Hiding the Fat

Charla Krupp shows us how to look trimmer without losing a pound

Charla Krupp, author of How Never To Look Fat Again
Photo by Shelby Hodge
BEFORE: "Buddah Bellies" aren't cute in form-fitting dresses in thin fabric.
From "How to Never Look Fat Again"
AFTER: A black sheath in a sturdy fabric with a thin belt takes off the visualpounds.
From "How to Never Look Fat Again"
BEFORE: Short and sassy skirts were not made for hefty thighs.
From "How to Never Look Fat Again"
AFTER: A long, lean look is achieved with a shapely pencil skirt.
From "How to Never Look Fat Again"
BEFORE: The wide belt chops the model in two and the safari cut jacket withpatch pockets and pulling buttons says big isn't better.
From "How to Never Look Fat Again"
AFTER: A tailored jacket, V-neck top with a lengthy pendant and a slim skirtjust above the knee create a linear look.
From "How to Never Look Fat Again"

Any woman worth her designer labels knows that abundant thighs are not cute in micro-minis or shorts (just ask Michelle Obama) and that a bold floral print and bright colors (think Big Bird yellow) are going to make large girls look even larger.

Likewise, most of us are aware that in some outfits, we look 10 pounds lighter than we do in others.

But leave it to style maven Charla Krupp to take the love handles by the horn and write an entire book on looking leaner without losing a pound. How To Never Look Fat Again offers the reader longing for a slimmer silhouette more than 1,000 ways to "dress thinner."

This sequel to her New York Times best-seller How Not To Look Old is the logical follow-up. "I have always thought that 'old' and 'fat' are the only things that women care about," she said while sipping a decaf coffee (skimmed milk) at the Westin Galleria Hotel recently.

Dashing through town on a national book tour, Krupp looks terrific. A petite, youthful blonde, she hardly seems like someone who would worry about either weight or age. Yet, she confesses that she is wearing Spanx (a fashion staple in her book) and that little black sweater that she has over her dress was choosen to hide the over-exposed cleavage ( a no-no in the professional world) and cover arms that she feels aren't perfect.

"You have to be your own fashion editor," she says. "You have to be brutal when looking at fashion trends and pick two or three things that work for you rather than against you."

For example, big-busted girls should forgo ruffled shirts. Girls with "big butts" (one of her favorite phrases) should skip the jeans with beading, embroidery or other visual distractions on the back pockets. Don't draw attention to one of your less-appealing features, she reasons.

And while Kate Moss might look great in tapered pants or cigarette jeans, unless you are built like Kate Moss, stick with boot-cut or straight-leg pants and jeans, she advises.

The book is loaded with sound fashion advice on everything from dealing with abundant bust lines to camouflaging bountiful hips and thighs to working with wide ankles and wide feet. Plus-size models provide visual confirmation of Krupp's fashion savvy.

She recommends that women get rid of the "fattening clothes" in their closets. Out with the maxi-skirts, the boxy jackets and the tent dresses. No more pants or skirts with elastic waists. In with fashions that indicate a shape such as V-neck tops and jackets that have a flattering cut to them. "Show your shape even if it is a size 18," she recommends.

And the fashion gospel according to Krupp — save those flats and flip-flops for days at Target or on the beach. Even a two-inch heel improves the visual by adding height and, she points out, that a woman walks differently, more stately, in a pair of heels. "It makes a world of difference," she says.

One other bit of sage advice from Krupp for women entering the work force or getting a little older, "Spend a little more. Buy a better dress. It is better to have one dress that is amazing than five that aren't." A well-designed piece in a sturdy fabric, as opposed to a flimsy T-shirt or similar material, provides a better look, she says.

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where to shop now

Where to shop now: 12 Houston stores with must-see holiday finds

Photo by Marco Torres

Bun B and PURPLE co-founder Luke Cosby at Purple's new Galleria outpost.

The holiday shopping season is in full swing in Houston, and shoppers are already busy checking names off their gift lists. Despite the fashionably late arrival of Thanksgiving this year, there is still plenty of time to find the perfect presents for everyone on the proverbial shopping list.

Whether hunting for something stylish, timeless, or entertaining, this Houston-centric shopping guide covers everything. There are ideas for every budget, age, and style preference, making shopping a bit more effortless and fun. Happy shopping, Houston!

Ada & Edith
The Houston-based style-driven women's wear brand recently released its Fall/Winter 2024 collection featuring eight highly curated pieces made with beautiful fabrics and expert tailoring. The new online collection features dresses, matching sets, tops, and skirts.

Beaufort Bonnet Company
The upscale children's lifestyle apparel brand recently opened its boutique in Rice Village next to White House Black Market. The brand offers everything from traditional special-occasion apparel pieces to ready-to-play wear for boys and girls (sizes infant – 14). Moms will love the great shopping while kids will have fun at the store's play area.

Foreign Fare
Holiday jet setters will be thrilled to give or get Houston-based travel brand Foreign Fare's travel clothing. The bestsellers, the Jetsetter jacket and Wrap Me Up Dress, are a modern take on travel apparel and made from wrinkle-resistant fabrics that effortlessly go from day to night. They feature travel-ready amenities, including hidden pockets and adjustable waistbands.

From Marfa
Tanglewood's favorite children's apparel store offers the cutest holiday must-haves for babies to teens and complimentary gift wrapping that will save time during this busy season. Shoppers can snag holiday and winter finds from brands including Little English, Luigi Kids, Pink Chicken, Katie J NYC, and more. The boutique also offers toys, books, and accessories that make great gifts and stocking stuffers.

Kimono Zulu
Houston-based brand Kimono Zulu offers one-of-a-kind vintage kimonos that make a unique and memorable holiday gift. Each kimono provides a piece of Japan's craftsmanship and artistry and is a sustainable alternative to fast fashion. The brand's kimonos are available at its Upper Kirby boutique or online.

Krewe
Krewe, an independent eyewear brand founded in New Orleans, is opening its first permanent location in Houston in Rice Village. Nnown for its high-quality, small-batch, handcrafted frames, Krewe combines the style and culture of the Big Easy with a modern and iconic style. Krewe's new outpost is located at 5515 Kelvin Dr. #125 and opens on December 7.

Lafayette 148
Lafayette 148 has partnered with Save Venice, a leading American non-profit dedicated to preserving and promoting the artistic heritage of Venice, Italy. The partnership inspired a capsule collection, available at the brand's outpost in the Galleria, featuring dresses, tops, skirts, and accessories. The capsule collection's sales will be donated to Save Venice's "Women Artists of Venice" program through the end of 2024.

Léránt
This Galleria neighborhood boutique makes being the "hostess with the mostess" easy, especially during the holiday season with elegant finds at every price point. Shoppers will find everything from tableware and crystal to gifts and festive holiday decor. Customers can shop with 15 percent off their purchases on December 4 from 4-7 pm.

Lucchese Bootmaker
Lucchese has launched a new gemstone line just in time for the holiday season. The latest offering includes the Gemstone Suede Boot Collection featuring the famous Priscilla classic style, which now comes in new rich suede colorways for the holiday season. The Gemstone Python Boot Collection includes six distinctive styles with rich, new colorways — Emerald, Amber, and Garnet — in two silhouettes: the Presley Exotic and the Dale Exotic. The Gemstone Python Clutch and Belt pay homage to 140 years of Lucchese and are handmade from rich tones of python leather.

M Penner
Named "One of the top men's specialty stores in the U.S." by Esquire Magazine, M Penner is celebrating 50 years in business — a massive feat in Houston's finicky fashion scene. In addition to custom fittings, perfect for holiday parties, customers can shop elevated brands, including Brunello Cucinelli, Zenga, Canali, Isaia, AG Jeans, Carrot & Gibbs, Davek, Paul Smith, and more.

Purple
Co-founded by Houston native Luke Crosby, Purple recently opened its first Texas location in the Galleria. Alreday a top-selling denim brand at Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus, Purple is known for its luxury denim and curated apparel worn by celebrities including Justin Bieber, Michael B. Jordan, Jimmy Butler, and Houston's own Bun B.

Zadok Jewelers
Post Oak hotspot Zadok Jewelers is ready for the "most wonderful gifts of the year" as they gear up for the holiday season with a schedule full of shopping events. Guests can pursue the massive jewelry store during its extended holiday hours while shopping exclusive pieces from The Vault or the Vintage & High Jewelry Collection. Zadok will also host designer trunk shows and its annual Ultimate Watch Event featuring new releases from 25 leading watchmakers.

Photo by Marco Torres

Bun B and PURPLE co-founder Luke Cosby at Purple's new Galleria outpost.

foreign fare zadok jewelers kimono zulu lerant from marfa purple krewe lucchese boots where to shop in houston shopping

Hiding the Fat

Charla Krupp shows us how to look trimmer without losing a pound

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Where to shop now: 12 Houston stores with must-see holiday finds

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