Category : General
Ever wondered what its like to be at the top of a fashion company, well Agent Provocateur’s head of press turned stylist has answered all the questions we need to know!
She has dressed the likes of last year’s X-factor’s contestants and some of the major names in pop, so we have a sneaky little feeling she knows exactly what she is talking about!
If you too would love to do something like this, the first thing you need is passion. Without passion there is no drive and if there is no drive, there is no creativity to excel in your chosen field.
Find an icon, this could be one sole person such as a designer or a model. It also be a specific campaign by a certain somebody. Feed you passion with regular doses of history, fashion and art.
Having an icon allows you to have someone to look up to and focus on. If they can do it, so can you!
Another thing you must possess is confidence. There is an old saying that states ‘shy ben’s get nowt!’. This in turn translates to ‘be cheeky!’. If you don’t ask you won’t get, so why not write a letter to somewhere you would love to work. They may be impressed by your initiative and this could in turn lead to a little work experience or even better a career!
Always learn to deal with rejection. If it happens, pick yourself up and try for the next one. Everyone will have to deal with rejection at some point. This doesn’t mean you are not good at what you do; it simply means you weren’t right for that particular job! If you give up on your first attempt, you won’t get anywhere!
New fashions are constantly emerging but many of us are in fact a little scared when it comes to trying them out, and instead stick to the norm!
There is however a time when every one feels that extra bit daring. Why not add a little adventure to your look and really push the boat out this season. If you can’t dress up during the festive season, when can you?
This is certainly the time to invest in a new trend! So what should we be investing in for the new season?
A pair of new party shoes is a must! Forget your standard black courts and look to a pair you would never normally wear, such as a peep toe boot or courts enthused with studded embellishments and glitterati jewels!
Shoes are in fact a great way to dress up an existing outfit and act as the perfect accessory to really dress up an otherwise plain outfit!
Why not team your new shoes with a matching clutch? This is a great way to really tie an outfit together and there is an assortment of must-have bags on the high street!
You will be the envy of all your work friends at the Christmas bash and really pushing the boat out will allow you to step away from your usual office attire!
It will also allow you to get the attention of that fellow office crush you may have!
Make-up and hair are another way to enhance your look. Why not pay a trip to your local make-up store and salon and invest in some well-deserved facial and hair treatments! Both will make you glow this party season.
A few statement hair accessories are a great way to make your hair stand to attention! They will also dress up a simple style! Try backcombing longer locks and pinning it back with a statement sparkly hair clip.
Do you ever find yourself craving certain foods? Quite often the foods we crave are the ones we wish we could stay away from…such as things high in sugar content or high in saturated fats!
However there is new research to suggest that the cravings we have are not in fact anything to do with the sweetness of the food, but instead to do with emotional issues.
For example nuts contain a high level of pyrazine, which in fact stimulates the pleasure part of the brain, craving them therefore is meant that you are in need of a fix of fun! So the next time you crave nuts, why not plan a little adventure or a girly day with friends. Take yourself away from work for a few hours and really enjoy life!
Crisps are another craving many of us can’t quite seem to drop! They are not the best foods for us yet ‘once you pop you just can’t stop!’ However it isn’t just the taste that may attract you to such a food produce, wanting to devour crunching things is actually a sign of stress. Both the noise and sensation of eating crunchy foods lets out all that unwanted built up tension!
Curry is another craving many may experience on a regular basis! This isn’t the best craving to have as it may mean you are a little down in the dumps. Often craving exotic cuisine in fact means you want to be somewhere far away! Why not plan a holiday instead…the amount you spend on curry a week will add up in no time!
All these craving are not so good for our figures, which is why we need to hit them on the head ASAP! Try and revamp your life as well as your food. This way you will be able to fit into that LBD just in time for all the up and coming events!
The classic look will always be in as it is always going to be timeless! Timeless style is something that every lady desires to embrace as such a style will never in fact go out of fashion, meaning you will look like the bell of the ball at all times!
From 40′s fabulous to 70′s sass, darling detailing is back! And by the looks of it, such a style is here to stay! Past decade style is returning with a flourish and is a must-have look for the new season. Channel this look at weddings and occasions this year – some great mother of the bride outfits are available online at kaleidoscope.co.uk, and for the slightly younger generation try Very or boohoo for some modern takes on classic styling.
Think statement shoes, cute velvet clutch bags, on trend arm candy in the form of tailored watches and cutesy cuban kitten heels.
The cuban kitten heel is a must-have addition to any working girls wardrobe as it offers both style and comfort.
Stella McCartney have some great studded collections available that work both patent gold and black suede. The perfect addition to a stylish work outfit I think you will agree!
The 1960′s era was very glam and in your face with patent everything, which often appeared in white shades and brighter hues. The perfect look for a chic holiday with the ladies or for a Spring/ Summer wedding.
There was a new face at Paris Fashion Week this season and one that we haven’t seen in a while!
Mirander Kerr has been out of the fashion world for a while as she has been looking after her recently born baby, however she rocked up in Paris to showcase what she’s got!
She is certainly no stranger to the fashion world and is most renowned for her star role as a Victoria’s Secret ‘Angel’.
However it was refreshing to see her back on the catwalk revealing some of prêt-a-porter goods.
The 28-year-old glowed with health as she swanned down the runway in a printed red and white shirt and black tight skirt.
She has only been spotted on the catwalk a number of times in the last year. This included roles for Balenciaga, and also a single turn for Prada. She is certainly no longer accepting shows back to back but its a pleasant surprise to see her on the catwalk for the new season!
Keeping up with style trends in any given season can be quite difficult, let alone in a transitional period like the one we are in now, between summer and autumn. To help you keep on top of what’s going on in the world of fashion, here is a quick rundown of the top 5 trends dominating at the moment.
Wedge heels have been big all summer and that trend looks set to continue into autumn and winter. Instead of the wedge sandals that have been prominent over the warmer months, retailers are now starting to sell wedge heeled boots. This type of heel gives a great deal of additional support, so is great for walking over ice and snow without sacrificing the additional height.
Faux fur is making its traditional seasonal comeback as colder weather appears on the horizon. In particular coats with fur lined hoods and fur lined boots are going to be very popular, for practical reasons as well as fashionable ones.
Prints such as floral and animal prints have been consistently popular all summer. As the sunny weather fades, so does the popularity of floral prints, but leopard print is a consistent favourite and will be carried over into lots of autumn and winter wear.
Work boots have been consistently popular all year and are garnering even more of a following now we have to prepare for cooler weather. These boots are exceptionally comfortable but look great, complementing the grudge and biker trends that have sprung up in women’s wear this season.
A final favourite trend for the upcoming months is coloured jeans. Although black, grey and blue are the most popular and traditional colours for jeans, bright daring shades of red and purple are making a comeback. Be sure to pair these bright colours with more demure tops and accessories, otherwise you risk going overboard and crossing the line between colourful and garish.
Plus size clothing can be a real problem for women to find but lately the market does seem to have expanded and thanks to the Internet, availability of quality well-fitting and yet stylish clothes is increasing steadily.
The perfect wardrobe in our eyes is made up of key items such as a little black dress, a crisp white shirt and a classic mac. We believe that this is no different for plus size ladies and that they should have access to an equally affordable and elegant capsule wardrobe. Getting these items right is key to mixing and matching timeless outfits.
The one item we found most plus size women struggle to equip themselves with is a decent coat, probably the most important piece of their wardrobe particularly during the winter months. Reports suggest that plus size women found larger coats to be exactly that, large. Too large in fact and they simple swamp their curves instead of trying to make the most of them.
What we suggest is ditching the high street and their larger sizes on the rack and instead go direct to a plus size retailer who specialises in plus size clothing. These retailers understand plus sized, they understand your measurements and shap and their clothes reflect this. You will be able to find plus size ladies coats at sites such as onestopplus.co.uk, not only will they fit well but they will be fashionable as well, something older plus size lines seemed to forget.
It is important to remember that your clothes can improve your size and shape. Feeling comfortable is hugely important in your every day life and trusting in a plus size retailer will provide you with a stylish and inspiring wardrobe. Your coat should be about looking good as well as keeping warm and someone like onestopplus.co.uk can provide this.
Too much on show when it comes to dressing in a smart and casual style is a no go in both! So how do we crack the balance between the two?
Firstly you should keep your chest in order, too much boob is in fact a major boob and looks neither smart or casual. Thighs on show are fine for the right occasion, such as a festival, a beach do or a party but never show to much to a gallery opening or a fundraiser!
A dress should come in a fabric such as lace, satin, chiffon or tulle and shouldn’t need anything else except the occasional accessory and a killer pair of shoes to look good, however a dress in an over the top material such as taffeta is just a no go if you wish to appear timeless.
Of course in the winter and to a dinner you may want to wear a little cardigan or fitted curvy jacket. This will keep your shoulders warm when walking from one venue to the next. A loose style is key as boxy styles make you appear too formal and square in style.
Trousers are very acceptable now a days, even when it comes to a dressy occasion. Just stay away from the denim if the event is more formal and instead choose a statement pair of cigarette pants with a sharp crease. Team with smart yet high winkle pickers and a soft shirt or blouse. Create a vintage smart look with one of the many billowing shirt blouses available today in a soft floaty fabric.
Finish the look with simple yet statement accessories and don’t go over board!
Do embrace colour, pastels and light mauves are great summer shades, they also go really well with a lot of girly colours, which is great news if you wish to create a really feminine look.
Orange, blues and hot hues are however just as important and if you want to make a statement opt for a brighter set of shades for this summer season!
Never hide your silhouette, as baggy attire will only make you look bigger than you are! High waisted shorts are great on curvy girls and work really well with a cute vest or tee.
Set your own style, different fashions works on different people so don’t feel like you have to follow the flock!
Don’t compare yourself to different individuals, you are your own person and you should dress in a way that says this and expresses your own style rather than a copy of others.
Do dress up; never be afraid to really push the boat out!! That is what being a girl is all about and a night on the tiles is an excuse to put on those heels and that sparkly dress ASAP!
Pop star Lily Allen has just launched her latest collection for her vintage inspired label, Lucy in Disguise.
Lily has teamed up with her sister Sarah Owen to create the label, and just six months ago they launched their shopping emporium in London’s Covent Garden, to much success. Now, they are adding another level to their label and have launched a ready to wear collection.
The vintage inspired line will be available in luxury stores including Le Bon Marché in France, Shopbop.com in the U.S, Lane Crawford in Hong Kong, and Harvey Nichols in London.
If you’re interested in getting your hands on some of Lily’s vintage attire then the good news is that it won’t cost you an arm and a leg – prices start at £95 up to £350. If you’re wondering what to expect them watch out for the 40s style tea dress, in a delicate crepe material with a pretty lily of the valley print and a black beaded and sequined flapper style dress.
The character from the label’s name, Lucy, is inspired by a fictional character. Lily said she was “a time-travelling fashionista who’s inviting you to explore her wardrobe… It’s a great opportunity to play with the character”.
The new collection comes as a result of the odd sizing of vintage clothes, which are a passion of Lily’s. She said: “Sometimes with vintage clothes the femininity can get lost – the market didn’t feel quite perfect, so that’s what we’ve worked on. I’ve always been into vintage – before I became a pop star it was all I ever wore.”
“Vintage sizing can be quite irregular. When we were buying clothes for the shop we saw so much that nearly hit the nail on the head but not quite.”
