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Archive for September, 2010
Some fashion trends come and go. As we all know there are cycles in fashion and one of the trends that does not seem to want to go away is that of the animal print, springing from the sixties and still making its growl heard in many places around the world. When you want to create a bit of a stir or make a statement at a party or other social gathering, why not get a little extravagant and pull out the print that does not die? Animal prints are one of the most eye catching looks you get. Animal print clothing can make a great distraction piece, something to wear if you want to go undercover or take on another persona. Its also a great talking point. The great thing about animal print is that it will inevitably be in fashion at one time or another at any point on the calender in varying social circles.
Unsurprisingly it’s leopard print that has remained the most popular, with tiger print somewhere behind it. But with most animal prints, they sustain well. The animal print touches something deep in us â?? for some it might make them feel exciting or sexy but its also seen as elegant and expensive. It can give out a myriad of messages and so is a versatile piece of fashion. Celebrities seem to love animal print and it is regularly paraded on the red carpet at high class social gatherings. The clothing range also makes it into fringe circles, from rockers to goths, somewhere on their garb from time to time can be found the time defying animal signature. And then that major fashion guru â?? Vivienne Westwood, of course has put out numerous fashion ranges with leopard skin prints.
From time to time there have been animal print disasters though. The various press reports on certain celebrities who have made a glaring error in their use of the famous print. So there are a few essential tips you must remember if you dare to wear animal prints. You do need to exercise a little trend-independent fashion judgment. Animal prints work best when worn only in one pattern, and to keep things tasteful, limit the print to one item at a time. Matching too many elements in your outfit will make you look like you’re trying too hard. And one thing that fashion should do is make you look natural, like you are not trying too hard.Â
The key fashion ingredient required to pull off animal print with style is confidence. So if you’re not sure about how to incorporate animal patterns into a wardrobe then either ask around, get some advice. For it is others who have to look at what you have decided to present to the world. But realise that Animal Print fashion is one trend that can be very wrong or very rightâ?? just be sure that you get it right.
Image – Animal Print Jacket
A polo neck jumper is one of the most classic winter pieces. It is incredibly warm for the coldest of days and also great for wearing in an air conditioned offices. Its high neck and thin knit means that it lends itself to layering making it incredibly versatile. You can wear it in multiple different ways for all sorts of different occasions. It is also soft, comfortable and practical.  This black roll neck jumper with long sleeves will go with almost anything but a bright red version is also great for adding a pop of colour to a dark outfit.
With a chiffon blouse or dress
You can create this winters boho folk look by layering your black polo neck jumper underneath a floral or paisly chiffon blouse as seen at Ralph Lauren. Look for a blouse with a pattern in rich autumnal colours or deep purples and berry pinks. Loose fitting bell sleeves and a v neck also work really well for this look. It doesn’t matter if the blouse is a little low cut as the jumper will cover you up and keep you warm. Add some winter boots and a long pendant necklace for the finishing touches.
Wear under a shift dress
The sixties is also really on trend at the moment and wearing a polo neck with a shift dress is a great way to create this look. Try wearing a different colour dress and jumper for maximum impact for example a grey dress and black jumper. Add some elegant court shoes and a lady like handbag to complete the outfit. This is also a really practical way to get some extra wear out of your shift dresses in the really cold weather.
With a tailored jacket
Another really classic way to wear polo neck jumpers for work is with a tailored jacket or with a suit. For a really sleek look , you could try wearing all black of for a more eye catching look try a brightly coloured polo neck to brighten up a dark suit. If you are wearing a skirt suit a pair of black knee high boots will look great and for a trouser suit, a pair of ankle boots. A long necklace is also a great way to add a bit of interest to this look.
With a cardigan
Another classic and incredibly warm way to wear your polo neck jumper is with a cardigan. This is also a great comfortable and everyday outfit. To keep this look really on trend try wearing a black polo neck jumper with a long camel coloured cardigan or an animal print knit. A great pair of trousers and some elegant ballet pumps will finish this outfit off perfectly.
With a statement accessory
Sometimes just a plain polo neck worn with a pair of tailored trousers or jeans can look amazing. It also works really well as a blank base for some amazing accessories. How about a really beautiful large silk scarf or a long statement necklace.
Skirts are very on trend at the moment. They are the perfect way to create a stylish and elegant outfit. The benefit of skirts over dresses is that they are more flexible and versatile. You can combine any number of shirts, blouses and tops with a neutral coloured skirt for a great outfit or for a more eye catching look wear a bright or patterned skirt with a neutral coloured top. Whilst the fashions for skirts change each season, there are some classic styles that never go out of fashion.
For everyday skirts, a dark coloured skirt in a fairly thick fabric is the most practical choice. Flimsy material can catch in the wind and with autumn wear and windy weather being common in autumn, this type of skirt is probably best kept for special occasions. Skirts are also make a good addition to a mix and match work wardrobe. A simple black pencil skirt or a line skirt can be combined with a black tailored jacket for occasions when you need to look really smart or worn with a blouse, top or piece of knitwear for an everyday work outfit.
When choosing a skirt style for autumn 2010, you will probably find one particular style which suits your body shape best. once you have found that style, you will probably stick with it but can still update your look each season with accessories or tops in the latest styles of ladies fashion.
The Pencil Skirt
The pencil skirt is probably one of the most classic style of skirt around. It works for all sorts of occasions from work to an evening out. Pencil skirts work particularly well on those with an hour glass shape to create a really feminine silhouette. For those with smaller busts, the slim line of the skirt can be balanced with looser fitting blouses or chunky knitwear for a more casual look. A pencil skirt can also be the basis of a classic suit when worn with a jacket.
The Flared Skirt
A mid length flared skirt is one of the most flattering styles of skirt available. It adds curves for those without them and skims over hips and thighs for those who want to disguise this area. A flared skirt looks good in both thicker fabrics or more on trend printed and patterned fabrics for a fun and fashionable look. A flared skirt usually looks best when worn with a fitted top or blouse which balances out the volume of the skirt. For autumn and winter 2011, a skirt in a thick fabric that stands out in an A line shape is really on trend.
The Fluted Skirt
For those who can’t decide between a pencil and flared skirt, the fluted skirt offers the best of both worlds, it is fitted at the top with a flared hem giving a slim line silhouette with a feminine frill at the bottom. The wider hem helps to balance out wide hips making it more flattering for pear shaped ladies than the pencil skirt. It also works well for work in thicker neutral fabrics and for special occasions in patterned fabrics.
As a woman, dressing for work is much more complicated than it is for men. Whilst we have much more freedom, which allows us to express ourselves and our sense of fashion and style, there are so many more opportunities to get it badly wrong. At many some companies employing professionals, they were so concerned that the recently graduated students wouldnâ??t know how to dress, they send them to an image consultant.
First of all, you have to consider where you work and what the general dress code is there. For those of you who have a uniform, life is easy. Even if you donâ??t feel the uniform is very stylish, at least you can spend your clothes budget on stylish clothes for your free time. The vast majority of us who work in an office though may find the following ideas helpful. These are my golden rules:
If in doubt, ladies suits are always the best option. It doesnâ??t need to be expensive and discount retailers do a great range of work wear nowadays, even better it is often machine washable. Equally, suits are often available in the sales so you can buy a quality piece at half the price and when you consider number of wears per pound is generally a much better investment than an expensive dress for a party.
- As a general rule, be wary of very bright or fashionable colours for a suit. Black, navy and grey will never look out of place but having said that red is quite a classic power dressing colour.
- Always take your lead from the most senior female in your office about what type of clothes are appropriate. She is, after all, already a success.
- Avoid skirts being too short or tops too revealing but that said most smart business suits have skirts which are slightly above the knee and that is fine.
- Trousers suits are fine in this day and age in all but the most conservative of environments, possibly banking and accounting but even then as long as you are smart, it is unlikely to be a problem.
- Avoid vest tops unless you intend to keep a jacket on and choose something with a sleeve.
- Make sure your outfit is clean, pressed and defluffed and your tights have no ladders.
Then, the fun part can begin. How do you make the outfit look stylish and up to date? Accessorise, of course. Choose a blouse or top in a fashionable colour to brighten up the dark suit. Add a scarf with a cool pattern. Scarves are very versatile and look great with a suit. Try experimenting how to wear them. Use a long scarf or a square one, whichever you prefer. Shoes and a handbag can add colour and update an outfit too. If you have lots of paperwork, try and get a stylish briefcase which will fit the content of your handbag too as struggling with lots of bags looks scruffy and not so stylish. Finally, donâ??t forget jewellery. A distinctive brooch in a modern design or a vintage piece handed down by your grandmother both work well with suits. Be bold and make a statement with your necklace or your earrings as well providing your blouse or top is plain and it wonâ??t detract from that.
If you have been looking for a winter coat this year, you must have noticed that one of the most on trend styles is the camel coat. Camel is the term used for that neutral colour which could also be described as taupe, beige, sand or toffee. It is a kind of cross between yellow and brown and must be one of the most wearable colours of the season. It is the perfect colour that goes with everything and looks good on everyone. It is also classic which means it doesn’t go out of fashion.The camel coat can fit in with so many different trends from the minimalist to lady like and sixties. It doesn’t really matter what style your camel coat is, what matters is that it is luxurious and warm. But you can wear a camel coat with almost anything from a smart suit for work to a little black dress in the evening. The camel coat also works perfectly with the seasons must have animal prints as well as many other colours including black, navy and red.
If you want to accessorise your camel coat, there are almost unlimited options. A bright red cashmere scarf, striped knitted scarf or beret or faux fur snood would all look equally good with your coat but you could also try something a bit more individual like a faux fur trapper hat or knitted bobble hat. There is always the classic option of a beautiful knitted scarf or some leather gloves.
This Double Breasted Long Sleeve High Collar Camel Coat has a really practical three quarter length with a slit at the back. It also has contrasting black buttons to the front and cuffs. It is fully lined and has a funnel collar which is perfect for keeping warm in the cold weather. This style of coat is perfect for wearing with work wear or for a more formal look on the weekends.
This Loose Fit Camel Contrast Stitching High Neck Coat is pefect for wearing over the top of just about anything. You can even wear it over a really thick jumper on a cold winters day. The coat is fully lined making it extra warm and has a very stylish topstitch design along the seams. It also has contrast button and a high neck. It is a classic style of coat that is likely to last for many years to come.
If you are looking for a camel coat that makes a strong style statement then this long line faux fur beige coat with front pockets might be just what you are looking for. The faux fur collar not only adds a touch of sophistication but also some warmth maling it a really cosy coat.
Whilst most camel coats are wool or a wool mix, a quilted coat also looks really sophisticated. It has a soft and comfortable without being too bulky.