Mirrors don't lie ... or do they?

Have you ever been in a house of mirrors with all those wacky, warped things that make you look twisted, short and squat, or long and skinny? It turns out those distorting mirrors aren't reserved for festivals and amusement parks ... many clothing stores use subtle mirror tricks to make you look longer and leaner.

It can be a disappointment when, while shopping, you find clothes that look good on you -- only to find that they don't look so great when you get home. According to one Seattle boutique owner, creating a "skinny mirror" is as easy as tilting it slightly back. Your best bet is to know your own body type and dress accordingly. And maybe bring a friend shopping with you to be a reliable judge of how you look.

For many people, it's hard enough to look in the mirror and have a positive body image. Harder still when the mirrors in stores are playing tricks on you. Learning to love the reflection in the mirror starts with a healthy lifestyle. When you make a habit of exercising and eating healthfully, you know you're doing right by your body -- and that's a positive stepping stone toward confidence in your appearance.

[via FitSugar]