Showing posts with label Fashion. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Fashion. Show all posts

Thursday 13 December 2012

The Secret to Wearing High Heels Without Pain

hotspot
That pain that you feel at the end of a long night-no, it's not a hangover and it's not exhaustion. We're talking about something worse-the pain that's caused by a seemingly evil and malicious pair of high heels.

Friday 21 September 2012

Wildest platform shoes of all time

feminine
One glance at these completely outrageous platform heels, and it's clear Lady Gaga was the inspiration. Shoe company United Nude designed these tailor-made pair of shoes as an ode to Gaga's "Fame" perfume ad campaign where miniature naked men scale her body.

Friday 31 August 2012

How to Wear the Hottest Jean Looks for Fall

feminine
One of the biggest questions I ask myself as a woman is how to sport all the hottest denim styles. There are just too many choices and it takes some fashion finesse to pull some of those looks off. Do I roll, tuck, or flare my way through the day? What should I do if my jeans sag at my knee? Should I cuff these boyfriend jeans with my stilettos? Should I just give up and buy jeggings? It'd be nice if we had a guide to wearing jeans, wouldn't it? Something like ... the best way to tuck jeans when you're wearing flats or the best way to roll denim.

Thursday 9 August 2012

Betsey Johnson Bounces Back from Bankruptcy with Affordable Clothing Line

feminine
It was a sad day in April when fashion designer Betsey Johnson filed for bankruptcy and announced most of her stores would close. We couldn't imagine a world without Johnson and her outrageous dresses … but now we don't have to.

Sunday 5 August 2012

How to Shop at an Outlet

feminine
Discovering a great designer piece at an outlet isn't just a matter of luck-there's strategy involved.

Friday 3 August 2012

Dazzling Colors for Your Body Shape

feminine
Rock a spark of color that can also flatter your body shape this summer.

Best Brights to Create Curves
Dare to bare seriously sexy curves in all-over lemon. Bright shades draw attention to wherever they're placed, so a straight and slender Ruler figures can fully embrace a light-reflecting shade wherever your body needs a little boost. Remember, bright colors amplify, lending a straight shape more contour.

Wednesday 25 July 2012

Not Just for Little Girls: Bow Trends to Try

feminine
If you asked me what's the one thing that can easily fix any bad hair day, my answer would be a bow. Not that I'm a frilly girly-girl, but there's something so cute and classic about a bow, I can't help myself. (It also happens to be one of the hottest trends around right now.) And a bow is more than just a hair accessory. You can put a bow on pretty much anything: shoes, dresses, jewelry.

Wednesday 27 June 2012

How to Wear a Crop Top Without Feeling Half Naked

hotspot
Crop tops are cropping up all over the place and I remember once rocking a look similar to this Forever 21 Crop Swing Tank many moons ago. Okay, I lied a little. Back then the style was half tops and high waisted jeans (and really BIG hair).

Thursday 14 June 2012

Dress Made of Wine

hotspot
We've heard red wine can benefit your health, but how about your closet? Researchers at The University of Western Australia have just discovered a way to make the beverage into clothing. The process is a lot easier than you'd think: the fabric actually creates itself without any weaving. Talk about futuristic fashion!

Scientist Gary Cass was inspired to create cellulose garments when he noticed a skin-like rubbery layer covering a vat of wine that was contaminated with Acetobacter bacteria (don't worry--it's non-hazardous and non-pathogenic). He worked together with artist Donna Franklin and used the bacteria to transform alcohol into a cellulose fabric by pouring and wrapping it against a mold or human body.

The resulting material clings to the body and is entirely seamless. The duo then successfully created fermented fashion made of red wine, white wine, and beers like Guinness, which all retain their natural odor and color. Apparently the fabric feels like sludge while it's wet and forming, but once it's dry the fitted material acts like a second skin. Since the clothing is made with living microbes, the creators have named the fabric Micro'be'.

The creators are first to admit there are some flaws to their design. The fabric lacks flexibility--clearly a big problem. How would you take these items on and off? How would they wear? Another dilemma: wearers may not enjoy smelling like an alcoholic beverage all day long. Cass and Franklin are currently working on these issues to make the fabric more commercial, and they're optimistic about their experimentation.

Even with these issues resolved, Micro'be' garments may take some getting used to. (We feel the fleshy appearance of red wine fabric looks like Lady Gaga's famous meat dress!) But there are many advantages to using the unique textile. The garments require no sewing, which means less labor and low production costs. Micro'be' is also eco-friendly, organic, and biodegradable. So while we don't see this material taking over the fashion industry just yet, we do think Cass and Franklin are on to something.

This isn't the first time clothing has been made out of consumable goods. Last year a German microbiology student created a fabric from milk, and many artists have crafted fashionable looks from fruits and vegetables.

Saturday 9 June 2012

Our desperate plea for normal heels

hotspot
I often write about the fashion that makes us sad, and lately the items that upset me the most are outrageous high heels. First off, I've never understood when women say "the higher the heel, the better."

Towering stilettos might look "sexier," but any shoe I can't easily walk several blocks in, stand for several hours in, or dance in is not being purchased by me. Perhaps high heels aren't meant to be practical, but these days it's difficult to find heels that are 3.5" or lower and don't make my feet feel instantly numb.

The other element that makes me a combination of confused, disgusted, angry, and bummed out is the absurd amount of embellishments on high heels. I share Coco Chanel's philosophy on accessorizing. She said, "Before you leave the house, look in the mirror and take one thing off." I wish all shoe designers would keep this concept in mind. So many current heels are adorned with zippers, buckles, studs, spikes, crystals, rosettes, animal prints, intertwining straps, platforms, and a random combination of four different materials like suede, patent leather, lizard-printed metallic leather, and calf hair.

Aside from the fact that I find these Frankenshoes are a complete eye sore, tracking down a more neutral heel that could go with any outfit has become increasingly difficult. (If someone else wants to wear these things, so be it, but how about some basic options for me?!) Also: the more embellishments the higher the price, or at least so it seems.

With all that in mind I bring you the latest best-selling heel: Christian Louboutin's 20th anniversary Isolde Spiked Patent-leather Sandals. They cost $3,995 and they're almost completely sold out (the black ones are gone on Net-a-Porter, but the gold version is available in very limited sizes at Barneys and ChristianLouboutin.com. In the past few weeks I've seen Jennifer Lopez, Victoria Beckham, Kim Kardashian, Cassie, Monica, and "Real Housewives" star Nene Leakes wearing these monstrosities.

I would not wear these if they were given to me for free. In fact, I'm convinced Christian Louboutin is playing a practical joke on everyone, seeing how ridiculous and expensive he can make each pair of shoes and laughing as celebrities willingly wear them in public.

I don't think every pair of shoes needs to be a basic black pump. I like polka dots. I like neon. I like metallics. I like small buckles and studs. I just don't like them all at once, and I'm starting to wonder if I am alone in this thought. I'm also hoping every day that a more minimalist style with a less treacherous heel height comes back into fashion. And soon.

Tuesday 22 May 2012

5 Fashion Rules You Should Break

hotspot
The other day, my roommate pulled out a pair of white jeans and asked, "Am I OK to wear these now, even though it's before Memorial Day?" I laughed, and then I realized she was serious. Does anyone still follow that old rule that white is only a summer color?

To me, it seems like there really aren't any fashion rules these days. With designers bringing wilder looks to the runway every season, I've seen everything from head-toe-denim to polka dots mixed with plaid. It made me wonder what other old-school fashion rules we're all breaking now. I came up with these five, but tell me, are there any I'm missing?

1: You cannot wear white after Labor Day.
After some extensive research -- OK, a few hours of googling -- I could not find the source of this outdated rule. Some say it started as early as the 1920s, while others swear it's a '60s style that developed from high-class resort wear. Wherever the idea came from, it's totally wrong. These days white can work for almost any season and any item of clothing.

2: You should only wear pastel colors for Easter.
Until lately, pastels were a color reserved for Easter dresses and baby clothes. But now you can find chic clothes in everything from mint to cotton candy pink. This summer, rather than boring neturals, try a sherbet yellow or blue. I promise, you won't look like an Easter egg.

3: You cannot pair denim with denim.
These days it's completely acceptable to pair a chambray top with your favorite pair of Levis. While you may want to skip the denim shoes and purse, this look is casually chic and perfect for a breezy summer day.

4: You must match your handbags and shoes.
Matching your purse with your pumps is one of the oldest rules in the book -- and probably the most outdated. Most of us don't have the time -- or the desire -- to constantly change our handbag based on our shoe choice. And most of the time when you do color coordinate it just looks too matchy-matchy. If you want to keep your accessories in-sync, just pick colors in the same family.

5: You cannot mix two different prints.
This is one rule that, until recently, even I was afraid to mess with. Prints are usually bold, so it seemed a little intense to wear two different styles in one outfit. However, by choosing subtler prints in complementing colors, you can easily mix together printed items from your closet. Just follow this guide to mixing and matching your prints - otherwise you might look like you got dressed in the dark.

Monday 23 April 2012

Cover-ups that take you from surf to turf

hotspot
Going to the beach should not require you to pack an entire change of clothing. You can still leave the beach covered and in style. All you need is a cover-up. There are plenty of beach cover-ups to choose from. However, you don't have to spend a fortune on one because you can find stylish cover-ups for less than $50.

The Cover-up Dress
It used to be that the cover-up dress was this large square of gauze-like fabric that came in either a floral print or solid primary color. Today's cover-up dresses are fun, flirty and sexy. With this season's print trend you can have your pick pretty florals, optical prints, checks, stripes or bohemian scarf prints. You have more styles of dress to choose from as well such as a maxi style, tank dress or a cute tunic dress like the Unity World Wear Kimono Dress Cover Up, $25 at JCPenney.

The Romper Cover-up
The word romper probably makes you think of a children's garment. Don't worry. The romper cover-ups of summer are suited for the 18 and over crowd. The romper is the perfect one-piece to cover up your sleeveless one-piece swimsuit and bandeau bikini like the Women's Striped Jersey Tuber Romper in Blue/White Stripe, $15 at Old Navy.

Cover-up Bottoms
While the cover-up dress and romper are stylish options, sometimes you may just want to pull on a pant, skirt or pair of shorts and go on with the rest of your day. The pant cover-up is a good place to start. Pant cover-ups tend to be on the loose side in a lightweight fabric like Ulla Popken's Cotton Gauze Pants, $39 at OneStopPlus.

Sometimes you still want to maintain the flirty or sexy look you had at the beach. Then a skirt cover-up may be right up your alley. Consider the Flirt Skirt Swim Fabric Cover Up, $49 at Athleta.

Perhaps you don't want to cover your legs completely but still want a little modesty. If this is you, then a pair of cute shorts may be the cover-up you need. Why not try the Torrid Black Side Cinch Shorts, $36.50 at OneStopPlus.

Which beach cover-up is more your style? Whether you prefer a dress, skirt, pants, shirts or romper you definitely will be covered in style this summer. As you can tell from style examples, you don't have to spend a lot of money on them either. Well, not unless you want to.

Monday 9 April 2012

Is the Bra-Top Trend Actually Wearable?

hotspot
That pretty much constitutes a complete, verbatim transcript of my thoughts upon first glimpsing the tops Miuccia Prada sent down her runway for spring. Don't get me wrong-I, like everyone else, loved the show.

As someone born and raised in New York City by a working mom who favored power suits in the '80s, I felt that Prada's parade played into the same lifelong '60s-suburban-housewife fantasy that has been on particularly high alert since season one of Mad Men. Those cool car coats. Those perfectly pleated skirts. Those chic clutches. And then, wham! Just as Miuccia and I were getting along, those tops threw me for a loop. They were so…cropped.

(Bandeaus, to be precise-but who's focusing on a missing strap or two when five key inches of stomach are exposed?) And Mrs. Prada wasn't the only one daring us to bare-some portion of the midriff was on display on the runways of Donna Karan, Nina Ricci, Proenza Schouler, and Jason Wu, too.

Miniskirts, backless dresses, plunging V-necks: We meet each of these skin-showing silhouettes on a sliding scale of reluctance, depending on our features and flaws (imagined or actual). At some point we've all found ourselves on the short end of the style stick-waiting out a trend, knowing the fashion tides will eventually turn in our favor (and biding our time until it's time to proudly exhibit our exquisite collarbone/biceps/knees). But no matter how slim or toned one's midsection may be, the notion of exposing it is, it's safe to say, universally terrifying. I'll wager you've never heard anyone-anyone-utter the words I'm so excited cropped tops are back!

What Made Crop Tops Popular Before
Which might be why they don't come back that often: The look was first popularized in the '60s by the likes of Sally Field's longboard-loving teenager on Gidget and Barbara Eden's gauzily dressed bombshell on I Dream of Jeannie.

Over the following decades, it morphed into various timely incarnations: the tied, man-tailored shirts and high-rise jeans of the '70s (Taxi Driver); the ripped T-shirts over leggings or lace ra-ra skirts of the '80s (Desperately Seeking Susan); the ubiquitous baby-doll tees of the '90s (Reality Bites). Come to think of it, with genies, slackers, and con artists as its spokespeople, it's no wonder the look hasn't caught on with more recent generations. Then, of course, you have the aughts' attempt to kill the look once and for all-or at least its runway potential-with Britney Spears' "I'm A Slave 4 U" sliver.

Why They're Actually Classier Than Ever
But this season's iteration, it's worth noting, is unlike any of its forebears. Paired with high-waisted skirts, ladylike cardigans, and dainty shorts, spring's crop of crops are downright classy; the best version to be served up in years, they have an actual shot of making it into the mainstream. And many of them expose a relatively modest swath of the body: a scant three to six inches of rib cage.

Why, then, did the sight of such a demure display provoke in me such an abrupt-and complete-rejection? I took this trend as a personal affront, with a reaction that reminded me of the excellent Seinfeld episode in which Elaine is so irked by the male attention her friend gets for going braless that she plots to sabotage her by buying her a bra for her birthday. The "gift" backfires; the friend wears the undergarment as a top-one so irresistible that Kramer, driving by, crashes his car. "The woman is walking around in broad daylight with just a bra on," Elaine seethes. "She's a menace to society!"

Like Elaine's busty buddy, the women trooping down Prada's runways were clearly in possession of something I do not have: serene confidence, an aplomb that seemed to shout, "Yes, my stomach is showing. What's the big deal?" I know, I know-they're models. But still, they were throwing down the style gauntlet. And I? Well, I responded to the challenge in a way that Prada probably never anticipated: by belting out karaoke in a seedy dive bar in the East Village. But before I get to that….

I Decide To Give It a Whirl
Most of us adhere to a very strict uniform, whether or not we're aware of it. I didn't notice my own limited wardrobe range until last winter, when a friend sent out an invitation to come to a party dressed as someone else on the guest list.

But apparently, based on what was widely agreed to be my friend's "dead-on" impression of me, my uniform consists of skinny jeans, ballet flats, and some variation of the boxy top, all in navys and blacks. I've long told myself that this ensemble is very model-off-duty, but if I were to dig deeper, it's also designed to divert attention, not attract it. In my defense, this look works; it's not bad, it's just exceedingly quiet. But the message was clear: I needed to change things up a bit. Why not start at the deep end?

I lined up my test-drive options. In terms of the season's offerings, all crops are not created equal. The spectrum ranges from the corset-style topper seen at Donna Karan (almost a shirt) to the unapologetic bra-as-daywear at Nina Ricci (look Mom, no shirt!).

I opted for Prada, which offered a midway point between these two poles. The solid black bandeau, in fact, on the premise that it would look somehow conservative (a thought which, in retrospect, was completely moot).

Putting It On
When it arrived at my desk, the top proved even smaller than I'd imagined. At two and a half inches-I measured!-it looked more like one of those cloth headbands one might wear to the gym (also, incidentally, a Prada favorite) than something one would use to cover an entire erogenous zone.

I waited until most of the office had cleared out for the day and tried it on in the ladies' room, along with a high-waisted pleated red Prada skirt. I had a lot riding on this supporting piece-namely, that it would somehow meet the bandeau completely, leaving a mere centimeter of flesh exposed.

No such luck. Yes, it covered those tricky lower abs, but it still left three inches of key real estate exposed. I realize that the fluorescent lights weren't doing me any favors, but cowering in my office bathroom, I looked like a derelict streaker on a rerun of Cops, with a censor's black bar across my chest. Leaving the stall-let alone the building-was unimaginable. But was I really going to be so easily defeated?

I Take the Crop Top Challenge
I needed a confidence boost stat-and I had just the way to get one. In the past, whenever a situation has called for a surge of courage, I have made a point of having my naturally unruly, wavy hair blown out. Graduations, weddings, job interviews-no joke-when I took my SATs. (No offense to empowered curly-hair wearers, but, for me, straight and sleek gets my head right.) So, with this challenge as well, I started at the top.

Next, I designated a wingman (no blow-out would get me out in a cropped top alone)-my trusty college-friend neighbor-and a location: our neighborhood bar. Mind you, I recently relocated to Manhattan's least cool neighborhood, Murray Hill. It's convenient and clean but devoid of all charm and chock-full of less-than-fashionable postgrads who don't know their Nina Ricci from their North Face.

Needless to say, this would be the first time that runway-fresh Prada would make an appearance in this social backwater, but what my experiment lacked in local color it would make up for in convenience: The bar was close enough to home to flee in case of a wardrobe malfunction or panic attack.

Straight-haired and as prepared as I could be, when darkness fell I donned my bandeau and my red skirt, plus sensible black pumps (an open-toe platform would have been preferable, but these were my one concession to winter). I also brought along something I'd never have worn this look without-but then, neither did the models at Prada-a cardigan. With its added coverage, only four square inches of midriff were exposed.

Not even out the door, I had already discovered one of the major drawbacks of this look: It makes sitting almost impossible. There's no pretty way to phrase it; no matter how one contorts oneself, skin inevitably rolls over a high waistband. The best you can do is sit up with yogic precision, as if, as they say on the mat, a string is pulling up your spine. Add to this the total mental focus it takes to keep from fidgeting in this state, and you're well on your way to a complete mind-body workout.

Undaunted, we walked into the bar and bellied up, so to speak. In truth, it took me some 20 minutes and one and a half glasses of wine to work up the nerve to actually remove my coat. I was paralyzed by the idea that the minute I took it off, everyone and everything would somehow come to a grinding, cinematic halt. But when it finally came time for the big reveal…nothing. No one turned around. I received nary an odd look-not a double take. Not a stare. If anything, the oddest thing about my appearance was my suspiciously (unsexily) ramrod-straight posture.

After about 15 minutes, the lack of attention ceased to be a relief and became an annoyance. What does a girl have to do to get noticed around here? Off came the cardigan. Still, nada. Eventually the bartender offered, "That's a neat shirt."

My Conclusion
And then it hit me: This look isn't inherently sexy. Most of the skin exposure involved is G-rated. The experience is far more about the wearer than the viewer, and in this regard it is pure Prada-the work of a designer who once wove tiny knives and forks into an evening gown, a woman whose mission is to provoke the mind as much as the libido. Had I been so caught up in the reaction of others that I'd totally missed the point?

Still, the accomplishment-if not the pleasure-of mastering it was, for me, proof that I could stomach showing my stomach. No small victory. And it did get me thinking. About all those meek blacks, navys, and grays in my wardrobe. About all the trends I'd sat out because I didn't like X or Y about myself.

A week later, I found myself singing karaoke with coworkers; sure, I was fully clothed, but I was doing something I'd never have had the courage to do pre-crop. In fact, I sang a set that included "C'mon 'N Ride It (The Train)" by Quad City DJ's with such wild abandon that I barely noticed when one of my cohorts pried the mic away from me at the end of my set and said, "Now let's give someone who can actually sing a turn."

Wednesday 28 March 2012

Get the Blues: 7 Ways to Wear Cobalt

hotspot
By: Michelle Horton
There are a lot of big color trends this year - Tangerine Tango orange (the official color of the year), mint green, bright neons, and soft pastels. I'm also seeing a lot of cobalt popping up in every single store and in every department. That could be because Pantone named Olympian Blue one of the hot colors for Fall 2012, yet stores are sneaking it in now for Spring and Summer. Stay ahead of the trend with one of these 10 bright blue picks.

1. OPI Blew My Mind
One of the easiest ways to jump on the blue trend is with a simple nail polish application. It adds a pop of bright color in an unexpected shade.

2. Women's Cap-Toe Canvas Ballet Flats
These trendy Old Navy shoes with just a toe touch of blue are selling for $22.94 online. I know my store has a few straggler sizes on clearance, so check your local Old Navy first.

3. Women's Jersey Maxi Skirt
Here's a classic spring style in a hot spring color -- and it's affordable, too.

4. Women's Color-Blocked Button-Tab Top
If you're a fan of the color-block trend spilling over from fall, this vibrant cobalt and light blue blue top is perfect.

5. Pintucked Shirt Dress
This classic, comfy style get a breath of fresh air in bright blue. This color looks great on everyone.

6. Sutton Cowl Tee
This flowy tee is an easy, flattering way to introduce cobalt into your wardrobe. It can pair with jeans or a skirt.

7. Marled Cable-Knit Cardigan
Here's a warm layer that will match just about anything. I love how it looks with other spring brights, like yellow.

Tuesday 20 March 2012

Style mistakes you don't know you're making

hotspot
Every once in a while we have to take a hard look at our fashion choices. Are we really wearing the right pieces for our body type? Do the current trends although deemed fashionable by reputable sources really work for us? Now that we’re happily turning our attention over to spring looks, let’s all make an honest assessment of the style mistakes we might be making without realizing it.

Since recognition is the first step, in this episode we highlight the most common sartorial transgressions. See if they apply to you and let us know. You know how you get in a routine--you eat lunch at the same place, take the same route to work. Sometimes the same thing happens with our fashion. We get used grabbing certain items out of our closet, but suddenly the slouchy sweater is really more frumpy than slouchy. The miniskirt is more mini than it should be. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:

1. Mixing too many trends
Staying current is a great idea, but make sure you’re not sampling every trend-of-the-moment simultaneously. Neon top + floral skirt + statement jewelry = overload. Stick with one or maybe two complementary trends at one time that are appropriate for your age and figure.

2. Wearing clothes that are too baggy
We all have days when we want to hide under a tent, but opting for baggy clothes can often make a person look bigger than they really are. Instead of hiding, select options that play up your positive assets (everyone has them!) and play down your less desirable areas. For example, if you’re self-conscious about your middle, skinny jeans that show off your legs and a flowy top will do the trick.

3. Wearing clothes that are too small
Sometimes you can technically still zip the zipper, but if your pants are bursting or your hemline is alarmingly high, you’re not doing yourself any favors. The same goes for a super tight, super short dress that you can squeeze into. Be realistic about your measurements--even if they are only temporary--and choose pieces that give you some room to breathe.

4. Using too much or too little detergent
We put so much effort into selecting our clothes, why throw it all away by not taking good care of them? One common issue is not using the right amount of detergent in the wash. An easy solution is to use new Tide Pods—which contain the right amount of detergent, stain remover and brighter in one. Throw one in and you’re done.

5. Ruining a great look with the wrong coat
I’m afraid I’m guilty of this one too often. If you’re wearing an elegant gown or cocktail dress, a hooded military jacket is not the appropriate accompaniment. It’s like a great cake with the wrong frosting. A waste! Invest in a satin-blend trench or slim silk blazer.

6. Wearing nude stockings
Kate Middleton is the only person who can get away with this—and that’s because she is a duchess who will someday be a queen. It’s hard to know what to wear when it’s too cold to go without anything on our legs but it’s too warm for tights. Still, skin-colored pantyhose are never a good option. Stick with light colored patterned or textured tights until summer arrives. Or make it a pants day.

Monday 12 March 2012

Scoop, V, Crew. Which Neckline is Right?

hotspot
Who knew that switching up your neckline could enhance your best features? Or that considering body type and shape could guide you to the most flattering style? Marissa Rubin, Senior Market Editor of PEOPLE StyleWatch, gives GalTime the "scoop" on which neckline is right for you!

Scoopneck:
Scoopnecks can be deep, rounded u-necks, or squared off into boatneck styles. These necklines add definition, fullness, and volume to the top, which is great for pear-shaped body types.
Broader, wider necks help balance a smaller top half with a larger bottom, and can also camouflage broad shoulders. These styles also emphasize your curves!

Cowlneck:
A cowlneck has a turtleneck-style opening that adds interest with the addition of fold-over fabric. Like the scoopneck, this style is also great for adding volume to the chest...the extra fabric gathers over the bust as it hangs!

Cowlnecks are great for narrow, boyish-frame body types because they balance out the bust-line while drawing attention to the face, neck, and collarbone!

Crewneck:
Crewnecks circle closely around the neck. If you want to cover or shorten your neck, a narrow crew is the style to look for! Though the least "open" compared to other neckline options, the crewneck emphasizes larger bust lines. Look for crews that fall just below the clavicle, and skim your body, to flatter your curves!

V-neck:
A v-neck is the most universally flattering style because it elongates the neck. It has an open neckline, drawing the eye downward to a point, which is great for preventing hourglass figures from looking top-heavy.

V-necks can be deep or shallow, depending on your preference. Wide, fitted v-necks are great for showing off a tiny waistline, while open, boyfriend v-necks highlight the neckline without clinging to your chest.
hotspot

Monday 5 March 2012

Stripes Don't Make You "Fat"

hotspot
Ever heard that horizontal stripes will add a few inches to your waistline? This common fashion maxim may not be sage advice. A new study by YouBeauty Attraction Expert Viren Swami, Ph.D., finds that horizontal stripes aren't so bad after all.

In the study, a woman in cahoots with the researchers pretended to be a participant while wearing a dress with either horizontal stripes, vertical stripes or no stripes (her dress was white every time and the stripes were navy blue). Later, the real participants rated her body size.

Turns out, they rated her a little bit heavier when she was wearing horizontal stripes-but the difference was barely noticeable. "People should probably not worry too much about wearing vertical or horizontal stripes," says Swami. "They don't make much of a difference to perceived height and weight."

Our fashion expert agrees.
"Rules are meant to be broken, especially fashion rules," says YouBeauty Style Expert Sam Saboura. "It's all about owning your look. No one will argue with anyone who looks and feels good in what she's wearing."

He suggests six ways to wear your stripes this spring:
Match your body size.
"Keep the size of the stripe in line with the size of your body," says Saboura. If you're tall or full-figured, then you can wear bigger, wider stripes. Petite women should stick to small stripes that are closer together and women with a medium build should wear-you guessed it-medium stripes. "That's going to create a lot of balance," he explains. Fuller-figured women often shy away from stripes, but no need. "Look for a chevron (v-shaped) stripe to call attention to the center line of your body."

Layer your look.
"Use stripes as an element of your outfit instead of the entire look," suggests Saboura. Try a striped t-shirt under a solid-color blazer or cardigan, which "helps break up the impact of the stripes."

Keep it lean.
"Whatever part of your body is the leanest is where you want to put the stripes," explains Saboura. For example, triangles should focus their stripes up top, while inverted triangles can try a striped short or pant. Height matters too: "Petite women want to wear small, monochromatic stripes on the upper half of the body," he says, "but tall women can get away with murder when it comes to stripes." (By murder, we mean a maxi dress.)

Dress up.
"I happen to love a striped dress for summer," says Saboura. Try a mini dress or jumper and "throw your favorite jacket over it or add a pop of really bright color." A bold shoe, clutch, necklace or colored blazer can draw some attention and keep the stripes from overpowering your look.

Accessorize with stripes.
"Play with where you use the stripe," suggests Saboura. A striped shoe or handbag can spice up an outfit, or you can take a really simple outfit and throw a striped jacket over it. "If you're really afraid of the trend," he says, "try a striped scarf instead."

Play with color.
"Monochromatic stripes will keep the look leaner and less noticeable," he explains. Try black on gray for a more urban, less summer-in-Nantucket kind of look. "I also love wearing a stripe with a bright-colored denim," he says. Try pairing a striped tank or top with a colored skinny jean or short-short.

Saturday 25 February 2012

Levis "Curve" ads stir controversy: Where are the curves?

hotspot
When it comes to selling clothes, size matters. A campaign for Levis Curve ID Jeans was banking on it, until it backfired.

The line of customized shape-fitting denims boasts in a print ad, "hotness comes in all shapes and sizes." But underneath that message of empowerment, are three models with very similar, slender body types. Aside from slight differences in backside protrusions, none of the models reflect the size 14 shape of the average American woman.

Copyranter, an advertising watchdog blog that posted the magazine ad Wednesday, called it an insult to women size six and over.

"The company doesn't seem to understand what 'different' means," added Jezebel's Anna North. "See, 'hotness comes in all shapes and sizes,' as long as those shapes are minute variations on the same thin, ponytailed woman."

In a call to Levis, a spokesperson told Shine that particular ad is actually from last year. Their latest campaign takes into account the heaping dose of criticism from bloggers since the first ads launched in 2010. ("If you put the words 'Bold Curve' next to a woman, I expect her to have, um, bold curves and preferably legs that don't look like toothpicks," activist Shelby Knox wrote of one of the first Curve ID ads.)

In fact the most recent ads for Curve ID, launched last week, plays down the word "curve" and play up the toothpicks. More street art than self-help, the look of the new campaign for the 'Ankle Skinny' Curve ID jeans, buries the curves behind six long slim legs. It's hard to tell any difference at all between the three body types presented because of the way they're posing, but it's safe to say nobody's a size 14.

"By no means is the advertising representative of all women's body types across the globe," Levis rep Ibby Clifford tells Shine, adding that a more diverse gallery of "real women" exists on their Facebook page.

Levis' Curve ID brand concept attempts to eliminate the physical torment as well as the psychological baggage of buying jeans. That's probably why the campaign has historically taken so much heat, compared to every other jeans ad with a skinny model. While the line features a wide range of sizes, the focus is on the curvature of four different body types: Slight, Demi, Bold and the more recent, Supreme. The Starbucks-inspired naming convention is designed to take the stigma out of jeans sizes and celebrate the curvier figure. But ever since the line launched in 2010, its ad campaigns have struggled to portray real body types in print.

It's not the first to apparel brand to stumble while promoting equal opportunity designs. American Apparel incited critics last year when it announced a plus size modeling contest to promote their new XL line.

While advertisers struggle with the demand for larger sizes, merchandisers are embracing it. The Limited launched an entire online shopping site last year for, Eloquii, their line for women sizes 14w and over. In the UK, size 12 mannequins are storming department stores. Displaysense, one of the biggest suppliers for clothing chains, has seen a 16 percent increase in requests for curvier mannequins.

In the past year, Levis has had so much success with their Curve ID line, they've expanded the range of cuts and styles, notably adding a larger shape option called Supreme, "designed to solve the fit frustrations of the curviest women."

Despite the wider variety of sizes in stores, one size still fits magazines-and it's too small for a growing number of critics. Still, even those critical of Levis' Curve ID promotions, seem to like the actual jeans. "They've made some nicely fitting jeans, albeit jeans that still fit squarely into a body-oppressive paradigm," confesses My Body Image's Taylor Owen. "I'll admit, I bought two pairs."

Sunday 12 February 2012

Fashion's newness coming from old-school Hollywood

hotspot
(AP) — Marlene Dietrich is having a moment. The runways of New York Fashion Week are paying homage to the late star's sultry, glamorous but sometimes slightly mannish style. On the second of eight days of previews for next season, Friday's newness largely came from this old-school Hollywood star.

Dietrich's "balance of smoldering femininity and masculine garb was the starting point for the mood," explained Peter Som in his notes for editors, stylists and retailers. His collection was filled with modest-yet body-conscious silhouettes. A top look was the peek-a-boo effect of slim sheaths and pencil skirts covered with a glossy organza that often extended the hemline or covered the arms.

"She, like Katharine Hepburn, wore pants but still looked like a woman. She wore menswear and androgynous style with a sexiness," said Catherine Moellering, executive vice president of The Tobe Report, a trend-tracking service.

Jason Wu said in a pre-show interview that he aimed to interpret different elements of historical Chinese fashion through the lens of Dietrich's 1932 film "Shanghai Express."
"I don't need to say any more about Marlene Dietrich, or that time and place. It all has such strong features," Wu said.

Dietrich also was an inspiration for Tadashi Shoji, who previewed his looks Thursday. And Rag & Bone, showing Friday, took inspiration from Asian culture, while Yigal Azrouel used tailoring to give structure to the looser silhouette that also seems to be emerging this week as a trend.
Here are some of the looks shown Friday.

JASON WU
Jason Wu has been considered a strong up-and-comer since Michelle Obama wore a gown by the then-barely known designer to the presidential inaugural balls in 2008. A Target deal put a limited collection in stores earlier this month, and Wu's confidence was evident in a dramatic show that was also highly personal, with Chinese-influenced styles inspired partly by a trip 18 months ago to Taiwan, where he grew up.

The runway show had studded fortress doors, billowing smoke and a theatrical finale. The clothes tapped into Chinese military uniforms with Mao jackets, grommets, strong shoulders and capes, with the best look in the show opener: a green coat with attached cape and black lace. Tassels, embroideries and brocades drew on ornate costumes worn by empresses, with references to 1930s and '40s Hollywood, where traditional Chinese dress was reinterpreted in movies like Marlene Dietrich's "Shanghai Express."

The result? Puffy jackets in glitzy brocade. The lingering look from this collection, though, is likely the finale: a black wool jacket with epaulets and mink trim covered in crystal embroidery paired with a black skirt etched with fabric through a process known as devore.

PETER SOM
Peter Som's fall collection had below-the-knee hemlines, covered sleeves and wrap-style coats. It felt very modern and sexy — never dowdy — thanks to Som's creative use of sheer fabrics, especially a glossy organza that topped pencil skirts and slim sheaths. He showed awareness of a woman's body while never clinging to it. He used architectural shapes and clean lines to draw attention to the waist and a woman's curves, but that added layer — whether it was the organza or a peplum — gave her a little freedom.

"Masculine and feminine, hard and soft, textured and smooth," he described in his notes at the show held at Milk Studios, New York Fashion Week's main rival location to the Lincoln Center tents. Som said he "wanted to convey a sense of strength and beauty" inspired by Marlene Dietrich and Katharine Hepburn.

Luxury has become a signature of Som, but this season he did it more with soft leathers, cozy cashmere and silk instead of exotic furs and feathers. There were a few fox coats that were colored as if they were lipstick graffiti. Otherwise, though, the palette was very uptown: winter white, camel, emerald green and plum.

KATE SPADE NEW YORK
Kate Spade New York offered a playful shoutout to Paris with styles in maraschino red, aqua and forest green, huge polka dots and graphic prints. Creative director Deborah Lloyd matched the walls at the brand's show in a black dress adorned with French script reading "Toutes les filles sont folles," or "All the girls are crazy." She perched her models on columns in a downtown space, inspired by gardens near the Palais-Royal in Paris and the columns in its famous courtyard. "The last time I was there, all these cute girls were being statues on columns," she said.

She went oh so French with a cobalt blue button-up swing coat adorned with a large matching bow at the neck, and a column skirt with large dots in two shades of blue and a girlie bow at the waist.

Lloyd carried a dreamy, watercolor flower pattern from a full, pleated jumper into tops and cardigans. Her "joie de vivre" embracing Paris and the fashionable women who live there also showed up in a pattern adorned with colored drawings of the women themselves, including one holding a lit cigarette. "There's definitely a French, flirtatious feeling to this collection," Lloyd said.

RAG & BONE
British-born Rag & Bone designers David Neville and Marcus Wainwright started with English mainstays, including tweeds, tails and jackets fit for military officers. But a recent trip to India also got them thinking about former British colonies and the traditional dress in those mostly Asian places, they explained backstage before the show.

On the runway there were folded skirts — a particularly nice one done in walnut-colored leather — that was paired with a polo-neck T-shirt and a high-neck, below-the-hip raj jacket, and draped, low-slung dhoti pants with a striped wool biker tailcoat.

The tapestry-style brocade outfits, jazzed up with flashes of silver and copper, were dressier than garments typical of Rag & Bone.

YIGAL AZROUEL
One of the dominant looks emerging this fashion week that Yigal Azrouel did well was the idea of a looser silhouette while still giving structure with tailoring. There was definitely nothing frilly or flouncy in his pieces, which were seasonal with what he called a bit of "cold minimalism."

He favored cashmere and silk, with hints of leather and fur, with a standout winter-white wool hooded pullover top paired with skinny trousers, and a lovely light tan gabardine dress with architectural lines. A cable-knit sweater dress seemed perfect for the chilly weather evoked by the line.

He embraced the use of soft, supple leather, another emerging must-have item, and a mostly neutral color palette with pops of emerald green and shades of purple and burgundy.
hotspot

Thursday 9 February 2012

7 Best Valentine's Day Looks

hotspot
I don't care what all of you "It's a Hallmark holiday" people have to say: I love Valentine's Day. I love that my boyfriend "surprises" me with a dozen red roses and a nice gift (he's a keeper -- I once received one of these worst Valentine's Day gifts ever.) I love that I get to indulge in chocolate guilt-free all day long. And I love dressing up.

Something like this is perfect if you've got a date lined up, and this dress will score you all kinds of compliments if you're going out with the girls. Planning to hit the couch and re-watch "The Bachelor" episodes you've got stashed on your DVR (and yes, that was me just a couple years ago)? This great lounge-around outfit will make you feel cute.

If you haven't decided how you're going to spend the 14th yet, that's okay. Here are some of my front runners:

Key to My Heart
"This look is a good choice for Valentine's Day because it's flirty, vintage, and there's even a little heart lock on my red purse! The mint skirt is from H&M, the scarf and sweater are my mom's (vintage), and the bag is from Forever 21. This works for a nice evening walk before heading out to eat with some friends." -- Michelle, Mod Fox
hotspot
Wear it yourself tip: If you don't want to be too literal on Valentine's Day, stay away from a full outfit of pink and red. Instead aim for just one classic V-day element, like the heart on Michelle's bag.

Velvet Inspiration
"This style is very romantic. The main reason is the sweater with cute little roses on it and the red (the color of love) skirt. The necklace gives it a little nostalgic mood. I was wearing this look when I had a romantic brunch with my boyfriend. As for the clothes, the beanie is from Volcom, skirt and sweater from American Apparel, shoes from Primark, and necklace from Accessorize." -- Anna, Teenage Dreams
hotspot
Wear it yourself tip: If you love this outfit but want to amp up the sex appeal, simply remove the beanie and stockings, and add a strappy heel.

Red Hot
"Red is the color of love. The sexy sweetheart cut of this dress makes this outfit a surefire hit on Valentine's Day, especially if you're part of a couple. The dress is from Windsor, the bag is from Zara, and the heels are Michael Antonio." -- Kryz Uy, Kryz Uy
hotspot
Wear it yourself tip: Don't skimp on accessories! Kryz turns a basic red dress into a very sexy outfit just by adding a few gold touches. Here she's wearing earrings, a bracelet, ring, and clutch. At the same time, it's important to know when to stop accessorizing. If Kryz added a necklace, it would border on overkill.

Shape of My Heart
"This dress is from Amourette by Amie Mai, and it's SO Valentine's Day. Sometimes, you don't want to wear your heart on your sleeve, so just wear it on your back instead." -- Jess, Jess Loves Fred
hotspot
Wear it yourself tip: Jess' dress is great for a day to night look. At work, she can cover the cutout with a great cardigan, but take it off to reveal the super sweet heart cutout at night.

Tough Love
"This look is very nice for Valentine's Day if you're the type of girl who enjoys a casual meal, going to the movies, or grabbing a cup of coffee. You have the red from the sweater, but also an edgy touch with the leather shorts (if you have a very cold winter, try leather pants). I got these leather shorts from Forever 21. And the necklace will attract everyone's attention up toward your face." -- Adriana, Fake Leather
hotspot
Wear it yourself tip: Not into leather? Why not swap leather pants for a black legging? You'll get the same tight, black look for a fraction of the price. And if you love the shine of the leather, many companies make pleather leggings as well as cotton.

Lounging Lover
"This year Valentine's Day will be spent at home, relaxing and pampering myself the whole day through. So for my outfit, I went for maximum comfort with a little Valentine's Day flair. The heart shirt was a DIY, the skirt I thrifted, and of course, no shoes for a Lebowski level of laziness." -- Samantha, My Latest Obsession
hotspot
Wear it yourself tip: If you want to make your own heart T-shirt, Sam has her entire DIY instructions here.

A Sea of Prints
You don't have to wear a heart to show your romantic side. This Valentine's Day outfit by Mayo from Mellow Mayoness is a mixture of textures, prints, and shapes -- perfect for a BFF brunch or a casual night out.
hotspot
Wear it yourself tip: Don't want to wear a bright red dress for V-day? Play with separates. Each piece doesn't have to be too matchy-matchy. Simply stick with items in the same color family, but with varying hues, to create a monochromatic look.