All About Denim
Posted by: Jane on: May 7, 2010
| Reassuring, durable, comfortable, sexy, stretchy, stylish, irresistibly indigo and iconic; our relationship with denim has been a loving and enduring one and is still very much alive.
The current ‘double-denim’ look (wearing it on the top and on the bottom) may be a step too far for most of us but the rule this season is that it has to be blue. Thankfully, denim is a great wardrobe staple with something to suit everyone. |
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Denim to snap up this season Denim is appearing in all sorts of guises from dresses to jumpsuits to duffle bags but it’s not to everyone’s tastes. If you invest in two new denim pieces only (aside from jeans) then you can’t go wrong with these: The denim shirt dress - we’ve seen it before but it’s so versatile we’re delighted to have it back. You can dress it up or down and it’s a perfect holiday piece too. The denim skirt- it’s almost as much of a wardrobe regular as jeans. There’s always a good range of cuts to choose from and it goes with any colour. Find the cotton denim versions for summer.    |
| Forever in blue jeans Jeans were originally created as men’s workwear until Levi Strauss made some useful changes and put his name to the updated version. In the 1950′s, just as celebrities dictate the latest look in jeans today, film stars like Marlon Brando and James Dean made denim a sought after item. The great thing about jeans right now is that pretty much any style goes, as long as they look good on you. Our body shape, personality and age all contribute to which styles we wear so here are some basic rules to help you choose the right jeans for you: Skinny Jeans – tight jeans that fit very closely on the leg These are best suited to straighter body shapes with little waist definition and small hips. Curvier figures can and do wear them, they just need to take care with what they wear on top as skinny jeans are so close-fitting. Keep in mind that if you are heavy on the hip or thighs then the super-narrow ankle will accentuate those areas. If you are curvy but have good legs and slim ankles (many round shapes do) then a narrow ankle can work if you wear jeans as leggings, e.g. with soft flowing tops. Hourglass figures should opt for soft and stretchy denim so it won’t fight against the curves. Good for tucking into boots. Generally better suited to younger women. Straight leg – completely straight on the leg, doesn’t In-between skinny and boot cut and easier to get into than skinny! These can work well on triangle and round body shapes as they fit neatly at the top so there’s no excess fabric adding volume around the hip or tummy. The straightness from the knee balances your shape better than skinny jeans. A bit of stretch in the denim will add comfort but too much can make them shapeless. They are also great for petite ladies as the straight style gives an elongating effect. Straight enough to tuck into boots. Good for all ages. Boot cut – straight at the thigh but flares a little near the This style never seems to be out of fashion and that’s because it is flattering on most figures. The boot cut is good for balancing out inverted triangle body shapes and wider hips, but don’t go too wide on the leg as that will detract from the slim leg line. It has a softer look than the straight leg and is therefore more flattering for mature figures. Penelope Cruz and Jennifer Aniston are frequently spotted wearing fabulous boot cut jeans dressed up with heels. Flared – can be a looser fit from the top going down to a Despite Joan Collins’ recent statement that she ‘hates’ jeans (Daily Mail 12th April) she was a 70′s jeans icon and still looks great in denim now. Flares have been updated from the original ‘bell bottom’ jeans but they still give us a bit of fabulous 70′s chic. They are generally a looser fit and not as narrow at the top as the previous cuts. This style works best on taller ladies from slim to very curvy, however, you need to think about how loose they are and consequently how much bulk they add to your figure. If you are short then you should avoid flares as they will swamp you. If you prefer a looser fit then the key is to find a more gentle flare that isn’t too roomy. Good for any age. Boyfriend Jeans – looser fit from top to ankle, generally These are exactly as it says on the box – a man’s cut made for women. They can be comfy and they are a very current look, however, it is a masculine style so not the most flattering unless you can really carry them off. Generally better on slimmer or younger figures and teamed with heels. Understanding your body shape is key to getting the right cut of jeans for you. It’s also important to understand how you should wear them so that you dress to compliment your ‘style personality’ as well as your figure. Contact your local consultant to find out how a style consultation can help you. |
widen at the calf or ankles
ankles
bigger flare at the ankle or can be fairly narrow at the thigh and knee then widening at the calf 
lower on the hips
| Do’s and Don’ts with jeans 1. Consider where the waistband sits on you: If you are high-waisted you may prefer a slightly lower waistband to give the illusion of a lower waist. If you prefer a high-waisted jean, don’t tuck-in! If you are low-waisted then low-waist hipster jeans will work for you but take care if you are short in the leg, they will appear even shorter with this style so choose straight leg jeans and slightly higher waistbands. 2. Consider the weight of the denim: structure and stiffness of fabrics are not ideal for curvier shapes, they should opt for softer denim. If you want the look without the stiff fabric you can find cotton denim and denim coloured clothes. 3. If you have short legs avoid wide leg jeans and try to avoid flats with your jeans, even a small heel will help elongate the leg 4. Take care with pale denim on the bottom half, if you are short and curvy it can appear to add pounds. |
Living In Luxury
Posted by: Jane on: October 31, 2009
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Travel Light, Travel Bright: your colourful capsule holiday wardrobe
Posted by: Jane on: July 28, 2009
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To Bare Or Not To Bare?
Posted by: Jane on: June 30, 2009
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Upgrade your Underwear
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Colour … Style … Action!
Posted by: Jane on: March 2, 2009
There may be grey skies outside, but the big fashion story this season is colour – brighter, jazzier and more startling than ever before. Shop windows are already starting to display yellows, aqua’s, pinks, blues and greens.
After a winter of downbeat dark shades, the brightness and diversity on the rails is going to give the retail fashion scene a lift.
However, all of that that colour choice might lead to some uncertainty, a little hesitation, perhaps even a desire to run back to the comfort of basic black.
Here are a few basic rules on how to pick the right colours for you:
Yellow is on all the dress rails at the moment, and is very popular this season. ‘Light’ ladies can wear primrose yellow. ‘Deep’ ladies can also wear primrose yellow. ‘Warm’ ladies can wear primrose yellow and daffodil yellow. ‘Cool’ ladies may choose to steer away from yellow. ‘Clear’ ladies can opt for lemon yellow, and ‘soft’ ladies, who have a warm undertone to their skin, can wear light gold.
There will also be variations of lime and green, which will mix well with the foliage prints that are about to take over the rails. ‘Deeps’ and ‘warms’ can carry off lime, and ‘lights’ and ‘clears’ can wear apple green. ‘Cools’ and ‘softs’ look great in teal.
If you’re unsure about which colours add harmony and balance to your own natural colouring, contact me to arrange a colour consultation pjcandjt@live.co.uk
DID YOU KNOW …
When you look better, you feel better, and when you feel better, your immune system works at its optimum, which in turn keeps colds and flu at bay.
Investment Sales Shopping
Posted by: Jane on: February 2, 2009
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When you are happily rummaging through sale items, focus on looking for quality and longevity, not the frivolous and short term. Before you hit the shops, think about what you need, or would really like, to fill the gaps in your wardrobe. Sales are great for picking up luxury fabrics and evening dresses, but do make sure they are in your colour and in a cut that suits you and a look that fits your style personality. Good items to look for are coats, suits and trousers in classic styles that will work next year and beyond. Beware of hanger appeal and make sure you try every item on! A good buy is: Remember it is far better to walk away from the sales with one great piece rather than bags full of clothes that you will hardly ever wear. |
Time to Make Do and Mend during the Credit Crunch.
Posted by: Jane on: December 1, 2008
During a credit crunch, you’re more likely to think twice about splurging on the latest designer outfits. More and more people seem to be following the advice of making use of what they already have.
During the Second World War, the government issued a pamphlet entitled ‘Make Do and Mend’. The guide gave tips on how to save food and mend clothes on the cheap. Whilst we’re currently not living amidst a war, the same advice can be applied to our current state of recession, as a call for a return to post-war thriftiness may be just what we need.
You may own an old A-Line skirt, which you could unpick and use as a template. You could pin it to some taped together newspaper and make a reusable pattern, or pin it straight to the fabric you’re going to use to make a new skirt and cut around it.
Consulting an image consultant will help you ascertain what style of skirt suits your shape. For instance, if you’re what’s classified as a ‘lean column’ an A-Line skirt will look great on you. If you’re a ‘neat hourglass’ opting for a straight lined skirt may be the better option. Finding out what your best fabrics and patterns are for you to wear, plus what you should avoid, can only be invaluable advice.
Visiting your local charity shop can be a good place to find interesting fabric. Even old-fashioned headscarves, old linen tablecloths, duvet covers and vintage curtains can be made into dresses, skirts or bags. Have a look out for buttons too, as you could replace existing buttons on your garments with some interesting ones found in charity shops. Adding military buttons can update an outfit instantly.
Visit a haberdashery department, local market or a Hobby craft shop and look for ribbons, lace, sequins, feathers, which you could add to a plain coloured jumper.
Salvage an old summer dress by teaming it with a polo-neck sweater and thick tights.
Look out for tartan belts or bags, as this key trend can update your look for this season. Perhaps you have an old kilt hanging about that you could turn into a tote bag.
Fix as many of your damaged clothes as you can. Sew on missing buttons, turn up hems. Adjust lengths of sleeves, skirts, trousers or dresses – and if you can’t sew, consider enrolling on a sewing course at your local college, or look out for ‘how to sew’ books at charity shops.
So, enjoy what you’ve got, keep it at its peak, and get more creative. You never know, you may emerge from the Big Squeeze as a more stylish, fashionable individual!
Colour In Fashion
Posted by: Jane on: October 15, 2008
Fashion tells you that black is ‘sophisticated’, ‘slimming’, ‘stylish’ and ‘sexy’, and because the colour ranges available in the shops are predominately black, that is what people feel they have to buy. But black is actually the total absence of any colour, despite it being the best selling colour!
About 70% of all fashion items sold in Britain are black. When you consider all of the colours available, it makes one wonder why most people seem to shy away from wearing colour, and always seem to wear black. Psychologically wise, it may imply that you are hiding behind the ‘colour’ black.
Having a colour analysis will determine if black actually suits you. You may need to opt for a softer version, such as charcoal, or chocolate brown.
There is no doubt that the colours you wear will have a powerful effect on how you feel, and crucially, how others respond to you. For instance, wearing red will bring excitement into your day. It is the colour of stimulation, showing a sense of exhilaration but also suggesting a demanding character. It is a great colour to wear at the end of the week when your energy level might be flagging.
Pink is a great colour to wear when you are feeling a little off colour, as it gives a flattering lift to any complexion.
When wearing green, whether olive or lime, or anything in between, you show creativity and imagination.
The purple family runs from softest lavender to deepest damson. It is a great alternative, and a more exciting one, to black and navy. Beware that its creative signal does not compromise a situation where you want to appear conformist. Purple is also the colour of spiritualism and meditation. In its lighter forms, the lilacs and soft violets promote a general sense of relaxation.
Blue conveys trust, peace and order – it could be considered safe. Medium shades of blue, such as cornflower, lapis and sapphire, are all great colours to brighten up your wardrobe throughout the year. The lighter shades, such as powder blue, eau de nil, bluebell and sky blue, make wonderful colours for special occasions when a feminine look
You’ll know the colour is right for you when your face appears to be lit from underneath, your skin appears smoother, fresher, and younger; lines and blemishes are minimised. Your eye colour is enhanced, and you notice YOU more than the colour. So give colour a chance, and ditch the black, which can create the illusion of dark circles around your chin or neck, an uneven colour in your complexion, and it standing out more than you!
COLOURING YOUR LIFE
Posted by: Jane on: September 10, 2008
· Did you know that most women only wear 20% of their wardrobe 80% of the time?
· That’s where Colour Me Beautiful comes in. By having your colours done, I can show you combinations of colours to make your wardrobe more versatile – based upon your own personal colour palette.
· Plus, why certain shades complement your natural colouring more than others, and an assessment of the colours that suit you best, therefore saving you money in the long run.
· Armed with this knowledge, you will have the confidence to build a wardrobe that is practical, professional and as glamorous as you need it to be.
· Wearing the right colours will make you look younger and healthier. It will increase your self-esteem and make you feel more confident.
· So, how is this done? Well, the main influence behind CMB’s approach to colour is based upon the work of Alfred Munsell, who was an artist during the early 1900’s.
· He invented a system of colour identification called the System of Colour Notation
· Basically, he came up with 3 characteristics when describing a colour
1. The Hue (Undertone)
2. The Value (Depth)
3. The Chroma (Clarity)
Colour Me Beautiful works with Munsell’s colour system whenever we describe a person’s ‘dominant’ colour characteristic.
· The aim of Colour Analysis is to show you how to create harmony and balance between your own colouring and the colours you wear.
· In order to determine your “dominant” colour characteristic, I look at your physical characteristics (Your hair colour, skin tone and eye colour) and then work out what your dominant palette is.
DOMINANTS
· So, what are the “dominants”? There are 6 to choose from:
LIGHT – DEEP
WARM – COOL
CLEAR – SOFT
I want you all to close your eyes – take yourselves to your wardrobe – open the wardrobe doors – start to take out everything you don’t wear and those items you realise are not a flattering colour on you.
· When you have reached £80 worth of clothes that you are taking out of the wardrobe – open your eyes. That didn’t take long!
· £80 is all it costs to get your colours right in the future – the cost of a Colour Analysis!
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