navy's website, I thought I'd do my best to sort through their collection.

Old Navy

Wool-Blend Trench Coat $92.00
As I mentioned in my last entry about puffer jackets, when you can't see a coat buttoned, zipped or belted, it's probably because there's something to hide. This coat's fatal flaw -- as acknowledged by the placement of the model's hand (not to mention her cinching grip!) -- is that it has no waist. Buttoned up, it will probably look like a big rectangle, as will you.

Old Navy

Floral Satin Dress $42.50
The cut of this floral dress is great! My one complaint is that it just doesn't feel right to wear a bright floral in the dead of winter. But hey, invest for summer (or better yet, wait until it goes on sale -- then invest!).

Old Navy

Embellished Faux-Gem Dress $49.50
This one's more favorable for the season, especially the holidays with its sequined empire waistband.

Old Navy

Notch-Front Dress $39.50
Not a fan of this blocky notch-front dress. Though it appears to have contouring in the right places (front seams, slight cinch at the empire), I have a bad feeling about that no man's land around the tummy area like there might be puckering around those seams as you move about, and as the extra fabric gathers under your boobs it's going to get wrinkly and look bad. Also, the notch collar looks kind of sloppy -- trust me on this, I've been doing it for years.

Old Navy

Crinkle-Chiffon Keyhole Dress $39.50
This drop waist dress is just horrible. It cuts you in your widest place and falls straight from the hip making you look even wider. Absolutely not a good cut for the plus sized!

Old Navy

Ruffle-Neck Cardigan $34.50
Love this pencil skirt, but the big floral satin top won't do much to make you look more svelt (if anything, it'll do just the opposite), and the cut of the cardigan is way too rounded, emphasizing the overall roundness of your top half. If you have a larger bust and broad sloping shoulders, you want a combination of tops that add some structure to your top half, not more soft lines.

Old Navy

Pleated Satin Top $29.50
If you need more evidence about how these types of tops really aren't flattering, look at these alternative views.

Old Navy

If you need more evidence about how these types of tops really aren't flattering, look at these alternative views.

Old Navy

Cashmere Scoop-Neck Sweater $79.50
Classic Rise Herringbone Trousers $36.50
The pants here are great, who doesn't need a staple pair of brown flat front, wide leg trouser pants? But the top, again, is too round. You'd do much better with a v-neck for a more svelte silhouette, and the extra fabric around the tummy isn't doing anything for you. Always look for fabric that adds structure and shape to your top half.

Old Navy

If your front hall looks anything like mine, it's full of catalogues. Chances are you look through and fold pages down (even if you never make it to the website) -- but when you finally get excited about an item enough to order it, is there anything more disappointing than when it doesn't fit you like it fit the model in the photo? Obnoxious! And then you have bother of returning it!

It's very easy to be taken in by clever marketing, so here's some guidelines for a better catalogue and online shopping experience.

A very common practice in fashion photography (and in store windows) is the use of 'the clip' on the back of an item to make it look more shaped through the torso than it actually is. A few weeks ago my sister sent me a link to Madewell's website, where they had a great feature. If you clicked on an outfit, they would play a little video of the model walking in and turning around so you could see what the clothes looked like in action -- no chance to fake a better fit with the dreaded clip.

Unfortunately this function seems to no longer be part of the site -- no fair! So what can you do? First and foremost, unless you really know a company's product well, be wary when they limit your views of how an item fits.

Big offenders in my book?

Boden and J Jill. Boden is worse because they really make you think that the items featured have a nice contoured design and their marketing is very effective (whereas most folks know that J Jill is basically Eileen Fisher by another name). Check out some of their worst offenses.

Sure she's gorgeous, but what about the dress?

This could be adorable, or sack-like.

Seems to me that if you have a "One Button Jacket', you might want to see what the one button looks like buttoned, but maybe that's just me.

This seems really cute, but do we know anything about its shape from this picture?

I could go on about Boden, but be warned, and be very scrutinizing!

J Jill is known for its looser fitting styling, but nonetheless, they still try and picture their items as if that is not the case, and that just makes me angry!

This looks nicely shaped in the catalogue.

But online, we get a totally different view (and impression) of its styling.

Besides the potentially deceptive photography, also keep in mind that these clothes are put on models who have bodies that are nothing like our own -- on whom almost anything can look right (and even then, the clothing is still clipped!). And it's often hard to tell whether something will look good in a larger size, gather in a weird place on non-model bodies, etc. J Crew is the easiest to make fun of here, they seem to have a crop of hipless, eternally-teen women to model their increasingly well-marketed collection.

This is advertised as 'the most versatile shirt of the season'.

Wear it under a jacket for work or with a skirt for a party but be careful. It's made of silk and, given the way it's cut, if you have any kind of bust, width through your back, or a tummy, it won't work on you -- which seems to indicate the shirt isn't exactly versatile.

Another deceptively versatile item when modeled on a very tall skinny person is the sweater coat.

The narrow arms combined with wider cables are going to make most normal sized arms look plump (if not sausage like!). And the same goes for the cropped length combined with the belt, which cuts across your widest part (the tummy). All the details (big round buttons, crew collar and wide cables) will also tend to emphasize round/plumpness. So unless you look like this model, this sweater is not for you.

About this time last year, there was a puffer craze, so I went out and tried to find the best ones for you all. Now it seems that people are still into these things, and -- not surprisingly -- continue to make as many Michelin-Man mistakes as ever. The bad news: This is not the season to find very many well-made (contoured, fitted, stylish) puffers. I've looked, I've scoured, and these measly offerings are all I've been able to find.

Let's do this with some good and bad options, so you can see what works and what doesn't. Since I live in NE, I am going to try and hone in on the coats that are well fitting and warm enough to brave the weather.

Gap NO:

Why? Never trust a coat that you cannot get a view of zippered, snapped and strapped. Chances are the reason they are not showing you that view is because there IS NO shape to be seen. On this one, you can tell that with the wider placket, there is no space on the coat for front seaming (to give the bodice shape). Subsequently it's a giant rectangle, and when you wear it, you will be one too.

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Gap Yes:

Self-described as the 'longer, leaner' version of the puffer, (read: less warm, but still probably okay), the style improvement on this version is certainly worth it. The major plus - a belt that will cinch that Michelin tire you've already started to incubate since Thanksgiving. Cool colors too winter white, raspberry, basic black, steel grey very spot on..

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Lands End No:

Can't say I am usually a fan of this company, but people swear by them for warmth and practicality when it comes to certain items, like coats. But here is a classic "no." No no no! Too long (for ANYONE), no shape, Michelin Man all the way -- I don't care how warm it is!

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Lands End: Yes (Kind of):



This is the only puffer they have that has any shape, and I happen to know from experience that it is sized very large/roomy so order at least a size down to get a better fit (maybe even two sizes down). It's good points? Countouring through the waist and seaming in the back to emphasize your narrowest part. Stick with brown, loden or shale on this one.

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J Crew: Yes:

For a shorter option this season, J Crew has you covered, with all the right styling, and some groovy colors:

You can see how the shaping in this puffer nips in at the waist, and the rear styling is genius-- dipping down over the butt, and chevron seaming your lower lumbar region into the perfectly sculpted rear end (scroll through the views on their website to check it out). I can totally get on board for the majestic purple, brown, black, ivory or even the peacock --why not? If I didn't already have two short puffers (well-shaped of course) I'd be ordering that majestic purple right now.

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J Crew: No:

Gonna vote no, however on J Crew's longer puffer this season.

Though belted, there is no contouring to match, making the belting haphazard and sloppy at best not even any belt loops to serve as a guide to the empire cinch .It'll surely make your butt look huge. Totally the bride of Michelin..

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Target? A total bust this season in this department. Everything is too shiny (in that cheap looking way) or has terrible looking faux raccoon fur trim--you can skip it.

Even people I love who have got it terribly wrong this season:

Like Michael Kors! Who let this out of the design studio? (Tip: a coat should really never have 'maxi' in its name!)

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Or DKNY (the model can't even look us in the eye on this one).



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Cole Haan -- nope.



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Now that you're feeling braver about making suits from separate pieces, let's all admit that finding pants that fit is one of the hardest parts of filling out a wardrobe. Why? Because most of us suffer from crazy proportions whether our thighs are thicker than our waists, our hips are low (or super wide, or too slim), or we're constantly battling a muffin top pants are ... a problem.

Since I spend a lot of time trying pants on with women of all different shapes and sizes, here are my recommendations for finding a reliable fit -- no matter what struggles you're having with your bottom half.

For basic go-to-work pants, Express has a nice-fitting style called The Editor. They're lower rise which can work well with a tummy that's not too large (the pants won't cut you at the widest part of your stomach, and worn with the right top or jacket, that little extra you're carrying will be effectively masked). The wide-leg a-line shape of the pants also works for heavier legs and lower hips. Trust me on this, I've seen these look good on a size 2 and a size 14.

Buy it here

Express

For those of you who insist that a lower rise just accents your muffin top, this mid-rise velvet pant by Old Navy fits great. It's a straight leg, so not great for anyone who's overly hippy, but they will accommodate a fuller leg (because they're not contoured through the thigh) and they come in both small and large sizes. Plus, the velvet makes a great bottom for a winter suit.

Buy it here

Old Navy

Old Navy also carries a fine wail flared leg trouser cord for those with more hip in their silhouette. The rise is classic, a bit higher than you may be used to these days -- but paired with a tucked shirt and jacket, these pants can work great as a suit-like option, or even on the weekend with a longer top and boots. Both dark night and bitter chocolate are rich versatile colors to have for the bottom half of your wardrobe.

Buy it here

Old Navy

Ann Taylor's Loft does a nice job making pants that fit more bottoms than your average designer. These stretch flare faux denim pants are perfect for those who are very curvy on the bottom and need a little smoothing over as hips and bum are incorporated into your silhouette. The lower rise and wide waistband accentuate hips in the right way, while the flared bottom balances out your overall proportion.

Buy it here

Loft

For those with fairly proportioned hips and bum, or for those in need of a little more shape, these flat front stretch flare leg pants from AT Loft are contoured through the hip and thigh and fit great. A very flattering and versatile look overall.

Buy it here

Loft

I can't say enough good things about Michael Kors' line. He understands that real people need to wear clothes too! My mother (nearly 70), my sister (40), and my assistant (24), all wear this line. It's cut really well, no frills to mess with your figure imperfections, and the size range for most items is 2-16. Here's a great petite option by him, the perfect trouser pant.

Buy it here

Michael Krors

And for the more standard sized among you, the Gramercy pant by Michael Kors. They fit great in the whole range of sizes-- really!

Buy it here

Michael Kors

Lastly, for anyone with a post-baby body or who's filling out a little after 30, Kenneth Cole is a spot on designer for simple pants (flat front, non-pleated, low and mid-rise, flared leg, fuller cut thigh, and a little stretch) that come sizes up to 16 -- and look great even at the larger end of the size range. These dark denim trouser options are a perfect example, but you'll find the whole bottoms line is very accommodating.

Buy it here

So, just remember, if you're spending a lot time trying to find pants that fit, you are not alone! It's worth holding out for the right pair. I hope this narrows your search!

Kenneth Cole

I've never been a big fan of the cookie cutter suit -- the one that you see on mannequins as you walk in. As if that's all the thinking you need do and presto -- you're finished! I'm more for putting your own pieces together in an interesting way where style is not something you buy, but instead requires some creativity on your part.

And the best part of this approach is that you can choose pieces that fit the different parts of your body -- as everyone knows that there are very few of us who are inherently proportional in all regions. With that mind, here are some building blocks for the season.

J Crew has got it hands down for color this season (though I'll admit it angers me that all of their clothing is pictured on hipless, teen-like bodies). And of all the gorgeous pencil skirts offered at J Crew, this one has a lower waist and can therefore accommodate a few more figure flaws

So if you've got a tummy and hips, you can probably still look good in this up to size 10 or 12. I love the bronzed ochre (but black would be a great investment too).

Click here to buy

The higher waisted pencil skirts are great for those with not so much tummy and hips that are more proportionate to the rest of their width (i.e. not the pears among us). Check out this gorgeous version.

Pricier yes, but this is so classic (and yet unique), you'll have it for years. Pair this type of skirt with shorter (miniaturized) jackets and any form fitting (and sculpting/containing) layering piece to make your own suit.

Click here to buy

This one, also from J Crew, is good for an open front look if you feel buttoning up over emphasizes mid section girth shown here with a nice tummy obscuring tunic topic, this would also work great with a favorite blouse or nice fitted v-neck.

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This one, from Target, has a slight a-line, which is great if you have a little tummy to hide.

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This option from the Gap has just enough shaping through the body to outline a waist while grazing over any real trouble zones. It could be worn closed or open over a skirt or pants, depending on what you want to hide.

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Speaking of the Gap, though seemingly preoccupied with the poufy skirt this season, they do carry a nice a-line option in this adorable herringbone number. Really great for those of you with hips and thighs and willing to don a tall pair of boots and some good tights. The Herringbone wool keeps it just serious enough so it doesn't go to 'girlish' in the work zone.

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The Box pleat is also great for providing a little extra room through the hips/thigh area for those of us who are a little heavier on the bottom, this one also from the Gap.

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Since Ann Taylor is the place most people associate with 'suit' shopping, here is a great investment piece for your top half.

This jacket style will flatter most figure types in that it cinches at the empire, has a deep v-neck, and a nice peplum waist that skirts out over (and thus incorporates or creates the look of) hips. Though some are annoyed by a 3/4 sleeve, think of it as an opportunity to wear some of that jewelry that never sees the light of day! You can easily roll a blouse sleeve, push the sleeve of a sweater blend, or wear a sleeveless shell or short sleeve top (you are wearing a jacket after all).

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These are a just a few tips about the shapes and styles of suiting separates that let you be in charge, and also gets you more workable pieces for your wardrobe that can be used outside of the office.

Why did I skip pants? Because my next entry will be all about finding good work pants, and that need an entry unto itselfstay tuned!

If expectations are high for Barack Obama, they're no less soaring for his wife -- at least in a sartorial sense. After two decades of Bush and Clinton women -- for whom style was not a sixth sense -- the inarguably fashionable and seemingly fearless Michelle Obama has trend-watchers in a frenzy. Tall and taut, with the broad shoulders and self-confidence to carry off whatever she wants, Obama has spent the past 21 months being compared to Jacqueline Kennedy. And, so far, Obama has acquitted herself well, showing off recession-friendly dresses from White House/ Black Market and pricey styles from edgy designers like Isabel Toledo, who she wore (left) last spring to a fundraiser with fashion industry heavyweights. What will she favor for the White House? StyleList takes a look at her past -- and offers some predictions for the future. And for those who think clothes don't matter, remember the words of JFK as he introduced his wildly popular wife at a 1961 State Dinner at Charles de Gaulle's presidential palace. "I am the man," Kennedy said, "who accompanied Jacqueline Kennedy to Paris."

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She hasn't even gotten to the White House, but Michelle Obama has already done more than any fashion mag to make Thakoon a household name. The Thai-born designer's dresses were perfect for several major moments on the campaign trail, including (at left) the final night of the Democratic National Convention. At right, the rose-colored silk dress as it appeared on Thakoon's runway. Mrs. Obama seems to have made no changes to it -- except the addition of three her trademark pins to the neckline. (And for those who can't afford Thakoon's four-figure price tags, the designer debuts a more recession-friendly collection at Target in December.)

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No, we don't expect the new First Lady to parade her abs at the Easter egg roll. But with just a few strategically placed swaths of fabric, this delicate floral sheath by Thakoon could meet the needs of the most demanding East Wing schedule.

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Back in 1982, when Nancy Reagan wore rhinestone-trimmed knickers to a dinner at the American Embassy in Paris, she was ridiculed across two continents. So it's no surprise that Michelle Obama decided to keep her thighs safely away from the runway version of Moschino's flowered silk shorts (right). What's a First Lady-wannabe to do? Moschino took the same gray-and-purple fabric and used it to bare Mrs. O's knee's in a more Donna Reed way -- a soft shirtwaist that made her look both comfortable and camera-ready for the debut of the Obama-Biden ticket in Springfield, Ill. last summer. Surely, Nancy would have approved.

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This purple silk coat and carnival-striped dress from Moschino's spring collection strikes the perfect balance between the White House need to look sophisticated and Mrs. Obama's penchant to shake-it-up.

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If fashion tells a story, Michelle Obama's fiery red confetti-printed dress conveyed every bit of her Election Night euphoria. True, the Narciso Rodriguez sheath, modified from the runway version at right, earned as many barbs as raves -- "Maybe it looked really awesome up close?" one fashion wag asked. But you won't find a trace of disappointment on Obama's face, which glowed as brightly as her $10,275 Loree Rodkin diamond earrings.

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Narcisco Rodriguez's edgy black-and-white dress would be techy enough for the You Tube generation and graphic enough for those Dinosaur Age readers of print media.

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Tall and toned, Mrs. Obama isn't afraid to experiment. She plays with color (usually favoring brights) and shape (usually body-hugging) -- and, just when you think you've figured out her fashion maxims, she veers in another direction. The cantaloupe-colored Moschino dress that she wore to her husband's acceptance of the Harold Washington Award this fall was a softer color and silhouette than her typical fare.

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Hillary Clinton made front-page news in 1993, when she co-hosted the Governors' Dinner at the White House in Donna Karan's "cold-shoulder" dress, a dramatic long-sleeved black sheath with -- surpise! -- the shoulders cut out. We're not sure the world is ready for a First Lady in a cut-out torso, but with a bit of fabric in all the right places, Narciso Rodriguez's 'bondage" gown would be a fierce addition to Mrs. Obama's don't-mess-with-me repertoire.

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Peter Soronen's fashions are fun, flirty, and fit for a woman confident enough to show off her curves. Small wonder he's earned red-carpet time from the likes of Sarah Jessica Parker, Jennifer Hudson and Tina Fey. He's also added Michelle Obama to his roster. At left, her white delicately-patterned dress is adapted from Soronen's houndstooth check sheath.

Peter Soronen