04.20.07
Wedges – The Hot Spring and Summer Sandal
Today will be the last day that I continuing on with my analysis of London fashion and trends. Starting tomorrow I will go back to giving you great fashion tips.
Wedge sandals are all the rage this spring and summer. Whether they are espadrilles, cork, or wooden soled, find yourself a pair that works for you.
The key is to make sure that the wedge is in proportion to your body. If you are a petite woman, find a wedge that is more dainty and not quite as tall. If you are a larger woman, try to find a higher wedge with wider straps to make your legs look thinner. Like everything else, it’s all about proportion. Your wedges should not over power your body.
04.19.07
Bumble Bee Colors for Spring
Everywhere I look I see black, white, and yellow here in London. If you want to be ahead of the trends this spring, get to the store and find a few pieces in these colors.
The key to not looking like a bee is to primarily wear two of the colors with a third as an accent. It’s when the colors are all evenly distributed that the bee effect happens.
Find a great printed skirt with all three colors in it, then wear a black top and shoes. Or black pants a white shirt and a yellow sweater with just the white collar sticking out….you get the picture.
04.18.07
Trapeze tops and dresses in London
Another London fashion that can be seen on women of varying age are trapeze tops, jackets, and dresses.
Brightly colored trapeze tops are paired with skinny jeans and heels or ankle boots. Trapeze dresses are worn alone with sandals or with leggings underneath. And perhaps the most versatile is the trapeze jacket which can be worn with jeans, trousers, or a skirt. Place a nice white blouse underneath and you are ready for the office, or a sparkly top for a night out.
Only the younger women should try the tops and dresses, but anyone can wear a trapeze jacket to liven up their wardrobe and look completely up to date!
04.17.07
Mod Squad – London Spring Fashion
I’m in London at the moment doing a little research and attending a friends wedding, and let me tell you, the mod look is back in full effect.
All the young women arewearing bright, solid colred shift dresses with opaque black tights and long sleeve shirts underneath. They are pairing this look with ankle boots for a more modern take on the trend. Geometric prints and large blocks of colors can also be found on these shift dresses.
I’m not sure if it’s the influence of Sienna Miller’s latest movie Factory Girl, where she plays Eddie Sedgwick, or if the London fashion scene decided to roll back the clock on 80s fashion and go for an earlier look, but one thing is certain….mod is everywhere right now!
04.16.07
Shoulder Pads – When and How to Wear Them
I just found the greatest shoulder pad tip yesterday.
Although the 80s are long gone, many women still choose to wear shoulder pads. If you have a small frame, shoulder pads are great for balancing out your figure and adding a little structure to your upper body.
The problem many women have however, is that they have difficulty finding shoulder pads that look natural. Look no further!
You know those silicone inserts that you can put in your bra to make your boobs look a little bigger? I’m not talking about the permanent, surgical kind, but the ones you buy and can put in any bra. Buy yourself a pair of those and place them on your shoulders instead of in your bra. Not only are they comfortable, but they are soft, natural looking, and stay in place all day long.
What a find!
04.09.07
Style Secrets for Hourglass Body Types
Today is the first in a series that I will be doing on body types. There are 6 basic body types and each day I will be highlighting one of them. You will learn basic dos and don’ts for your specific type. Today we start with the hourglass. Enjoy!
Hourglass
Figure Description
Your overall shape is curvy, with your hips and bust about the same width.
Your waist is well defined, and at least nine inches smaller than your bust or hips.
You have a round, full derriere.
Your thighs are full, but narrower than your lower hips and your lower legs are shapely and proportionately slim.
Style Suggestions
Emphasize your wait.
De-emphasize your bust with softer, non clingy fabrics. Dark colors on top look best.
Look for flowing, skimming styles with simple lines and semi-fitted shapes that fall gracefully without overly exaggerating or hugging your curves.
Try set-in waists and belted coordinates. Use vertical lines, princess seams and details that elongate.
04.07.07
Summer is Almost Here in Orange County
So if you’re like me and you can’t wait to start wearing your sun dresses, but are disappointed by the gloomy, overcast weather, I have a good tip. Try layering a light weight long sleeved top under your dresses. You can also wear leggings underneath them. You’ll get to enjoy your dresses, but still have the added warmth of sleeves and leggings. As the weather warms up, you can start peeling off the layers!
04.04.07
The Secret to Wardrobe Planning for OC Women
Do you want a happening wardrobe, not one that just happened? Planning a wardrobe is not as difficult as it may seem. Here in Orange County, many of us look for clothes that we can wear to work but that also double as clothes to wear out with our friends in more casual situations. For example, a great little frilly blouse that we can wear with a suit, but that also looks great with jeans and heels for a nice dinner.
The goals of successful wardrobe planning for most people include:
- Getting more looks from fewer pieces
- Updating easily
- Spending less time in the stores and the closet deciding what to wear
When you shop and add to your wardrobe, think about buying outfits in capsules. A capsule is a coordinated set of clothing that harmonizes in color, fabric, and shape to be worn interchangeably. When we build our wardrobes using the capsule technique, it becomes so much easier to mix and match and end up with many more outfits.
04.03.07
How to Find the Perfect Sun Glasses
Summer is coming so make sure you have a couple great pairs of sun glasses. Not only will they protect your eyes and help prevent squinting and crows feet, they will finish off your outfit and help you look more glamorous. Here are a few things to remember when finding that perfect pair of sun glasses.
- Frame shape and overall size should be in proportion to your face shape and overall size.
- Center the eye horizontally in the middle of the lenses.
- The upper part of the frame should reflect the natural curve of your eyes and eyebrows
- The lowest part of the frame should not extend down to the widest part of the nose.
- Frames should never cover more than one third of your face.
- Take off your sunglasses when speaking to people. When they can’t see your eyes they feel disconnected from you and are more likely to be suspicious or treat you less warmly.
Just a few things to think about. Happy shopping!
04.01.07
Dress for the Body You Have Today
I’ve always puzzled over the woman who runs around, sometimes for years, in the same old ill-fitting, out of date clothes, thinking that when she’s thin, she will shop for a new wardrobe and look great. Until then, she expects you to reserve judgement on the real her. Well yes, I do understand that wearing clothes is sometimes easier when there is less of you, but why wait to go on living? What if you never change size? Who said you must?
The reality is that people encounter you every day, make judgments about who and what you are now. Why give them any extra negative ammunition by looking your worst? If you get thinner, fine – buy clothes that make you happy then. Meanwhile, you’re missing out on the terrific feeling that comes with looking your best and appearing confident in the presentation you make to the world.
You wouldn’t neglect buying furniture and a few comforts for your home just because it wasn’t the house of your dreams, would you? Even if it’s a small studio, it’s a home. A few towels, some pots and pans, maybe even a sofa is indispensable until you move into that 5,000 square foot dream house on ten acres with tennis courts and a pool…. If you’re going to live in a house, you have to furnish it. Ditto on the wardrobe.
