Does Pink Really Make You Powerless as a Woman?

From The Daily Mail 
Parents have a duty to boycott shops that sell 'sexist' pink toys and clothes for girls, according to a pressure group backed by a Labour minister.

The 'Pinkstinks' campaign, founded by twins Emma and Abi Moore, says young girls are being led up 'pink alleys' by companies that target them with products such as princess dresses and pink fairy wings.

The pressure group - which has almost 3,000 supporters on the social networking site Facebook - also claims the 'media’s obsession with stick-thin models, footballers’ wives, and overtly-sexualised pop stars is denying girls their right to aspire to and learn from real role models'.


The campaign 'aims to redress the balance by providing girls with positive female role models – chosen because of their achievements, skills, accomplishments and successes'.

The group has recently singled out the Early Learning Centre as one of the worst offenders on the high street when it comes to the 'pinkification' of girls’ toys.

Pinkstinks argues that, while toys for boys encompass 'every avenue imaginable - construction, science, adventure, role play, physical and educational', in the ELC's ‘pink alleys’, the choices for girls are 'much more limited - and limiting'.

The campaign has recently secured the backing of Bridget Prentice, the justice minister.

She told The Daily Telegraph: 'It's about not funnelling girls into pretty, prebut giving them aspirations and challenging them to fulfill their potential.  Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1233779/Parents-urged-boycott-pink-toys-Minister-backs-boycott-shops-sell-sexist-toys-girls.html##ixzz0ZbZGA1w0

So what do you think? Is the colour pink making your daughters weaker or passive?

My daughter is only 4, and yes she loves pink, but she also loves red, and green and other colours.  Today she has chosen to wear purple from head to toe.    I don't think passivness comes from a colour, but from the way girls are brought up.   

I also feel that if she gets her pink 'fill' now as a child, as an adult she won't necessarily feel so drawn to it as it will be a colour of childhood, a phase that has passed in her life.  She doesn't just want to play with pink toys, she also likes trains, cars and all sorts of other toys.

What do you think?  What are your experiences?




Email This • Digg This! • Stumble It! • Save to del.icio.us • Share on Facebook

What do You Want to Know?

What's your greatest challenge with dressing?  What do you want to know?

Is it about your body shape?
Is it about a specific part of your body?
Is is about accessorising?
Is it about fit?
Is it about fabric?
Is it about choosing flattering colours?
Is it about putting together a wardrobe that works?
Is it about shopping?
Is it about body image?

I'd love to know what you want to know, what I haven't already covered, or you would like more information on.

Please leave your questions in the comments and I'll work through them for you all!

Also, as we're coming into the 'silly season' here, both Christmas and our summer holidays, I may not post daily, but will be posting at least 3 times a week, more if I can!  With the kids on holiday from school, it will sometimes be hard to find a quiet moment to put together a post.  I hope you understand.


Email This • Digg This! • Stumble It! • Save to del.icio.us • Share on Facebook

What Colours to Wear When Dating

Pink - the right pink flatters your complexion and makes you look healthy and glowing, it also is the colour of love and a nurturing colour.  It, will make a man feel more protective.

Red - sensual and fiery, this colour conveys a very confident message, it may be interpreted that you are tiger in the bedroom, so be wary as it may attract the wrong kind of guy (unless that's what you're after).

White - well it's all about purity isn't it?  That's why brides wear white.  A little bit goes a long way, head to toe will make you look like a princess who is never prepared to get her hands dirty.

Black - yes it's mysterious, but it's also associated with power and intimidation, it may stop men from approaching you at all, as they look for the woman who is less likely to reject them.

Blue - many people's favourite colour, is secure, friendly and relaxing, not the most exciting or passionate colour, but won't push people away either.  Navy blues are associated with authority and conservatism, people don't open up to people in navy.

Green - blue-greens are calming and and fresh, yellow-greens, especially that very yellow-green which is the colour of decay, should be avoided.

Also, apparently men prefer solids to patterns, and if you are a leopard wearer, remember, you will be interpreted as an animal in the bedroom!

What colours do you like to wear when dating?  Or if you're in a relationship what is your partner's favourite colour on you?


Email This • Digg This! • Stumble It! • Save to del.icio.us • Share on Facebook

How to Choose a Necklace to Work with a Pattern or Print

.
.
One of the other elements of choosing a necklace, along with the neckline, is creating harmony with the print or pattern or other design features of the garment it's sitting next to.

Pattern and Necklaces by imogenl featuring Forever21

From left to right, top to bottom:

Snakeskin cardigan with muliple piece coral necklace - two naturally occurring shapes, made of many small pieces to make a non-symmetrical shapes and patterns.

Soft chevron design top with necklace that creates a triangular shape.

Drape cardigan with fine line pattern works with multiple strand fine necklace.

Floral top with different floral necklace, though colours work in harmony.

A geometric pattern needs a geometric necklace, if you put something fiddly and swirly, next to squares or plaid, it won't harmonise.

Paisley top in soft fabric with delicate cursive letter necklace in a colour that blends.  Notice how the curve of the letters works with the curve of the paisley.

Taking a queue from the colours in the multiple pattern tank, and the shape of the dominant pattern in the centre front, works with the turquoise star made from multiple small pieces.  Notice how the star pendant is not the same as the centre pattern, matchy matchy can look way too contrived.

Soft geometric inspired top works with the soft asymmetrical pendant with colour and shape harmonising with the pattern.


These are just a few ideas of the way you can choose necklaces to suit the pattern or print in your garment.

How do you choose what jewellery goes with your patterned garments?


Email This • Digg This! • Stumble It! • Save to del.icio.us • Share on Facebook

How to Choose a Necklace to Work with Your Neckline

.
.
I was asked by a reader how to choose match necklaces with clothing, so to start, here is a quick guide on how to match necklines and necklaces.

Necklines and Necklaces by imogenl featuring Splendid

Items in this set:
Cowl neck top, 240 GBP
Splendid Pintuck Square Neck Top - Navy, $63
Button Down Collared Shirt, $20
Poitelle Scoop Neck Top - Teen Clothing by Wet Seal, $6.50
Plaid Belted Blouse, $22

Necklines that have detail - beading, ruffles, cowls etc, don't need any extra embellishment, avoid wearing a necklace with them.

Lower necklines such as Vs, Scoops, Square, Sweetheart need something to fill in the space, but preferably on the skin rather than hanging over onto the top.

High necklines like crews and boat necklines look great with longer necklaces.

Collared necklines work well with narrower and higher necklaces, if you have a longer neck, try a choker, otherwise something that fits in the space and sits just below your collar bones.

Use the colours of your top as an inspiration for choosing a necklace.  Look at the styling - modern and minimal, don't wear fussy old fashioned jewellery.


Email This • Digg This! • Stumble It! • Save to del.icio.us • Share on Facebook

Weekend Reading - Beauty Myths and Facts

How many of us are sucked in by the advertising for beauty products - the latest cream that says that 87% of people saw less lines and wrinkles?  I know I desperately want to believe, but also am aware, when reading the fine print that that's only the perception of a study of 20 people.  Find out what those statistics really mean


Is Imedeen worth the price?   Rosina from Middle Ageless tells us her experience.

Are creams better than botox?  Are eye creams worth the money?  How do you figure out your skin type?  Watch a short videos from Paula Begoun.

So what made me happy this week?

I got to put up the Christmas tree and decorate with the kids.  Growing up, my family didn't really do Christmas, it was all too commercial (in the eyes of my parents), and they didn't get my wish for a Christmas tree (and no a stick of some plant from the garden is just not the same).  So now, I get to have all the fun decorating trees with my kids that I missed out on growing up.  Seeing the joy and excitement on my kids faces when we haul out the Christmas decoration boxes, hearing them excitedly discover the advent calendar on 1 December, these are moments that made me very happy this week.

Also, I've been madly working all week on my new colour system, second print run from the printer, some improvement in colours and finish have had me spending morning noon and night putting together the colour system.  If anyone has ever seen the book The Secret Language of Birthdays (reissue), you'll know that each day has a meaning, and mine happens to be The Day of Substantive Form, which I never really got when I read about my birthday day the first time. I have come to realise that it is so true about me, I need to create things, turn ideas into something that you can touch and feel (substantive), so spending a week working on a colour system, seeing my ideas turn into something I can give to my clients, even though exhausting, is so fulfilling for me.

Oh and as an aside, something bizarre happened this week.  I was watching TV and had a glass of water (which I'd finished) sitting on the coffee table next to me, in front of the TV.  A man came on the TV, started singing a song, and then pop, my glass broke - have a look!    So was it because of the singing?  Why did it break in a perfect circle?  Anyone?


Email This • Digg This! • Stumble It! • Save to del.icio.us • Share on Facebook

Stylish Stocking Stuffers for Christmas

.

December is here, and suddenly I've got to think more seriously about the whole present issue.  So for yourselves (if you have to fill your own stocking), or for your stylish friends, here are a few ideas for stylish stocking fillers or Chris Kringle presents.

Petal Plusheez - Spa Socks



After a long day on your feet, try a pair of Spa Socks from Footpetals.com, great for travel or at home. Unlike bulky slippers, these spa socks save space in your suitcase and are great to wear on airplanes and in hotel rooms. With their slip-free tread, you won't want to take them off!

Foot Petals




If you're wearing heels to all those Christmas Parties, keep your feet sweet with some extra padding with some Heavenly Heels also from Footpetals.



Why not choose one of the new books on style on the market:
Instyle the New Secrets of Style: Your Complete Guide to Dressing Your Best Every Day

The latest edition of InStyle's top-selling classic, The New Secrets of Style features even more expert guidance for looking fabulous. The editors who have made InStyle today's leading style publication take the mystery out of fashion with plenty of practical and simple strategies for building your best wardrobe. With The New Secrets of Style, you'll never again stand in front of a full closet and declare that you have nothing to wear!

What you'll learn from The New Secrets of Style is that the key to dressing well and developing a personal style is surprisingly uncomplicated: Figure out what works best for you-and stick with it. The payoff? When your clothes work, life's a lot simpler. 



Style Clinic by Paula Reed
Transform your life with these expert lessons

• When to spend: what is worth a budget blowout and what can be a cheap buy.
• How to find the fabulous in every figure: dress thin, tall, and timeless . . . promise!
• Secrets of the successful shopper: how to know if it's eek! or chic!
• The essential proportions of the perfect pants, the jacket you'll love forever, and dresses to die for.
• And much more—on coats, suits, shirts, shoes, bags, and essential accessories. Here you'll find everything else you need to release your individual style.

"Incorporates all the great elements of many books in this genre: bright, bold images, a fun, informative tone, and tips most women can apply to their own wardrobes. Peppered with pictures of celebrity fashionistas like Sarah Jessica Parker, Style Clinic is as fabulous as the personal style it promotes." (Library Journal )

Style Evolution by Kendall Farr
Even though women in their forties, fifties, sixties, and beyond have never looked better, healthier, or younger, their fashion needs have changed. Unless you have the body and lifestyle of an eighteen-year-old, shopping probably isn’t much fun anymore. The fashion industry seems to have turned its back on women who are forty and older, churning out collections that have nothing to do with careers or sophisticated living. Kendall Farr to the rescue! With Style Evolution, she shows readers how to create a hip, ageless, individual sense of personal style without feeding into the culture’s deep obsession with looking “young.”


“Can’t afford a stylist? Then grab this book before you go shopping....It’s like talking to a best friend with great taste.”
—Cindy Weber Cleary, fashion director, InStyle magazine



Or how about some makeup brushes, from purse size to the full kit and kaboodle!

Don't forget the cosmetic we need to replace most often, a new mascara


for those who need a little extra magnification a 5x magnifying mirror, you'll really be able to see clearly with this beauty.

For when you're out and about, great purse hangers, just attach it to the handles of your handbag, then hang it on the table at the cafe or restaurant.


Or storage solutions like a cedar belt hanger, keeps moths at bay, smells lovely and practical all at the same time!




Or how about a scarf spinner to hang in your closet and keep your scarves in easy reach.



Email This • Digg This! • Stumble It! • Save to del.icio.us • Share on Facebook

How to Build an Evening Wear Wardrobe

.


I don't spend much time wearing evening wear anymore, with small kids and no full time nanny or relatives to babysit, it's costly to get out of  the house.  But about once a year I'm suddenly needing to wear something a bit special to a dinner or event and so have to cobble an outfit together from clothes that I already have.


So I was thinking, maybe I should think about building a fairly timeless evening wear wardrobe - that would last for years and I wouldn't always be wearing the same clothes.  Here is what I've come up with.

Evening Wear Wardrobe by imogenl featuring Roberto Cavalli


So what are the elements?


See that great black dress - you can wear it as a dress, with a wrap, or little jacket, or even put a sparkly top over the top and pretend it's a black skirt.

Change up your shoes, add a different belt and you have a whole new outfit or two or three!


A great pair of dress pants can be glammed up with a sequin top, or jacket with sheen.  Add some sparkly earrings and a cocktail ring and a great pair of sandals or shoes and you're good to go (don't forget the pedicure).


Sometimes you need to go the whole hog, the formal gown, choose one in a colour that brings out the colour of your eyes, add a wrap and a great clutch to hold your lippie, phone, keys and money, maybe a wrap if it's cool.  Remember to choose a classic shape - the one pictured here, this shape will stand the test of time and not date for decades!


Maybe you have a great skirt that you can dress up, add a simple top with sheen, some nude heels to elongate your legs, and a sparkly necklace to draw attention to your face.


When you consider the cost-per-wear formula, there is no point in spending lots of money on something you'll wear once.   Try and find items that you can mix and match, change up with different accessories to change the look of the outfit without spending a fortune.


What are your essential items in your evening wear wardrobe?

Email This • Digg This! • Stumble It! • Save to del.icio.us • Share on Facebook

What to Wear to the Office Christmas Party

.
.
Happy 1st day of summer if you're in Australia!  Christmas party season is upon us, and having spoke to employers at different times about this, and they do find this to be an issue as their employees turn up inappropriately dressed, I thought I'd do a quick post on what to wear to your office Christmas party.

What you need to remember is that this party is still a business function, it's not a get together with your friends or family.  Your boss, and if they have one, their boss is there, and judgments are being made, whether you like it or not.

Yes you may be friends with your colleagues, but as your work is paying for it, you still have to respect that it is a work do, and that you need to behave as you would normally behave around your work colleagues.  So careful, don't let the spirits go to your head!

1. Don't show too much skin.  Too much cleavage, back, stomach or legs brings too much excitement, and that is not what is called for amongst colleagues.    Sure you can wear that mini dress to the nightclub on the weekend with your friends, just don't wear it to anything work related.

2. Don't wear your business suit, it's OK to get dressed up, you don't have to stay safe, and boring all the time.  If you don't have time to go home and change, consider adding a sparkly top to your dress trousers, and maybe a pair of glam sandals.

3. If there is a theme, of any sort, dress to it.  Sure you may not choose to go 'black and white' to your friends's black and white party, but for a work function, remember, it means that you will be judged as 'not a team player' or 'lacking in imagination', something so simple can hold back your career prospects.

Work Party by imogenl featuring Vivienne Westwood Anglomania

Show off your personality whilst remaining appropriate, that's the key to work party success!

Enjoy.


Email This • Digg This! • Stumble It! • Save to del.icio.us • Share on Facebook

And the Winner of the Jean Straps is .....

Crystal - please email me with your address and I will post them to you.

If you didn't win, remember you can always get a pair from www.jeanstraps.com


Email This • Digg This! • Stumble It! • Save to del.icio.us • Share on Facebook