Cerise Pink V Necked Cardigan With Capped Sleeves

The notion of having a large bust will seem like a dream for many women, but in fact it can cause a lot of physical and psychological problems for those who have them. They may gain a lot of unwanted attention from the opposite sex, and can also have a severe effect on the body, causing back problems, amongst others. Unless you are opting for cosmetic surgery, there are not many ways of making them smaller, but there are options to make them appear smaller than they are.

Firstly, you should make sure you wear a bra which fits properly. There are many ladies who wear ill-fitting bras, and for bigger busts, it can cause them to look even bigger. Most ladies clothing shops will offer bra fitting services, so you should go and get measured to ensure you are wearing the correct size. This will also help your bust to be supported, which is particularly important for those who are heavier on top. There are also options of minimiser bras, which help to create the appearance of a smaller bust.

To draw attention away from the bust, it is important not to wear clothes which are too tight, as these will only accentuate this area. Subsequently, it is also better to avoid clothing which is too baggy, as this will also make the area look larger. Always try tops on before buying them, to make sure you are wearing the correct size. The layering of clothing can also help, as a means of ‘strapping’ down the bust area, and giving it a smaller appearance.

When choosing styles of tops and jumpers, it is better to avoid high necks or turtle necks, which will draw attention to the area. Low scoop and deep v-neck styles are very flattering for bigger busts, and are styles to look out for in dresses too. If you still feel like you want some additional help in reducing your bust size, then a camisole top worn under your v-neck will help to achieve this. It is also best to stay clear of strapless tops and dresses, as they will cause attention to be focused on this area

With large busts, it is also better to avoid patterns and colours which will draw attention to the area. Keep your top half relatively plain, and wear patterns and brighter colours on your bottom half, as this will keep attention to this area. Dark colours, particularly black, worn on top will slim this area down, and give the appearance of a smaller bust. If you choose to wear stripes, then make sure they are vertical and not horizontal. Horizontal stripes will make any area looker bigger. If you wear a blouse, then opt for one which sits quite tight at the waist, but looser at the bust. When choosing a dress, you should be aware that empire line and wrap style dresses are the best options to flatter bigger busts.

To finish of your look, wear jewellery which doesn’t hang too long, as this will draw attention to the bust area.

The clothes that are shown during the fashion weeks in New York, London Paris and Milan usually give a good indication of the fashions for the seasons ahead. At the most recent fashion weeks, designers showed their collections for spring summer 2011. Whilst it may seem like a long time away, looking at these collections is a great way to decide which clothes to keep and clear out for the season ahead and also which clothes to buy in the end of summer sales.

At New York Fashion Week there was a strong seventies influence with Marc Jacobs and Halston both featuring long seventies style maxi dresses. Halston, a brand which also has an affiliation with the seventies featured glamorous outfits including jumpsuits. Marios Schwab is now designing for the label and managed to keep some of the labels heritage but also add a contemporary twist. At Marc Jacobs the dresses were beautiful bright colours and patterns. There were plenty of minimalist styles at New York Fashion Week there was also plenty of white. Alexander Wang, Preen and Thakoon all worked the laid back look to perfection with simple but relaxed silhouettes.

London Fashion Week is usually all about innovation and this time was no different. Christopher Kane’s collection had its usual wow factor with neon bright leather perforated to look like lace in lady like styles inspired by Princess Margaret. There were also the old favourites like Vivienne Westwood who never fails to disappoint with her signature style for ladies with attitude. There were also beautiful prints of home interiors form Mary Katrantzou and plenty of sequins with a fun wild west theme at Ashish. Giles Deacon featured fun prints with a hint of eighties inspiration and Erdem showed his usual collection of rich floral prints but with some intricately embellished white dresses.

At Milan Fashion week, one of the most notable collections was as usual Prada. This time the collection featured bold and bright prints with stripes and banana prints. There were also some amazing statement sunglasses and shoes. the styles and shapes of the clothes were very simple with perhaps even a hint of inspiration taken from hospital scrubs. There were also plenty of bright colours at Max Mara with monochrome outfits including shorts and very simple tops or palazzo pants and tops. If the brights got too much though, there were just a few neutral and white outfits thrown in for good measure.

Many consider Paris, the home of fashion and at Paris Fashion Week, there are some of the best known designers and labels including Dior. This time Jean Paul Gautier used Beth Ditto to model his collection following a number of initiatives by designers recently to recognise plus sized ladies. Of all the collections Lanvin was one of the most desirable with evening dresses with tight fitting bodices and puffs of chiffon as skirts. There were thin straps of leather to hold the looks together and a palette of understated neutrals with a few brights thrown in. Isabel Marant continued to show why her label is one of the most sought after of the moment with a tomboyish look that seemed to have been very stylishly thrown together.

Image- Black Evening Dress

Velvet Cocktail Dress In Black

This dress is both striking and flattering. It has an empire line which is emphasised by the ribbon and bow around it. It is made from a beautiful crushed velvet and has chiffon shoulder and godet details. The material is stretchy making it incredibly comfortable and easy to move in. This dress is a really classic style that will never go out of fashion. It also comes with a matching scarf.

Ladies Long Lace Evening/Prom/Ball Dress in Black

Lace is incredibly on  trend at the moment and this dress makes the most of the delicate design by lining it with a red fabric. The style of the dress is simple but elegant with a three quarter length skirt that is also very on trend at the moment.

Black chiffon pleated cocktail dress with shawl

This dress is a Marilyn Monroe style and is perfect for those searching for a little retro glamour. It has a velvet bodice with delicate shoe string straps and a skirt in finely pleated chiffon. The skirt of this dress is perfect for swishing as you dance. It just needs a beautiful pair of black shoes to set it off perfectly.

Black embroidered assymetrical evening dress

Another key look for party, cocktail and evening dresses at the moment is the assymetrical shape. Many of the  dresses are one shouldered but this dress features a much more wearable version of this trend which is the different shaped straps on each side. It has delicate ribbon and thread detail and there is also a  matching bolero available.

What to wear with you cocktail dress?

A pair of high heels is almost essential with a cocktail dress however if you really find high heels difficult to walk in, you can find some  very pretty lower kitten style heels or even some embellished flat shoes. A small clutch bag is the ideal way to carry a few possesions with you but they wont usually fit much in them so you may have to leave the i phone at home for just one evening. If your dress is quite simple look for clutch with sequin or bead detail to add an interesting feature.

Finally, you may want a cover up for your cocktail dress either to wear all of the time or just to travel to and from the party. There are all sorts of bolero, cape and evening jackets available. Again if you have quite a simple dress then you can afford to go over board with a statement cover up piece. If your dress already has quite a bit of interest, then opt for a plain black option.

Team this long sleeve front frill green blouse with collar with a pencil skirt for your own take on Mad Men’s secretary style.

You might no realise it but TV and film have a huge influence on our lives right down to the clothes that we wear. Each season, not only are there countless collections inspired by TV programmes or films but many period films and programmes also have a more general affect on the overall trends and ladies fashion for he season. Many of us spend a fair few hours watching televisions but even those who don’t watch it all can’t fail to be affected by these trends in some ways. The stars of these shows have also been made into overnight style icons, this is of course no accident, some major costume co ordination is going on behind the scenes.  Here are some of the biggest influences on ladies fashion at the moment.

Sex and the City

With the cult following of the TV show and recent release of the second film, sex and the city is one of the first programmes that springs to mind when thinking about ladies fashion and TV. Many don’t even care about the storyline, they just watch for the amazing clothes. The film and TV episodes revolve around four ladies, each with their own unique style and to die for wardrobe of designer clothes. The programme has even been credited with making Manolo Blahnik a  household name in the US. The costume designer and stylist for the programme is Patricia Field, known for her clever mixing of vintage and designer clothing.  

Mad Men

This is also a huge influence on current trends including the secretary chic look shown at both Prada and Louis Vuitton autumn collections. The full flared skirts that are likely to be every where this autumn are probably a result of this programme. Again each of the characters has their own distinct style. Stylist and costume designer Janie Bryant has given Betty Draper a style a little like Grace Kelly with cashmere jumpers, pearls and vintage scarves. The programme is filled with vintage clothes and lots of historical references.

Ugly Betty

This American TV show is all about Geek chic which is also a huge trend at the moment. The main character Betty Suarez is a style icon because of her clashing style. This is a look that has been favored by both Marc Jacobs and Prada. The stylist for the show are Eduardo Castro/ Patricia Field. In the last series the trendily ugly character has a style make over. It remains to be seen if her new look will prove so popular.

Glee

Glee is fairly new TV show which is attracting a huge following. Whilst on first viewing you might be a little confused as to what influence this show could possibly have on fashion. But there is definitely a more of a geek chic vibe going on. In contrast to other TV programmes, the costume designer, Lou Eyrich uses mainly affordable high street clothes.

Which TV programmes do you love for their fashion and style?

Orange Sleeveless Summer Dress

There is only one week to go until Vintage at Goodwood the civilised festival for grown ups that celebrates 5 decades of British cool. With thousands of people turning up to listen to some great music from the forties, fifties, sixties, seventies, eighties and nineties in their favourite pieces of vintage clothing it is a sure sign that vintage clothing is becoming even more popular. Attendees at Vintage at Goodwood will not only have the opportunity for camping but also glamping, a very glamorous type of camoing with all of lifes little luxuries. But for those who  just don’t have time to trawl car boots sales, vintage fairs and shops, there is plenty of vintage inspired clothing available on the high street and in online stores ready to cater for the huge interest in clothing from bygone years. Even for those who are not lucky enough to be going to to the Vintage at Goodwood weekend, there is no reason why they should not indulge in dressing up in some vintage inspired clothes.

There are lots of reasons for the current interest in vintage clothing and vintage inspired clothes. Part of it is perhaps a little nostalgia for those good old days before computers, Blackberries (the handheld computers, not the fruit) and mobile phones but also there is something about the vintage styles of clothes that we love. Some of the classic styles of vintage clothes have definitely proved their worth and stood the test of time like the circle skirt and the sixties style baby doll dresses. These styles of clothing are not only feminine but also very flattering for women to wear. They are a refreshing change from the jeans and t shirts that so many people live in these days and they make you feel a little bit special.

It is no surprise really that so many of these vintage features are re emerging in modern clothing designs. They are just the sort of clothes that women want to wear and the intricate embellishments and attention to detail are irresistable. Here are some of my favourite vintage inspired features that you can find on modern clothes.

• Lace – delightly feminine and delicate, lace trims on dresses, cardigans and tops are big news this summer but lace never really goes out of fashion as it is such a beautiful fabric.
• Washed out Florals – the paler coloured florals have a really nostalgic and comforting feel about them.
• Tea dresses – the classic shape of  a tea dress is incredibly popular as it is so flattering. The a line is the perfect way to cover up larger hips and thighs and balance them with a wide hemline.
• Beading and embroidery – the beautiful decoration on many vintage pieces is usually handcrafted. Modern day reproductions of these works of art are perfect for evening dresses.
• Pencil Skirts – pencil skirts are incredibly versatile and are great for work wear.
• Flared or circle skirts – the fifities silhouette of  a full skirt with a nipped in waist is still hugely popular today. It looks so elegant and this style looks like it will be a huge trend this winter.

Anyone can be fashionable, it doesnâ??t really matter what age they are. But the key too looking good in fashionable clothes is picking and choosing from the current trends and finding styles that are not only age appropriate but also that look great on you. Part of this is about where you shop. Some shops will tend to have clothes cut for a certain age range whilst other will be cut for a different age range. Once you find a shop that caters for you age, you can look out for the latest fashions in the safe knowledge that they will not look completely inappropriate on you. You do still need to consider your body shape though and which styles of clothing will best suit your body shape. Here are 5 summer trends that will work particularly well for mature ladies.
1. Nautical â?? navy and white looks amazingly stylish at any age. For a more mature lady, a well cut pair of navy womens trousers worn with a navy and white striped top will look amazing. The great thing about this look is that not only is it classic but it is also a key trend for this summer.
2. Frilly and romantic â?? frilly and romantic pieces look great on more mature ladies. Look for tops and skirts with ruffles and frills. Evening wear is probably the best way to wear this trend if you have the right occasion to go to.
3. Florals â?? again florals work well at any age. Look for brightly coloured floral prints or lighter more subtle patterns. What really matters when choosing a floral dress is finding the right cut or fit. Opt for just below the knee and short sleeves for a flattering look.
4. Maxi dresses â?? everyone is wearing maxi dresses this summer an they can work at any age. Look for styles with higher cut tops and wear with a cropped cardigan or bolero to cover your arms if you are self conscious of showing them.
5. Neutral colours â?? neutral colours is another trend that will work well at any age. As with most trends it is all about picking the right version to suit you. Try layering different neutral shades and textures for a subtle but interesting combination. Look for the right shades of neutral to wear as they will really illuminate your skin and make your complexion glow. You can choose from white, cream, beige, camel, grey, blush and rose.

So donâ??t get stuck in a style rut and think that your age what ever it be prevents you from wearing the latest trends or looking fashionable. You can look both amazing and fashionable at any age as long as you pick and choose your clothes carefully. Pay careful attention to the style, cut and colours of your clothes. All of these can be used to compliment you and make you look great. Look out for the trends that can work for you each season and you will always be both fashionable and stylish.

Although not all blouses have collars, in fact there are plenty that don’t, the collar is particularly flattering for ladies of over forty as it covers the neck and draws the attention up towards the face. Turning up the collar of a blouse or rolling up the sleeves is a great way to make a casual but very stylish outfit.

A colourful blouse is a great casual option for the summer. This yellow blouse is bright and cheery, it would look great with white trousers and is semi fitted with a tie around the waist to give a great fit.

A longline blouse is a really elegant style and looks amazing for casual and smart casual ocassions. You can find longline blouses in a range of colours and prints and they look great worn over leggings or cropped trousers and even worn open over a t shirt.

A white blouse is a classic piece of clothing that everyone should own. It can be worn with anything from a pair of jeans to leggings or a smart pair of trousers or skirt. A white blouse will look good with a suit and acts as a great blank canvas for dressing up with some great accessories.

Floral print blouses are really in trend this season and also very feminine. They look great with all sorts of denim but also can look smarter when worn with a skirt or trousers in a light or pastel colour.

A blouse with frills is an elaborate style statement and can look stunning for work or other occasions. There are all sorts of frilled blouses to choose from. Frills and volume on the top half of the body is a great way of balancing out wider hips as well as making the bust appear bigger.

A black or dark coloured blouse in a chiffon fabric is perfect when worn with black trousers for the evening. It is very slimming and can be dressed up with sparkly accessories.

Over blouses are a great way t cover up your shoulders with an occasion or evening outfit. By wearing them open you can create a slimming column effect which makes your torso appear thinner.

Grace Kelly’s image in the early days was very much related to her career in the movies. Her look was the perfect combination of glamour and wholesome, a classic style that has been copied by so many and is still popular now. She was recognised for always getting the look just right no matter what the situation and was definitely one the early pioneers of understated chic. Her simple shirt waist dresses and casual shirts and trousers combined with her immaculate grooming became her signature style on and off screen during her career as a movie star.

As Grace Kelly progressed through her life and gave up her Hollywood career for a place in one of Europe’s oldest royal family when she married Prince Ranier of Monaco. A a princess she wore some of the finest clothes around including those by Balenciaga, Dior and Chanel. Highlights of the exhibition include the beautiful lace bodice and skirt that she wore for the civil ceremony of the wedding. For her wedding day she looked amazing in a Gown by Helen Rose made from 450 yards of Brussels Rose Point Lace and silk Faile. She also wore jewellery from Van Cleef and Arpels that the Prince had given her for the engagement.

Grace’s style does encompass many different looks from elaborate couture ball gowns to her elegant casual wear but probably the most memorable is the capri pants, head scarf and  sunglasses or Pringle twin sets worn with a Hermes scarf. She was also the inspiration for the Hermes Kelly handbag which still enjoys huge popularity and has been copied so many times. The prominent way that she carried her handbag over her stomach whilst she was pregnant changed the way that women carried handbags.

With such a glamorous life, it is not surprising that Grace Kelly was known for the beautiful clothes that she wore and her style. There was something about Grace Kelly though that made her such a style icon. As the old saying goes, ‘it is not what you wear, it is how you wear it. Her name was so perfect and really described her so well.

The V & A Grace Kelly Style Icon exhibition runs until 26th September and shows many of her clothes alongside photographs and film. It includes the dresses from her films including High Society and Rear Window, as well as the gown she wore to accept her Oscar in 1955. It also examines her role as a style icon, her glamorous Hollywood image and her enduring appeal.

For a modern take on Grace Kelly’s twin set combine this Ivory Sleeveless Flower Print Vest with this Ivory flower print long sleeved knitted cardigan.