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
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Sunday, November 29, 2009
Friday, November 27, 2009
Where to Carry Your Handbag
Yesterday I did a post on What Size Handbag to Choose - one of the commenter's asked about handbag placement, should you wear it at your hips or under your arm, down the side of your body and what happens when you wear it across your body?
What is also important is not only the placement of the bag, but what it's made of. So a bag that is soft and shapes to the body will not appear as bulky or enlarging, as one that is wider or made from a more structured material.
Of course we now add in the all important personality factor. Those who are more casual and relaxed and like to be comfortable and no-fuss, will not want to carry their bag in their hand or in the crook of their elbow, and may not like to wear a bag hanging from one shoulder, instead they are more likely to look for a messenger style bag that goes across their body, or a back pack, both of which are hands-free options. Alternatively they may choose to not carry a bag at all!
Classic and more conservative women tend to look for a structured shoulder bag.
Dramatic women will choose a larger scale bag, and are often happy to carry it in the crook of their elbow, as will many who are more feminine.
Creative types care less how they carry, and more about the design of the bag.
So how do you like to carry your bag and how would you describe your personality.
Celebrity pics from People.com
Japanese Obi Bag from Kimono Chic at Tokyo Made - you can buy it there - yum!
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The answer lies in knowing your body shape and your personality style.
Let's take a look at body shape first.
If you want to de-emphasize a part of your body, don't place your handbag at that point. So if you are an A (pear) or and X (hourglass) or 8 shape, don't wear your handbag on a long strap with the handbag sitting against your hips as this will further widen your hips.
Or carrying your bag on the side of your body will also draw attention to the hips, but if you carry it infront it can disguise a more curved tummy (O, H and V).
But if you are an O, H, V or an I shape then this hip length bag placement is great for you.
Carrying your bag low at your knees is great for all but the petite woman, who it will shorten as it draws the eye downward.
Carrying your bag low at your knees is great for all but the petite woman, who it will shorten as it draws the eye downward.
Under your arm is great for X, 8, A, H and I shapes, but not so great for V and O shapes as it adds bulk to the upper body. The more you wear the bag on your back (pushing it behind you with your arm), the less it intrudes on your silhouette.
Across your body is an option for H, I and V shapes, but it will distort your clothing and is better for those with a small bust.
If worn to the side, not so great for those who don't want to draw attention to their hips.
If worn at the back, great for women with flatter bottoms (I, H and Vs), not so great for A, 8 and X shapes.
If worn to the side, not so great for those who don't want to draw attention to their hips.If worn at the back, great for women with flatter bottoms (I, H and Vs), not so great for A, 8 and X shapes.
What is also important is not only the placement of the bag, but what it's made of. So a bag that is soft and shapes to the body will not appear as bulky or enlarging, as one that is wider or made from a more structured material.
Of course we now add in the all important personality factor. Those who are more casual and relaxed and like to be comfortable and no-fuss, will not want to carry their bag in their hand or in the crook of their elbow, and may not like to wear a bag hanging from one shoulder, instead they are more likely to look for a messenger style bag that goes across their body, or a back pack, both of which are hands-free options. Alternatively they may choose to not carry a bag at all!
Classic and more conservative women tend to look for a structured shoulder bag.
Dramatic women will choose a larger scale bag, and are often happy to carry it in the crook of their elbow, as will many who are more feminine.
Creative types care less how they carry, and more about the design of the bag.
So how do you like to carry your bag and how would you describe your personality.
Celebrity pics from People.com
Japanese Obi Bag from Kimono Chic at Tokyo Made - you can buy it there - yum!
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Thursday, November 26, 2009
What Size Handbag Should I Carry?
One of my lovely readers Karen sent me this email:
So to answer her question we need to ponder upon a few questions.
What is your body scale?
To get an idea of your body scale, measure around your wrist (in inches) to see where you fit.
Small: 5.5" or less
Medium : 5.5" to 6.5"
Large: 6.5" or more
Now this is just a general guide - it's all about height to weight as well, so if very tall but very slim you may look smaller scale.
The Optical Illusion of Scale
Now, look at this illustration: which centre circle is bigger?
The one on the right - right?
No, they are the same size, it's just an optical illusion. How can we apply this to handbag choice?
If you want to make yourself look smaller, carry a larger handbag, if you want to make yourself look larger, carry a smaller scale handbag, otherwise go with whatever is the scale handbag that suits your body scale as determined earlier.
So the trend for large handbags is because many women want to make themselves look more petite.
The Effect of Personality
You always have to throw personality into the equation, it trumps every 'rule' in the book. So if Karen likes a smaller scale handbag, no matter what her scale, that is what she'll choose to carry. Or if my very petite friend loves an enormous handbag, even though it will dwarf her, she will choose to carry it.
What is important to remember with a handbag, no matter what size, is to choose one that expresses your personality and is a great piece. You wear/carry it every day, so make sure it's good quality and adds to your overall look, rather than carrying something old and beaten up that detracts from your image.
What size handbag do you prefer?
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I do think we can and should each find our own personal style and be comfortable with it. I do not understand the large size that handbags have become. If I carried a currently stylish handbag, it would be 90% empty, and I'm not sure I get the point. Seriously, some of my carry-on luggage pieces are smaller than some handbags.
I like the smaller "organizer" type handbags with shoulder strap, in a nice leather. Zip it open and there is a place for everything. I don't carry anything for my hair, and just one lipstick. Credit cards, cash, small outer pocket for cell phone. Car key and sunglasses fit inside.
By today's standards, my handbag is more of a wallet!
I'm wondering if you can address this large handbag topic, please?
I suppose, regardless of whether I appear to be out of step, I will carry what I feel fits me.
So to answer her question we need to ponder upon a few questions.
What is your body scale?
To get an idea of your body scale, measure around your wrist (in inches) to see where you fit.
Small: 5.5" or less
Medium : 5.5" to 6.5"
Large: 6.5" or more
Now this is just a general guide - it's all about height to weight as well, so if very tall but very slim you may look smaller scale.
The Optical Illusion of Scale
Now, look at this illustration: which centre circle is bigger?
The one on the right - right?
No, they are the same size, it's just an optical illusion. How can we apply this to handbag choice?
If you want to make yourself look smaller, carry a larger handbag, if you want to make yourself look larger, carry a smaller scale handbag, otherwise go with whatever is the scale handbag that suits your body scale as determined earlier.
So the trend for large handbags is because many women want to make themselves look more petite.
The Effect of Personality
You always have to throw personality into the equation, it trumps every 'rule' in the book. So if Karen likes a smaller scale handbag, no matter what her scale, that is what she'll choose to carry. Or if my very petite friend loves an enormous handbag, even though it will dwarf her, she will choose to carry it.
What is important to remember with a handbag, no matter what size, is to choose one that expresses your personality and is a great piece. You wear/carry it every day, so make sure it's good quality and adds to your overall look, rather than carrying something old and beaten up that detracts from your image.
What size handbag do you prefer?
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Wednesday, November 25, 2009
More Ways to Create a Column of Colour to Lengthen and Slim
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Yesterday's post on using a column of colour had lots of comments and a few queries which I thought I'd answer today.
Pearlaceous said...
A top that has some depth, so grey, black, or charcoal would all work.
Always make shoes darker than your pants if you don't have a colour that blends exactly - so black shoes work well with a darker blue denim.
Shiny here. I am 5'0" and I have lately been wondering why strive to look taller? The reality is, everyone towers over me. I'm not fooling anyone. I am thinking maybe looking proportionate is more important?
There is no need to look taller, unless you want to, I've met many petite women who are happy with their height, but others who would like to look taller.
Yes, proportion is probably the most important factor! The column of colour helps to take away many proportion issues as you are not breaking up your body as much so proportions are less noticeable.
Anonymous said...
Anonymous said...
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Yesterday's post on using a column of colour had lots of comments and a few queries which I thought I'd answer today.
I understand the principle behind this, Imogen, and this is what I actually do when I wear black jeans or trousers, but how do I make it work with my blue jeans? I don't have any denim coloured shoes, or dark blue tops either! Would black shoes/tops work the same way with blue denim in elongating the body line?
A top that has some depth, so grey, black, or charcoal would all work.
Always make shoes darker than your pants if you don't have a colour that blends exactly - so black shoes work well with a darker blue denim.
Shiny here. I am 5'0" and I have lately been wondering why strive to look taller? The reality is, everyone towers over me. I'm not fooling anyone. I am thinking maybe looking proportionate is more important?
There is no need to look taller, unless you want to, I've met many petite women who are happy with their height, but others who would like to look taller.
Yes, proportion is probably the most important factor! The column of colour helps to take away many proportion issues as you are not breaking up your body as much so proportions are less noticeable.
The illustrations are wonderful.
As a tall and thin person I would do the opposite, then, right? I'm thinking I should avoid having a single colour going all the way from the top to the bottom, outside or inside.
As someone with proportionally short legs I would still want to match shoes to trousers, however.
As a tall and thin person I would do the opposite, then, right? I'm thinking I should avoid having a single colour going all the way from the top to the bottom, outside or inside.
As someone with proportionally short legs I would still want to match shoes to trousers, however.
Yes - If your tall and slim you can wear more horizontals to shorten. But use them on your longest proportion (sounds like it's your body), and match shoes to trousers to balance.
Very interesting! My body shape benefits from that. Now,it brings back my difficulty of not wearing black. I have wide hips and can hardly wear something else than very dark colors in my bottom. Making a column means bringing the very dark color up to my face wich I dont want... Maybe dresses are natural columns?...Dresses with pants,long cardigans, light coats, long jackets, and short dresses with leggins are my ?
Yes - dresses create an easy column!
You can also add a scarf in a lighter colour near your face to take away depth, or a lower neckline to make the dark colour less harsh.
Also, very dark colours have a framing effect and are not necessarily the most slimming as we spend more of our time against light backgrounds - medium to dark value colours that are in harmony with your colouring will be the most slimming for your bottom half.
Leggings are a great way of elongating and continuing the line, just make sure they relate to the skirt or dress colours.
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Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Using a Column of Colour to Look Taller and Slimmer
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If you want to look taller or slimmer, you need to use the unbroken line as your guide to dressing.
What is the unbroken line? Every time you end a garment, and the hem of each garment creates horizontal lines (which break up your body), you are shortening and widening yourself.
So creating an unbroken line by using a column of colour from shoulder to knee (or longer) will elongate your body.
Don't forget to colour blend shoes to your bottom, or to your skin to create the longest, leanest lines.
div>
Creating a Column of Colour by imogenl featuring Miss Selfridge
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If you want to look taller or slimmer, you need to use the unbroken line as your guide to dressing.
What is the unbroken line? Every time you end a garment, and the hem of each garment creates horizontal lines (which break up your body), you are shortening and widening yourself.
So creating an unbroken line by using a column of colour from shoulder to knee (or longer) will elongate your body.
Don't forget to colour blend shoes to your bottom, or to your skin to create the longest, leanest lines.
div>
Creating a Column of Colour by imogenl featuring Miss Selfridge
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Monday, November 23, 2009
Dressing Takes 287 days of Your Life
Reading the paper on the weekend I came across a mention of a study done by UK retailer Matalan, I haven't yet found the actual study results online, but here is the news report:
WOMEN spend almost a year of their lives deciding what to wear, a new study has found.
Choosing outfits for work, nights out, dinner parties, holidays and other activities means the average female will spend 287 days rifling through their wardrobe.
UK clothes retailer Matalan compiled the results after polling almost 2500 women.
The study, based on the adult years from 16-60, found most women spend around 20 minutes deciding what to wear before hitting the town on a weekend night.
Weeknights out can take up to 20 minutes a time too. Deciding on what clothes to take on holiday uses up to 52 minutes each time.
While on holiday, 10 minutes a morning will be taken up trying to find an acceptable outfit, with another 10 minutes spent picking evening clothes.
Dinner parties, Christmas parties and black tie events take up about 36 minutes a time, six times a year - adding up to 3 1/2 days.
The study also found on average women will try on two outfits each morning before coming to a final decision.
And one in two women spend 15 minutes the night before work, deciding what to wear.
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WOMEN spend almost a year of their lives deciding what to wear, a new study has found.
Choosing outfits for work, nights out, dinner parties, holidays and other activities means the average female will spend 287 days rifling through their wardrobe.
UK clothes retailer Matalan compiled the results after polling almost 2500 women.
The study, based on the adult years from 16-60, found most women spend around 20 minutes deciding what to wear before hitting the town on a weekend night.
Weeknights out can take up to 20 minutes a time too. Deciding on what clothes to take on holiday uses up to 52 minutes each time.
While on holiday, 10 minutes a morning will be taken up trying to find an acceptable outfit, with another 10 minutes spent picking evening clothes.
Dinner parties, Christmas parties and black tie events take up about 36 minutes a time, six times a year - adding up to 3 1/2 days.
The study also found on average women will try on two outfits each morning before coming to a final decision.
And one in two women spend 15 minutes the night before work, deciding what to wear.
How long does it take you to get dressed each day? Do you think it takes you more or less time than this study?
I know that when I have to dress for Image Consultant meetings, I certainly take that kind of time, but the rest of the time I probably spend 5 minutes. The aim of what I do with my clients is to help them take away that stress and indecision. Have a wardrobe that works so it doesn't take 15 minutes a day to decide what to wear.
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Saturday, November 21, 2009
Weekend Reading - Breast Cancer Style Tips
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A great post on Post Mastectomy dressing from Kayleigh
Is your hair thinning from Chemotherapy? Check out Duchesse's options for thinning hair
How to choose and fit a mastectomy bra from The Bra Queen.
Some more tips on dressing after a mastectomy from the Lifestyle Channel
And a quick reminder that if you or anyone you know is going through cancer treatment, and they haven't already done so, see if you can book the into a Look Good Feel Better workshop which really do help to give a boost. I'm facilitating a workshop for Look Good Feel Better on Monday at the Austin Hospital in Melbourne, it's a fabulous charity and the feedback we get is always positive.
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A great post on Post Mastectomy dressing from Kayleigh
Is your hair thinning from Chemotherapy? Check out Duchesse's options for thinning hair
How to choose and fit a mastectomy bra from The Bra Queen.
Some more tips on dressing after a mastectomy from the Lifestyle Channel
And a quick reminder that if you or anyone you know is going through cancer treatment, and they haven't already done so, see if you can book the into a Look Good Feel Better workshop which really do help to give a boost. I'm facilitating a workshop for Look Good Feel Better on Monday at the Austin Hospital in Melbourne, it's a fabulous charity and the feedback we get is always positive.
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Friday, November 20, 2009
Tucking Jeans into Boots
In winter I love to tuck my slim jeans into boots (and how I do love my boots). I love it because the boots allow me to wear slim jeans with a high hip length top, as they create a little bulk and balance out my hips when I don't want to wear a tunic length top with slim jeans.
If you live in the colder parts of the world where snow is a bit part of winter, I'm sure you'd spend a lot of time tucking too, otherwise your pants would spend a lot of time being wet and cold.
If you live in the colder parts of the world where snow is a bit part of winter, I'm sure you'd spend a lot of time tucking too, otherwise your pants would spend a lot of time being wet and cold.
It seems like it might be a nifty little gadget - they sell for $9.99US so won't break the bank.
The kind people at Jean Straps have given me a pair to GIVE AWAY to one lovely reader.
To be in to WIN leave a make sure you're following my blog and leave a comment and I'll draw a name out of the hat - announcing the winner on Saturday 28 November.
pics courtesy http://www.jeanstraps.com/
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Thursday, November 19, 2009
Do You Have an Essential Wardrobe Item?
How often do we see magazine articles on the essential wardrobe items that everyone must have? How often do you actually agree with them?
I'm often asked what I think these essentials are, but given that people's lifestyles, tastes and personalities differ, there are very few garments that I would class as essential for everyone.
I mean, how many of you never wear a 'crisp white shirt'? Lots of people don't look good in bright white, and many people don't feel comfortable in button down shirts, they feel too restricted.
What is essential for someone living in Canada (snow boots and heavy overcoats) is not essential for someone living in Brisbane (swimwear and sun hats).
Sure, most of us find that a great fitting pair of jeans is a great staple of our wardrobe, but I've met plenty of people who have no need or love of jeans, and they don't suit their personality or they don't feel comfortable, so why force someone into something that isn't them?
My personal essentials are:
Jeans
Knit tops, both long and short sleeve, both cotton and woollen
Interestingly constructed skirts
Summer frocks for hot weather
Cardigans
Jackets (but not the classic kind)
Lightweight coats
Sandals, both flats and heels
Ballet flats
Knee high boots
Funky jewellery
I don't go to formal events often, so have little need for evening wear. The weather in Melbourne is temperate, so apart from the very hot summer days, and a short, mildish winter, I don't need lots of heavy winter clothing.
What are your essential wardobe items?
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I'm often asked what I think these essentials are, but given that people's lifestyles, tastes and personalities differ, there are very few garments that I would class as essential for everyone.
I mean, how many of you never wear a 'crisp white shirt'? Lots of people don't look good in bright white, and many people don't feel comfortable in button down shirts, they feel too restricted.
What is essential for someone living in Canada (snow boots and heavy overcoats) is not essential for someone living in Brisbane (swimwear and sun hats).
Sure, most of us find that a great fitting pair of jeans is a great staple of our wardrobe, but I've met plenty of people who have no need or love of jeans, and they don't suit their personality or they don't feel comfortable, so why force someone into something that isn't them?
My personal essentials are:
Jeans
Knit tops, both long and short sleeve, both cotton and woollen
Interestingly constructed skirts
Summer frocks for hot weather
Cardigans
Jackets (but not the classic kind)
Lightweight coats
Sandals, both flats and heels
Ballet flats
Knee high boots
Funky jewellery
I don't go to formal events often, so have little need for evening wear. The weather in Melbourne is temperate, so apart from the very hot summer days, and a short, mildish winter, I don't need lots of heavy winter clothing.
What are your essential wardobe items?
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Tuesday, November 17, 2009
My Favourite Shapewear Tanks
Recently (well in Australia anyway, they could have been out for years in the rest of the world for all I know), new shapewear tanks have come onto the market and I am in LOVE!
I often layer a tank underneath a V or a deep U neck so that I don't scare the world with my cleavage, plus as I run a bit on the cold side, I like them for that bit of extra warmth apart from the height of summer.
Can you see the horiztonal lines just under the bust and at the hips? That's the secret to these tanks the middle section is some serious spandex so they take away my lovely rolls, the cotton/lycra that fits over the bust doesn't squish my bust into a mono-boob, and because of the cotton/lycra at the hips the tank doesn't roll up. What more could I ask for ... (don't get me started!)
I've seen them in Kmart (black, white and silver grey) and Myer (black and white) in the underwear section so far, but I'm sure there are more out there.
Doing a quick web surf there is a brand Yummie Tummie that does them with and without sleeves and in all sorts of patterns too - check out the leopard. Though it looks like they're only available in the USA at this stage.
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I often layer a tank underneath a V or a deep U neck so that I don't scare the world with my cleavage, plus as I run a bit on the cold side, I like them for that bit of extra warmth apart from the height of summer.
I've seen them in Kmart (black, white and silver grey) and Myer (black and white) in the underwear section so far, but I'm sure there are more out there.
Doing a quick web surf there is a brand Yummie Tummie that does them with and without sleeves and in all sorts of patterns too - check out the leopard. Though it looks like they're only available in the USA at this stage.
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