Here singer Beyoncé is in a bit of a controversial ensemble, but one thing I’m definitely loving is her triple-buckled high-waist belt.

Beyoncé here uses this fab accessory to make a corset look for her waist, which appeals to some and not others, but to me, almost any belted look is a good one!

I found some similarly “fab” (if you agree) belts at Shop Frosting .com.

The first is one similar to the diva’s, but in a chocolate woven leather and of course - only two buckles high. It’s tamer, more versatile and has some edge, while it also works for both the western and urban hip looks. Belt by Nikki Jaggs, on sale for $40.

The second is a completely different look. It’s two-toned, ultra chic and also has some thickness to it. That’s what the current belt trend is all about: showing on top of tops, thick and on the natural waist.

We even see a little trick of another way to play with chinching one’s frame: a fitted tee on top, a trendy thick belt, then a full skirt flowing out from the accessory. Di-vine! Belt by Lara Kazan, on sale for $64.

The belt trend is here to stay for a long while, so I say it’s quite safe to invest in a few, even if they’re nice ones. For each trend cycle variation, I’d get a few varieties — cheap & chic, quality, designer - or mix and match … Possibly keep adding each season! Ok ok I like the trend too much, but your enhanced figure will show you why you should too!

Belts: Fit, Flatter and Fabber!

I’ve based this blog partly around fashion rules and being a fan of What Not to Wear, but for some months I’ve been just not into it. I don’t even feel like sticking with it for the sake of the blog’s name (Stacy London is a stylist on the show).

I hate that because of a physical attribute, I’m told it’s a flaw. I hate because of a “flaw,” I can’t wear certain things or carry certain bags. Sure, I won’t wear skinny jeans, because I’m not a moron who hates herself, but I might like to wear boots, leggings, and a mini skirt—even if I’m short. And for years, I thought I couldn’t wear mini skirts because of some thighs, and I’ve realized I can. And I feel sexy. (All thanks to leggings, which some people hate.)

Fashion is about looking good, but it’s also art and about expressing oneself. Right?!

I don’t want to stick to one look 100% of the time and I don’t want to bar myself from looks I like 100% completely.

So don’t tell me I should wear navy leggings to elongate my legs because they match my skirt—I know all the rules, I just choose expression. (And grey is a pale neutral, so there.)

So maybe I’ve gone a little crazy lately, but I’m fed up and I’m rebelling!

Gosh darn it!

Looks from Akris Spring 2007

Here is the best skirt I’ve seen in a long time. And it has pockets! They’re used so well, along with the bulk. Quel shock.

But then …

With this type of pocketed skirt—so common lately—what happens when the hands come out of the skirt? There’s just ugly bulk.

This is a great lesson in fashion design, and one in not following the herd. That’s bahh-d.

View the whole show on Style.com.

“You’re not fat, you just look like you are.” Is that what you want to hear? No. Then stay away from cargo shorts. Especially ones like these oversized and faded shorts, via Nordstrom, that might make people think, “Heyy, fatty!”

Also, never actually put things in those pockets. Yes, they’re ugly and uselesss unless far uglier.

Ii, that’s practically math or science or something that hurts my head. It’s not like beauty is simple, either, it takes a lot for people to learn the rules. But knowing attraction is pleasing to the eye, and isn’t it more fun and rewarding for the mind?

Say “Byyee, Fatty!” and stick to classic silhouettes.

I discovered this by doing:

If you want to lengthen your body, or slim it as well, wear shoes that closely match your pants/shorts/skirt. Interest-wise, you might want to match your top to bring your outfit together (far apart pieces matching makes colors seem to make more sense), but perhaps sometimes leave that for the long & lean girls. Still, mix thing up with accessories! (And the bag is totally separate of this, naturally.)

Sometimes, as with dress trousers, you would want to do this anyway for a polished appearance, but it especially helps for shorter bottoms with leg showing. At other times, you may be able to just go for funky & piece things up!

It’s all your call, but this is one technique if you really want the effect.

Do you believe in Fashion Rules? That was our most recent poll.

All along, “yes” was ahead, and in the end it just squeaked by the Nos: 38% to 36% and only one person off. 12% were undecided or felt somewhere in the middle, and I actually feel for that group; there is no black and white.

What I feel like these results mean is that this blog can happily continue what it does; which is sometimes “help” people with fit & flatter tips. Thanks for the support.

Thinking about a hot topic and one theme of this blog, fashion rules, I came up with our next poll. Do You Believe in Fashion Rules?

Soon after this idea hit me, Maria Palma at The Runway Scoop posted her thoughts on this discussion, relating to my fave show, What Not to Wear, in “Wear What You Want!”

Vote here and see a few arguments there. I can’t try to influence your vote, as it should come from a pre-existing opinion, so I’ll say no more.

The poll is on the left sidebar under the Glam ads. You can also post comments to this entry.