Monthly Archives: April 2010

Apr23

Tips for wearing 2010’s hot pants trend.

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Tips for wearing 2010’s hot pants trend.

This season firstly embraced lingerie as outerwear so it should come as no surprise that hem lines are set to become shorter for 2010.

When working this season’s hotpants trend it’s vital you get the hemline right, this should appear to curve up the outside of the thigh. The shorts should be extremely figure hugging and are therfore more apt for evening attire.

Hot pants look perfect teamed with a pair of skyscraper heels as this will create the illusion of a shapely figure, whilst lengthening the legs. However mid high t-bars look equally as flattering and echo a more laid back look.

With clever tailoring this look can work for both autumn and summer, simply throw the hot pants over tights or leggings. If you are feeling brave throw a little colour into the mix with statement print stockings in vibrant shades.

The spring 2010 hotpants style brings with it a bold palette embellished with various patterns. Gone are the hotpants styles of 2009 where a predominant black palette took centre stage. Different fabrics have also been introduced in the shape of leather and knits. Evening attire has certainly taken a different path this season with a complete new level of embellishment including studded and sequin detailing

When working this trend a lot of flesh is often on show, tone the look down by teaming with a billowing blouse and a boyfriend blazer, adding sport wear to the mix is another great way of doing this.

Apr16

This season goes global…

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This season goes global…

Think Marrakech prints, animal embellished items, tribal inspired pieces and a mix-up of neon’s. Combine these with this season’s military jacket and you’ll have the diverse techno traveller look down to a tee.

This is certainly an over the top look that is sure to get those that dare to wear this ensemble noticed! Its big on the catwalks and designers are certainly embracing global style this season. The eclectic knits, combat style and print embellished scarves are perfect for this year’s up and coming festivals, if it rains simply throw on an army jacket or team with faded and uber stressed denim or simply stylish harem pants.

Harem pants have proven to make an unexpected come back for this season. In order to create a flattering silhouette team with a figure fitting top and statement towering heels. A lot of the pieces this season have been created in rich silks and flowing chiffon fabrics. Add an embellished ethnic belt in order to tie the look together.

A key investment and that works with every aspect of this trend is the military jacket and this particular garment has been seen adorning various models on this season’s runways. Either work with statement black skinny jeans or throw over a cutesy pretty slip to add a little grunge-glam style to an otherwise girly outfit.

Finish the eclectic retro traveller look off with gladiator sandals, this season’s lace up grunge boots or buckled heels. This is the perfect trend to start off the summer with and an ideal look for any trips abroad you have planned.


Apr13

How to create the perfect tough girl-style hot pants.

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How to create the perfect tough girl-style hot pants.

Alexander Wang is certainly one such designer working this year’s New York grunge-glam style, his chain-and-denim grungy creations are set to be a big hit for 2010 and already on many fashionista’s ‘must buy’ lists.

If you can’t quite wait to get your hands on a pair then here are a few simple steps in re-creating your own from an old pair of high-waisted jeans. First of all you will need to invest in a good pair of scissors, a pair of pliers, a needle and thread and a cheese grater, this will aid in adding a little distress to the denim. Accessorise the finished garment with a long chain; this can be picked up from most hardware stores for a couple of pound.

Once you have all your tools you can get started. Simply cut the legs of an old pair of denim jeans using scissors. Take the pliers and cut the chain into different lengths, this will act as a finishing accessory and will dangle off the denim at different angles. To add an authentic fray, use both the cheese grater and scissors to cut both rips and add distress to the denim. The metal chain can then be stitched securely into the rips created; the pliers can then be used to close up the chain links, meaning they won’t become loose.

To add a little glam to this look, layer your newly created grunge denim hot pants over some lace cut-offs. Team with heels or lace up boots for an evening look or keep it simple with a retro tee and old school sneakers for day time attire.

Apr13

Fantasy inspired colour combinations prove to be a big hit for 2010.

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Fantasy inspired colour combinations prove to be a big hit for 2010.

The top ten colours to hit the runways this season feature a variety of pantone colours, these fantasy inspired shades include Golden Glow, Chocolate Truffle, Rose Dust, Oyster Gray, Woodbine, Lagoon, Purple Orchid, Lipstick Red, Endive and Living Coral.

All of these enticing shades offer fashionistas the perfect way in which to update and refresh their wardrobes for 2010. These include both inventive takes on essential basics as well as an injection of bold and bright colour, conjuring up images of adventure and far away places. These colours can create a high impact and certainly add life to a tired outfit as well as being a great combination to a variety of neutral shades.

Exotic purple is one such shade that’s creating a stir this season; it’s a vibrant introduction to 2010’s colour palette and one that certainly adds a pop to any outfit. Teamed with Chocolate Truffle shades this is the perfect pairing to a pantone shade that offers plum undertones.

Woodbine is another interesting introduction and offers a completely different take on last seasons neutral green palette, this shade again works well with Chocolate truffle but also Purple Orchid.

Lagoon comes in the shape of an updated turquoise and is the perfect upbeat shade for summer, especially when concerning accessories such as statement jewellery and eye-catching clutches. This pantone colour teams well with Lipstick Red, this darker more intense shade has been seen in many of this seasons make-up palettes and most recently on the Dior catwalks.

Both Golden Glow and Living Coral are another two shades that will guarantee to take you aptly into the summer season.

Apr13

Body armour hits the catwalk in a big way for the spring season.

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Body armour hits the catwalk in a big way for the spring season.

Body armour has hit this season’s runway in a big way but not as you would initially think, this particular armour is in fact uber sophisticated sport wear. The unassuming tracksuit has been completely revamped and updated in order to create a sleek and clean yet still athletic silhouette.

Even though there is still a heavy reference on the garments shoulders, gone are the eighties inspired pieces of last season. The shoulder padding that has been worked into this season’s attire almost resembles a protective padding.

This season’s sports wear style comes in the shape of a variety of up dated and figure hugging body con pieces that add an instant hit of power to any look. This illusion of power is created with the addition of sharp shoulders and cinched in waists. Pieces have been created in a variety of luxurious and rich fabrics such as slinky jersey fabric, power mesh and grey marl material. This is the perfect excuse to opt for sweat pants even if you aren’t a regular gym goer. These new takes on the sport pants can be worn with killer heels and can be accessorised with glam jewellery. Other items include astatement waistcoats pulled in at the waist with a knotted skinny belt.

The most popular addition to this new trend comes in the shape of panel embellished leggings; these are being worn at calf length with skyscraper wedged shoes or futuristic-style cut-out heels.

Apr12

How to wear this season’s new florals.

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How to wear this season’s new florals.

If you desire to step into summer in style make sure you embrace this season’s florals. Previous seasons have added a biker rock edge to the pretty print but this season goes over the top, teaming not one but several floral embellished pieces together. When working this trend don’t be afraid to clash a mixture of prints.

Try bolder watercolour prints paired with cutesy delicate daisies. Throw in a denim biker jacket or some military khaki to the mix and the ensemble will instantly be taken from girly to tough.

This season isn’t just embracing one print but several, the catwalks were a wash with everything from daisies and buttercups to poppies and extravagant watercolour creations. Models resembled a picture of meadow loveliness. Be sure to look for garden inspired prints that have been worked into flowing fabrics. This is the perfect holiday essential and can work for both day and evening attire, just add heels and accessories. You may be thinking it wise to shy away from accessories with such a clash of prints; bold pieces however work really well in dressing the look up.

Whether you wear this trend just as it is and work the ‘pretty chic’ look for summer or throw in some military style to add a little edge, these are few style staples that should definitely be making their way into our spring and summer wardrobes for 2010. Key pieces include fluttering chiffon shirts, faded or bleached denim and uber summer-style maxi dresses. Finish the look with hobnail boots.

Apr11

Work this seasons ‘inside out’ look.

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Work this seasons ‘inside out’ look.

The bra is no longer underwear but outerwear and its one item that is shaping up to be spring’s star piece. It’s certainly a brave fashion statement and the bra top has been adopting a variety a guises on the spring and summer catwalks. Richard Nicoll worked an evening look and teamed the bra top with high waisted trousers creating the appearance of a sleek and sophisticated silhouette, perfect for a dinner date. Dior went to the extreme and had models clad in pretty yet revealing lacy numbers. Balenciaga went in the opposite direction and created a sporty style ensemble, more laid back and casual cool look but still on show.

Icon Madonna was the first to make underwear outerwear when she sported a fifties style Jean Paul Gaultier Basque, the star wore this eccentric piece on her Blonde Ambition tour in 1990. This look is proving to still be popular and its certainly perfect stage wear, with the likes of Lady gaga and Beyonce donning a similar style on recent tours.

Despite this being an extremely on trend fashion statement it is still a tricky trend to pull off, the key is to not look like you have just stepped out in your underwear. There are many ways to make this look work in real life, such as going less boudoir and more grunge for example. You can do this by teaming a cutesy lace bra with an oversized cardigan or even a biker jacket or alternatively layer the look up and wear over a white tee or vest.

Length is an important and key factor to consider when working the inside out look, only a small part of the stomach should be on show and you should certainly sticking to the rule less is always more.

Apr11

Work this seasons ‘inside out’ look.

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Work this seasons ‘inside out’ look.

Recent trends for spring and summer have appeared in the shape of bold up-beat neons and feisty fuchsias contrasted with that of cool corals. This year however sees the introduction of a pretty pastel palette with purple tones taking centre stage. Forget dark plum shades that take inspiration from the gothic look and think subtle lilacs that are perfect for every day wear.

Pretty purples are however quite difficult to wear and overloading the colour can appear over the top, lilac should be kept fresh and just a little should be injected into an outfit in order for this trend to work. Mauve will instantly update a tired ensemble and is the perfect colour addition to the spring and summer wardrobe

You shouldn’t just think about adding a pop of purple to an outfit, introduce this pretty pastelle shade to your make-up too. A cool lilac colour with hints of blue undertones will awaken the eyes and will suit most skintones. A more dramatic and deeper mauve shade is more apt for those with an olive complexion, it can however make eyes appear red and tired if not applied correctly.

Adding a splash of lilac to your make-up palette such as a purple eyeliner or eye shadow teamed with a slick of black liner and mascara is the perfect look for 2010. Versace have already been working this trend on their spring and summer catwalk shows, one rule to keep in mind is to keep the injection of purple to one thing. Either stick to eyes or lips but never both. Dior showcased iris eyelids and bold blood red lips, this is certainly a bold and daring look. To tone this style down or for a daytime look, team dramatic eyes with a clear or nude gloss shade.

A definite combination to avoid is pink blusher as this will create a younger Barbie-like style as pink and purple are too close in tone. A coral cheek colour or even a touch of bronzer is the perfect alternative to pink and these shades will also instantly warm up the complexion.

Apr11

Designer Maia Norman takes a brave stab at the fashion World.

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Designer Maia Norman takes a brave stab at the fashion World.

This season sees designer Maia Norman release her debut clothing line. Entitled Mother of Pearl, the new collaboration almost resembles works of art, with bold and beautiful prints splashed across neutral colours.

Norman set the clothing line up a few years ago to date and feels its now time for the range to take on a reincarnation. What started, as cutesy and retro enthused beachwear will take on a sexy more futuristic approach.

Items currently featured include glamorous siren dresses created in crepe fabric, complete with an insecticide embellishment print by Matt Collinshaw and Walton Ford enthused biker jackets, the American artists prints appear extremely morbid on the fabric and certainly create a statement.

Art collaborations seem constant in the designers work; this is possibly due to Maia being the partner of iconic artist Damien Hirst. The next name she wishes to collaborate with is in fact Carston Holler.

Other items in the range include dresses inspired by wetsuits and possibly due to Maias love of the sea. The designer spends most of her free time studying coral reef damage, taking part in the restoration of boats or surfing off the coast North Devon. The dress is created with a zip front and takes inspiration from a wetsuit. Other contrasting pieces including futuristic tuxes in black satin complete with hoods.

Her new line, The Mother Of Pearl Collection will be available from both Liberty and Maxfield Parish and the designer already has a firm following of fans including the likes of Catherin Bailey and Lily Allen.

Apr9

How to achieve a flawless complexion

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How to achieve a flawless complexion

When selecting a foundation you should consider a few important factors, these include texture, finish, coverage and most importantly the correct shade for your skin tone.

It can often be quite difficult to choose the exact match to your skin tone as everyone is different; some beauty brands however have now answered this quandary by employing a team of specialists to act as ‘Foundation Matchmakers.’ This new line-up of beauty professionals will quickly help you choose a foundation that is the perfect shade for your skin and in turn this will help you create a complexion that appears both flawless and natural.

If you don’t have the help of a professional make-up artist then here are a few rules to consider when choosing a foundation. First of all you should think about the level of coverage you wish to achieve, for example if you require a more natural look, opt for a sheer or subtle shade. If you desire to hide unsightly blemishes then a medium to full coverage foundation will aid in both concealing blemishes whilst evening out skin tone.

When applying the product you should dot the formula on the cheeks, forehead, tip of the nose and the chin then blend towards the ears, this method of application will result in a natural style.

The next step to consider is texture, there are an array of foundations on the market from extremely creamy and moisture rich formulas to more powdery and matte textures. Thicker formulations can sometimes appear too heavy and in turn will create the appearance of an older looking skin; a lighter more sheer texture will create a more natural look that will work for everyday wear.

The final stage is the finish and this involves considering how your makeup will develop throughout the day. There are four main finishes to consider, these include matte, semi-matte, dewy or a delicate glow for an understated look. Each skin type is different and each person will require a different formula but finding the perfect match will save both money and time in the future, resulting in the illusion of a clear and healthy complexion.