How to Find the Right Clothing Size When Shopping Online

Online shopping can prove far easier than shopping at a local retailer - there are no queues to stand in, no searching through racks for the perfect dress and no problems finding a spare change room. However, there are also drawbacks to online shopping, especially when it comes to making sure the clothes you purchase will fit properly. When it comes to shopping at international retailers in particular, knowing what size to buy can be next to impossible.

The web offers hundreds of generic size converters for a wide variety of countries - but just how accurate can these charts be? The majority of websites offer that a US size 10 is equivalent to a UK size 12-14, French/European 42, Japanese 13 and an Australian size 14. Because Australian and UK clothing sizes only begin at a size 6, there is a common misconception that US sizes will increase by 2 (eg. a 10 to a 14) when purchasing clothing from international companies. However, looking at the actual garment measurements tells a very different story.

Misleading sizing information

A great example of size deception can be found on the H&M North America website. This site lists a US/Canadian size 10 as being equivalent to a UK size 14 (the site does not cover Australian sizes). While this conversion may be correct when shopping at H&M, comparing actual measurements with other UK stores suggests differently. The US size 10 is listed on H&M.com as having a 36in bust, 30in waist and 39.5in hip. The closest equivalent of these measurements on UK retailer ASOS.com is actually a UK size 12, which has a 36in bust, 28.75in waist and a 38.75in hip. Similarly, Australian retailer Sportsgirl.com.au lists an Australian size 12 as having a 37.4in bust, a 29.5in wait and a 39.8in hip.

In comparing actual garment measurements as opposed to generic sizing charts, you are guaranteed a better match - while the ease and convenience of online shopping may make it a more appealing option, you don't want to end up with clothes that don't fit. The best way to ensure a proper fit is to have yourself professionally measured (this will ensure a greater accuracy than doing it yourself), and keep a record of your measurements - many department stores and tailors even offer free measuring services. Alternatively, look up the sizing chart of a store you regularly shop at. Compare the measurements of your normal size with the measurements on other sites to find the perfect match.
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How To Select Jewelry For Your Best Look

You can look at another woman and think, she looks really great. Her outfit is perfect, her hair is stylish - she just looks really put together. But do we know why she conveys that impression?

Let's suppose we were to dissect her appearance bit by bit to see if we couldn't pinpoint what it was that made her look fabulous that day. Is that possible? Yes! In fact there is a whole industry built around doing just that. It's wardrobe styling. Recently I met with a wardrobe stylist, not for myself, but to better serve my jewelry clients.

For myself, I know instinctively which jewelry pieces look best on which women, from professional experience and observation. Many times I can do this without even seeing her; after asking pertinent questions of the gift buyer, I usually know just the right look for her. However, I want to share this ability with you, so that you can use this information for your own look. In order to do this, I interviewed my wardrobe stylist and did some research.

Here is what I'm looking for and this has been supported by my interviewing the wardrobe stylist and by my research: By considering her scale, shape, coloring, and personality when selecting the jewelry she wears, a woman will look particularly well put together, even causing people to ask if she got a haircut or changed her makeup!

The right piece of jewelry is as important to an overall look as the right hairstyle, according to experts. However, for many women, jewelry selection remains a mysterious and highly personal subject. A woman probably knows what she likes in terms of the jewelry she sees and wears, but what she may not know is what styles specifically flatter her - or how to wear the pieces she owns and loves. She may also not know what to take into account when adding new pieces to her jewelry wardrobe.

A woman's personality is key. She should always select pieces that reflect her own personality. There are jewelry pieces to suit every style and personality, ranging from conservative to those with a definite creative streak. The universal style categories, defined in 1995 by Alyce Parsons are: traditional, elegant, feminine, sporty, alluring, creative and dramatic.

I like to think I'm all of those at any given time! You may want to create a certain impression, such as authoritative, or perhaps approachable. Sharp angles, straight lines and geometric shapes convey authority, like a necklace with a large angular geode pendant.

Classic conservative designs (like small hoop earrings and classic pearls are highly professional and authoritative. To be more approachable, include colored gemstones or softer design elements like curves, circles and ovals. Pieces with movement lend approachability, like pale pink round freshwater pearl earrings.

Think of the scale, shape, color and your personality whenever you select jewelry. Over time you will build a personal jewelry wardrobe that will reflect your personal beauty each and every time! Your look will be put together and you will radiate confidence!
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