HOW TO START PRACTICING YOGA FROM A YOGI: HEALING, KNOWLEDGE & FASHION

Q: Can you tell me about your yoga journey? Why you started, what you've gained, and why you've started teaching?

A: I started practicing yoga about 3 years ago because a friend of mine who was also a Pilates instructor taught yoga as well and encouraged me to try her classes. I was pretty much immediately hooked because it made my body feel so good. As a former ballet dancer, I was used to moving my body in unnatural ways that left me with damaged ligaments and tendons years later. Moving with purpose and attention with the asanas (physical yoga postures) just felt right. I felt like I was healing a lot of the damage I had inflicted on my body from nearly two decades of rigorous ballet training. I also just felt better mentally. Being a type A personality and naturally anxious person, the feeling that I got at the end of a yoga practice was something I couldn't explain, but I knew I wanted more of it. My stress levels dropped significantly and by learning to breathe through tough postures, I learned how to breathe through challenges in my life as well. I decided to become a teacher last year because the changes that I went through in my life were astounding and I thought that if I could share that with people, what a gift it would be. I completed my 200 hour Registered Yoga Teacher Training at Vibe Yoga in Bloomington, Indiana this winter and have been teaching as much as I possibly can!

Q: What separates a good yoga teacher from a bad one?

A: I have yet to come across a "bad" yoga teacher. I think that--assuming the instructor is properly qualified--there really is no good or bad, just what you as a student need or want. I have many friends who are yoga instructors that I love dearly as people but I choose not to practice with them because what they offer is not what I need. And vice versa! Plenty of yoga instructors at my studio are regulars in my classes and some aren't. And that's ok! I'm not offended if someone doesn't feel me as an instructor. We all bring different experiences and teaching styles to the studio so finding the instructors you feel comfortable with is important. Sometimes challenging yourself to take a class you may not typically enjoy is exactly what you need too! Honoring what you need day to day is important. Some days you may need a teacher with a loud speaking voice and tons of energy and other days your body or your mind might need a more relaxing, quiet class. Becoming aware of your needs is important and seeking out different instructors and styles of yoga is a great thing to do.

Q: Any tips for beginners?

A: My advice for beginners is to just try it! Don't worry if you're not flexible. We all start that way! So what if you can't touch your toes, you know? Remember that yoga is a practice and not a performance, and know that each day is a learning experience. Sometimes those days that are bad for your ego (where you fall on your face or can't balance, etc) are actually great for your soul. We don't start out our yoga practice being able to do perfect handstands and crazy looking back bends, but by putting in the work you eventually get there. There's no fun in being the best at something you have just started because there's no challenge, nothing to look forward to, nothing to achieve. So be okay with being a beginner, embrace each part of the journey and know that no one in a yoga studio will judge you for anything.

Q: Are there any groups people who you'd caution against practicing yoga or is it beneficial for all?

A: I wouldn't caution anyone against yoga. There is a type of yoga for literally everyone. There is chair yoga for the elderly or handicapped, prenatal, even prison yoga for those who are incarcerated! If you have any issues, I would certainly do some research and seek out a type of yoga that is appropriate for you, or at least let your instructor know what's going on so he or she can guide you through class safely. At my studio we have a blind woman who practices some pretty intense vinyasa classes several times per week. As long as someone guides her into the studio she is good to go! It's really remarkable and I am in awe of her. So yes, yoga is for all.

Q: I tend to avoid yoga because every time I've done it I'm incredibly sore the next day. What can one do to avoid soreness and injury?

A: Soreness is a natural bodily response and as long as its not debilitating, it's not harmful. Drinking lots of water to help flush the lactic acid out of your system will definitely help quell the soreness and by continuing to practice, you will be less and less sore. Sometimes some gentle stretching or a leisurely walk can help out with soreness as well. A lot of the injuries that I see in the studio are completely and totally avoidable. Knowing your body and what it is and is not ready for is important. Maybe you really want to get up into a headstand but your shoulders are not quite strong enough. This is a great example of when you should back off and not let your ego get in the way. Build your strength, then play. Most yoga postures are very safe but there are a few that can be dangerous, the headstand being one of them. Listen to your instructor, but most importantly listen to your body and practice patience when something doesn't feel right. If an instructor tries to force you into a pose or adjusts your body in a way that doesn't feel good, it's your right to let them know and/or take a child's pose and skip something that isn't working for you. Remember it's your practice, your body and you are always in control.

Q: Any yoga tips for women with lower back or neck pain? What about those with ankle or knee pain?

A: I could literally write a book on lower back pain. I think this is the number one complaint I get. A lot of lower back pain, especially in men, is due to tight hamstrings so yoga is perfect for that. There are definitely tons of other reasons but by moving the spine in all directions like we do in every yoga class, it will help to keep the spine supple yet strong which helps alleviate low back pain as well. You should be careful with neck pain you should be careful with. Always get the "okay" from your doctor when dealing with neck issues. That said, just being careful with shoulder stand, headstand, or any other poses with lots of flexion (forward bending) or weight bearing on the neck is important. Modifications are available for all poses and qualified instructors will know how to cue those modifications in class for any type of injury. Just make sure to let the instructor know! Remember also that blocks, straps, bolsters, blankets and straps are your friends.

Q: We all want to look like the svelte, sexy yogi advertised in brand ads (or better yet, you!) and so we invest in classes, mats and clothing. Many women are familiar with lulu lemon, but which other yoga clothing brands have you come to appreciate and why?

A: Lululemon is definitely a favorite among yogis because of the quality of the product, attention to detail, fun colors and great fit of the clothing. There are some other fantastic brands out there as well. My favorite yoga pants are from a brand named Teeki and they have the most fun prints! The pants are made from recycled plastic bottles too which I think is so cool. They are incredibly comfortable and fit really well. Hardtail has a really cute yoga line as well. Some other brands I really like include Onezie clothing, Lucy Activewear, and Zobha; Shakti Activewear makes the most adorable tops and bras! Lately I've been scouring Etsy for homemade yoga clothing and have found some really great, unique pieces. On a budget, Target has been coming out with some pretty awesome stuff lately and TJMAXX always has a great selection as well. I love the coziness of Alternative Apparel's hoodies and sweatpants for post practice.

Q: What kinds of considerations should one take into account when shopping for yoga clothing? Any tips for avoiding the dreaded camel toe?

A: I tend to avoid wearing shorts because I mainly practice heated vinyasa classes and with all the sweat it makes it nearly impossible to do arm balances on slippery, sweaty legs! I really like the Wunder Under Crops from lululemon because they're not as heavy and hot as full length pants but the material is long enough so there's traction to balance. Unfortunately, I am not endowed with big awesome boobs, but I hear lululemon makes an awesome sports bra (The Tata Tamer) for big busted women. For the most part, my Teeki and lululemon pants hide the camel toe. Looking for a diamond or triangle shaped gusset in the crotch of the pants will help alleviate camel toe. Additionally, I like to wear tops that are not super skin tight just as a personal preference, but I don't like tops so baggy that when I'm upside down, they're in my face. I'm a big fan of the no limits tank from lululemon, as well as the basic tri-blend racer back tanks from American Apparel or Alternative Earth.

Q: Where can we find you?

A: I teach hot power vinyasa classes at Vibe Yoga and Pilates Studio, vinyasa flow at Hoosier CrossFit, and private and group equipment classes at Lotus Pilates all in Bloomington, Indiana. Ellie has 600 hr. Comprehensive Pilates Certification, as well as, the 200 RYT mentioned above.

Follow Ellie's pages on facebook and instagram (@eatwithellie).

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OLIVIA POPE: GLADIATOR DRESSED IN TASTEFUL SUITS

photo courtesy of: ABC

We love Scandal and its ultimate Gladiator who fixes all issues while looking put together and in charge, Olivia Pope. As we wait with baited breath for Scandal's return on Thursday, October 3, 2013, we thought we'd share useful lessons in fashion and life that we can all learn from Ms. Pope.

1. FEMININE OUTERWEAR- Cover ups need not hide your feminine curves. Olivia embraces silhouettes, especially in her outerwear and jackets that heighten and define her figure. Here's a TIP from our resident fashion stylist, Schuanne Cappel: If you want to protect yourself from the elements while showing off your curves, select coats that are belted or belt coats you own. Coats with wide lapels or embellished shoulders plus a flared out bottom half will provide the ultimate feminine look. Use our F/W 2012 Coat Guide to Help You Identify Coat Shapes for your Body Type. Come back soon for our 2013 Coat Pop-up Shop.

2. UNDERSTATED TOTE- Outlast seasonal trends by selecting bags with staying power. The best are usually simple and less logo laden. Shop More of Our Editor's Picks

photos courtesy of: style.com, ABC/Nicole Wilder: Olivia carries the Prada Saffiano Tote also seen here, farfetch.com: Saint Laurent 'Sac de Jour', Desa 1972 'Angle Shape Shopper'

3. TAILOR IT- Skip out on boring, generic suits! Either have yours tailored to add interesting details or purchase suit jackets with neat yet professional designs like the Maiyet jacket below. Links below allow you to shop coveted items. Stylist Advice: The Best Jacket for Your Body Type.

4. CUT THE BAUBLES- In many cases, keeping your jewelry simple and sparse means more attention on your work and what you are contributing and less on "how much did you spend on this?" or "where did you get that?"

photos courtesy of: Net-a-Porter: Maiyet, Rick Owens, Chalayan, ABC: Olivia wears sold out Giorgio Armani blazer similar Armani blazer, Tiffany & Co we also like the Atlas Pierced Bar Pendant, Bvlgari

5. KNOW YOUR WORTH- Whether it's in a professional capacity or love, Olivia is aware of what she brings to the table and shows no fear of asserting that she is invaluable. Strong work only bolsters your case so why not speak up? Words of advice in Barbara Stanny's Secrets of Six Figure Women still resonate with me years after reading them: "Feel the Fear. Have the Doubt. Go for It Anyway." Rachel Sklar, Editor-at-Large at Mediaite.com, founding editor of Mediaite and the Huffington Post and founder of The Li.st, recounted an all too familiar story at Marie Claire's "Power Your Progress" event in New York last week. After joining a start up in a leadership role she sought out advice from a venture capitalist friend she presumed was in the best position to advise her on a suitable compensation package. Her friend remarked "she was lucky to even have a job," words that heavily influenced her low ball compensation package request. Then came the 'aha' moment! She realized that she was bringing in the contacts essential for this venture to thrive and regretted leaving money on the table. What do you bring to the table? Are you selling yourself short? Women do not ask for raises as frequently as men nor do they aim as high as they should or could when they do. Might we add that it's not always just about money; it's also about signaling to others that you've paid dues and earned a certain level of respect.

As for love, are you assertive with your (potential) partner? It is a partnership (you're building) after all. Find yourself hanging on for men who aren't giving you the respect you expect? It's possible that you're not commanding it or Maybe He's Just Not that into You? If you haven't read that book we highly recommend it--we refer to it as a life changing by habit altering guide to listening to your instincts and minding the red flags men hoist when it's time to leave. No matter what, you must take action in order for things to improve.

 photos courtesy of: scandalmoments.tumblr.com

 6. TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS- Take it from Oprah: "Learning to trust your instincts, using your intuitive sense of what's best for you, is paramount for any lasting success. I've trusted the still, small voice of intuition my entire life. And the only time I've made mistakes is when I didn't listen."

photo courtesy of: unknown

 7. STOP LYING- Fear what will happen if and when your mask comes off? The Minimalists help us remember It's Only Fear. We think life will be a lot easier and enjoyable if you lie less. Personally, we hate it when people lie to us especially without reason because when you're caught, and you will be because "no man has a good enough memory to be a successful liar," you lose all credibility. It's a lot harder to rebuild trust than to earn it in the first place. We, (yes, we!) not just Olivia, suffered when "Olitz" was broken up by Defiance. Don't crucify us for the infidelity issues with our last statement here. We know this is strange to say directly following the word "infidelity" and our turning the other cheek (in this case only), but here goes: honesty and genuineness is welcome and appreciated.

photo courtesy of: unknown

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StW INTERVIEWS: SARAH DIOUF

Out of tragedy was borne Ghubar Magazine, brainchild of media mogul in the making, Sarah Diouf. In summer 2008, Sarah suffered a car accident that left her temporarily immobile and derailed her marketing and communications studies at INSEEC business school in Paris. Bedridden with time on her hands, Sarah continued to explore the world beyond her bedroom through a laptop her mother gifted her after the accident.

Sarah grew up traveling the globe--tasting and experiencing its many cultures. She had an interest in fashion that was sometimes indulged by her attendance of shows at Paris Fashion Week courtesy of invitations from one of her mother's dear friends. Diouf noticed the homogeneity of models walking designer runways and pictured in fashion magazines, not to mention the lack of diverse cultural content. Spurred by her desire to see a reflection of herself, her cultural inspirations and those of men and women of different sizes and backgrounds--who also play audience and consumers to high fashion brands and magazines that peddle their wares--in fashion media, Sarah set out to change the make up of high quality fashion content with her own publication, Ghubar Magazine. I sat down with Sarah to discuss the making of Ghubar, her challenges, triumphs and aspirations for the magazine and her media company, Ifren Media Group.

Sarah Diouf, an MBA candidate interested fashion without prior industry experience, jumped into fashion media head first in 2008. She shared her goals with an acquaintance who told her it was too hard so she would never be successful. Never say never. After the release of Ghubar Magazine's first issue in January 2009, fashion enthusiasts and creatives were so enthralled with the concept of her magazine that they sought her out to contribute. Sarah has defied her peer's forecast of failure and managed to build a magazine, blog and brand read and followed globally on her own principles; not to be reduced to inputs of her Klout score, but Ghubar's facebook page boasts 7,000+ followers and her twitter following numbers to 1,400+. Certainly these numbers speak to the quality and relevance of her work. She herself writes, designs layouts, styles, and manages on and offline communications for the publication while successfully juggling a full-time communications role. When I asked how she manages to do this so well and why she bears so much of the work burden she answered: "I don't sleep," and "because I want young, black women to know that they can do this too. And that the content is real. It's coming from me. No matter what I want to maintain Ghubar's authenticity."

Authenticity is what urged me to contact Sarah. In this fashion era where the fourth estate has lost its way, Diouf's voice does not falter. She is open about the fact that, "People are afraid to work with black people in the fashion world." Sarah has contacted many high-end brands to pursue collaborations with Ghubar, but just one has been truly receptive, Prada. You'll notice ads for Prada in Ghubar's Spring 2013 issue. We're eagerly awaiting her fall issue not only for its content, but also to hopefully peel back digital pages that reveal more Prada ads that speak to a burgeoning relationship between her magazine and the brand, and trust in her audience. Hopefully, for the sake of black boys, girls, men and women everywhere, more luxury brands will jettison the idea that: "She is black. So her work has be to black oriented," and acknowledge what we feel they don't, which is that black people globally are interested and can afford their goods. Just ask Oprah.

The look and feel of Ghubar magazine is polished, rich, and clean. It's clear that Sarah and her team of contributors work well collectively to produce a high quality work product. When asked how she went about assembling her team, she simply replied: "I go off feelings. I work with people who embrace the Ghubar spirit. I'm always open for collaboration," and mentioned that her eyes are always on the alert for new talent, which she is quick to pursue for future projects. I could hear the the squeal of excitement in Sarah's voice a propos these chance discoveries as we spoke. My personal experience tells me that such discoveries represent opportunities to push one's work and creativity to new bounds and or to showcase new, different or rare talent outside of your own. In creative pursuits, who doesn't want that? In the words of George Orwell: "Journalism is printing what someone else does not want printed. Everything else is public relations." Ghubar successfully presents fresh, well curated content to its followers and that's what sets it apart. Its watchful steward prescribes that aspiring magazine founders have "a strong motive" behind starting their publications. 

The internet democratized fashion and as Sarah points out "a lot of people launch magazines just to launch them," but access to millions of readers does not a strong magazine make. To compete with established print magazines that are racing to dominate the digital landscape, as well as, indie magazines that have found their niche followings, one must have a strong idea to guide it or "drown in the sea of magazines." Beyond vision, Sarah advises: "If you really think that's what you need to do just go for it." Hear, hear!

Sarah isn't stopping at Ghubar; it is only 10% of what she wants to accomplish. She founded Ifren Media Group in Africa in 2012. Can we show her a rousing round of applause? No, seriously. Stand and applaud. Now. Thanks to her work on Ghubar, Sarah has concrete samples of tried and tested visuals that prove her ability to generate high quality advertising materials. Ifren uses these assets in pitches for advertising assignments from companies globally, some unrelated to fashion. Ifren also houses a consulting company that offers brand consulting and visual image creation for emerging designers targeting new markets around the world. And in the works is the launch of Sarah's new pan-African magazine, the one she would have started if she didn't think the fashion industry would reject its black faces. As she explained to me, she had to broaden the audience Ghubar touches to get industry buy in for her work. However, this new publication will cater primarily to black women around the world. It will cover beauty, lifestyle and fashion. Be on the look out for it in coming years.

Through the pages of Ghubar and her blog posts, where you can find self styled images of Sarah, we have come to embrace Sarah's style and admire her taste. I thought it fitting to end our chat with her top boutiques in Paris that are perhaps less well known than Lafayette and what's on her wishlist to strut her stuff in soon. We'll leave one big reveal to her during Paris Fashion Week. Check her blog for it then.

Sarah's fave Parisian boutiques: N15 Paris, Episode; and wishlist item: this pink jacket from Chloe Resort 2014.

Click to read Ghubar Magazine and Blog

HOW TO: DRESS FOR A PANEL DISCUSSION OR KEYNOTE ADDRESS

South by Southwest (SXSW), an annual and highly anticipated conference and festival in Austin, Texas, conjured thoughts of the hundreds of panelists, especially women, who are likely working to refine their remarks, fill their conference schedules with entertaining events, and pack their bags in preparation. So, just what is appropriate attire for you Ms. Panelist or Keynote Address Speaker?

Lend your professional expertise to a panel or deliver the keynote address without sweating over your appearance by considering these three things before your next speaking engagement:

1. Conference Dress Code- Is it business formal, business casual, casual sport, casual? Check the invitation or program.

2. Venue- Always assume you will be in an air-conditioned environment, unless outdoors.

3. Industry Dress Code/Your Audience- Adhere to the standard dress of your industry and always keep in mind who will be in the audience listening to and observing you. This is a subtle point. For instance, if your conference will be held at a golf resort and the event calls for casual sport dress, then save your bold golf outfits (no shorts too shorts, tops too tight or revealing) for your local course at home. Remember, you are among your colleagues and you want to be remembered for your ideas, not your eccentric outfit. That by no means, means drab attire but your ensemble should support you not speak over you.

No matter the environment, my personal preference and professional advice is to wear a dress or skirt and keep a jacket or sweater at my disposal.

Business Professional Dress Code at a Conference Center or Private Club (i.e., The Harvard Club) 

Always wear with matching jacket! This dress doesn't come with one, but I wanted to illustrate that a dress can be conservative without being boring. SHOP the LOOK: Ted Baker dress (Just Cavalli pant suit alternative), Jimmy Choo Abel Court shoe (cheaper Boutique 9 Justine patent leather shoe alternative) 

Business Casual Dress Code at SXSW

Jackets are optional, but bring one that coordinates with your ensemble and fits you well. SHOP the LOOK: Issa wrap dress, Dries Van Noten shoes (alternative Etro shoes)

Casual Sport Dress Code at a Resort Destination (i.e., Scottsdale Resort & Conference Center) 

Be sure to keep a linen blazer on hand like this linen twill blazer by Chloe or Acne's Cindy blazer. Here's some advice on how to select the best blazer for you. Never wear spaghetti straps or strapless tops unless you will cover your shoulders with a jacket AT ALL TIMES. SHOP the LOOK: Gucci dress (pant alternative), Kenzo animal print flat, Miu Miu patent bicolor ballet flat, Brian Atwood Avignon ballet flat

THE OCCASION: POLITICAL FUNDRAISER

What does one wear to a political fundraiser? One lucky donor will mull over that question before attending President Obama's birthday fete at his home in Hyde Park, Chicago on August 12th. With President Obama touring the country tirelessly working to increase dollars raised for his re-election campaign, there will be plenty of political fundraisers for all of us to attend. So what's the dress code?

article courtesy of: New York Post

BREAKFAST OR LUNCH with POTUS, FLOTUS or any political body or figure. Wear a smart suit (skirt or dress preferred) or dress (I recommend toting along a jacket). For the political set I would opt for close toed shoes and conservative colors, though brighter colors work in the spring and summer seasons. You are safe with black and darker shades of blue, gray, red, green, purple and neutrals.

photos courtesy of: style.com. Designers (l) to (r): Isaac Mizrahi, Bibhu Mohapatra, Oscar de la Renta, Armani Prive, Jason Wu

DINNER (not black tie). Wear a more embellished suit or knee length cocktail dress.

photos courtesy of: style.com. Designers (l) to (r): Barbara Tfank, Carolina Herrera, Elie Saab, Barbara Tfank, Armani Prive

BLACK TIE DINNER. Your best bet is to wear a long gown or skirt. You don't necessarily need to cover your shoulders, but I do NOT recommend wearing a dress that emphasizes cleavage. You do not want to appear overtly sexy at any political event. The sheer Valentino dress I show below would require you to wear a long slip to be appropriate.

photos courtesy of: style.com. Designers (l) to (r): Barbara Casasola, Carolina Herrera, Valentino, Bibhu Mohapatra, Carolina Herrera

TIP: Consider the anticipated average age of attendees. Generally, the older the constituents, the more conservative the dress.

BEFORE YOU STRAP YOUR ANKLES IN

Obviously ankle straps are a HUGE trend in women's footwear for Spring/Summer 2012; you've seen them HERE and HERE. However, not all legs and ankles are made alike and thus not everyone can wear the same width ankle strap and look good. Just like I can't always wear the same dress as my best friend and look great she can't wear my ankle strapped heels and rock them like me. As an experiment, check out the ankle strap shoes below then read the next paragraph.

It is of my humble opinion that wide ankle straps better flatter women who have thick calves and ankles than thin ankle straps; wearing thinner straps will cause the area they encase to appear larger and sometimes swollen. No one wants their ankles to appear swollen, right? In addition to thicker ankle straps (think about 1/2 to 3/4 of an inch wide), I advise higher heels to make your legs appear longer and leaner, especially if you are on the shorter side. Ankle straps shorten the look of any leg. So, the higher the better. Also, you may want to consider (your) flesh colored ankle straps if you're set on incorporating this trend. This way your ankle strap is visible, but not as arresting--your figure won't be foreshortened as much. What I've said above begs the question: "If I have cankles, am short and or have thick calves, should [I] buy into this trend?"; my answer is a resounding "no" for reasons previously stated. If you have thin ankles and calves, rejoice! You can wear any width ankle strap you want.

Here are some ankle strap shoes that I'm eyeing. I'll put this pic on the Styled to Wear facebook page tomorrow (Thursday) and identify the different designers behind each ankle strap. 

Which ones would you choose? Did the information I provide here change some of your initial choices? I encourage you to take a look at the ankle strapped feet walking around near you and see my point up close and personal.

CUT YOUR BLAZER ACCORDING TO YOUR BODY TYPE

There's this saying, "Cut your coat according to your cloth," that means only buy things that you have sufficient money to pay for (ahem, financial crisis 2007-present...hard cough). Anywho, I take a similar tack when it comes to clothing, and maybe, just maybe so should you. Buy what makes sense for your body type and save yourself the embarrassment of being the woman in ill-fitted clothing, unless intentional. Bonus, save yourself the money of buying something you wouldn't dare wear again after the first humiliating ordeal.

In walks Chanel. Well, I mean the company not Coco, toting its expertly crafted tweed jacket. I watched the video below and noted how rare it is to find a jacket that suits almost anyone. With the many varieties of blazers for us to choose from how does one choose the right one(s)? My tips are below.

Cropped jackets like the one by Band of the Outsiders below automatically make you appear taller. Petites and those crying for a few more inches, jump for joy and spread the word! They also will draw attention to the place on your body where they stop. If you have a wide mid section, steer clear.

I'm IN LOVE with this long straight jacket by Stella McCartney. It's loose and has structured shoulders. If you have sloping shoulders this jacket works for you. The jacket screams androgyny, but pair it with feminine pieces--A-line or full skirt/dress, cutoff short shorts and tank, and or cinch it with a belt and you're good to go with your pretty self--if you fear being called sir. More about that HERE.

Sonia Rykiel's double breasted jacket is best for pear shapes and anyone looking to add size to their top half. Anything double breasted makes your torso appear larger. The same goes for wide lapels. Step away from double breasted anything (unless we're talking your own anatomy) if you are carrot shaped (wider on top than bottom) and don't plan on balancing out your bottom half; that includes you if you're not sure of how. I also like that this one falls well below the hips.

Are you a ruler? Who doesn't want to be Queen B? But if your body type, not mindset, is one of "ruler" (straight up and down) then Sass & Bide's jacket is your subject. It will work for you. Its cinched waist and slightly flared bottom give your body more of an hour glass shape.

And finally, ladies (and the awesome gentleman reading out there) we come to that beautiful tweed jacket. Stop drueling. This one from Chanel's Spring 2012, is great for we women with broad shoulders. We don't need the extra shoulder pads and structure, though nice when balanced. Chanel, don't kill me, but avoid this if you have of an apple shape. For apples, I would recommend v-neck jackets that button just below the bust and a lot of jackets now feature an inverted v at their base which lets you breathe. Check out Smythe's jacket below for an example. TIP: v shapes make the areas where they fall appear smaller.

(click image for larger view)

photos courtesy of (l) to (r): shopbop, Stella McCartney, shopbop x2, style.com, shopbop