Archive for May, 2010
With a handbag being such an important part of a women’s wardrobe both in terms of style and function, it is not surprising that most of us are constantly on the look out for that perfect handbag. The perfect handbag is one that is just the right size for everything that you would like to carry, with just the right amount of pockets and compartments and is easy to carry. In terms of style, it will go with most items in your wardrobe and add something special to all of your outfits. Although, many leather handbags are classic and timeless, each season the trends will vary a little giving you a fresh choice of luxury handbags. Here are some of the key handbag trends for 2010.
The satchel -Inspired partly by the Mulberry Alexa bag, satchels are one of the seasons most popular bags. Chloe also has their own luxurious version, the Chloe Louise which is Alligator skin with gold clasp and edging. Satchels are neat, easy to carry and perfect for a multitude of looks from preppy and smart to casual and boho. The satchel is a small handbag and only really suitable for those who have a few things to carry.
Embellishment and texture - texture on handbags is really big this year with feathered or sculpted surfaces on the bag. Bows, flowers, ruching, fringing and punched out holes are also interesting features for this seasons handbags. These bags are primarily in neutral colours which is a great way to add texture and interest to the seasons neutral outfits.
Slouchy handbag - big slouchy bags are a trend that has been going on for some time now. They are the perfect way to accessorise a casual outfit.
Across the body bags – apart from the satchel, which is worn across the body, there were some other across the body styles as seen at Ralph Lauren. The animal prints on these bags made them very much a feature accessory but this look would also work well with neutral colours. These larger across the body bags are suitable for those that have lots to carry and want an easy and practical way to carry it.
Studded - metal studs on handbags are another trend that has been going on for some while, they are a great way of adding a bit of rock chic to an outfit.
Neutral colours - this seasons trend for neutral colours also extends to accessories. A neutral coloured luxury handbag is a great investment as it will last for many seasons and will co-ordinate with many different outfits. It will go equally well with both bright colours and neutrals.
No matter what the handbag trends are for the season, a great handbag is an investment that will last for many years. It should be practical, suit your lifestyle and add a touch of style to your outfits. It should also be hard wearing, durable, comfortable to carry and big enough to fit in what ever you need to carry.
There are times in life when only a t-shirt will do. Those days when you just want a simple casual outfit or a versatile plain top that goes with any pair of casual trousers. The beauty of t-shirts is that they are incredibly easy and comfortable to wear. The wrong t-shirt can be shapeless, baggy and unflattering though. It is well worth investing a little time in finding the perfect t-shirt and once you find just the right one investing in a few in different colours so that you always have an easy casual top to wear. The right t-shirt can turn a fairly non descript casual outfit into a great casual outfit, perfect for the days when you want to look stylish but like you haven’t tried too hard.
So how do you go about finding the perfect t-shirt and how do you look after it?
The big difference that turns any old t-shirts into the perfect t-shirt is partly the fit. A baggy, shapeless t-shirt is unflattering on just about anyone. Look for a t-shirt that is slightly fitted around the contours of your body but not too tight. It should always skim rather than cling.
You should also consider the neckline of your t-shirt. A v necked t shirt usually works best for those with larger busts, whilst a high neck is good for those with a slimmer build and smaller bust. Wide or boat necked tops are ideal for those with wider hips as the width of the neckline helps to balance the hips. A t-shirt with a collar is also a great alternative for those that like a smarter look.
The length of a t shirt is also an important consideration. Too short and your midriff will show, too long and it may make your body look out of porportion. If you are looking for a fairly fitted t-shirt for wearing with jeans, it will look best if it just covers the waist band of your jeans. You can wear longer styles of t shirts but it may be better to opt for something different than the classic t shirt style (perhaps empire line) so that it does not cling too much around the hips.
You can choose from a variety of different styles of sleeves on a t-shirt with the most common being the classic short sleeves. If you don’t like showing off your arms, a three quarter length style is really flattering and also works really well on petites. For a slightly different style of t-shirt that draws attention to toned arms, cap sleeved and those with a slightly puffed sleeve are interesting alternatives.
You should also think about the thickness and type of fabric that the t-shirt is made of. A thicker material is generally more flattering as it doesn’t cling to ever lump and bump. Thinner fabrics work well if you like to layer your t-shirts.
Once you have found the perfect t-shirt, you can keep it looking perfect by washing and drying it carefully. Wash at a low heat and drying naturally will help to prevent shrinkage and keep your t-shirt fitting perfectly.
Even if you have absolutely no interest in football usually, the chances are that on 11th June, you will be starting to show a little bit of interest as World Cup fever sets in. This years FIFA World Cup will be the 19th ever and will be held in South Africa. As it is such a long way away, most Brits will be following the action on TV. The World Cup is the most widely-viewed sporting event in the world.
Whether you choose to watch those all important England games at home, at a friends house or in a public place, you may want to join in the fun and show your support for the England team by wearing a patriotic red and white outfit. It is popular for England football supporters to get really involved by wearing the England football kit or painting a red and white St George’s Cross on their face with face paints. You may not want to wear a football shirt or red and white face paints, but you can still get into the spirit of the event with a stylish outfit. You won’t have to save your outfit for another four years, until the next world cup to wear it again, you can wear it any time that you like.
Even if you do have to work on 18th June when England play Algeria you can still show your support with this red layered Georgette skirt with a fresh white top which looks really stylish and business like.
On Saturday 12th June, England will be playing the USA in the evening, a great excuse for a World Cup party. This skirt would look great with either a red or white top for a fun England themed outfit.
For an easy, casual, red and white outfit that will look great for whatever you are doing on England’s world cup match days, this red and white t shirt will look great teamed with either jeans or a pair of casual white trousers.
For an outfit in the England colours that is still pretty and feminine, we love this mock twin set with a flattering round neck.
If you are out and about during the world cup, this bright red double breasted coat will look great layered over a white top or blouse. For a really smart look, this white trench coat could be accessorised with a bright red handbag, shoes or scarf.
Other great ideas for England world cup fashion are a white dress accessorised with a lovely pair of red shoes and this red light weight summer shawl.
Whatever you choose to wear during this years world cup and what ever team you choose to support, lets hope for some great results and some really interesting viewing.
As spring gradually leads into summer the weather is still somewhat undecided. Often the sun is shining and it is lovely and warm in the morning and then by the time the afternoon comes the sun has disappeared and the weather becomes grey and cloudy, leaving everyone feeling a little bit chilly to say the least. As a direct result of this many women are left ever so slightly confused in the morning when it comes to making a decision about what to wear that day. No one wants to dress too summery and then be left feeling cold later in the day whenever the sun disappears. Similarly they don’t want to opt for anything too heavy and be left feeling much too hot later on. It seems trying to find a happy medium is quite difficult.
However there are several options available to women which should help them avoid encountering either of the aforementioned situations. The first thing that women should consider is layering, this will allow small items of clothing to be added or removed when necessary in order to reach the right temperature. Although it is advisable that care is taken to ensure that each the items worn is somewhat lightweight, this will not ensure that the wearer does not become too hot be also means the removed items can be easily stashed away. If, for example, a woman is out and about she will ultimately have to carry any excess garments so the lighter they are the better.
A further option is teaming a nice summer dress with a cardigan or light weight jacket. The summer dress will be the perfect option for whenever the sun is shining whilst the cardigan or jacket will prevent the wearer from feeling the chill when the sun disappears. Similar to the previous option this option gives the wearer the opportunity to add or remove the cardigan as is necessary. A cardigan is often preferable to a jacket as it can be stowed in a handbag quite easily.
Crops and capri style trousers should also be considered in the event of interchangeable weather, as if worn in the right way they do not need to look too summery, making them perfect for when the sun goes away. Crops and capri trousers are also a great option as they can easily be worn to the office without looking too out of place. What is more crops and capri trousers can also be worn in a much more casual and social setting. In addition these styles of trousers are often very comfortable making them not only a stylish option but also a practical one too.
All of the aforementioned options provide women with a degree of flexibility when dressing for interchangeable weather. Although each of the options represent practicality they can also be very stylish options if the right garments are selected.
The most practical pieces of clothing in the summer, when the weather is really hot are shorts, light weight trousers and cropped trousers. They are perfect for holidays, days at the beach, long walks and just about any other summer activity. Many of us have trouble choosing the right pair of trousers or shorts to wear for the summer, but there is definitely an option for everyone, even those who don’t like showing their legs off too much.
Light weight summer trousers
For some of us shorts or cropped trousers are just not an option for a variety of reasons. Light weight summer trousers are a cool summer option. An elasticated or draw string waist make them ultra comfortable and the waist band can be covered with a top or t shirt. Light weight trousers are the best option for wearing with a longer tunic style of top for an elegant outfit. These ivory white summer trousers are ideal for wearing with a range of coloured tops including navy, red and purple and multi colour prints.
Cropped Trousers
Cropped trousers are also cool and easy to wear for a great summer casual look. They can be worn with all sorts of t shirts and tops and a pair of tennis shoes for a on trend outfit. If you are petite or short be careful that your cropped trousers are not too wide or loose fitting as they can make you look shorter.
Capri Trousers
Capri trousers are a more fitted version of cropped trousers and look a bit smarter. They can even be worn with heels for a summer party or barbecue. Capri trousers have a glamorous fifties feel about them and also look great with a fitted top.
Bermuda Shorts
Bermuda shorts finish just above the knee and fall into two distinct categories, casual shorts and smart or tailored shorts. The tailored shorts can even be worn with a smart tailored jacket for work wear and are very fashionable at the moment. For those with a very slim or boyish figure, you can create some volume around the hips by wearing culottes or pleated shorts. For a great every day look, a brightly coloured pair of Bermuda’s are probably the most wearable of all the shorts for summer. These purple cotton shortscan be combined with lots of different colours tops for a bright summer outfit. A flat or casual pair of shoes will usually look best with casual Bermuda shorts and medium height heels or sandals with smarter or tailored shorts.
Short shorts
Generally really short shorts are best kept for the beach or garden on the hottest of days. They are usually worn by those with long and shapely legs or those under the age of twenty. If you do choose to go down this route a pair of wedge heels is also a great way to elongate your legs and some fake tan will stop your legs from looking too pale.
Generally speaking, shorts look best with shorter and more fitted style tops. A very long or baggy top will swamp you and cover the shorts making it look like you are not wearing them. When the weather gets hot don’t be scared about getting your legs out. Shorts and cropped trousers can look great on everyone as long as they pick the right style and wear them in the right way.