Fashion
Check out the information below to keep pace with the latest in fashion. We also present ideas on how to wear your clothing and apparel, as well as other topics of interest related to fashion and looking stylish. Check back periodically, as we update this page regularly with information related to the world of fashion.
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Spring Style for 2011
Spring 2011 runway fashions are showing us old friends in a new, exciting way. Old classics like bell bottoms are making appearances with new “flair,” and pretty 60s styles and sexy 70s glamour show up side by side. Let’s not forget the tenacious biker and punk looks which pop back up every few years or so. Spring 2011 will also see plenty of lacy and macramé tops which look simply stunning paired with bright sarongs.
Spring Style: Pretty, Figure Flattering 60s
Thanks in no small part to AMC’s hit series Mad Men and in particular the curvy Christina Hendricks, the hourglass look is back in for this season. Dresses taper at the waist, or just above it, and fall in full skirts below the knee. Flattering skirts hide hips and thighs, and paired with turtlenecks they look sophisticated and sexy. This classic look is getting an update, though. Look for fabrics including flannel plaid, soft suede and even supple leather.
60s style Sheath dresses and pencil skirts are popular for spring 2011, as well, accentuating curves and lengthening the impression of overall height.
Spring Style: 70s Boho and Sophisticate
Tweed pants. High waistlines. Plaid prints. If you ever wished you could dress like a character from “Almost Famous,” spring 2011 will be your time to shine. Daytime looks for this style include pretty blouses in shimmering fabric, flowing long sleeves that end in tight cuffs, and long, flowing pants. Bell bottoms are back, too, perhaps in a backlash from the fashion industry against all those skinny jeans and jeggings currently in stores. Pair sarongs with loose, caftan shirts for a Bohemian look.
Come the evening, this 70s look gets more sophisticated and can be summed up with the words “bold, confident and sexy.” What does it take to wear a neckline that plunges to the top of a sarong slung around your hips? Confidence is the only thing that can pull that off. Those clothes are certainly making a comeback, but the look is really completed with the addition of a hat or a pair of super-high platforms.
Spring Style: Biker Chic
Motorcycle jackets incorporating new twists like patches of thick, warm tweed and shiny silver leather are all the rage on Spring 2011 runways. Motorcycle jacket style is particularly feminine this time around, with tapered waists and hemlines that reach to mid-thigh. Accented with traditional quilting for a textured look, they’re covered in plenty of zippers and buckles that lead to pockets and cinch the wrists, or do nothing whatsoever except look fantastic. Either way, the look is arresting. It’s both vintage and futuristic at once.
What would biker style be without motorcycle boots? The classic kicks are back. Look for unique styles incorporating never-before-seen elements like Chanel’s creation: a shiny steel shin plate covers the front of the high heel black leather boot. Very futuristic warrior woman.
Spring Style: Lace, Crochet and Macramé
Drawing more inspiration from the 70s, crochet and macramé are branching out from their traditional role as beachwear. While they’re more in style than ever for sun and surf, this spring will also see crocheted dresses that take more confidence to wear than that neckline plunging to your belly button. In order to wear these looks successfully a girl needs the right blend of sensuality and whimsical playfulness.
It’s not all revealing as a doily, however. Crocheted dresses with soft, satiny linings make a very pretty, feminine statement that is almost conservative. Crocheted, bikini style tops with inner lining can be accented with long fringe over the belly and less revealing necklines, making them the perfect tops for sarongs at any time of day.
Spring 2011 styles are not only bringing back old memories in brand new, updated ways, they’re expanding our concept of what clothing is. Since when has lace formed the entirety of a dress, instead of being just an accent? Since now, and the look is not only pretty but very wearable and ultra-feminine. This season promises fun fashions that flatter many different figure types and cater to a wide variety of styles preferences. Here’s to spring!
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Go from Day to Evening without Changing Outfits – Simple Style Tricks to Take You from Day to Night
When it comes to your style, daytime and evening hours call for distinctly different looks. When you’re out for a day of shopping, lunch with friends or sightseeing you want to look casual and be comfortable, and going out in the evening usually entails a look that’s a little more sexy or elegant. Depending on the time of year, the evening may be much cooler than the day. If you’re spending the whole day on the go with friends, how do you prevent sticking out like a sore thumb in your casual daywear at dinner or an after-hours bar? Going home to change would be ideal, but it’s not always convenient. Likewise, taking an entire change of clothes with you isn’t really practical.
Layering is Key
The key to a successful transition from day wear to evening wear is layering your outfit. Choose a few core pieces that can dress both up and down, and don a pretty cardigan to cover your shoulders during the day. This both tones down your look into something more casual and protects you from the summer sun, and come sundown showing those shoulders adds a slightly sexier touch. In cooler weather even more layers can be incorporated, such as a tank top covered by a low-cut shirt and topped off with a heavy zippered cable-knit. To layer on the bottom, sarongs wrapped around leggings make it simple to transition from skirts to pants (or vice versa) without being too bulky.
Accessorize into the Evening
Stash some accessories in your purse and when the stars come out, slip on a glittering necklace or a pair of big, eye-catching earrings. This will not only dress up your casual look into something more elegant, but will draw attention to your neck. Wearing your hair up during the day is both convenient and keeps it out of the way, and it allows you take it down at night for that extra va-voom. Carry a flat comb or small hairbrush and a travel-size bottle of hair spray in your bag if you have room. Brightly colored lipstick and a touch of eyeliner instantly glam up your look.
Dresses for Day and Night
Skirts, dresses and sarongs are one of the simplest ways to make a look apply for both day and night. They’re the most timeless and recognized element of feminine clothing. A halter top dress that ties up behind your neck and has a low neckline can be covered by a pretty cardigan during the day if a more conservative look is desired, and stretchy tube top dresses are all the rage these days. Lacy shawls tied around skirts during the day add a unique touch, and if you switch them to your shoulders when the sun goes down you’ll keep warm.
Sarongs are especially adaptable when it comes to transitioning from day to evening wear. Sarongs can be worn as dresses, tops or skirts. Wrap them around your waist beneath a halter top during the day for a casual, breezy look, and tie them up for elegant dresses in the evening. A sarong can accentuate a specific piece of clothing, such as a jeweled top or fringed skirt, or be the centerpiece of your outfit itself.
Comfortable Shoes
Don’t overlook your shoes! If you’re going to be out all day, shoes are one of the most important aspects of your outfit. If your feet are not happy, you will not be happy. Choose a pair of snazzy flats you can walk all day in, or a pair of comfy wedge heels. Don’t go for anything too high that will force all your weight onto your toes all day, or anything too wobbly. Strappy gladiator sandals look great with sarongs and dresses, so you’ll still look fabulous even if you’re not in heels.
Creating one outfit to serve through the day into the evening doesn’t have to be an inconvenience. With the right accessories and a little touch to your make-up, a few simple pieces of well-chosen clothing can take you from casual to fabulous with no fuss at all.
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How to Wear Hats – Choosing a Hat You can Feel Confident In
A hat can be a tricky element of style. When worn correctly they look absolutely fabulous, and a great hat can make a big impression. When worn incorrectly, however . . . well, let’s just say that many women have had a single bad hat experience and are frightened away forever.
This need not be the case. Like scarves, sarongs and belts, hats can be useful, versatile and fun items in your wardrobe. They both keep the sun from damaging the skin of your face, shoulders and neck and also spice up your style with individuality. The trick to wearing a hat well is choosing one that complements the shape of your face and works with your outfit. Then you can step out in confidence.
The Right Hat for Your Face
Since hats are worn so closely to the face they draw the eye immediately, making choosing the right hat to flatter your face very important. One rule of thumb is that you should always choose a hat that is similar to the shape of your face. For example, wear a small hat if you have a small face. Wearing something too big will overwhelm you. If your face is long and narrow try a style such as a cloche, which has a round, bell-like crown and is worn low in the front. If you wear glasses, go for something that turns up in the front. You don’t want to further hide your face with a big floppy brim. A round face calls for a broad-brimmed hat to balance it, and if your face is wide a beret will complement it beautifully. A heart-shaped face will work with almost all hats.
If you’re not sure what shape your face is or what hat is best, try a panama. Panamas complement many face shapes.
What Color is Your Hat?
When contemplating color, choose one that flatters your skin tone rather than trying to pick the perfect hat to match your outfit. Remember, the hat is closer to your face than the outfit, so don’t pick something that will wash you out. Black is safe but can get boring. Darker skin tones look good with just about any color, but bold bright hues are especially beautiful. For paler skin try a softer tone, such a pastel, or choose a hat that matches your eyes. It will make your peepers pop and accentuate your skin, while looking individual and natural.
A Good Hat is a Versatile Hat
The right hat will work with many outfits. Choose a neutral color to play it safe and feel comfortable. But if you’d rather go with something bold pair the hat with a scarf, belt or other accessory that incorporates the same color. Matching the color of hats to the color of clothes, such as detailing in printed sarongs, helps the hat top the whole outfit off and tie the look together.
Beach hats are especially versatile. Big, straw hats are essential for sun and surf, but they’re also chic wear for shopping or eating lunch outside. Straw beach hats have great, wide brims that protect you from the sun, and many are so well-made, incorporating smooth, flowing lines and expert craftsmanship, that they make the perfect accent for virtually any summer outfit, including more elegant looks for fine, outdoor dining. Big, wide-brimmed beach hats look especially good when paired with sarongs.
Hats to Avoid
So what hats should you try to always steer clear of? Visors and ballcaps, while great for such activities as sailing, wind surfing and beach activities, should be kept for daytime use, as they turn into style killers in the evening. Also, don't wear hats that don’t actually fit you. If you have to cram it on or prop it up, leave it off. If you’re going to wear a “statement hat,” pair it with understated clothing to prevent turning your outfit into an eyesore.
These are just a few tips to get you started in the wonderful world of hats. Berets, panamas, pageboys and fedoras are such fun and useful elements of style it would be a shame to leave them out altogether when you know how to pick the right one to look good.
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Patterns: To Mix or Not to Mix? – The Right and Wrong Way to Wear Multiple Patterns
Patterns are exciting to look at and can add spark to your outfit. But it’s hard to wear more than one print at the same time. Everyone’s seen people who ventured into the dangerous world of mixing patterns and failed to come out in one piece. It’s a horror story that scares some so much that they stay away from mixing different prints at all. But mixing patterns is like magic. When used incorrectly it produces disastrous results, but when used well it creates powerful and unique looks that add depth and personality to your style. Designers pull it off all the time, and so can you.
Pick Patterns Incorporating Similar Base Colors
One simple trick is to choose patterns that all contain the same color or work with the same color scheme. Try a peacock blue paisley scarf with a peacock blue plaid skirt. Color can be the thread that pulls all the elements together. This trick can also work with two or more prints that are not the same color overall. For example, pair red patterned sarongs incorporating streaks of blue in their design with metallic plaid scarves that have blue fringe. The blue in the scarf accentuates the blue in the sarong, and the outfit is still tied together.
Don’t Make Your Patterns Compete
Too many patterns incorporating small, detailed designs are hard on the eyes and look busy. The eye doesn’t know where to go first, and the outfit ends up looking confused. Likewise, using two very large patterns together, such as a bold floral and bold striped, is overwhelming. People may be trying to find you in your big, loud outfit.
Instead, go for contrast and balance. Pair large prints with small prints. Try a thick, bold striped piece paired with a small, soft floral. Blend organics with graphics, big prints with small and thin fabrics with heavier ones. Scenes on fabric, such as sarongs printed with relaxing beach scenes, are generally larger designs. These pair well with smaller, tighter prints such as striped tops. But again, make sure the stripes reflect the colors in the sarong.
Use Different Fabrics
Using different fabrics adds more depth and contrast to your outfit than, say, choosing several patterns all on cotton. That looks one-dimensional. Instead, try a flannel houndstooth skirt with a bold-striped silk blouse. This look works best if the houndstooth is of the same color scheme as the blouse. Bold metallic striped leggings combine with a breezy white floral dress to create contrast and effect.
Break Patterns up with Solid Colors
Incorporating solid colors in your outfit is one of the easiest ways to wear multiple patterns successfully. If you feel uncertain, use this trick when mixing your first patterns. Separating the prints allows the eye a little time to rest before moving on to the next exciting element of your outfit. Even something as simple as a thick, solid belt or black cardigan can do the trick. This creates a contemporary, sophisticated look while balancing your outfit. Try a patterned dress, solid leggings and cute, printed flats.
Neutral Patterns are Easier
Beige, light brown and earth toned patterns complement many looks, and are easier to work with than bolder colors when you’re first starting to blend patterns. Tweed pants, a houndstooth skirt or a brown paisley scarf mix well with many prints, especially if they’re multi-colored. Navy, black and white stripes fall into this category as well.
A Few Extra Warnings . . .
Don’t wear too much of the same pattern, even if the fabric is different and the print is different sizes. For example, polka dots are chic and sophisticated, but wearing four pieces of clothing covered in polka dots makes you look more like you have chicken pox than style. Several striped pieces are fashionable and pretty when paired with floral sarongs, but too many stripes scream “prison break.” Again, a big key to blending patterns is to incorporate contrast.
If you’re still unsure about mixing patterns, try a simple trick. Hold the prints up together and imagine they were all part of one piece of clothing. Would you buy it?
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Classic Summer Dresses – Sorting Through the Styles for Your Perfect Summer Dress
When the temperature rises it’s time to shed those winter layers and step out in something a little less cumbersome and a little more flattering. Sundresses and sarongs let you soak up the sun in style. Wraps and a-lines are chic for shopping and dining. Skirts are so popular and comfortable that many girls don’t want to give them up even when engaging in activities such as riding bicycles or playing tennis, so there are active wear styles available, too.
When confronted with so many options, how do you find the right dress for you? You need something that will flatter you while being versatile enough to wear more than once. Here are some classic summer dress styles that will keep you looking fabulous and feeling comfortable no matter what you’re up to.
Wrap Dresses
A wrap dress is open in front like a robe. Generally, a belt is incorporated into the design of a true wrap dress, not added on afterward. One side of the belt pulls through an “eyehole” on the other side of the dress, and you wrap the front around you and tie it off like a robe. The great thing about a wrap dress is that it’s adjustable. Your wrap dress will fit just as well on the days when you feel a little lighter as when you’ve eaten too much yummy pizza. The belt tie accentuates your waist and the skirt works like a charm at covering hips and thighs.
Tubes and Tight Sheaths
A tube dress is just what it sounds like. It holds itself up under your arms with elastic and falls in a (relatively) straight line, usually to around the middle of your thighs. Some styles are stretchy and elasticized all over, making them a sleek and sexy choice for slender bodies. If you feel less than comfortable emphasizing all your curves, though, don’t worry. Many sheath dress styles cover up flaws while remaining flattering. A tube dress with a fuller, flowing skirt adds a Bohemian flair to your look, which is even more striking in full-length skirts. Look for something with pretty floral detailing, or tie a ribbon under the elastic part of the dress to add dimension.
Sarongs
Sarongs are timeless classics thanks in no small part to their simplicity and comfort. A sarong is incredibly versatile, able to be tied up around the neck as a dress, tied around the shoulder for a different, toga-like look, folded up and wrapped around the hips to achieve a short chic style, draped around the hips in a long, elegant skirt, and even more. Such versatility makes them a great choice for many body types. They can be tied to accentuate curves or cover them up, however you feel most comfortable.
A-lines
A-lines have always been popular because they are so flattering to so many body types. An a-line is a skirt or dress that tapers at the waist and then flares out, either dramatically or subtly, accentuating the slenderness of the waist and hiding trouble areas like the hips and tummy. A wrap dress will naturally have an a-line skirt. Depending on the design, short a-lines can be fun and flirty for casual outings or look elegant for cocktail parties. Longer-skirted a-lines are generally more formal, reserved for evening or events.
Sundresses
A “sundress” is loosely defined as any casual dress that can be worn in the sun. Most styles expose the shoulders, either with spaghetti straps, a halter top or with elasticized tops. Sundresses are lightweight and comfortable, and include most of the other styles in this list. As they come in all shapes and sizes, you’re sure to find one that flatters you.
Each of these styles is versatile, depending on the design and fabric of the dress. Before venturing out to possibly drown in the sea of pretty dresses for sale, it’s a good idea to step back and decide what you want out of your summer dress. Once you decide what activities you plan on using it for and the impression you want to make in it, you should be able to find your perfect dress.
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Sustainable Style: Hemp, Bamboo and Recycled Plastic Clothing – Going Green with Your Wardrobe
Once upon a time, being environmentally friendly was only for so-called “hippies.” These days, it’s not only the responsible and sensible choice for all walks of life, it’s becoming ever more essential as we realize the impact we have on our world. Everyone’s jumping on the green bandwagon, and designers are no exception. Clothing made from sustainable materials such as hemp, bamboo, and even recycled plastic offer green choices without sacrificing an inch of style.
Here’s a run-down of materials, benefits, disadvantages and possibilities offered by the world of sustainable style.
Hemp
Hemp is one of the most versatile and sustainable crops on the planet. It can grow at the rate of sixteen feet in as little as one hundred days, needs little water, and doesn’t require pesticides. Every part of hemp plants can be used. Oil is pressed from seeds for biofuel, plastics and natural skin care, and stalks are used for fibers.
Hemp fabric doesn’t all feel rough, like canvas. The fibers can be highly refined and woven in with other materials to create garments as delicate and soft to the touch as silk. Hemp fibers take dye very well and are three times as strong as cotton, making fabrics more durable. A hemp and cotton blouse is as soft to the touch as traditional cotton, but the garment is stronger. Designers are using hemp to create everything from underwear to handbags, and even jeans. You can’t always tell by sight or touch if a garment is made of hemp.
There aren’t many disadvantages to hemp clothes. One is that it’s not naturally white, so manufacturers sometimes use chemical processing methods. Another downside concerns politics surrounding the plant. Hemp growth was restricted in the 1920s, and further restricted in the 1930s.
Bamboo
Bamboo grows even more quickly than hemp, with some species growing up to four feet per day. Its growth rate makes it incredibly renewable, and it actually improves soil quality. Like hemp, bamboo requires very little water. Bamboo is naturally anti-bacterial.
Making clothing out of bamboo is a relatively new technology, but great strides have been made is a short time. Bamboo fabric is soft, breathes well, wicks away moisture and moves easily, making it a new favorite for designers creating comfy leisure and active wear. Bamboo fabric also makes chic dresses that drape over the body to flatter curves. The slight shimmery sheen of the fabric adds instant elegance. Like cashmere or silk, bamboo has a very flowing look, casual and graceful. Bamboo fabrics are naturally hypoallergenic, anti-static, and retain the anti-bacterial qualities inherent in bamboo stalks.
One disadvantage to bamboo fabric is that it loses over half its strength when wet for long periods of time, so dry it quickly after you take it out of the washer. Productions methods are questionable in some parts of the world, too.
Recycled Plastic Clothes
Where do plastic bottles go after they’re recycled? Some are turned into fibers. The process is complicated. Plastic bottles are sterilized, refined, purified, broken down into flakes, then into liquid, then poured out into thick polyester strands. Once the strands are stretched they are spun into Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) and woven into fabric.
PET is being used to make all kinds of strong, durable and lightweight garments. Like hemp, it can be blended with other materials to create fabrics like fleece, wool, cotton and more. Most of the clothes you’ll find that are currently made out of recycled plastic will be things like vests, jackets and outdoor wear, accessories and pants.
PET can be quite flammable unless it’s treated with a flame retardant. It can also build up a lot of static electricity, attracting plenty of lint and loose hair, and the fabric has been known to pill.
Friends will be amazed when you tell them your snazzy polar fleece jacket is made of recycled plastic bottles, or that your elegant, sweeping evening dress used to be panda food. Renewable materials are being used to create everything from shoes to sarongs these days, making staying in fashion while protecting the environment not only the responsible choice, but also the stylish one.
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The Top Five Fashion Destinations Worldwide – Where to Go to Soak Up the Style
You can sport unique style even in the smallest town, but that doesn’t mean you’ll fit in. Let’s face it, not every city is a fashion destination. To find a place where you can see and be seen in amazing outfits, you need a city where not only designers and models, but the general population eat, breathe and sleep style. Fashion destinations hold glamorous events like runway and award shows. Fashion destinations have thriving entertainment industries and cultural scenes. Fashion cities have personality seeping out of the sidewalks, with active and inspiring sub-cultures.
Without further ado, here are the top five fashion destinations worldwide.
New York
New York is occasionally unseated from the top place by another fashion capital, such as long-time rival Milan, but in the minds of many it reigns supreme. It is home to eccentric designers like Betsey Johnson with her trademark Boho floral print dresses, and classic designers like Oscar de la Renta with his timeless yet modern feminine style. New Yorkers are versatile with their style, indulging in everything from sarongs and minimal island wear to intricate Victorian elements like corsets and granny boots.
New York hosts Fashion Week twice a year, in February and September. It’s the ultimate place to be for American designers, though some international designers are invited to showcase collections.
To learn more about New York City fashion, you can visit the website of: New York City Fashion.
Milan
Like its rival New York, Milan fashion has high standards of creativity and innovation. It is home to household names like Versace and Armani. You’ll find many wearable, unique styles in Milan, and you’ll know the proof is in the pudding when you see everyday Milanese strolling along in extravagant yet elegant outfits. Milan and New York both have strong haute couture presences, with designer clothes being custom made for individuals, and high end districts for those who can afford to drop a few thousand dollars for an exclusive Prada shirt.
Milan Fashion Weeks occurs twice a year and follows hot on the tails of New York’s Fashion Week, being the third in the chain of the “Big Four Fashion Weeks,” following London and followed by Paris.
To learn more about Italian fashion, you can visit the website of the: National Chamber of Italian Fashion (Camera Nazionale della Moda Italiana).
London
Designers in London are notorious for quirky and extravagant creations. Such designers as Burberry Prorsum, Lulu Guinness with her famous pouty-mouth purses, and Stella McCartney who designs many celebrity fashions, call London home. Even for many Londoners who aren’t professionally involved in the fashion industry, dressing themselves in an art form that not only experiments with different looks and expresses individuality, but pushes boundaries.
London Fashion Week is the second of the “Big Four,” and you’ll see plenty of fresh designs with an eccentric flair. In recent years designers such as Burberry Prorsum are making traditional British fashion elements, such as tweed, edgier and relevant for younger and chic crowds.
To learn more about British fashion, you can visit the website of the: British Fashion Council.
Paris
Like London, Paris has a reputation for being something of a symbolic fashion capital thanks to its long history of high art, style and culture. Parisian designers are known to take a slightly more refined, high class and formal slant toward their creations, valuing elegance over practicality and prestige over financial success. Such giants as Chanel and Jean Paul Gaultier reign from Paris.
Paris Fashion Week is the last of the “Big Four Fashion Weeks,” and its shows are usually held in the Carrousel de Louvre.
To learn more about French fashion, you can visit the website of the: French Institute of Fashion (Institut Français de la Mode).
Tokyo
Tokyo has been making its way onto this list since the 1980s, and while many would say it’s finally arrived, there are others who would say Tokyo has been here for a long time. Many different looks and themes come out of Tokyo every year. Designer Yohji Yamamoto crafts a romantic and somber world with his designs, while Rei Kawakubo offers more futuristic, architectural looks that challenge convention.
When many people think of Japanese style they think of clashing colors and strange, eccentric elements that are not representative of Japanese design as a whole, but which have gained notoriety for their eccentricity.
To learn more about Japanese fashion, you can visit the website of: Japan-Fashion.
There are too many fashion destinations worldwide to include in this list, but even if one of these five is dethroned by an up-and-comer like Melbourne or Los Angeles, these five will hold high places in the fashion world for many years to come.
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Swimsuit Shopping for Dummies – How to Find the Best Swimsuit for Your Body
Finding a swimsuit you feel comfortable and confident in can be daunting, especially at the start of the season, when many women have a little winter weight to shed. Even the most confident beach beauty can feel a little self-conscious and more than a little stressed out when trying to find the perfect swimsuit, but it doesn’t have to be an uphill battle. Don’t get discouraged! Designers create all kinds of different swimsuits to complement all kinds of different body types. Finding the right one for you is all about selecting a cut that emphasizes your assets and diminishes flaws.
Busts
If your bust is smaller, play it up with a top that has pretty embellishments and detailing. Halter tops and “criss-cross” tops can create a more voluptuous look. A triangle-top bikini can look fantastic if it doesn’t move around too much and you are also slim on the bottom. Try to avoid “traditional” bikini tops and one-piece suits, as these can make you appear even smaller.
If you are bigger busted, look for something that provides support like an underwire top or a halter top. Select wider straps that can support more weight, rather than spaghetti straps that make heavy breasts look even heavier. Vintage styles can also provide support while looking super-stylish. Stay away from bandeau tops that have no strap at all or a slim one reaching up around your neck.
Broad shoulders or heavier upper bodies that need to be slenderized look great in halter tops and crossover tops, where one side of the bikini seems to “cross over” the other between the breasts.
Bottoms
Down-play fuller hips and thighs with boy short styles or short skirts. Avoid too much detailing around this area. You want to draw eyes away from the bottom, not pull them in. A pretty sarong wrapped around your hips will cover your trouble spots and create a lengthening, slimming effect.
To camouflage a stomach that isn’t quite up to washboard standards, select a one-piece that emphasizes height and slimness, creating lines that make you look sleeker. There are also skirted options and one-pieces with tummy-control technology. Cinched or ruched sides create hourglass shapes, and a bathing suit with a belt can create a waist where no waist was before. A tankini can also be a great option for those with a little tummy. Tankinis are crosses between one-piece suits and bikinis, covering trouble areas while still breaking the body up with a division line.
Swimsuit Colors and Prints
In the quest for the right cut, don’t overlook the color of your swimsuit! Color and print can have a dramatic effect on the overall look of your body, and you want it to work for you rather than against you.
Fuller figures look great in dark colors, which are slimming and flattering, whereas lighter colors almost seem to showcase every imperfection.
Soft, watercolor pastels look good on younger women, while in general older women have more success in bolder, striking colors.
To find the right print look for something swirling or a medium sized pattern, which hide imperfections with their pretty designs. Stay away from big, floral printed suits unless you want something to look bigger, and stay away from horizontal striped suits period. Vertical stripes, however, look great. Smaller, busier patterns don’t work well for older women, as they often enhance the look of age.
Mismatched bikinis are fun and playful. Wear the patterned piece on the part of your body you want to play up. The solid color will complement it while the pattern draws eyes away from flaws.
Wear white swimsuits with caution, as these can become translucent when wet. And of course, black is classic for a reason. It looks great on everyone!
The most important aspect of buying the right swimsuit is to choose one that actually fits you. If it sags or squeezes, it will look bad. And don’t forget that cover-ups, like shawls and sarongs, provided additional coverage while enhancing beauty. Take your time, be patient and choose a swimsuit you really love that makes you feel confident and beautiful.
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Style Evolution: The Changing Face of Chanel – How Chanel’s Classic Style has Remained Relevant over a Generation
What makes a fashion giant? What gives some designers staying power that creates a legendary reputation while others remain relatively unknown? One iconic name we can look to for answers is Chanel. Coco Chanel challenged the styles popular in her day and popularized a look which was completely revolutionary, yet so simple that many of her classic designs remain relevant a hundred years later.
In the early twentieth century, Chanel did away with corsets once and for all, leading to the “flat-chested” boyish look of the 1920s. Many of her styles were inspired by menswear, giving women the opportunity to wear pants, active wear, and comfortable jersey. Instead of forcing women’s bodies into pre-defined shapes, Chanel’s styles worked with unstructured, relaxed lines to emphasize natural elegance, utility and comfort, much the way a sarong or trench coat does. Her smart women’s suits and “little black dresses” are still staples in many closets.
Chanel’s First Styles
Chanel began her career with women’s sportswear in 1909, going for a simple look that went against the grain of contemporary fashions. Some of her styles were affected by WWI, as women needed outfits that were comfortable and serviceable to do the jobs of men, but still wished to look feminine. She used plenty of inexpensive jersey which draped well, and became recognized for her simple, elegant day dresses and coats, which was touted as the “new look for afternoon and evening.” Her revolutionary style garnered attention from everyday women and even Harper’s Bazaar. In 1923 she told them, “Simplicity is the keynote of all true elegance.”
Classics are Created
As the 1920s progressed, Chanel created several classics that are still in use today, including her signature fragrance “Chanel No. 5,” a chic cardigan jacket, and the “little black dress.” She also incorporated tweed in her styles, inspired by the functionality and simple beauty of Scottish fashion. Towards the end of the twenties and into the 1930s, Chanel’s evening couture dresses lengthened into long, refined styles that women appreciated for their sleek lines. Her summer designs incorporated contrasts in their detailing, such as rhinestone straps on breezy, jersey dresses. In the mid-1930s, Coco Chanel also designed an entire line of clothing catering to small, petite women.
The Classics Evolve
During the 1950s, Coco Chanel realized that she needed to establish a strong presence in several areas if she wanted to remain relevant, so she revamped her signature style, branching out into haute couture, pret-a-porter or “ready-to-wear” styles that required no adjustments when bought off the rack, costume jewelry and perfumes. Old classics received edgy, glamorous updates. She took her famous “Chanel Suit,” with its wool cardigan and skirt, and added long pearl necklaces. This revamped the look into something a little less severe with touches of femininity that made it popular with a wider group of women. The 50s also saw the creation of quilted leather purses and bags, the “2.55” bag, a classic still in use today.
Chanel Post-Coco
Coco Chanel worked through the end of her life and demonstrated an unfailing ability to sound out what the modern woman wanted out of her wardrobe. After her death in 1971, the label struggled to hold its position as a leader of simplicity and luxury for some time. In 1983, Karl Lagerfeld became chief designer. Lagerfeld committed himself to upholding the Chanel legend by utilizing timeless, classic designs, but updated them into edgier, more interesting styles that stood out from the company’s work in the past. Evening gowns became a little more whimsical, sparkly and luxurious, and traditionally longer cuts were shortened. Under Lagerfeld’s direction everything got a little sexier, while still allowing women to look dignified.
To this day, Chanel’s ongoing ability to read the market, as well as an unflinching dedication to upholding signature looks while knowing just where and when to evolve, give the company staying power. Chanel’s success gives us some insight into what women of all eras want out of their wardrobe: comfort, class and style.
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Glamorous Beach Weddings – Looking Absolutely Stunning at Your Beach Wedding
Beach weddings have been in style for generations. Their beautiful scenery of sun, sand and surf enhances the ceremony with a sweeping, epic landscape, not to mention all those fabulous photos of your wedding party surrounded by palm trees and the ocean. As beautiful as the scenery is, you as the bride should be the centerpiece. But how do you outshine the ocean? Here are a few suggestions for looking absolutely unforgettable at your beach wedding.
Beach Wedding Dresses
Most brides who have beach weddings opt for dresses that incorporate natural, elegant lines as opposed to more elaborate, extravagant designs. Wedding gowns that are too busy look out of place on the beach. Go for something with beautiful fabric that shows off your shoulders and has a flattering neckline. Grecian inspired gowns are especially pretty. Their simple designs create a classic yet unique style, and they make you look like a goddess.
Sarongs are also a timeless choice for beach wedding dresses. Their simplicity of design and the fact that they can be tied in so many ways means you can’t go wrong. White or ivory pieces can be custom designed, and can be hand-painted by artisans for an individual touch. A bridal sarong can also be made with pretty, custom embroidery, or pearl detailing to add a touch of tradition. As it’s also traditional beach wear, you’ll look perfectly in your element, but will still stand out as the centerpiece.
Beach Wedding Shoes
Some brides go barefoot for their beach wedding, preferring the natural, refined statement it makes. There’s always been something alluring about a woman with bare feet on a beach. If this is your choice, pamper your feet with a pedicure and pretty nail polish.
High heels can be risky footwear for beach weddings, as heels have the tendency to sink into the sand and make you wobble. If you’d prefer to be high-heeled, go for a natural looking wedge with straps that match your gown. Ribbon is a popular choice.
Flat sandals are the most common option for beach wedding footwear, also complementing the natural look many beach brides are going for. You can have sandals custom handcrafted by artisans for a beautiful pair that can’t be found anywhere else. Pretty embroidery, pearls or shells make perfect detailing. Gladiator sandals are also a good choice, especially for brides in Grecian inspired gowns, and have the added benefit of accentuating the grace of your lower legs.
On Your Head
Some women choose to leave the veil off completely for the natural look. Others choose something stylish yet organic. A circlet of blossoms that matches your bouquet will tie your look together without overwhelming you. Attach a veil that hangs over your shoulders, or sweeps straight down your back.
For a more individual but still organic style, try a headpiece with pretty feathers or shiny seashells that pins onto your hair. Stick with one or two feathers or shells so you don’t over-do it. Pair it with a sheer veil or go for something different, such as a delicate white fishnet fashionably arranged over your hair, or sweeping over one eye.
The Finishing Touch
Every beach bride wants something different when it comes to jewelry. Look for pieces that won’t overwhelm you, but won’t be overwhelmed by the stunning landscape, either. Natural stones, such as moonstone or quartz, are elegant, organic and unique. Shell jewelry can look absolutely magical, if it’s not overdone.
Diamonds are always classic, and they look fabulous glinting in the sun. If you’d rather not wear diamonds, or don’t have any that are wedding-worthy, consider wearing crystal. Crystals catch and reflect the sun beautifully, but are less expensive than diamonds. A single crystal or shell hanging from your neck can be the finishing touch that makes you an unforgettable bride.
Looking glamorous at your beach wedding is about working with the scenery, not competing with it, because in a competition with the sun and the sea . . . you will lose. Instead, create a stunning, unique and natural look that won’t be outshone by the beautiful sunset behind you in your bridal pictures.
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Packing Light for a Beach Vacation – How to Enjoy Your Trip More By Traveling with Less
No matter how excited you feel about your vacation, you're probably less thrilled about the prospect of packing for it. Keep your luggage light with versatile clothing, easy-care fabrics, thoughtful color choices, and the right accessories.
Clothes That Do Double Duty
Your walk-in closet at home supplies plenty of space for that pair of purple pumps that match exactly one sweater in the world. On your vacation, though, you'll want to consider clothing that serves more than one purpose. If you can wear an item with every other item in your suitcase, you have a winner.
A shirtdress that falls a couple of inches above the knee would be an excellent option to wear alone, as a cover-up on the beach, or over capri pants. Depending on the style and the fabric, you could even wear it as a blouse with a different skirt covering the lower portion. The ease and versatility of the shirtdress has kept the style in vogue for over half a century.
Another garment just as easy as the shirtdress and even more versatile is the sarong or pareo. This generous rectangle of fabric can go over a swimsuit as a cover-up, become a wraparound skirt, drape over the shoulders as a shawl on cool nights, or even transform itself into a dress. A few sarongs take up virtually no space in your suitcase, but add many options to your wardrobe.
Skip nightwear altogether and pack along a few tank tops and tees instead. If you're pressed for something to wear, you can easily slip into one of these under a lightweight jacket with a pair of slacks and look appropriate for almost any occasion. No one has to know it doubled as a nightshirt the evening before.
Choose the Right Fabrics
Jeans may go everywhere you want to go at home, but they're suffocating in sultry tropical air. Switch them out for lightweight cargo pants or capris in cotton or linen.
For clothes that stay stylish in any weather, look for natural fibers and natural blends. Linen and cotton get rumpled quickly, but adding Lycra to the mix can give these natural fabrics more body in the heat. High-quality woven acetate feels and looks as cool as cotton with less wrinkling.
Want to get away with only one carry-on bag for your vacation? Plan to do some laundry if you're staying for more than a weekend. Lightweight cottons, linens, and silks dry so quickly that you can easily wash them in the sink and hang them on the shower rod in the morning to wear that evening. Check with your hotel to ensure that your room has a steam iron if you'd like to give your hand-washed dress a quick touch-up before going out in it.
Keeping it Neutral
Picking two neutrals and building the rest of your wardrobe around them guarantees that you'll always look put together on your vacation. The classic combination is black and white, but feel free to go with chocolate brown and beige, gray and white, or any two colors that suit you.
Whichever colors you choose, the majority of the items in your suitcase should feature one or both of them prominently. Think of items of clothing like rooms in a house: to ensure that they flow well together, bring elements from the preceding room into the next one. If all the major items in your luggage pair well with each other, then the only decision you need to make each morning is which accessories you'll choose.
Accessories Make the Outfit
While you don't want to overload on accessories, you'll probably want to take a few special things with you. A bright scarf that can double as a shawl or cover-up adds spice to your mostly neutral vacation wardrobe. Consider buying some local items that catch your fancy; a set of carved bangles or a brilliant bead necklace is both a souvenir and a beautiful way to vary your look during your trip.
It's tempting to over-pack shoes. Resist temptation, though, and stick to three pairs at most: sandals for the beach, dressier heels or flats for going out to dinner or dancing, and sturdy athletic shoes if you intend to go hiking. You can probably get away with two pairs if you know you're not the dancing or hiking type.
A tropical vacation should be worry-free, so don't burden yourself with too many possessions. Loosen up, pack light, and save room in your suitcase for souvenirs.
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Hottest Trends in Swimsuits -- How to Choose Your Best New Look
With so little fabric to work with, designers may seem hard-pressed to come up with swimsuit innovations, but the latest bathing gear looks strikingly modern even as it pays homage to vintage shapes and textures.
The latest looks in swimwear are varied enough to offer something new to flatter every body type and suit every kind of activity. If you plan on a more active vacation, one-pieces and racer-back tankinis provide security. If your perfect vacation entails doing nothing more strenuous than turning the pages of your latest beach read, crochet and beadwork might be more your style.
The One-Piece: Retro Style with a Modern Twist
Thank AMC's "Mad Men" and retro-loving stars like Katy Perry for the resurgence of vintage one-piece swimsuit styles. Mid-century modern remains the hottest trend on runways, and bathing suits are no exception. One advantage the maillot style has over two-piece swimsuits is its ability to reshape the body; by shaping the waist and offering more support to the bust, a well-constructed one-piece suit creates an hourglass figure that no bikini can match.
The most runway-ready looks draw directly from the Eisenhower era. Elements like ruching, boy-cut legs, attached skirts, and decorative belts define the late 1950s look. What differentiates these suits from your grandmother's bathing suit is their construction. Modern fabrics have far more flexibility than stiff, heavy vintage suits; older suits were little more than girdles redesigned for the beach. New fabrics also allow design elements that weren't possible when the maillot first emerged; cut-out shapes, asymmetrical straps, and deeply plunging backs are alluring twists on the classic one-piece.
If your best asset is your curvaceous shape, you'll want to consider a glamorous retro maillot. One-piece suits also provide more security and support for buxom swimmers. Look for racer-back straps if you plan to be more active on your vacation.
The Tankini: Inspired By Athletes
Originally created in the early 1990s as an offshoot of athletic apparel, the tankini gets an update from layering and better built-in support. Tankinis combine the best of a bikini's skin-baring appeal and the one-piece's shaping by pairing bikini-style bottoms with a longer top. How bare you wear the style is up to you--tankini tops can reach your hips or barely graze the base of your ribs.
Ruching is as hot for tankinis as it is for maillots; this stylish detail emphasizes curves without constraining them. Layered styles are popular this season, especially if one of the layers features a coordinating or contrasting print. Asymmetrical straps are another novel element, but if you intend to spend much time on the beach, consider your tan lines if you wear this dramatic look.
Tankinis are ideal if you're long-waisted or short-waisted. They're also a good choice if you're an active beach-goer. If you'd like a little more support from a youthful, sporty silhouette, this is the swimsuit for you.
High-Waisted Bikinis
Microscopic bikini bottoms are becoming rare on runways. High-waisted styles with full backs and boy-cut legs are replacing them. This vintage-inspired look traces its history to Betty Grable and other pin-up girls of the 1940s. Because they cover you up to the narrowest point of your waist, high-rise bikini bottoms visually thin your midriff.
Wear this high-waisted style in two or more colors or with a bold print to keep it looking young and not like "granny panties." Vertical rows of buttons or contrasting stripes add interest that breaks up the visual monotony of a field of fabric at your waist.
Try a high-waisted bikini if you want greater control at your hips and lower abdomen. The style flatters thinner waists, but it also works well for thicker midriffs. Don't pass on wearing a high waist if your body type isn't quite the classic hourglass; these bikini bottoms help create the illusion of an hourglass shape. wear them with a sarong in a complementary color for maximum waist-thinning appeal.
New Textures and Details
No matter which style you choose, give it a cutting-edge update by incorporating current textural trends. The newest look now is metallics; modern manufacturing techniques make metallic prints durable enough to withstand an active trip. Also hot are textural elements borrowed from other seasons--winter's textured crochet and spring's delicate lace add a tactile dimension to swimsuits. Runways feature sequins and paillettes prominently, but bear in mind that these decorative spangles are fragile. If you're wearing a bathing suit for show more than for swimming, though, sparkle makes an eye-catching statement.
You'll likely be wearing your bathing suit more than any other item of clothing during your tropical vacation. Make sure you're dressed for the occasion in a modern style that suits you well.
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Color Trends in Fashion – What's In, What's Out, and What's Right for You
When you think of vintage fashion, you probably identify certain color palettes with a distinct time period. The aquas of the Eisenhower era, the earth tones of the 1970s, and the bright synthetic neons of the 1980s have become a shorthand for designers who want to evoke those eras in modern collections.
While the second decade of the twenty-first century is still young, there are some color trends today that may become the backbone of some future designer's "retro" collection. With the varied palette available on today's runways, you'll be able to stay on trend while remaining true to your best colors.
Honeysuckle Pink and Peony Brights
Pantone, the company behind the Pantone Matching System used by virtually all print media, has declared a warm, vibrant pink called Honeysuckle the "Color of the Year" for 2011. Honeysuckle and its related shades of pink are everywhere for spring and summer. Like the peony shade featured most prominently on the runway at Badgley Mischka, these pinks are confident and sunny, not delicate pastels.
Pink is one of the easiest colors to wear for any skin tone, but finding your perfect pink takes a little more consideration. If your skin tone is warm, look for pinks that have more of a salmon hue; cooler complexions work well with true pinks and even shades that veer toward lavender. If pink isn't your style, consider a print that incorporates the color along with other shades you prefer. You'll stay with the trend, yet look like yourself.
Navy: Neutral, But New
Navy has never truly gone out of fashion, but its staid reputation sometimes turns it into a "mother of the bride" color. What's making navy new again is how it mixes with colors that are anything but conservative. Acid green, peony, and light citrus yellow keep navy blue from becoming too dense. Michael Kors recently featured navy with a bright lilac and gold accents for a look that echoed nautical sportswear without going too literal.
Although usually considered a neutral alternative to black, the two look striking together. Pairing navy with black reveals the understated beauty of this deep blue, placing it in the spotlight when it usually takes a supporting role.
Navy works beautifully with cool skin tones, but if your skin is warmer or more golden, try wearing navy as a skirt, sarong, or jacket with a vibrant color at your neck. Another possibility is to wear it in a sheer fabric. Navy tends to look monolithic unless it's broken up with prints or textures; try it as a sheer overskirt or blouse over a camisole.
Aquatic Palettes: Blues and Greens Together
One sophisticated look that works as well for casual and ready-to-wear as it does on runways is mixing undine shades like blue and green. Navy is a fixture in any color scheme, but designers no longer constrain themselves to neutrals. Brilliant kelly greens combine with icy aquas or midnight blues with equal ease.
The key to wearing these nature-inspired palettes in the real world is to pair lighter with darker. Wearing a forest green dress with a turquoise scarf lets both colors shine without making them compete for attention.
Earth Tones for Summer
Customarily considered autumnal tones, earthy colors were prominent features of both Valentino and Christian Dior runways for spring/summer 2011. Spicy colors like paprika red, saffron, and camel look right for summer when lightened up with flowing fabrics and pale accents. What keeps these colors from looking like a return to the harvest gold and avocado color scheme of the seventies is the distinctly contemporary styling; pants have either a flared leg or a vintage color, but not both.
If your skin tone is warm, you'll enjoy this trend, as earthy shades make your complexion glow. If you're cool-toned, look for quieter earth shades that span the divide between warm and cool colors like moss green and raisin. The most popular color at the 2011 Academy Awards was a flame-like reddish orange that flattered virtually every skin tone; look for this hot hue everywhere this summer and don't be afraid to try it for yourself.
The latest "of the moment" colors that designers have embraced are more varied and more wearable than those of decades past. Find which colors are right for you and enjoy them while they're in style.
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From Runway to Everyday – How to Translate Runway Looks to Fit Your Wardrobe
Ralph Lauren famously said, "I don't design clothes, I design dreams." Runway clothing is meant to be just that--fantasy, theater, and art fused into one dramatic performance. Exaggerated couture designs influence what you'll find in stores, but they aren't meant to be worn as they're styled for the runway any more than a Salvador Dali canvas is meant to be used for wrapping presents.
If you want to do some trend-spotting and wear the latest runway looks before the tamed versions hit the stores, here are some tips you'll want to follow.
Cover Up
Fashion designers know that nothing sells like skin. Jackets worn without shirts, ten-inch skirts, and sheer tops make an appearance at every Fashion Week showing. Bare skin isn't a trend that most people want to follow except on the beach, so how to translate the plunging necklines and sheer fabrics into something that you can wear in the real world? Ignore the skin and pay attention to proportion and silhouette.
For example, if a jacket worn with no blouse catches your eye, what made it noticeable aside from how it was worn? Is it fitted and paired with a knee-length pencil skirt? Is it a bolero that's matched with high-waisted trousers? Get inspired by the silhouettes rather than the specifics and you'll more closely approximate the designer's dream without risking a wardrobe malfunction.
Look at the Big Picture
Individual garments in a runway collection are like individual brushstrokes on an artist's canvas; you can appreciate the art best by looking at its entirety. Look for the common themes that the designer has chosen to spotlight, because those themes are what make a collection cohesive. Do you see an emphasis on a particular part of the body, a specific silhouette, a range of textures, or a unified palette? Christian Dior's spring 2011 couture collection, for example, showcased the narrow-waisted, full-skirted "Dior look" of the late 1940s with some slim pencil skirts as a counterpoint.
Let your eyes go unfocused and see which design elements still make an impact. Let those become your inspiration. If you wanted to take the high drama of that Dior collection into your own closet, for instance, you might pair a rich red circle skirt with a pale gray sweater to echo the design house's streamlined spring palette. Adept trend-setters can spot common themes across multiple runways and designers, then bring these elements into their own wardrobes.
When Clashing is Fashion
Runway designs frequently focus on artful dissonance. Fashion shows take mixing pattern, color, and style to a new level in an effort to shock viewers into sitting up and taking notice. Real women don't wear fur wraps, sheer gowns, and hot pants together, let alone when they're all dyed a lively teal, yet Gucci's fall 2011 runway featured the pairing to start the show. Last year, Prada showed cable-knit socks with strappy heels. This kind of elegant clash makes the audience focus on each piece.
While you probably won't want to don clothing from all four seasons in your wardrobe at once or mix more than six patterns at a time, you can use the element of surprise to emphasize your style. Think of how striking a lavender scarf might be when worn with a deep green dress instead of more predictable neutrals. Consider wearing a sheer skirt over leggings for fall to let some of your summer linger. Thick socks and sandals might never work in the real world, but pairing socks with laced ankle boots echoes the Prada look while making it practical for everyday wear.
Turn It Down
If runway looks are about any one thing, it's excess. A designer who wants pearls doesn't settle for two or three strands, but loads pounds of them onto the models. Larger shoulders reach such extreme proportions that models have to turn slightly to pass one another on the runway. High heels become so high that the traditional runway walk becomes more of a wobble. Making these looks ready for the real world entails taking them down a notch while still keeping them a focal point.
Givenchy's spring 2011 line featured mountains of mixed gold and silver chains around models' necks and waists. The excess is necessary to "sell" a look to the back rows of the runway show, but in everyday life, you aren't hundreds of feet away on a catwalk. A few strands of mixed chains have the same real-world impact, especially when worn with basic black to emphasize the jewelry.
Learning to be a trend-spotter instead of a fashion victim is as simple as being able to translate the runway into real terms. Ralph Lauren may be designing dreams, but he's selling clothes. Find inspiration from the art on the runway, then make it your own.
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Dressing for Your Shape – How to Flatter Your Figure
Do you have a particular outfit that makes you feel fantastic? Have you ever had one that makes you feel less than your best? You've probably discovered already that certain design elements flatter your body type more than others.
The first step in finding which fashions suit your body type is understanding which shape you have. Designers and doctors alike commonly group female body shapes into one of four types: the apple, the pear, the banana, and the hourglass. Each type has its own set of dos and don'ts.
The Apple Body Shape
Apple figures carry their weight in their torsos and upper bodies. If you're an apple, chances are you have slim legs, narrow hips, and broad shoulders. Jennifer Hudson, Kelly Osbourne, and Angelina Jolie are apples. Despite the "round" name of this body shape, it implies not excess weight, but where excess weight settles first. This body type is sometimes described as an inverted triangle.
If this shape describes you, you probably have slender legs and a full bust. You'll want to balance your figure by adding fullness toward the bottom half of your shape while avoiding extra bulk at your midriff. Draw attention to your assets and narrow your waist with wraparound dresses, sarongs, and V-necked shirts. No matter what size you wear, "skinny" jeans probably won't be your ideal style; instead, look for flat-fronted boot-cut jeans. Empire waists and dropped waists work especially well on you as they emphasize your bust and slim hips.
The Pear-Shaped Figure
As apples tend to gain weight in their upper bodies, pears carry theirs on the bottom. If you're a pear, you'll see your slim neck and arms, narrow waist, and wider hips in this body type. Gwyneth Paltrow, Beyonce, and Jennifer Lopez share this shape. This body type is sometimes called the bell or spoon, but no matter its name, it's the most common body type among women.
Your fashion priority is balancing your figure by adding volume to the upper half of your body. You probably have a slim waist, so draw attention to it with wide belts. However, you'll also want to minimize your hips, so stick to subdued patterns and colors for pants and skirts. Wearing all one color--for example, black pumps, tights, and skirt--helps draw the eye upward to your best features. Ruffled blouses and puffed sleeves are good looks for you, but so are fitted tops and clingy knits as long as you steer clear of close-fitting bottoms. Instead, opt for A-line skirts and dresses that lightly skim your hips.
Bananas: The Forgotten Figure Type
Also known as the rectangle or the ruler, banana-shaped bodies are a similar width along the entire torso. When a banana gains weight, she fills out more or less evenly. Banana-shaped bodies tend to be more athletic and have an easier time developing "washboard abs" and toned arms. Sheryl Crow and Kate Hudson have this body type.
It's sometimes difficult to tell a banana from a slender hourglass, but if your measurements differ by less than nine inches from bust to waist or waist to hip, chances are you're a banana. Your goal is to emphasize your lean arms and legs while visually narrowing your waist with wrapped tops and dresses. V-necks flatter you, as do shoulder pads and full skirts. Tapered "skinny" jeans with a low rise are made for you. Try a thin belt to add subtle definition to your waist.
The Hourglass Figure
Despite being the figure type that other body shapes dress to resemble, true hourglass figures are rare: only eight percent of the population has a genuine hourglass figure. For a true hourglass, the hip and bust measurements are no more than an inch different while the waist measurement is at least ten inches smaller. From Sophia Loren to Sofia Vergara, hourglass shapes never go out of fashion.
Dressing the hourglass figure might seem simple as your body is already in proportion, but there are a few pitfalls to avoid. The empire waists that flatter apples aren't for you and will leave you looking boxy. Instead, look for fitted waists to highlight one of your best features. If you're a particularly curvy hourglass, avoid short, tight skirts that can make your derriere look round. The ruffled tops that suit a pear shape can throw off your proportions, so choose more minimalist looks.
There is no perfect figure type, only the perfect clothes for your figure. Fortunately, the wide range of styles and silhouettes mean that you can be on trend without sacrificing figure-friendly fashion.
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White for Summer – Anything But Vanilla
When describing something dull or common, you might refer to it as "vanilla" or "white bread." Flavor may be faint in some whites, but not in this summer's white clothing. Exciting textures, shimmering fabrics, and a sophisticated interplay of sheer patterns make this season's whites anything but boring.
White light contains all the other spectral shades within it, so it's universally flattering to any skin tone. If you're fair-skinned, white can make you look ethereal; if your natural skin color is dark, white highlights the richness of your complexion. Just as white comprises all colors, it also goes with every occasion; from the most formal wedding gown to your favorite soft white tee, this neutral goes everywhere.
Designers know it too and have put together some of the most stunning white collections in years. Dolce & Gabbana, H&M, and Ralph Lauren all showcased white in their spring and summer collections. What makes white look so fresh this year is how it's used as a head-to-toe look in its own right, not just a neutral.
White Leather, White Lace
Think of a snow-covered mountain peak or a tropical beach with sugar-white sand; it's the subtlety of the shadows and textures that make those whites so intriguing. Create the same kind of visual and tactile appeal by using interesting textures in your own white wardrobe. A leather pencil skirt with the color and smoothness of fresh cream would be a perfect partner to a sheer white blouse or a ribbed cotton tank.
Because you're wearing only one color, you can get as creative as you like with textures. Nubby crochets, ruffles, scalloped edges, and lace work especially well in white because they cast shadows that give your clothes visual interest that changes with the angle of the light.
Add Some Sparkle to Your White
One of the big fashion stories from this year's Academy Awards was the array of shimmering white gowns. Celine Dion's gown was a vision in a gleaming white striated sheath, while Anne Hathaway's Givenchy dress had a bodice encrusted with silvery beadwork and gems. Nicole Kidman's heavily embroidered white origami-like gown also made a dramatic red-carpet entrance.
You don't need to don a formal evening gown to enjoy some sparkle, though. Metallic trims that might make a colorful garment overbearing still look sophisticated with white. Crystal beading on a sweater or swimsuit adds texture and sparkle to white without becoming gaudy. Fabrics interwoven with metallic threads or embroidered with satiny details look especially beautiful as wraps or sarongs that move with you and catch the light.
Sheer and Opaque
Combining sheer white with opaque fabrics lets you make white as virginal or as sexy as you'd like it to be. Rihanna took this playful peek-a-boo concept to a new level in her 2011 Grammy Awards dress which consisted entirely of illusion netting and stripes of bunched white tulle.
Gauzy white from head to toe can look a little ghostly, so break up the visual monotony with some opaque elements. Embroidery, opaque appliqués, and ribbon trim help an ethereal look come back down to earth. Sheer white lightens opaque garments, so aim for a balance between opacity and translucence to get an interesting mix.
Sheer white only works if it's intentionally sheer. If you're planning to wear a white bathing suit, make sure it's fully lined in all the important places. Test it out by wetting it in the sink and stretching the fabric to see how sheer it becomes when damp; you want to wear that sarong for fashion's sake, not out of desperation. Flash bulbs are another potential problem for white garments; wear your filmy white clothes under a strong light and give them a long look before deciding on what to wear under your white.
Wear White That Flatters You
White's airiness is both a blessing and a curse when it comes to wearing it. On the one hand, even voluminous silhouettes like ankle-length dusters or full tulle skirts feel light in white. On the other, though, white can add pounds because of its visually expansive nature. As beautiful as all-white outfits are on the runway, they aren't always practical for non-model figures.
If your favorite white dress erases your waistline, try adding a belt in a pale pastel. The belt will be noticeably darker than the white surrounding it, but you'll still retain the sun-bleached, airy aesthetic of all that white. You can use the same optical trick to minimize elsewhere, too. Adding texture in areas you want to emphasize also makes whites more wearable.
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High Contrast Color – How to Wear the Brightest Brights
After a decade of carefully neutral, androgynous looks, designers are embracing color and femininity this season. From runways to the red carpet, color is everywhere. The brighter, the better seems to be the rule; timid pastels and somber darks need not apply.
Wearing vivid color can be tricky. The clothes have to complement your skin tone and hair color. Then you're left wondering what to wear with bright hues. The good news is that the color rules have been relaxed. Forget anything you've learned about what goes with what or whether there's such a thing as too much color. Use the color wheel the way a painter does and let the interplay of pure, bright color make your wardrobe a masterpiece.
The Color Wheel
Are you familiar with Roy G. Biv? He's not the latest "Project Runway" winner; in fact, he isn't a real person. The name is a mnemonic device used by students and artists to remember the spectral colors in order: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet. If you were to place these colors next to each other in a circle, you'd have a color wheel.
Every color on the wheel has its opposite; that's referred to as its complementary color. Adjacent or harmonizing colors are those to either side of a given color. Artists have made use of the color wheel for hundreds of years as a guide to color mixing. Designers use it to compose thoughtful or striking color schemes. This season, they're spinning the color wheel for all it's worth.
Good Vibrations
Certain complementary colors actually seem to move when placed next to one another. These vibrating borders cause the eye to lock on to the apparent motion; it's an arresting effect that Andy Warhol used to great advantage in his pop-art paintings. While it's distracting in other media like web design or print, that visual snap lends excitement to clothing.
You can use this optical illusion to draw attention exactly where you want it. Want to show off a narrow waist? Wear a tomato-red dress with a turquoise belt. If you want to draw the eye up to your face, look for a print scarf that features a vivid yellow motif on a field of purple. Flatter great legs with a fringed royal blue sarong with an orange-yellow pattern; the movement of the fringe plus the optical illusion of vibrating borders makes it doubly eye-catching.
The visual vibratory effect is strongest against a plain backdrop, so enhance your good color vibrations by placing bright complementary colors against pure black or white.
The Value of Color Values
Color itself is only half the story; value is the rest of it. Value is the term artists use to describe a color's lightness or darkness. Pink, red, and maroon are different values of the color red, for example. Understanding value lets you wear brilliant color in more conservative or businesslike situations in which too much color might be overwhelming. While you probably wouldn't wear a bright purple suit with a canary-yellow blouse to a board meeting, you'd look both appropriate and fashion-forward in a deep plum suit with a pale citrus-yellow blouse.
Blending values of the same hue used to be a fashion faux pas, but now it looks strikingly modern. Natalie Portman's ballet-slipper-pink Golden Globe gown featured a deep red rose at the bodice; while not everyone loved the gown's silhouette, the color combination looked beautiful. If you have an extensive wardrobe, try wearing a few pieces in the same hue, but different values together.
Wearing a Wedge of the Color Wheel
Complementary colors create drama, but so can harmonizing colors that lie adjacent on the color wheel. A good strategy is to pick any three and wear them together, usually with one hue predominating and the other two colors acting as accents. One high-profile example is Katy Perry's outfit on the cover of Elle: a turquoise shirt, purple slacks, and an emerald green jacket made a harmonious whole.
You can take a slice of any three colors and their hues, but the color combinations that seem most of-the-moment involve the warm shades. Try variations on reds, oranges, and yellows. If primary colors don't appeal, remember that you can always change the value and combine pink, melon, and pastel yellow for a combination as cool as a dish of sherbet.
Let the color wheel, not obsolescent fashion rules, guide your mixing and matching. Orange and pink, teal and poppy, lavender and red--whatever strikes your fancy is in fashion.
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The Wrap Dress - Diane von Fȕrstenberg's Classic Makes a Comeback
The seventies are back in style, but it isn't polyester leisure suits and skinny-armed sweaters that are making their return. The wrap dress, that style staple, is coming back. In the new millennium, this feminine fashion looks as fresh as it did the day it was created.
Diane von Furstenberg Makes Fashion History
Originally from Belgium, Diane von Furstenberg became a princess after her marriage to Prince Egon von Furstenberg. Although she didn't keep the title when they divorced after three years, she kept the royal last name that sounded so elegant. Elegance informed her design decisions as well, and in 1972 she set out to create a wearable, yet sophisticated look for working women.
Her creation was the iconic wrap dress.
A wrap dress is defined by its waistline. As its name suggests, the dress crosses over itself and wraps around the wearer's body, usually with a slim tie that threads through a small slit in one side of the garment. The result is a dress that combines tailored sophistication with the effortless ease of a sarong. Inspired by togas, robes, and sarongs, von Furstenberg's creation was an instant hit.
The Decline of the Dress
With the addition of shoulder pads and a more constructed hemline, the design lent itself well to the eighties aesthetic. In the 1990s, though, feminine dresses and skirts practically vanished from stores under the avalanche of flannel, denim, and chubby knitwear that comprised the "grunge" movement. When the grunge fad faded toward the end of the nineties, Diane von Furstenberg was there and ready to sell her figure-flattering wrap dresses that so many women had missed.
The Modern Wrap Dress
While vintage DVF wrap dresses can go for hundreds of dollars, modern versions retain the same charm and add some clean-lined touches that the originals lack. Gone are the seventies' fussy cuffs, puffy sleeves, and wide lapels in favor of minimalist design elements that keep the style looking on-trend. Forward-thinking details include a lapel-free collar, cap sleeves, and shorter hemlines.
The beauty of a wrap dress is its ability to flatter every figure type. Whether buying a Diane von Furstenberg original at one of her nearly thirty boutiques or looking for a version of the style at a local department store, there are some guidelines to keep in mind to suit different figures.
How to Wear a Wrap Dress to Fit Every Figure
Wrap dresses are a dream for hourglass shapes; the dress always fits at the waist without being uncomfortably tight across the bust and hips. However, some wrap dresses might look more appropriate for a beach vacation than for a day at the office, so stay office-ready by wearing an A-line skirt and small, high lapels. The lapel draws the eye up toward the face while the A-line hem balances out fuller hips. Steer clear of patterns with strong vertical or horizontal lines that distort over fuller areas of the figure.
Whether dressing a slender "banana" shape or a thicker "apple" figure, a wrap dress flatters the waist. Look for a dress that has no lapels and instead wraps straight to the waist; that unbroken diagonal line will thin the midriff and enhance the bust. A narrow skirt or a gentle A-line will look equally good. Consider showing off shapely legs with a shorter skirt.
The "pears" have good reason to love a wrap dress, too. Shoulder and neckline details draw the eye upward while the loose skirt of a wrap dress skims over curves without over-emphasizing them. A dress with a striking pattern near the neck is an especially good find; if the wrap is a solid color, try adding a bold necklace that calls attention both to the attractive V-shaped neckline of the dress and to a beautiful face.
Its resurgence now may be a part of the seventies revival, but the wrap dress is here to stay regardless of fads. This elegant staple remains a classic that belongs in every wardrobe. Even Diane von Furstenberg herself didn't initially realize the iconic stature of the dress she created almost half a century ago, but she embraces it today; her shops are busier than ever, and it's no wonder.
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Big Style on a Small Budget – How to Get the Look for Less
Economists are seeing signs of spring after a dark financial winter, but the economic recovery may not yet have hit your wallet. Even so, a lack of funding is no impediment to looking fashionable. If you can't afford designer clothes, borrow the best of designers' ideas; you'll save money and create your own individual style.
Dressing well on a budget doesn't mean buying knock-offs of designer dresses. On the contrary, you'll want to steer clear of fakes; those who know a designer's work can always spot a counterfeit and those who aren't familiar with designer clothing won't be impressed with a logo. Instead, adapt the latest runway trends to a wardrobe of timeless classics and you'll always be in style.
Don't Be a Fashion Victim
Let people with more money than sense buy the latest rehash of seventies-style hot pants or peep-toe boots that don't match any kind of weather found on this planet. Wearing impractical runway outfits in daily life almost never works even for celebrities; you aren't missing much by passing on fads.
Instead of spending on a trend, uncover what makes that trend hot. Consider those peep-toe boots: they aren't practical, but they combine a covered-up look with the surprise of an open toe, so they're the must-have accessory. You'll get more mileage out of sandals with thick straps that have a similar peek-a-boo aesthetic, but cost far less than the fad footwear.
Embrace the Classics, But Give Them a Twist
Your closet probably contains eighty percent of what you need to have a fashion-forward wardrobe. You just need to figure out how to put it all together. Draw inspiration from the runway.
One trend that's only gotten bigger is contrasting color. Roksanda Ilincic showed a gown the color of a new penny in her fall 2011 line and paired it with a cobalt blue belt. If you have a cheerful yellow sundress, try mixing it with a sweater in plum or lavender. Orange looks especially juicy with aquas and blues. The only colors you should avoid are true red and green together--the holiday associations are unavoidable.
If your wardrobe hues are concentrated on one side of the color wheel, then adapt another color trend: complementary colors. Green and blue, orange and red, pink and orange are just a few pairings that once seemed to compete, but now look lively and fresh. Mix and match your current wardrobe and see if you can find a new way to wear your current clothes.
Develop Your Signature Style
It's hard to imagine Sofia Vergara in a muu-muu or Angelina Jolie in a bright, busy print. No matter how trendy those silhouettes or prints may become, these two stars have a strong sense of their own style and don't intend to change with the vagaries of fashion. Even without celebrity funds, you can find what works best for you and embrace it.
Decide what flatters your figure type, then stick to those elements. Feminine wrap dresses and sarongs might become your go-to look, or maybe you'll model yourself on Katharine Hepburn's tweedy, tailored image. You can change up the colors and fabrics, but staying with the silhouettes that flatter you will ensure that you're in style regardless of fads.
Shop Off-Season
Have you noticed that bathing suits seem to make an appearance earlier every year? Take advantage of rapidly shifting seasons by buying wardrobe necessities when few others are shopping for them. Clearance sales are a boon to budget shoppers, and with good reason; it's hard to go wrong with a coat marked down to a quarter of its original price.
One caveat, though, for clearance-rack shopping--remember to stay with your best styles and silhouettes. No matter how deep the discount, an unflattering garment is an unflattering garment. Classic designs on clearance racks are the real steal, so look for neutral colors and timeless style.
One Woman's Thrift Store Is Another One's Vintage Boutique
Learn to embrace secondhand clothing if you're on a budget. Look for unique accessories and accents that underline your personal sense of style. Dress up a plain black dress with a mid-sixties brooch or one of the wide elastic "wrestler" belts popular in the late eighties. At a few dollars per item, thrift stores represent an economical way to showcase your individuality.
Open your closet, take out your jewelry, and play--it's what designers do when they're brainstorming a look, so there's no reason you shouldn't try it too. Who knows, your personal style could inspire a designer's line next season.
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Bridesmaid Dresses – How to Choose a Design That Flatters Your Wedding Party
If you remember the montage of nightmare bridesmaid dresses from "27 Dresses" or shudder at the memory of the chartreuse satin horror lurking in the back of your own closet, you know that bad bridesmaid dresses are no joke. Now that you're a bride, you'll undoubtedly want to spare your bridal party the pain of an ugly dress.
Depending on the number, ages, skin tones, and sizes of your bridesmaids, you'll have anywhere from a tough time to a nearly impossible time finding a design that flatters all of them. There are solutions to the problem, though, that will leave your wedding pictures beautiful and your bridesmaids happy.
Talk With Your Bridesmaids
The surest way to please your attendants is to get together with them and discuss dress designs. Making a celebration of it and planning a brunch followed by a shopping trip could make your dress worries disappear in a single day.
As the bride, you have the right to set guidelines. Most bridesmaids will readily agree to your wishes as long as they're reasonable. If you're planning a beach wedding, choose silk or cotton and not velvet; if you're marrying in December, let your bridesmaids wear longer dresses and wraps to deal with the cold. Common sense is your best guide.
Have mercy on your maids. If you're tempted to showcase your love of parrot green on your wedding day, use it as an accessory, not as a main dress color.
Look for Universally Flattering Silhouettes
There are a few designs that flatter every figure. You'll likely be met with cheers and hugs if you suggest any of the following:
Favorite Colors for Bridesmaid Dresses
If your bridesmaids happen to be triplets, your life is easy, but for most brides, there's a good deal of variation in the wedding party. If it isn't possible to find a color that makes all of them glow equally, then try some neutrals accented with a more vivid shade.
Medium-to-dark neutrals like pewter, taupe, navy, and chocolate brown flatter virtually any skin tone. These formal shades look luxurious in a lustrous dupioni silk or satin. Pair them with wraps in a complementary color or sashes that match your wedding colors and you'll have happy bridesmaids who match the rest of the wedding theme.
Another possibility is a print. Prints look less formal than solid tones, but that casual elegance suits a beach wedding beautifully.
Variations on a Theme
If your wedding party's exceptionally large, there may be no way to find common ground for everyone despite choosing a neutral color and a flattering shape. If this describes your bridesmaids, think about letting each bridesmaid customize her dress. You'll still want them to look like members of the same wedding party, but they don't have to be identically dressed.
Let bridesmaids look similar, but not uniform by specifying a fabric and allowing bridesmaids to choose one of a few possible silhouettes. Your tall, slender cousin might look dazzling in a sheath while your petite, buxom sister prefers a simple bodice and a full skirt. As long as they're both in the same celadon green satin, they'll look appropriately like relatives, not twins.
You could also opt for dresses of the same style in a range of colors. An array of coordinating color is beautiful both walking down the aisle and in photographs. If your bridesmaids can time-share a favorite pair of jeans, but have a wide range of skin tones, this may be your best plan.
There may not be one universally perfect bridesmaid dress, but with some communication and creativity, you can almost certainly find dresses that are perfect for your bridesmaids. The best look any bridesmaid can wear on the big day is a radiant smile, so make sure they feel as beautiful as they look by helping them find the right dress.
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Pulling Off Menswear for Women – Must Have Menswear for a Structured, Sleek Style
There’s something so timeless about menswear. It’s a classic style that communicates professionalism and sophistication. And luckily, it looks just as good on us girls as it does on the boys! Menswear inspired outfits look structured and sharp on women, demanding attention with sleek lines instead of flowing fabrics. If you’re interested in sporting menswear, we have a few tips that can turn your experiments into successful fashion statements.
The Button-Down Shirt
Long sleeves preferred! The simple, timeless button-down will be your staple for menswear style. The white version, especially, goes with everything. It’s the perfect top for pinstripe pants, adds a flirty, schoolgirl look to a pleated skirt and dresses up blue jeans. It looks sexy paired with a sarong, a few buttons undone and the sleeves rolled up, as though you slipped on your boyfriend’s shirt. Choose a cut that’s tailored for women to emphasize your curves and reduce bulk when you tuck it in.
Trousers
Long, straight-legged trousers are the most traditional menswear, but bell-bottoms are in this year. Feel free to experiment, but be aware that with bell-bottoms your style might be more “pimped” than “professional.” Creases down the front of your pants add a hint of masculine energy, and pinstripes are a classic element of stylish men’s suits that has the added advantage of making you look taller.
Pair your pants with your white button-down shirt and a vest or suspenders, if you like. If you’re going for a softer look, top it off with a bold-colored silk shirt, or one with pretty, feminine detailing.
Vests
Pulling off a vest comes with very simple rules:
Suit jackets have a structured, professional style. They’re also practical, providing an extra layer if you get cold. Choose a fitted suit jacket that cuts off at the waist, or one that hangs lower. Go for a style with tailored lapels and sharp detailing to add a little shape. The best way to wear a suit jacket is to pair it with your trousers or skirt.
Leave the shoulder pads at home! They were all the rage in the 1980’s, but today they look dated and awkward.
Menswear Accessories
Neckties, cufflinks and fedoras, oh my! Yes, you can pull off one or more of these items. Your necktie can be as bold or understated as you like, and your hat does not have to exactly match your suit!
If you prefer, you can soften your structured, menswear look with a few feminine touches. Wear your hair down in a flowing style. Pretty make-up to bring out your natural beauty will look fantastic, especially a bold lipstick. Leave the necktie off and the first few buttons of your shirt open to show off a fabulous necklace. Accessorize with feminine jewelry to your heart’s content!
When venturing into the world of menswear, don’t run out and drop a wad of dough on an expensive suit! Start slow. Wear one piece at a time, until you find pieces that complement your body and achieve the style you’re after. Don’t put away your dresses, sarongs and skirts! Just expand your wardrobe to include these timeless menswear elements for those occasions when you want to dress with a little sophistication, class and edge!
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How to Travel without Looking Like a Tourist – Dressing to Blend in with Other Cultures
Traveling is an exciting way to experience other cultures first hand, but as a tourist, you may also feel a little awkward because you stick out like a sore thumb. Feeling out of place and far from home can be disorienting, and even a little threatening. Locals can usually spot tourists a mile away, making you a sitting duck for snarky comments, tourist traps and even mugging. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways you can blend in when you travel. Your style is one of the main elements that pegs you as a travelling American, and all it takes are a few simple tricks to shed the stereotype and look like a local, whatever country you’re travelling to.
Ditch the “Tourist Gear”
Yes, baseball caps, backpacks and fanny packs are useful. They are also dead giveaways that you’re “not from around here,” and present simple targets for pickpockets and thieves. Your water bottle might be suspect, too, unless you’re in a location where the locals always carry water with them (which is popular in many countries). While ball caps and visors are must-haves for American style, they may stand out in other cultures.
Instead, go for a stylish beach hat or sunglasses to keep the sun out of your eyes. A tote bag or beach bag works well for many locations, instead of a backpack or fanny pack. Find a beautiful bag online, or purchase one in a local shop to fit in.
Dress Nicely
Jeans, t-shirts, sweatshirts and clothes splashed with brand names and logos are less common in countries other than America. Bring your jeans along, but don’t plan on wearing them daily. As for shorts, they may be cool and comfortable, but they’re also stereotypically American. Unless you’re engaging in outdoor activities like hiking, steer clear.
Instead, think “business casual.” Opt for pants, a dress or a skirt. Sarongs are pretty and fashionable in many locations, and have the added benefits of being comfortable and breezy. A nice jacket can complement your look, and offers pockets for travel gear, like your camera.
Take a look around at the locals. Do they tuck their shirts in? What are the predominant colors you see on the street? Darker colors are popular in European countries, especially the capitals, while in tropical locations lighter clothes and bolder colors blend right in.
Buy a few local accessories, and wear them while you’re out and about. In some cities, scarves are a must-have for women, who are expected to cover their heads. In other places, scarves around the neck are common. Just pay attention and follow what seems to be the norm.
Footwear that Fits In
Many Americans bring only a few pairs of shoes when they travel, and unfortunately one of these pairs is often the ubiquitous white tennis shoes. In America, they’re popular for virtually any and every activity because they’re comfortable, but they’re not as all-purpose in other countries.
The same goes for flip-flops, which are an essential style item in America. There are some truly beautiful and comfortable sandals out there. Bring them along if you’re headed to a place like Australia, New Zealand or Brazil, but they will stand out in many European countries or cities.
As for Crocs, which are a popular travel shoe because they are light and comfortable, leave them in your closet! Despite their advantages, they’re a surefire way to be pegged as a tourist.
Instead, slip on something a little more dress-casual. Choose something comfortable in a dark leather, that you can walk in all day. Also, be careful with your socks. Don’t pull them up on your leg. In some countries, people rarely even wear socks. If you prefer to be socked, go for a small, below-the ankle cut that won’t attract much notice.
It’s more than possible to travel with clothes that are comfortable, serviceable and stylish. All it takes is a little attention to detail. Dress as though you were going to meet some friends instead of going to snap dozens of pictures of monuments. The key is “do as the Romans do” (or Londoners, or Hawaiians or Parisians . . .)
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Prep it Up! Dressing Preppy but not Pretentious – Clean-cut, Classic Style with No Fuss
Prep style is sophisticated, upscale and classic. It’s a crisp, put-together look inspired by the far off land of preparatory school, where the pants are khaki, the cuffs are buttoned and the sweaters are cable-knit. Clean lines and expert tailoring lend all preppy outfits an effortlessly elegant look, and the simplicity of the style brings to mind “old money.” But even if you aren’t Ivy League and have never stepped foot aboard a yacht in your life, prepping it up proper can still look fabulous, without coming off as superficial or snobbish.
Preppy Pants and Skirts
The classic prep pants are, and ever shall be, khakis. Wear them long, with or without cuffs, but break out your ironing board! Your khakis should always have a nice, crisp crease and no wrinkles. If they have belt loops, be sure to wear a belt. Preppy style is always finished, so dot your “i’s” and cross your “t’s.”
Khakis not quite your style? That’s okay. Opt for a perfectly pressed pencil skirt, preferably in a neutral color, or something in seersucker, linen or plaid. Bermuda shorts are also a safe choice, and are usually paired with a belt and top-siders.
As for jeans, while they are not completely out of the question, they must be perfectly pressed, new and clean. No sagging, rips or washed out colors. Jeans walk the line, though, and may look too casual. You’d be better off considering your khakis as your new all-purpose pants.
Polo Shirts and Sweaters
Polo shirts are essential. They should have a few buttons around the neck, and should be tucked into your khakis. Polo shirts are light and comfortable, but be sure you choose a solid color, and always iron your shirts pristinely.
Oxford shirts are another must-have. These come in both short and long-sleeved styles. Shorter sleeves are certainly acceptable, but to pull off uncompromisingly classic preppy, wear the longer sleeves, even when it is hot outside. If you get too warm, just roll the sleeves up.
All true preps have at some point layered their shirt with a sweater. Why wouldn’t they? It’s classic, comfortable and practical. Take a cue from the old school and do the same. Choose a nice cable-knit, or a soft weave. This is one fashion trend where cable-knit vests are cool. For a slightly different take, slip on a cardigan, but be sure to keep it buttoned unless you’re going to take it off and tie the arms loosely about your shoulders.
Understated Shoes and Sophisticated Accessories
Slip on some comfortable loafers, canvas sneakers or top-siders, also known as boat shoes. These will be perfect for spending the day on your yacht (or simply kicking around town, if your yacht is dry docked for the season). Ballet flats and stylish flip-flops also bring to mind understated, elegant style, while simple leather pumps (not too high!) can dress up your look.
Preppy girls usually carry smaller handbags, but if you’re headed to your summer house (or bringing that yacht out of dry dock) a spacious beach bag can be just what you need. If you’re really going to go all out, have your bag monogrammed and wrap on a classic sarong to soak up the sun in.
Keep your jewelry understated. Oversized jewelry risks looking ostentatious, and you don't want to flaunt. Wear dainty pieces such as pearl earrings, gold necklaces or silver chains. Small and expensive-looking does the trick. Tell people it was your grandmother’s so they will think you are “old money.”
Other “prep-cessories” include scarves, expensive-looking brand name sunglasses, headbands and ribbons.
You don’t need to completely overhaul your wardrobe to pull off dressing preppy. If you keep it simple and understated, you won’t come off as snobbish. The common thread throughout all preppy clothes is quality instead of quantity. Expert craftsmanship and tailoring create a finished style that is fashionable and versatile, able to be dressed down or up. Your pieces should be functional and practical, clean and well cared for. No rips, no missing buttons or unbuttoned cuffs.
The fundamental rules of preppy style can benefit your entire wardrobe, keeping you in style, put-together and polished.
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Wearing Sarongs on Business and Formal Occasions – A Sophisticated Style that Stands Out
Sarongs are essential beach wear. They’re perfect for stepping out and soaking up the sun in style, while also providing protection from dangerous UV rays. But sarongs are branching out from the beach. Women are wearing them more frequently in the workplace, where they make a professional yet individual statement, compared with traditional office clothing. They’re also increasingly popular for formal occasions, where wrapping on a sarong makes a stunning contrast to cocktail dresses and gowns.
If you’re wondering how to pull off wearing yours in a setting that lacks sand, read on!
Professional Patterns and Colors
Depending on the dress protocol at your office, there are many different colors and patterns to choose from. You’d be safest starting out with a simple, solid color. Black is always flattering and enhances the natural slimming effect of a sarong. Softer, prettier colors can also be professional, just as you see women in dress suits that are pink. The general rule of thumb for sarongs in the workplace is not to choose something too busy or vibrant. No big tropical flower patterns or beach scenes. Save those for the sand!
Workplace Wraps
For a sophisticated look, wrap your sarong on as a long, slimming skirt, tied in the back or with a bit of fringe hanging down your hip. You can also tie it on as a dress, with the skirt hanging to your knees. This is a comfortable and flattering look. A little practice will help you learn to tie it off without bulkiness. If you have trouble making a satisfying tie, a simple tying device may help until you get the hang of it.
Pair your long skirt wrap with a tailored, oxford shirt, or a soft blouse in a shimmery fabric. Look for something with a flattering neckline, but don’t over-do the detailing. Keep it understated and professional. Simple heels can add even more height and slimness. A tailored blazer that accentuates your waist can top off your skirt, and cover your shoulders if you’ve wrapped as a dress. The blazer pulls your whole look together, and you can accessorize at will!
Now you’ve got a unique, feminine style that will make an impression on professional associates and clients alike. Standing out in a good way means people will remember your words with even more clarity.
Formal Dinners, Parties and Events
Sarongs work just as well for events at which most women would usually wear a cocktail dress or something more formal. They are sleek, feminine and unique. Wearing a sarong to a formal occasion works because of the smooth clean lines you can achieve with the wrap, because of the timelessness of the traditional style, and because, despite its timelessness, it makes a very modern fashion statement. Such a choice stands out as natural, yet upscale.
Solid colors are always a safe choice, but feel free to experiment with beautiful patterns and colors here. A lovely, hand-painted piece is so elegant in and of itself that it makes your outfit a work of art. There are also more dazzling pieces, hand-sewn with sequins or pearl detailing. Complete your look with some dazzling jewelry, and feel free to be as splendid as you like!
Formal Wraps
Here, as in the office, a long slender skirt is a good wrap choice, but you have more freedom to play here than in a professional setting. A dress is an elegant choice, tied up behind your neck. A sweeping, flowing toga tie is at once classy and comfortable, and can lay on your body with very few folds, showing off the pretty pattern and detailing of your fabric. Tying it up in one of these ways can also show off your legs, which can be a stunning effect even without the addition of stylish heels or sandals.
The versatility, comfort and class of sarongs makes them ideal for so many situations, the possibilities are endless. All it takes is a little fashion sense and creativity, and you can make a statement that others will remember for a long time to come.
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The Rising Influence of Japanese Fashion – Issey Miyake: Techno-Whimsical Icon
Paris, London, New York and Milan are recognized world-wide for the excellence of their contributions not only to the world of fashion, but to the world as a whole. We all have to wear clothes, right? Japan has also been demonstrating an increasing influence on fashion, especially since the 1970’s when “prêt-a-porter” or ready-to-wear designer clothes became more available than in the past. During this period, one of Japan’s most outstanding and long-lasting icons of fashion, Issey Miyake, established an international reputation for his innovative yet functional style.
Issey Miyake: Beginnings
In 1970, Issey Miyake started the Miyake Design Studio, and by 1973 he had gained a strong foothold in the fashion world thanks to his prêt-a-porter work. His basic approach to design was to use a simple piece of cloth, like that in a sarong. The masterpieces that could be formed out of one piece of cloth fascinated Miyake, and his fascination captivated the rest of the fashion world.
Generations of Artistic, Avant-garde Design
Today, just as in the beginning of his career, Miyake focuses on what is not there as much as what is. Whereas many designers treat the skin like a canvas, covering the body with stylish art, Miyake treats the body and the entire space surrounding it as his canvas. He focuses as much on the negative space between the skin and the fabric, as on the garment itself. Unafraid and imaginative, Miyake explores the way the body moves, and the way that movement affects the design of his garment.
His work is often technologically inspired, reflecting clean structure that is almost architectural. At the same time, his work can be playful and feminine. Structure flirts with sheer, whimsical fabrics. He’s not afraid to create the unconventional, or to make it as pretty and detailed as he likes.
Many of Miyake’s designs seem to almost dance with the body beneath them as it moves. The wearer and the garment not only complement one another, but work together to create something entirely different, artistic and avant-garde. Watching a person move in some of Miyake’s pieces is utterly captivating, as though the simple act of walking is a statement that should be underlined.
Pleats, Please.
In 1993, Miyake’s Pleats Please line introduced garments that were permanently pleated. Most designers first pleated their fabric, then cut and sewed it, but Miyake reversed this by cutting and sewing his garment first, then adding pleats by sending the fabric through a heat press. This imprints the fabric’s “memory,” making for permanent, sharp-edged pleats, and this is just one more way that Miyake has combined technology, practicality and beauty in his work.
A-POC
A-POC stands for “A Piece of Cloth,” and was developed by Issey Miyake and Daj Fujiwara, a technological engineer and designer at Miyake’s design studio.
A single piece of cloth is all Miyake needs to get back to basics, yet challenge convention even further. In A-POC, thread is woven into an industrial, computerized machine, and comes out as whatever Miyake desires, usually a tube of fabric containing the cut for a garment. A-POC is designed as an interactive fashion experience with the consumer, who can cut skirts, hems and sleeves to the precise length he or she desires. The consumer gets to play a part in the actual design of their clothes.
A-POC challenges all the current industry beliefs about fashion, and the role of the designer and consumer. It is, however, still in keeping with Miyake’s tradition for focusing on relationship, rather than only art: the relationship between the body and the clothes, and now the relationship between the designer and the consumer. A-POC technology brings the everyday citizen closer to haute couture clothing, because it has achieved the seemingly impossible feat of combining mass production with custom design.
In the highly competitive, cut-throat and ever changing world of fashion, Issey Miyake’s work has stood the test of time. He has managed to walk the line between ingenuity, artistry and simplicity, and continues to create astounding work that wows the fashion communities at London, Paris and New York, as well as the world at large. Not bad for a little boy from Hiroshima!
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High-Waisted Pants are Back! Here's How to Wear Them – Just Because They have a High Waist, Doesn't Mean They Don't have Style
Spring 2011 runway shows were chock full of high-waisted pants from designers such as Yves Saint Laurent and Marc Jacobs. Many women shy away from the high-waist style, fearing they’ll come out looking like they’re in “mom jeans,” one of the biggest fashion no-no’s. However, as this spring’s collections have showcased, the high-waisted look can be very chic. Not to mention the trendy, wide-legged versions are comfortable, flowing around your body with the ease of a sarong or pareo. They create long, sleek lines, flatter your figure and make your legs look a mile long. You just have to know how to do it right for your body type in order to avoid disaster.
Pairing the Pants with the Perfect Top
The cardinal rule of high-waisted pants is to tuck in your shirt. This brings to mind the “empire waist” sundress look that’s so popular in Jane Austen stories, but with the modern twist of flowing, tailored pants instead of skirts.
Stick with a figure-flattering, fitted top. Avoid anything too oversized, which can look sloppy. Fitted tees, tanks or pretty blouses look fantastic, as do classic button-downs. Keep in mind the overall impression of sleek, sophisticated and classy that high-waisted pants create, and try to choose a top that works within that framework. Pair the style with a small clutch and elegant chignon hairstyle, or put on a classy beach hat and carry a nice beach bag for a day on the town.
Another tip is to stick with higher necklines as opposed to lower or plunging styles. Higher necklines work with the high waist and low hems of the pants to further elongate the look.
High-Waisted Jeans
These aren’t your mom’s jeans! Jeans with high waists can be tight around the legs or flared at the bottom. The trick is to pick shoes that make you look taller, and to balance your outfit so you don't wind up looking top or bottom heavy. If you work to accentuate your body type instead of trying to force your body to fill a specific style, this is a sophisticated, confident and casual fashion.
High Waists for Petite Women
High-waisted pants aren’t only for tall, slender women. Everyone can pull of this look. Shorter women may benefit especially if they’d like to make themselves look taller.
In order to prevent the hems of the pants from draping awkwardly over your entire foot, have them tailored. Covering your entire shoe with the pants counteracts their natural elongating effect and can make you look like a little girl playing dress-up in mommy’s closet. Wear them with high heels or wedges, and be sure the hem falls slightly below the back of your foot, stopping somewhere in the middle of the high heel. Both tall stilettos and chunkier wedges look fabulous.
Curvy Figures and Plus Sizes
The key to wearing high-waisted pants if you are curvy is to accentuate the right curves. Don’t try to hide them. Instead, work with them. You want a pant with a flare that balances your hips.
Don’t fall into the trap of wearing an oversized or long top, which may cover up the high waist of the pants and change the style entirely. Having so much draping fabric swimming around your body can actually make you look heavier, and the look isn’t as tailored. If you’re worried about your belly showing below that high waist, look into a long, fitted tee that will tighten you up a bit, but be sure to keep it tucked in.
Try a slim belt around the high waist of the pants to emphasize your own waist. It’ll also add dimension to your outfit.
Below the Hems
High-waisted pants need to create a long, sleek, unbroken silhouette. Women who have the most success wearing flats with the style are usually taller and slender.
If you’re not sure about pairing them with flats, you should be safe if you pair them with high heels or wedges. The hems should fall below your actual heel, but shouldn’t hit the floor. Try for a length that just brushes the tops of your feet, allowing the toes of your shoes to peek out.
Stilettos work well, but chunkier heels and wedges offer more stability. Wedges have the benefit of balancing the flare of the pants.
High-waisted pants create a look that combines vintage, Katherine Hepburn fashion with modern style. They may drift in an out of vogue, but like any true classic, they’ll always come back around. Be thankful! This chic look is flattering and comfortable as a breezy, summer dress. The key here, as with any trend, is to put your perfect fit before your desire to follow the trend.
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Wearing Pink for Grown Up Girls – Reclaiming the Color in the Name of Girl Power
Pink is traditionally the most feminine color of the rainbow. Baby girls wear pink pajamas and snuggle up in pink blankets, little girls have pink rooms and get all dolled up in pink dresses, but pink isn’t only for the teeny and adorable crowd. Pink is all grown up! You can strut your feminine style in a pink summer dress without worrying that no one will take you seriously. The trick to wearing pink with power and confidence is to select a shade that compliments you, and to pair it with the right clothing ensemble.
A Pink for Every Season
Pink comes in many different shades. Choosing the wrong one might wash you out, while the perfect shade can make your peepers pop and your skin look bright. Most people fall in one of four complexion categories, which provide a good basis for selecting the right colors to wear.
Spring complexions are creamy white or ivory with peach or golden undertones. People with spring complexions may have very light hair, either blonde, red or light brown, and have rosy cheeks with light eyes. Warm peaches and salmon pinks look fabulous on these complexions, as do pinks with soft, golden undertones.
Summer complexions are people with pale, rosy skin that has bluish or pink undertones. Many summer people are natural blondes and have pale eyes. Summer skin is complemented by soft colors, such as rosy pastels. Pink with blue tones, approaching lavender, is also flattering and brings out the rosiness of the skin while also emphasizing its porcelain-like quality. Dark purplish pinks are also pretty.
Autumn complexions are a bit darker with warm, golden undertones. These are the deeper red-heads and auburns, or people with warm brown hair. Like spring women, autumn women look gorgeous in pinks that have warm golden undertones. Salmon pinks and soft peaches bring out the golden tones in your skin.
Winter complexions are generally darker with yellow, olive or chocolate undertones. Winter eyes are usually deep and warm. Many people of Asian or African descent are winter people. The colors that look best on winter people are generally brighter and sharper. Don’t be afraid to go bold with fuchsias and electric pinks. If you prefer lighter colors, aim for “frosted” rather than pastel.
Pairing Pink for the Perfect Outfit
So now you know what tone of pink you should wear, but what do you pair it with?
One simple trick that makes pink safe is to keep at least one part of your outfit sophisticated and sharp. Pair a feminine, flirty blouse with pressed, creased pants or a tailored blazer. If you pair it with a neutral color (black, brown, grey, beige or navy) you’ll maintain a chic and professional look. Add a little jewelry and you’re set!
Try not to wear fuchsia with black, as it comes off as slightly dated and immature. The one exception to this rule is in professional settings, where fuchsia and black make a bold and unforgettable statement, providing the rest of your ensemble is impeccably pressed and tailored.
Don’t be afraid to wear pink on the bottom, either! Wrap on a pretty pink sarong or pareo for a timeless, feminine look, and top it with a chic button-down shirt in a neutral color. Add a fun beach bag and you've got a classic street-friendly style!
Pretty fabrics like satin, chiffon or silk are classics that shouldn’t be sacrificed because you’re not sure you can pull it off. You can! A pink sundress paired with neutral flats and topped off with a fabulous beach hat is feminine and classy, especially when paired with jewelry like a pearl necklace. Wrap on a neutral cardigan, and you’re ready for a nice dinner or formal event.
A few tips to keep in mind are not to wear too many pink pieces at once. Don’t pair pastels with other pastels, such as blush pink with baby blue or lavender. That crosses the line into cutesy. You can, however, wear more than one shade of pink, providing one of the shades is in your accessories or make-up. A dark pink bag and lipstick can add a dramatic touch to a rose colored blouse.
Rocking girl power is all about taking pride in the timeless power of femininity. Fashionable sarongs and dresses, stylish bags and chic shoes are all benefits that come with the territory and make it fun to be female. Pink is no different! The color can work to your advantage by making people perk up and take notice, and if you wear pink well it can even influence people to take you more seriously, not the other way around. So go ahead and doll up!
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All About Blue Jeans – Personalizing a Timelessly Cool Style
Blue jeans are a ubiquitous wardrobe item in American culture, worn for everything from lounging around the house, to going out on the town and getting outside. Jeans are as versatile and comfortable as a sarong or pareo, and your favorite jeans will be with you for years.
The Origins of Jeans
Denim was initially created in two different places: Nîmes, which gave us the word “denim” (de Nîmes), and in Dongari Killa in India, where we get the word “dungarees.” The word “jeans” arose when sailors in Genoa began wearing denim trousers for durable work uniforms. Hence the name “blue Jeans” (bleu de Gênes – the blue of Genoa), denim trousers sold through the harbor of Genoa.
Levi Strauss began making canvas pants for miners around 1853. The pants were strong, but chafed, so Strauss began using a strong twill cloth from France, serge de Nîmes. In 1873, Levi Strauss & Company began reinforcing the weaker areas of their jeans with rivets.
Jeans Evolve into a Fashionable Trend
In the 1950’s, silver screen idols like James Dean sported jeans, which were considered rebellious. Some schools actually banned students from wearing them. However, jeans once more proved their durability by staying in the spotlight, and in the 1980’s the world of high fashion picked up the trend. Well-known designers began creating their own styles, and sales skyrocketed.
What are Jeans Made of?
Denim is a strong textile traditionally made from cotton. It is a twill weave, which creates a strong, durable fabric. However, these days more modern materials can also be used to produce denim. Polyester is popular, for its strength, as is polypropylene, lycra, and even hemp for more environmentally friendly jeans.
Styles of Jeans
Straight leg – Slim but not too tight, with the same width through the thigh, knee and cuff.
Carpenter or Utility jeans – Casual and relaxed even through the rear and thighs, often incorporating roomy utility pockets.
Relaxed – Fit comfortably around the waist, relaxed through the rear and thighs. Legs are typically straight or slightly tapered. This fit is a good choice for curvier figures.
Wide-leg – Wide leg jeans are generally fitted through the rear and thighs, but have extra-wide legs that call to mind bell bottoms and balance heavier body types.
Boot-cut – Loosely hugs the thighs and hangs relatively straight from the knee, widening slightly at the cuffs. This style flatters many body types by balancing proportions and making legs look longer.
Flare – Fitted in the seat and thigh, and flaring slightly from the knee down to the cuffs. This style is flared more than boot-cuts, but not as much as bell-bottoms.
Trouser – Loose in the thigh with straight legs. Trouser jeans usually sit on the hips.
Slim – Snug in the seat and thighs, with a straight let or a gradually tapering cuff.
Skinny – Snugly fitted through the rear and thigh, hugging the calf to a slightly looser cuff.
Stretch – Stretchy denim can be used in several styles of jeans, and is especially fashionable in skinny jeans, slim jeans, boot cuts, flares and styles that are snug around the seat and thighs.
High-rise – Sit above your waist.
Low-rise – Sit right below your belly button.
Super low-rise – Hip-hugging styles that sit several inches below your belly button.
The Right Jeans for Your Body Type
Pear-shaped women have fuller hips and rears, with smaller shoulders and busts. Your goal should be to take attention away from your lower half. Look for a dark wash in a boot-cut with a gentle flare. If you choose a low-rise, your rear will look smaller and your torso a little longer.
Rectangle bodies, where the shoulders and hips are equally wide and there is little waist definition, look great in relaxed fits that flare slightly from the knees on down. The trick here is to emphasize and create curves.
Hourglass figures have busts and hips that are equally proportioned, with a defined waist. Hourglass women need to be more careful not to detract from their curves, rather than needing to emphasize them. Stretchy jeans will accentuate your curves, but look for something that isn’t too bulky around the top. Stay away from baggier styles, which can hide your body’s assets.
Inverted triangle figures have shoulders and busts that are broader than their hips. Choose a style that shows off your narrow hips, such as a super-low rise that’s fitted through the thighs. Both straight legs and slight flares look fantastic.
Circle figures have round bodies with fuller waists and ribs, rears and thighs. Select a slimming, dark wash. Your goal is to remove focus from your hips and thighs, and to balance your proportions with flares at the cuffs. Tapered cuts will make you look top heavy, while baggy styles will make your bottom half look heavier than it may be.
Getting Your Money’s Worth
You can drop a decent wad of dough on a good pair of jeans, so you want to be sure you’re getting what you pay for. When selecting a pair, examine the workmanship. Are there any loose threads along the seams, or in the denim itself? Are the legs of equal length and width? Are buttons and rivets sewn on and aligned properly? Make sure the pockets are also aligned and are sewn on strongly, and that the wash looks even throughout the denim (unless you’re after a faded pair).
Now, check the quality of the cloth. Is the texture comfortable for your intended uses? If these will be work jeans, you’ll want strong, thick cloth. Is the cloth consistently thick throughout the garment? Make sure there are no areas that are thinner than others, which could quickly develop into holes.
Finding the Right Size
Measure your hips and waist. Some labels are sized for lower waist measurements, so be sure to get that, too. Also, measure the inseam from crotch to cuff. Choose a pair that fits you where you’re biggest. You can always tailor other elements. It’s a well known fact that there are differences in sizing among jeans manufacturers, and consumer studies have shown this. There are reasons why there is resistance in the industry in establishing standard or uniform sizing. This is part of the branding process and establishing product identity – that only a certain brand can give you “the right fit”.
Therefore, instead of providing you with a “standard” sizing chart (somewhat of a contradiction in terms) for jeans, especially with all the styles of designer fashion jeans available, we suggest that the following is something for you to consider. Take the time to measure your dimensions, make a note of them, and then take a tape measure with you when you’re comparing different brands and styles while shopping for a new pair of jeans. Before going into the fitting room, take a few minutes to measure the dimensions of the jeans on the shelves. This is going to save you a lot of aggravation – there has to be a reason for the high number of returns for apparel. So when you do find “the right fit”, rejoice! And remember, when it comes to jeans, there is no such thing as “the right fit” that everyone should aspire to – instead, it’s a matter of finding “the right fit for you!”
Dressing Up Your Jeans
Jeans are an essential casual wardrobe item, but they’re also becoming more common in formal and dressier occasions. To glam up denim, look for a dark wash. The darker, the better! Pair them with a crisp, button-down shirt, or a soft feminine blouse. Top it off with a beautiful beach hat, high heels and elegant jewelry, and you’ve created an upscale denim style. Layer the look with a tailored blazer, and your outfit can transfer easily from day into the cooler evening.
Bedazzling Your Denim
You can make your jeans even more personal by decorating them with jewelry such as rhinestones, embroidery or other crafty elements. Use a seam ripper to remove the manufacturer’s stitching, and replace it with some snazzy stitching of your own. This is simple with a sewing machine. Use a tight stitch and at least two rows for extra reinforcement. The durability of your work depends on the thread you use. Polyester is the most popular, because of its strength and durability. Polyester also doesn’t fade or stretch. Silk is a good choice for stretchy jeans, as its super-strong and a little elastic. Cotton thread can break if stressed, and will also fade and shrink in the wash.
Fading Your Jeans at Home
Would you like to personalize your jeans by fading them in just the right way? There are several ways to do it. You can use the washing machine, mixing a quart of bleach into the machine when it’s full of water. If the jeans are new, first wash them twice to remove the starch. Let the jeans soak for at least fifteen minutes, checking them frequently to monitor the color. Then rinse them with fabric softener.
You can also use lemon juice. Take the jeans outside and soak them with a garden hose, then wring them out. Put them in a bucket, then fill the bucket with a quart of concentrated lemon juice. Let them soak for several hours, checking them every now and then to monitor the fading. When you’re happy with the fade, take them out, rinse them well and hang them up in the sun. Letting them sun-dry will facilitate the fading. Repeat the process to your heart’s desire!
Washing Your Jeans
Wash a new pair of jeans alone the first few times, to prevent the rich indigo dye from bleeding onto other clothes. If they’re a dark wash, turning them inside out will preserve the color longer. Wash them in cold or warm water, but be careful with hot water, which may shrink them. If you’re going to put them in a dryer, use a medium temperature. Remember the jeans may feel tighter after you take them out of the dryer. If you’d prefer they didn’t shrink, air-dry them.
Blue jeans have not only proved their worth in the fashion world of today, as well as in your own wardrobe, but have stood the test of time throughout history. If you choose your pair well and take care of them, your jeans will give back to you for a long time to come.
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Pretty Lace and Macramé Fashions – Old Favorites Get a New Twist
Lace, macramé and crochet are all elements you may be more accustomed to seeing in grandma’s parlor than in your wardrobe, but that’s about to change. Spring 2011 runways brought lace into the spotlight.
It’s still delicate, but the new lace is sturdier than grandma’s doilies. Unique patterns and materials add to the complexity of the style, while soft but strong linings make it actually wearable for the average girl on the street. Here are a few tips on how to wear the delicate, feminine style without feeling overexposed.
Lacy and Macramé Tops
Lately, red carpets have seen many celebs wearing lace tops with nothing beneath them, apparently, but bras. If you’ve got the guts to go for this look, make sure your bra is undecorated, and is the same color as the lace shirt.
For those who prefer a little more coverage, there are clingy, lacy tanks with simple camisole linings. A good way to rock lacy shirts that aren’t lined is to wear a fitted, stretchy tank that matches your skin tone beneath the shirt. This looks especially good with long-sleeved, lace button downs.
Macramé is made by knotting a material instead of weaving it. Traditionally, materials used for macramé are things like rope, leather and hemp. You may be familiar with macramé pot-holders and hanging plant baskets leftover from the 1970’s. In the fashion world, macramé fits in perfectly on the beach, and is being made with softer, more skin-friendly materials. Intricately knotted tunic tops are the perfect cover-up for a bikini. Paired with a sarong or pareo and beach bag, they enhance the aura of natural elegance created by the simple, beautiful wrap.
Delicate Dresses and Skirts
When wearing a lace dress, especially if you’ve chosen white, it can be easy to fall into the “Easter Sunday” trap. If your dress seems to call for a pair of white kid gloves with little pearl buttons, seek another style! There are plenty of summer dresses that won’t make you look like you’re afraid to get your good clothes dirty.
Choose something a little more clingy, with a matching or skin-toned liner, or purchase your own body-hugging liner from a lingerie store. For a less sexy, but still eye-catching style, look for a flowing, tiered A-line skirt. It’s flirty and feminine, but not overtly seductive. The tiered layers of lace prevent it from being too revealing, while adding a little flounce. Pair it with a fabulous beach hat for a breezy, summer style.
Crochet is another hot trend in fashion right now, and it’s particularly nice because it works with a variety of yarns. Crocheted dresses can be a little stretchy, clinging to the top of your body while flowing freely around the bottom. Silky, shimmery yarns will turn heads, while long fringe adds flair.
Depending on how tight the knit is, some crocheted clothes can also be a little revealing, though not typically as much as lace. Keep this in mind when shopping around, and don a skin-toned slip or underwear to avoid flashing your friends and neighbors.
Woven and Lace Pants and Shorts
Lace shorts? Yes. To wear in public? Yes! To avoid looking like you’ve stepped out in your skivvies, look for lined lace shorts that reach to just above mid-thigh. They look especially good in the current high-waisted trend, with a row of buttons up the front.
Longer lacy pants don’t work as well with the high-waisted trend. Stick to hip-huggers. Many styles are stretchy, and cling around your legs like tights. Be aware that these can make you look a little top-heavy. Some are only clingy around the thighs, and flow into dramatic, feminine bell bottoms. Still others are straight-leg styles, reaching in long, unbroken lines from your hips to your ankles.
One key for wearing lace pants or shorts is to pair them with simple, uncomplicated tops. This will prevent your outfit from looking too busy.
Lacy and Woven Footwear
Lace shoes are particularly delicate and artistic accessories. Usually, the lace is more structured and strong here, or even overlaid on a more firm top. However, pretty ballet flats may have intricate lacing that wraps around the ankles, and some designers are incorporating bows or sprays of lace into high heels.
Crocheted footwear is traditional for babies, but it’s strong enough for adult footwear, too. Crocheted flats, lace-up sandals and boots have a distinctly Bohemian, earth-friendly twist.
When wearing lace, stick to neutral colors: black, white and beige or nude. It emphasizes the inherent elegance of the look. Other colors may be fun, but they can come off as too lurid or even immature. Lace clothes are conversation pieces, so don’t be surprised when your gorgeous, feminine style turns heads left and right!
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Handbags from Clutch to Tote – A What’s What Guide for Hardcore Bag Ladies
People have been carrying bags for as long as recorded history and probably much earlier. As long as people have been using tools, wearing sarongs and beautifying themselves, there have been handbags. The first were simple leather pouches, which evolved into more stylized pouches covered in decorative embroidery or beadwork, and eventually into the vast array of designer handbags we have today. Our ability to carry important and sentimental items on our persons evolved as we did, so don’t feel bad about a bag addiction!
Your purse is very personalized. Open it up and you’ll find not only the ever-important wallet and keys, but maybe some cough drops, breath mints, make-up, a novel or magazine and several things that only you, personally, find important. Your purse is more than just a bag; it becomes a part of you.
That's why it's important to choose the right one for you out of the many different options out there. Here’s a quick run-down of the most popular purse styles today.
Clutch – Clutches are some of the smallest bags you'll find. They typically don’t have a strap, meaning you hold it in your hand or tucked under your arm, and their small size renders them impractical for carrying much more than your lipstick, ID, credit cards and keys. That’s why the clutch is usually confined to formal or evening occasions. Because they’re so popular for events and are so small, many clutches feature extensive detailing and intricate ornamentation.
Convertible bag – Convertibles are usually small, like the clutch, but have either a strap or handles, or both, making them convenient to carry around. The strap can be removed, and the handles can be folded into the bag itself, turning it into a stylish evening clutch.
Box bag – Rigid, box-shaped purses that usually have sharp angles and are either squared or rectangle. They typically have handles, like lunch boxes.
Bucket bag – You guessed it! These bags are bucket-shaped, with an open top that may be closed by a leather or fabric flap, and have convenient shoulder straps.
Hobo – Hobo bags are a style staple. Despite what some people think, there is no across-the-board size for hobo bags. They can be large or small and can be made of leather, fabric or pretty much whatever a designer desires. The only factor that designates a bag as “hobo” is an unstructured, floppy design with a shoulder strap.
Tote – Totes are big, roomy open bags with shoulder straps. They’re popular as grocery bags, beach bags, or with women who simply like to carry a lot of stuff. Totes can be made of canvas, leather, or virtually any material. The straps are usually short, to keep the weight up close near your shoulder.
Beach bag – Like totes, but specifically for the beach. Beach bags are great for carrying your towels, sunscreen and other sea-side essentials. They come in plain, traditional designs, or can be more artistic, incorporating beautiful beach scenes that complement a gorgeous sarong and beach hat.
Messenger – Messenger bags are especially popular these days, due to their unisex versatility. Initially used by postmen and couriers, they can carry vast quantities and are usually equipped with a cross-body strap. Most “man bags” are messenger bags.
Satchel – Traditionally made of leather or canvas, and closing with a simple snap, flap or buckle, satchels evolved from traditional “school book” bags popular with students. They usually have a single cross-body strap.
Saddle bag – Saddle bags usually close with a single broad leather flap, which is secured by one or more buckles. Gucci, Hermes and other high end designers actually got their start making quality equestrian equipment, and still make saddle-style purses today.
Drawstring – Soft bags with round, structured bottoms that close at the top with a gathered drawstring. The drawstring sometimes forms two shoulder straps, allowing the bag to be worn as a backpack, but it can be used as single shoulder strap, as well.
Duffel – Duffel bags are typically larger than totes, and are often used as gym bags or luggage. They’re long and cylindrical with zippers on the top, and may have short handles, a thick shoulder strap, or both.
We’ve named some of the most popular styles, but there are plenty more out there. Designers famous for their bags include Fendi, Liz Claiborne, Kate Spade and Chanel, who created the famous, quilted leather 2.55 bag. Some, such as the Hermes Birkin bag, are impossibly priced at $5,000, but there are plenty of affordable options out there for the thrifty fashionista that are both functional and super-stylish. Whatever your style, you should be able to find a bag as unique as you are.
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Style Evolution: Givenchy – A Fashion Powerhouse of Class and Edge
When you think of Audrey Hepburn, you probably think of effortless elegance, timeless beauty and style. You’re also thinking of Givenchy. Givenchy was involved in a long-term designer-muse relationship with Audrey Hepburn that created some of the most iconic looks to ever grace the silver screen, and influenced the development of fashion worldwide. Such notables as Princess Grace Kelly, Lauren Bacall and even Jackie Kennedy Onassis got aboard the Givenchy train, and the enchanted world followed. Even as they evolve with our fast-paced society, Givenchy’s designs remain some of the cornerstones of the fashion world.
Givenchy: Beginnings
Hubert de Givenchy decided he was going to be a fashion designer when he was 10, in 1937. He had been moved by designs he saw during his visit to the World’s Fair in Paris. Seven years later, Givenchy graduated art school in Paris, and worked for the next 8 years with a variety of designers, including Jacques Fath, Elsa Schiaparelli and, most notably, Christian Dior. By 1952, he was ready to start his own house.
From the get go, Givenchy’s designs earned high praise. Both designers and consumers loved his lines of mix-and-match tops and bottoms, most of which were affordable for the average woman. While his designs remained unfussy, they also incorporated elegant detailing, embroidered fabrics and imaginative prints that drew attention.
Givenchy and Hepburn
In 1953, Givenchy met Audrey Hepburn, whom he described as his ideal feminine beauty. The two began a 40 year professional relationship, mutually benefitting from one another’s creativity. In film, fashion is an element of scene and design. Givenchy took part in designing not only some of the most memorable fashions, but some of the most memorable films of the era. Sleek dresses, wide-brimmed hats that call to mind beach hats, and elegant jewelry became trademarks. Hepburn’s outfits in Sabrina, Breakfast at Tiffany’s and How to Steal a Million were Givenchy’s. Audrey Hepburn once said, “Givenchy is far more than a couturier: he creates personalities.”
The rich and famous wore Givenchy outside of Hollywood, too, including the Grimaldi of Monaco. The Kennedy family were all donned in Givenchy on the day John F. Kennedy was assassinated. They also wore Givenchy, who was stylish yet not ostentatious, to the funeral of the former president.
A Style Pioneer
Givenchy challenged the boundaries of fashion by creating a line of luxury prêt-a-porter (ready-to-wear) clothing. In 1958, he was also the first to introduce short skirts and miniskirts. His reputation for elegance and class convinced critics that it was okay for women to show their knees again, which hadn’t happened since the 1920’s.
He was contemporary, sometimes to the point of audacity, but always classy and refined. In this way he pressed the boundaries of acceptable style, almost “tricking” a stodgy, traditional upper class into expanding their tastes. His collections featured long, luxurious ball gowns as well as formal tube dresses; extravagant, jeweled headpieces; feminine sundresses; shawls; princess silhouettes and funnel necklines, which streamlined turtleneck shirts by removing the “slouch” from around the neck.
Givenchy in the Hands of Galliano and McQueen
In 1988, the LVMH Group, a fashion conglomerate which included Dior, Christian Lacroix and Kenzo, bought Givenchy. After Givenchy’s retirement in 1995, LVMH brought the eccentric and flamboyant designer John Galliano to the head of operations, meaning to infuse Givenchy with more daring, contemporary style. It was a bold choice that many doubted, but Galliano eased nervous onlookers with his first collection. His gowns combined the restraint of classic Givenchy with Galliano’s own more flamboyant and romantic tastes. However, Galliano quickly moved on to direct the house of Dior.
He was followed by Alexander McQueen, a British designer known for pushing boundaries with rebellious styles. Once more, the fashion world doubted, and once more they were pleasantly surprised. McQueen toned down his eccentricities to honor the house of Givenchy, but still infused his collections and runway shows with controversy. One of his shows included a disabled model mounted on intricate, beautifully carved wooden legs.
Givenchy Today: Tisci
Today, Riccardo Tisci is chief designer at Givenchy. Tisci’s styles are romantic, but have a distinctly “gothic ballerina” feel, including dark, flowing dresses and minimalist, architecturally inspired runway shows. His work is whimsical, yet edgy, and has successfully reinvented Givenchy into a modern, sensual and stylized label that is very wearable. Tisci has said, “My mother, my sisters don’t understand fashion now, which is how I realized what the final consumer feels. They don’t want to buy image, they want to buy substance.”
Tisci has been called the most economically successful Givenchy designer since Givenchy himself. With boundary-pushing yet traditional styles, such as elegant sarongs for men and women, Givenchy continues to remind us of our fashion roots while showing us what is possible.
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From the Screen to the Street – The Top Ten Wearable Movie Fashions
Movies usually reflect contemporary fashion, displaying what’s popular in an effort to reflect reality with style. Sometimes, they take it a step further, and instead of reflecting style, they actually create it. Movies have given birth to some of the most iconic and classic looks of all time, which can still be worn to head-turning effect on the street. Here, in no particular order, are the top ten street-worthy movie styles!
1. Julia Roberts in "Pretty Woman"
We’re talking about Vivian’s wardrobe after she proved to the snooty store clerks she was worth her weight in gold. This look is about sophistication. Her brown and white polka dot dress paired with a classy beach hat are upscale and adorable, while she looked like a princess in her red cocktail dress. Look for bold, simple prints, and don't shy away from bright colors. When wearing jeans, dress them up with a blazer and elegant jewelry.
2. The entire cast of ”Sex and the City” in ”Sex and the City" I and II
Carrie, Charlotte, Miranda and Samantha are down to earth, successful, romantic and stylish. In many women’s minds they’re the epitome of modern femininity. To achieve their flawless, confident styles, don’t be afraid to take risks and experiment, but always know the impression you’re trying to make. Stock up your shoe collection and accessorize to the nines!
3. Kate Hudson in ”Almost Famous”
Penny Lane had quintessential 70’s style: low-slung jeans and flirty halter tops, Renaissance-inspired tunics, big sunglasses, and of course, a coat with a big, faux-fur white collar. The 70’s are particularly popular this season, so you should have no trouble finding fringe, bell-bottoms, clunky jewelry, roomy beach bags and comfy sundresses.
4. Diane Keaton in ”Annie Hall”
Annie Hall showed us the best of menswear for women. Button-down shirts, vests, neckties and khakis define this look. Wing-tip shoes are a nice touch, but slip your feet into some decorated flats to add a little feminine flair. A fedora and pocket watch complete the style.
5. Amy Adams in ”Enchanted”
Just because Giselle came from a fantasy land doesn’t mean her style is out of this world. Sure, she may have made her flirty summer dresses out of curtains and carpets, but she looked fantastic. To look like a modern day fairy princess, go for an A-line sundress with a knee-length, gored skirt and short poofy shoulder sleeves. Indulge in pretty floral patterns and ribbons.
6. Madonna in ”Desperately Seeking Susan”
Desperately Seeking Susan showcases fabulous punk rock 80’s fashion. Skinny jeans, goth gear, metal studs and feminine lace all come together in this rebellious look. This style is all in the accessories. Plenty of long necklaces, a black leather jacket, red lipstick and lacy gloves are where it’s at.
7. Faye Dunaway in ”Bonnie and Clyde”
Bonnie was tailored, practical and assertive. To achieve this rogue, ivy-league style, go for fitted sweaters or tunic tops that show off your figure, black leggings or a pencil skirt, and a loose neck scarf. Shoes should be flat, since you may need to make a quick getaway, and a beret tops everything off.
8. Rachel McAdams in ”The Notebook”
Forties fashion with a hint of quirky fun! Play with florals and reds here, and opt for skirts and fitted tops that accentuate your figure without being too tight. Unless, of course, you’re emulating her fabulous red gingham swimsuit! The boy short bottom and halter top are flattering for many body types. Wrap a pretty sarong around the bottom.
9. Anne Hathaway in ”The Devil Wears Prada”
Andy Sachs evolves from a style flop to a fashion diva in this film. She learns to play with tight leather pants under short tweedy skirts, slouchy plaid caps, sleek wool pea coats and more. Wrap a thick belt around a flowy summer dress that buttons all the way up the front, choose your accessories with care, and always pay attention to your shoes and handbag.
10. Audrey Hepburn in every movie she was ever in!
”Sabrina” and ”Breakfast at Tiffany’s”,, to name a few. There are those in the fashion world who would argue that style wouldn’t be what it is today without Audrey Hepburn. Her costumes were designed by Givenchy, and made a lasting impression with flattering lines, simple but unconventional cuts, and experimental (but never ostentatious) detailing. The glamour, sophistication and femininity of the look inspired a generation, including the iconic Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis.
If you’re struggling for a fashion identity, you could do worse than experiment with the variety of chic looks we’ve covered here. Once you get a feel for the style that suits your personality, don’t be afraid to run with the look and make it your own!
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We provide you with a list of available articles immediately below. You can go directly to an article that interests you by clicking on the link to that specific article.
- Spring Style for 2011
- Go from Day to Evening without Changing Outfits
- How to Wear Hats
- Patterns: To Mix or Not to Mix?
- Classic Summer Dresses
- Sustainable Style: Hemp, Bamboo and Recycled Plastic Clothing
- The Top Five Fashion Destinations Worldwide
- Swimsuit Shopping for Dummies
- Style Evolution: The Changing Face of Chanel
- Classic Glamorous Beach Weddings
- Packing Light for a Beach Vacation
- Hottest Trends in Swimsuits
- Color Trends in Fashion - What's In, What's Out
- From Runway to Everyday
- Dressing for Your Shape
- White for Summer – Anything But Vanilla
- High Contrast Color - How to Wear the Brightest Brights
- Bridesmaid Dresses
- Big Style on a Small Budget
- The Wrap Dress – Diane von Fȕrstenberg's Classic Makes a Comeback
- Pulling Off Menswear for Women
- How to Travel without Looking Like a Tourist
- Prep it Up! Dressing Preppy but not Pretentious
- Wearing Sarongs on Business and Formal Occasions
- The Rising Influence of Japanese Fashion - Issey Miyake
- High-Waisted Pants are Back! Here's How to Wear Them
- Wearing Pink for Grown Up Girls
- All About Blue Jeans
- Pretty Lace and Macramé Fashions
- Handbags from Clutch to Tote
- Style Evolution: Givenchy
- From the Screen to the Street – The Top Ten Wearable Movie Fashions
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Spring Style for 2011
Spring 2011 runway fashions are showing us old friends in a new, exciting way. Old classics like bell bottoms are making appearances with new “flair,” and pretty 60s styles and sexy 70s glamour show up side by side. Let’s not forget the tenacious biker and punk looks which pop back up every few years or so. Spring 2011 will also see plenty of lacy and macramé tops which look simply stunning paired with bright sarongs.
Spring Style: Pretty, Figure Flattering 60s
Thanks in no small part to AMC’s hit series Mad Men and in particular the curvy Christina Hendricks, the hourglass look is back in for this season. Dresses taper at the waist, or just above it, and fall in full skirts below the knee. Flattering skirts hide hips and thighs, and paired with turtlenecks they look sophisticated and sexy. This classic look is getting an update, though. Look for fabrics including flannel plaid, soft suede and even supple leather.
60s style Sheath dresses and pencil skirts are popular for spring 2011, as well, accentuating curves and lengthening the impression of overall height.
Spring Style: 70s Boho and Sophisticate
Tweed pants. High waistlines. Plaid prints. If you ever wished you could dress like a character from “Almost Famous,” spring 2011 will be your time to shine. Daytime looks for this style include pretty blouses in shimmering fabric, flowing long sleeves that end in tight cuffs, and long, flowing pants. Bell bottoms are back, too, perhaps in a backlash from the fashion industry against all those skinny jeans and jeggings currently in stores. Pair sarongs with loose, caftan shirts for a Bohemian look.
Come the evening, this 70s look gets more sophisticated and can be summed up with the words “bold, confident and sexy.” What does it take to wear a neckline that plunges to the top of a sarong slung around your hips? Confidence is the only thing that can pull that off. Those clothes are certainly making a comeback, but the look is really completed with the addition of a hat or a pair of super-high platforms.
Spring Style: Biker Chic
Motorcycle jackets incorporating new twists like patches of thick, warm tweed and shiny silver leather are all the rage on Spring 2011 runways. Motorcycle jacket style is particularly feminine this time around, with tapered waists and hemlines that reach to mid-thigh. Accented with traditional quilting for a textured look, they’re covered in plenty of zippers and buckles that lead to pockets and cinch the wrists, or do nothing whatsoever except look fantastic. Either way, the look is arresting. It’s both vintage and futuristic at once.
What would biker style be without motorcycle boots? The classic kicks are back. Look for unique styles incorporating never-before-seen elements like Chanel’s creation: a shiny steel shin plate covers the front of the high heel black leather boot. Very futuristic warrior woman.
Spring Style: Lace, Crochet and Macramé
Drawing more inspiration from the 70s, crochet and macramé are branching out from their traditional role as beachwear. While they’re more in style than ever for sun and surf, this spring will also see crocheted dresses that take more confidence to wear than that neckline plunging to your belly button. In order to wear these looks successfully a girl needs the right blend of sensuality and whimsical playfulness.
It’s not all revealing as a doily, however. Crocheted dresses with soft, satiny linings make a very pretty, feminine statement that is almost conservative. Crocheted, bikini style tops with inner lining can be accented with long fringe over the belly and less revealing necklines, making them the perfect tops for sarongs at any time of day.
Spring 2011 styles are not only bringing back old memories in brand new, updated ways, they’re expanding our concept of what clothing is. Since when has lace formed the entirety of a dress, instead of being just an accent? Since now, and the look is not only pretty but very wearable and ultra-feminine. This season promises fun fashions that flatter many different figure types and cater to a wide variety of styles preferences. Here’s to spring!
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Go from Day to Evening without Changing Outfits – Simple Style Tricks to Take You from Day to Night
When it comes to your style, daytime and evening hours call for distinctly different looks. When you’re out for a day of shopping, lunch with friends or sightseeing you want to look casual and be comfortable, and going out in the evening usually entails a look that’s a little more sexy or elegant. Depending on the time of year, the evening may be much cooler than the day. If you’re spending the whole day on the go with friends, how do you prevent sticking out like a sore thumb in your casual daywear at dinner or an after-hours bar? Going home to change would be ideal, but it’s not always convenient. Likewise, taking an entire change of clothes with you isn’t really practical.
Layering is Key
The key to a successful transition from day wear to evening wear is layering your outfit. Choose a few core pieces that can dress both up and down, and don a pretty cardigan to cover your shoulders during the day. This both tones down your look into something more casual and protects you from the summer sun, and come sundown showing those shoulders adds a slightly sexier touch. In cooler weather even more layers can be incorporated, such as a tank top covered by a low-cut shirt and topped off with a heavy zippered cable-knit. To layer on the bottom, sarongs wrapped around leggings make it simple to transition from skirts to pants (or vice versa) without being too bulky.
Accessorize into the Evening
Stash some accessories in your purse and when the stars come out, slip on a glittering necklace or a pair of big, eye-catching earrings. This will not only dress up your casual look into something more elegant, but will draw attention to your neck. Wearing your hair up during the day is both convenient and keeps it out of the way, and it allows you take it down at night for that extra va-voom. Carry a flat comb or small hairbrush and a travel-size bottle of hair spray in your bag if you have room. Brightly colored lipstick and a touch of eyeliner instantly glam up your look.
Dresses for Day and Night
Skirts, dresses and sarongs are one of the simplest ways to make a look apply for both day and night. They’re the most timeless and recognized element of feminine clothing. A halter top dress that ties up behind your neck and has a low neckline can be covered by a pretty cardigan during the day if a more conservative look is desired, and stretchy tube top dresses are all the rage these days. Lacy shawls tied around skirts during the day add a unique touch, and if you switch them to your shoulders when the sun goes down you’ll keep warm.
Sarongs are especially adaptable when it comes to transitioning from day to evening wear. Sarongs can be worn as dresses, tops or skirts. Wrap them around your waist beneath a halter top during the day for a casual, breezy look, and tie them up for elegant dresses in the evening. A sarong can accentuate a specific piece of clothing, such as a jeweled top or fringed skirt, or be the centerpiece of your outfit itself.
Comfortable Shoes
Don’t overlook your shoes! If you’re going to be out all day, shoes are one of the most important aspects of your outfit. If your feet are not happy, you will not be happy. Choose a pair of snazzy flats you can walk all day in, or a pair of comfy wedge heels. Don’t go for anything too high that will force all your weight onto your toes all day, or anything too wobbly. Strappy gladiator sandals look great with sarongs and dresses, so you’ll still look fabulous even if you’re not in heels.
Creating one outfit to serve through the day into the evening doesn’t have to be an inconvenience. With the right accessories and a little touch to your make-up, a few simple pieces of well-chosen clothing can take you from casual to fabulous with no fuss at all.
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How to Wear Hats – Choosing a Hat You can Feel Confident In
A hat can be a tricky element of style. When worn correctly they look absolutely fabulous, and a great hat can make a big impression. When worn incorrectly, however . . . well, let’s just say that many women have had a single bad hat experience and are frightened away forever.
This need not be the case. Like scarves, sarongs and belts, hats can be useful, versatile and fun items in your wardrobe. They both keep the sun from damaging the skin of your face, shoulders and neck and also spice up your style with individuality. The trick to wearing a hat well is choosing one that complements the shape of your face and works with your outfit. Then you can step out in confidence.
The Right Hat for Your Face
Since hats are worn so closely to the face they draw the eye immediately, making choosing the right hat to flatter your face very important. One rule of thumb is that you should always choose a hat that is similar to the shape of your face. For example, wear a small hat if you have a small face. Wearing something too big will overwhelm you. If your face is long and narrow try a style such as a cloche, which has a round, bell-like crown and is worn low in the front. If you wear glasses, go for something that turns up in the front. You don’t want to further hide your face with a big floppy brim. A round face calls for a broad-brimmed hat to balance it, and if your face is wide a beret will complement it beautifully. A heart-shaped face will work with almost all hats.
If you’re not sure what shape your face is or what hat is best, try a panama. Panamas complement many face shapes.
What Color is Your Hat?
When contemplating color, choose one that flatters your skin tone rather than trying to pick the perfect hat to match your outfit. Remember, the hat is closer to your face than the outfit, so don’t pick something that will wash you out. Black is safe but can get boring. Darker skin tones look good with just about any color, but bold bright hues are especially beautiful. For paler skin try a softer tone, such a pastel, or choose a hat that matches your eyes. It will make your peepers pop and accentuate your skin, while looking individual and natural.
A Good Hat is a Versatile Hat
The right hat will work with many outfits. Choose a neutral color to play it safe and feel comfortable. But if you’d rather go with something bold pair the hat with a scarf, belt or other accessory that incorporates the same color. Matching the color of hats to the color of clothes, such as detailing in printed sarongs, helps the hat top the whole outfit off and tie the look together.
Beach hats are especially versatile. Big, straw hats are essential for sun and surf, but they’re also chic wear for shopping or eating lunch outside. Straw beach hats have great, wide brims that protect you from the sun, and many are so well-made, incorporating smooth, flowing lines and expert craftsmanship, that they make the perfect accent for virtually any summer outfit, including more elegant looks for fine, outdoor dining. Big, wide-brimmed beach hats look especially good when paired with sarongs.
Hats to Avoid
So what hats should you try to always steer clear of? Visors and ballcaps, while great for such activities as sailing, wind surfing and beach activities, should be kept for daytime use, as they turn into style killers in the evening. Also, don't wear hats that don’t actually fit you. If you have to cram it on or prop it up, leave it off. If you’re going to wear a “statement hat,” pair it with understated clothing to prevent turning your outfit into an eyesore.
These are just a few tips to get you started in the wonderful world of hats. Berets, panamas, pageboys and fedoras are such fun and useful elements of style it would be a shame to leave them out altogether when you know how to pick the right one to look good.
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Patterns: To Mix or Not to Mix? – The Right and Wrong Way to Wear Multiple Patterns
Patterns are exciting to look at and can add spark to your outfit. But it’s hard to wear more than one print at the same time. Everyone’s seen people who ventured into the dangerous world of mixing patterns and failed to come out in one piece. It’s a horror story that scares some so much that they stay away from mixing different prints at all. But mixing patterns is like magic. When used incorrectly it produces disastrous results, but when used well it creates powerful and unique looks that add depth and personality to your style. Designers pull it off all the time, and so can you.
Pick Patterns Incorporating Similar Base Colors
One simple trick is to choose patterns that all contain the same color or work with the same color scheme. Try a peacock blue paisley scarf with a peacock blue plaid skirt. Color can be the thread that pulls all the elements together. This trick can also work with two or more prints that are not the same color overall. For example, pair red patterned sarongs incorporating streaks of blue in their design with metallic plaid scarves that have blue fringe. The blue in the scarf accentuates the blue in the sarong, and the outfit is still tied together.
Don’t Make Your Patterns Compete
Too many patterns incorporating small, detailed designs are hard on the eyes and look busy. The eye doesn’t know where to go first, and the outfit ends up looking confused. Likewise, using two very large patterns together, such as a bold floral and bold striped, is overwhelming. People may be trying to find you in your big, loud outfit.
Instead, go for contrast and balance. Pair large prints with small prints. Try a thick, bold striped piece paired with a small, soft floral. Blend organics with graphics, big prints with small and thin fabrics with heavier ones. Scenes on fabric, such as sarongs printed with relaxing beach scenes, are generally larger designs. These pair well with smaller, tighter prints such as striped tops. But again, make sure the stripes reflect the colors in the sarong.
Use Different Fabrics
Using different fabrics adds more depth and contrast to your outfit than, say, choosing several patterns all on cotton. That looks one-dimensional. Instead, try a flannel houndstooth skirt with a bold-striped silk blouse. This look works best if the houndstooth is of the same color scheme as the blouse. Bold metallic striped leggings combine with a breezy white floral dress to create contrast and effect.
Break Patterns up with Solid Colors
Incorporating solid colors in your outfit is one of the easiest ways to wear multiple patterns successfully. If you feel uncertain, use this trick when mixing your first patterns. Separating the prints allows the eye a little time to rest before moving on to the next exciting element of your outfit. Even something as simple as a thick, solid belt or black cardigan can do the trick. This creates a contemporary, sophisticated look while balancing your outfit. Try a patterned dress, solid leggings and cute, printed flats.
Neutral Patterns are Easier
Beige, light brown and earth toned patterns complement many looks, and are easier to work with than bolder colors when you’re first starting to blend patterns. Tweed pants, a houndstooth skirt or a brown paisley scarf mix well with many prints, especially if they’re multi-colored. Navy, black and white stripes fall into this category as well.
A Few Extra Warnings . . .
Don’t wear too much of the same pattern, even if the fabric is different and the print is different sizes. For example, polka dots are chic and sophisticated, but wearing four pieces of clothing covered in polka dots makes you look more like you have chicken pox than style. Several striped pieces are fashionable and pretty when paired with floral sarongs, but too many stripes scream “prison break.” Again, a big key to blending patterns is to incorporate contrast.
If you’re still unsure about mixing patterns, try a simple trick. Hold the prints up together and imagine they were all part of one piece of clothing. Would you buy it?
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Classic Summer Dresses – Sorting Through the Styles for Your Perfect Summer Dress
When the temperature rises it’s time to shed those winter layers and step out in something a little less cumbersome and a little more flattering. Sundresses and sarongs let you soak up the sun in style. Wraps and a-lines are chic for shopping and dining. Skirts are so popular and comfortable that many girls don’t want to give them up even when engaging in activities such as riding bicycles or playing tennis, so there are active wear styles available, too.
When confronted with so many options, how do you find the right dress for you? You need something that will flatter you while being versatile enough to wear more than once. Here are some classic summer dress styles that will keep you looking fabulous and feeling comfortable no matter what you’re up to.
Wrap Dresses
A wrap dress is open in front like a robe. Generally, a belt is incorporated into the design of a true wrap dress, not added on afterward. One side of the belt pulls through an “eyehole” on the other side of the dress, and you wrap the front around you and tie it off like a robe. The great thing about a wrap dress is that it’s adjustable. Your wrap dress will fit just as well on the days when you feel a little lighter as when you’ve eaten too much yummy pizza. The belt tie accentuates your waist and the skirt works like a charm at covering hips and thighs.
Tubes and Tight Sheaths
A tube dress is just what it sounds like. It holds itself up under your arms with elastic and falls in a (relatively) straight line, usually to around the middle of your thighs. Some styles are stretchy and elasticized all over, making them a sleek and sexy choice for slender bodies. If you feel less than comfortable emphasizing all your curves, though, don’t worry. Many sheath dress styles cover up flaws while remaining flattering. A tube dress with a fuller, flowing skirt adds a Bohemian flair to your look, which is even more striking in full-length skirts. Look for something with pretty floral detailing, or tie a ribbon under the elastic part of the dress to add dimension.
Sarongs
Sarongs are timeless classics thanks in no small part to their simplicity and comfort. A sarong is incredibly versatile, able to be tied up around the neck as a dress, tied around the shoulder for a different, toga-like look, folded up and wrapped around the hips to achieve a short chic style, draped around the hips in a long, elegant skirt, and even more. Such versatility makes them a great choice for many body types. They can be tied to accentuate curves or cover them up, however you feel most comfortable.
A-lines
A-lines have always been popular because they are so flattering to so many body types. An a-line is a skirt or dress that tapers at the waist and then flares out, either dramatically or subtly, accentuating the slenderness of the waist and hiding trouble areas like the hips and tummy. A wrap dress will naturally have an a-line skirt. Depending on the design, short a-lines can be fun and flirty for casual outings or look elegant for cocktail parties. Longer-skirted a-lines are generally more formal, reserved for evening or events.
Sundresses
A “sundress” is loosely defined as any casual dress that can be worn in the sun. Most styles expose the shoulders, either with spaghetti straps, a halter top or with elasticized tops. Sundresses are lightweight and comfortable, and include most of the other styles in this list. As they come in all shapes and sizes, you’re sure to find one that flatters you.
Each of these styles is versatile, depending on the design and fabric of the dress. Before venturing out to possibly drown in the sea of pretty dresses for sale, it’s a good idea to step back and decide what you want out of your summer dress. Once you decide what activities you plan on using it for and the impression you want to make in it, you should be able to find your perfect dress.
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Sustainable Style: Hemp, Bamboo and Recycled Plastic Clothing – Going Green with Your Wardrobe
Once upon a time, being environmentally friendly was only for so-called “hippies.” These days, it’s not only the responsible and sensible choice for all walks of life, it’s becoming ever more essential as we realize the impact we have on our world. Everyone’s jumping on the green bandwagon, and designers are no exception. Clothing made from sustainable materials such as hemp, bamboo, and even recycled plastic offer green choices without sacrificing an inch of style.
Here’s a run-down of materials, benefits, disadvantages and possibilities offered by the world of sustainable style.
Hemp
Hemp is one of the most versatile and sustainable crops on the planet. It can grow at the rate of sixteen feet in as little as one hundred days, needs little water, and doesn’t require pesticides. Every part of hemp plants can be used. Oil is pressed from seeds for biofuel, plastics and natural skin care, and stalks are used for fibers.
Hemp fabric doesn’t all feel rough, like canvas. The fibers can be highly refined and woven in with other materials to create garments as delicate and soft to the touch as silk. Hemp fibers take dye very well and are three times as strong as cotton, making fabrics more durable. A hemp and cotton blouse is as soft to the touch as traditional cotton, but the garment is stronger. Designers are using hemp to create everything from underwear to handbags, and even jeans. You can’t always tell by sight or touch if a garment is made of hemp.
There aren’t many disadvantages to hemp clothes. One is that it’s not naturally white, so manufacturers sometimes use chemical processing methods. Another downside concerns politics surrounding the plant. Hemp growth was restricted in the 1920s, and further restricted in the 1930s.
Bamboo
Bamboo grows even more quickly than hemp, with some species growing up to four feet per day. Its growth rate makes it incredibly renewable, and it actually improves soil quality. Like hemp, bamboo requires very little water. Bamboo is naturally anti-bacterial.
Making clothing out of bamboo is a relatively new technology, but great strides have been made is a short time. Bamboo fabric is soft, breathes well, wicks away moisture and moves easily, making it a new favorite for designers creating comfy leisure and active wear. Bamboo fabric also makes chic dresses that drape over the body to flatter curves. The slight shimmery sheen of the fabric adds instant elegance. Like cashmere or silk, bamboo has a very flowing look, casual and graceful. Bamboo fabrics are naturally hypoallergenic, anti-static, and retain the anti-bacterial qualities inherent in bamboo stalks.
One disadvantage to bamboo fabric is that it loses over half its strength when wet for long periods of time, so dry it quickly after you take it out of the washer. Productions methods are questionable in some parts of the world, too.
Recycled Plastic Clothes
Where do plastic bottles go after they’re recycled? Some are turned into fibers. The process is complicated. Plastic bottles are sterilized, refined, purified, broken down into flakes, then into liquid, then poured out into thick polyester strands. Once the strands are stretched they are spun into Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) and woven into fabric.
PET is being used to make all kinds of strong, durable and lightweight garments. Like hemp, it can be blended with other materials to create fabrics like fleece, wool, cotton and more. Most of the clothes you’ll find that are currently made out of recycled plastic will be things like vests, jackets and outdoor wear, accessories and pants.
PET can be quite flammable unless it’s treated with a flame retardant. It can also build up a lot of static electricity, attracting plenty of lint and loose hair, and the fabric has been known to pill.
Friends will be amazed when you tell them your snazzy polar fleece jacket is made of recycled plastic bottles, or that your elegant, sweeping evening dress used to be panda food. Renewable materials are being used to create everything from shoes to sarongs these days, making staying in fashion while protecting the environment not only the responsible choice, but also the stylish one.
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The Top Five Fashion Destinations Worldwide – Where to Go to Soak Up the Style
You can sport unique style even in the smallest town, but that doesn’t mean you’ll fit in. Let’s face it, not every city is a fashion destination. To find a place where you can see and be seen in amazing outfits, you need a city where not only designers and models, but the general population eat, breathe and sleep style. Fashion destinations hold glamorous events like runway and award shows. Fashion destinations have thriving entertainment industries and cultural scenes. Fashion cities have personality seeping out of the sidewalks, with active and inspiring sub-cultures.
Without further ado, here are the top five fashion destinations worldwide.
New York
New York is occasionally unseated from the top place by another fashion capital, such as long-time rival Milan, but in the minds of many it reigns supreme. It is home to eccentric designers like Betsey Johnson with her trademark Boho floral print dresses, and classic designers like Oscar de la Renta with his timeless yet modern feminine style. New Yorkers are versatile with their style, indulging in everything from sarongs and minimal island wear to intricate Victorian elements like corsets and granny boots.
New York hosts Fashion Week twice a year, in February and September. It’s the ultimate place to be for American designers, though some international designers are invited to showcase collections.
To learn more about New York City fashion, you can visit the website of: New York City Fashion.
Milan
Like its rival New York, Milan fashion has high standards of creativity and innovation. It is home to household names like Versace and Armani. You’ll find many wearable, unique styles in Milan, and you’ll know the proof is in the pudding when you see everyday Milanese strolling along in extravagant yet elegant outfits. Milan and New York both have strong haute couture presences, with designer clothes being custom made for individuals, and high end districts for those who can afford to drop a few thousand dollars for an exclusive Prada shirt.
Milan Fashion Weeks occurs twice a year and follows hot on the tails of New York’s Fashion Week, being the third in the chain of the “Big Four Fashion Weeks,” following London and followed by Paris.
To learn more about Italian fashion, you can visit the website of the: National Chamber of Italian Fashion (Camera Nazionale della Moda Italiana).
London
Designers in London are notorious for quirky and extravagant creations. Such designers as Burberry Prorsum, Lulu Guinness with her famous pouty-mouth purses, and Stella McCartney who designs many celebrity fashions, call London home. Even for many Londoners who aren’t professionally involved in the fashion industry, dressing themselves in an art form that not only experiments with different looks and expresses individuality, but pushes boundaries.
London Fashion Week is the second of the “Big Four,” and you’ll see plenty of fresh designs with an eccentric flair. In recent years designers such as Burberry Prorsum are making traditional British fashion elements, such as tweed, edgier and relevant for younger and chic crowds.
To learn more about British fashion, you can visit the website of the: British Fashion Council.
Paris
Like London, Paris has a reputation for being something of a symbolic fashion capital thanks to its long history of high art, style and culture. Parisian designers are known to take a slightly more refined, high class and formal slant toward their creations, valuing elegance over practicality and prestige over financial success. Such giants as Chanel and Jean Paul Gaultier reign from Paris.
Paris Fashion Week is the last of the “Big Four Fashion Weeks,” and its shows are usually held in the Carrousel de Louvre.
To learn more about French fashion, you can visit the website of the: French Institute of Fashion (Institut Français de la Mode).
Tokyo
Tokyo has been making its way onto this list since the 1980s, and while many would say it’s finally arrived, there are others who would say Tokyo has been here for a long time. Many different looks and themes come out of Tokyo every year. Designer Yohji Yamamoto crafts a romantic and somber world with his designs, while Rei Kawakubo offers more futuristic, architectural looks that challenge convention.
When many people think of Japanese style they think of clashing colors and strange, eccentric elements that are not representative of Japanese design as a whole, but which have gained notoriety for their eccentricity.
To learn more about Japanese fashion, you can visit the website of: Japan-Fashion.
There are too many fashion destinations worldwide to include in this list, but even if one of these five is dethroned by an up-and-comer like Melbourne or Los Angeles, these five will hold high places in the fashion world for many years to come.
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Swimsuit Shopping for Dummies – How to Find the Best Swimsuit for Your Body
Finding a swimsuit you feel comfortable and confident in can be daunting, especially at the start of the season, when many women have a little winter weight to shed. Even the most confident beach beauty can feel a little self-conscious and more than a little stressed out when trying to find the perfect swimsuit, but it doesn’t have to be an uphill battle. Don’t get discouraged! Designers create all kinds of different swimsuits to complement all kinds of different body types. Finding the right one for you is all about selecting a cut that emphasizes your assets and diminishes flaws.
Busts
If your bust is smaller, play it up with a top that has pretty embellishments and detailing. Halter tops and “criss-cross” tops can create a more voluptuous look. A triangle-top bikini can look fantastic if it doesn’t move around too much and you are also slim on the bottom. Try to avoid “traditional” bikini tops and one-piece suits, as these can make you appear even smaller.
If you are bigger busted, look for something that provides support like an underwire top or a halter top. Select wider straps that can support more weight, rather than spaghetti straps that make heavy breasts look even heavier. Vintage styles can also provide support while looking super-stylish. Stay away from bandeau tops that have no strap at all or a slim one reaching up around your neck.
Broad shoulders or heavier upper bodies that need to be slenderized look great in halter tops and crossover tops, where one side of the bikini seems to “cross over” the other between the breasts.
Bottoms
Down-play fuller hips and thighs with boy short styles or short skirts. Avoid too much detailing around this area. You want to draw eyes away from the bottom, not pull them in. A pretty sarong wrapped around your hips will cover your trouble spots and create a lengthening, slimming effect.
To camouflage a stomach that isn’t quite up to washboard standards, select a one-piece that emphasizes height and slimness, creating lines that make you look sleeker. There are also skirted options and one-pieces with tummy-control technology. Cinched or ruched sides create hourglass shapes, and a bathing suit with a belt can create a waist where no waist was before. A tankini can also be a great option for those with a little tummy. Tankinis are crosses between one-piece suits and bikinis, covering trouble areas while still breaking the body up with a division line.
Swimsuit Colors and Prints
In the quest for the right cut, don’t overlook the color of your swimsuit! Color and print can have a dramatic effect on the overall look of your body, and you want it to work for you rather than against you.
Fuller figures look great in dark colors, which are slimming and flattering, whereas lighter colors almost seem to showcase every imperfection.
Soft, watercolor pastels look good on younger women, while in general older women have more success in bolder, striking colors.
To find the right print look for something swirling or a medium sized pattern, which hide imperfections with their pretty designs. Stay away from big, floral printed suits unless you want something to look bigger, and stay away from horizontal striped suits period. Vertical stripes, however, look great. Smaller, busier patterns don’t work well for older women, as they often enhance the look of age.
Mismatched bikinis are fun and playful. Wear the patterned piece on the part of your body you want to play up. The solid color will complement it while the pattern draws eyes away from flaws.
Wear white swimsuits with caution, as these can become translucent when wet. And of course, black is classic for a reason. It looks great on everyone!
The most important aspect of buying the right swimsuit is to choose one that actually fits you. If it sags or squeezes, it will look bad. And don’t forget that cover-ups, like shawls and sarongs, provided additional coverage while enhancing beauty. Take your time, be patient and choose a swimsuit you really love that makes you feel confident and beautiful.
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Style Evolution: The Changing Face of Chanel – How Chanel’s Classic Style has Remained Relevant over a Generation
What makes a fashion giant? What gives some designers staying power that creates a legendary reputation while others remain relatively unknown? One iconic name we can look to for answers is Chanel. Coco Chanel challenged the styles popular in her day and popularized a look which was completely revolutionary, yet so simple that many of her classic designs remain relevant a hundred years later.
In the early twentieth century, Chanel did away with corsets once and for all, leading to the “flat-chested” boyish look of the 1920s. Many of her styles were inspired by menswear, giving women the opportunity to wear pants, active wear, and comfortable jersey. Instead of forcing women’s bodies into pre-defined shapes, Chanel’s styles worked with unstructured, relaxed lines to emphasize natural elegance, utility and comfort, much the way a sarong or trench coat does. Her smart women’s suits and “little black dresses” are still staples in many closets.
Chanel’s First Styles
Chanel began her career with women’s sportswear in 1909, going for a simple look that went against the grain of contemporary fashions. Some of her styles were affected by WWI, as women needed outfits that were comfortable and serviceable to do the jobs of men, but still wished to look feminine. She used plenty of inexpensive jersey which draped well, and became recognized for her simple, elegant day dresses and coats, which was touted as the “new look for afternoon and evening.” Her revolutionary style garnered attention from everyday women and even Harper’s Bazaar. In 1923 she told them, “Simplicity is the keynote of all true elegance.”
Classics are Created
As the 1920s progressed, Chanel created several classics that are still in use today, including her signature fragrance “Chanel No. 5,” a chic cardigan jacket, and the “little black dress.” She also incorporated tweed in her styles, inspired by the functionality and simple beauty of Scottish fashion. Towards the end of the twenties and into the 1930s, Chanel’s evening couture dresses lengthened into long, refined styles that women appreciated for their sleek lines. Her summer designs incorporated contrasts in their detailing, such as rhinestone straps on breezy, jersey dresses. In the mid-1930s, Coco Chanel also designed an entire line of clothing catering to small, petite women.
The Classics Evolve
During the 1950s, Coco Chanel realized that she needed to establish a strong presence in several areas if she wanted to remain relevant, so she revamped her signature style, branching out into haute couture, pret-a-porter or “ready-to-wear” styles that required no adjustments when bought off the rack, costume jewelry and perfumes. Old classics received edgy, glamorous updates. She took her famous “Chanel Suit,” with its wool cardigan and skirt, and added long pearl necklaces. This revamped the look into something a little less severe with touches of femininity that made it popular with a wider group of women. The 50s also saw the creation of quilted leather purses and bags, the “2.55” bag, a classic still in use today.
Chanel Post-Coco
Coco Chanel worked through the end of her life and demonstrated an unfailing ability to sound out what the modern woman wanted out of her wardrobe. After her death in 1971, the label struggled to hold its position as a leader of simplicity and luxury for some time. In 1983, Karl Lagerfeld became chief designer. Lagerfeld committed himself to upholding the Chanel legend by utilizing timeless, classic designs, but updated them into edgier, more interesting styles that stood out from the company’s work in the past. Evening gowns became a little more whimsical, sparkly and luxurious, and traditionally longer cuts were shortened. Under Lagerfeld’s direction everything got a little sexier, while still allowing women to look dignified.
To this day, Chanel’s ongoing ability to read the market, as well as an unflinching dedication to upholding signature looks while knowing just where and when to evolve, give the company staying power. Chanel’s success gives us some insight into what women of all eras want out of their wardrobe: comfort, class and style.
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Glamorous Beach Weddings – Looking Absolutely Stunning at Your Beach Wedding
Beach weddings have been in style for generations. Their beautiful scenery of sun, sand and surf enhances the ceremony with a sweeping, epic landscape, not to mention all those fabulous photos of your wedding party surrounded by palm trees and the ocean. As beautiful as the scenery is, you as the bride should be the centerpiece. But how do you outshine the ocean? Here are a few suggestions for looking absolutely unforgettable at your beach wedding.
Beach Wedding Dresses
Most brides who have beach weddings opt for dresses that incorporate natural, elegant lines as opposed to more elaborate, extravagant designs. Wedding gowns that are too busy look out of place on the beach. Go for something with beautiful fabric that shows off your shoulders and has a flattering neckline. Grecian inspired gowns are especially pretty. Their simple designs create a classic yet unique style, and they make you look like a goddess.
Sarongs are also a timeless choice for beach wedding dresses. Their simplicity of design and the fact that they can be tied in so many ways means you can’t go wrong. White or ivory pieces can be custom designed, and can be hand-painted by artisans for an individual touch. A bridal sarong can also be made with pretty, custom embroidery, or pearl detailing to add a touch of tradition. As it’s also traditional beach wear, you’ll look perfectly in your element, but will still stand out as the centerpiece.
Beach Wedding Shoes
Some brides go barefoot for their beach wedding, preferring the natural, refined statement it makes. There’s always been something alluring about a woman with bare feet on a beach. If this is your choice, pamper your feet with a pedicure and pretty nail polish.
High heels can be risky footwear for beach weddings, as heels have the tendency to sink into the sand and make you wobble. If you’d prefer to be high-heeled, go for a natural looking wedge with straps that match your gown. Ribbon is a popular choice.
Flat sandals are the most common option for beach wedding footwear, also complementing the natural look many beach brides are going for. You can have sandals custom handcrafted by artisans for a beautiful pair that can’t be found anywhere else. Pretty embroidery, pearls or shells make perfect detailing. Gladiator sandals are also a good choice, especially for brides in Grecian inspired gowns, and have the added benefit of accentuating the grace of your lower legs.
On Your Head
Some women choose to leave the veil off completely for the natural look. Others choose something stylish yet organic. A circlet of blossoms that matches your bouquet will tie your look together without overwhelming you. Attach a veil that hangs over your shoulders, or sweeps straight down your back.
For a more individual but still organic style, try a headpiece with pretty feathers or shiny seashells that pins onto your hair. Stick with one or two feathers or shells so you don’t over-do it. Pair it with a sheer veil or go for something different, such as a delicate white fishnet fashionably arranged over your hair, or sweeping over one eye.
The Finishing Touch
Every beach bride wants something different when it comes to jewelry. Look for pieces that won’t overwhelm you, but won’t be overwhelmed by the stunning landscape, either. Natural stones, such as moonstone or quartz, are elegant, organic and unique. Shell jewelry can look absolutely magical, if it’s not overdone.
Diamonds are always classic, and they look fabulous glinting in the sun. If you’d rather not wear diamonds, or don’t have any that are wedding-worthy, consider wearing crystal. Crystals catch and reflect the sun beautifully, but are less expensive than diamonds. A single crystal or shell hanging from your neck can be the finishing touch that makes you an unforgettable bride.
Looking glamorous at your beach wedding is about working with the scenery, not competing with it, because in a competition with the sun and the sea . . . you will lose. Instead, create a stunning, unique and natural look that won’t be outshone by the beautiful sunset behind you in your bridal pictures.
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Packing Light for a Beach Vacation – How to Enjoy Your Trip More By Traveling with Less
No matter how excited you feel about your vacation, you're probably less thrilled about the prospect of packing for it. Keep your luggage light with versatile clothing, easy-care fabrics, thoughtful color choices, and the right accessories.
Clothes That Do Double Duty
Your walk-in closet at home supplies plenty of space for that pair of purple pumps that match exactly one sweater in the world. On your vacation, though, you'll want to consider clothing that serves more than one purpose. If you can wear an item with every other item in your suitcase, you have a winner.
A shirtdress that falls a couple of inches above the knee would be an excellent option to wear alone, as a cover-up on the beach, or over capri pants. Depending on the style and the fabric, you could even wear it as a blouse with a different skirt covering the lower portion. The ease and versatility of the shirtdress has kept the style in vogue for over half a century.
Another garment just as easy as the shirtdress and even more versatile is the sarong or pareo. This generous rectangle of fabric can go over a swimsuit as a cover-up, become a wraparound skirt, drape over the shoulders as a shawl on cool nights, or even transform itself into a dress. A few sarongs take up virtually no space in your suitcase, but add many options to your wardrobe.
Skip nightwear altogether and pack along a few tank tops and tees instead. If you're pressed for something to wear, you can easily slip into one of these under a lightweight jacket with a pair of slacks and look appropriate for almost any occasion. No one has to know it doubled as a nightshirt the evening before.
Choose the Right Fabrics
Jeans may go everywhere you want to go at home, but they're suffocating in sultry tropical air. Switch them out for lightweight cargo pants or capris in cotton or linen.
For clothes that stay stylish in any weather, look for natural fibers and natural blends. Linen and cotton get rumpled quickly, but adding Lycra to the mix can give these natural fabrics more body in the heat. High-quality woven acetate feels and looks as cool as cotton with less wrinkling.
Want to get away with only one carry-on bag for your vacation? Plan to do some laundry if you're staying for more than a weekend. Lightweight cottons, linens, and silks dry so quickly that you can easily wash them in the sink and hang them on the shower rod in the morning to wear that evening. Check with your hotel to ensure that your room has a steam iron if you'd like to give your hand-washed dress a quick touch-up before going out in it.
Keeping it Neutral
Picking two neutrals and building the rest of your wardrobe around them guarantees that you'll always look put together on your vacation. The classic combination is black and white, but feel free to go with chocolate brown and beige, gray and white, or any two colors that suit you.
Whichever colors you choose, the majority of the items in your suitcase should feature one or both of them prominently. Think of items of clothing like rooms in a house: to ensure that they flow well together, bring elements from the preceding room into the next one. If all the major items in your luggage pair well with each other, then the only decision you need to make each morning is which accessories you'll choose.
Accessories Make the Outfit
While you don't want to overload on accessories, you'll probably want to take a few special things with you. A bright scarf that can double as a shawl or cover-up adds spice to your mostly neutral vacation wardrobe. Consider buying some local items that catch your fancy; a set of carved bangles or a brilliant bead necklace is both a souvenir and a beautiful way to vary your look during your trip.
It's tempting to over-pack shoes. Resist temptation, though, and stick to three pairs at most: sandals for the beach, dressier heels or flats for going out to dinner or dancing, and sturdy athletic shoes if you intend to go hiking. You can probably get away with two pairs if you know you're not the dancing or hiking type.
A tropical vacation should be worry-free, so don't burden yourself with too many possessions. Loosen up, pack light, and save room in your suitcase for souvenirs.
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Hottest Trends in Swimsuits -- How to Choose Your Best New Look
With so little fabric to work with, designers may seem hard-pressed to come up with swimsuit innovations, but the latest bathing gear looks strikingly modern even as it pays homage to vintage shapes and textures.
The latest looks in swimwear are varied enough to offer something new to flatter every body type and suit every kind of activity. If you plan on a more active vacation, one-pieces and racer-back tankinis provide security. If your perfect vacation entails doing nothing more strenuous than turning the pages of your latest beach read, crochet and beadwork might be more your style.
The One-Piece: Retro Style with a Modern Twist
Thank AMC's "Mad Men" and retro-loving stars like Katy Perry for the resurgence of vintage one-piece swimsuit styles. Mid-century modern remains the hottest trend on runways, and bathing suits are no exception. One advantage the maillot style has over two-piece swimsuits is its ability to reshape the body; by shaping the waist and offering more support to the bust, a well-constructed one-piece suit creates an hourglass figure that no bikini can match.
The most runway-ready looks draw directly from the Eisenhower era. Elements like ruching, boy-cut legs, attached skirts, and decorative belts define the late 1950s look. What differentiates these suits from your grandmother's bathing suit is their construction. Modern fabrics have far more flexibility than stiff, heavy vintage suits; older suits were little more than girdles redesigned for the beach. New fabrics also allow design elements that weren't possible when the maillot first emerged; cut-out shapes, asymmetrical straps, and deeply plunging backs are alluring twists on the classic one-piece.
If your best asset is your curvaceous shape, you'll want to consider a glamorous retro maillot. One-piece suits also provide more security and support for buxom swimmers. Look for racer-back straps if you plan to be more active on your vacation.
The Tankini: Inspired By Athletes
Originally created in the early 1990s as an offshoot of athletic apparel, the tankini gets an update from layering and better built-in support. Tankinis combine the best of a bikini's skin-baring appeal and the one-piece's shaping by pairing bikini-style bottoms with a longer top. How bare you wear the style is up to you--tankini tops can reach your hips or barely graze the base of your ribs.
Ruching is as hot for tankinis as it is for maillots; this stylish detail emphasizes curves without constraining them. Layered styles are popular this season, especially if one of the layers features a coordinating or contrasting print. Asymmetrical straps are another novel element, but if you intend to spend much time on the beach, consider your tan lines if you wear this dramatic look.
Tankinis are ideal if you're long-waisted or short-waisted. They're also a good choice if you're an active beach-goer. If you'd like a little more support from a youthful, sporty silhouette, this is the swimsuit for you.
High-Waisted Bikinis
Microscopic bikini bottoms are becoming rare on runways. High-waisted styles with full backs and boy-cut legs are replacing them. This vintage-inspired look traces its history to Betty Grable and other pin-up girls of the 1940s. Because they cover you up to the narrowest point of your waist, high-rise bikini bottoms visually thin your midriff.
Wear this high-waisted style in two or more colors or with a bold print to keep it looking young and not like "granny panties." Vertical rows of buttons or contrasting stripes add interest that breaks up the visual monotony of a field of fabric at your waist.
Try a high-waisted bikini if you want greater control at your hips and lower abdomen. The style flatters thinner waists, but it also works well for thicker midriffs. Don't pass on wearing a high waist if your body type isn't quite the classic hourglass; these bikini bottoms help create the illusion of an hourglass shape. wear them with a sarong in a complementary color for maximum waist-thinning appeal.
New Textures and Details
No matter which style you choose, give it a cutting-edge update by incorporating current textural trends. The newest look now is metallics; modern manufacturing techniques make metallic prints durable enough to withstand an active trip. Also hot are textural elements borrowed from other seasons--winter's textured crochet and spring's delicate lace add a tactile dimension to swimsuits. Runways feature sequins and paillettes prominently, but bear in mind that these decorative spangles are fragile. If you're wearing a bathing suit for show more than for swimming, though, sparkle makes an eye-catching statement.
You'll likely be wearing your bathing suit more than any other item of clothing during your tropical vacation. Make sure you're dressed for the occasion in a modern style that suits you well.
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Color Trends in Fashion – What's In, What's Out, and What's Right for You
When you think of vintage fashion, you probably identify certain color palettes with a distinct time period. The aquas of the Eisenhower era, the earth tones of the 1970s, and the bright synthetic neons of the 1980s have become a shorthand for designers who want to evoke those eras in modern collections.
While the second decade of the twenty-first century is still young, there are some color trends today that may become the backbone of some future designer's "retro" collection. With the varied palette available on today's runways, you'll be able to stay on trend while remaining true to your best colors.
Honeysuckle Pink and Peony Brights
Pantone, the company behind the Pantone Matching System used by virtually all print media, has declared a warm, vibrant pink called Honeysuckle the "Color of the Year" for 2011. Honeysuckle and its related shades of pink are everywhere for spring and summer. Like the peony shade featured most prominently on the runway at Badgley Mischka, these pinks are confident and sunny, not delicate pastels.
Pink is one of the easiest colors to wear for any skin tone, but finding your perfect pink takes a little more consideration. If your skin tone is warm, look for pinks that have more of a salmon hue; cooler complexions work well with true pinks and even shades that veer toward lavender. If pink isn't your style, consider a print that incorporates the color along with other shades you prefer. You'll stay with the trend, yet look like yourself.
Navy: Neutral, But New
Navy has never truly gone out of fashion, but its staid reputation sometimes turns it into a "mother of the bride" color. What's making navy new again is how it mixes with colors that are anything but conservative. Acid green, peony, and light citrus yellow keep navy blue from becoming too dense. Michael Kors recently featured navy with a bright lilac and gold accents for a look that echoed nautical sportswear without going too literal.
Although usually considered a neutral alternative to black, the two look striking together. Pairing navy with black reveals the understated beauty of this deep blue, placing it in the spotlight when it usually takes a supporting role.
Navy works beautifully with cool skin tones, but if your skin is warmer or more golden, try wearing navy as a skirt, sarong, or jacket with a vibrant color at your neck. Another possibility is to wear it in a sheer fabric. Navy tends to look monolithic unless it's broken up with prints or textures; try it as a sheer overskirt or blouse over a camisole.
Aquatic Palettes: Blues and Greens Together
One sophisticated look that works as well for casual and ready-to-wear as it does on runways is mixing undine shades like blue and green. Navy is a fixture in any color scheme, but designers no longer constrain themselves to neutrals. Brilliant kelly greens combine with icy aquas or midnight blues with equal ease.
The key to wearing these nature-inspired palettes in the real world is to pair lighter with darker. Wearing a forest green dress with a turquoise scarf lets both colors shine without making them compete for attention.
Earth Tones for Summer
Customarily considered autumnal tones, earthy colors were prominent features of both Valentino and Christian Dior runways for spring/summer 2011. Spicy colors like paprika red, saffron, and camel look right for summer when lightened up with flowing fabrics and pale accents. What keeps these colors from looking like a return to the harvest gold and avocado color scheme of the seventies is the distinctly contemporary styling; pants have either a flared leg or a vintage color, but not both.
If your skin tone is warm, you'll enjoy this trend, as earthy shades make your complexion glow. If you're cool-toned, look for quieter earth shades that span the divide between warm and cool colors like moss green and raisin. The most popular color at the 2011 Academy Awards was a flame-like reddish orange that flattered virtually every skin tone; look for this hot hue everywhere this summer and don't be afraid to try it for yourself.
The latest "of the moment" colors that designers have embraced are more varied and more wearable than those of decades past. Find which colors are right for you and enjoy them while they're in style.
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From Runway to Everyday – How to Translate Runway Looks to Fit Your Wardrobe
Ralph Lauren famously said, "I don't design clothes, I design dreams." Runway clothing is meant to be just that--fantasy, theater, and art fused into one dramatic performance. Exaggerated couture designs influence what you'll find in stores, but they aren't meant to be worn as they're styled for the runway any more than a Salvador Dali canvas is meant to be used for wrapping presents.
If you want to do some trend-spotting and wear the latest runway looks before the tamed versions hit the stores, here are some tips you'll want to follow.
Cover Up
Fashion designers know that nothing sells like skin. Jackets worn without shirts, ten-inch skirts, and sheer tops make an appearance at every Fashion Week showing. Bare skin isn't a trend that most people want to follow except on the beach, so how to translate the plunging necklines and sheer fabrics into something that you can wear in the real world? Ignore the skin and pay attention to proportion and silhouette.
For example, if a jacket worn with no blouse catches your eye, what made it noticeable aside from how it was worn? Is it fitted and paired with a knee-length pencil skirt? Is it a bolero that's matched with high-waisted trousers? Get inspired by the silhouettes rather than the specifics and you'll more closely approximate the designer's dream without risking a wardrobe malfunction.
Look at the Big Picture
Individual garments in a runway collection are like individual brushstrokes on an artist's canvas; you can appreciate the art best by looking at its entirety. Look for the common themes that the designer has chosen to spotlight, because those themes are what make a collection cohesive. Do you see an emphasis on a particular part of the body, a specific silhouette, a range of textures, or a unified palette? Christian Dior's spring 2011 couture collection, for example, showcased the narrow-waisted, full-skirted "Dior look" of the late 1940s with some slim pencil skirts as a counterpoint.
Let your eyes go unfocused and see which design elements still make an impact. Let those become your inspiration. If you wanted to take the high drama of that Dior collection into your own closet, for instance, you might pair a rich red circle skirt with a pale gray sweater to echo the design house's streamlined spring palette. Adept trend-setters can spot common themes across multiple runways and designers, then bring these elements into their own wardrobes.
When Clashing is Fashion
Runway designs frequently focus on artful dissonance. Fashion shows take mixing pattern, color, and style to a new level in an effort to shock viewers into sitting up and taking notice. Real women don't wear fur wraps, sheer gowns, and hot pants together, let alone when they're all dyed a lively teal, yet Gucci's fall 2011 runway featured the pairing to start the show. Last year, Prada showed cable-knit socks with strappy heels. This kind of elegant clash makes the audience focus on each piece.
While you probably won't want to don clothing from all four seasons in your wardrobe at once or mix more than six patterns at a time, you can use the element of surprise to emphasize your style. Think of how striking a lavender scarf might be when worn with a deep green dress instead of more predictable neutrals. Consider wearing a sheer skirt over leggings for fall to let some of your summer linger. Thick socks and sandals might never work in the real world, but pairing socks with laced ankle boots echoes the Prada look while making it practical for everyday wear.
Turn It Down
If runway looks are about any one thing, it's excess. A designer who wants pearls doesn't settle for two or three strands, but loads pounds of them onto the models. Larger shoulders reach such extreme proportions that models have to turn slightly to pass one another on the runway. High heels become so high that the traditional runway walk becomes more of a wobble. Making these looks ready for the real world entails taking them down a notch while still keeping them a focal point.
Givenchy's spring 2011 line featured mountains of mixed gold and silver chains around models' necks and waists. The excess is necessary to "sell" a look to the back rows of the runway show, but in everyday life, you aren't hundreds of feet away on a catwalk. A few strands of mixed chains have the same real-world impact, especially when worn with basic black to emphasize the jewelry.
Learning to be a trend-spotter instead of a fashion victim is as simple as being able to translate the runway into real terms. Ralph Lauren may be designing dreams, but he's selling clothes. Find inspiration from the art on the runway, then make it your own.
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Dressing for Your Shape – How to Flatter Your Figure
Do you have a particular outfit that makes you feel fantastic? Have you ever had one that makes you feel less than your best? You've probably discovered already that certain design elements flatter your body type more than others.
The first step in finding which fashions suit your body type is understanding which shape you have. Designers and doctors alike commonly group female body shapes into one of four types: the apple, the pear, the banana, and the hourglass. Each type has its own set of dos and don'ts.
The Apple Body Shape
Apple figures carry their weight in their torsos and upper bodies. If you're an apple, chances are you have slim legs, narrow hips, and broad shoulders. Jennifer Hudson, Kelly Osbourne, and Angelina Jolie are apples. Despite the "round" name of this body shape, it implies not excess weight, but where excess weight settles first. This body type is sometimes described as an inverted triangle.
If this shape describes you, you probably have slender legs and a full bust. You'll want to balance your figure by adding fullness toward the bottom half of your shape while avoiding extra bulk at your midriff. Draw attention to your assets and narrow your waist with wraparound dresses, sarongs, and V-necked shirts. No matter what size you wear, "skinny" jeans probably won't be your ideal style; instead, look for flat-fronted boot-cut jeans. Empire waists and dropped waists work especially well on you as they emphasize your bust and slim hips.
The Pear-Shaped Figure
As apples tend to gain weight in their upper bodies, pears carry theirs on the bottom. If you're a pear, you'll see your slim neck and arms, narrow waist, and wider hips in this body type. Gwyneth Paltrow, Beyonce, and Jennifer Lopez share this shape. This body type is sometimes called the bell or spoon, but no matter its name, it's the most common body type among women.
Your fashion priority is balancing your figure by adding volume to the upper half of your body. You probably have a slim waist, so draw attention to it with wide belts. However, you'll also want to minimize your hips, so stick to subdued patterns and colors for pants and skirts. Wearing all one color--for example, black pumps, tights, and skirt--helps draw the eye upward to your best features. Ruffled blouses and puffed sleeves are good looks for you, but so are fitted tops and clingy knits as long as you steer clear of close-fitting bottoms. Instead, opt for A-line skirts and dresses that lightly skim your hips.
Bananas: The Forgotten Figure Type
Also known as the rectangle or the ruler, banana-shaped bodies are a similar width along the entire torso. When a banana gains weight, she fills out more or less evenly. Banana-shaped bodies tend to be more athletic and have an easier time developing "washboard abs" and toned arms. Sheryl Crow and Kate Hudson have this body type.
It's sometimes difficult to tell a banana from a slender hourglass, but if your measurements differ by less than nine inches from bust to waist or waist to hip, chances are you're a banana. Your goal is to emphasize your lean arms and legs while visually narrowing your waist with wrapped tops and dresses. V-necks flatter you, as do shoulder pads and full skirts. Tapered "skinny" jeans with a low rise are made for you. Try a thin belt to add subtle definition to your waist.
The Hourglass Figure
Despite being the figure type that other body shapes dress to resemble, true hourglass figures are rare: only eight percent of the population has a genuine hourglass figure. For a true hourglass, the hip and bust measurements are no more than an inch different while the waist measurement is at least ten inches smaller. From Sophia Loren to Sofia Vergara, hourglass shapes never go out of fashion.
Dressing the hourglass figure might seem simple as your body is already in proportion, but there are a few pitfalls to avoid. The empire waists that flatter apples aren't for you and will leave you looking boxy. Instead, look for fitted waists to highlight one of your best features. If you're a particularly curvy hourglass, avoid short, tight skirts that can make your derriere look round. The ruffled tops that suit a pear shape can throw off your proportions, so choose more minimalist looks.
There is no perfect figure type, only the perfect clothes for your figure. Fortunately, the wide range of styles and silhouettes mean that you can be on trend without sacrificing figure-friendly fashion.
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White for Summer – Anything But Vanilla
When describing something dull or common, you might refer to it as "vanilla" or "white bread." Flavor may be faint in some whites, but not in this summer's white clothing. Exciting textures, shimmering fabrics, and a sophisticated interplay of sheer patterns make this season's whites anything but boring.
White light contains all the other spectral shades within it, so it's universally flattering to any skin tone. If you're fair-skinned, white can make you look ethereal; if your natural skin color is dark, white highlights the richness of your complexion. Just as white comprises all colors, it also goes with every occasion; from the most formal wedding gown to your favorite soft white tee, this neutral goes everywhere.
Designers know it too and have put together some of the most stunning white collections in years. Dolce & Gabbana, H&M, and Ralph Lauren all showcased white in their spring and summer collections. What makes white look so fresh this year is how it's used as a head-to-toe look in its own right, not just a neutral.
White Leather, White Lace
Think of a snow-covered mountain peak or a tropical beach with sugar-white sand; it's the subtlety of the shadows and textures that make those whites so intriguing. Create the same kind of visual and tactile appeal by using interesting textures in your own white wardrobe. A leather pencil skirt with the color and smoothness of fresh cream would be a perfect partner to a sheer white blouse or a ribbed cotton tank.
Because you're wearing only one color, you can get as creative as you like with textures. Nubby crochets, ruffles, scalloped edges, and lace work especially well in white because they cast shadows that give your clothes visual interest that changes with the angle of the light.
Add Some Sparkle to Your White
One of the big fashion stories from this year's Academy Awards was the array of shimmering white gowns. Celine Dion's gown was a vision in a gleaming white striated sheath, while Anne Hathaway's Givenchy dress had a bodice encrusted with silvery beadwork and gems. Nicole Kidman's heavily embroidered white origami-like gown also made a dramatic red-carpet entrance.
You don't need to don a formal evening gown to enjoy some sparkle, though. Metallic trims that might make a colorful garment overbearing still look sophisticated with white. Crystal beading on a sweater or swimsuit adds texture and sparkle to white without becoming gaudy. Fabrics interwoven with metallic threads or embroidered with satiny details look especially beautiful as wraps or sarongs that move with you and catch the light.
Sheer and Opaque
Combining sheer white with opaque fabrics lets you make white as virginal or as sexy as you'd like it to be. Rihanna took this playful peek-a-boo concept to a new level in her 2011 Grammy Awards dress which consisted entirely of illusion netting and stripes of bunched white tulle.
Gauzy white from head to toe can look a little ghostly, so break up the visual monotony with some opaque elements. Embroidery, opaque appliqués, and ribbon trim help an ethereal look come back down to earth. Sheer white lightens opaque garments, so aim for a balance between opacity and translucence to get an interesting mix.
Sheer white only works if it's intentionally sheer. If you're planning to wear a white bathing suit, make sure it's fully lined in all the important places. Test it out by wetting it in the sink and stretching the fabric to see how sheer it becomes when damp; you want to wear that sarong for fashion's sake, not out of desperation. Flash bulbs are another potential problem for white garments; wear your filmy white clothes under a strong light and give them a long look before deciding on what to wear under your white.
Wear White That Flatters You
White's airiness is both a blessing and a curse when it comes to wearing it. On the one hand, even voluminous silhouettes like ankle-length dusters or full tulle skirts feel light in white. On the other, though, white can add pounds because of its visually expansive nature. As beautiful as all-white outfits are on the runway, they aren't always practical for non-model figures.
If your favorite white dress erases your waistline, try adding a belt in a pale pastel. The belt will be noticeably darker than the white surrounding it, but you'll still retain the sun-bleached, airy aesthetic of all that white. You can use the same optical trick to minimize elsewhere, too. Adding texture in areas you want to emphasize also makes whites more wearable.
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High Contrast Color – How to Wear the Brightest Brights
After a decade of carefully neutral, androgynous looks, designers are embracing color and femininity this season. From runways to the red carpet, color is everywhere. The brighter, the better seems to be the rule; timid pastels and somber darks need not apply.
Wearing vivid color can be tricky. The clothes have to complement your skin tone and hair color. Then you're left wondering what to wear with bright hues. The good news is that the color rules have been relaxed. Forget anything you've learned about what goes with what or whether there's such a thing as too much color. Use the color wheel the way a painter does and let the interplay of pure, bright color make your wardrobe a masterpiece.
The Color Wheel
Are you familiar with Roy G. Biv? He's not the latest "Project Runway" winner; in fact, he isn't a real person. The name is a mnemonic device used by students and artists to remember the spectral colors in order: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet. If you were to place these colors next to each other in a circle, you'd have a color wheel.
Every color on the wheel has its opposite; that's referred to as its complementary color. Adjacent or harmonizing colors are those to either side of a given color. Artists have made use of the color wheel for hundreds of years as a guide to color mixing. Designers use it to compose thoughtful or striking color schemes. This season, they're spinning the color wheel for all it's worth.
Good Vibrations
Certain complementary colors actually seem to move when placed next to one another. These vibrating borders cause the eye to lock on to the apparent motion; it's an arresting effect that Andy Warhol used to great advantage in his pop-art paintings. While it's distracting in other media like web design or print, that visual snap lends excitement to clothing.
You can use this optical illusion to draw attention exactly where you want it. Want to show off a narrow waist? Wear a tomato-red dress with a turquoise belt. If you want to draw the eye up to your face, look for a print scarf that features a vivid yellow motif on a field of purple. Flatter great legs with a fringed royal blue sarong with an orange-yellow pattern; the movement of the fringe plus the optical illusion of vibrating borders makes it doubly eye-catching.
The visual vibratory effect is strongest against a plain backdrop, so enhance your good color vibrations by placing bright complementary colors against pure black or white.
The Value of Color Values
Color itself is only half the story; value is the rest of it. Value is the term artists use to describe a color's lightness or darkness. Pink, red, and maroon are different values of the color red, for example. Understanding value lets you wear brilliant color in more conservative or businesslike situations in which too much color might be overwhelming. While you probably wouldn't wear a bright purple suit with a canary-yellow blouse to a board meeting, you'd look both appropriate and fashion-forward in a deep plum suit with a pale citrus-yellow blouse.
Blending values of the same hue used to be a fashion faux pas, but now it looks strikingly modern. Natalie Portman's ballet-slipper-pink Golden Globe gown featured a deep red rose at the bodice; while not everyone loved the gown's silhouette, the color combination looked beautiful. If you have an extensive wardrobe, try wearing a few pieces in the same hue, but different values together.
Wearing a Wedge of the Color Wheel
Complementary colors create drama, but so can harmonizing colors that lie adjacent on the color wheel. A good strategy is to pick any three and wear them together, usually with one hue predominating and the other two colors acting as accents. One high-profile example is Katy Perry's outfit on the cover of Elle: a turquoise shirt, purple slacks, and an emerald green jacket made a harmonious whole.
You can take a slice of any three colors and their hues, but the color combinations that seem most of-the-moment involve the warm shades. Try variations on reds, oranges, and yellows. If primary colors don't appeal, remember that you can always change the value and combine pink, melon, and pastel yellow for a combination as cool as a dish of sherbet.
Let the color wheel, not obsolescent fashion rules, guide your mixing and matching. Orange and pink, teal and poppy, lavender and red--whatever strikes your fancy is in fashion.
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The Wrap Dress - Diane von Fȕrstenberg's Classic Makes a Comeback
The seventies are back in style, but it isn't polyester leisure suits and skinny-armed sweaters that are making their return. The wrap dress, that style staple, is coming back. In the new millennium, this feminine fashion looks as fresh as it did the day it was created.
Diane von Furstenberg Makes Fashion History
Originally from Belgium, Diane von Furstenberg became a princess after her marriage to Prince Egon von Furstenberg. Although she didn't keep the title when they divorced after three years, she kept the royal last name that sounded so elegant. Elegance informed her design decisions as well, and in 1972 she set out to create a wearable, yet sophisticated look for working women.
Her creation was the iconic wrap dress.
A wrap dress is defined by its waistline. As its name suggests, the dress crosses over itself and wraps around the wearer's body, usually with a slim tie that threads through a small slit in one side of the garment. The result is a dress that combines tailored sophistication with the effortless ease of a sarong. Inspired by togas, robes, and sarongs, von Furstenberg's creation was an instant hit.
The Decline of the Dress
With the addition of shoulder pads and a more constructed hemline, the design lent itself well to the eighties aesthetic. In the 1990s, though, feminine dresses and skirts practically vanished from stores under the avalanche of flannel, denim, and chubby knitwear that comprised the "grunge" movement. When the grunge fad faded toward the end of the nineties, Diane von Furstenberg was there and ready to sell her figure-flattering wrap dresses that so many women had missed.
The Modern Wrap Dress
While vintage DVF wrap dresses can go for hundreds of dollars, modern versions retain the same charm and add some clean-lined touches that the originals lack. Gone are the seventies' fussy cuffs, puffy sleeves, and wide lapels in favor of minimalist design elements that keep the style looking on-trend. Forward-thinking details include a lapel-free collar, cap sleeves, and shorter hemlines.
The beauty of a wrap dress is its ability to flatter every figure type. Whether buying a Diane von Furstenberg original at one of her nearly thirty boutiques or looking for a version of the style at a local department store, there are some guidelines to keep in mind to suit different figures.
How to Wear a Wrap Dress to Fit Every Figure
Wrap dresses are a dream for hourglass shapes; the dress always fits at the waist without being uncomfortably tight across the bust and hips. However, some wrap dresses might look more appropriate for a beach vacation than for a day at the office, so stay office-ready by wearing an A-line skirt and small, high lapels. The lapel draws the eye up toward the face while the A-line hem balances out fuller hips. Steer clear of patterns with strong vertical or horizontal lines that distort over fuller areas of the figure.
Whether dressing a slender "banana" shape or a thicker "apple" figure, a wrap dress flatters the waist. Look for a dress that has no lapels and instead wraps straight to the waist; that unbroken diagonal line will thin the midriff and enhance the bust. A narrow skirt or a gentle A-line will look equally good. Consider showing off shapely legs with a shorter skirt.
The "pears" have good reason to love a wrap dress, too. Shoulder and neckline details draw the eye upward while the loose skirt of a wrap dress skims over curves without over-emphasizing them. A dress with a striking pattern near the neck is an especially good find; if the wrap is a solid color, try adding a bold necklace that calls attention both to the attractive V-shaped neckline of the dress and to a beautiful face.
Its resurgence now may be a part of the seventies revival, but the wrap dress is here to stay regardless of fads. This elegant staple remains a classic that belongs in every wardrobe. Even Diane von Furstenberg herself didn't initially realize the iconic stature of the dress she created almost half a century ago, but she embraces it today; her shops are busier than ever, and it's no wonder.
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Big Style on a Small Budget – How to Get the Look for Less
Economists are seeing signs of spring after a dark financial winter, but the economic recovery may not yet have hit your wallet. Even so, a lack of funding is no impediment to looking fashionable. If you can't afford designer clothes, borrow the best of designers' ideas; you'll save money and create your own individual style.
Dressing well on a budget doesn't mean buying knock-offs of designer dresses. On the contrary, you'll want to steer clear of fakes; those who know a designer's work can always spot a counterfeit and those who aren't familiar with designer clothing won't be impressed with a logo. Instead, adapt the latest runway trends to a wardrobe of timeless classics and you'll always be in style.
Don't Be a Fashion Victim
Let people with more money than sense buy the latest rehash of seventies-style hot pants or peep-toe boots that don't match any kind of weather found on this planet. Wearing impractical runway outfits in daily life almost never works even for celebrities; you aren't missing much by passing on fads.
Instead of spending on a trend, uncover what makes that trend hot. Consider those peep-toe boots: they aren't practical, but they combine a covered-up look with the surprise of an open toe, so they're the must-have accessory. You'll get more mileage out of sandals with thick straps that have a similar peek-a-boo aesthetic, but cost far less than the fad footwear.
Embrace the Classics, But Give Them a Twist
Your closet probably contains eighty percent of what you need to have a fashion-forward wardrobe. You just need to figure out how to put it all together. Draw inspiration from the runway.
One trend that's only gotten bigger is contrasting color. Roksanda Ilincic showed a gown the color of a new penny in her fall 2011 line and paired it with a cobalt blue belt. If you have a cheerful yellow sundress, try mixing it with a sweater in plum or lavender. Orange looks especially juicy with aquas and blues. The only colors you should avoid are true red and green together--the holiday associations are unavoidable.
If your wardrobe hues are concentrated on one side of the color wheel, then adapt another color trend: complementary colors. Green and blue, orange and red, pink and orange are just a few pairings that once seemed to compete, but now look lively and fresh. Mix and match your current wardrobe and see if you can find a new way to wear your current clothes.
Develop Your Signature Style
It's hard to imagine Sofia Vergara in a muu-muu or Angelina Jolie in a bright, busy print. No matter how trendy those silhouettes or prints may become, these two stars have a strong sense of their own style and don't intend to change with the vagaries of fashion. Even without celebrity funds, you can find what works best for you and embrace it.
Decide what flatters your figure type, then stick to those elements. Feminine wrap dresses and sarongs might become your go-to look, or maybe you'll model yourself on Katharine Hepburn's tweedy, tailored image. You can change up the colors and fabrics, but staying with the silhouettes that flatter you will ensure that you're in style regardless of fads.
Shop Off-Season
Have you noticed that bathing suits seem to make an appearance earlier every year? Take advantage of rapidly shifting seasons by buying wardrobe necessities when few others are shopping for them. Clearance sales are a boon to budget shoppers, and with good reason; it's hard to go wrong with a coat marked down to a quarter of its original price.
One caveat, though, for clearance-rack shopping--remember to stay with your best styles and silhouettes. No matter how deep the discount, an unflattering garment is an unflattering garment. Classic designs on clearance racks are the real steal, so look for neutral colors and timeless style.
One Woman's Thrift Store Is Another One's Vintage Boutique
Learn to embrace secondhand clothing if you're on a budget. Look for unique accessories and accents that underline your personal sense of style. Dress up a plain black dress with a mid-sixties brooch or one of the wide elastic "wrestler" belts popular in the late eighties. At a few dollars per item, thrift stores represent an economical way to showcase your individuality.
Open your closet, take out your jewelry, and play--it's what designers do when they're brainstorming a look, so there's no reason you shouldn't try it too. Who knows, your personal style could inspire a designer's line next season.
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Bridesmaid Dresses – How to Choose a Design That Flatters Your Wedding Party
If you remember the montage of nightmare bridesmaid dresses from "27 Dresses" or shudder at the memory of the chartreuse satin horror lurking in the back of your own closet, you know that bad bridesmaid dresses are no joke. Now that you're a bride, you'll undoubtedly want to spare your bridal party the pain of an ugly dress.
Depending on the number, ages, skin tones, and sizes of your bridesmaids, you'll have anywhere from a tough time to a nearly impossible time finding a design that flatters all of them. There are solutions to the problem, though, that will leave your wedding pictures beautiful and your bridesmaids happy.
Talk With Your Bridesmaids
The surest way to please your attendants is to get together with them and discuss dress designs. Making a celebration of it and planning a brunch followed by a shopping trip could make your dress worries disappear in a single day.
As the bride, you have the right to set guidelines. Most bridesmaids will readily agree to your wishes as long as they're reasonable. If you're planning a beach wedding, choose silk or cotton and not velvet; if you're marrying in December, let your bridesmaids wear longer dresses and wraps to deal with the cold. Common sense is your best guide.
Have mercy on your maids. If you're tempted to showcase your love of parrot green on your wedding day, use it as an accessory, not as a main dress color.
Look for Universally Flattering Silhouettes
There are a few designs that flatter every figure. You'll likely be met with cheers and hugs if you suggest any of the following:
A bridesmaid of any size or height will feel comfortable in these styles because she can adapt them to suit her best attributes. Sleeveless gowns with separate wraps are especially forgiving for zaftig bridesmaids who find fitted sleeves and a tight bodice constricting, while sarongs allow shorter or taller bridesmaids to customize their own best hem length.A-line skirts Princess seams Sleeveless gowns with matching wraps Surplice or wrap dresses Sarongs for beach weddings
Favorite Colors for Bridesmaid Dresses
If your bridesmaids happen to be triplets, your life is easy, but for most brides, there's a good deal of variation in the wedding party. If it isn't possible to find a color that makes all of them glow equally, then try some neutrals accented with a more vivid shade.
Medium-to-dark neutrals like pewter, taupe, navy, and chocolate brown flatter virtually any skin tone. These formal shades look luxurious in a lustrous dupioni silk or satin. Pair them with wraps in a complementary color or sashes that match your wedding colors and you'll have happy bridesmaids who match the rest of the wedding theme.
Another possibility is a print. Prints look less formal than solid tones, but that casual elegance suits a beach wedding beautifully.
Variations on a Theme
If your wedding party's exceptionally large, there may be no way to find common ground for everyone despite choosing a neutral color and a flattering shape. If this describes your bridesmaids, think about letting each bridesmaid customize her dress. You'll still want them to look like members of the same wedding party, but they don't have to be identically dressed.
Let bridesmaids look similar, but not uniform by specifying a fabric and allowing bridesmaids to choose one of a few possible silhouettes. Your tall, slender cousin might look dazzling in a sheath while your petite, buxom sister prefers a simple bodice and a full skirt. As long as they're both in the same celadon green satin, they'll look appropriately like relatives, not twins.
You could also opt for dresses of the same style in a range of colors. An array of coordinating color is beautiful both walking down the aisle and in photographs. If your bridesmaids can time-share a favorite pair of jeans, but have a wide range of skin tones, this may be your best plan.
There may not be one universally perfect bridesmaid dress, but with some communication and creativity, you can almost certainly find dresses that are perfect for your bridesmaids. The best look any bridesmaid can wear on the big day is a radiant smile, so make sure they feel as beautiful as they look by helping them find the right dress.
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Pulling Off Menswear for Women – Must Have Menswear for a Structured, Sleek Style
There’s something so timeless about menswear. It’s a classic style that communicates professionalism and sophistication. And luckily, it looks just as good on us girls as it does on the boys! Menswear inspired outfits look structured and sharp on women, demanding attention with sleek lines instead of flowing fabrics. If you’re interested in sporting menswear, we have a few tips that can turn your experiments into successful fashion statements.
The Button-Down Shirt
Long sleeves preferred! The simple, timeless button-down will be your staple for menswear style. The white version, especially, goes with everything. It’s the perfect top for pinstripe pants, adds a flirty, schoolgirl look to a pleated skirt and dresses up blue jeans. It looks sexy paired with a sarong, a few buttons undone and the sleeves rolled up, as though you slipped on your boyfriend’s shirt. Choose a cut that’s tailored for women to emphasize your curves and reduce bulk when you tuck it in.
Trousers
Long, straight-legged trousers are the most traditional menswear, but bell-bottoms are in this year. Feel free to experiment, but be aware that with bell-bottoms your style might be more “pimped” than “professional.” Creases down the front of your pants add a hint of masculine energy, and pinstripes are a classic element of stylish men’s suits that has the added advantage of making you look taller.
Pair your pants with your white button-down shirt and a vest or suspenders, if you like. If you’re going for a softer look, top it off with a bold-colored silk shirt, or one with pretty, feminine detailing.
Vests
Pulling off a vest comes with very simple rules:
Tailored JacketsDon’t wear a vest with jeans. Do choose a vest that ties in back, to emphasize your waist. Don’t wear a vest with a floral or animal print. (These have their places, but you’d be better off not going to those places.) Do choose a dark color or a pinstripe. If you must wear a printed vest, do so with caution. Paisley can work, as does plaid if you’re careful. Don’t wear a leather vest. (That’s a completely different style.) Do pair a vest with your button-down shirt, and a jacket if you like. Don’t wear it as your top. Please put a shirt under it, unless you’re putting together a costume or going to a dance club. Do choose an elegant, slightly shimmery fabric for your vest. Don’t wear a sweater vest unless you’re also planning on wearing a bowtie and glasses.
Suit jackets have a structured, professional style. They’re also practical, providing an extra layer if you get cold. Choose a fitted suit jacket that cuts off at the waist, or one that hangs lower. Go for a style with tailored lapels and sharp detailing to add a little shape. The best way to wear a suit jacket is to pair it with your trousers or skirt.
Leave the shoulder pads at home! They were all the rage in the 1980’s, but today they look dated and awkward.
Menswear Accessories
Neckties, cufflinks and fedoras, oh my! Yes, you can pull off one or more of these items. Your necktie can be as bold or understated as you like, and your hat does not have to exactly match your suit!
If you prefer, you can soften your structured, menswear look with a few feminine touches. Wear your hair down in a flowing style. Pretty make-up to bring out your natural beauty will look fantastic, especially a bold lipstick. Leave the necktie off and the first few buttons of your shirt open to show off a fabulous necklace. Accessorize with feminine jewelry to your heart’s content!
When venturing into the world of menswear, don’t run out and drop a wad of dough on an expensive suit! Start slow. Wear one piece at a time, until you find pieces that complement your body and achieve the style you’re after. Don’t put away your dresses, sarongs and skirts! Just expand your wardrobe to include these timeless menswear elements for those occasions when you want to dress with a little sophistication, class and edge!
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How to Travel without Looking Like a Tourist – Dressing to Blend in with Other Cultures
Traveling is an exciting way to experience other cultures first hand, but as a tourist, you may also feel a little awkward because you stick out like a sore thumb. Feeling out of place and far from home can be disorienting, and even a little threatening. Locals can usually spot tourists a mile away, making you a sitting duck for snarky comments, tourist traps and even mugging. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways you can blend in when you travel. Your style is one of the main elements that pegs you as a travelling American, and all it takes are a few simple tricks to shed the stereotype and look like a local, whatever country you’re travelling to.
Ditch the “Tourist Gear”
Yes, baseball caps, backpacks and fanny packs are useful. They are also dead giveaways that you’re “not from around here,” and present simple targets for pickpockets and thieves. Your water bottle might be suspect, too, unless you’re in a location where the locals always carry water with them (which is popular in many countries). While ball caps and visors are must-haves for American style, they may stand out in other cultures.
Instead, go for a stylish beach hat or sunglasses to keep the sun out of your eyes. A tote bag or beach bag works well for many locations, instead of a backpack or fanny pack. Find a beautiful bag online, or purchase one in a local shop to fit in.
Dress Nicely
Jeans, t-shirts, sweatshirts and clothes splashed with brand names and logos are less common in countries other than America. Bring your jeans along, but don’t plan on wearing them daily. As for shorts, they may be cool and comfortable, but they’re also stereotypically American. Unless you’re engaging in outdoor activities like hiking, steer clear.
Instead, think “business casual.” Opt for pants, a dress or a skirt. Sarongs are pretty and fashionable in many locations, and have the added benefits of being comfortable and breezy. A nice jacket can complement your look, and offers pockets for travel gear, like your camera.
Take a look around at the locals. Do they tuck their shirts in? What are the predominant colors you see on the street? Darker colors are popular in European countries, especially the capitals, while in tropical locations lighter clothes and bolder colors blend right in.
Buy a few local accessories, and wear them while you’re out and about. In some cities, scarves are a must-have for women, who are expected to cover their heads. In other places, scarves around the neck are common. Just pay attention and follow what seems to be the norm.
Footwear that Fits In
Many Americans bring only a few pairs of shoes when they travel, and unfortunately one of these pairs is often the ubiquitous white tennis shoes. In America, they’re popular for virtually any and every activity because they’re comfortable, but they’re not as all-purpose in other countries.
The same goes for flip-flops, which are an essential style item in America. There are some truly beautiful and comfortable sandals out there. Bring them along if you’re headed to a place like Australia, New Zealand or Brazil, but they will stand out in many European countries or cities.
As for Crocs, which are a popular travel shoe because they are light and comfortable, leave them in your closet! Despite their advantages, they’re a surefire way to be pegged as a tourist.
Instead, slip on something a little more dress-casual. Choose something comfortable in a dark leather, that you can walk in all day. Also, be careful with your socks. Don’t pull them up on your leg. In some countries, people rarely even wear socks. If you prefer to be socked, go for a small, below-the ankle cut that won’t attract much notice.
It’s more than possible to travel with clothes that are comfortable, serviceable and stylish. All it takes is a little attention to detail. Dress as though you were going to meet some friends instead of going to snap dozens of pictures of monuments. The key is “do as the Romans do” (or Londoners, or Hawaiians or Parisians . . .)
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Prep it Up! Dressing Preppy but not Pretentious – Clean-cut, Classic Style with No Fuss
Prep style is sophisticated, upscale and classic. It’s a crisp, put-together look inspired by the far off land of preparatory school, where the pants are khaki, the cuffs are buttoned and the sweaters are cable-knit. Clean lines and expert tailoring lend all preppy outfits an effortlessly elegant look, and the simplicity of the style brings to mind “old money.” But even if you aren’t Ivy League and have never stepped foot aboard a yacht in your life, prepping it up proper can still look fabulous, without coming off as superficial or snobbish.
Preppy Pants and Skirts
The classic prep pants are, and ever shall be, khakis. Wear them long, with or without cuffs, but break out your ironing board! Your khakis should always have a nice, crisp crease and no wrinkles. If they have belt loops, be sure to wear a belt. Preppy style is always finished, so dot your “i’s” and cross your “t’s.”
Khakis not quite your style? That’s okay. Opt for a perfectly pressed pencil skirt, preferably in a neutral color, or something in seersucker, linen or plaid. Bermuda shorts are also a safe choice, and are usually paired with a belt and top-siders.
As for jeans, while they are not completely out of the question, they must be perfectly pressed, new and clean. No sagging, rips or washed out colors. Jeans walk the line, though, and may look too casual. You’d be better off considering your khakis as your new all-purpose pants.
Polo Shirts and Sweaters
Polo shirts are essential. They should have a few buttons around the neck, and should be tucked into your khakis. Polo shirts are light and comfortable, but be sure you choose a solid color, and always iron your shirts pristinely.
Oxford shirts are another must-have. These come in both short and long-sleeved styles. Shorter sleeves are certainly acceptable, but to pull off uncompromisingly classic preppy, wear the longer sleeves, even when it is hot outside. If you get too warm, just roll the sleeves up.
All true preps have at some point layered their shirt with a sweater. Why wouldn’t they? It’s classic, comfortable and practical. Take a cue from the old school and do the same. Choose a nice cable-knit, or a soft weave. This is one fashion trend where cable-knit vests are cool. For a slightly different take, slip on a cardigan, but be sure to keep it buttoned unless you’re going to take it off and tie the arms loosely about your shoulders.
Understated Shoes and Sophisticated Accessories
Slip on some comfortable loafers, canvas sneakers or top-siders, also known as boat shoes. These will be perfect for spending the day on your yacht (or simply kicking around town, if your yacht is dry docked for the season). Ballet flats and stylish flip-flops also bring to mind understated, elegant style, while simple leather pumps (not too high!) can dress up your look.
Preppy girls usually carry smaller handbags, but if you’re headed to your summer house (or bringing that yacht out of dry dock) a spacious beach bag can be just what you need. If you’re really going to go all out, have your bag monogrammed and wrap on a classic sarong to soak up the sun in.
Keep your jewelry understated. Oversized jewelry risks looking ostentatious, and you don't want to flaunt. Wear dainty pieces such as pearl earrings, gold necklaces or silver chains. Small and expensive-looking does the trick. Tell people it was your grandmother’s so they will think you are “old money.”
Other “prep-cessories” include scarves, expensive-looking brand name sunglasses, headbands and ribbons.
You don’t need to completely overhaul your wardrobe to pull off dressing preppy. If you keep it simple and understated, you won’t come off as snobbish. The common thread throughout all preppy clothes is quality instead of quantity. Expert craftsmanship and tailoring create a finished style that is fashionable and versatile, able to be dressed down or up. Your pieces should be functional and practical, clean and well cared for. No rips, no missing buttons or unbuttoned cuffs.
The fundamental rules of preppy style can benefit your entire wardrobe, keeping you in style, put-together and polished.
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Wearing Sarongs on Business and Formal Occasions – A Sophisticated Style that Stands Out
Sarongs are essential beach wear. They’re perfect for stepping out and soaking up the sun in style, while also providing protection from dangerous UV rays. But sarongs are branching out from the beach. Women are wearing them more frequently in the workplace, where they make a professional yet individual statement, compared with traditional office clothing. They’re also increasingly popular for formal occasions, where wrapping on a sarong makes a stunning contrast to cocktail dresses and gowns.
If you’re wondering how to pull off wearing yours in a setting that lacks sand, read on!
Professional Patterns and Colors
Depending on the dress protocol at your office, there are many different colors and patterns to choose from. You’d be safest starting out with a simple, solid color. Black is always flattering and enhances the natural slimming effect of a sarong. Softer, prettier colors can also be professional, just as you see women in dress suits that are pink. The general rule of thumb for sarongs in the workplace is not to choose something too busy or vibrant. No big tropical flower patterns or beach scenes. Save those for the sand!
Workplace Wraps
For a sophisticated look, wrap your sarong on as a long, slimming skirt, tied in the back or with a bit of fringe hanging down your hip. You can also tie it on as a dress, with the skirt hanging to your knees. This is a comfortable and flattering look. A little practice will help you learn to tie it off without bulkiness. If you have trouble making a satisfying tie, a simple tying device may help until you get the hang of it.
Pair your long skirt wrap with a tailored, oxford shirt, or a soft blouse in a shimmery fabric. Look for something with a flattering neckline, but don’t over-do the detailing. Keep it understated and professional. Simple heels can add even more height and slimness. A tailored blazer that accentuates your waist can top off your skirt, and cover your shoulders if you’ve wrapped as a dress. The blazer pulls your whole look together, and you can accessorize at will!
Now you’ve got a unique, feminine style that will make an impression on professional associates and clients alike. Standing out in a good way means people will remember your words with even more clarity.
Formal Dinners, Parties and Events
Sarongs work just as well for events at which most women would usually wear a cocktail dress or something more formal. They are sleek, feminine and unique. Wearing a sarong to a formal occasion works because of the smooth clean lines you can achieve with the wrap, because of the timelessness of the traditional style, and because, despite its timelessness, it makes a very modern fashion statement. Such a choice stands out as natural, yet upscale.
Solid colors are always a safe choice, but feel free to experiment with beautiful patterns and colors here. A lovely, hand-painted piece is so elegant in and of itself that it makes your outfit a work of art. There are also more dazzling pieces, hand-sewn with sequins or pearl detailing. Complete your look with some dazzling jewelry, and feel free to be as splendid as you like!
Formal Wraps
Here, as in the office, a long slender skirt is a good wrap choice, but you have more freedom to play here than in a professional setting. A dress is an elegant choice, tied up behind your neck. A sweeping, flowing toga tie is at once classy and comfortable, and can lay on your body with very few folds, showing off the pretty pattern and detailing of your fabric. Tying it up in one of these ways can also show off your legs, which can be a stunning effect even without the addition of stylish heels or sandals.
The versatility, comfort and class of sarongs makes them ideal for so many situations, the possibilities are endless. All it takes is a little fashion sense and creativity, and you can make a statement that others will remember for a long time to come.
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The Rising Influence of Japanese Fashion – Issey Miyake: Techno-Whimsical Icon
Paris, London, New York and Milan are recognized world-wide for the excellence of their contributions not only to the world of fashion, but to the world as a whole. We all have to wear clothes, right? Japan has also been demonstrating an increasing influence on fashion, especially since the 1970’s when “prêt-a-porter” or ready-to-wear designer clothes became more available than in the past. During this period, one of Japan’s most outstanding and long-lasting icons of fashion, Issey Miyake, established an international reputation for his innovative yet functional style.
Issey Miyake: Beginnings
In 1970, Issey Miyake started the Miyake Design Studio, and by 1973 he had gained a strong foothold in the fashion world thanks to his prêt-a-porter work. His basic approach to design was to use a simple piece of cloth, like that in a sarong. The masterpieces that could be formed out of one piece of cloth fascinated Miyake, and his fascination captivated the rest of the fashion world.
Generations of Artistic, Avant-garde Design
Today, just as in the beginning of his career, Miyake focuses on what is not there as much as what is. Whereas many designers treat the skin like a canvas, covering the body with stylish art, Miyake treats the body and the entire space surrounding it as his canvas. He focuses as much on the negative space between the skin and the fabric, as on the garment itself. Unafraid and imaginative, Miyake explores the way the body moves, and the way that movement affects the design of his garment.
His work is often technologically inspired, reflecting clean structure that is almost architectural. At the same time, his work can be playful and feminine. Structure flirts with sheer, whimsical fabrics. He’s not afraid to create the unconventional, or to make it as pretty and detailed as he likes.
Many of Miyake’s designs seem to almost dance with the body beneath them as it moves. The wearer and the garment not only complement one another, but work together to create something entirely different, artistic and avant-garde. Watching a person move in some of Miyake’s pieces is utterly captivating, as though the simple act of walking is a statement that should be underlined.
Pleats, Please.
In 1993, Miyake’s Pleats Please line introduced garments that were permanently pleated. Most designers first pleated their fabric, then cut and sewed it, but Miyake reversed this by cutting and sewing his garment first, then adding pleats by sending the fabric through a heat press. This imprints the fabric’s “memory,” making for permanent, sharp-edged pleats, and this is just one more way that Miyake has combined technology, practicality and beauty in his work.
A-POC
A-POC stands for “A Piece of Cloth,” and was developed by Issey Miyake and Daj Fujiwara, a technological engineer and designer at Miyake’s design studio.
A single piece of cloth is all Miyake needs to get back to basics, yet challenge convention even further. In A-POC, thread is woven into an industrial, computerized machine, and comes out as whatever Miyake desires, usually a tube of fabric containing the cut for a garment. A-POC is designed as an interactive fashion experience with the consumer, who can cut skirts, hems and sleeves to the precise length he or she desires. The consumer gets to play a part in the actual design of their clothes.
A-POC challenges all the current industry beliefs about fashion, and the role of the designer and consumer. It is, however, still in keeping with Miyake’s tradition for focusing on relationship, rather than only art: the relationship between the body and the clothes, and now the relationship between the designer and the consumer. A-POC technology brings the everyday citizen closer to haute couture clothing, because it has achieved the seemingly impossible feat of combining mass production with custom design.
In the highly competitive, cut-throat and ever changing world of fashion, Issey Miyake’s work has stood the test of time. He has managed to walk the line between ingenuity, artistry and simplicity, and continues to create astounding work that wows the fashion communities at London, Paris and New York, as well as the world at large. Not bad for a little boy from Hiroshima!
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High-Waisted Pants are Back! Here's How to Wear Them – Just Because They have a High Waist, Doesn't Mean They Don't have Style
Spring 2011 runway shows were chock full of high-waisted pants from designers such as Yves Saint Laurent and Marc Jacobs. Many women shy away from the high-waist style, fearing they’ll come out looking like they’re in “mom jeans,” one of the biggest fashion no-no’s. However, as this spring’s collections have showcased, the high-waisted look can be very chic. Not to mention the trendy, wide-legged versions are comfortable, flowing around your body with the ease of a sarong or pareo. They create long, sleek lines, flatter your figure and make your legs look a mile long. You just have to know how to do it right for your body type in order to avoid disaster.
Pairing the Pants with the Perfect Top
The cardinal rule of high-waisted pants is to tuck in your shirt. This brings to mind the “empire waist” sundress look that’s so popular in Jane Austen stories, but with the modern twist of flowing, tailored pants instead of skirts.
Stick with a figure-flattering, fitted top. Avoid anything too oversized, which can look sloppy. Fitted tees, tanks or pretty blouses look fantastic, as do classic button-downs. Keep in mind the overall impression of sleek, sophisticated and classy that high-waisted pants create, and try to choose a top that works within that framework. Pair the style with a small clutch and elegant chignon hairstyle, or put on a classy beach hat and carry a nice beach bag for a day on the town.
Another tip is to stick with higher necklines as opposed to lower or plunging styles. Higher necklines work with the high waist and low hems of the pants to further elongate the look.
High-Waisted Jeans
These aren’t your mom’s jeans! Jeans with high waists can be tight around the legs or flared at the bottom. The trick is to pick shoes that make you look taller, and to balance your outfit so you don't wind up looking top or bottom heavy. If you work to accentuate your body type instead of trying to force your body to fill a specific style, this is a sophisticated, confident and casual fashion.
High Waists for Petite Women
High-waisted pants aren’t only for tall, slender women. Everyone can pull of this look. Shorter women may benefit especially if they’d like to make themselves look taller.
In order to prevent the hems of the pants from draping awkwardly over your entire foot, have them tailored. Covering your entire shoe with the pants counteracts their natural elongating effect and can make you look like a little girl playing dress-up in mommy’s closet. Wear them with high heels or wedges, and be sure the hem falls slightly below the back of your foot, stopping somewhere in the middle of the high heel. Both tall stilettos and chunkier wedges look fabulous.
Curvy Figures and Plus Sizes
The key to wearing high-waisted pants if you are curvy is to accentuate the right curves. Don’t try to hide them. Instead, work with them. You want a pant with a flare that balances your hips.
Don’t fall into the trap of wearing an oversized or long top, which may cover up the high waist of the pants and change the style entirely. Having so much draping fabric swimming around your body can actually make you look heavier, and the look isn’t as tailored. If you’re worried about your belly showing below that high waist, look into a long, fitted tee that will tighten you up a bit, but be sure to keep it tucked in.
Try a slim belt around the high waist of the pants to emphasize your own waist. It’ll also add dimension to your outfit.
Below the Hems
High-waisted pants need to create a long, sleek, unbroken silhouette. Women who have the most success wearing flats with the style are usually taller and slender.
If you’re not sure about pairing them with flats, you should be safe if you pair them with high heels or wedges. The hems should fall below your actual heel, but shouldn’t hit the floor. Try for a length that just brushes the tops of your feet, allowing the toes of your shoes to peek out.
Stilettos work well, but chunkier heels and wedges offer more stability. Wedges have the benefit of balancing the flare of the pants.
High-waisted pants create a look that combines vintage, Katherine Hepburn fashion with modern style. They may drift in an out of vogue, but like any true classic, they’ll always come back around. Be thankful! This chic look is flattering and comfortable as a breezy, summer dress. The key here, as with any trend, is to put your perfect fit before your desire to follow the trend.
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Wearing Pink for Grown Up Girls – Reclaiming the Color in the Name of Girl Power
Pink is traditionally the most feminine color of the rainbow. Baby girls wear pink pajamas and snuggle up in pink blankets, little girls have pink rooms and get all dolled up in pink dresses, but pink isn’t only for the teeny and adorable crowd. Pink is all grown up! You can strut your feminine style in a pink summer dress without worrying that no one will take you seriously. The trick to wearing pink with power and confidence is to select a shade that compliments you, and to pair it with the right clothing ensemble.
A Pink for Every Season
Pink comes in many different shades. Choosing the wrong one might wash you out, while the perfect shade can make your peepers pop and your skin look bright. Most people fall in one of four complexion categories, which provide a good basis for selecting the right colors to wear.
Spring complexions are creamy white or ivory with peach or golden undertones. People with spring complexions may have very light hair, either blonde, red or light brown, and have rosy cheeks with light eyes. Warm peaches and salmon pinks look fabulous on these complexions, as do pinks with soft, golden undertones.
Summer complexions are people with pale, rosy skin that has bluish or pink undertones. Many summer people are natural blondes and have pale eyes. Summer skin is complemented by soft colors, such as rosy pastels. Pink with blue tones, approaching lavender, is also flattering and brings out the rosiness of the skin while also emphasizing its porcelain-like quality. Dark purplish pinks are also pretty.
Autumn complexions are a bit darker with warm, golden undertones. These are the deeper red-heads and auburns, or people with warm brown hair. Like spring women, autumn women look gorgeous in pinks that have warm golden undertones. Salmon pinks and soft peaches bring out the golden tones in your skin.
Winter complexions are generally darker with yellow, olive or chocolate undertones. Winter eyes are usually deep and warm. Many people of Asian or African descent are winter people. The colors that look best on winter people are generally brighter and sharper. Don’t be afraid to go bold with fuchsias and electric pinks. If you prefer lighter colors, aim for “frosted” rather than pastel.
Pairing Pink for the Perfect Outfit
So now you know what tone of pink you should wear, but what do you pair it with?
One simple trick that makes pink safe is to keep at least one part of your outfit sophisticated and sharp. Pair a feminine, flirty blouse with pressed, creased pants or a tailored blazer. If you pair it with a neutral color (black, brown, grey, beige or navy) you’ll maintain a chic and professional look. Add a little jewelry and you’re set!
Try not to wear fuchsia with black, as it comes off as slightly dated and immature. The one exception to this rule is in professional settings, where fuchsia and black make a bold and unforgettable statement, providing the rest of your ensemble is impeccably pressed and tailored.
Don’t be afraid to wear pink on the bottom, either! Wrap on a pretty pink sarong or pareo for a timeless, feminine look, and top it with a chic button-down shirt in a neutral color. Add a fun beach bag and you've got a classic street-friendly style!
Pretty fabrics like satin, chiffon or silk are classics that shouldn’t be sacrificed because you’re not sure you can pull it off. You can! A pink sundress paired with neutral flats and topped off with a fabulous beach hat is feminine and classy, especially when paired with jewelry like a pearl necklace. Wrap on a neutral cardigan, and you’re ready for a nice dinner or formal event.
A few tips to keep in mind are not to wear too many pink pieces at once. Don’t pair pastels with other pastels, such as blush pink with baby blue or lavender. That crosses the line into cutesy. You can, however, wear more than one shade of pink, providing one of the shades is in your accessories or make-up. A dark pink bag and lipstick can add a dramatic touch to a rose colored blouse.
Rocking girl power is all about taking pride in the timeless power of femininity. Fashionable sarongs and dresses, stylish bags and chic shoes are all benefits that come with the territory and make it fun to be female. Pink is no different! The color can work to your advantage by making people perk up and take notice, and if you wear pink well it can even influence people to take you more seriously, not the other way around. So go ahead and doll up!
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All About Blue Jeans – Personalizing a Timelessly Cool Style
Blue jeans are a ubiquitous wardrobe item in American culture, worn for everything from lounging around the house, to going out on the town and getting outside. Jeans are as versatile and comfortable as a sarong or pareo, and your favorite jeans will be with you for years.
The Origins of Jeans
Denim was initially created in two different places: Nîmes, which gave us the word “denim” (de Nîmes), and in Dongari Killa in India, where we get the word “dungarees.” The word “jeans” arose when sailors in Genoa began wearing denim trousers for durable work uniforms. Hence the name “blue Jeans” (bleu de Gênes – the blue of Genoa), denim trousers sold through the harbor of Genoa.
Levi Strauss began making canvas pants for miners around 1853. The pants were strong, but chafed, so Strauss began using a strong twill cloth from France, serge de Nîmes. In 1873, Levi Strauss & Company began reinforcing the weaker areas of their jeans with rivets.
Jeans Evolve into a Fashionable Trend
In the 1950’s, silver screen idols like James Dean sported jeans, which were considered rebellious. Some schools actually banned students from wearing them. However, jeans once more proved their durability by staying in the spotlight, and in the 1980’s the world of high fashion picked up the trend. Well-known designers began creating their own styles, and sales skyrocketed.
What are Jeans Made of?
Denim is a strong textile traditionally made from cotton. It is a twill weave, which creates a strong, durable fabric. However, these days more modern materials can also be used to produce denim. Polyester is popular, for its strength, as is polypropylene, lycra, and even hemp for more environmentally friendly jeans.
Styles of Jeans
Straight leg – Slim but not too tight, with the same width through the thigh, knee and cuff.
Carpenter or Utility jeans – Casual and relaxed even through the rear and thighs, often incorporating roomy utility pockets.
Relaxed – Fit comfortably around the waist, relaxed through the rear and thighs. Legs are typically straight or slightly tapered. This fit is a good choice for curvier figures.
Wide-leg – Wide leg jeans are generally fitted through the rear and thighs, but have extra-wide legs that call to mind bell bottoms and balance heavier body types.
Boot-cut – Loosely hugs the thighs and hangs relatively straight from the knee, widening slightly at the cuffs. This style flatters many body types by balancing proportions and making legs look longer.
Flare – Fitted in the seat and thigh, and flaring slightly from the knee down to the cuffs. This style is flared more than boot-cuts, but not as much as bell-bottoms.
Trouser – Loose in the thigh with straight legs. Trouser jeans usually sit on the hips.
Slim – Snug in the seat and thighs, with a straight let or a gradually tapering cuff.
Skinny – Snugly fitted through the rear and thigh, hugging the calf to a slightly looser cuff.
Stretch – Stretchy denim can be used in several styles of jeans, and is especially fashionable in skinny jeans, slim jeans, boot cuts, flares and styles that are snug around the seat and thighs.
High-rise – Sit above your waist.
Low-rise – Sit right below your belly button.
Super low-rise – Hip-hugging styles that sit several inches below your belly button.
The Right Jeans for Your Body Type
Pear-shaped women have fuller hips and rears, with smaller shoulders and busts. Your goal should be to take attention away from your lower half. Look for a dark wash in a boot-cut with a gentle flare. If you choose a low-rise, your rear will look smaller and your torso a little longer.
Rectangle bodies, where the shoulders and hips are equally wide and there is little waist definition, look great in relaxed fits that flare slightly from the knees on down. The trick here is to emphasize and create curves.
Hourglass figures have busts and hips that are equally proportioned, with a defined waist. Hourglass women need to be more careful not to detract from their curves, rather than needing to emphasize them. Stretchy jeans will accentuate your curves, but look for something that isn’t too bulky around the top. Stay away from baggier styles, which can hide your body’s assets.
Inverted triangle figures have shoulders and busts that are broader than their hips. Choose a style that shows off your narrow hips, such as a super-low rise that’s fitted through the thighs. Both straight legs and slight flares look fantastic.
Circle figures have round bodies with fuller waists and ribs, rears and thighs. Select a slimming, dark wash. Your goal is to remove focus from your hips and thighs, and to balance your proportions with flares at the cuffs. Tapered cuts will make you look top heavy, while baggy styles will make your bottom half look heavier than it may be.
Getting Your Money’s Worth
You can drop a decent wad of dough on a good pair of jeans, so you want to be sure you’re getting what you pay for. When selecting a pair, examine the workmanship. Are there any loose threads along the seams, or in the denim itself? Are the legs of equal length and width? Are buttons and rivets sewn on and aligned properly? Make sure the pockets are also aligned and are sewn on strongly, and that the wash looks even throughout the denim (unless you’re after a faded pair).
Now, check the quality of the cloth. Is the texture comfortable for your intended uses? If these will be work jeans, you’ll want strong, thick cloth. Is the cloth consistently thick throughout the garment? Make sure there are no areas that are thinner than others, which could quickly develop into holes.
Finding the Right Size
Measure your hips and waist. Some labels are sized for lower waist measurements, so be sure to get that, too. Also, measure the inseam from crotch to cuff. Choose a pair that fits you where you’re biggest. You can always tailor other elements. It’s a well known fact that there are differences in sizing among jeans manufacturers, and consumer studies have shown this. There are reasons why there is resistance in the industry in establishing standard or uniform sizing. This is part of the branding process and establishing product identity – that only a certain brand can give you “the right fit”.
Therefore, instead of providing you with a “standard” sizing chart (somewhat of a contradiction in terms) for jeans, especially with all the styles of designer fashion jeans available, we suggest that the following is something for you to consider. Take the time to measure your dimensions, make a note of them, and then take a tape measure with you when you’re comparing different brands and styles while shopping for a new pair of jeans. Before going into the fitting room, take a few minutes to measure the dimensions of the jeans on the shelves. This is going to save you a lot of aggravation – there has to be a reason for the high number of returns for apparel. So when you do find “the right fit”, rejoice! And remember, when it comes to jeans, there is no such thing as “the right fit” that everyone should aspire to – instead, it’s a matter of finding “the right fit for you!”
Dressing Up Your Jeans
Jeans are an essential casual wardrobe item, but they’re also becoming more common in formal and dressier occasions. To glam up denim, look for a dark wash. The darker, the better! Pair them with a crisp, button-down shirt, or a soft feminine blouse. Top it off with a beautiful beach hat, high heels and elegant jewelry, and you’ve created an upscale denim style. Layer the look with a tailored blazer, and your outfit can transfer easily from day into the cooler evening.
Bedazzling Your Denim
You can make your jeans even more personal by decorating them with jewelry such as rhinestones, embroidery or other crafty elements. Use a seam ripper to remove the manufacturer’s stitching, and replace it with some snazzy stitching of your own. This is simple with a sewing machine. Use a tight stitch and at least two rows for extra reinforcement. The durability of your work depends on the thread you use. Polyester is the most popular, because of its strength and durability. Polyester also doesn’t fade or stretch. Silk is a good choice for stretchy jeans, as its super-strong and a little elastic. Cotton thread can break if stressed, and will also fade and shrink in the wash.
Fading Your Jeans at Home
Would you like to personalize your jeans by fading them in just the right way? There are several ways to do it. You can use the washing machine, mixing a quart of bleach into the machine when it’s full of water. If the jeans are new, first wash them twice to remove the starch. Let the jeans soak for at least fifteen minutes, checking them frequently to monitor the color. Then rinse them with fabric softener.
You can also use lemon juice. Take the jeans outside and soak them with a garden hose, then wring them out. Put them in a bucket, then fill the bucket with a quart of concentrated lemon juice. Let them soak for several hours, checking them every now and then to monitor the fading. When you’re happy with the fade, take them out, rinse them well and hang them up in the sun. Letting them sun-dry will facilitate the fading. Repeat the process to your heart’s desire!
Washing Your Jeans
Wash a new pair of jeans alone the first few times, to prevent the rich indigo dye from bleeding onto other clothes. If they’re a dark wash, turning them inside out will preserve the color longer. Wash them in cold or warm water, but be careful with hot water, which may shrink them. If you’re going to put them in a dryer, use a medium temperature. Remember the jeans may feel tighter after you take them out of the dryer. If you’d prefer they didn’t shrink, air-dry them.
Blue jeans have not only proved their worth in the fashion world of today, as well as in your own wardrobe, but have stood the test of time throughout history. If you choose your pair well and take care of them, your jeans will give back to you for a long time to come.
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Pretty Lace and Macramé Fashions – Old Favorites Get a New Twist
Lace, macramé and crochet are all elements you may be more accustomed to seeing in grandma’s parlor than in your wardrobe, but that’s about to change. Spring 2011 runways brought lace into the spotlight.
It’s still delicate, but the new lace is sturdier than grandma’s doilies. Unique patterns and materials add to the complexity of the style, while soft but strong linings make it actually wearable for the average girl on the street. Here are a few tips on how to wear the delicate, feminine style without feeling overexposed.
Lacy and Macramé Tops
Lately, red carpets have seen many celebs wearing lace tops with nothing beneath them, apparently, but bras. If you’ve got the guts to go for this look, make sure your bra is undecorated, and is the same color as the lace shirt.
For those who prefer a little more coverage, there are clingy, lacy tanks with simple camisole linings. A good way to rock lacy shirts that aren’t lined is to wear a fitted, stretchy tank that matches your skin tone beneath the shirt. This looks especially good with long-sleeved, lace button downs.
Macramé is made by knotting a material instead of weaving it. Traditionally, materials used for macramé are things like rope, leather and hemp. You may be familiar with macramé pot-holders and hanging plant baskets leftover from the 1970’s. In the fashion world, macramé fits in perfectly on the beach, and is being made with softer, more skin-friendly materials. Intricately knotted tunic tops are the perfect cover-up for a bikini. Paired with a sarong or pareo and beach bag, they enhance the aura of natural elegance created by the simple, beautiful wrap.
Delicate Dresses and Skirts
When wearing a lace dress, especially if you’ve chosen white, it can be easy to fall into the “Easter Sunday” trap. If your dress seems to call for a pair of white kid gloves with little pearl buttons, seek another style! There are plenty of summer dresses that won’t make you look like you’re afraid to get your good clothes dirty.
Choose something a little more clingy, with a matching or skin-toned liner, or purchase your own body-hugging liner from a lingerie store. For a less sexy, but still eye-catching style, look for a flowing, tiered A-line skirt. It’s flirty and feminine, but not overtly seductive. The tiered layers of lace prevent it from being too revealing, while adding a little flounce. Pair it with a fabulous beach hat for a breezy, summer style.
Crochet is another hot trend in fashion right now, and it’s particularly nice because it works with a variety of yarns. Crocheted dresses can be a little stretchy, clinging to the top of your body while flowing freely around the bottom. Silky, shimmery yarns will turn heads, while long fringe adds flair.
Depending on how tight the knit is, some crocheted clothes can also be a little revealing, though not typically as much as lace. Keep this in mind when shopping around, and don a skin-toned slip or underwear to avoid flashing your friends and neighbors.
Woven and Lace Pants and Shorts
Lace shorts? Yes. To wear in public? Yes! To avoid looking like you’ve stepped out in your skivvies, look for lined lace shorts that reach to just above mid-thigh. They look especially good in the current high-waisted trend, with a row of buttons up the front.
Longer lacy pants don’t work as well with the high-waisted trend. Stick to hip-huggers. Many styles are stretchy, and cling around your legs like tights. Be aware that these can make you look a little top-heavy. Some are only clingy around the thighs, and flow into dramatic, feminine bell bottoms. Still others are straight-leg styles, reaching in long, unbroken lines from your hips to your ankles.
One key for wearing lace pants or shorts is to pair them with simple, uncomplicated tops. This will prevent your outfit from looking too busy.
Lacy and Woven Footwear
Lace shoes are particularly delicate and artistic accessories. Usually, the lace is more structured and strong here, or even overlaid on a more firm top. However, pretty ballet flats may have intricate lacing that wraps around the ankles, and some designers are incorporating bows or sprays of lace into high heels.
Crocheted footwear is traditional for babies, but it’s strong enough for adult footwear, too. Crocheted flats, lace-up sandals and boots have a distinctly Bohemian, earth-friendly twist.
When wearing lace, stick to neutral colors: black, white and beige or nude. It emphasizes the inherent elegance of the look. Other colors may be fun, but they can come off as too lurid or even immature. Lace clothes are conversation pieces, so don’t be surprised when your gorgeous, feminine style turns heads left and right!
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Handbags from Clutch to Tote – A What’s What Guide for Hardcore Bag Ladies
People have been carrying bags for as long as recorded history and probably much earlier. As long as people have been using tools, wearing sarongs and beautifying themselves, there have been handbags. The first were simple leather pouches, which evolved into more stylized pouches covered in decorative embroidery or beadwork, and eventually into the vast array of designer handbags we have today. Our ability to carry important and sentimental items on our persons evolved as we did, so don’t feel bad about a bag addiction!
Your purse is very personalized. Open it up and you’ll find not only the ever-important wallet and keys, but maybe some cough drops, breath mints, make-up, a novel or magazine and several things that only you, personally, find important. Your purse is more than just a bag; it becomes a part of you.
That's why it's important to choose the right one for you out of the many different options out there. Here’s a quick run-down of the most popular purse styles today.
Clutch – Clutches are some of the smallest bags you'll find. They typically don’t have a strap, meaning you hold it in your hand or tucked under your arm, and their small size renders them impractical for carrying much more than your lipstick, ID, credit cards and keys. That’s why the clutch is usually confined to formal or evening occasions. Because they’re so popular for events and are so small, many clutches feature extensive detailing and intricate ornamentation.
Convertible bag – Convertibles are usually small, like the clutch, but have either a strap or handles, or both, making them convenient to carry around. The strap can be removed, and the handles can be folded into the bag itself, turning it into a stylish evening clutch.
Box bag – Rigid, box-shaped purses that usually have sharp angles and are either squared or rectangle. They typically have handles, like lunch boxes.
Bucket bag – You guessed it! These bags are bucket-shaped, with an open top that may be closed by a leather or fabric flap, and have convenient shoulder straps.
Hobo – Hobo bags are a style staple. Despite what some people think, there is no across-the-board size for hobo bags. They can be large or small and can be made of leather, fabric or pretty much whatever a designer desires. The only factor that designates a bag as “hobo” is an unstructured, floppy design with a shoulder strap.
Tote – Totes are big, roomy open bags with shoulder straps. They’re popular as grocery bags, beach bags, or with women who simply like to carry a lot of stuff. Totes can be made of canvas, leather, or virtually any material. The straps are usually short, to keep the weight up close near your shoulder.
Beach bag – Like totes, but specifically for the beach. Beach bags are great for carrying your towels, sunscreen and other sea-side essentials. They come in plain, traditional designs, or can be more artistic, incorporating beautiful beach scenes that complement a gorgeous sarong and beach hat.
Messenger – Messenger bags are especially popular these days, due to their unisex versatility. Initially used by postmen and couriers, they can carry vast quantities and are usually equipped with a cross-body strap. Most “man bags” are messenger bags.
Satchel – Traditionally made of leather or canvas, and closing with a simple snap, flap or buckle, satchels evolved from traditional “school book” bags popular with students. They usually have a single cross-body strap.
Saddle bag – Saddle bags usually close with a single broad leather flap, which is secured by one or more buckles. Gucci, Hermes and other high end designers actually got their start making quality equestrian equipment, and still make saddle-style purses today.
Drawstring – Soft bags with round, structured bottoms that close at the top with a gathered drawstring. The drawstring sometimes forms two shoulder straps, allowing the bag to be worn as a backpack, but it can be used as single shoulder strap, as well.
Duffel – Duffel bags are typically larger than totes, and are often used as gym bags or luggage. They’re long and cylindrical with zippers on the top, and may have short handles, a thick shoulder strap, or both.
We’ve named some of the most popular styles, but there are plenty more out there. Designers famous for their bags include Fendi, Liz Claiborne, Kate Spade and Chanel, who created the famous, quilted leather 2.55 bag. Some, such as the Hermes Birkin bag, are impossibly priced at $5,000, but there are plenty of affordable options out there for the thrifty fashionista that are both functional and super-stylish. Whatever your style, you should be able to find a bag as unique as you are.
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Style Evolution: Givenchy – A Fashion Powerhouse of Class and Edge
When you think of Audrey Hepburn, you probably think of effortless elegance, timeless beauty and style. You’re also thinking of Givenchy. Givenchy was involved in a long-term designer-muse relationship with Audrey Hepburn that created some of the most iconic looks to ever grace the silver screen, and influenced the development of fashion worldwide. Such notables as Princess Grace Kelly, Lauren Bacall and even Jackie Kennedy Onassis got aboard the Givenchy train, and the enchanted world followed. Even as they evolve with our fast-paced society, Givenchy’s designs remain some of the cornerstones of the fashion world.
Givenchy: Beginnings
Hubert de Givenchy decided he was going to be a fashion designer when he was 10, in 1937. He had been moved by designs he saw during his visit to the World’s Fair in Paris. Seven years later, Givenchy graduated art school in Paris, and worked for the next 8 years with a variety of designers, including Jacques Fath, Elsa Schiaparelli and, most notably, Christian Dior. By 1952, he was ready to start his own house.
From the get go, Givenchy’s designs earned high praise. Both designers and consumers loved his lines of mix-and-match tops and bottoms, most of which were affordable for the average woman. While his designs remained unfussy, they also incorporated elegant detailing, embroidered fabrics and imaginative prints that drew attention.
Givenchy and Hepburn
In 1953, Givenchy met Audrey Hepburn, whom he described as his ideal feminine beauty. The two began a 40 year professional relationship, mutually benefitting from one another’s creativity. In film, fashion is an element of scene and design. Givenchy took part in designing not only some of the most memorable fashions, but some of the most memorable films of the era. Sleek dresses, wide-brimmed hats that call to mind beach hats, and elegant jewelry became trademarks. Hepburn’s outfits in Sabrina, Breakfast at Tiffany’s and How to Steal a Million were Givenchy’s. Audrey Hepburn once said, “Givenchy is far more than a couturier: he creates personalities.”
The rich and famous wore Givenchy outside of Hollywood, too, including the Grimaldi of Monaco. The Kennedy family were all donned in Givenchy on the day John F. Kennedy was assassinated. They also wore Givenchy, who was stylish yet not ostentatious, to the funeral of the former president.
A Style Pioneer
Givenchy challenged the boundaries of fashion by creating a line of luxury prêt-a-porter (ready-to-wear) clothing. In 1958, he was also the first to introduce short skirts and miniskirts. His reputation for elegance and class convinced critics that it was okay for women to show their knees again, which hadn’t happened since the 1920’s.
He was contemporary, sometimes to the point of audacity, but always classy and refined. In this way he pressed the boundaries of acceptable style, almost “tricking” a stodgy, traditional upper class into expanding their tastes. His collections featured long, luxurious ball gowns as well as formal tube dresses; extravagant, jeweled headpieces; feminine sundresses; shawls; princess silhouettes and funnel necklines, which streamlined turtleneck shirts by removing the “slouch” from around the neck.
Givenchy in the Hands of Galliano and McQueen
In 1988, the LVMH Group, a fashion conglomerate which included Dior, Christian Lacroix and Kenzo, bought Givenchy. After Givenchy’s retirement in 1995, LVMH brought the eccentric and flamboyant designer John Galliano to the head of operations, meaning to infuse Givenchy with more daring, contemporary style. It was a bold choice that many doubted, but Galliano eased nervous onlookers with his first collection. His gowns combined the restraint of classic Givenchy with Galliano’s own more flamboyant and romantic tastes. However, Galliano quickly moved on to direct the house of Dior.
He was followed by Alexander McQueen, a British designer known for pushing boundaries with rebellious styles. Once more, the fashion world doubted, and once more they were pleasantly surprised. McQueen toned down his eccentricities to honor the house of Givenchy, but still infused his collections and runway shows with controversy. One of his shows included a disabled model mounted on intricate, beautifully carved wooden legs.
Givenchy Today: Tisci
Today, Riccardo Tisci is chief designer at Givenchy. Tisci’s styles are romantic, but have a distinctly “gothic ballerina” feel, including dark, flowing dresses and minimalist, architecturally inspired runway shows. His work is whimsical, yet edgy, and has successfully reinvented Givenchy into a modern, sensual and stylized label that is very wearable. Tisci has said, “My mother, my sisters don’t understand fashion now, which is how I realized what the final consumer feels. They don’t want to buy image, they want to buy substance.”
Tisci has been called the most economically successful Givenchy designer since Givenchy himself. With boundary-pushing yet traditional styles, such as elegant sarongs for men and women, Givenchy continues to remind us of our fashion roots while showing us what is possible.
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From the Screen to the Street – The Top Ten Wearable Movie Fashions
Movies usually reflect contemporary fashion, displaying what’s popular in an effort to reflect reality with style. Sometimes, they take it a step further, and instead of reflecting style, they actually create it. Movies have given birth to some of the most iconic and classic looks of all time, which can still be worn to head-turning effect on the street. Here, in no particular order, are the top ten street-worthy movie styles!
1. Julia Roberts in "Pretty Woman"
We’re talking about Vivian’s wardrobe after she proved to the snooty store clerks she was worth her weight in gold. This look is about sophistication. Her brown and white polka dot dress paired with a classy beach hat are upscale and adorable, while she looked like a princess in her red cocktail dress. Look for bold, simple prints, and don't shy away from bright colors. When wearing jeans, dress them up with a blazer and elegant jewelry.
2. The entire cast of ”Sex and the City” in ”Sex and the City" I and II
Carrie, Charlotte, Miranda and Samantha are down to earth, successful, romantic and stylish. In many women’s minds they’re the epitome of modern femininity. To achieve their flawless, confident styles, don’t be afraid to take risks and experiment, but always know the impression you’re trying to make. Stock up your shoe collection and accessorize to the nines!
3. Kate Hudson in ”Almost Famous”
Penny Lane had quintessential 70’s style: low-slung jeans and flirty halter tops, Renaissance-inspired tunics, big sunglasses, and of course, a coat with a big, faux-fur white collar. The 70’s are particularly popular this season, so you should have no trouble finding fringe, bell-bottoms, clunky jewelry, roomy beach bags and comfy sundresses.
4. Diane Keaton in ”Annie Hall”
Annie Hall showed us the best of menswear for women. Button-down shirts, vests, neckties and khakis define this look. Wing-tip shoes are a nice touch, but slip your feet into some decorated flats to add a little feminine flair. A fedora and pocket watch complete the style.
5. Amy Adams in ”Enchanted”
Just because Giselle came from a fantasy land doesn’t mean her style is out of this world. Sure, she may have made her flirty summer dresses out of curtains and carpets, but she looked fantastic. To look like a modern day fairy princess, go for an A-line sundress with a knee-length, gored skirt and short poofy shoulder sleeves. Indulge in pretty floral patterns and ribbons.
6. Madonna in ”Desperately Seeking Susan”
Desperately Seeking Susan showcases fabulous punk rock 80’s fashion. Skinny jeans, goth gear, metal studs and feminine lace all come together in this rebellious look. This style is all in the accessories. Plenty of long necklaces, a black leather jacket, red lipstick and lacy gloves are where it’s at.
7. Faye Dunaway in ”Bonnie and Clyde”
Bonnie was tailored, practical and assertive. To achieve this rogue, ivy-league style, go for fitted sweaters or tunic tops that show off your figure, black leggings or a pencil skirt, and a loose neck scarf. Shoes should be flat, since you may need to make a quick getaway, and a beret tops everything off.
8. Rachel McAdams in ”The Notebook”
Forties fashion with a hint of quirky fun! Play with florals and reds here, and opt for skirts and fitted tops that accentuate your figure without being too tight. Unless, of course, you’re emulating her fabulous red gingham swimsuit! The boy short bottom and halter top are flattering for many body types. Wrap a pretty sarong around the bottom.
9. Anne Hathaway in ”The Devil Wears Prada”
Andy Sachs evolves from a style flop to a fashion diva in this film. She learns to play with tight leather pants under short tweedy skirts, slouchy plaid caps, sleek wool pea coats and more. Wrap a thick belt around a flowy summer dress that buttons all the way up the front, choose your accessories with care, and always pay attention to your shoes and handbag.
10. Audrey Hepburn in every movie she was ever in!
”Sabrina” and ”Breakfast at Tiffany’s”,, to name a few. There are those in the fashion world who would argue that style wouldn’t be what it is today without Audrey Hepburn. Her costumes were designed by Givenchy, and made a lasting impression with flattering lines, simple but unconventional cuts, and experimental (but never ostentatious) detailing. The glamour, sophistication and femininity of the look inspired a generation, including the iconic Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis.
If you’re struggling for a fashion identity, you could do worse than experiment with the variety of chic looks we’ve covered here. Once you get a feel for the style that suits your personality, don’t be afraid to run with the look and make it your own!
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