By Melissa DavlinTimes-News writer
Gillian Funk remembers when she first felt self-conscious about her looks.
The Kimberly resident was in junior high and realized that jeans and T-shirts wouldn't cut it if she wanted to look as good as her peers. She started dressing better, and, in turn, feeling better.
Fifteen years later, Funk is offering workshops about using clothes to improve one's self image. She hopes to get the word out that women don't have to change their body's weight or shape to feel confident.
Funk has been selling Modbe Clothing for four years. While helping women find the best-fitting clothes for their bodies, she learned about how different women's bodies are shaped. This year, after reading about body image issues affecting girls as young as 6 or 7 years old, she decided to start offering classes that focus on making better fashion choices to improve one's self-esteem.
In her workshops, Funk will teach women and girls about five different types of bodies and how women with those body types can dress their best.
The focus, she said, isn't on fashion, but on using clothes and accessories as a tool for feeling good.
"I think they kind of go together," she said.
Funk emphasized that she isn't using the workshops as a way to promote clothing sales. Although she uses Modbe Clothes as an example of clothing women should look for, the sessions focus on self esteem.
Liyah Babayan, owner of Ooh La La! clothing consignment shop in Twin Falls, said fashion and self-esteem are inextricably linked. Confidence lends to a sexy image, she said, and dressing well helps build that same confidence.
"It's like the chicken and the egg," she said. "One leads to another."
Babayan agreed that women need to stop focusing on their perceived flaws and make the most of the body they have.
"It's very subjective, what we think are flaws and what we don't think are flaws," Babayan said. "Not every woman's waist is at the same place. Not every woman's bust is shaped the same. Not every woman's legs are the same length."
Both Funk and Babayan expressed concern that the media promotes a certain body image that marginalizes women who don't share that body type. Funk hopes her free workshops will help women realize that everyone has positive physical attributes, no matter how much they weigh or what shape their body is.
"You don't have to look a certain way to look pretty and look feminine," she said.
Melissa Davlin may be reached at 208-735-3234 or melissa.davlin@lee.net.
What's your shape?
Pear-shaped women have small shoulders and busts and bigger, fuller hips and bottoms. Balance proportions by emphasizing your top half and wearing slimming pants or skirts that aren't too tight. Choose dark colors for the bottom half.
"Since they are heavier on bottom, that's one where you're going to want to play up the top part of you," Funk said.
Slender, petite women are under 5 feet, 4 inches and have a well-proportioned body. Funk recommends wearing clothes that don't overwhelm your small frame. "That's the hard thing when you're small and petite," she said. Splurge on a tailor if you have to. If sleeves are too long it makes you look sloppy.
Straight shaped women have narrow hips and small busts. Focus on visual details that create a feminine figure, like belts or jackets that make the waist look smaller, Funk said.
Curvy-shaped women have full busts and hips and are often size 14 or bigger. Avoid wearing clothing that is too loose or too tight. Minimize your curves, but don't deny they're there, Funk said. Wearing a proper, fitted bra will minimize curves and lift up. Find an outfit that fits you properly
"The curves are there. You're not going to hide them," Funk said.
Broad and busty women have broad shoulders and a "more-than-generous bust line," Funk said. Downplay your top curves with good support and avoid bulky clothes. Focus on the bottom - find clothes that drop the eye down, like a cute, full A-line skirt.
Want some help?
To set up a body image workshop, contact Gillian Funk at 208-410-3610 or gillfunk@gmail.com. For more information, visit her Web site at www.DefiningBeauty-GillyFunk.blogspot.com.
What to look for
Gillian Funk shared seven points to remember when picking out clothes to maximize your self-image.
1. Figure out your body type using the chart.
2. Choose outfits that fit and make you comfortable, rather than searching for the latest trend.
3. Focus on accentuating the positives. Have wide hips? Highlight your upper torso.
4. Toss what doesn't fit you. Ill-fitting clothes don't do anyone favors.
5. Buy quality, not quantity. Spending a little extra on clothes that fit well and will last pays off.
6. Choose the right outfit based on the occasion. Don't underdress for a work event or overdress for a social outing, she said.
7. Remember, size doesn't matter. Embrace your shape and have confidence in who you are.
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