Monday, 23 July 2012

Top 10 Fashion and Style Tips for Women


1 - Know your body shape

Petite women should avoid chunky clothes and strong prints. Instead go for fitted shapes and soft fabrics, narrow belts subtle contrasts of colour and texture. Keep everything streamlined so as not to cut the body in half.

Busty women should wear eye-catching skirts (shorter if you are comfortable) and trousers, strong prints and colours or textures draw the eye away from the top half of the body. Wearing a single block of colour is thinning. Avoid eye-catching tops, instead wear long jackets that draw the eye down. Darker coloured tops which are loose fitting and waist hugging.

Pear shaped women should love vertical lines, V-necks and skirts with slits up the side. Straight of A-line skirts to just below the knee. Dark tights and shoes with colour or pattern in a blouse or top, tops should hang past the hips. Classic cuts on top in lighter colours draw the eye away from the hips. Accent the V-neck with a V or Y- shaped necklace.

Tall women should avoid tight clothes. Wear the right skirt length, too short or too long will be out of proportion. As with petite women keep everything streamlined, wear blouses over trousers so as not to shorten your top half.

Rectangular women should wear pattern. Feminine knit sweaters over skirts are great. Wear a round neckline and mirror it with a round necklace or scarf.

 
2 - Dress to suit your personality

Rock chick - accessorize and clash a little but keep it feminine.
Urban chic - take advantage of the wonderful high street fashion, stunning yet simple.
Sporty - Layer trendy casual clothes.
Arty - Taking the contemporary fashion and adding a dash of your own personality to spice things up.
Sexy - Sensual fabrics, curvy and delicious. A splash of colour and scent.
Retro chic - Great accessories, and a flare for those classic, all time looks.
Romantic - Classic cuts, tailoring and soft colours, lace, embroidery and pearls.

 
3 - The right accessories can make all the difference

- V and Y- shaped necklaces draw the eye down
- Round necklaces fill the neckline
- Ultra long earrings elongate the neck
- A long, trailing belt elongates the legs
- The right hat can make an outfit
- Cocktail rings add fun and colour and a bit of sparkle to a casual outfit
- Scarves can be arty
- A matching jewellery set can bring an outfit together

 
4 - Wake up to make up

- Make your eyes sparkle with a contrasting eye shadow
- Open out the eye by highlighting down the middle of the lid
- Use black for a dramatic look
- Use grey for smoky eyes with a delicate pink lipstick
- Choose a red lipstick for a classic look but choose one close to your own natural colour for precision.
- When creating bold eyes, keep paler lips. When choosing red lipstick do paler eyes.
- Use the colour palettes made up by the manufactures instead of matching your own eye shadow tones. Blend the colours well.

 
5 --A bag for life

- For daywear a good sized leather bag in a classic style cut. This season gives you plenty of choice as to colour and texture.
- For evening wear the clutch bag is back or alternatively go for a shoulder bag with a chain strap.

6 - Keep everything in proportion

- petite people elongate themselves with a slim cut
- for slim hips wear straight leg trousers/skirts, avoid flared ankles.
- for curvy hips balance them out with an A-line skirt, not a bias cut
- to hide hips wear flared trousers and a classic cut top
- wear a blouse with a short skirt
- wear a trim jumper with a long skirt
- heels are always slimming
- wear the right jacket, length and bulk are important here

 
7 - Dress for the season

- in spring / summer wear the bronzer and shimmery make up
- for spring / summer wear lower cut and soft fabrics in bright colours
- in autumn / winter matte make up with slightly darker tones
- for autumn / winter wear natural colours and natural fabrics, knitwear, leather, cotton, linen

8 - Don't mix styles

- less is more
- there are many trends this season don't wear bold colours, metallics, animal print and retro glamour all at once.
- Pick one style per outfit and don't go overboard, often one or two accessories will look fabulous with a simple outfit.

9 - Have fun with subtle changes

- have jewellery that you can mix and match each day
- change your parting
- wear a scarf as a belt
- wear basic clothes in unusual ways
- use a brooch on a ribbon as a chocker
- wear a long necklace or a scarf as a bracelet
- add cabochon beads to an old bag and use it again

 
10 - It all comes down to the basics

- a good pair of jeans go for comfort, there are lots of styles which are fashionable this year. It is important to try them on before you buy. If going for skinny jeans get stretchy ones. If you have curvy hips got for low boot cut jeans to show them off. If you need a little more room for thighs and calves go for a relaxed fit, or for the bum go for low waist, low pockets and balance things out with flared ankles. This season go for dark colours and textures.
- a leather jacket is an autumn/winter basic. Go for a good feminine cut, no need to look like a biker unless you choose that style.
- a classic suit if you don't wear one to work is great for many occasions.
- a white blouse is versatile and feminine
- a proper coat again go for a feminine cut at a length that suits you.
- boots there are many refreshing changes to the classics this year
- evening dress think of the whole outfit before you buy and make sure you have shoes and jewellery to match, maybe get a versatile dress that can be dressed down for occasions too.
- high heels the shoes to dance the night away in
- appropriate bag barrel bag for overnight, clutch bag for evening, shoulder bag for day.
- Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, the correct underwear. Start with a good foundation and the rest of the outfit will follow. Go and get yourself measured if you are not sure.

Common Fashion Mistakes Women Should Avoid

- Wrong colours. Know your skin and hair tone and what colours compliment you.
- Wrong size. Be honest when you shop. Wearing the right size clothes in good tailored fitting will make you look wonderful no matter what your size.
- Wrinkled clothes. Avoid looking like you haven't made the effort.
- Slave to fashion. Don't pick the trends up from the catwalks unless you are sure they will suit your bony shape and colouring.
- Wrong underwear. Wear good, well fitting underwear and don't show bra straps or slip hems.
- Too short skirts. They make it too easy to flash, keep your modesty intact.
- Too many colours. Lots of colours together confuse the eye, choose two or three.
- Too many patterns. Again, confusing and messy. Don't be afraid of colour or pattern but less is more.
- Too many accessories. Accessories can really make an outfit, but again don't overdo it.
- Unmatched shoes. Make sure your shoes match your outfit or stockings.
- Stuck in rut. Don't always stick to the one style of clothes, have some fun changing your wardrobe.
- Inappropriately dressed. Always dress for the occasion or wear functional clothes depending on the weather or season.
- Inappropriate make up. Day make up is lighter than evening and summer is lighter and more sunkissed than winter which is darker and matte.
- Scruffy shoes. The best outfit in the world can be ruined with scruffy shoes.
- Unmatched fabrics. Dress for the season, heavier knit for winter doesn't match with the lighter sheer summer fabrics.
- Uncoordinated wardrobe. Try to create a wardrobe of clothes you can mix and match so that you don't have to worry about putting outfits together.
- Same hairstyle. Update your hairstyle, don't get stuck in a rut.

Wednesday, 11 July 2012

What do you wear on rainy days?

With the June gloom we’ve been experiencing across the US recently, I’ve received tons of emails from you guys wanting outfit ideas for rainy days. It can definitely be tough to dress for a rainy day because there are so many things to consider. From what type of material you can wear (suede shoes are a no-go) to how to stay dry without sacrificing style, dressing well when it’s rainy out requires a little planning in advance. Don’t worry, though! It’s easier than most people think to dress for a rainy day. Here are some rainy day fashion tips, as well as six outfit ideas for rainy days.


Rainy Day Fashion Tips:

Add color! Don’t be scared to wear something bright and fun on a rainy day. Bad weather can be depressing, so why not go out of your way to wear something non-depressing and cute?

A cute umbrella can be an accessory. There are so many adorable and cheap umbrellas available at stores like Target, so there’s really no excuse to stick to basic black. Buy a couple in your favourite colours if you live in a really rainy area and use them to add colour to your look.

Kid’s umbrellas are cheap, cute, and perfect for one person. I mentioned this in my article 25 Fashion & Style Tips to Brighten Your Day as well, and though I’d repeat the tip here. Why not save a little cash, have some fun, and buy a really ridiculous kids umbrella?

Don’t spend a lot on an umbrella. If you’re anything like me, you’ve lost more umbrellas than you care to remember. That’s why you should never spend much on them. Even if you aren’t prone to misplacing them, umbrellas still aren’t investment pieces – you don’t use them every day! 

A classic trench coat is always perfect for rainy weather. There aren’t many inexpensive and cute trenches in stores right now as it’s summer, so I didn’t include many in the outfits below. But that doesn’t mean I don’t love them! The trench coat is SUCH a classic & essential piece that’s perfect for all occasions and especially rainy days.

Be careful of the materials you wear in rain. I’m sure you probably know this already, but just in case… Suede is off-limits in rain because water usually ruins it, and leather that hasn’t been treated with a protect ant can easily be damaged by water as well. Don’t risk ruining your clothes – go with rubber, leather, or protect ant-treated leather shoes in rain and leave your favorite suede handbag at home.

At the same time, don’t worry too much about a 100% waterproof jacket. If you plan ahead and have your umbrella on hand, your jacket won’t get wet enough for waterproofing to matter.

Go crazy when it comes to rain boots. There are so many cute rain boots out there today to fit any sense of style – they literally come in every colour under the sun. Have fun and find a pair you love! Much like umbrellas, you can go completely nuts with your rain boots and no one will mind.

Monday, 9 July 2012

How to cure Seasonal Hair Loss

Seasonal hair loss is the unjustified hair we lose at the turn of every season. It could be any season, but mostly seasonal hair loss is highest during winter. The causes for such hair fall are quite a lot and knowing them is important for preventing hair loss. Such seasonal hair fall may only last 4 to 6 weeks, but it’s mostly enough to lower your moral and leave you worried about how best you can care for your hair.

Seasonal hair loss is a very common problem and the following can be the root causes:
Lack of exposure to Sunlight: Seasonal hair loss in women is mostly seen in winters. During winters, exposure to sunlight is minimal. Therefore, due to lack of vitamin D synthesis in the body, winter is the main reason for seasonal hair loss in women. Lack of sunlight often leads to hair falling out in clumps.
Excessive Sweating: Seasonal hair loss in men is generally seen in summers. Due to unavoidable exposure to sunlight, the scalp sweats excessively. It causes acne like spots on the scalp leading to severe itching, irritation and hair loss. Using an effective Herbal shampoo will help you cope with the problem.
Weather Conditions: Seasonal hair loss can also be a result of harsh weather conditions. Summers and winters can make your hair terribly dry. Split ends, weak roots, dandruff, regular tying up of hair etc are a few reasons for hair loss. The best way to deal with this is to protect your hair from brutal weather conditions.
Avoid getting wet during rainy season. The rain water is mixed with different kinds of pollutants, which can damage hair.
The following steps can be taken to protect your hair from getting damaged or uprooted and can help give you lustrous hair:
Massage your scalp with warm coconut oil at least twice a week. Leave the oil all night long and wash it off the next day with a mild shampoo.
Hair ironing, perming, hair coloring or hair styling should be avoided if you are keen on having beautiful locks.
Use a hair pack of henna and curd to keep your hair nourished. Henna is very good for strengthening the roots of your hair.
Use minimal hair products since they prove to be very harmful for the hair in the long run.
Use protective clothing like scarves and hats to protect your hair. You lose a lot of hair while combing through the knots. Recently washed hair that are left open to dry are prone to forming tangles so if you are leaving home instantly after washing your hair, carry a scarf.
You can also carry protective gear such as umbrellas to keep out the sun or the rain.
Plait or tie your hair before you go to bed or before stepping out of the house.
Avoid using heat appliances such as hair-dryers or hair straightners regularly. Use them occasionally.

Tuesday, 3 July 2012

Tips for Choosing the Right Necklaces for Women

Women love jewellery and having the right necklace for the right outfit makes you look chic, sophisticated, and completely pulled together. But, with so many fashion necklaces for women on the market today how do you go about choosing just the right necklace? Here are some simple tips that may make choosing that special necklace easier.
When choosing from the wide array of fashion jewellery for women, try to match the jewellery with the material of your outfit. If the outfit is plain then choose fine necklaces that have a bit of a design and lots of colour to enhance your overall look. If your material has a lot of colour and design choose a necklace that is simple and elegant.

Choosing the right necklace for the right outfit is simply a matter of choosing the best fine necklaces that you can afford that you like and are just a little different than the run of the mill jewellery that everyone else is wearing.
For sporty outfits you want to choose something fun and a little different from among those fashion necklaces for women. Something with a nautical theme would be perfect for that cook out by the pool or that day on board a boat. Choosing something with colourful beads may be perfect for those other casual occasions such as lunching with friends or that drive in the country.
Most women have their own version of a little black dress that is perfect for those dinners out and other dress up occasions when you don't have time to shop for something new or simply don't know exactly what the evening calls for. While these dresses are handy and look great, you really need two or three fashion necklaces for women to help brighten up the dress and give you a slightly different look for different occasions. Choosing a simple heavy gold or silver chain from the many fine necklaces for women will give that little black dress a stylish, understated yet ultra sophisticated look. Just what you need if you are trying to impress the boss at that fancy dinner meeting. However, for that more romantic date you might want something a little more "Bling" like a necklace with crystals or other colourful stones.
When dressing for work you of course want to dress for success and that includes your jewellery as well as that nice dress or fashionable suit. Having a couple of fine necklaces, that are a bit on the unusual side but, tasteful can set off most business outfits. If you are going for pearls avoid the plain white ones and go for the newer more trendy colours such as those that are a bit coppery or look like wet beach sand. That way they will look traditional while sending the message that you are open to new ideas and can think outside of the box.
Necklaces such as chains, chokers, lariats, and strands come in a variety of lengths and styles. Know which lengths will work for you and find the style that matches your jewellery needs.
Necklaces traditionally come in seven lengths. Depending on the length, the necklace will hang to a different part of the wearer's body.
      10- to 13-inch necklaces: Short necklaces, such as chokers, wrap close around the neck and measure 10 to 13 inches long. 
      16- to 18-inch necklaces: Certain chains, lockets, strands, and chokers measure between 16 and 18 inches long. They stay close to the neck. Attached pendants lie above the breastbone.   
      17- to 20-inch necklaces: Many chains, strands, and lockets, as well as some longer chokers measure between 17 and 20 inches long, meet at top of breastbone, and can attach pendants.   
      20- to 24-inch necklaces: Chains measuring 20 to 24 inches long meet at the top of the bust line. Certain strands, chokers, and pendant necklaces also come in these lengths.  
      28- to 34-inch necklaces: Long, 28 to 34-inch necklaces hang at or below the bust line or are worn as a doubled strand.  
      Necklaces 40 inches and longer: Often worn doubled or tripled, necklaces measuring more than 40 inches long can also hang at, or below, the navel. 
      Necklaces 48 inches and longer: Often used for long strands, necklaces measuring more than 48 inches long usually wrap or knot around the neck without a clasp.

Monday, 2 July 2012

Tips for Buying Right Jewellery for Women

Women are passionate about Jewellery as it represented a symbol of femininity and even social status. Jewellery has always made women feel beautiful and confident. Jewellery may be made from a wide range of materials, but gemstones, precious metals, beads and shells have been widely used. Depending on the culture and times jewellery may be appreciated as a status symbol, for its material properties, its patterns, or for meaningful symbols. Jewellery has been made to adorn nearly every body part, from hairpins to toe rings.
Form of personal adornment, such as brooches, rings, necklaces, earrings, and bracelets.
Necklace:
Necklaces have been an integral part of jewellery since the time of ancient civilizations. Common features of necklaces include features such as colourful stones (particularly gemstones / jewels), wood (usually carved or polished), art glass, feathers, shells, beads or corals - a wide, wide variety of other adornments have also been used. If a necklace includes a primary hanging feature, it is called a pendant or amulet, if the hanging feature is itself a small container, is called a locket.
Choker:
35 centimetres (14 in) to 41 a centimetre (16 in) long and sits high on the neck.
Princess necklace:
A princess necklace is 45 centimetres (18 in) to 50 centimetres (20 in) long, longer than a choker, but shorter than a matinee.
Matinee necklace:
A matinee length necklace is 56 centimetres (22 in) to 58 centimetres (23 in) long - typically a single strand that rests at the top of the cleavage.
Opera necklace:
An opera necklace is 75 centimetres (30 in) to 90 centimetres (35 in) long and sits at the breastbone.
Sautoir or rope necklace:
A sautoir or rope necklace is any necklace longer than opera length.
Lariat necklace:
A lariat is a very, very long variation on the sautoir or rope, without a clasp, often worn draped multiple times around the neck; the ends can be crossed over, looped, or knotted in various ways. This type of necklace sometimes incorporates a loop at one or both ends to allow it to be worn in the style of a lasso, or it may be worn doubled over with the ends passed through the loop formed in the middle.
  
Earring:
Earrings are jewellery attached to the ear through a piercing in the earlobe or some other external part of the ear (except in the case of clip earrings, which clip onto the lobe). Earrings are worn by both sexes, although it is more common among women, and have been used by different civilizations in different times.
  • Clip-on earrings – Clip-on earrings have existed longer than any other variety of non-pierced earrings. The clip itself is a two-part piece attached to the back of an earring. The two pieces closed around the earlobe, using mechanical pressure to hold the earring in place.
  • Magnetic earrings – Magnetic earrings simulate the look of a (pierced) stud earring by attaching to the earlobe with a magnetic back that hold the earring in place on by magnetic force.
  • Stick-on earrings – Stick-on earrings are adhesive-backed items which stick to the skin of the earlobe and simulate the look of a (pierced) stud earring. They are considered a novelty item.
  • Spring hoop earrings – Spring hoops are almost indistinguishable from standard hoop earrings and stay in place by means of spring force.
  • An alternative which is often used is bending a wire or even just using the ring portion of a CBR to put on the earlobe, which stays on by pinching the ear.
  • Ear Hook earrings – A large hook like the fish hook that is big enough to hook and hang over the whole ear and dangles.
  • The Hoop – A hoop threads over the ear and hangs from just inside the ear, above where ears are pierced. Mobiles or other dangles can be hung from the hoop to create a variety of styles.
  • Ear Screws – Screwed onto the lobe, allow for exact adjustment—an alternative for those who find clips too painful.
Ring:
Ornamental jewellery around the finger; it is the most common current meaning of the word ring. Other types of metal bands worn as ornaments are also called rings, such as earrings arm rings, toe rings and neck rings.
Rings can be of almost any material: metal, plastic, wood, bone, glass, gemstone to name a few. They may be set with a stone of some sort, which is often a precious or semi-precious gemstone such as diamond, ruby, sapphire or emerald, but can also be of almost any material.
Bracelet/ Bangles:
Bracelets or Bangles can be manufactured from metal, leather, cloth, plastic or other materials and sometimes contain jewels, rocks, wood, and/or shells. Bracelets are also used for medical and identification purposes, such as allergy bracelets and hospital patient-identification tags. The designs range from simple to intricate handmade designs, often studded with precious and semi-precious stones such as diamonds, gems and pearls. Sets of expensive bangles made of gold and silver make a jingling sound. The imitation jewellery, tend to make a tinny sound when jingled.