Dear Kathi,

I am ready to clean out my closet and get rid of a lot of my clothes. I would like to create a new wardrobe that is better for my body type. I am wide at the hips and have really long legs. What type of slacks should I purchase?

Kristin, Encinitas

Kristin,

You should always try to create an elongating line over your torso. You can do this by wearing tops that fall below your hips with vertical lines. These lines will slim your hips and can be found designed into the seaming or literally in stripes woven into the fabric. Never wear horizontal details across your hips. Choose slacks that are cut wide at the bottom, either boot cut or flared, never straight-legs. The wider width at the bottom of your figure will offset the width of your hip area. Avoid wearing clunky, chunky shoes. Finish off the bottom half of your outfit with narrow, streamlined shoes. Pointy shoes look fabulous with wide pants. Keep an open mind if you haven’t tried them yet. There are many comfort styles now on the market where the point starts after your toe ends. The best pant style for most body types, and yours in particular, is flat front, no pockets and a side zipper. Avoid pleats, back flap and side slit pockets. These details will pucker and pooch in the areas you want to de-emphasize. Have fun shopping and take a friend or image consultant with you. It always helps to have another set of eyes on your backside when you purchase slacks!

Dear Kathi,

This is my year to finally lose weight. I know that getting organized will be half of the battle. What can you suggest to keep me on my plan throughout the week?

Dorothy, Del Mar

Dorothy,

The easiest diet to stay on is one that is planned in advance, leaving nothing to chance or last minute drive-throughs! Plan your meals for the week before you write out your shopping list. You’ll know what is needed and time will be saved. Your meals should be well-balanced and nutritious, offer variety and match your time and energy limits.

People generally cook more at home while dieting. Create an effective work area in your kitchen. A pleasant, well-equipped work area will be conducive to performing your cooking tasks. Make sure your kitchen contains all necessary supplies and equipment within arms reach or in easily accessible areas. Prepare individual portions of healthy snack foods and have them easily available at all times. Individual portions of grapes and other cut fruit make a quick snack and will keep you satisfied in between meals. Whatever diet you choose to pursue, have snacks ready to go when you leave for the day.

Prep-cooking on a Sunday afternoon will make eating healthy much easier. A great way to get the job done quickly is to throw a cooking party. Enlist your friends who also vow to drop a few pounds. Have each friend cook separate recipes. In the end, everyone will have several delicious and healthy meals ready to eat for the week. Good luck Dorothy! Let me know if you discover any other organizational secrets during your weight loss campaign.

Kathi is a professional organizer, image consultant and event planner based in San Diego California.

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