I have been searching for an explanation of proportion and the golden mean, that is easier than using fractions. Since most of us don’t carry tape measures into dressing rooms, and doing fractions along with it is far too complex. So I found a simple explanation of ideal head to toe proportions.

1. Head- top of head top tip of chin (one head length will be our standard of measure)
2. Chin to bust point
3. Bust Point to Waist (navel or thinnest part of your torso)
4. Waist to Leg Break (the crease when you sit)
5. Leg break to Middle of Thigh
6. Middle Thigh to Middle of your Knee
7. Middle Knee to Middle Calf
8. Middle Calf to Bottom of foot

This image is not exact, but gives a basic break down of what we are looking for.  I hope this helps clarify and simplify the last few posts!

Having said this let’s move in to some elements of design to help give optical illusions to compensate in areas where we need a little proportion adjustment. We have discussed how to move our waists up or down with lines and detailing, now lets talk another main point of interest: The Bust. I won’t tell you what is too big or too small, I think we all know what category we fall in. If you are unsure you are probably just right!

For the Bust that is too Low or Small:

• The push up bra – one obvious solution
• Brighter colored or patterned tops with neutral to dark solid pants/skirts

Feathery Tank by Anthropologie – $68.00

• Multiple strands of Jewelry (not too big or it will emphasize what is not there)

Bohemian Blue and Red Necklace by Botanical Bird – (sold out)

• Don’t show too much skin. (for sleeveless wear a wide strap instead of strapless or spaghetti straps)

Wide Strap Dress by Treehouse 28 – (sold out)

• Detailing, ruffles, texture, and/or color around the neckline (help fill in the empty visual space)

Skinny Taffy Teal Scarflette Scarf by Flutter – $30.00

For High/Full Bust:

• Lower cut v- necks
• Bulky necklaces that hit between your collar bone and bust point

Handcrafted Artistic Stone Kambala Jasper, Obsidian and Sterling Silver Necklace (Item No. 707) by Minden Marie Jewelry – $49.00

• Button up shirts (don’t button too high!)
• Darker colored blouse with a patterned skirt

Snuggle Up Top/Wrap Around Shirt by Shihar – $85.00

Picnic Favor Outfit by Anthropologie

• Skin toned or light pink blouse with jacket or vest that comes to a low V

Tattoo Inspired Kiku Flower Womens V Neck T Shirt by Namu – $35.00

• Make sure your blouse is long enough to compensate for the fullness. (don’t tuck in your shirt)

For additional reading on Body Proportions, check out this article by Inside Out Style: Body Proportions Explained

p.s. For more fashion forecasting and help navigating the world of flattering natural beautiful you, be sure to subscribe to CreatedByChicks.com and become our Google Friend (sidebar)!

Recently, I became the proud owner of a custom the r house hand-stamped necklace!!!  As a member of SassyScoops.com, we were all recently fortunate enough to review and see first-hand all the wonderful creations from the r house.  You may remember that I featured them awhile ago, so I already went into this a BIG fan.  However, after seeing their jewelry and hearing their stories behind everything… let’s just say… I’M HOOKED FOR LIFE.  My wish list just keeps growing longer and longer each day.

So today I wanted to show you my gorgeous necklace and toot the “the r house” horn again.  They had lots of different styles of the silver “Sassy” part of the necklace for us to choose from.  I loved this one’s design.  Then, they had a lot of different styles of beads for us to add to our necklaces, making each of our necklaces very sentimental to us.

I fought for with flying elbows and hormonal aggression chose the beautiful little jade bird.  I’ve got a thing for green (you all know this very well) and I love birds.  I also chose a pearl and a sweet little purple-y bead.  All-in-all, there’s rarely a day that goes by that I don’t wear this necklace.  I’m completely in love with it!

You can see all what all the other Sassies thought of their custom necklaces in our Review and be watching tomorrow for the fun, follow-up Friday post (generally there is a giveaway and I hope there is for the r house; you’ll want to be SURE to watch for that).

I don’t know about you, but I adore the “things” in my life to have sentiment attached to them.  I’m always drawn to items that carry a story or a special meaning behind them (the r house is especially amazing at this and thus I love absolutely everything they create).

Today I found an artist who makes lovely, little items, full of sentiment and meaning.  Emily Rosenfeld creates jewelry, gifts and Judaica, all with the motto “Made with Joy.” Emily says, “My goal is to make jewelry, Judaica and gifts that are contemporary and expressive. The work is given its full meaning when it becomes part of your personal expression. I hope the joy and strength I get from making this work is what it carries and inspires.”

Check out a few of my favorite pieces from this fabulous, creative chick (as usual, click on the pictures to be redirected to her store):

Sterling Dove Earrings – $42.00

Tree Locket – $48.00 (isn’t this locket a fun spin-off of traditional lockets?)

Sterling Silver Contemporary Star of David Bracelet – $70.00

There are many more sentimental, hand-crafted jewelry pieces and gifts that I really enjoyed.  To see Emily’s full selection, go to emilyrosenfeld.com.  Thanks for inspiring us with your creativity, Emily!

Around Christmas time last year I bought 4 fun hair accessories from Kaang (featured this creative chick’s store in the very beginning of CreatedByChicks.com). Every time I wear ANY of them, I get TONS of comments about how fabulous they are and am asked where I got them. Honestly, it’s been the best discovery since sliced bread to know that on any given day I can take my hair from drab to fab by just adding a clever hair accessory. Girls, you’d be shocked to know what kind of fabulous, dirty hair styles you can get away with by doing this…. shocked.

Me, rockin’ my very fun, Kaang butterfly headband, with my sweet friend Brooke at Anastasia’s Attic.

Me (bein’ snazzy with my Kaang pink flower clip) sitting between two of the most hilarious chicks whom I’m so lucky to call friends, Kristina and Steph (on a SassyScoops.com review).

So, now I’m the biggest fan of funky hair accessories on the planet.  My oober-hip friend, Carina, has been rockin’ them for awhile (she’s always ahead of the times) and I tell you what: she always looks fantastic and polished.

Today I was hunting for more fab hair accessories and came across a really fun new designer called Feather & Bloom.  I really found some great pieces that would brighten up any bad hair day, instantly.  Check them out (as always, click on the pic to be redirected to that item in their store):

CALIGO pink feather headband – $24.00

SALLY beige feather headband – $22.00

EVA rose flower hair clips – $24.00

RAQUEL chartreuse feather headband – $18.00 (cuz green is my FAVORITE color – love this!)

ENIGMA beige flower hair clip – $28.00

AMY purple feather headband – $22.00

Aren’t these fun?!  I’m definitely crushing over them and adding them to my wishlist.  I especially love the ENIGMA beige flower clip because it’s so stunning and would go with just about anything, quickly dressing up your hair.  But there’s soooo many fun choices that I had a really hard time not putting even more in (I know… such a long post today).

Thanks for inspiring us with your creativity, Feather & Bloom!  We’re diggin’ it!

What hair accessory is your favorite from Feather & Bloom?  Have you branched out and tried a funky, feather headband yet?  Do you dare wear flowers in your hair?  What’s your comfort level with hair accessorizing? Do you need some ideas on what to pair all of these with? You’d be surprised at how much can “go” with fun, bright colors like a lot of the hair accessories featured here today.

Disclaimer: no one paid for the promotion of these two fabulous stores… just my own adoration driving this post.

Maybe it’s spring in the air, maybe it’s my ever-growing belly or maybe it’s just me being a girl who loves updating my wardrobe.  Whatever it is, I’m really psyched about fashion right now (more than normal, perhaps).  I went online and did a maternity search on Etsy and… to put it nicely, there wasn’t much that I found attractive or appealing (to put it more bluntly: for a laugh, check out Etsy’s maternity selection.. wow.).

The search – randomly – did lead me to a super-chic designer who makes all her own patterns and supports local New Zealand mills for her fabric.  Without further ado, allow me to introduce you to Cat and her fabulous women’s fashion dress designs.  Ooh, la, la!  They are magnifique and I think you’ll adore them, too!  (As usual, click on the pics to be redirected to Cat’s Etsy shop, Cast Couture).

Navy Flattering Frill Bust Dress with Pockets – $60.00

Salmon Pink Wrap Neck Empire Dress – $60.00 (can work well as maternity dress also & wouldn’t that be stunning?!)

Fab Camel Cozy Cowl Hoodie Tulip Dress – $62.00 (I LOVE this with the leggings!  Looks comfy, chic and stylish!)

Rust Stunning Pleated Lily Dress – $55.00 (even though this is too short for my wardrobe, I LOVE the style of it!  I would bet Cat could make a longer version upon request.  It would also look phenomenal with leggings.)

Navy A Line Twist Dress – $62.00 (you can specify what kind of sleeves you’d like this dress made in – cap, elbow length, sleeveless or full length)

Isn’t Cat one talented creative chick?  And even though she’s shipping from New Zealand, shipping only costs $6.00 to go to anywhere outside of New Zealand.  Isn’t that insane and amazing?!  I’m dying over her style.  I love how she creates all her own designs and patterns.  I’m also a huge fan of how she works to support local mills in her products.  Cat is an example of why, in general, I think women in business are so valuable to the communities in which they live: most women entrepreneurs love to give back and support those around them.

Thanks for your inspiring creativity, Cat!  We love your Cast Couture shop and all your fresh, chic styles!

I woke up early this morning to find something fabulous to feature on CBC today, when lo and behold, in my email was a sweet little note from a really lovely Etsy artisan!  I checked out her store and immediately wanted to feature her and her beautiful, vintage earrings and hairpins… soooo fun!  So, without further ado, check out these little beauties, created by Erica of {Little Lovelies}.  p.s. don’t forget to click on the pics to be redirected to the item in her store.

Purple Gardenia Flower Lovely earrings – $7.50

Orange Ornate Floral Hair Lovely – $2.25

Light Blue Gardenia Flower Lovely earrings – $7.50

Lily Pad Hair Lovely – $1.50

Coral Leaf Heart Lovelies – $7.00

Oooh, la, la!  I could snag up every single one of these!  I think I would quickly become addicted and my other earrings and hairpins would wonder what they ever did to never be worn again.

I snagged up a fun little jade green beaded bracelet from a fun online shop I stalk and wore it every day until the Sunday before last when my 1.5 y/o pulled on it and the bracelet broke, sending beads all over the chapel floor (very reverently, though, of course).  I’ve definitely felt a void in my wardrobe and have decided that I am a person who thrives on wearing green accessories.  Call me crazy, but I swear it helps me stay centered and happy during the day.  So… I think these little babies from {Little Lovelies} would be the PERFECT addition to my wardrobe (looking at them feels heavenly… ahhh….):

Celery Sprig Vintage Flower Cabochon Studs – $8.00

What’s your favorite from {Little Lovelies}?  Do you have a color that you love to wear and especially accessorize with?

Thank you for your fabulous creativity, Erica!  We LOVE your {Little Lovelies} shop!!!

p.s. Erica has a stinkin’ fun blog I’m going to start following now because I think she’s hilarious and possibly a long-lost sister – check it out: Erica’s Bloggity Blog.  She’s also a preggo photog, just like me!  Seriously, meant to friends or what?

I don’t know about you, but I am LOVING the neck scarves that have been trending in fashion during 2009 and now 2010.  I’ve always loved scarves, but there really hasn’t been much variety until the past 8-10 months when scarf selection has just exploded!  On a little Etsy hunt I found these fab “Neck Rags” made by the creative chick behind Textile Monster.

Neck Rag in Gray, Tipped in Turquoise – $22.00

One in every color?  Ummm.. YES, PLEASE.  You should check out the entire color selection in Textile Monster’s store… yummy!

Have you gotten into the scarf scene yet?  How do you wear your scarves – everyday accessory or only with a coat when it’s cold?  What are your favorite scarf looks?

This post is a continuation of my previous Fashion Friday post.

Increased consumer education in a shaky economy is a common cycle or trend throughout fashion history. We are headed for some really amazing times in fashion and in our future! I can’t wait to see the creativity and intelligence that burst out of the ashes of the economy!

Tuesday Morning Hairpin Set by Hot Pink Chick – $14.00

Handcrafted, One-of-a-Kind
Because we value supporting our economy and neighbors, consumer education is going up. We want to know that we’re getting quality items that will last. We want to know who makes it – that there is a real person behind it that we can trust, because we have a distrust for the “too big to fail” companies and their motives. Quality is important now – not quantity. You know you aren’t wasting money on corporate handouts and large overhead.

Large Boulder Opal Necklace by Sandrandan – $24.00

Though we will see a variety of items from the internet moving across the country, we will see the spectrum moving closer and closer to home. We have already seen the influence bloggers can have because we trust them. It will just get closer to home as we want to meet those we are putting our trust in. We need to get to know people so that we can understand their motives. Are they just out there to make a buck? Or do they really care about and understand their customers and products.

Rosette Jersey Scarf by Sue Bradbury – $24.00

We will also move toward locally-made because the well educated, jobless people in our communities will start making better products of their own, with higher quality, cutting costs. Sellers will look at “how low can I get the price?” instead of “how much can I charge?” We will get a lower cost, better quality item from someone we trust. Basically it is BACK to the AMERICAN WAY.

Monument Earrings by LKFarnsworth Studio – $19.00

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Yes, it’s true.  I’m pining for a “mom bag.”  This needs to be a sassy bag that fits all my stuff with ease.  I want to fit my wallet, phone, keys, business card holder (need to make and print my cards to put in it, though) in it for quick access.  I also want to be able to toss a spare diaper and some wipes, a snack for the kiddos and possibly a sippy cup in it.  There don’t need to be holders for all of these things, but it does need to be convenient.  I’ve had mom bags that are sooo ginormous that you lose anything that goes into it.  At the checkout line in the supermarket I feel like Mary Poppins searching through my giant carpet bag just to find my wallet to purchase my groceries (everyone in line is rolling their eyes behind me).  I’d almost rather have a small bag and an additional diaper bag (most likely to leave in the car, not actually carry around with me) than have that kind of experience again.

So, today I went hunting on Etsy and found some fabulous, boho-chic, handmade bags that are sassy and could fit what I’m looking for in a “mom bag.”  Check ‘em out (click on the pics to be redirected to the item’s site):

Truffle bag in teal by Morelle – $225.00

The Market Bag in Gunmetal Gray by Moop – $93.00

Turquoise Linen everyday purse by Sinem Inugur – $30.00

Burgandy canvas everyday purse by Bayan Hippo – $36.00

Which bags did you like the most?  I’m noticing that the basic shape of all of these bags is similar and I LOVE it!  Also, the colors are all really trendy for the Fashion and Color Trends for 2010.

Have you got a “mom bag?”  Any advice for finding the perfect one?  What features are a must?

p.s. For those of you wondering where my blog design services and info went, I’ve recently decided to stop offering my design services for hire.  Things have gone so well, so quickly that I just can’t keep up.  Thank you for your support and love in this endeavor!  Things will continue on as normal here at CreatedByChicks.com, minus mentioning my design projects.  Love you all!!

I’m hoping for a miracle for my family… many of you know I’ve been hoping for this miracle for over a year now.  Now, however, we’re at the point where the miracle, well maybe a series of 3 miracles to be exact, has got to happen (or at very least start to happen) within the next week or things will get disasterous.  Yesterday I was pretty discouraged and upset by the lack of miracles, but today I’ve had a change of heart.  I’m changing my perspective to focus on the things I can control and being truly grateful for the abundance of beauties in my life.  If the worst happens (as I’ve been almost paralyzed with fear for the past few days, wondering if it will), so what.  It will happen whether I spend my time worrying about it or not.  In the meantime, though, I’d rather have a lot of happy days with my children and my sweetheart.  I once heard that our reality is defined only by our perspective of what our reality is.  So, I’m changing my perspective: my life is full of abundance.. come what may.

For today’s feature I thought I’d do an Etsy search with the word “miracle” and see what fun things popped up.  There were a lot of great choices, but I was completely enraptured with a particular creative chick’s designs I found in the search.  Meet Cameron, the artist behind, “Create Beauty Daily: Custom Jewelry from my Heart to Yours.”  I loved her description of herself, found on her fabulous blog, “Create Beauty Daily:”

“I am an artist because I make art (and only recently embraced that definition). I create beauty daily, although I am very loosey-goosey about it; my daily beauty could be a new handmade necklace or a yummy meal from scratch or a photograph or a handmade book or a sweet moment of interaction with someone or a scrapbook page or a pair of earrings or…”

And now, with no further ado, take a peek at a few of Cameron’s fabulous creations… and I couldn’t resist including parts of the product descriptions also since they made the handmade jewelry pieces all the more magical (click on pics to be redirected to her store):

Reject Fear Necklace – $45.00

What would you attempt to do if you knew you could not fail?  If, like for so many of us, what holds you back is fear, then this pendant urges you to Reject that Fear; look it in the eyes and deny it and PROCEED ANYWAY. Scary, yes; but oh-so-necessary for most of us in this life! I’ve chosen a light blue crystal to hang in the center of the disc, because blue represents commitment, calm, and aided intuition.

Three Little Birds Necklace – $48.00 (my favorite!!)

Rise up this mornin’
Smile with the risin’ sun
Three little birds
Perch by my doorstep
Singin’ sweet songs
Of melodies pure and true
Singin’, This is my message to you-ou-ou
Sayin’, Don’t worry about a thing
‘Cause every little thing
Is gonna be all right
–Bob Marley, Three Little Birds

The moment I was introduced to this song I grasped “three little birds” as a symbol for letting my worries go… even for just a moment! I’m still a worrier by nature, which is why I need these three little birds to remind me! This necklace would be a perfect gift for someone going through a struggle right now, or for someone like me who just needs to remember to take a deep breath and have faith that things will all work out.

Be the Miracle Necklace – $38.00

We’ve all heard Ghandi’s wise words, “You must be the change you wish to see in the world.” But what if we want more than change? What if we’re hoping for a change so great it would be more like a miracle? Be the miracle you wish to see in the world. Be somebody’s miracle. Be an everyday miracle. Strive.

And I could just keep posting more and more of her lovely, inspiring jewelry creations… but then it would take everyone ten-billion years to load this post, lol.  Aren’t they beautiful little treasures, though?!  Ahhh.. it’s always so inspiring to come across female artists who truly are creating as an outward expression of an inward passion.  I just adore Cameron’s handmade jewelry… thank you for your creativity, Cameron!