HOW TO MEASURE:

Bust: Measure at fullest point of bust. Make sure tape is level.

Waist: Measure around natural waistline.

Hips: Measure around fullest point of hips keeping legs together. Low hip placement is 7" below waist line.

Inseam: Measure from crotch down to desired length with shoes on.

How to Determine Your Garment Size: If your measurements fall into more than one category, order the size that fits the critical area on the body. Critical areas for:  Pants: waist, hips, and inseam.  Skirts: waist and hips.  Belt: waist.  Shirts, sweaters, jackets and dresses: bust and hips.

Figure Flattering Tips: The most important thing to remember when it comes to looking fabulous is to be content with who you are--no one is perfect! Focus on your positive features and use them to your advantage. Confidence goes a long way when it comes to style too. These helpful hints will work wonders, whether you're a size 4 or more!!!

Triangle Figure - Shoulders narrow in comparison to your hips? Use your clothing to create the illusion of a more balanced silhouette. Minimize attention to the hips and emphasize your upper torso.

1. Wear light and bright colors on your upper half and dress your lower half in darker or more muted shades.

2. Combine prints, plaids and novelty patterns cleverly. Wear on the upper torso and team with a coordinating solid bottom piece that is darker, a more muted shade than what is on top. If you wear a pattern on your lower torso - match up with a solid colored top in the brightest or lightest color that appears within your print.

3. Draw the eye upward, and add the illusion of width through the shoulders, look for items with interest at your neck and shoulder area. Neckline ruffles, wider collars, lapels, bateau necklines, cowl necks, jackets with defined shoulders as well as horizontal stripes will all do the trick.

4. Layering can also work wonders for you - think shirts with vests, twin sets and jackets teamed with shirts or fine knits. Heavier weaves, textures and knits as well as stiff fabrics should be confined to the upper torso. Dress your lower half in fabrics that drape such as fine wools, crepes and tricotines.

Are you a Jennifer Lopez? If so, consider a boot-cut or trouser-style pant that fits at the waist with a straight cut or a slight flare. Try our corduroy or sateen pant! Wear wide necklines such as deep-V, scoop, ballet or boatneck to broaden the look of your shoulders and add proportion to your frame. Check out our V-neck tops available in animal print or solid colors. Tops with tiers or ruffles, bold patterns or metallic fabrics will also pull the eye upward. Our neck tie tops are available in silver, bronze and black.

Inverted Triangle Figure: If your upper torso is broader than the lower torso, you fall into the inverted triangle figure type. Your broader upper torso could be the result of a wide back, broad shoulders or a large bust. Create the illusion of greater balance between your hips and upper torso, take away focus from the upper body.

Here are some techniques for instant figure flattery:

1. To make your shoulders appear narrower select styles and accessories for your upper body that bring the eye in towards the center of your body. Look for V or U necklines, mitred stripes, centre seam ruffles, long necklaces and pendants as well as jackets with either small or no lapels (such as a cardigan style jacket).

2. Wear light weight fabrics as well as fabrics that drape on the upper torso. Avoid chest pockets, drop shoulders or dolman sleeves.

3. Use patterns, details and textures on your lower torso. Try fuller and softer skirts or a gentle A-line shapes. Try our Reverse Kimono Top available in silver/black or gold/black.

Rectangular Figure: If you are evenly proportioned like Cameron Diaz consider pants with pockets that have flaps in the back for the impression of a bit more shape like our corduroy, sateen and boucle pant. A cinched belt and overshirt with the top buttons undone will define your waistline. Ruffled tops give curves to a smaller chest and light gauzy fabrics will soften an angular frame.

Hour Glass Figure: An hour glass figure type is defined by balanced hip and shoulder width and a distinct waistline. Contrary to what most people believe, you can be any size from a 2 - 24 and have an hour glass figure. Your goal is to define your curves without looking too top or bottom heavy. Here's how:

1. Items such as jackets, dresses, knits and blouses with some gentle shaping through the waistline suit you best. Select fabrics that are fluid, drape and are of light to medium weight.

2. Avoid items that are too rounded, tight or boxy as these styles will create the illusion of added weight.

3. You can definitely wear belts with confidence from sleek chains to wider width contour belts. Avoid cinching your belts too tightly however, as this can create the illusion of being top and/or bottom heavy. If you're generously shaped like Beyonce, choose wrap dresses and tops to accentuate your curves. Opt for a deep neckline and a nipped-in waist. Try cropped jackets that are fitted at the waist like an outerwear corset. Soft, round collars will complement your S-shaped silhouette, pair them with mid-rise pants with a waistband that fits snugly, cut a little higher in the back to avoid gaps.

Oval Figure? An oval figure type is defined by a waist measurement that is larger than both the measurement across the shoulders and the measurement from hip to hip. Use your clothing to achieve a more balanced silhouette by creating the illusion of wider shoulders in relation to your waist, as well as increasing the illusion of length through the body.

1. Broaden shoulders with details such as lapels, epaulettes, flutter sleeves, boat necks as well as horizontal stripes and bold accent colors. Use accessories such as dramatic pins as well as scarves draped across the shoulders to further visually widen the shoulder area.

2. Avoid belted styles in dresses, jackets and blouses. Tunic style shirts and sweaters that end below the widest point of the hips, teamed with a well fitting pair of trousers or a skirt are flattering options.

3. Use color to your advantage--a monochromatic look is a wonderful way to create the illusion of length through the body. If wearing two colors, wearing the lighter or brighter color on the upper torso and team with a darker or duller color on the lower torso. Avoid color breaks at the natural waistline and overly layered looks.

4. Sheath dress and jacket combinations or A-line dresses are perfect choices for you.

If your figure resembles Queen Latifah consider wide-legged pants to create a slimming line from head to toe. Select a wrap dress with fabric that drapes but still hugs the body. Try delicate necklaces and lariats, layered so the shortest one hits the colletage and the longest at the waist or hips. Tops with ruching on the sides and a gently draped V-neck or cowl neckline will mimic a torso tapering to a narrow waist.

Garment Care Instructions:  The Fashion Cartelle is dedicated offering you top-quality fashions, but in order to keep your clothes looking their best, it is important to care for them properly.

Water Temperature: Always follow the washing instructions on garment labels. A number inside the wash symbol indicates the maximum temperature the garment should be washed in.

Wash: Details about water temperature and cycle settings should be noted to guard against shrinkage and color fading. Avoid overloading your washing machine.

Hand Wash: Many delicate items require special attention and should be hand-washed separately as colors may bleed in the first few treatments. When washing by hand, always use cold water and make sure that all the detergent is dissolved prior to adding the garment. Rinse garment thoroughly.

Bleach: Check for color fastness prior to use and bleach in cold water only. Follow product directions for preparing the solution.

Do Not Bleach: If the bleach symbol is marked with an "x", do not bleach.

Tumble dry: Always tumble dry according to care instructions on garment label. Dots inside the circle indicate temperature settings.

Do Not Tumble Dry: If the tumble dry symbol is marked with an "x", do not tumble dry. Delicate fabrics like silk, linen, acetate, rayon and viscose should never be put in the dryer.

Dry Flat: Lay garment flat to dry. Knit garments in particular should always be laid flat to dry to prevent stretching. Wrap knits in a towel, reshape if necessary and lay flat.

Drip Dry: Hang garment wet from a plastic hanger and let dry.

Hang Dry: Ensure all excess water is gently squeezed from the garment and hang from a line or bar.

Iron: Always use the setting that corresponds with the type of fabric being ironed assome fabrics do not react well to high heat and steam. Dots inside the iron symbol indicate heat settings.

Do Not Iron: If the iron symbol is marked with an "x", do not iron or press with heat.

Dry Cleaning: Always take dry clean only garments to a professional cleaner.

Do Not Dry Clean: If the dry clean symbol is marked with an "x", do not dry clean.

Stain Removal Reference Guideline: Here are some helpful hints on how to remove common stains. *Please note hints are only suggestions which may not work on all articles of clothing.  Before attempting to remove a stain--read and follow the care instructions on the garment label. Always test stain remover for color-fastness on inside seam or hidden area of garment. Do not use remover if the fabric color is altered. Treat stains promptly for better success. Some stains are not removable. For extremely delicate garments or difficult stains, have garment professionally cleaned.  

Lipstick - Place stain face down on paper towels. Sponge area with dry-cleaning solvent, replacing towels often to avoid transfer of the stain. Let garment dry and rinse. Gently rub affected area with a strong liquid detergent and wash according to the garment care label.

Makeup (oil-based) & hand lotion - Spray light stains with a spot remover and allow product to soak into fabric for several minutes. Gently rub affected area with a strong liquid detergent and wash according to care label. If the stain remains, wash with chlorine bleach safe for the fabric, testing for colourfastness prior to use. You may also try a cosmetic remover recommended for product. Test on a hidden area prior to use. Allow garment to air dry and wash according to care label.

Makeup (water-based) - Treat affected area with a stain remover. If stain persists, soak for 30 minutes in warm water with an enzyme presoak product. For old or set stains, try washing with bleach that is safe for the fabric. Remember to check for colourfastness prior to use. Nail polish - Apply a nail polish remover to the affected area, taking care with synthetic fibres. The acetone in polish removers may dissolve some types of rayons. Launder garment according to care label.

Perfume - Sponge the affected area with a solution of hydrogen peroxide and water (equal parts) or a spot remover product. To restore colour, use a few drops of wood alcohol on a cheesecloth pad and gently work towards the center of stain to distribute the colour evenly. Launder garment according to care label.

Perspiration stains - Try sponging stain with a vinegar and water solution to restore colour and remove lingering odors. Rinse well in warm water and repeat if necessary. Launder garment according to care label.

Alcoholic drinks - Tough stains may require treatment with a spot stain remover or soak for 30 minutes in warm water with an enzyme presoak product. Old or set stains may require washing with bleach. Ensure that product is safe for the fabric and always check for color fastness prior to use. If a brown stain appears when fabric is heated, remaining sugars have caramelized and garment will require further treatment.

Red wine - Pour white wine on the affected area and soak up. Wash in cold water and ammonia.

White wine - Wash in cold water and ammonia. Pre-treat using powdered laundry detergent containing enzymes. If stain persists, treat with 1 teaspoon of household ammonia diluted in 1 cup of water. Note: Don't do this for wool or silk blends. Rinse well and launder according to the garment care label.

Coffee, tea - Treat affected area with stain remover. Rub the stain with a strong liquid detergent and wash according to care label. If stain remains, launder with bleach safe for fabric. Remember to check for color fastness prior to use.

Ballpoint ink - Place stain face down on paper towels. Treat stain with a spot remover or dry-cleaning solvent. Replace towels often to ensure a clean area is available to absorb the ink. Let dry and repeat if necessary.

Candle wax - To harden the wax, rub stained area with ice. Scrape away as much of the wax as possible. With paper towels on either side of the wax stain, press a warm iron to the affected area. Replace paper towels often as this will absorb more wax and prevent the stain from transferring to other areas. Continue until wax is no longer removed. With stain face down on clean paper towels, sponge the remaining stain with a stain remover or dry cleaning fluid. Blot excess moisture. Let garment dry and launder according to care instructions on label.

Chewing gum - Rub the affected area with ice and scrape away as much gum as possible. Place stain face down and sponge with a dry cleaning solvent. Launder garment according to care label.

Grass stains - Treat affected area with liquid laundry detergent or with a prewash spray. For tough stains, sponge area with amyl acetate to remove the chlorophyll. Launder garment according to care label.