When it comes to wearing prints, it’s all about what catches the eye first. It’s important to know where to place them in order to accentuate your best features and disguise those trouble areas. As an overall guideline, place printed items on areas that deserve a little extra attention.

First things first – identify your body type. We come in all shapes and sizes, but rest assured – so do prints.

Petite
Height isn’t on your side, so make friends with vertical stripes that will lengthen your silhouette. If you’re not into stripes, keep in mind that patterns with elements larger than your fist will overpower your petite frame.

Long and Lean
Exercise your right to pull off large and bold prints. Monotonous prints will make you appear a little lanky, but a bold print will draw the eye toward the torso and away from limbs.

Pear Shape
This one’s a given: draw the eye upward by wearing a busy print on top. Play around with colors and wear that flattering floral blouse – over and over again.

Fuller Bust
The pear shape’s alter ego. Reverse the advice and choose a printed skirt or pant to offset a top-heavy appearance. Lucky for you, printed bottoms are a hot trend for spring 2013.

By Jillian Hudon, Staff Writer

How do you wear your prints? Let us know in the comments below or tweet us @ruelala, then check out our The Fitting Room column every Monday.

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Spring is all about playing with color, but sometimes, just one shade is enough for an eye-catching outfit. Before diving headfirst into this hue-on-hue trend, check out a few rules of thumb.

Layer, Layer, Layer
With this trend, more is more. Go ahead and wear that poppy-hued sweater over a red blouse and cashmere cable-knit sweater. And while you’re at it, throw on a pashmina, too.

Get Textural
All materials are fair game. Since the depth of color is in disparity, the texture is what pleases the eye. Your leather It bag will soon become best friends with your cotton shirt, corduroy skirt, and silk anythings.

Play with Prints
Have fun with this one. Pair stripes (nautical or textured) with solids or go mix animal patterns with florals – just make sure the base color remains the same.

By Jillian Hudon, Staff Writer

What color would you be likely to wear this way? Let us know in the comments below or tweet us @ruelala, then check out our The Fitting Room column every Monday.

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I love a good pump. But deciding which style – and complementary shape – will complete my look from head to toe? Easier said than done. The shape that you select adds personality to any outfit, and here at Rue we always try to put our best foot forward, so choosing a pointed-toe or round-toe pump is no simple task. Below, a guide to both.

The Pointed Toe

The pointed toe is more fashionable than practical, but we all know that good girls finish last. Command respect and exude confidence in the office by pairing with a pencil skirt. For a night on the town, I like to balance the look of my modern leather pants with this classic style.

This look works especially well with a colorful cap-toe. The splash of color serves almost as an accessory, adding unexpected pop. For those with larger feet, this trend can still work. Just opt for a flared jean and remember to leave some room in the toe – going smaller is not a comfortable experience.

The Round Toe

Also known as the almond-shaped toe, this style conveys dependability. If comfort is your main priority, the rounded toe that typically adorns the platform stiletto will bring you to new heights. Paired with a trusty sheath dress or casual pant, this shoe rounds out your look.

There are really no rules for the round toe, as this is the most classic of styles. This shape is flattering for larger feet, making them appear much more compact. Just be careful with loose-fitting slacks – the toe can get lost when your pant leg is too baggy. Skinny jeans or fitted pants – and, of course, skirts – are the best way to go.

By Jillian Hudon, Staff Writer

Which toe shape do you prefer? Check our The Fitting Room column every Monday, or tweet us at @ruelala. 

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This weekend marked the biggest snowstorm New England’s seen in years, so naturally, I’m in full-on spring-dreaming mode. I’m just waiting for that moment I can put my wintery boots in under-the-bed storage, pack away the mittens, and whip out the very essential spring standby: the skirt.

But before we get ahead of ourselves, let’s review some essential skirt rules. Because, after all, there’s potentially nothing worse than winter-pale legs and a too-short hemline. Except a spring snowstorm. Of course.

Mini
In terms of length, I’m a firm believer in Grandma’s golden rule: if you put your arms down straight and your fingertips are longer than your skirt hem, your skirt is too short. Regardless, this look is best for nighttime. To err on the side of caution, wear with opaque tights. And if you do end up with a too-short skirt? Peep these what-to-do tips.

Above the Knee
If you ask Project Runway guru Tim Gunn, a skirt or dress that hits just a few inches above the knee is the most versatile of the bunch – this look works anywhere from dinner with the boyfriend’s parents to your 9-to-5. It’s also one of the most widely flattering. Wear with flats for day then transition (with ease) to heels for night.

Knee Length
Perhaps the most conservative of all hemlines, the knee-length skirt is best for fancy midday affairs and boardrooms. Stay away if your gams aren’t your best asset – the length can cut them off at an awkward point – and choose instead a look that falls an inch or two above or below the knee. (I love this petite-friendly guide to finding the most flattering hemline length.)

Floor Length
Maxi dresses aside, this floor-sweeping hemline is best kept to black-tie galas, proms, and your (fingers crossed) red-carpet debut. When choosing length, pick a gown that hits an inch off the floor when you’re wearing heels. Not ready to take the long-dress plunge? Go tea length, which hits between the knee and ankle and can be just as fancy when done right.

By Joanna Berliner, Editor 

Have other fit tips you want answered? Check our The Fitting Room column every Monday, or tweet us at @ruelala. 

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I love me a good belt – just peek inside my closet. But I always find myself stumbling upon the same frustrating problem: What on earth do you do with that pesky bit of extra belt?

The answer? Get creative. Below, four ways to tame a too-long belt:

1. Knot it up. There are a bajillion ways to knot a belt (peep these ideas), but the “classic knot” above is my standby. Simply pull the end of the belt through the buckle, loop it under, then pull it back down taut through the loop you create.

2. Try a hair tie. Who knew hair ties could be so versatile? Loop one around a similarly colored belt to keep the end from flailing around aimlessly.

3. Play with Velcro. It’s not just for kids’ sneakers anymore. A piece of self-stick Velcro adhesive is a surefire way to keep things in place. This works wonders on belts in patent or leather, which are thick enough that the adhesive doesn’t peek through. (Avoid suede and other textured belts, which can get ruined.)

4. Employ a cobbler. Most belts can be cut – but instead of doing it yourself (I’ve tried, to no avail), hightail it to your local cobbler. They’ll fix it in a jiffy – and punch more holes in it, too, if you’d like.

By Joanna Berliner, Editor 

Have other fit tips you want answered? Check our The Fitting Room column every Monday, or tweet us at @ruelala. 

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Forgive me, all past and future boyfriends, for I have a confession to make: one of the most glorious parts of dating you is having access to your closet.

Let me clarify. Of course I date you for other, less closet-related reasons. And of course, I love to get all dolled up in LBDs as much as the next girl. But there’s seriously nothing like peeking into your closet, finding that just-worn-in-enough, just-boxy-enough item of clothing (ideally a sweater, bonus if it’s cashmere), and calling it a day.

Only problem: said boyfriend sweater requires, well, said boyfriend. So what’s a single girl to do? Peep these tips, of course.

Know what to look for. The perfect boyfriend sweater is:  a) long enough that you can either tuck a bit of the front into relaxed jeans or wear it as a tunic, and b) loose enough that it simply hangs off your body.

Don’t be afraid to shop men’s. To find the right size in men’s, start with the size you normally wear in women’s – so if you’re a women’s small, choose a men’s small – then size up or down accordingly. (Yes, you can find boyfriend sweaters in women’s. It’s just not quite as fun.)

Choose a V-neck. The bit of exposed skin keeps things exciting.

Keep proportions in mind. When styling, always pair with fitted bottoms – think skinny jeans, leggings, or shorts. The rest is up to you. I love pairing with broken-in skinnies, a few long necklaces, and ankle boots (similar, here). Another current obsession: a heather grey, baby-soft (or chunky ribbed) boyfriend sweater paired with black leather anything (a la Heidi Klum).

By Joanna Berliner, Editor 

Have other fit tips you want answered? Check our The Fitting Room column every Monday, or tweet us @ruelala. 

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It may be a small detail, but the right neckline can make the difference between a top that flatters and one that falls flat. For a cut that balances your body and accentuates your favorite features, check out our guide below for a little neckline know-how.

Our Tart Boutique opens Thursday, January 10, at 11AM ET.

By Keriann Coffey, Associate Blog Editor

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You’ve heard it before – new year, new fitness regimen. But before you hightail it to the treadmill, make sure you’re outfitted with kicks that fit with help from these quick tips.

Learn Your Foot Type. The best way to discover whether you have flat or high arches (or lie somewhere in between)? The wet test. Pour a layer of water onto a cookie sheet, step into the water with a bare foot, then step onto a piece of heavy paper. Decode your results and peep the full how-to here.

Then Outfit Accordingly:

High arches. This means you likely roll your feet out, or underpronate, when you run. Look for running sneakers that offer cushioning or flexibility.

Flat feet. Your feet probably roll inward (or overpronate), which means you’re best off with running sneakers that offer motion control and stability.

Normal (or medium) arches.  You can wear just about any shoe (jealous!), so take your pick of the litter – and have fun with colors, trends, and styles.

By Joanna Berliner, Editor

Have a fit tip you want answered? Let us know in the comments below, or tweet us at @ruelala.

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The holiday season is a bit of a conundrum to me – a time when glee and glutton go hand in hand, but you’re expected to look ravishing in gloriously fun sequined dresses the day after you’ve feasted on three (totally worth it) servings of the best turkey you’ve ever eaten in your life.

If only we had a magic button that made enjoying all of the season’s treats (and looking gorge in that Christmas party dress) as easy as pie, huh? Unfortunately, I’ve yet to find said button. Instead, read on for ways to “fake” your most ravishing self for the season’s many RSVPs. Don’t forget – half of it is in the confidence.

Get a blowout. Yes, you can do your own hair, but a professional blowout will last through an entire night’s worth of pictures. So worth it. Pop into a blow-dry-only spot like Blo Blow Dry Bar (in seven states and Canada) and drybar (in six states) before your event, and emerge happy.

Freshen up your makeup. Get your makeup done – for free – at a store like Sephora or Bloomies. It’s suggested that you purchase a product after, but not required. Don’t want to schlep to the store? Try a bold cat eye and red lip.

Go bronze. It’s no secret that a tan makes you look instantly slim. Skip the bed and try airbrush, or pick up one of my favorite products: LORAC’s Body Bronzing Luminizer. It goes on like a lotion, washes off in the shower, and gives that covetable, just-back-from-St.-Tropez bronze we all crave.

Choose red. Black? So slimming. And so safe. Red screams confidence, and you’ll be amazed by how good you feel when you slip it on.

Try draping. Expertly draped dresses are an easy way to hide problem spots, and look Grecian-goddess pretty while you’re at it.

Wear SPANX®. Did I even have to mention this? Their Tight-End Tights® make you look a size smaller, I swear.

Pick the right heels. Wearing black tights? Try black heels. Bare legs? Choose nude pumps. Your gams will look plenty lean – and miles long.

By Joanna Berliner, Editor

Have a tip for looking your best in holiday garb? Share it in the comments below, or tweet us @ruelala.

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I am a very, very last-minute Halloween shopper. I’m talking lots and lots of costumes bought sans a dressing room. And this year was no different, of course. I scrounged up a costume a literal hour before Saturday night’s Halloweekend celebrations.

So for those of you with costumed events still left on the horizon, take note. Here’s what I’ve learned during my years of last-minute prep:

Know your sizing before you shop. Women’s sizes run large. Teen sizes? Not so much. (Surprised? I didn’t think so.)  So make sure you look – hard – at the sizing. If you’re a women’s medium regularly, choose a small or medium women’s, or a medium or large teen. If you’re ordering online (yes, there’s still time!), don’t order without referencing the size chart first.

Still unsure? Go a size up. There is literally nothing worse than trying on a costume at home, only to realize that the mere two inches of bum coverage are perhaps better suited to your first college frat party.

Or skip the store completely. My honest opinion? Boxed costumes are on their way out. Thinking outside the box is far more fun – and cheaper, to boot. Rely on what you have at home, and a quick DIY project or two. Some ideas:

Katniss Everdeen: All black + lace-up boots + side braid. Grab some white duct tape and fashion a “12″ on the back of your shirt or jacket, then get creative and make a bow and arrow. I love this arrow DIY.

Mail-order bride: White dress + FedEx shipping labels + DIY veil.

Morticia Addams: Long black dress + white makeup + red lipstick = Addams family matriarch, in a flash.

By Joanna Berliner, Editor 

Have any last-minute costume tips? Share them in the comments below, or tweet us @ruelala.

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