Posts Tagged ‘layer’

They are everywhere and are a great multifunctional item but …

While they look great photographed in mags and catalogues remembered that these shots are staged to give the best look.  The reality when you get them into the changing room (always try before you buy … always) is that you can end up looking like a patterend paper bag.

The key to a tunic working wonders in your wardrobe is for it to fall to the right length on your leg.  If the garment is too long your legs will look shorter and possibly heavier, if the garment is too short and falls onto your hip you will probably have cut your body in half (visually) and this will take inches of your overall height and also add width to your frame, eeerrh!

So, work out where halfway is on your thigh (between your kneecap and widest part of your hip), then halve that length again … going up.  This is ideally where your tunic hem line should come to and will give you the most flattering look to your leg and body. 

Having a hemline altered is easy and relatively cheap and will transform a  functional garment to one that flatters.

Mix with tights/leggings, jeans, skirts and trou … more to come on tights

double breasted and with a belt at the waist!

On paper (the written word) these attributes in a garment are not on the top of the list for those women with a full or large bust or those with a minimal waist line.  However, as in all general information,  it is what we do with that information that defines one look from the other.

The trenchcoat is wonderful to use as a ‘layer’ of clothing and although the base design is universal it is the fabric and details in the different brands that make it suitable for most women to have as a base item in their wardrobe. In general, look for a light, shower-proof fabric in a style that is unlined (but make sure the seams are well finished).  This will reduce the look of a bulky front when it is done up.  Step one – the coat must fit squarely on your shoulders.  If the seam starts to ’travel’ off your shoulder and down your arm you will look bulkier.    Make sure the collar and lapel open to just above the bust line, creating an open neck area which will also reduce the look of a bulk to the front.  Wear it undone most of the time – i create shape in mine by tieing the belt loosely behind me so that it gives the appearance of being single breasted and the buttons then create a nice vertical detail.  And when you do need to do it up (and you do not have a well proportioned, defined waistline) do not use the belt and wear a scarf around your neck to create another vertical line.

Variations –  single-breasted versions available and for women that are heavier on the bottom there is also ‘skirted’ versions.  Budgets and lengths are as individual as the woman!

There a also many colors around and these are fun and add ‘pop’ to a grey day – simply roll up and carry in or over the handles of your hand/carry bag and you have another layer for your comfort on a transitional autumn day. Works in spring too!

cheerz, karen

swap pantyhose for tights

The term ‘pantyhose’ does not inspire – they are : scratchy, baggy and sweaty.   However,  ‘tights’ are stylish, funky and come in a gorgeous array of colors and patterns.  Oohh you can just feel the difference!

Adding a layer of warmth but not wanting to look too covered up when moving from through autumn, the funky, fantastic tight is the bee’s knees!  Start with a lighter colored fishnet – a great transition from bare leg to barely there.  Wear with existing lighter fabriced skirts and dresses and then shift into heavier, darker colored skirts as the days cool off. 

The cooler it becomes the darker the color of the tight – try tights colored to match what you are wearing, creating a tone-on-tone look.  Look for the gorgeous florals and patterns and laces that provide texture and interest if you are wearing mainly black. 

Have fun, play – karen

learning to layer

Cooler mornings that morph into warm afternoons can be the cause of wardrobe woes at this time of year.  Being ‘in-between’ seasons will have many of us dressing too warm for the afternoons’  little rays of sunshine or feeling frigid with cold in the morning while we anticipate the later thaw. 

Layering is the key!  Learning to layer is about mixing textures and color to acheive a comfortable body temperature and not look like ‘the michelin man’ – a large comfy marshmallow!    So, i am going to add layers over the coming blogs to help you transition through autumn and into your winter wardrobe wishlist.

Sign in on the front page and i will take you through the guidelines to layering – adding one item of clothing at a time.  You may have some items already in your wardrobe or you may need to shop occasionally, but once you start learning the principals you will find this skill very valuable both in terms of wearing what you have in your wardrobe more often (cost effective) but also by creating interest and discovering your own personal style.

karen

now you see them, no you dont!

When you reveal your skin through your clothing it should be planned not flashed like a wardrobe malfunction.  Catching a glimpse of someones’ bare leg above the top of a knee-high stocking is not a pretty nor sexy sight.  These practical items are used very effectively to line our feet from the inside of our shoes or boots preventing rubbing and blisters – you have to love them for that!  BUT … they are not meant to be exposed at the point where they are finished doing their job.

When wearing a skirt, whether it be long or short, with a split or otherwise for ease of movement, then wearing a full-length hose or tight is the one and only option.  To wear a knee-high maybe a budget necessity but it that is the case then make sure the ‘end’ finishes inside the boot or shoe you are wearing. To do anything else is just plain unflattering and ugly.  

Unless you intend for your short hose to be seen – then make them a statement! 

Ladies put your best foot forward and make sure it is well covered!

Classic with a Twist

This classic ‘set’ is a good basic to have in your wardrobe. 1 , or 1 , or 1 + 1 =2 .  You do the math, either way you have 3 options.  However, having seen both a younger woman and a mid-lifer wear a twin-set in the traditional way recently, on two seperate occasions, it really was just a great big yawn.  Both women looked dated and older than they were and that is never a good look.   The simple solution is to twist this classic into an updated style statement.  To do this embellish the cuffs, neckline or bottom edge of one of the pieces using either statement jewellery or a belt (thin for those with a waist, wide for those creating a waist).  Adding permanent embellishments by sewing on pearls, sequins or ribbon will also provide that ‘tjuz’ and add funk to a wardrobe classic.

have fun, karen