Weekend Reading: Discover Your Personal Style

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Many of my clients want to develop their own personal style, their signature style, that is truly a reflection of their personality.  So how do you do it?

I've written a series of posts on this which you can read here.

Also, why not consider adding in an element - Anna Wintour has her sensible bob hairstyle and large dark sunglasses.   I'm known for my large scale pendant necklaces, people comment that they're 'my thing', and how much they suit me.  They weren't always my thing, in fact for most of my life I wore smaller and finer chains and necklaces, but when I learned that large scale necklaces make my bust look smaller, I started an ever growing collection of pendants to suit different moods and outfits.    They are now an integral part of my personal style story.

Need some more inspiration?   Some great posts out and about on developing personal style.

From  Sal at Already Pretty: 

From Luinae at More Magic Always

From LPC at Privilege

From The Ongoing Project

Go on, experiment a little, fashion is fun, let me know how you go, and what inspires you.


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Tricky Trend - Over the Knee and Thigh High Boots

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Yesterday I posted on trends for 2010, one of these is the new over the knee boot, and thigh high boot.

Pic: Thigh high boot by Christian Louboutin from Bluefly

As you can see the boot that goes up mid-thigh is going to need a much shorter skirt, or pair of shorts to wear with them, you could possibly wear them over a skinny jean.  As they are a more extreme fashion they will suit the younger wearer, so as not to look too fashion victim.  You may find it hard to walk and sit down as the knee is quite constricted by the leather.

Over the knee boot by Giuseppe Zanotti from Shop Savannahs



If you want to try this trend, go for a pair that hits just over the knee, like the ones above, these won't restrict your knees as much as the thigh high, are on-trend, but not as extreme.  I can easily see these worn with a dress or skirt that stops just above the knee, or alternatively with a skinny jean (check out Donna and again) without looking MDAL.  They can also be folded down to just below the knee if that's your preference.

The benefits of a knee-high or longer boot - they make your legs look longer, and can disguise the size of your calves (if they bother you).


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Key Trends Autumn/Winter 2010

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One of my Southern Hemisphere readers asked me to do a post on key trends for Autumn/Winter 2010, so after looking at plenty of magazines and forecasts these are the key looks I've noticed that I think will be an integral part of the fashions these coming months.

Key Trends AW 2010 by imogenl featuring Vivienne Westwood Red Label blazers

Leather - whether it's in an over the knee boot ( mid-thigh are best for the younger set) or a pair of pants (only if you have great legs), or a jacket (now that's an easier option) leather is back in a big way.

Zips - I think because of the leather and hardware that tends to go with it, zips are featured not only on jackets, but also shoes and tops.

Shoulder Detail - Thanks to Balmain last season, shoulders are back, from puffed sleeves, to sharp shoulder pads, to bling or sequins,  detail on shoulders is a stand out trend this season.  If you don't want to look like a fashion victim, don't go to the extremes, but adding in a piece or two with something on the shoulders will modernise your wardrobe.   If you already have broad shoulders and don't want to emphasise, avoid the pads and puffed sleeves and stick to softer versions of detail.

Bling - there are bling collars, bling detail on shoulders and the 'bib' necklace in bling are all key trends.  Just remember, if the neckline of your top is already blinged up, no need to add lots more jewellery.

Motorcycle style jackets - These are everywhere, they may come in leather, they may come in cotton.  A soft version is great for the curvalicious body.  Just remember, cropped works for I, A and 8 shapes, hip length is better for H shapes.  Look for one that has a little feminine detail - from a puffed sleeve to waist shaping, for the most flattering effect.

And don't forget Denim - it's back in jackets, they fash mags tell you that denim on denim is cool again, but my advice, avoid it, a denim jacket with a frock is a much easier way to incorporate the denim jacket than with a pair of jeans.    It's also a key trend for Spring 2010.

And of course with all advice about including trends in your wardrobe, there are exceptions to every rule, and your personality may make something work that doesn't work for others.

Which trends will you be adding to your wardrobe this season?

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How to Choose a Print Garment

There are dimensions to print and pattern than need to be understood to make flattering choices when choosing garments.

Dimensions of Print by imogenl featuring Forever21 tops

Sparse vs Dense

Sparse prints have space (also called negative space) between the print.  The negative space can allow the eye to rest between the print, and draws attention to that part of the body.  Sparse prints tend to be less flattering to more curvalicious bodies, than dense prints, with low negative space, which confuse the eye and don't let it rest on an particular piece of print.

Repeating patterns

A repeating pattern is one where each piece is the same, and spaced evenly over the garment, it will create focal points.  A non-repeating pattern is more distracting to the eye.

Dimension of Pattern - contrast by imogenl featuring Precis Petite tops

Contrast

The difference in light and dark colours in a print can make a print look smaller or larger.  A low contrast print is more restful and doesn't draw attention to itself as compared to a high contrast print.   A medium pattern appears larger and more obvious, the higher the contrast.  It will also appear smaller and less obvious when in a lower contrast.

These are a few elements of prints that are worth considering when choosing a garment.


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Patterned Skirt, What Colour Top?

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If you want to wear a patterned skirt how do you choose what colour from the pattern to go with the top?

Focal Points Pattern by imogenl featuring Hobbs tops

It's as easy as this.  If you want to draw attention up, and distract from your lower half (A shape, X shape), wear a lighter or brighter colour from the skirt in your top.

If you want the skirt to be the focal point of your outfit, and take emphasis away from your upper body (H shape, O shape, V shape) then wear a darker or more muted colour from the skirt as a top.


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Weekend Reading: Literature and Luck

Last weekend in The Age newspaper, this article was reprinted from The Guardian, and it sums up so much of what is important about clothing, in life an in literature.

According to F Scott Fitzgerald, it is always "better to wear a becoming dress three times straight than to alternate it with two frights". This is a good piece of sartorial advice from the great American novelist, but then some of my favourite style icons have appeared on the pages of a novel... read more 

UK Supermarket chain Tesco is using it's own waste to create a recycled fashion range - what a great and green idea.


Also, speaking of waste - apparently bananas are our most wasted food - what to do with them when they go off?  Check out these recipe ideas.

Onto my Happiness Project.   Recently I purchased a Wendy Brandes Teenie Genie necklace (proceeds to a very worthy cause), and put it on,  then lo and behold as I was cleaning up my desk, found 2 cheques that had got smothered by paper.   Then I found some jewellery that was was left to me by my grandmother and great aunt - some gorgeous and sentimental pieces that I've been wondering where they were for years.   Did the Teenie Genie bring me the money and jewellery?  Who knows, but if you buy one you'll be bringing some good fortune and I really hope a little light at the end of the tunnel for Janet.   If you look closely, here I an wearing my teenie genie necklace (it really is teenie!).

Also, this week I've had the fun of introducing Mushroom the ragdoll cat to my two whippets Zella and Cleo.  A friend and her 11 year old son and their cat Mushroom have moved into our house (helps pay the mortgage and bills, now that I'm a single mother).    The dogs were a little tense at first, but now they're becoming friends.   Cleo and Mushroom are really enjoying chasing each other round the house (Cleo is more afraid of Mushroom than the other way round).


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The September Issue

Yesterday I got The September Issue out on DVD.  I'd wanted to watch it when it was at the cinema, but never got there in time (which I find is often the case).   This was a documentary that I really enjoyed, and what I enjoyed most was seeing the sumptuous feast that is Grace Coddington's fashion styling.  Wow that woman has some talent at producing the most gorgeous fashion spreads I think I've ever seen.

Anna Wintour is slightly less frosty than I expected, but not much.  She seems to spend a lot of her life looking slightly bored, with a fake half smile plastered across her face.  Anna Wintour would make a brilliant poker player as you really can't tell most of the time what she's thinking.

The only bit of real humanity I saw in her eyes was when she was speaking with her daughter, there was a point where she looked at her and you could see the love.

I had to laugh when I noticed that her office is set up exactly the same way as the editor Miranda Priestly's office in The Devil Wears Prada was set up.

Grace Coddington really stole the show, you cared about her and her fashion spreads, and her hard work being cut from the magazine.  It made me want to subscribe to US Vogue just for her spreads alone, they are art.

Have you watched the movie?  What did you think?


And if you really want to buy me a present, I'd love Grace: thirty years of fashion at Vogue (for a mere $694)

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Does the Devil Wear Prada?

Does the devil wear chunky knits?  Prada is showing lots of them in their Autumn/Winter 2010 show, and where Prada goes, many are sure to follow, but should you go there?

Whenever I hear the word chunky knits, I think 'and it'll make me look chunky too'.  As you can see, even this whippet thin model has lost her waist in this chunky ensemble.

Go ahead, wear it in a hat, but be wary about putting it on the rest of your body.  If you really want to wear them, keep it to one half of your body at a time, and make sure the other half is in clothes that fit close to the body and that are not chunky, otherwise you will be completely overwhelmed by the fabric.

You have been warned.


Pics courtesy: Harpers Bazaar


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How to Stay Warm in Winter without the Bulk

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Hi Imogen!

First, just let just say that I'm so thrilled to have discovered your fantastic blog!

I have a very small natural waist, a feature that I of course would like to highlight. However, I'm always cold at work, and by the time I pile on all the layers I begin to look like a bit of a marshmallow! I've been doing the belt over sweaters, but I was wondering if you had any other tips for how to still have a figure while dressing warmly?

I might mention that I work in a rather casual environment, but will hopefully be transferring to a more profession environment soon. I also always feel my best in dresses, winter or summer.

Thanks so much!

Annie

The belt over cardigan or belted jacket is great if you have a defined waist, but what if you still need more layers and don't want bulk?

Firstly, think about the fabrics you're choosing - fibres such as cashmere are very warm but can still be lightweight and fine.  Cotton is not on for winter if you want to stay warm.

You can layer multiple fine knits made from wool or cashmere without looking like the Michelin man.

Warm in Winter by imogenl featuring Belstaff shoes

What also pops into my mind is thermal underwear.  You can get some really great fine silk thermals as well as very fine wool thermals that you can put under your clothes, they don't add bulk, but keep you warm.

Also, if wearing a skirt or dress, look for some lovely wool or thermal opaque tights, and then add a pair of knee-high boots, a sheepskin liner in the sole of the boot will also help to keep your tooties toasty.

A beret or other small hat will keep your head warm, and think about adding a scarf as an accessory, not as something you take off when you arrive at work, but as a piece of your outfit.

Of course you need a great and warm overcoat to wear outside too!

For some inspiration on layering, check out Audi on Fashion for Nerds, who has a lovely hourglass figure and manages to layer up 2 skirts or 2 dresses at a time without looking bulky.

If you live in a colder climate - what are your tips for Annie?

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And the Winners Are ..... Plus What's in My Handbag

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As promised, today you get to find out if you won one of the fabulous handbag organisers from Bespoke Janik.

And the winners are (drumroll please)...

• Jesslyn - Large beige organiser
• BookGirl - Small pink organiser
• Diana - Medium brown organiser

Winners please email me with your address so that I can post to you!

Every now and again magazines like to do a What's In Your Handbag article, so I though in the spirit of sharing, I'd show you what's in mine, and a selection of my favourite handbags that I currently alternate between.

Here is the contents of my handbag:

• Compact fold up hairbrush with mirror
• Headache tablets
• Business cards
• Hand cream
• Dental Floss - I'm getting old, my gums are starting to recede and I get more food stuck between them which drives me nuts.
• Mobile phone
• Client notebook - when someone calls me, I write down all their details in this book as I'm often out and about, and it's too dangerous to write stuff down on scraps of paper that can easily get lost.
• Favourite shops notebook - so when I'm out and about and I find a great new shop I can note down the details.
• Banking book
• Pens
• 2010 diary (yep I still go for the paper sort - it would all be too devastating if I lost my mobile phone and it had not only all my contacts, but also my diary)
• Makeup purse with some lipsticks, mascara, concealer
• Reading glasses (yup, I'm getting old)
• Handbag butler (one of those things that you use to hang your handbag off a cafe table)
• Purse/wallet
• Handbag organiser - that's the red thing that you see.
• Fold up bag to carry stuff home in (not pictured)

And whilst on the subject of handbags and handbag organisers, I was lucky enough to receive a handbag organiser for my birthday a couple of years ago from a great friend, it's come in so handy as I love to swap bags around depending on what I'm wearing, and if I need to pack a bit of extra stuff (notebooks, books to read, netbook).

When my kids were younger I'd also have wet wipes, spare nappies, nappy disposal bags and when toilet training, clean underpants stashed in there.  I never carried a nappy bag.

You may wonder where are my sunglasses - I keep them in my car.  I also keep in my car chewing gum to freshen my breath before seeing a client, tissues, sticky tape, umbrella (it no longer rains in Melbourne, we're into our 13th year of drought), needle and thread, wet wipes, tweezers (because it's always when driving that I suddenly discover that one black hair that has started sprouting out of my chin).

So here it is all packed up, and that at the front is my fold up bag to carry stuff home in when I shop so I don't need to take a plastic bag from the shop.

And here it all is packed into one of my handbags - it's one of the smaller handbags I carry, and I can still zip up the bag.

Here is a selection of bags I use currently, depending on what I'm wearing, and how much I need to carry. The only bag my handbag organiser doesn't fit into is the brown chinoiserie bag with the round bamboo handles at the front.

And a little about my bags for those interested.

• Blue Leather (back left) - I bought this from an art gallery in Dayleford.  this is a great bag to take if I'm travelling on a plane, can pack lots into it and take it as handluggage.
• Red Levis bag - this is one I wear with jeans, it's vinyl.
• Pink rectangle bag - this is DKNY and I bought it on a trip to Chicago.  It happily fits lots of A4 size magazines, paper and files.
• Black Leather bowling bag (back right) - I bought this in Barcelona.  I fell in love with it when I took a trip there, it was by itself in the shoe department of a department store, and I just kept going back to look.
• Black Leather hobo - this was an ebay purchase
• Brown chinoiserie - this came from the shoe shop Cinori - it was love at first sight.  You can't really see in the picture, but the clasp that does it up has a picture of the Mona Lisa on it.
• Green Baby Giselle - this is Luella - and I've always loved the Giselle bag (as you can see I also have one in Light Beige), there is something about the shape and design that just makes me happy.  I bought it off ebay.
• Cream Giselle - Luella again - and another ebay purchase.

So what's in your handbag?

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