Obiter Dicta Issue 6 - November 18, 2013 | Page 12

PAGE 12 arts and culture A Little Sheep Told Me: shed those pounds with clothes ANGIE SHEEP Arts & Culture Editor IF YOU’RE LIKE me and are packing on some pounds due to all the fall-winter treats (yet not motivated enough to enter the gym doors), try incorporating some of these tips into your daily wardrobe. Finding the drive to hit the workout room is especially difficult at this time of year. The weather outside is freezing and there is no longer the pressure of bikini bodies. So my take on the winter pounds is simply tweaking my current style, at least until the temperature hits T-shirt weather again. as people tend to bundle up in this weather. You certainly don’t have to forgo comfort for style, but if you are picking a scarf anyway, why not select one that will flatter yourself most? It is a very easy step to go from drab to fab; all you need is the right flare. Don’t forget the face When the pounds go up, it’s hard to not solely obsess over the body. But everything above the neck is what you’re literally ‘facing’ the world with, so don’t neglect it. Besides using bronzer, shimmer, and other makeup enhancers to contour your features, add elongated earrings to extend your jawline and make your neck appear slimmer. This is another easy step to bring out the fashionista within you at this difficult time. It can be hard to find the exact length and style that works best for your face, but that’s why trial (and error) is a must. Black is NOT the answer Yes, black has a sliming effect. However, if you opt for darkness all over, you can appear overwhelmingly lifeless. It’s important to remember that black is not your only option; colors can do great wonders for your figure. Black also tends to hide the person underneath and your goal should not be to disappear, but to be flattered by your clothing regardless of your current state. One of the greatest ways to incorporate this shade is to wear back leggings with an attention-grabbing, somewhat oversized top. Many of you already sport these comfortable sweaters and should no doubt continue doing so; they provide not only a focal point but in contrast with the leggings, also make your bottom half seem much thinner. Look Fresh Increased weight can often be exacerbated by frumpy scarves and necklaces. Accessories of solid colors can be especially detrimental as they don’t create layers or a contrasting effect. Therefore, opt for fun patterns and prints that allow a fresher look. This is especially noteworthy Declan Hill is a journalist, academic and consultant. He is one of the world’s foremost experts on match-fixing and corruption in international sports. In 2008, Hill obtained his doctorate in Sociology at the University of Oxford as a Chevening Scholar. His book, “The Fix: Organized Crime and Soccer”, outlines the new danger to international sport posed by the globalization of the gambling market and possible match-fixing at the highest levels of professional soccer. Hill has also published a number of academic articles, is a reviewer for Global Integrity, and has probed the impact of the Russian mafia on professional ice hockey. Hill's second book, an academic textbook ''How To Fix a Soccer Match'', is set to be released in October 2013. Monday, November 18, 2013 Wear Them Angles Structured tops such as button-ups and blouses can go great lengths in slimming the figure. They counteract the roundedness your body may have taken on and are complementary to all body types. These shirts are also perfect for professional settings and holiday events. The enhanced boyish flare also provides an edginess that suits the harsh winter. There are numerous accessories that can be worn with these tops, especially if you opted for a white one. This is another category of clothing that works wonderfully with black leggings and has been featured among designer runways such as Chanel, Dolce & Gabbana and Prada. There you have it Ozzies: some quick tips to drive away the winter frump that involves no ‘gym-ing’. Of course this is not a permanent solution, but hopefully it provides you some comfort on those days when you are just not feeling your best. These steps are incredibly simple so it won’t take away from your much needed sleeping and exam-prep time. Dressing better surely leads to feeling better, more confidence and greater self-esteem. So don’t underestimate the power a little necklace may have on your day and your winter overall. The Obiter Dicta