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Sunday 14 December 2008

Fashion Boutique

Fashion Boutique of the 60's


British Fashion, 2nd March 1967





Carnaby Street, London 23rd May 1964


Mary Quant was one of the first designers to open up to the world her ideas on a hanger in the fashion industry when she opened up her boutique Bazaar in 1955 on London Kings Road. The sixties symbolised liberalism and freedom of expression. Fashion designers were now experimenting and breaking the classical mould of the use of material now trying various textiles to achieve innovating shapes, patterns, colours and most of all the imagination to think outside the box. Below are a number of Fashion designers that helped to shaped and influence the fashion styles you see in the high street. There are so many not mentioned but the designers below give a broad spectrum of innovation that is still evolving through our present designers and new designers that are emerging worldwide. Fashion has reached to globally thanks to the media and TV portal, and with this we are privileged to know more designers that have been inspirational of the 21st century. With this insight we know have a global event of fashion shows from Europe, United States, Banana Republic to the United Kingdom. We have models that are now reaching epic proportions and all because of the power of the press. You know not only have the catwalk queen for best model; you have face of the year, movies, endorsements, advertisements, shopping mall shows and sponsorship deals. The life of the model is in healthy hands. But unfortunately life on the high street for the Boutique has almost lost its very meaning, the same boutiques that today’s fashion shops have based themselves upon.
The Boutique represented the specialization of elite and fashionable items such as clothing and jewelry, one-of-a-kind but more generally speaking. Instead the majority of these elite shops have succumbed to the mass market selling of generic catwalk copies. This was a place that you could measure yourself in a stylish sense of the latest trend. We have the talented designers the ideas, but not the high street portal to showcase the styles in fashion that everyone benchmarked them with, the Boutique. We want our place of distinction back; we don’t want to find these fashion pieces of art clustered in the store of mass market production on the high street in well known stores that are selling them in the very same style of a boutique. They just pepper dust designers work of art all about the shop floor and make out as though they were produced by themselves. The next time you browse around the shop store, notice how many fashion designer names there are, you will be surprised.

Counterculture
Although distinct countercultural undercurrents have existed in many societies from time to time, here the term "counterculture" refers to a more significant, visible phenomenon that reaches critical mass, flowers and persists for a period of time. A countercultural movement expresses the ethos, aspirations, and dreams of a specific population during an era.
As with any counter culture revolution, it normally flowers with the youth and eventually blossoms to the social mainstream with such innovative effect. The coming counter culture evolution is something in society that was simmering in the background detected but not given any credence.
We are talking about a change that was once voluntary in the concept of thought amongst people but is now becoming more apparent with the media coverage around the world of events and scientific updates warning of the planets decline attributed by the worlds over use of consumerism and manufacturing. We have the atmosphere ozone damage, climate changes, mineral resources shortages, energy resources declining, textile materials diminishing.


Ecology movement

The global ecology movement is based upon environmental protection, and is one of several new social movements that emerged at the end of the sixties. As a values-driven social movement, it should be distinguished from the pre-existing science of ecology.
Ecology is the scientific study of the distribution and abundance of life and the interactions between organisms and their natural environment. The environment of an organism includes physical properties, which can be described as the sum of local abiotic factors such as insolation (sunlight), climate, and geology, and biotic ecosystem, which includes other organisms that share its habitat.
The word "ecology" is often used more loosely in such terms as social ecology and deep ecology and in common parlance as a synonym for the natural environment or environmentalism. Likewise "ecologic" or "ecological" is often taken in the sense of environmentally friendly.
The term ecology or oekologie was coined by the German biologist Ernst Haeckel in 1866, when he defined it as "the comprehensive science of the relationship of the organism to the environment. Haeckel did not elaborate on the concept, and the first significant textbook on the subject (together with the first university course) was written by the Danish botanist, Eugenius Warming. For this early work, Warming is often identified as the founder of ecology.
This is going to the way forward in the fashion industry as it will come to a point when resources will diminish so bad, the only course will be to embrace the new age of organic textiles.

Future cultural mainstream fashion
 
Clothes and textiles - Organic textiles
Replacing cotton with organic textiles is slowly being marketed by the likes of UK Soil Association. Other Clothing items can be manufactured:-
It's not just cotton – organic leather jackets and sheepskin rugs are available, and you can even knit your own jumpers using organic wool. Find suppliers in the Organic Directory.
The Soil Association has formed an organic directory that lists a category of textiles and companies certified by them.


Fashion Designer Bio’s
 

Prue Acton


Born 1943 – Australia (Benalla, Victoria) Fashion Designer Prue a central figure in the Australian fashion industry for thirty years, established a fashion design in the 1963 in Flinders lane, Melbourne. Acton's repertoire of styles and design elements have included: 'gangster' pants suit; the baby vamp; the mini skirt; pintucked baby doll; the cat suit; the romantic look; capes; leatherwear; hardware (chains, brass buttons, studs); the pants dress; culottes; battle jackets; peasant style; cut-outs, the wet look; the maxi; the tunic top; the coat dress; fun faux fur; the midi; delta style; poncho; the layered look; bib and braces; gaucho; animal prints; little knitted tops; cropped jackets; Beardsley-influenced prints; the tartar look; the tapestry look; mix and match; pinafore pants; hotpants; brickie knickers; patchwork suede’s.

Ossie Clark








Ossie Clark was a fashion designer who was famous for outrageous designs for the rich and famous mainly in the 1970’s but started as a leading figure in the Swinging Sixties in London. Ossie is now famous for his vintage designs, the contemporary fashion era being characterised by past influences and a retro feel.
Today, Ossie Clark vintage clothing is highly collectible where many of his dresses fetch hundreds of pounds and he is the celebrity’s choice when it comes to wearing vintage fashion.



Mary Quant



Mary Quant was one of the designers who took acclamation for the creation of the miniskirt and hot pants. Born to Welsh parents, Quant studied at Goldsmiths College before taking a job with a couture milliner. She is also famous for her outstanding work on pop art in fashion. In the modern climate Mary Quant no longer designs clothes but her unique style is instantly recognisable by vintage enthusiasts throughout the world because of the unique “daisy” insignia that adorns her range of clothing.



Vivienne Westwood









Vivienne Westwood is a fashion designer famous for introducing modern punk and new wave fashions into the high street during the 1970s. She is associated with the Sex Pistols through Malcolm McLaren and their popular boutique on Kings Road, Chelsea during the 1970s which had a wide range of loud, erotic and punk fashion and of course some stunning platform shoe. Now a political activists she still designs for a more mainstream audience and her brand is readily available via her chain of boutiques - but you can still see her unique style which is why vintage lovers’ crave for her originals.


Biba - Barbara Hulanick

Biba was an inspirational and popular fashion boutique in the 1960s and 1970s. Under founder Barbara Hulanicki the brand of Biba revolutionised consumer fashion by lowering prices so that trend followers could afford the latest cutting designs of the era. In 1975 Biba went under but the Art Deco influenced fashion house was re-introduced in May, 2006 but it is the early pieces of vintage clothes that fetch hundreds of pounds at auction today.

Jean Varon (John Bates)


 
John Bates is perhaps the most under rated of all the important British fashion designers. Working in the golden age of the “boutiques” in the 60s John Bates designed under another name - Jean Varon and under this label Bates contributed a wide range of youthful designs to the 60s and 70s fashion picture. Bates is best known for designing black leather costumes for Diana Rigg in the role of Emma Peel in the British TV series The Avengers.


Pierre Cardin



Pierre Cardin was born on July 7, 1922, near Venice, Italy, to the parents of French origin. His father was a wine maker and was preparing his son to take over the family trade.
Young Cardin was fond of ballet and theatre, he was dreaming of an acting career, and was also fascinated with the beauty of costumes and stage designs. In 1936, at the age of 14, he started as a tailor's assistant. In 1945 Cardin moved to Paris, France. There he studied architecture and worked with Paquin, then with Schiaparelli. In 1945 Cardin met Jean Cocteau and Christian Berard with whom he made numerous costumes and masks for several films, such as 'Beauty and the Beast' (1946). In 1947 he began to work for 'Christian Dior'. In 1950 Cardin created his own fashion house on Rue Richepanse in Paris.


Andre Courrèges



Courrèges, André, 1923–, French fashion designer whose designs were especially popular and influential during the 1960s. He worked for the couturier Cristóbal Balenciaga from 1950 to 1961, when he opened his own house. Often using white, Courréges created space-age, unisex styles and is known for dresses and trouser suits featuring straight, flat lines and sheer tops that sometimes sported cut-outs.
He is often credited with the invention of the miniskirt, which he frequently paired with shiny white boots. He later experimented with such looks as “gladiator” and ethnic outfits.

Foal & Tuffin




Marion Foal


Sally Tuffin

After graduating from Walthamstow Art School, friends Marion Foale and Sally Tuffin studied at the Royal College of Art under Janey Ironside, then head of the diploma course in fashion design. Determined not to make 'elderly clothes' for an established manufacturer, they set up their own business in 1961. Under the Foale and Tuffin label they created a range of bright, fun dresses, skirts and tops, which they sold through department stores and their shop in Carnaby Street. They were among the first to experiment with making women's trousers into flattering, sexy garments.Sally Tuffin is now a ceramicist, and Marion Foale designs knitwear


Emilio Pucci




Emilio Pucci (Marchese Emilio Pucci di Barsento), 1914-92, Italian fashion designer. After establishing showrooms in Florence, Capri, and Rome, he began his signature look with elegant sportswear, especially ski outfits. He created his own multicoloured printed fabrics with geometric and organic patterns for use mainly on thin silk blouses and women's shirts. He used brilliant colours in silks, bulky knit sweaters, underclothes, scarves, and towels. His designs included accessories, perfumes, and objects Nina Ricci Couture house in 1950 became famous for his use of bold patterns, and brilliant colour. He became a member of the Italian parliament in 1965.


Nina Ricci



Italian by birth (born in Turin Italy, 1883) and French by upbringing (moved to France in 1900), Nina Ricci founded her company in 1932 when she was 49 years old. Together with her son Robert, they started in a one-room atelier wherein in 7 years, the business had expanded to occupy 3 buildings. Nina Ricci started as an apprentice dressmaker at 14 in Paris. When she was 18, she was already designing and selling her creations to other fashion houses. Her genius does not lie in making something revolutionary, but more on making the female form more feminine. Leaning on haute couture during that time, Nina Ricci is a master of draping and can make a dress very special to her wealthy client by adding something special in the detailing for the wearer that makes the dress her own. There is always ease of movement in her clothes, yet keeping its femininity. In short, it was the woman wearing it that made the clothes.

Paco Rabanne



Rabanedacuervo is a fashion designer who was born on 18 February 1934 in Saint Sebastian of the Basque Country of Spain. He fled Spain for France with his mother when the Spanish Civil War broke out. He originally had an architect's education but became known as the enfant terrible of French fashion world in the 1960s. Brief introduction on the history of fashion design and designers Fashion design is the art dedicated to the creation of wearing apparel and lifestyle.

Yves Saint Laurent



The Past and the Present Fashion Designer Yves Saint Laurent was born 1936 in Oran, Algeria. After winning first prize in the International Wool Secretariat contest for his asymmetrical cocktail dress in 1954, Saint Laurent went immediately to work for Christian Dior. Saint Laurent became Haute Couture designer when Dior died in 1957. He introduced the trapeze dress in his first collection for Dior in 1958. He was replaced by Mark Bohen in 1960, when he fulfilled his military obligations. Afterwards, he opened his own couture house, financed by Pierre Berge, in 1962. The Rive Gauche boutiques for women were established in 1966, and men's wear was added in 1974. His CEO is still Pierre Berge, volatile critic of the Chambre Syndicale. His muse has been Catherine Deneuve for many years. Saint Laurent frequently uses ethnic themes in his garments, as well as bright colours contrasted with black. His day clothes have a slightly masculine flavour, and his luxurious evening wear is tinged with fantasy. He is famous for "Le Smoking" tuxedo jacket, see-through blouses (1968), peasant blouses, bolero jackets, pantsuits, and smocks. Although a shy person, Saint Laurent believes he is the last true couturier. He maintains the highest standards of classic cut and tailoring, and he receives a standing ovation after every collection is presented.

Roger Vivier



Roger Vivier was a French fashion designer born in 1913, who specialized in shoes. He died in 1998. His best known creation was the Stiletto heel. He designed extravagant richly-decorated shoes that he described as sculptures. He is credited with the invention of the stiletto heel by using a thin rod of steel encased in wood or plastic to support the wearer's weight. He has been called the "Fragonard of the shoe" and his shoes "the Faberge of footwear" by critics.
Ava Gardner, Gloria Guinness, Queen Elizabeth II and The Beatles were all Vivier customers.



Carla Zampatti


Born in Italy, Carla settled with her family in Australia in 1950. In 1965, she produced her first small collection for Zampatti Pty Limited, followed two years later by a national launch, and in 1970, by the establishment of Carla Zampatti Limited, a label that was to become a by-word for beautiful clothes, which combine Australian creativity with Italian style. Over the years, she has continually expanded her retail network to create a chain of 30 Carla Zampatti boutiques and concept stores across Australia. Today her clothes are a distinctive part of the modern Australian lifestyle.

Bob Schulz



His ready-to-wear designs were all the rage in American stores, from Bloomingdale's and Bendel's in New York to Neiman Marcus of Dallas. In 1967, Women's Wear Daily described Schulz as looking like "a young Kirk Douglas – and his clothes look terribly right... typical of the new wave of London designers combining classic good tailoring with a young mood". In London, during the Swinging Sixties, Schulz’s designs were ubiquitous, always wearable and feminine and refreshingly free of gimmickry. He enjoyed a huge success in the UK with Young Jaeger, the line he pioneered and ran from 1959 until 1965, when he accepted an irresistible offer from the Milan store La Rinascente and moved to Italy for several years.



SovaCollection Fashion Boutique



Tuesday 9 December 2008

Organic cosmetics - is it organic?



The market for natural and organic cosmetics has exploded in recent years, helped by the rising ranks of "green" consumers who are ready to pay a premium for environmentally friendly goods. Or, at least, goods that they perceive to be environmentally friendly: growth in this niche market has been driven by consumer concerns "over the perceived harmful effects of man-made chemicals rather than a desire to support the organic farming industry.

With this urgency of changing lifestyle and the way we use food and cosmetics; Consumers are haphazardly changing their buying habits with cosmetics. Changing to organic cosmetic products, which in itself is fantastic to know that contribution to the environment of saving and using products that are less demanding to our resources is good.
But so many people are not researching enough into an un-tested arena of products relatively new to the market, in some cases untested. This makes the need even more important for people to be extra vigilant in choosing products and to read and know what they are buying into.

With the emphasis on "green living" became an increasingly hot issue, makers of products are pushing natural and ethical claims as a way to differentiate their goods; Cosmetics design Europe, According to preliminary research from Organic Monitor, the European market for natural and organic cosmetics is continuing to grow as consumers seek out products that are ‘chemically-clean’ as well as having eco-friendly qualities.

Large retailers, like Wal-Mart Stores in the United States, or Tesco in Britain, have all started their own lines branded as natural and organic, competing with established cosmetic brands like Estée Lauder and Kiehl's. Consumers can buy almost any toiletry in an organic form, from body scrub and face cleanser to lip balm and shampoo.

Yet the labeling of "organic and natural" cosmetics is virtually unregulated by governments, leaving consumers to rely on industry self-regulation. Some companies have adopted private certification rules developed by groups like the French organic certifier Ecocert, the Soil Association in Britain and the recently established Oasis, or Organic and Sustainable Industry Standards, in the United States.

So what you have is a confusing worldwide separate body governing their own country, but globally everyone is confused as to what consensus agreement to have as regards to an agreed formula for what constitutes as Organic in the industry.
Made from organic means no hydrogenation, sulfation or synthetic preservation of ingredients are allowed, nor are any petrochemicals allowed, and 70 percent organic content is required. Now to a lot of people that is not what they are looking for, when it comes to information. Consumers what to know what is bad for them and to know how do I know the product I am looking at is genuine organic?

There is a growing concern that inadequate regulation of the personal care industry "is going to destroy consumer confidence in the integrity of the organic program, which is essentially a 'truth in advertising' labeling program."

Cosmetics Toxic Ingredients
Instead of simply relying on labels that read “organic,” you should look at the label and choose products that contain few or no artificial fragrances or other unwanted items. If you need to do research on the ingredients in your cosmetics to make sure you are making a wise decision, Information can be obtained of the latest reviews into the safety and progress of the use of organic products.
The cosmetic, toiletry and fragrance association is now the personal care products council


Toxic Cosmetics
The skin is the largest organ of the body. It is our most important immune defence barrier and our largest organ for eliminating waste. Substances applied to the skin can get absorbed into the blood stream. Some experts say that up to 60% of substances applied to the skin can be absorbed into the blood stream.
Many of the skincare products on the market call themselves natural but they are actually full of chemicals. Skincare products only need 1% of natural ingredients to call themselves natural! It is a misleading marketing trick but it sells and it is not illegal.
There are thousands of petroleum based chemicals used in the cosmetics industry - mineral oils and mineral emulsifiers, artificial colours, perfumes and preservatives. Many of them are highly toxic and they can cause all kinds of health problems. Some of them can be absorbed into the skin and even into the blood stream. They can cause all kinds of health problems such as respiratory problems, skin rashes, premature ageing, headaches, cancer etc.
The following is a list of some of the nasty ingredients to watch out for.
Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS)
Sodium Laureth Sufate
Ammonium Laureth Sulphate (family of SLS)
Aluminium
Animal fat
DEA, MEA, TEA
Dioxins
Elastin
Formaldehyde
Fragrance
Flourocarbons
Mineral Oil
Petrolatum
Padimate-0
Imidazolidiny, Urea and DMDM Hydantoin
PVP/VA Copolymer
Synthetic Colours
Propylene Glycol - Used in antifreeze and also used in caustic spray-on oven cleaners
Fragrance on a label can indicate the presence of up to four thousand separate ingredients, many toxic or carcinogenic.
Symptoms reported to the USA FDA include headaches, dizziness, allergic rashes, skin discoloration, violent coughing and vomiting, and skin irritation. Clinical observation proves fragrances can affect the central nervous system, causing depression, hyperactivity, and irritability.
Mineral Oils, Emulsifiers and Waxes
Mineral oils are detrimental to the skin, they coat the skin like plastic, interfering with the bodies healthy functioning, blocking pores and inhibiting the skins ability to eliminate toxins. Some of them sit on the surface of the skin, clogging the pores and making germs more likely to get in and toxins less likely to get out of your body. Mineral oils do not give any nourishment to the skin because they do not contain fatty acids and therefore have no affinity with the skin and cannot be absorbed by the skin.

Ingredients in some products

1. Antibacterial Overuse of antibacterial can prevent them from effectively fighting disease-causing germs like E. coli and Salmonella enterica. Triclosan, widely used in soaps, toothpastes and deodorants, has been detected in breast milk, and one recent study found that it interferes with testosterone activity in cells. Numerous studies have found that washing with regular soap and warm water is just as effective at killing germs.

2. Coal Tar Coal tar is a known human carcinogen used as an active ingredient in dandruff shampoos and anti-itch creams. Coal-tar-based dyes such as FD&C Blue 1, used in toothpastes, and FD&C Green 3, used in mouthwash, have been found to be carcinogenic in animal studies when injected under skin.

3. Diethanolamine (DEA) DEA is a possible hormone disruptor, has shown limited evidence of carcinogenicity and depletes the body of choline needed for fetal brain development. DEA can also show up as a contaminant in products containing related chemicals, such as cocamide DEA.
4. Dioxane is a known animal carcinogen and a possible human carcinogen that can appear as a contaminant in products containing sodium laureth sulfate and ingredients that include the terms "PEG," "-xynol," "ceteareth," "oleth" and most other ethoxylated "eth" ingredients. The FDA monitors products for the contaminant but has not yet recommended an exposure limit. Manufacturers can remove dioxane through a process called vacuum stripping, but a small amount usually remains. A 2007 survey by the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics found that most children's bath products contain 10 parts per million or less, but an earlier 2001 survey by the FDA found levels in excess of 85 parts per million.
5. Formaldehyde Formaldehyde has a long list of adverse health effects, including immune-system toxicity, respiratory irritation and cancer in humans. Yet it still turns up in baby bath soap, nail polish, and eyelash adhesive and hair dyes as a contaminant or break-down product of diazolidinyl urea, imidazolidinyl urea and quaternium compounds.
6. Fragrance The catchall term "fragrance" may mask phthalates, which act as endocrine disruptors and may cause obesity and reproductive and developmental harm. Avoid phthalates by selecting essential-oil fragrances instead.
7. Lead and Mercury Neurotoxic lead may appear in products as a naturally occurring contaminant of hydrated silica, one of the ingredients in toothpaste, and lead acetate is found in some brands of men's hair dye. Brain-damaging mercury, found in the preservative thimerosol, is used in some mascara.
8. Nanoparticles Tiny nanoparticles, which may penetrate the skin and damage brain cells, are appearing in an increasing number of cosmetics and sunscreens. Most problematic are zinc oxide and titanium dioxide nanoparticles, used in sunscreens to make them transparent. When possible, look for sunscreens containing particles of these ingredients larger than 100 nanometers. You'll most likely need to call companies to confirm sizes, but a few manufacturers have started advertising their lack of nanoparticle-sized ingredients on labels.
9. Parabens (methyl-, ethyl-, propyl-, butyl-, isobutyl-) Parabens, which have weak estrogenic effects, are common preservatives that appear in a wide array of toiletries. A study found that butyl paraben damaged sperm formation in the testes of mice, and a relative, sodium methylparaben, is banned in cosmetics by the E.U. Parabens break down in the body into p-hydroxybenzoic acid, which has estrogenic activity in human breast-cancer cell cultures.
10. Petroleum Distillates Possible human carcinogens, petroleum distillates are prohibited or restricted for use in cosmetics in the E.U. but are found in several U.S. brands of mascara, foot-odour powder and other products. Look out for the terms "petroleum" or "liquid paraffin."
11. P-Phenylenediamine Commonly found in hair dyes, this chemical can damage the nervous system, cause lung irritation and cause severe allergic reactions. It's also listed as 1, 4-Benzenediamine; p-Phenyldiamine and 4-Phenylenediamine.
12. HydroquinoneFound in skin lighteners and facial moisturizers, hydroquinone is neurotoxic and allergenic, and there's limited evidence that it may cause cancer in lab animals. It may also appear as an impurity not listed on ingredients labels.

Organic Cosmetics Governing Bodies
To be called 'organic' a product has to be certified as having met the criteria set by the organic-certifying body of the country it is produced in. Unfortunately, there is currently no international standard and so each country independently decides its own criteria for defining 'organic'.
However, one European certification organisation, ECOCERT, is now recognised in 70 countries. Here in the UK organic certification is given by the Soil Association, which has the most comprehensive organic standards worldwide for health and beauty products.
The Soil Association launched its standards for health and beauty products in 2002 and now certifies a wide range of companies and products to the standards. The standards were launched in response to companies that were making organic beauty products that wanted independent verification that was geared towards these types of products, and also in response to consumers who wanted to know which products truly were organic.
Representatives of UK, Europe & USECOCERT - France
OASIS – USA
SOIL Association – UK
Cosmetic organic standard- Europe
At last: decision on European natural cosmetics standard
It took several years of negotiations to reconcile all the interests of the important labellers of natural cosmetics in Europe but, since 3 November 2008, the new European guidelines for certified natural cosmetics have been on the internet, and they will come into force in January 2009. The new standard will make it possible to compare products, and the conditions for international trade will be improved. Passing the guidelines has brought to an end an intensive round of many discussions by the certification organisations Ecocert (France), the Soil Association (Great Britain), AIAB/ICEA (Italy), Ekogarantie (Belgium) and BDIH (Germany).
www.sovacollection.com

Sunday 2 November 2008

Look slimmer change your hairstyle

GET THE RIGHT HAIR STYLE FOR YOUR FACE

Going to the hairdresser can be a nerve-wracking experience, especially if you aren’t' sure what you want. Ease your nerves by doing some research ahead of time, browse women's magazines or the internet for examples of the style you're looking for, and don't be afraid to bring a few pictures into the salon with you. Sharing these pictures with the hairdresser will give him or her visual idea of what type of cut you're interested in.
The Fringe Bang

Want to make your fuller face look slimmer? Most hairstylists will tell you a slimming hairstyle can change your whole appearance dramatically. Here are a set of hair tips that do the trick: Layers, Wavy or Loose Curls, Relax or Straighten Curls, Don’t Cut above the Chin, Sweep Your Bangs to the Side, Get Highlights.

Look at current magazines and find a new hairstyle that will fit the new you. Have you heard the word about fringe? It’s the newest way make any haircut unique. Forget those old, blunt cut bangs, today’s fringes frame your face, cut out a curve, add softness to look or make a bold fashion statement.

The best fringe hairstyles are cut with a razor when hair is dry. This permits the ultimate in customizing, for a business hairstyle, small, individual pieces are razor to frame your eyes and blend into the sides.

If you like a more high-fashion approach, super-thick chunky fringe and even ones cut to two different length and tinted two-tones are the way to go. To choose the best fringe hairstyle for you, consult with your hair stylist.
 
Before you do study below get to know what your face shape is and how to make the most of how you look.





Know Your Face Type


ROUND FACE
Soft, choppy styles such as layers cut around the cheeks work better for round faces than pin-straight, flat or sleek styles do. Layers that fall just around the cheekbones will shade them and cause the face to look narrower. Volume on top of the crown will create a domed look that adds height and thus elongates the roundness of the face.




LONG FACE
Typical for a long face is a long and narrow bone structure. Women with a long facial shape frequently have a long thin neck also. With a long face shape you will need short to medium length hairstyles. A wedge hairstyle is a good idea. Use fringe bangs to cover your forehead and thus make your face look less long. You need some fullness at the sides to make it look wider. Use curls or soft waves. Layered haircuts work well with these face shape. Avoid long hairdos as it would make your face look even longer. Hair longer than shoulder length will not look good at all.




SQUARE FACE
Square faces need to avoid short crops, symmetry, or anything geometric which will enhance your face shape; instead, go for soft curves which will soften the severity of the square jaw line. If you can get a slightly voluminous point at the crown, this will also detract from the square outline. Light, wispy, see-through bangs can also soften the features. Stay away from blunt cuts and hard, sleek lines as these will exaggerate the square shape. A cut with soft curves, slight fringe bangs would be best for this face type.

HEART-SHAPED FACE
Faces that is narrow at the bottom and wide at the top need a cut that hides the hairline with graduated bangs and a choppy style that flips out on the ends. When the hair turns outwards rather than inwards, it equalizes the shape by giving volume around the narrow bottom of the face. If, on the other hand, your face is an upside-down heart (narrow at the top, heavier at the jaw) make sure there is fullness at the top of the head instead to balance out the chin.

DIAMOND – SHAPED FACE
Shape widest at the cheekbones, & narrow equally at the forehead & jaw line. A diamond face shape can also carry any style.



OVAL – SHAPED FACE
Curve linear shape. Length is equal to one and a half times width, with forehead and jaw the same width. So think of the oval face shape as an egg.



TRIANGLE – SHAPED FACE
A dominant jaw line that tapers or narrows toward the cheekbones & temples. A triangle face is similar to a heart shape, but with corners & angles. You can match the angles of your face for impact or counterbalance them for softness. Avoid necklaces that end with a point.


TipAs mentioned you will really need to get all the information from magazines and internet site pictures, to give you a better picture of what will suit your face shape. Of course you will be delving in the unknown as some of you have over the years stayed faithful to what you have been used to, so doing this may feel foreign. But hey let’s make some changes and inject a sense of adventure to enhance you as a women and to compliment your new change clothing style.




Women What you think about your body

Whether pear or apple-shaped, short or statuesque, post-childbirth sloppy or plain fed up of feeling everything's heading south, what counts more than how you're built is how you present yourself.

No matter what's in style, knowing what looks good on you can be the difference between fabulous and frumpy. Do you lunge for the newest fashion, run out to get the hottest trend? It's great to be fashionable, but sometimes there's a fine line between fashionista and fashion victim.
Instead of obsessing over the weight that won’t go away, with strategic dressing you can learn how to make friends with your body again, with the right clothes. Learn the clever art of 'illusion' dressing - project the positive and your negative bits will look less in comparison.
Good bust? Emphasise it, great legs? Show them off, the same applies for every key body zone.
Good Foundations - Ditch those skimpy g-strings and non-complimentary bras - they make wobbly bits worse. At least 50% of women wear the wrong bra size. In contrast, well-fitting underwear give any woman va-voom, controlled curves.
Be happy in your skin and enjoy being a woman whatever shape you're in. Chances are if you give the impression your figures fabulous, others will think so, too!

Curvy: There are many patterns that can camouflage weight a rule of thumb is that if you are curvy, you'll want to wear one bigger, bolder print.
If you want to minimize curves, hips and thighs, stay away from pants that are tapered or slim.

Petite: If you are petite, bigger prints can overwhelm you, so go with smaller prints and patterns.
Wear V-neck shirts; the open neckline makes your neck appear longer, and you'll appear taller. Avoid horizontal stripes. Vertical lines such as pinstripes will give the illusion of being taller or thinner.

Tall: Wide-leg slouchy trousers or jeans look best on taller individuals, and they're a great way to accentuate your waist to appear slimmer.
Accessories
This can make or break an outfit. They can turn a drab trouser suit into something enviable; they can turn a drab T-shirt and jeans into the hottest outfit at a get together. Start with shoes to make a great impact. Heels can do wonders for many. If you want to add height, try wedges and if you want to make your ankles look lean, avoid ankle straps on shoes as those will cut you off in the wrong place.

Just because ankle straps can make your ankles look chunky doesn't mean you should simply give up and throw on a pair of boots. Be careful with boots if you are concerned about your calves. Wear tall boots that end just below the bend of the knee. Never wear boots that cut you off mid-calf.

Remember, a great pair of shoes isn't the only way to kick an outfit into high gear.
Buy accessories, such as handbags that coordinate with your height and size. If you're petite, the oversized clutch may overwhelm you; go for the trendy 'day clutch.

If you are taller or curvy, the midsized to oversized clutch can balance you out. Wearing dark colours or monochromatic colour schemes in any colour can camouflage your weight. However, if you want to avoid looking boring, you need to break it up with some fun accessories.

Wearing wrong size clothing 85% of women wear wrong size clothing?
It’s true, there are so many negative body images that we all buy into from the fashion world, film industry and pop music industry and in time we start believing that this is how we should look!

With every season that goes by we are bombarded with the latest must-haves and we rush out and buy them without thinking are they right for my body shape, life style and personality?
How many times have we rushed out to buy something we've seen in a magazine, only to get it home, try it on and thought Why don’t I look like that picture in the magazine? And why doesn’t it compliment my body?

Fashion magazines may be full of waif-like models with fragile, stick thin limbs and bodies as flat as boards; women are actually designed to have curves. Its natural, its feminine, it’s sexy and most men (88%) say that they prefer curvy women to those with a ‘perfect body’. The question is what is the perfect body?

When it comes to looking good, it’s NOT your size or shape that matters, it’s the FIT of your clothes. Really understanding your shape will make shopping much easier. Wearing the right size clothes is not about following the latest fashion or fads; it’s about choosing what actually suits your own personality and style and what makes you feel comfortable and confident.

How you look does affect how you feel about yourself, your performance in life and how others' perceive you. The old saying ‘not to judge by its cover’ may be true, but in retrospective, ‘you never get a second chance to make a first impression’ always sticks in people’s minds.

You've probably seen at least a few people wearing too-tight clothing that reveals every imperfection on those areas that would best remain hidden -- hello, Lycra bike shorts! You probably don't want to emulate that look if you want to dress to impress.

You will need to stay away from clingy jersey-knit dresses and tops that show every dimple and bulge. Choosing fabrics that are heavier in weight or lined would be much better. If you are in love with a semi-sheer dress or one without a liner, consider getting a throwback to yesteryear: the old faithful slip. One of the most important things to remember when it comes to style is maintaining a posture.

Feeling confident about what you're wearing is the most important fashion tip out there. If you feel good about what you have on, it will show in your attitude and smile, and that is really all that matters.

To help with posture, you are advised to invest in a good, supportive bra.
Finding a bra that fits and one that is ill-fitting can make the difference between good and poor posture, confidence and insecurity, well-fitting clothing or a dishevelled look. That (correctly fitted bra) alone can make you look 10 pounds thinner.

Wearing the wrong size bra?
Thousands of women are wearing the wrong size bra. A woman's bust size changes over time due to such things as lifestyle, pregnancy, age and monthly cycle. It's a natural variation but many women take none of this into consideration and continue buying and wearing the same size bra for years.

Bras can also stretch by as much as 4 inches across the back over as little time as 9-12 months so what was the perfect fit then, may well be nowhere near the perfect fit now!
The bra should feel comfortable to your taste and be matched to your activity level and lifestyle. Here are some tips to help you understand the way a bra fit can be determined rightly or wrongly.

Right fitted size bra
A properly fitted bra should feel snug around the ribcage, anchored to the body just below the shoulder blades.
The band should be level front to back and should not ride up or dig.
The shoulder straps should be secure but comfortable as most of the support should come from the band.
The cup should be filled but not overflowing.
The underwire should encircle the breast, resting firmly against the ribcage and the center of the bra should be between the breasts.
The underwire should never rest on top of sensitive breast tissue and should stay in place when your arms are raised.

Wrongly fitted size bra – too small / large
Bra straps/sides digging into the shoulders/rib cage. (Too small)
Red marks, chaffing and indentations (Too small)
The breasts are bulging out of the top or bottom of the bra. (Too small)
Abnormal back ache or shoulder pains (Too small/large)
Bra rides up at the back (Too large)
Straps keep slipping off (Too large)
Front panel standing away from the chest cavity (too small/large)

Tip
Take a look at the way you measure your cup size from the link below:-

How to measure your bra size

You need to know what works for your age which will save a lot of trouble when shopping for clothes. Most college students don't want to dress like a middle-aged woman; most middle-aged women should avoid dressing like a teen, even if they are in great shape and look good for their age.

Here are some suggestions on what you should and should not wear, based on your age:

20s & 30s: You're young enough to pull off almost any trend, so go for it, as long as you're comfortable in it and you don't find yourself tugging at it to make it fit you.

40s & 50s: Go for the classics that will last you season after season, like a great statement coat. It's time to invest in fabulous handbags and shoes that show off your personal style.

60s & Up: Keep your look polished with classics, but don't be afraid to throw in some bold colour and metallic extras.

Posture

STOP SLOUCHING!
Most People Have Poor Posture. Posture is more than just the alignment of your body. It gives signs about your attitude on life and yourself!
Bad posture can make you look insecure, depressed and uncomfortable. When You Stand Tall and Erect, you show that you are; Confident, Stylish, Comfortable, Cool with Yourself

GOOD posture can make you look at least 5-10 pounds slimmer INSTANTLY!
So Stand Up Straight!

Tip:
All day today be aware of your posture. Walk around like you are a supermodel and believe it!

STATISTICS INFORMATION REPORT BY FABULOUS MAGAZINE
What Men Say
We asked which female celebrity has the best body
40% say Kelly Brook
15% say Myleene Klass
1% rate Kate Moss as having the best celeb body – so curves win again!
38% estimate the average size of a British woman - answer size 14 – it’s actually size 16!
58% of men say they are happy with their partner’s body and wouldn’t want them to lose or gain weight
77% of men say yes when asked whether they wish women were more body confident
So, take it from the men, that the majority of them love you just the way you are – but you have to love yourselves too. The message coming loud and clear is: “You’ve got it, so flaunt it!”

WE ASKED MEN:
If you could change one part of your partner’s body, what would it be? Answers were -
“I’d give her bigger hips for a curvy hourglass figure”
“Slimmer thighs – but only because that would make her happier, and I want her to be happy”
“I wouldn’t change my girlfriend. She’s perfect”
“Nothing everything works, she’s happy with it, I’m happy with it, why change?”

WHAT WOMEN SAY
Hurrah for curves
We asked whose body you admire most:
26% voted for TV presenter Myleene Klass
22% picked curvy Kelly Brook
15% went for supermodel Gisele Bündchen
And what do they all have, girls? Yep, great boobs! PS: Nobody voted for skinny supermodel-of-the-moment Agyness Deyn, or curvy singer Beth Ditto.
56% of women say their breasts are the most attractive part of their body
45% say their stomach is the part of their body they like the least
21% constantly worry about their weight
55% worry their partner isn’t attracted to them because of their body
56% would consider having cosmetic surgery – 41% want liposuction
32% say their ideal dress size is an 8
Vital statistics
10st 1lb: the average weight of a fabulous reader
79% of you want to lose weight
37% of you want to lose 1-7lb

Final Message
The secret to all this is knowing your body shape, dressing to hide the parts that you don’t like and showing off your best parts. In a recent ‘Which Report’ it was discovered that clothes can vary up to 4 inches in shops.
85% of women wear the wrong size clothes
81% of women own sexy underwear, less than 30% of women wear them
68% of women hate their thighs
73% of women obsess about their body’s everyday
60% of women say the media pressures them to look good
The national average for a woman’s waist is in fact 34 inches!

It is important to embrace who you are and love your flaws. It is not about age Fashion or expensive clothing: it is about understanding what suits your body shape, your personality and lifestyle. Applying that insight will help you achieve your goals personally and professionally.

Loving and knowing you, whatever size you are its the key to life fulfillment.
You are Important, Fabulous and Valuable, Don’t EVER Forget That!

Until you break the circle of self pity and putting yourself down, all you will do is attract what you don’t want, that is misery and more self pity, which equals sadness and self worthlessness about yourself. I want women to start at ground zero and begin by being honest with yourself and to love yourself for you are.

I believe ALL women are beautiful, and with the right clothes you can also exude self confidence and self esteem. It may also include changing your lifestyle – eating healthily and exercise. Many people believe the term ‘Real Women’ refers to plus size women. In fact I believe the exact description of a real woman is as follows:

She comes in all shapes and sizes
She walks the mile
She makes you smile
She takes chances
She has flaws
She embraces life
She is Phenomenal
She is Adventurous

Ladies get out there and make the changes for you, it’s all about attraction!






www.sovacollection.com

Sunday 3 August 2008

Define Fashionista




Trying to define what fashionista means is the wrong way to learn about its definition. Learning what people’s perception of the phrase is more beneficial. It at least gives a starting point. Samples of this I have captured, not to categorize but to be more informative of what some people think of the term fashionista.

“A person devoted to fashion clothing particularly unique or high fashion”
“A person not to be called a fashionista would be someone who obsessively follows trends”
“REAL fashionistas do not believe in trends, that type of person would be more correctly labelled a fashion whore or a shallow bitch”
What is your definition of a fashionista? I know there will be a dictionary definition but what is your interpretation?

“To me it is someone who makes her or his own style from the fashion available without just buying what is hot”
It’s actually the one who cares about style, doesn't matter if he/she is in fashion or not, but he/she is working mostly on that like even for her/his style. Or I can call her/him stylish/smart.
This list goes on and on, and to cap it all you even have a dictionary, aka urban dictionary, which also translates to something but means something else. Then there is a dictionary word break down and meaning. [ -ista<>]

Fashion Terms
Fashion terms of the 60’s at its height

Way out – Something so far out there, it’s almost unbelievable
Far out - Cool
Groovy – very pleasing, wonderful
Hip / with it - Aware of what's going on Knowledgeable.” I’m hip to what's happening." Something cool or groovy, "Those are the hippest love beads I've ever seen!"
Before that what Granny would have called it “the very latest thing my deer”

Fashion Terms
Modern Day

Fashion - the currently accepted, prevailing style. (Vogue is defined the same way.)
Fad - a fashion that suddenly bursts into popularity
Style - a characteristic or distinctive form of dress that exists independent of fashion (hippie, gothic, cowboy)
Classic - a fashion that retains general acceptance over an extended period of time
Design - a specific version of a style
Avant-garde - ahead of its time, comes straight off the runway

So where is this taking us? I have tried countless paths and felt I was travelling on a roundabout, finishing right back where I started. I did find another definition which gave a better clue as to what fashionista means.

A fashionista is a complimentary term used to describe an avid follower of fashion one working in or deeply involved with the high-fashion industry ( haute-couture – the creation of exclusive fashions), such as a fashion designer, fashion model, photographer, buyer, fashion writer, or wearer; a devotee to clothing trends and fashion.

So where is this taking us you might ask? Taking a trip back in time, the sixties was baptised as the period of Popular Arts (Pop Arts), which encapsulated great change in society due to the aftermath of the second world war, depravation, shortage of material, textiles, housing shortages, the start of another war Vietnam and all the upheavals that transcended the events of this period.

Such a great change, whether induced by war or natural change in society, there is always a visual record of this change, depicted perfectly by abstract expression artists such as Mark Rothko and Andy Warhol. Both these artists revealed their images of breaking away from conformist classical ideals in a time when great change was upon us.

Change is always the title for wondrous things to happen in a period of great happenings. The sixties brought to us the evolution of change, Pop arts were the conduit, and the result of recording this was through Art, Music and Fashion. Inspirational people sparked great change as seen in the music industry of the sixties, youthful, energetic and cult like.

Changes in fashion also sent out a message of self expression, signalling an innovative representative, who broke the shackles of proper and prim attitudes of the 50’s and brought forth the concept of thinking “out of the box” to the shock & horror of the traditionalists.

Unfortunately though alongside these changes, you will always have consumerism fitting such individualistic attitudes and ideas into a pigeon slot and re-market it as a fashion style, a trend, a fad, and so on, until it’s watered down to non-existence. The most powerful thing a fashionista does, is to drop an innovative idea like a bomb exploding its concept into the arena of the fashion world and to watch its rippling reaction spread with great cause and effect into the world of fashion.

Seeing people rushing around like, “leaves blowing in the wind” trying to encapsulate the latest fad, surprised by the reaction and the full force of something new being unfolded before their very eyes. The late seventies, eighties and nineties all had the same effect on people from the many ingenious innovators of the world of fashion. New music genres created by vocalist and bands. Paint artists taking the level of expression to new heights, with every passing year.

In its essence being a libertine in an already conforming society, needs one to change, to show what an eye for fashion is, to show the finer intricate designed detail, created in one’s own image. To see what no other person can seen, to create an idea out of what is already available. But most of all to keep alive counter-culture fashion and idealism of self expression alive, because in the end it’s all about attraction!

But most of all if you do conform, one day you are in, the next day you’re out in the world of fashion.
www.sovacollection.com

Saturday 5 July 2008

Secrets to dressing slimmer

Dress slimmer without the need to going black? Focus on what to wear instead of what not to wear. The feel-good factor is most important feeling about the clothes that you wear. The most common misconception people have about dressing slimmer is they have to wear black.

While black does provide an overall sleek appearance, it's not the only path to a svelter look. A first piece of advice: Give yourself more credit, know that you are normal and everyone's body is different. Once you start looking at yourself through a less critical lens, fashion can be a lot of fun.
Here are some tips:

1. Go monochromatic - First off, wearing a monochromatic colour scheme is elegant and flattering to all body types. Even wearing an all-white suit, for example, will look good on someone trying to dress slimmer because it doesn't chop up the body. The last thing you want to do is chop up your look with a different colour, which could make even a slim person look stocky.

2. Stop hiding behind baggy clothes, makes sure clothes fit you properly. Wearing clothes that are too baggy can easily add the illusion of five to 10 pounds to your frame and make it look as though you are hiding behind something. On the other hand, wearing clothes that fit properly; not too baggy and not too tight, exudes confidence.

3. Add accessories - Accessories are a smart trick for looking slimmer. Adding bangles or a nice pair of earrings is a great way to pull together an outfit and add a tasteful splash of colour to a monochromatic look. Accessories like a pendant or brooch draw the eye up, and toward your beautiful face.

4. Choose lower waistlines - When it comes to choosing the right pair of trousers, your best bet is to stick with a lower waistline with a flat front and no pleats. A slightly lower waistline helps to elongate your look, she explains. Pants should be on the longer side so there is a nice break at the cuff. Boots will finish the look, lengthen the legs, and can add height and elegance, she says.

5. Bet on belts - Belts can also be a great tool when trying to dress slimmer. Wearing a belt with a nice buckle lower on your hips will draw the eye to the belt and elongate your overall look, especially if the belt blends with your clothing colour. Belts can also help tie a look together, and are a very versatile accessory.

6. Skinny versus wide trousers? You can wear both. Since skinny trousers are still on the fashion radar, there are ways to wear them and look streamlined. If you are going to wear skinny trousers, pair them with a voluminous top or long blazer. The same principle applies when wearing a wide-legged trouser. Pair them with a fitted shirt or jacket. The whole outfit shouldn't be completely voluminous or stick straight. But pairing one with the other makes it simple to dress both slim, and stylish. If you are going to go with a skinny jean or trousers, then you can achieve a sleeker look with stylish boots worn over the trousers.

7. Wear colour - Use bright colours wisely. Since classic browns, beiges and charcoal grey looks good on everyone, she suggests bright splashes of colour as underpinnings to an outfit. Wear a rich magenta or deep blue camisole under a dark grey suit jacket to spice up your look without going over the top.

8. Flattering footwear - when helping her clients picks the right footwear chooses boots as the no-fail option. Boots are flattering on everyone, and everyone can look sleek in a boot. If you are wearing a pair of jeans, just adding boots and a blazer will complete your outfit, and also be slimming. Heels, too, are slimming footwear, but stay away from ankle straps, which cut off the lines of the legs, she explains. Wearing stylish clothes that fit you well and are comfortable can help retrain you to appreciate your body. After all, it's only when you are comfortable in your own skin that you can feel good in what you wear.


Saturday 5 April 2008

Clothing Styles & Body Shapes

Layout your clothes before putting them on mix combinations and colour schemes before trying them on.

Tops and bottoms of one colour will make you look thinner.

Important wear clothes that fit.

Wearing too large clothes will exaggerate your figure not hide it.

Avoid belts unless you have a slim waist.

Choose appropriate accessories to your lifestyle; don’t be afraid to experiment with combination layout.

Shoes makes and completes an outfit, don’t forget quality counts. Buying clothes on impulse is a bad idea; you need to plan more in advance, what exactly you want!!

Ask yourself
Do you have anything you can mix and match with it? Does it match your lifestyle?

· Will it be comfortable, easy to wear?

· Can it be machine washed or dry clean only?

· Will it fit your budget? · Is it appropriate?

· Is it a fad, can it be worn more than one season?

· Is it of good quality? It is better to have four or five mix and match outfits of good quality, than 8 or 10 cheap one-offs??

Don’t get swept away by quick bargains outfits when you shop, be practical. When you buy a new dress, be sure you have shoes and other accessories to go with it or maybe a jacket or scarf to wear over it to give it a different look.

Clothes Styles and Body Shapes

· V-neck line collar makes your neck look longer. Flat ballet style shoes don’t compliment your body as they make you look shorter.

· A short necklace can shorten your neck.

· A scarf that hangs down toward the legs will make the legs appear longer. Knitted texture, lace, floras, prints, and plaids can assist in creating an illusion.

· Vertical lines in clothing, makes you look taller and slimmer.

· Large print will make you look bigger, whereas smaller print all over can camouflage.

· Prints around the neck and over the shoulder can make your shoulders appear wider. Just wear prints near the parts of your figure's assets, because they are usually more eye catching than a solid colour.

· When buying pants be sure they fit well. Defects are emphasized in a pair of pants that may go unnoticed in a skirt. Petite women. Petite women need to keep clothes in line, slim narrow belts.

A slight contrast in colour and fitted lines will flatter you endlessly. Also stay with fabrics that are soft and flowing that fits well. Over powering prints should be avoided.

Tall women
Tall women can wear any width style of belts, try to wear knee length and just below the knee skirts, and try to avoid skirts that are too short.

Hip heavy triangle woman
A hip heavy triangle and round full figured women can use clothes with vertical lines to make an up and down illusion. V-necks and skirts with slits up the sides are also good. Clothes with small padded shoulders should be chosen. Too big of pads will make you look like a foot ball player. Wear long tops that go passed your hips. Choose jackets, tailored suits and shirtwaist dresses with straight, classic cuts.

Lighter colours on top can be worn, this brings eyes up. Wear dark stockings and avoid patterns. Select vertical, fluid patterns and avoid bulky fabrics. Adopt the just below the knee look in dresses and skirts. Choose accessories close to the same colour clothes you are wearing including shoes. This gives your body an unbroken slimmer look. Avoid very wide pinafore skirts. Stay with straight or A-line skirts.

Top heavy woman
The top heavy body types need to choose long jackets without shoulder pads. Do not wear blouses with fancy details and ruffles. Do not wear clingy fabrics on top, choose darker colours on top. Do not wear tops that are to light. Tops with raglan sleeves that fit loose are good. Wear trousers or skirts that are pleated to bring the eye down. Choose thin materials like cotton, or cotton jersey. One colour dressing will also be thinning.

Rectangular type woman
The rectangular type can accentuate curves by wearing jackets or tops that hug the waist, feminine thick sweaters over skirts or trousers. Use patterns in your tops or bottoms to add dimension. Round out the neckline with necklaces, scarves and other accessories, and use shoulder pads.

Women's Fashion Tips

Fashion Tips
Layout your clothes before putting them on mix combinations and colour schemes before trying them on.

· Tops and bottoms of one colour will make you look thinner.
· Important wear clothes that fit.
· Wearing too large clothes will exaggerate your figure not hide it.
· Avoid belts unless you have a slim waist.
· Choose appropriate accessories to your lifestyle; don’t be afraid to experiment with combination layout.
Shoes makes and completes an outfit, don’t forget quality counts. Buying clothes on impulse is a bad idea; you need to plan more in advance, what exactly you want!!

Ask yourself
Do you have anything you can mix and match with it? Does it match your lifestyle?
· Will it be comfortable, easy to wear?
· Can it be machine washed or dry clean only?
· Will it fit your budget?
· Is it appropriate?
· Is it a fad, can it be worn more than one season?
· Is it of good quality? It is better to have four or five mix and match outfits of good quality, than 8 or 10 cheap one-offs??

Don’t get swept away by quick bargains outfits when you shop, be practical. When you buy a new dress, be sure you have shoes and other accessories to go with it or maybe a jacket or scarf to wear over it to give it a different look.

Clothes Styles and Body Shapes

· V-neck line collar makes your neck look longer. Flat ballet style shoes don’t compliment your body as they make you look shorter.

· A short necklace can shorten your neck.
· A scarf that hangs down toward the legs will make the legs appear longer. Knitted texture, lace, floras, prints, and plaids can assist in creating an illusion.
· Vertical lines in clothing, makes you look taller and slimmer.
· Large print will make you look bigger, whereas smaller print all over can camouflage.
· Prints around the neck and over the shoulder can make your shoulders appear wider. Just wear prints near the parts of your figure's assets, because they are usually more eye catching than a solid colour.
· When buying pants be sure they fit well. Defects are emphasized in a pair of pants that may go unnoticed in a skirt.
Petite women.
Petite women need to keep clothes in line, slim narrow belts. A slight contrast in colour and fitted lines will flatter you endlessly. Also stay with fabrics that are soft and flowing that fits well. Over powering prints should be avoided.

Tall women
Tall women can wear any width style of belts, try to wear knee length and just below the knee skirts, and try to avoid skirts that are too short.

Hip heavy triangle woman
A hip heavy triangle and round full figured women can use clothes with vertical lines to make an up and down illusion. V-necks and skirts with slits up the sides are also good. Clothes with small padded shoulders should be chosen. Too big of pads will make you look like a foot ball player. Wear long tops that go passed your hips. Choose jackets, tailored suits and shirtwaist dresses with straight, classic cuts.

Lighter colours on top can be worn, this brings eyes up. Wear dark stockings and avoid patterns. Select vertical, fluid patterns and avoid bulky fabrics. Adopt the just below the knee look in dresses and skirts. Choose accessories close to the same colour clothes you are wearing including shoes. This gives your body an unbroken slimmer look. Avoid very wide pinafore skirts. Stay with straight or A-line skirts.

Top heavy woman

The top heavy body types need to choose long jackets without shoulder pads. Do not wear blouses with fancy details and ruffles. Do not wear clingy fabrics on top, choose darker colours on top. Do not wear tops that are to light. Tops with raglan sleeves that fit loose are good. Wear trousers or skirts that are pleated to bring the eye down. Choose thin materials like cotton, or cotton jersey. One colour dressing will also be thinning.

Rectangular type woman
The rectangular type can accentuate curves by wearing jackets or tops that hug the waist, feminine thick sweaters over skirts or trousers. Use patterns in your tops or bottoms to add dimension. Round out the neckline with necklaces, scarves and other accessories, and use shoulder pads.

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