Introduction (and body type question)

Hi, ladies. I just posted this on the introduction thread, but since you probably don't all read that, I thought I'd copy it here:

"Hi, everyone! I'm Ele, and I just wanted to introduce myself. I've been reading YLF pretty much daily for about 2 years now, so decided it was high time I de-lurk;) I want to say that I really love this site- Angie is so stylish and helpful, and all you members have such positive, encouraging attitudes.

A bit about me: I'm 25 years old, originally from Canada, but moved to London, England 2 1/2 years ago. Having loved fashion my whole life, I studied design at university, and worked in the industry up until the end of 2008. (Currently I'm doing a bit of freelance work, contemplating a career change and vacillating between choices daily!)

I'm extremely interested in personal style, and love helping people with clothing dilemmas. As for my own style, I have a pretty good grip on what I like (a lifetime of being obsessed with clothes will do that to you), but I struggle with some things. Right now, those things include how to keep fashion exciting when I mainly stay at home during the day, reconciling flattery and comfort, and dressing for a changing body type."

So, having said all that, I was hoping some of you could help me figure out my body type. I'm in a bit of confusion here- I've always considered myself an hourglass, with a bust, hips and relatively small waist. But I've been exercising a lot recently, and as I've toned up I feel more rectangular in shape. (It's funny because even though my waist measurement hasn't changed, I feel my proportions are a bit different, and I look thicker from the front, but still normal from the side, if that makes any sense.)

My stats:
height 5'2"
shoulders 37"
bust 35"
waist 26"
hips 37"

I put an album up on photobucket (hope it works):
http://s641.photobucket.com/al.....dy%20type/
(I put my arm up in one photo because I thought it was blocking my body.)

So what do you ladies think? Do I have to completely change the way I think about myself, and all my clothes? Thanks so much! Ele x

(Oh, and before you ask, Angie, I have had a recent bra fitting! Like yourself and some others here, I am fanatical about good-fitting bras, and am constantly bugging my friends to get proper fittings. I buy most of my bras at Bravissimo here in the UK, and usually wear a 28F or 30E, depending on the brand/style.)

16 years ago

Maya

Veteran

You don't look rectangular at all to me. I am actually seeing some pear tendencies. Your shoulders and hips seem to be aligned but you are quite curvy on the bottom. Do you wear different sizes on the top than on the bottom.

As a disclaimer, I often can't tell the difference between a pear and an hourglass. I'm sure Angie will chime in and correct me.

Ele

(website)

Active Member

Thanks, Maya. I guess I was just thinking rectangle compared to how I used to look- but you're seeing me for the first time, so are probably a better judge.

Pear, eh? Well, I'm not surprised (my hips/thighs are pretty much the bane of my existence), and I do sometimes have to go a size up on the bottom. It's pretty rare, though.

BlackMagicRose

I also see a pretty pear, but I am new at this and could be wrong.

Antje

Hi Ele, welcome to YLF! I think pretty pear as well.
You have such beautiful hair!

Dani

Thanks for de-lurking, Ele. I'm going to guess hour glass, but I've been wrong before (and probably will be again).

I second Antje about your hair!!

Lee Hovey

I see a long-waister hourglass with pear tendencies (and your hips and thighs look beautiful, you are very proportionate!) But I can relate... I am 1-2 sizes large on bottom than top myself.

Angie

Fashion Stylist

Welcome Ele and thanks for de-lurking! You are indeed a pretty pear and thanks for posting pictures. Good to know you are fanatical about your bras! Hope we see more of your style.

Ok, thanks so much everyone! Off to review pear rules now...

Oh, and thanks for the compliments on my hair, Antje/Dani. It has a mind and personality all its own, so I can't really take credit, though...

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