Posts Tagged ‘Diane von Fuerstenberg’
White is always a spring/ summer trend. It never goes out of fashion. What changes is how you wear it, what you wear it with and which of the latest items you accessorise it with.
As secure and safe it might sound to buy white there are a lot of mine fields to step into. Many of us are so concerned with the latest fashion trends and items that a lot of us forget that a fashion trend doesn’t only have to suit your body shape, size and colouring but also the occasion, weather and season. You just can’t wear all the fun and colour of spring and summer when it is cold and raining outside. It makes you look sad and desperate and turns someone who is a fashion savvy into a fashion victim, because they can’t adopt to the weather condition. Fashion is only fashion when it not only looks right on you but also when you look comfortable and at ease. Something you never feel when trembling of being cold, getting wet and soaked because not dressed for it, getting all the dirt on your white outfit that comes with bad weather. White is a colour that requires sunshine to come out to its full potential- in cold or warm weather. Also, white only looks good when it looks white and clean otherwise you look very quickly shabby in your outfit.
A solid white outfit is not always a winner for everyone’s colouring;
Dominant Colour Light:
A fantastic choice. You can wear white from top to to if you like and if it is appropriate.
Dominant Colour Deep:
Not best to wear it as solid colour near your face, because it is too light for you and it will wash you out. Unless you wear your e.g. white top or shirt with a jacket or coat in a deeper colour. The deeper colour has always be stronger or in majority versa the white colour. Or to be sure keep keep the white to your lower half.
Dominant Colour Warm:
It is a bit of tricky one. If you got porcelain skin and red hair the pure white will provide a good contrast to your hair. But if you don’t have that type of skin it will easily clash with that and your hair together. Therefore you need to “warm” the white with yellow driven colours such as brown, green, orange, yellow, coral, tomato red etc- meaning you need to combine it with any of these type of colours when wearing white.
Dominant Colour Cool:
One of the best colour and absolutely must for this group. It will balance your white hair and make any outfit sharper- especially when wearing some nude/neutral colours with it.
Dominant Colour Clear:
As well one of the must colours for this group. It will almost always guarantee a contrast effect with any other combined colour.
Dominant Colour Soft:
White is an essential accent colour for this category to ensure that the overall look doesn’t look to muted.
Some adivce when buying your white item in question:
- The white shirt: Always a winner no matter what age or season. It should be part of every woman’s wardrobe. A white shirt makes muddy/ nude colours look sharper and by wearing a cardigan, jacket etc on top of it you always can tune and soften the pure white to suit your colouring.
- White top/ T- shirt are a must as the white shirt in a woman’s wardrobe. It is a great neutral weapon to dress up or down an outfit and will give any outfit always a lift. A classic that shouldn’t be missed in anyone’s wardrobe.
- White Dress: Is a beautiful choice for a summer outfit. But be careful the more formal, elegant and in a maxi version the more festive it will look. Many times it looks like women are taking a wedding dress out for a stroll. Try to choose your white dress right for the occasion, in a style that can’t be mistaken for a wedding dress and/ or choose it with colour and a pattern combination or mix it up with accessorising it with an contrasting theme or style. Avoid to dress in white from head to toe unless the occasion requires it. Also, the older we get the less forgiving a pure white dress will look on us. I guess it goes with the territory ” not that innocent anymore…”.
- White Jacket: As well a must for any woman’s wardrobe, but should be worn only in sunshine or in a warm climate. Not only one looks being on the wrong side of the planet but also the whole look can you turn look naff.
- White Coat: Always a favourite for the summer! But proves in the UK not always a great investment buy since the sunny and warm days are here numbered. So, the more time you spend in a warm climate the better your money is spent on a white coat.
- White trousers: Injects instantly elegance and chique to your outfit. It can be a one of your wardrobe heroes that you can’t live without it, but be careful since white trousers are not very forgiving when not having an easy body shape to dress. It brings always attention and adds additional “visual volume” to that part of the body. So, make sure you can take it. Also, ensure you wear the right underwear with it, because many times the colour, style and make of your underwear can be seen by anyone but you. Not a good look at all!
- White shorts: It always brings a smile to our faces since it is always the synonym for sunshine, warm weather, fun, good time simply ” me time “. Watch out you got the right hemline for your thighs, calves and age. The thumb rule is the bigger and older they are the longer the hemline.
- White skirts: Almost nothing makes an outfit as instantly girlie or feminine chique as a skirt- depending on its style. Most of the times they are not best to wear with tights, therefore they should be only worn with warm temperature, a hemline that suits the leg and occasion and in a style that works your age.
- White shoes: Not always a hit. White pumps are best left for special occasions and white sandals and trainers are dirt sensitive. It is better to buy cheaper white footwear but two instead, so you have more and longer wearing the look before they look shabby. It is simply impossible to keep them out of any dirt, foot marks or scratches.
- White swimwear: Looks great on young, toned or both body. Wearing a white swim wear gets you very quickly into dangerous waters with your skin, body and size and age. If in doubt just pass on this one!
- White bags: As nice as they are in form of a clutch or shoulder or handbag or shopping bag they quickly pass their sell by date. They only wear with the right outfit, occasion, weather and also only when they are still completely untouched by any scratches and marks.
Click here to view more whites
Have a nice day,
Michaela
Sunday, March 7th, 2010
Tags: 120 PERCENT LINEN, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Acne, Adam, ann harvey, Anya Hindmarch, ash, Aspinal of London, Azzaro, Azzedine Alaia, Betmar Hats, Body Shape, Bottega Veneta, Browns Fashion, Burberry, Burberry Brit, Cette, Cheryl Cole, Chloe, Christian Louboutin, christopher Kane, Clare Tough, Clarks, Clear Dominant Colour, Cool Dominant Colour, Deep Dominant Colour, Derek Lam, Diane von Fuerstenberg, Dolce & Gabbana, Dorfman Hats, Fendi, Freda, Giambattista Valli, Hamilton-Paris, Ipanema, Jigsaw, Jil Sander, Lanvin, Laura Ashley, Light Dominant Colour, Lover, Marks & Spencer, Matches Fashion, Matthew Williamson, net-a- porter, People Tree, Personal colouring, Precis Petite, See by Chloe, Soft Dominant Colour, Sonia Rykiel, Stella McCartney, The Brit Awards 2010, Tightsplease, Tomas Maier, Uniqlo, Vanessa Bruno, Wall, Warm Dominant Colour
Posted in Body Shape, Clear, Coats, Cool, Deep, Dominant Colour, Dresses, Jacket, Light, Soft, Style Advice, T-shirts, Tops, Trends and Trend Spotting, Warm, White, White Shirt | No Comments »
Everyone is different to another and needs an individual and personalised advice how to dress right.There are an infinite number of physical features and each person has their own unique combination of these.
I. But here are some golden rules how to dress for success, which apply to everyone no matter what age, life style, work or play or budget.
- Complement your personal colouring, which is based your dominant colour ( Eye- hair and skin colour)
- Dress accordingly to your body shape, proportion and scale- it is important to understand how to dress to your build in order to create the appearance of a balanced body
- Dress appropriate for the occasion- learn the know how to get it right for each occasion no matter how different they might be.
- Dress right to your personality, which reflect your life style & character at work and play. It is your personality, which will put an outfit and look together.
- Current must be your look- make sure that your outfit do not look dated in fabrics, cuts and accessories. Nothing is more aging and draining than wearing clothes which look out of fashion. Make sure that your investments buys have a timeless look & feel, so you can jazz them up to the occasion & current fashion trend or season.
II. How to create the illusion of the perfect shape.
The aim is a neat hour glass figure ( which is considered the perfect & most balance figure of all body shapes). To achieve this we need to understand “line design”. A line leads the eye and can give optical illusion for our benefit.
- The stripes on the left will make someone look wider (if that’s what you need).
- The stripes on the right make a person look longer (if that’s what you need).
The same rules apply to putting on make up as putting on a dress. Just as stripes on a dress can create an illusion of shape so can makeup and eyebrows.
Click here to read more on proportions
Balance rules to short Legs
- Wear straight or boot cut trousers.
- Opt for darker denim or trousers- ideally without patterns
- Opt for a skirt/dress hemline that has a pencil skirt or straight line- best in solid colour and without any fuzz.
- Wear heals rather than flats
- Add length by wearing tights or socks in the same colour as your trousers or skirts
- Avoid bulk and volume in your bottom, thigh and calf area e.g. strong feature in your back pockets, dropped skirt lines, baggy trousers, pleats, full skirts
- Avoid turn ups, heavy patterns, washed out jeans or light coloured trousers, wide legs
Click here to see more items for short legs and short women
Have a nice day,
Michaela
Thursday, March 4th, 2010
Tags: 120 PERCENT LINEN, A.P.C., Anya Hindmarch, ash, Body Shape, Chloe, Citizens of humanity, Collect London, Current Elliot, Diane von Fuerstenberg, Donna Karan, Fenn Wright Manson, Giambattista Valli, J Brand, Jigsaw, Lanvin, Laura Ashley, Leaves of grass, LK Bennett, Max Mara, Melissa Odabash, Miu Miu, Moschino Cheap and Chic, net-a- porter, O. Children, Paul & Joe, Personal colouring, Phase 8, Proportion, See by Chloe, Stella McCartney, Style personality, Topshop, urban outfitters, Vivienne Westwood Anglomania, Wolford
Posted in Body Shape, Dominant Colour, Style Advice, Style Personalities | No Comments »
A visually balanced body, regardless of weight or height, always looks more flattering than an unbalanced one.
Creating perfect proportions can be achieved by modifying the lines of clothing. In this way you can visually e.g. widen narrow shoulders, create a longer neckline, disguise a fuller tummy or lengthen a short waist. It is possible to appear taller, shorter, heavier or thinner by making the line, style and cut work to your best advantage.
Your bodyshape, proportion, scale and body features e.g. small bust versa big bust; short versa long neck will determine which clothing line and details, such as neck-sleeve-waist-hemlines, will flatter you the most. By looking at your build objectively you will know how to dress your body and how to emphasize your advantages and hide your disadvantages. Every person has their own unique DNA, so accept your differences in build to others and see them instead as a challenge to create your own personal style.
So, for those of us who don’t have a perfectly balanced figure ( hourglass bodyshape/ upper and lower body in proportions) there are ways to give an illusion of balance. To achieve this we need to understand “line design”. A line leads the eye and can give optical illusion for our benefit.
Design lines in our garments need to complement our figure shape. So, a curvy figure looks more appealing with curvy design lines in the outfit rather than straight line, and a straight figure looks better in straight lines rather than curvy lines. All style lines need to lead towards a feature you want to emphasize, such as your waist or shoulders.
We often think that by wearing long loose jackets and tunics we will appear taller and slimmer- this is not so for everyone. A horizontal line can make us appear shorter and the nearer it is to your knees the shorter we look. For example if you are a pear shape, try on some short fitted jackets and see how much longer your legs appear and how much taller and slimmer you look. In many cases loose flowing garments will achieves the opposite by adding pounds instead of slimming our silhouette.
1. Body Balance rules in general
Do’s
- For your body to look balanced your shoulders need to appear balanced with hips and thighs.
- Wear garment design lines to complement your figure shape
- To balance a long waist wear a belt, a wrap, Empire line, details to shorten it
- To balance a short waist be choosy and careful with wearing fuzz and buzz such as belts, bows, highlighted Empire lines- less is better or even none of it.
- Wear a tone in tone outfit to give the illusion of height.
- Break the colour when you are tall
Don’ts
- Avoid jacket hems finishing at your widest point e.g. hips or thighs. Your best length is above or below this level.
- Avoid skirt/dress hems finishing at your widest point e.g. calves, unless you have very thin legs.
2.A few balance rules to:
A. Small Bust
- Add details around neck and bust line e.g. necktie, cowl neckline, ruffles, pockets, prints, layers, scarves, dropped sleeve line
- Wear a padded bra to add volume in your bust line
- Layer on top to create curves
- Avoid wearing tops dead straight from neck to hemline without any volume or layers or details
b. Full Bust
- Wear lower and wider necklines e.g. scoop, square or V- necks
- Make use of a well fitted bra to lift the bust and create more space between bust and waist
- Keep the attention to your décolleté line e.g. embellishments and necklaces
c. Big Calves
- Wear your skirt/dress hemline on your thinnest part of your leg line e.g. below knee or ankle length
- Wear medium to chunky heels to balance with your big calf
- Opt for straight or boot cut in your trousers instead of narrowing leg line
- Avoid any bulk and detail in this area e.g. finishing hemline, short boots, buckles on your boots, ankle straps, kitten heels
- Don’t wear mini skirts or short trousers or Capri trousers
d. Double Chin
- Wear lower and wider necklines
- Wear clean and clutter free tops around your neck
- Avoid turtle or cowl necklines, ruffles, neck tie, rolls, turtle neck and short necklaces
e. Tips for Broad Shoulders
- Wear lower wider necklines e.g. scoop or V- necklines
- Avoid halter necks-, boat or bardot-, turtle-, roll- or any necklines that add bulk and volume
- Avoid too much padding and big wide collars in your shirts or tops
- Avoid lapels that are too narrow or too wide
- Avoid wearing big shawls on your shoulder
- Avoid any shoulder details
Click here for more information how to create visual balance.
Click here to shop
Have a nice day,
Michaela
Monday, March 1st, 2010
Tags: 120 PERCENT LINEN, Acne, Anna Scholz, Big bust, Big Calves, Body balance, Body Shape, Burberry, christopher Kane, Citizens of humanity, Clarks, Diane von Fuerstenberg, Double chin, Erdem, Fenn Wright Manson, Freda, Halston Heritage, Jil Sander, Lanvin, Leaves of grass, Marc Jacobs, marni, Max Mara, Miu Miu, Moschino Cheap and Chic, Proportion, Roberto Cavalli, See by Chloe, Shakuhachi, Small bust, Stella McCartney, Topshop, urban outfitters, Vionnet, Vivienne Westwood Anglomania, Wall
Posted in Body Shape, Proportions, Style Advice, Uncategorized | No Comments »
From tropical brights, futuristic abstract to image,graphic, dainty and monochrome – prints are the answers to the nude, pastel and utility trends dominating spring & summer season. Prints are a wonderful way to add character, individuality and colour to your outfit- no matter what the occasion or weather. But when choosing your favourite print you shouldn’t only decide by the mood you are or which one you like best but always consider your body shape and dominant colour when choosing them.
Here is an overview of the different prints dominating this season :
Here is some know how to wear them:
- Your dominant colour is a decisive factor when choosing the pattern of the print. For example the brighter the print is near your face the more suitable it will be for a clear, cool, light than for a warm or soft. Unless you wear the brighter print on your lower half and tune it down with a calmer top.
- Floral prints are great to add roundness to rectangle, lean columns and inverted triangles ( on the lower half only!)
- While graphic & abstract & edgy print will counter balance the roundness for apples, full hourglass and pears ( only on top!)
- Horizontal lines are only for lean and tall bodies or body parts since they either shorten visually your body or add roundness.
- Vertical lines are super for short people but a no no for tall people since it will you elongate you further.
- Block prints are great- but watch out. They add serious attention to that body part and add volume to it. So, firstly make sure the colour combination suits you, secondly the pattern size are right for body shape size and thirdly that the patterns are sitting at the right place of your body shape.
- Artwork/ photographs/image have to hang like a canvas from the wall. That means if you wear it on top you need to be slim, lean and flat chested. Otherwise it looks like if that the artwork or photographs got dents, which is really not a good look at all. Therefore they are never a good choice for women with a bust or fuller bust or have a apple or full hourglass body shape. Don’t be seduced by the image.
- Last but not least make sure that the print you are using is suiting the occasion and the weather otherwise you look quickly out of place.
Have a nice day,
Michaela
Thursday, February 25th, 2010
Tags: 3.1 Phillip Lim, Acne, Alberta Feretti, alexander Mc Queen, Anna Sui, Anya Hindmarch, Apple body shape, artwork prints, Beatrice Boyle, Big bust, Boden, Body Shape, Boohoo, Browns Fashion, Burberry, carvela, christopher Kane, Clear Dominant Colour, Collect London, Cool Dominant Colour, Deep Dominant Colour, Diane von Fuerstenberg, Dominant Colour, Emilio Pucci, Erdem, fcuk, Flat chested, Floral Prints, full hourglass body shape, image prints, Inverted triangle body shape, Issa, J by Jasper Conran, Jonathan Saunders, Juicy Couture, Kate Moss, kurt geiger, Lanvin, Laura Ashley, lean column body shape, Leaves of grass, Light Dominant Colour, Lipsy, Lisa Marie Fernandez, LK Bennett, Marc Jacobs, marni, Matthew Williamson, Max Mara, Miu Miu, monochrome prints, neat hourglass, Nicholas Kirkwood, Oasis, Paul & Joe, Pear body shape, prints, rectangle body shape, Roberto Cavalli, Rosa Cha, See by Chloe, Soft Dominant Colour, Stella McCartney, Tibi, Tory Burch, tribal prints, tropical prints, urban outfitters, Vivienne Westwood Anglomania, Warm Dominant Colour, Wolford, Zac Posen
Posted in Apple Body Shape, Body Shape, Clear, Cool, Deep, Dominant Colour, Full Hourglass Body Shape, Inverted Triangle Body Shape, Lean Column Body Shape, Light, Monochrome, Neat Hourglass Body Shape, Pear Body Shape, Prints, Rectangle Body Shape, Soft, Style Advice, Warm | No Comments »
There is a shape of trousers that has staying power among designers and high street: Harem and Peg or Jodphur trousers. You either hate or love them.They are combining both Arabic (harem-style) and Asian (fisherman’s trousers) influences, ultra-modern dropped-crotch, gathered waist and hem, slouchy cut- they can come in high waisted trousers or/ cropped leg.
I am sorry to break the myth, but they are not easy to pull off and only suitable for a few body shapes and who have a good set of legs. These trousers drape and add volume at parts of a female body where most women have already their natural female curves and really do not need the extra fullness, detail, attention, draping and volume on top of them. It is even more of problem when they come in a bright colour or in a strong pattern.
Here is some body shape advice:
- Style is noting without a fit and with style we need to create visual balance. Let’s keep in mind that the neat hourglass is the perfect body shape, because it is all proportional. The rest of the 6 body shapes need to do proportional dressing in order to create the visual balance.
- The Harem/Jodphur/Peg trousers are baggy in the crotch- some of them more than others. The baggier they are they not only add more volume to that area but shorten at the same time as well your leg length visually. Even more if they come with turnups!
- Therefore they are not suitable at all for the following body shapes: Apple, Full Hourglass, Pear. These shapes have already female roundness around their waist, tummy and thighs and don’t need the extra fullness. It is wrong to assume that the baggy shape will hide ones female curves. Instead they will just make them look rounder and fuller.
- But they are suitable for lean columns , rectangles, inverted triangle and neat hourglass. Lean Column can always do with extra volume and roundness to their body shape, while the roundness of these trouser shapes balances the edgy shape of a rectangle body shape. And it provides a perfect counter balance to the inverted triangle to balance with their broader upper body. The neat hourglass are in total ease to wear more or less what every they want.
- The baggier the shape is the taller you should be since they will shorten you in your leg line even more when they come in cropped style or in shorts.
- Also, the thinner you leg and calves are the better because the baggy style and drapes are only coming out to shine when they can create a contrast between their full style to a thin leg. Drapes need to “hang” and they will only do that when they have enough leg space. The fuller the leg the less “leg space” is in the trouser and the drapes start to change their shape by being “ stretched”!
- Some of them come as well with a high waist in that case the rectangle shape is out of the equation and will be only suitable for lean columns, neat hourglass and inverted triangles. A high waisted trouser style needs a waist and this is not what a rectangle has. Though a lean column doesn’t have much of a waist as well, but due to heir petite frame the drapes and bagginess of the trousers will “ create artificially one”!
- Last not least if Harem, Peg or Jodphurs are low in rise it is not creating a problem for the body shapes which are ok to wear them. But they will find another restriction if these trousers are mid or high in rise.
- The bagginess, drapes need space to shine. Even more when they are coming in a belted version. So, if the allowed body shapes have a short waist it will be as well a no no for them, because the volume of the trousers style will “kill the waist”. If you are high waisted the bagginess and drapes might create an unproportional shape. That means it most suitable for women who have a normal to a long waist.
Some style advice:
- Don’t clutter this look where it has already volume. Jackets and coats should not finish on the thighs or bottom. Keep lean on top and combine it with a cropped jacket or with a long coat that is lean in style.
- Choose shoulder details like puffed sleeves or batman or dropped sleeve style to balance with the broader bottom.
- Best for visual effect is when you choose shoes that keep about at least a 10 cm distant between the end of the trousers hemline and the beginning of the shoe top.
- Cross body bags go best with these type of trousers since it goes with the theme. Even if they site at the fullest part. Wear them right in front of you rather at the side.
- Always wear with a heel!
As I said these type of trousers are only suitable for a very few women, which doesn’t include me as well. So, if you are not one of the lucky ones but you must have them and you can’t live without them, I suggest you wear them then at home for comfort only instead- in the manner they were intended when created:-)
Have a nice day,
Michaela
Saturday, February 20th, 2010
Tags: 3.1 Phillip Lim, Apple body shape, Body Shape, Diane von Fuerstenberg, full hourglass body shape, Harem trousers, Inverted triangle body shape, Jodhpur trousers, lean column body shape, Miss Selfridge, neat hourglass body shape, Pear body shape, Peg leg trousers, Rachel Zoe, rectangle body shape, Topshop, Vionnet, Vivienne Westwood Anglomania
Posted in Apple Body Shape, Body Shape, Full Hourglass Body Shape, Harem Trousers, Inverted Triangle Body Shape, Lean Column Body Shape, Neat Hourglass Body Shape, Pear Body Shape, Rectangle Body Shape | No Comments »
Over the last few years, printed t-shirts have emerged as statement pieces within the world of fashion and it is proving its staying power for spring/ summer 2010. From big, bold pictures to eye-catching phrases, these casual yet stylish pieces are now nothing short of wardrobe must-haves and have proved over and over a hit with designers and the high street. You can choose this season from cropped to long or from oversized T- shirts to T-shirt dresses.
But the trend of printed t-shirts is, in actuality, a revival from the 1950s, and is something that has reappeared and been reinvented .
T – Shirts are used and worn to make a statement of some sort like declare political, musical or social connection for everybody to observe or stating personal beliefs, team affiliations, hobbies or just to express how one feels that day about something.
T-shirts are favoured, because in a word they are comfortable, affordable and you can easily add these stylish pieces to your wardrobe. Whether you want to make a statement with a bold or funny phrase, or let the pictures on your t-shirt do the talking.
But before you get go and by your statement T- shirt in question, here are some tips to consider.
- The bolder and bigger the print and picture on the T-shirt the better it is for women with a small chest and leaner upper body.
Picture prints should be worn like a framed canvas hanging from the wall- straight and without and crinkles caused by an uneven surface!
Eye catching phrases or pictures are adding volume to your upper body as well as putting the limelight on that part of the body. And it is not a good look when pictures or prints look crimpled on you- you wouldn’t want such a picture hanging from your wall, so why do want to want to wear and opt for such a look? Statement T-shirts whether in print or picture are meant to be understood and noticed by everyone who sees you and not just by asking what you are wearing or by pulling down the T- shirt .
- Women with a bigger chest and roundness around waist and tummy should opt for small prints on the neckline or/and go for statement prints and pictures on their back instead.
- Women with broader shoulders and arms should opt for styles where the print are not starting or finishing off near the arms, shoulders and above the bust. Opt for straight T- shirts or T-shirt dresses versa fitted ones.
- Pears and women with bigger hips and thighs should be avoiding any form of printed long T-shirts or T-shirt dresses, because they will follow the body line and therefore highlight any uneven and unbalanced body part. Their hemline with its print will add volume and attention to an area where you want it the least.
- Women with a bigger bust or/and short and wide neck should opt for lower necklines. Choose at least a jewel neckline if not even lower.
- It is always good to make a statement in print or picture, but if it is a fashion statement keep the colours in check you are wearing in your T-shirt. They have to complement your dominant colour otherwise what is the point wearing a fashion statement that looks wrong.
T-shirts have become such an essential in our wardrobes that they are not anymore worn just with jeans and trainers. Instead they are nowadays worn as well as a replacement for a blouse when wearing a suit, blazers, tuxedos, high heels, totes, clutches or any other formal or glamorous clothes. It is all about adding an edge and personality to your look by mix matching styles and tuning the formal & elegant look down and make it more street.
Have a nice day,
Michaela
Sunday, January 31st, 2010
Tags: 7 For All Mankind, Abaco, Acne, alexander Mc Queen, Alexander Wang, Anya Hindmarch, Apple body shape, Austique, Beatrice Boyle, Big bust, Body Shape, Brian Atwood, Browns Fashion, Chloe, Christian Louboutin, Citizens of humanity, Collect London, Current Elliot, Diane von Fuerstenberg, DKNY, Dolce & Gabbana, EBONY AND IVORY, Emilio Pucci, Erdem, Faith, full hourglass body shape, Inverted triangle body shape, Jil Sander, Jonathan Aston, Jonathan Saunders, Juicy Couture, Lanvin, lean column body shape, marc by Marc Jacobs, Marc Jacobs, Miu Miu, neat hourglass body shape, Necklines, net-a- porter, Oasis, Paul Smith Black, Pear body shape, Personal colouring, Print T-shirts, rectangle body shape, Ronnie Wood, Rupert Sanderson, Sam Edelman, Small bust, T- shirt dress, T- shirts, Ted Baker, Topshop, Twenty8Twelve, Valentino, Vanessa Br, Victoria Beckham, Vivienne Westwood Anglomania
Posted in Dresses, Prints, Style Advice, T-shirts, Tops, Uncategorized | No Comments »
Who doesn’t feel ready to ditch the winter clothes and last season behind and embrace the new spring and summer collections? Especially now that the excitement of sales are almost behind us!
Although slowly but surely the next collections are hitting the shops we still don’t feel ready for all the spring and summer looks- it is just too grey, cold and wet outside and really doesn’t go with the theme of the clothes. One would feel utterly undressed or wrong for the occasion. Quite right!
So, why not ease the way by wearing clothes in the colours of hot pink, fuchsia or magenta? It is a fantastic investment buy because you can combine with any colour, dress it up or down, create different feels, looks and themes. Last not least it is the perfect colour to path the way from winter to summer from last collection to the new one.
- Fuchsia/ Black: Glamorous, edgy, sophisticated
- Fuchsia/Grey: Feminine, formal, elegant
- Fuchsia/ (navy) blue: Cools the pink, takes the nudge down, adds masculinity to femininity
- Fuchsia/ neutral colours: romantic, elegant, soft
- Fuchsia/ lime green: fresh, fun, strong
- Fuchsia/ orange: bohemian, creative, excotic
- Fuchsia/ purple: creative, feminine, indulgent
- Fuchsia/ red: daring, glamorous, sexy
- Fuchsia/ white: summer here we come!
Find your perfect piece for your wardrobe, body shape and body size. Make sure you wear it the colour at the right part of the body so it can take the spotlight. There is no point for buying a piece because you love but doesn’t play up to your strengths. A beautiful outfit can only follow a woman’s body line, shape and size- it can’t make you into something that you are not.
Click here for more Fuchsia/Magenta/ hot pink
Have a nice day,
Michaela
Monday, January 25th, 2010
Tags: 3.1 Phillip Lim, Anya Hindmarch, Aubin & Wills, Austique, Boden, Body Shape, body size, Camilla and Marc, Carrera, Christian Louboutin, Denis Colomb, Diane von Fuerstenberg, DKNY, EBONY AND IVORY, Emilio Cavallin, fuchsia, hot pink, Jil Sander, Jonathan Aston, Juicy Couture, la perla, Lanvin, magenta, marc by Marc Jacobs, Matches Fashion, net-a- porter, Notte by Marchesa, Rainbow dresses, RM by Roland Mouret, Sergio Rossi for Puma, shudoo.com, Spring/Summer trend 2010, Tory Burch, Transparenze, Uk tights, Vanessa Bruno
Posted in Hot Pink, Magenta/ Fuchsia, Purple, Style Advice, Uncategorized | No Comments »
When dressing for your shape, colour and occasion you need as well “to dress yourself” from the inside in order to ensure that you feel good about yourself. Both aspects need to be addressed – none can co exist without the other. No clothes or make up will be able to cover up a lack of sleep, a bad diet that is lacking of the right nutrients to make you feel good and look energised. Also it will have the unpleasant side effect to add additional pounds to your shape and mostly when that happens you put it on where you don’t want it. It is not about wearing Size 0, which I do not support, but about feeling good about yourself- no matter the size- with no regrets. Looking and feeling as good from the outside as you feel on the inside can be influenced by the right diet for your shape but also by the right workout for your shape. Every shape has different criteria good and bad therefore it is only logical that when we workout we need to apply different sets of rules to address different parts of the body we like to keep build up, slim down or just keep in shape. Someone who is a for example a. pear- carrying the weight on hips, thighs and calves will need to choose a different regime in diet and work as someone who is e.g. an inverted triangle who have broader shoulders or/and upper body than in comparison to their bottom . So, it is natural that their diet and workout plan has to vary from each other.
Our guide will help you find the perfect regime for your shape choose the right diet for your body shape!
Inverted Triangle
Your build is characterised by:
- Straight and squared shoulder line
- Little definition between waist and hips
- Flat hips and bottom
- A bottom half that seems smaller than your top half
Advice
Doing a mixture of cardiovascular and resistance exercises will help. More resistance exercises on your lower body will be necessary, to obtain a balance between lower and upper.
Essential diet tips
- Stick to foods that are moderate in unsaturated fat – to avoid piling on the pounds – and high in calcium.
- Incorporate a balance of low G.I carbohydrates with lean proteins.
Essential exercise tips
- Lower body exercises like squats and lunges.
- Upper body toning exercise.
- Incorporate moderate to high amounts of cardiovascular exercise
Lean Column
Your build is characterised by:
- Narrow shoulders
- Flat chest or small bust
- Small and non-defined waist
- Narrow hips and flat bottom
Advice
An exercise routine should include exercises to enhance gluteus and shoulder muscles. This will help curve out the shape of the body. Also do whole body
Essential diet tips
- Make sure you include plenty of lean protein, like fish and turkey; complex carbs, such as wholegrain rice and pasta; and calcium-rich foods, like yoghurt and tofu in your diet.
- Avoid carbonated soft drinks and cut down on starchy foods like white rice and potatoes.
Essential exercise tips
- No activity is off limits for your shape, but abdominal and back exercises should be high priority.
- Three days a week of formal exercise with lots of rest in between is ideal level.
- It’s important to exercise intensely and really tax the muscles during each workout in order to achieve good muscle tone.
Rectangle
Your build is characterised by:
- Straight shoulder line
- Straight hips and bottom
- Very little waist definition
- Straight ribcage
Advice
Short fast bouts of cardiovascular exercises are recommended. High repetition resistance exercises may help tone and define shoulders, waist and hips.
Essential diet tips
- Eat a high protein diet to help muscle development. i.e fish, chicken, eggs and dairy products.
- Include RDA (recommended daily allowance) of omega 3 and 6, to help with joint suppleness during extra resistance training.
Essential exercise tips
- Upper body cardiovascular exercises will help define shoulders. Boxing training may help this as well as helping definition of the waist.
- Compound resistance training will help shape and strengthen of the middle part of the body.
- Exercises such as squats, deadlifts and pressing movements will help.
Apple
Your build is characterised by:
- Rounded shoulder line
- Curved back
- Fullness around the middle
- Flattish bottom
Advice
Apples shapes should concentrate their exercise regimes on cardio activities to bring the body back to proportion by reducing upper body mass, while core- strengthening exercises will help to trim the waist further.
Essential diet tips
- Eat a moderate amount of healthy fats found in grains and oils, as well as lots of fruit and vegetables.
- Replace brown-coloured whole grain foods with smaller quantities of white.
Essential exercise tips
- Do high reps with low resistance for the upper body and high reps with moderate resistance for the lower body.
- Best exercises include step and spinning classes, racquet sports, abdominal crunches, kick-boxing and skipping.
- Worst exercises include all upper body exercises that involve using heavy weights.
Pear
Your build is characterised by:
- Full hips or thighs
- A defined waist
- Shoulders that may slope and are narrower than your hips
- A top half that appears small
Advice
Doing cardiovascular exercises for quadriceps, hamstrings and gluteus for long durations will help. An example of this could be cycling or running. It would also help to do heavy resistance training on the upper body.
Essential diet tips
- Stick to foods that are low in fat – to avoid piling on the pounds – and high in calcium.
- Lower your salt intake to reduce water retention and cellulite in problem areas.
Essential exercise tips
- Use aerobic activities to slim your lower half and then strengthen the upper body with weights and resistance training.
- Best exercises include push-ups, chin-ups, leg lifts, jogging and dancing.
- Worst exercises include rollerblading, stepping and high resistance weights.
Neat hourglass
Your build is characterised by:
- A defined bust
- A defined waist
- A neat bottom
- Neat hips
Advice
Doing moderate to high intensity cardiovascular exercise will help tone the whole body. Carrying out resistance training at high reps and low weight will also help.
Essential diet tips
- Eat lean protein, such as skinless chicken breasts, and lots of leafy green vegetables, like spinach, broccoli and cabbage.
- Avoid foods high in sugar and limit your intake of eggs, dairy products and nuts.
Essential exercise tips
- Focus on losing weight and inches first with high reps and low resistance exercises, then slowly incorporate weights if you want.
- Best exercises for your shape include fast walking and slow jogging with no incline, jumping jacks, swimming for distance and stationary cycling with light resistance.
- Worst exercises include step and spin classes, leg presses and thigh machines on high resistance, weighted squats and lunges, and running or rollerblading on incline.
Full Hourglass
Your build is characterised by:
- A full bust
- A small waist
- A rounded bottom
- Rounded hips
Advice
To help fat burning do interval training or circuit training. This will help burn excess fat around the body.
Essential diet tips
- Eat lean protein, such as skinless chicken breasts, and lots of leafy green vegetables, like spinach, broccoli and cabbage.
- Include lots of antioxidants and minerals to help break down fats within the body.
Essential exercise tips
- Use interval training and circuit training to help burn fats and tone up the whole body.
- Include exercises that help strengthen both lower and upper back.
- Include toning exercises like light resistance training for the whole body.
Click here for more advice
Have a nice day,
Michaela
P.S: Net- a- porter is now available on Joy of Clothes
Friday, January 15th, 2010
Tags: 3.1 Phillip Lim, adidas by Stella McCartney, alexander Mc Queen, Alexander Wang, Anna Scholz, Apple body shape, Aubin & Wills, Boden, Body Shape, Bottega Veneta, Brian Atwood, Burberry, Christian Louboutin, Converse, Diane von Fuerstenberg, Dorothy Perkins, Faith, Fiorentini Baker, full hourglass body shape, Inverted triangle body shape, Issa, J Brand, Lanvin, lean column body shape, Marc Jacobs, Matches Fashion, Michael by Michael Kors, MiH Jeans, Miu Miu, neat hourglass body shape, net-a- porter, Pear body shape, Personal colouring, rectangle body shape, Sky, Stylebop, Topshop, Tory Burch, Vanessa Bruno, Vivienne Westwood
Posted in Apple Body Shape, Body Shape, Dresses, Full Hourglass Body Shape, Hot Pink, Inverted Triangle Body Shape, Jacket, Knitwear, Lean Column Body Shape, Leggins/Tights, Neat Hourglass Body Shape, Pear Body Shape, Power Shoulders, Purple, Rainy days, Rectangle Body Shape, Style Advice, Tops | No Comments »
Who would you give your vote when you were asked who had the most impact on fashion in the last decade and how we wear it today? I don’t mean who was best dressed in the last decade but women who’s personal styles and signature looks translated into trends, inspired us to follow their lead, who pushed the agenda by wearing clothes in a fresh, innovative, modern, new “kind of style”, or who were always true to their style by reflecting their understanding of dressing for their body shape, colouring, body features and “position but also kept it always current with fashion-simply being consistent and stylish.
This is Joy of Clothes list of women who we think had the most impact on fashion in the last decade and where we are and stand with their impact today in 2010. Each of them added their own uniqueness and personal interpretation of fashion and the rest is history! (The list is no particular order- each woman is equally important)
1. Kylie Minogue: Who brought back the ” the Disco fever” fashion trends. She is the ultimate ” Show Girl”!
She inspired the hoodie trends in dresses, brought back the-golden- pants ( her golden hotpants in her music video: ” Spinning around” reached iconic status”), the overknee boots and metallic look in clothes…just to point out a few. 2. The Queen: Who sets an example how to dress right to any occasion!
She knows what works for her shape, which colours look great for which occasion and she always reflects that her fashion is in the moment. Her style is simply consistent, stylish and always appropriate.
3. Helen Mirren: With her figure and look she can give many youngsters a run for their money!
She has shown over and over again that you can look great and stylish in your “silver years”. Fashion doesn’t stop when you are over 50! She put this age group back on to the fashion map. 4. Lilly Allen: who gave “dressy” dresses a make over by wearing them with trainers. And a new fashion trend was born.
This look become so iconic, that Lily Allen Simpsons character was displayed at the UK premiere of ‘The Simpsons Movie’ at The O2. Her uniqueness which shines in her talent, music and fashion sense didn’t go undetected. She is now Karl Lagerfeld’s and Chanel’s latest fashion muse.
5. Kate Moss: The Ever Rock Chic! She is always at the forefront of fashion- she is fashion.
Her effortless style is legendary. She has a talent of putting clothes with the right accessories together that gives its signature look and feel. Plus she has a golden hand picking the right fashion trends that have staying power. No wonder that Philip Green hired her for her own range at Topshop
6. Jennifer Aniston will be always remembered for ” The Rachel” hairstyle!
Nobody in the last 20ies has created such hair craze as her ” Rachel” hairstyle. The bouncy, layered, angled cut sent women running to their salons demanding “The Rachel”. Even after she grew out the “Friends Haircut”, Jennifer was still well known as a trend setter for hairstyles. 7. Diane von Fuerstenberg: A woman totally true to herself and that she translates into her clothes. “This ageing thing is really ridiculous. Sure, you don’t look the same, your waistline is different, your knees, but they are all souvenirs of living… I mean, if you are 75 with a young face, you are still 75.”
She is best known for introducing the knitted jersey “wrap dress” in 1973, an example of which, due to its important influence on women’s fashion, is in the collection of the Costume Institute of the Metropolitan Museum.The mission behind Diane von Furstenberg’s clothes is to celebrate women’s strength and confidence. Her clothes emphasize femininity and spirit with bright colored prints, and can be described as “timeless.”
8. Victoria Beckham: A wag turned into a Style Icon and on her way to become one of the most influential Fashion Icons of our time.
One of one of the world’s most photographed women surprised critics by designing super-luxe signature dresses. Elegantly sleek, rigorously tailored, fabulously nipped in at the waist and cut to calf-length to guarantee that chic appeal. 9.Michelle Obama: Her evolving style has the entire world hooked and made high street fashion look chic.
Michelle Obama’s evolving style has the entire world hooked. Her favourite fashion pieces are sleeveless dresses, belts, cardigans, pointed flats and brooches. Michelle Obama is the First Lady who mix matching high street with high end fashion. That makes her style fresh, modern and current and in terms of heightened fashion -biz buzz Michelle Obama is on her way to leaving a stylish fashion legacy.
10. Dita von Tesse: She brought back our fashion fascination with 1940s cinema and classic retro style.
She has been the inspiration for bringing back our loves for suspender belts, corsets, basques,stockings, luxurious lingerie and vintage to our lives. As a result tailored dresses for work and play are back in fashion, dressing up is cool again, looking like a lady is a winner and red lipstick become hot property again.
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Have a nice day,
Michaela
P.S:
Tuesday, January 5th, 2010
Tags: Body Shape, British Fashion Awards at Royal Courts of Justice, Clear Dominant Colour, Cool Dominant Colour, Deep Dominant Colour, Diane von Fuerstenberg, Dita von Tesse, H.M The Queen, Helen Mirren, Jennifer Aniston, Kate Moss, Kyle Minogue, Light Dominant Colour, Lily Allen, Personal colouring, signature look, Soft Dominant Colour, Style personality, Victoria Beckham, Warm Dominant Colour
Posted in Body Shape, Celebrities, Clear, Cool, Deep, Designer, Dominant Colour, Light, Soft, Uncategorized, Warm | No Comments »
Some women look always great no matter the size they are, they are ( almost always) happy, rarely get sick and are always fizzing with energy, they don’t gain weight or lose memory or they look . So what’s their secret?
“Mens sano in corpore sano”- (a healthy mind in a healthy body) is a famous Latin quotation, often translated as “A sound mind in a sound body.
Meaning in “fashion slang” when you feel good from the inside you look as well good from the outside! Knowing what looks good on you and what works for your body shape will give you piece of mind, confidence and make you feel good all around about yourself. Looking good from the outside will never make you feel good from the inside since insecurities over your look and state of mind don’t translate in this directions. This is a fact no matter which label you wear.
Every year it seems that the same Top Ten New Year resolutions crop up. Why? Because they are just so hard to keep! So, this year let’s try to make them count!
1. Accept what you can’t change
There is no point of dwelling I wish I would be taller, younger etc and loosing all the energy on the wrong factors. Accept who you are and what you are the quicker you become your friend and you can start to like you by finding things and features you love about yourself. If you don’t like your weight- this is in most cases- something you can change- then do ” walk the talk rather talk the walk”. Otherwise make the best out of your size since there are so many retailers out there who provide fashion options no matter the size you are.
2. Stop to shop until you drop
Buy clothes that only work for you, your life style and budget. Meaning stop buying clothes you never wear because they are the wrong size, you don’t have an occasion for them to wear or because they are too expensive for the salary you make. Fashion is only fun when you start to build a workable wardrobe that consists of having clothes that work for your bodyshape, colouring, proportion, the life style you are leading and that you can afford!
3. Be true too yourself
Also, buy only clothes that fit you in the moment- never get trapped of buying clothes in a smaller size because you have plans to shed pounds or because you are dieting. That concept never works because firstly you tend too loose always weight in a different way and places, secondly don’t reward yourself before you have achieved your endgoal. – the risk of slipping is too great and last not least once you bought the item in question most women loose their will power. So, better reward yourself for small achievement instead if you don’t want to spend a lot of money on clothes while you dieting.
4. Don’t get yourself in too much debt
Fashion is just not worth it! They are just things, which are not as long lasting as it takes to pay back your credit card. We all know this feeling ” I am dying to have that dress”, ” I just needed to have this bag” or ” Every penny spent on those shoes are worth it”…unfortunately all not true. It is not that once you satisfied yourself with that purchase you stop shopping for more. No, there will be another item that you need because it will look great with what you bought before….and that is how it goes one. Break out of the devil circle by building a workable wardrobe where you only buy what you need to update or replace. You will see you have much more of your clothes because you start to work them by wearing them rather building up clutter of clothes that don’t work with each other or won’t work for most occasions.
5. Declutter your wardrobe!
Everyone is different in their needs, but keep in mind that changes in your lifestyle will affect your working wardrobe. So, before you start of thinking of planning your wardrobe, assess your lifestyle and what you need to wear. Start with a wardrobe audit and go through your clothes piece by piece, assessing whether they are the right colour and if they are right for your body shape, proportion and scale.Clothes that you don’t wear and which only have sentimental value should be put away out of your workable wardrobe. So, make room for clothes that complement you and the way you live. It is so therapeutic as well to get rid of “the old you” and make way for the ” new you”.
6. Moderation is key for a balanced you!
Unfortunately most of us lead their lives in extremes at work or in our private lives or in the way we eat and drink. Either we work or party full on or we indulge ourselves without measures in food or/and drinks or we diet in excess. Therefore it shouldn’t come to us a surprise that such a life style doesn’t leave us damaged. Our body needs time to recover from work or play. So, build in some time to give your body and mind some time to recover and to reenergise. The same goes for eating and drinking. When you had a heavy night out skip a day or two with drinking or when having had a big dinner the night before eat healthy and in moderation the next day. You will feel better and look better rather worst to wear – no label in the world can and will change that.
7. Sleep, keep fit and eat well
Sleep will keep you balanced and calm, give you piece of mind, energise you and will help you to stay focus for the day. Plus it does wonder to your skin and digestion. Try to keep fit and to increase your activity by incorporating exercises into your daily routine e.g. using the stairs instead the lift, walking the kids to school, take the bicycle to work instead the car or get off 1 or 2 tube stop before your final destination. Why not keeping the same standard of high quality and labels in clothes as well in food? I never understood how some have high standards in clothes labels but none in food and opt for junk food or settle for bad quality in food. Eating bad food will show! There is no way of hiding no matter how much money you spend to try to hide it. So, do a U- turn and be good to your innerself by eating well, keeping fit and sleeping enough hours to feel energised, healthy and look your best.
8. Take some time out – take some ” me time”!
We all leading a busy life style, where it is many time difficult to carve out some time to yourself. But it is important to find time to yourself and for yourself! Get some “me time”, which means to every woman something different. It will make you feel calmer, balanced and happier when interacting with family, friends and the outside world.
9. Create your signature style and look- stop comparing yourself!
“Fashion is general. Style is individual.”
Edna Woolman Chase
Dressing with style takes strategy – you just can’t wear what you like. By using your clothing’s colour, details, fabric and fit, details, pattern, and proportion to lengthen, slim and direct attention to exactly where you want it (and away from the places you don’t), you will be able to create a look that is flattering and fits with your own style personality.
Play up to your strengths!
Since people do tend to form initial opinions from appearance, give them a taste of the real you. Make it to your business to use your clothes to showcase what’s most beautiful about you and add the personal touches that make a look your own, where you feel most comfortable with it.
Before buying new clothes or/and hitting the sales declutter your wardrobe from clothes you never wear. I know clothes can have an emotional attachment, but clothes that don’t fit your shape or your life style are just simply clutter, because they don’t do anything for you besides filling up useful and important wardrobe space. So, make room for clothes that complement you and the way you live. It is so therapeutic as well to get rid of “the old you” and make way for the “new you”.
10. Balance your blood sugar
When your blood is sugar is low, you feel tiered and hungry. If you refuel with fast- energy-releasing high -GL( glycaemic load) carbohydrates, you cause your blood sugar rise rapidly. Your body doesn’t need so much sugar, so it dumps the excess into storage as fat. Your blood sugar level lowers again, and you crave something sweet, or a pick me up such as a caffeinated drink ( and so the devil circle begins!) This is how you enter the vicious circle of yo-yoing blood sugar that leads to weight gain.
To balance your blood sugar, eat fewer fast -release foods (sweets, cakes, and biscuits) and more slow-release foods ( fresh fruit and vegetables, wholegrain carbohydrates) You also need to graze rather than gorge. Eat breakfast, lunch and supper – and introduce mid- morning and mi-afternoon snacks. This provides your body with an even supply of fuel. ( Adopted from The 10 secrets of 100% Healthy People by Patrick Holford, visit www.patrickholford.com )
All these 10 commandments are not rocket science but bullet proof for a better quality of life, which will be noticeable to you and everyone who knows you. They will help you to feel better about yourself and to become the best you can be.
- Last not least some “food for thought”
Drink lots of water!
Though water is free and everywhere available most of us don’t drink enough. You should drink at least 1 Liter a day. Not drinking enough makes you tiered and dries out your skin and joints. Plus it gives you headaches, reduces mental abilities and is a major cause for constipation. Some advice how to increase your water intake
- Have a glass of water when you get up
- Have a glass of water when drinking coffee or tea.
- Have a glass of water with each meal.
- Carry a bottle of water when leaving the house
- Always drink water when you have an alcoholic drink
Take some time out – take some ” me time”!
Have a nice day,
Michaela
Thursday, December 31st, 2009
Tags: Angelina Jolie, Body Shape, Dame Judi Dench, Diane von Fuerstenberg, Dolce & Gabbana, Edna Woolman Chase, Fergie, Jigsaw, Kate Hudson, Marion Cotillard, Marks & Spencer, Matches Fashion, My wardrobe, Nicole Kidman, Nine, Oasis, Patric Holford, Penelope Cruz, Personal colouring, signature look, Sportmax, Style personality, Stylebop, Topshop, Vivienne Westwood Anglomania, Working wardrobe
Posted in Celebrities, Style Personalities, Uncategorized | No Comments »
