Beware the Capri Pant!!
For some reason, ladies "of a certain age" keep choosing to wear/purchase capri pants. These fashion pieces (the pants, not the people) have multiple pockets, lots of detail (in all the wrong places) and finish between calf and ankle. The pockets tend to sit on the thighs and knees adding bulk and width to these areas. The "backside pockets" have lots of stitching and "noise" that adds volume to the afore mentioned backside and the length just does not flatter. The lower part of most women's legs is the part that first starts to show age i.e. veins, fluid and general tiredness! Draw a line right across that part of you and where else are we supposed to look?
Capri pants looked good in the 50's and then only on slim, young things - who frankly looked good in most things!
If you are a slim, young thing wear shorts, skirts or dresses. If the occasion, or your peronsality, call for pants - then wear long pants!
If you are not a slim, young thing - wear shorts (of an appropriate lenght), skirts or dresses. There is never the occasion that requires Capri Pants. If your personality insists on Capri Pants - put them on and (somehow) take a look at yourself from behind. Look all the way from the top of your head to your feet, then see where your eye is drawn - chances are it will be your tail, thighs or ankles. If any, or all, of these are you best features then set sail in you capris and enjoy.
Should that not be the case, remove said capris and find something else to where!
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Fashion Parades are Fantasy!
I love a good Fashion Parade. I love seeing what is new and wonderful in the world of fashion and I love being shown what is now on sale for me! Woohoo! What I do not enjoy is being shown all the lovely new, shiny and wonderful stuff for me (oh really) - when it is displayed on tall, super thin, teenagers!
I am "of a certain age" and I believe that I am the target market of a lot of stores and retailers. I am also intelligent and informed. I can "google" these tall, thins creatures of youth and find out that they are the generation of my daughters! The clothes they are wearing are not for me, nor should they be. They wear shoes that are feats of engineering, make-up that is extreme and hair styles that should not be tried at home!
Today's Fashion Parades (now I sound like my Mother) are not forums to promote the sale of clothes to mortals - they are full-on fantasy productions that take days to choreograph, plan and perfect. They are more like "live' performances than sales pitchs and should be treated as such.
I am thinking of requesting popcorn, a choc top and jaffas for my next foray into the magical world of Fashion Parades!!
I am "of a certain age" and I believe that I am the target market of a lot of stores and retailers. I am also intelligent and informed. I can "google" these tall, thins creatures of youth and find out that they are the generation of my daughters! The clothes they are wearing are not for me, nor should they be. They wear shoes that are feats of engineering, make-up that is extreme and hair styles that should not be tried at home!
Today's Fashion Parades (now I sound like my Mother) are not forums to promote the sale of clothes to mortals - they are full-on fantasy productions that take days to choreograph, plan and perfect. They are more like "live' performances than sales pitchs and should be treated as such.
I am thinking of requesting popcorn, a choc top and jaffas for my next foray into the magical world of Fashion Parades!!
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Too Many Clothes!!!
I hate my clothes, I have too many clothes! This is something I hear every day and it is something that most women have in common. It doesn't matter how tall, short, thin, not-thin, old, young, rich or not-rich they are - it is the same mantra!
Lots of clothes (that they hate) and no, or very few, clothes (that they want to wear). The best way to sort out your clothes is to be honest, objective, not emotioinal and a bit brutal.
If you do not wear it - and are not likely too, then get rid of it. If you do wear it, then move it to the front of your wardrobe and give yourself some space.
We keep clothes for lots of reasons. Some of them are nostalgic (remember when that fitted! or when you wore it on a great date?) If something has real meaning, then keep it. I defy you to find real attachment to the thing that is hanging in the wardrobe with the tags still on it! You bought it and not only haven't worn it, you haven't even removed the price tag! It is a waste of closet space.
If you are holding out to fit back into it be realistic in your thoughts. Are you really going to get there? If so, great and look forward to the day. If not, move it along to a new and loving home! Someone else will benefit from your cleanout and you will be able to feel good about decluttering
Bottom line - no pun intended, but worthy of consideration - if you do not wear it, do not keep it!
Lots of clothes (that they hate) and no, or very few, clothes (that they want to wear). The best way to sort out your clothes is to be honest, objective, not emotioinal and a bit brutal.
If you do not wear it - and are not likely too, then get rid of it. If you do wear it, then move it to the front of your wardrobe and give yourself some space.
We keep clothes for lots of reasons. Some of them are nostalgic (remember when that fitted! or when you wore it on a great date?) If something has real meaning, then keep it. I defy you to find real attachment to the thing that is hanging in the wardrobe with the tags still on it! You bought it and not only haven't worn it, you haven't even removed the price tag! It is a waste of closet space.
If you are holding out to fit back into it be realistic in your thoughts. Are you really going to get there? If so, great and look forward to the day. If not, move it along to a new and loving home! Someone else will benefit from your cleanout and you will be able to feel good about decluttering
Bottom line - no pun intended, but worthy of consideration - if you do not wear it, do not keep it!
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
What's in a size?
Size labels were designed by people wanting to do our heads in!! In my humnble opinion, that is. You have to have a fairly "thick skin" as my Mother used to say, to be able to cope with the "ups & downs" of trying to try on clothes.
I like to think that I have a fairly good idea about clothes and what I like. (as it should be for an Image Consultant, I hear you think) Anyway, there I was wading through miles and miles of clothing choices in a big name department store, when (using my 3 Step Elimination Process) I came upon not 1, but 2 things that ticked my 3 criteria. (right colour, right shape and right for me) Having found these 2 little gems, I proceeded to select the right size. Being somewhat "medium", a very nice lady found the medium in one top for me and informed me that is was indeed my lucky day. We will see, I thought! Then I found a medium in an English brand structuted shirt. (great cut and great colours for an Autumn like moi). In I went feeling fairly chipper about the whole exercise. You see, there has been and still is to an extent, a dearth of choices for us Autumns of late. However, I digress. There I was in the fitting room and low and behold if the red strips that had appeared "yellow red" in the store, seemed to become "blue red" in the different light. Always a problem when buying the colour red. I tried it on and it was OK. A bit loose, but in a good way. So, onto the second shirt. After slipping into in, there was a gap (yes, a gap!) of at least 2.5cm between the sides of the shirt at the front! it would not close! I was surprised, then mortified, then rather disappointed. I liked the shirt, but could no get my head around having to go to an XL to obtain comfortable fit. I am generally a 10 - 12, in lots & lots of other brands.
The first shirt, did not pass the natural light test, so suffice to say, I again left the store "parcel free".
I must say, I always believe in trying something before purchasing it. I just found the exercise particularly unnerving, when the size tags were so inconsistent. I accept that all brands have their own sizing, but this was too far off to be reasonable.
I like to think that I have a fairly good idea about clothes and what I like. (as it should be for an Image Consultant, I hear you think) Anyway, there I was wading through miles and miles of clothing choices in a big name department store, when (using my 3 Step Elimination Process) I came upon not 1, but 2 things that ticked my 3 criteria. (right colour, right shape and right for me) Having found these 2 little gems, I proceeded to select the right size. Being somewhat "medium", a very nice lady found the medium in one top for me and informed me that is was indeed my lucky day. We will see, I thought! Then I found a medium in an English brand structuted shirt. (great cut and great colours for an Autumn like moi). In I went feeling fairly chipper about the whole exercise. You see, there has been and still is to an extent, a dearth of choices for us Autumns of late. However, I digress. There I was in the fitting room and low and behold if the red strips that had appeared "yellow red" in the store, seemed to become "blue red" in the different light. Always a problem when buying the colour red. I tried it on and it was OK. A bit loose, but in a good way. So, onto the second shirt. After slipping into in, there was a gap (yes, a gap!) of at least 2.5cm between the sides of the shirt at the front! it would not close! I was surprised, then mortified, then rather disappointed. I liked the shirt, but could no get my head around having to go to an XL to obtain comfortable fit. I am generally a 10 - 12, in lots & lots of other brands.
The first shirt, did not pass the natural light test, so suffice to say, I again left the store "parcel free".
I must say, I always believe in trying something before purchasing it. I just found the exercise particularly unnerving, when the size tags were so inconsistent. I accept that all brands have their own sizing, but this was too far off to be reasonable.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
It's all about YOU!
Fashion is all about fashion, art, creativity and making money! Retail is all about making money by selling us stuff! Shopping is all about us spending money and buying stuff! Clothes are all about selling us an idea, providing a necessity or making us feel good/bad about our shape!
Image is all about YOU! How you look and feel is all about you expressing the real you, the true essence of you. Now before you start thinking that this is all a little "new age" and "out there" - think about it. Your clothes act as an introduction service to yourself. If you are a person who loves bright colours and textured fabrics, then by george that is what you should be wearing. If you absolutely love soft, floaty and totally romantic things - again, this is your style and ignore anyone who advises you to dress in another way.
By all means, find out which bright colours make you look sensational and which soft, floaty fabrics and styles best flatter you - but that is just detail. The overall look should be a statement of you. When you feel good in an outfit, you look great! When you look great, you can take on the world. (Hopefully this won't be necessary, but should it happen - then watch out world!) You will never feel great in an outfit, if you don't feel right! You might look great, but you have to feel it to get the entire experience.
Look at models (and who doesn't?) - they can look an absolte million dollars in something on a catwalk, but it is very rarely that you see those same "stunners" wearing those clothes in real life. Look great, sure; but feel right - maybe not.
The only time I concede the point is for bridemaids - although even then, I am not totally convinced. But, should your bride choose something that makes you look great, whilst feeling like a floral arrangement, then at least the photos will be wonderful! It is her day, after all. However, I still cringe at having to buy something I really didn't/don't like, just to keep a friend happy! (another whole bag of blogs in weddings!)
Be true to yourself, make use of the tools available from professionals (colour & style knowledge)and set forth and be wonderful. You are the only You that there is - don't just embrace it, celebrate it!!
Image is all about YOU! How you look and feel is all about you expressing the real you, the true essence of you. Now before you start thinking that this is all a little "new age" and "out there" - think about it. Your clothes act as an introduction service to yourself. If you are a person who loves bright colours and textured fabrics, then by george that is what you should be wearing. If you absolutely love soft, floaty and totally romantic things - again, this is your style and ignore anyone who advises you to dress in another way.
By all means, find out which bright colours make you look sensational and which soft, floaty fabrics and styles best flatter you - but that is just detail. The overall look should be a statement of you. When you feel good in an outfit, you look great! When you look great, you can take on the world. (Hopefully this won't be necessary, but should it happen - then watch out world!) You will never feel great in an outfit, if you don't feel right! You might look great, but you have to feel it to get the entire experience.
Look at models (and who doesn't?) - they can look an absolte million dollars in something on a catwalk, but it is very rarely that you see those same "stunners" wearing those clothes in real life. Look great, sure; but feel right - maybe not.
The only time I concede the point is for bridemaids - although even then, I am not totally convinced. But, should your bride choose something that makes you look great, whilst feeling like a floral arrangement, then at least the photos will be wonderful! It is her day, after all. However, I still cringe at having to buy something I really didn't/don't like, just to keep a friend happy! (another whole bag of blogs in weddings!)
Be true to yourself, make use of the tools available from professionals (colour & style knowledge)and set forth and be wonderful. You are the only You that there is - don't just embrace it, celebrate it!!
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
BEWARE there are Sales!
Sale shopping can be exciting, enticing, entertaining and exhausting. It can also be downright dangerous - to your sanity, your self esteem, your image AND your wallet.
It is all about bargains. Finding one, catching one and then snaring one. A bargain is "a thing bought or offered for sale for a low price" So, using that definition, everyone can find (and buy) a bargain. However, is it a bargain if you a) do not need it, b) do not use it and c) it does not suit you? C is the big one. Nothing is worth the price - whatever the price, if it does not suit you.
The bright purple, extremely fashionable and "now", full length designer leather jacket that DID NOT work for you last week at the price of $$$$$$$ will still not work for you at the bargain price of $$$! The article has not changed, only the price tag!
It still has not passed the magical 3 Simple Steps Elimination Test. (3 Simple Steps of Successful Shopping - 1. does is work for YOUR colouring, 2. does it work for YOUR shape and 3. does it work for YOUR lifestyle.)
However, if the article in question gets a resounding Yes to all 3 elimination test questions - then grab it and run - do not dawdle - run to that customer service point, hand over the money and make that garment your own. It was meant to be!
The perfect garment that works for you (on every level) AND at a discount price. Now THIS is what successful sale shopping is all about. Go have that coffee and glance (only occasionaly, to stare and brag about your purchase would be mean to the other frustrated shoppers) at your perfect purchase in the carry bag. Smile (contentedly) and listen to your friends starting to question their shopping choices. Your shopping choice is perfect and they are already wondering if they have made good decisions.
Oh, it is great to be informed and able to source a REAL bargain.
Happy shopping!
It is all about bargains. Finding one, catching one and then snaring one. A bargain is "a thing bought or offered for sale for a low price" So, using that definition, everyone can find (and buy) a bargain. However, is it a bargain if you a) do not need it, b) do not use it and c) it does not suit you? C is the big one. Nothing is worth the price - whatever the price, if it does not suit you.
The bright purple, extremely fashionable and "now", full length designer leather jacket that DID NOT work for you last week at the price of $$$$$$$ will still not work for you at the bargain price of $$$! The article has not changed, only the price tag!
It still has not passed the magical 3 Simple Steps Elimination Test. (3 Simple Steps of Successful Shopping - 1. does is work for YOUR colouring, 2. does it work for YOUR shape and 3. does it work for YOUR lifestyle.)
However, if the article in question gets a resounding Yes to all 3 elimination test questions - then grab it and run - do not dawdle - run to that customer service point, hand over the money and make that garment your own. It was meant to be!
The perfect garment that works for you (on every level) AND at a discount price. Now THIS is what successful sale shopping is all about. Go have that coffee and glance (only occasionaly, to stare and brag about your purchase would be mean to the other frustrated shoppers) at your perfect purchase in the carry bag. Smile (contentedly) and listen to your friends starting to question their shopping choices. Your shopping choice is perfect and they are already wondering if they have made good decisions.
Oh, it is great to be informed and able to source a REAL bargain.
Happy shopping!
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
LET'S TALK ABOUT LEGGINGS & FASHION!!
Leggings (lyra/knit/cotton stretch) pants are comfy, cosy and wonderful - on some people. They are comfy, cosy and just plain mean on others! They look great under long shirts and jumpers - on some people. They show off backsides, thick thighs and bumps on LOTS of others!
Basically, they look great on people with smooth thighs - remember, they leave nothing to the imagination. The fabric that makes them so great, is the very thing that makes them mean to most ladies! This fabric clings to the skin. Now, should the skin be uneven and have some of the dreaded (wish I could type a drumroll) dimples or extra weight - guess what? The fabric still clings! It actually highlights the thighs - dimples and all!
If you choose to wear a long jumper or shirt to hide the dimples - in most cases the fabric of your outer garment will cling to the fabric of the leggings and draw attention to that spot. You are also drawing a horizontal line across your body where the jumper/shirt finishes - any horizontal line ADDS width. So, whilst trying to hide the thighs, you are drawing a line across and under them, thus adding width to them! I am sooo the bearer of good news!
If, however, you are blessed with smooth, weight free thighs (now is when we own up to the sin of envy) - then go forth and wear leggings with confidence.
The quickest and most honest way to check is simple. Run your hand down the outside of your (own) thigh and see if there are bumps or lumps - if they are there, leggings are not your friends!
If it is a smooth surface - go for it. Leggings are not only in fashion for you, they will really work well for, and on, you!
Leggings (lyra/knit/cotton stretch) pants are comfy, cosy and wonderful - on some people. They are comfy, cosy and just plain mean on others! They look great under long shirts and jumpers - on some people. They show off backsides, thick thighs and bumps on LOTS of others!
Basically, they look great on people with smooth thighs - remember, they leave nothing to the imagination. The fabric that makes them so great, is the very thing that makes them mean to most ladies! This fabric clings to the skin. Now, should the skin be uneven and have some of the dreaded (wish I could type a drumroll) dimples or extra weight - guess what? The fabric still clings! It actually highlights the thighs - dimples and all!
If you choose to wear a long jumper or shirt to hide the dimples - in most cases the fabric of your outer garment will cling to the fabric of the leggings and draw attention to that spot. You are also drawing a horizontal line across your body where the jumper/shirt finishes - any horizontal line ADDS width. So, whilst trying to hide the thighs, you are drawing a line across and under them, thus adding width to them! I am sooo the bearer of good news!
If, however, you are blessed with smooth, weight free thighs (now is when we own up to the sin of envy) - then go forth and wear leggings with confidence.
The quickest and most honest way to check is simple. Run your hand down the outside of your (own) thigh and see if there are bumps or lumps - if they are there, leggings are not your friends!
If it is a smooth surface - go for it. Leggings are not only in fashion for you, they will really work well for, and on, you!
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