ONLY THE BEST FOR MR BOND!

I recently saw a photograph of Daniel Craig in his role as James Bond. Undoubtedly, he looked good but I couldn't help notice that his suit jacket appeared to be a little on the tight side!

Buttoned up, it formed  X shaped lines around the waist area which indicated that the jacket may have been too tight. For any man, let alone a secret agent with a demanding physical occupation, a jacket should allow enough movement so that when buttoned, it lies flat across the chest and stomach. 

So guys, a few tips about jackets:

Suit by Burton Menswear (Callum Best range) 
photo courtesy of www.prshots.com

• Find a good tailor and learn as much as possible about your own body shape and proportions. Small alterations can make a massive difference. 
• Proper fitting can elevate an inexpensive jacket but an ill-fitting jacket, even one with a hefty price tag, will not look elegant or stylish.
• There should be no wrinkling or bunching across the back and no pulling across the shoulders.
• The jacket's shoulders are showcasing your head so they need to be the best fit possible. If they are too narrow your head can appear overly large and if they are too wide, they can make your head look disproportionately small.
• A jacket is the right length when it covers the curvature of the buttocks (the point where your bottom starts to curve under) whilst giving the leg as long a line as possible. Many tailors work by measuring the distance from the jacket's back collar to the floor, then dividing in half but this is an approximate guide and length will ultimately be determined by your proportions. Another commonly used method is to use your arm as a guide. When your hand is by your side, the bottom of the jacket should line up with the knuckle of your thumb but again this is just a guide because arm length can very from person to person.
• Your  jacket collar should not stand away from your neck but sit next to your shirt collar and it should allow for at least 1/2 inch of shirt collar to show above it.
• Sleeves should finish where the wrist breaks with the hand and the length should allow for 1/2 inch of shirt sleeve to show below the jacket cuff. 
• Even though 007 has lots of cool gadgets, don't be tempted  to overload your jacket pockets with boys' toys or bulky items because they will spoil the sleek lines of your jacket.

WITH A FRINGE ON TOP!

I recently posted about a dress by Lipstick Boutique which attracted so much interest that I decided to give another one of their dresses an outing.

Anything with fringing brings out the country and western in me and with fringing still on trend this season I couldn't resist their Sistaglam Alison dress.

When I received my dress I was immediately impressed because it was virtually crease free (always useful to know for travelling).

My initial thoughts when I tried it on was that it fitted (true to size) and draped beautifully. For me, at 5' 2", it was a nice length, however, it revealed a little too much cleavage for my liking. I easily remedied this by inserting a modesty panel which looked integral to the dress and made me feel more comfortable. 

My other concern was that, given the nature of the fabric, it would be clingy but that wasn't the case at all and it didn't ride up or create static, probably helped by the fact that it's fully lined.

I teamed it with a pair of silver and black heels and matching bag for a luxe finish but I wanted a slightly edgier look so I topped it off with my black leather biker jacket. I've got a dinner date coming up in a more sophisticated setting so I'll be wearing my tailored cape for a more polished look.

I received loads of compliments and I was delighted with the comfort and feel of the dress. The fringes created a lot of interest and I loved the way they moved as I danced! Definitely a fabulous, fun dress to wear!

Sistaglam Alison Bodycon Dress
Photo courtesy of Lipstick Boutique

Looking for a little black dress?
This is a body con dress, it's revealing and will show any bulges so it may not be the right style for your figure. However, Lipstick have a great range of styles to choose from so take a look at my LBD style tips below then check out the site.
http://www.lipstickboutique.co.uk/category/sistaglam/sistaglam-alison-black-fringe-bodycon-dress-1215

My tips for a LBD:

• Black may not be the best colour on you so find your flattering alternative be it grey, navy or nude.
• It should be figure skimming not figure hugging. Too tight and it will show any lumps and bumps and too loose it will look shapeless and add pounds.
• Choose the shape that works best for you.                                                                
• Pear shaped - hips wider than shoulders - showcase your slim upper body. Look for details that draw attention upwards and add width to your shoulders, an off-the-shoulder neckline will do this. A two tone dress that is light on the top half and dark on the bottom would also work well.
• Inverted triangle - shoulders wider than hips - avoid necklines that make your shoulders look wider  such as boat or horizontal. Choose a V-neck with an A-line skirt which will bring fullness to your lower half.
• Big busted - tailored V-neck shift dress or sheath is the best option. Avoid tunic styles and avoid wide belts or waistbands.
• Curvy - go for semi fitted styles that follow your curves and show off your waistline. Look for wrap, sheath or belted styles.
• Boyish - ruching, pleating and clever draping can give the impression of a more feminine figure as will an A-line. Avoid anything too voluminous.
• Apple shaped - rounded tummy - avoid anything that accentuates the waist. Shift dresses , subtle A-line and empire waistlines will work. Keep the neckline open and stick to drapey fabrics that move.
• Petite - your best hemline starts at the knee and either goes up or completely to the floor. Keep it simple and go for styles that will accentuate your petite frame rather than overwhelm it. Look for vertical details that add length such as seams and piping.

WE'RE IN THE NAVY NOW!

Classy and effortless, I love navy. Either on its own or partnered up, it’s one of my colour heroes. Staple pieces in navy will work hard in your wardrobe and provide you with a framework which can be added to with ease.

La Redoute

It can add elegance to a casual outfit or offer a glamorous alternative to the little black dress. It’s become a style icon when paired with white stripes in a breton top and a navy blazer with jeans is a classic heavyweight. 

Lipstick Boutique

Jigsaw

The great thing is everyone can wear navy, it’s just a matter of finding the right navy for you. If you are cool skin toned then dark navy or charcoal navy will flatter you best whereas marine or french navy will be better for warmer skin tones.



Colour Combinations
Of course, you can keep it classic  with white but think about alternatives that will give it a modern and unexpected look. Think about your own colouring when pairing up, for instance, if you have dark hair and  a cool skin tone then  a pop of a high contrast colour such as fuchsia or bright green will look vibrant on you and fair  haired coolies could go for a softer look with a baby blue or periwinkle additive. 

Marks and Spencer

Questionair

If you have dark hair and warm skin tone then try pairing it with mustard or rich toffee and if you’re fair with a warm skin tone, try with orange or aqua. French women love to pair it with black and this combo can look super chic and confident if it suits your colouring.

Phase Eight

M & Co.

AX Paris

What about the boys in blue?
When advising male clients about creating a capsule wardrobe, my recommendations always include a good dose of navy. It’s clean and masculine and I call it a building block colour because of its versatility and range. 

A few key pieces in navy provide a great bedrock on which to build a stylish wardrobe. Top of the shopping list would be a navy wool suit. It works for business and casual. The jacket can be worn separately (great with a pair of inky blue jeans) and the trousers can be worn with various shirts and knitwear. A navy sweater in a fine knit, a navy cardigan and a navy pea coat would also be on the essentials list.

Burton Menswear

Guys need to think about colour combinations too.  For example,  navy and white with a touch of red will certainly grab attention and give an air of authority but remember such high contrast does not suit everyone’s facial colouring.

Finding out what works with one’s skin and hair tones is key to wearing colour and colour combinations successfully. At the very least, attention should be given to the amount of contrast you have. If your hair is dark and your skin light you have a higher contrast than someone whose hair and skin tone are similar and who, therefore, have a more muted, lower contrast look. Aim to get the colours in an outfit to share the same degree of contrast as your complexion and hair.

All photographs courtesy of www.prshots.com

PACK UP YOUR TROUBLES

Whether it's Torquay or Tuscany, going on a summer holiday is a chance to get away from everyday routines and troubles. However, packing for a holiday can cause angst and last minute panic buying or, worse still, result in either lugging half your wardrobe with you or finding that when you arrive at your destination, what you've packed is completely inappropriate.

Photo: Next

Holiday packing is one of the most common calls for help that I get from friends and clients alike. If nothing else, I am an experienced traveller and over the years have managed to get it down to a fine art and enjoyed compliments on my clothing choices wherever I have laid my hat! It's a formula that works and I'd like to share it with you.




1. Make sure you have a decent case. It should be manageable, lightweight but strong with robust wheels. Always check your airlines's requirements regarding size and weight and don't forget to check the rules for carry on luggage too. I am not going to go into what you can and cannot carry on board because all airlines are different but bear in mind that if you want a smooth transit through security and check in,  you need to do your homework first. Remember to label to your final destination and include a copy of your itinerary inside your case. Very useful if your case gets lost. Luggage all looks the same on the carousel so add an extra flourish to it (coloured ribbon) so that you can identify yours quickly.

Tripp Suitcases from Debenhams

2. Plan ahead! Make a list of what you might need, taking into consideration the length and type of holiday you are going on, the climate and the activities you maybe undertaking. 

3. Think about co-ordinating your colours and patterns. Try creating a capsule wardrobe and build your selection of outfits around one colour scheme (at the most two) so that you can mix and match different styles with ease and create different looks. Below, I've gone for a black and white palette with touches of coral. Look out for multi taskers that can be transformed from day to night, from casual to smart. 

Dune

Dune

Apricot

Next

Miss Selfridge

Next

La Redoute

Shorts & Top La Redoute

Dress by Wallis, Trousers from Next

Accessorize

4. Set out your suitcase a few days before you go and lay out all the items you think you would like to take on your bed. This will help you visualise and assemble your different  looks and enable you to check that you haven't forgotten anything.  You can edit your selection to ensure you have that capsule wardrobe. I always try to leave some space for  any purchases I might make whilst I 'm away. 

5. Do take accessories because you can change the look of an outfit instantly. You can take a dress from casual to glamorous by pairing with heels and sparkly costume jewellery. Other essentials include sunglasses, a hat, bathing suit, a cover-up, beach bag and small clutch bag. Include a few basic tees in colours that will complement your other items. 

Very

Next

Accessorize

Very

Dune

Next

Very

6. When it comes to packing there are two schools of thought. You can roll your clothes which creates more space and avoids creases or if you can't bring yourself to roll, fold your clothes and put a piece of tissue paper in the fold, again to avoid creasing. I've tried both and I've never needed a travel iron yet! I am a big fan of those mesh pouches which I use to separate underwear, swimwear, accessories etc. and I also put my shoes, separately, into bags. I also put a couple of plastic carrier bags in to accommodate any items that will need washing when I get home.

7. Getting to and from. I always travel with a jacket (a denim jacket is very versatile) which can always double if the weather isn't playing fair and I usually carry a super lightweight merino wool or cashmere shawl.

Next

Comfortable shoes are a must and given that most airports ask you to remove them, make sure they are easy to get on and off. Try to keep your carry on to a manageable size and be strict about what you put in there. 


Safe travel and have a happy holiday!




All photos courtesy of www.prshots.com except mesh pouches which belong to me.

ARE YOU DIVIDED ON THIS ONE?

The fashion forward amongst us will have already been out and purchased their culottes! High street retailers are full of ‘divided skirts’ and are reporting strong sales.  They can be found in styles from casual to tailored, in an array of fabrics from denim to leather and in various colours and prints. For the younger fashion crowd, ASOS are doing matching bralets and culottes.

House of Fraser

It's a trend that dates back to mid nineteenth century when women needed a long split skirt so that they could ride horses astride rather than side saddle. They gained popularity because they also gave women freedom of movement to play tennis, ride a bike and work in the garden and yet still look as if they were wearing a skirt.

Can I wear them? Basically, a pair of culottes creates a similar shape to an A-line skirt so if you like that shape and it works for you, then go ahead!  They can create the illusion of a waist. 

If you are petite, keep the amount of material in proportion and avoid too much volume. If you are thinking of investing in a pair for the office, a tailored pair with a shirt tucked in would work well and if it’s an evening outfit you are planning, you can team them with a cropped top and stilettos. 

It's also worth remembering a few guidelines when it comes to choosing colour and pattern.

Vertical lines- the eye will follow an unbroken line up and down so creating the impression of length so great for petites.

Horizontal lines - cause the eye to stop and scan from side to side creating the impression of widening and shortening.

Very.co.uk

Wallis

If you have wider hips than shoulders, avoid heavily patterned culottes and instead work the colour or pattern on your top half.
Lighter colours reflect light and so make things look larger.
Shiny fabrics and finishes also reflect the light so make things look larger.
Darker colours absorb light and make things look smaller.
Matt fabrics and finishes also absorb light so things can appear smaller/slimmer.
Therefore, if you want to make parts of your body seem larger wear lighter coloured or shinier fabrics. If you want to make parts of your body seem smaller choose darker coloured, matt fabrics.

Phase Eight

THANKS BOYS, IT WOULD BE RUDE NOT TO!

There are some wardrobe staples for which we can thank our men folk. Whilst I am not suggesting going full on with the borrowed-from-the-boys look, there is no harm in being inspired by and taking a page from the menswear book!

The Motorcycle Jacket
You may choose the classic black biker jacket but you could also opt for a more feminine pastel like this one from Wallis. Wear over a dress or pleated skirt and if you want to give a tougher look, finish with a pair of ankle boots.

The  Classic Trench
Chic and stylish, the trench has been the outerwear choice for years. A perennial classic, it's versatile and practical and goes with jeans as well as cocktail dresses. We have come to associate the trench coat with beige but there are coloured trenches to choose from and there are different versions available to flatter all body shapes.

Trench from La Redoute

The Chunky Sweater
Who doesn't love to borrow their beau's cosy sweater? It pairs easily with denim for a laid back look but it can look dressed up when worn with a floaty skirt. Just be careful about the amount of texture to a sweater. If you are petite go for a lighter weight knit so that it doesn't swamp you and likewise if you are heavy on the top be careful to choose one that doesn't add extra pounds.

Sweater from Next

The Tuxedo
Launched by Yves Saint Laurent, the tuxedo suit is among one of the most useful things a woman can have in her wardrobe. Wear with a silky camisole or lacy bra for a smouldering look or if it's a retro look you're after, wear with a ruffle blouse. A great alternative to an evening dress! Keep accessories sleek and ladylike. 

Tuxedo by Curvissa

Trousers
It's not that long ago when trousers were frowned upon in the workplace but almost nearly every woman I know now has a few pairs of trousers in her wardrobe. Practical, comfortable and versatile, trousers are about refined ease.  A great fitting pair of trousers can be extremely flattering and elegant and a trouser suit can look very polished. Paired with the right top there is no reason to forgo femininity.

Trouser Suit by Long Tall Sally

The Brogue
A pair of brogues can give a cool vibe to an outfit and whilst they can look great with trousers or jeans, they can also lend a kicked back chic to a floaty dress or a pair of tailored shorts. Pastel colours are feminine and patent leather will look dressier than a matt leather.

Dune

Office

Linzi

The Trilby
For many wearing a hat is confined to attending a wedding but as well as rescuing a bad hair day, a hat can add a flourish to an outfit. The jaunty trilby can add an extra dimension to a floral dress and bring glamour to a fur gilet.

Trilby by Boticca

All photos courtesy of  www.prshots.com

Fabulous 50

In last month's post I commented on the report that claimed that women over the age of 50 felt let down by high street retailers. I gave my reasons as to why I think women in this age group struggle to find what they are looking for.  This month I want to share my tips for  for clever dressing and grooming regardless of age!

Body shaping slip by
Marks and Spencer

UNDERWEAR: What you wear underneath makes a big difference. Go for a bra fitting service and invest in some great underwear that will smooth out bulges and help your posture.

Body shaping camisole by Marisota

         COLOUR: Get some colour in your life. Image consultants can help you find the most flattering colours for your skin tone and hair colour. The right colours can bring out the colour of your eyes and make you appear slimmer, taller, fresher and younger.

Outfit from M&Co

Tunic layered under sweater both by Betty Barclay

LAYERING: Learn to layer. A great option for those women who suffer from changes in body temperature. Open collars and lower necklines will also help reduce heat. 

Marks and Spencer

ACCESSORISE: Pay attention to detail. Accessories can make a huge difference. They can upgrade and update an outfit instantly and they are useful for drawing attention to a best feature or deflecting it away from one that's not so good.

Confident curves range by Isme

CUT & FINISH: Choosing the correct size, cut, style, texture and pattern is essential. Complement the line of your body by using similar lines in your clothing. Curvier body lines benefit from a contour in the pattern or drape in the fabric.

Wallis

TRENDS: Buy into fashion if it suits you. If this fur waistcoat ticks all your style boxes then go ahead and buy it but don't buy it just because it's trendy. Buy modern classics that you can pepper with one trend.

Body illusion dress by Isme

         ILLUSION: Use attention diverting tactics to distract or attract the eye to the parts of your  body you least like or like the most. You can also create illusions with colours and lines as seen here in this dress. If you've got great legs go ahead and raise your hemline. Just because you've turned 50 doesn't mean you can't wear short skirts or low tops, just don't do them together. A shorter hemline with opaque tights and flat shoes can look modern and fun. If denim jeans suit you go ahead and style them with a classy tailored jacket. 

          See my blog of March 2014 "Count Your Blessings" 

       

        HAIR & MAKE-UP: Overhaul your make-up. If you are still wearing the same eyeshadow and lipstick from 30 years ago it's time to update the colours and how you apply it. Is your hairstyle working for you? Discuss your haircut and colour with your hairdresser and make sure you have the right style for your face shape, type of hair and lifestyle.

New Look

FURTHER ADVICE: Magazine articles, TV programmes and personal shoppers within retailers can help but to really find out what works for you, consider having a personal consultation with an image consultant.They will advise you on your body shape and proportions and explain which styles and colours work best for you. They can review and edit your existing wardrobe and help you to co-ordinate your outfits. They can also help you shop and will introduce you to labels and retailers to help you refute the idea that women over 50 don't have choice.

All photographs courtesy of www.prshots.com