Archive for November, 2010

Nov 21

Shoes, glorious shoes

My mother often jokes that my middle name should have been Imelda (as in Marcos, the wife of a former Philippines president who was rumored to have more than 2700 pairs of shoes). So I thought it would be nice to share some of my favourite shoes that are doing the lengths of catwalks around the world (thanks style.com) There are a few to look at so take your time and enjoy!!

Nov 19

Five little words

I often joke that the five words I use the most on the shop floor are “Try it on, trust me!” Actually I don’t joke, I’m deadly serious! So many things (for so many reasons) don’t look good hanging on the racks. You might not like the look of the fabric, the colour might not be one you normally wear, it might not be black (seriously people, black is NOT always the best option), this list goes on.

The racks of clothes out there nowadays are endless!! Shop after shop has jam-packed everything from jocks to frocks into 2 square metres of space and sometimes it can just get a little (or a lot) confusing – so how do you know what to try and what to leave alone?

Trust the people you are shopping with – your sister, your mum, your best friend, or if you are one of the lucky ones, your partner, are all good resources to use! So if sis pics up something that is a little left of centre from your normal jeans and t-shirt, give it a go, you never know til you try.

Go shopping with the girls - and suggest clothes for each other to try

Option number 2 – maybe, just maybe, the person working in the shop will know what they are talking about (although I will admit this does depend entirely where you shop!) There is nothing better than changing someones perception of clothes; yes, jersey can be your friend when it’s cut correctly. No, mid-calf in NOT the most flattering length on ANYONE (even if it does cover your knees), and yes, that beautiful bright colour makes you look 10 years younger compared yet ANOTHER BLACK SHIRT!! Some of us have been in the industry a while and know a thing or two about how clothes fit.

A well-cut jersey dress is a girls best friend. Try something like this wrap dress by Issa worn by Kate Middleton to announce her engagement to Prince William

One of my clearest shopping memories from high school was going shopping with a girlfriend and her suggesting I try on a top that I had walked straight past myself. That top turned out to be the perfect shape, colour and fit (not to mention price) for me, and I would have walked straight past it if my friend hadn’t practically forced me into the change-room.

The moral of this short story? TRY IT ON. TRUST ME!!

Have you ever tried something (clothes, food, an experience) that you thought was a little out of your comfort zone but in the end loved it?

Nov 16

It’s that time of year….again

I love shopping for togs (I’m from Queensland – swimmers, cossies, bathers to all you southerners) – don’t stress, I KNOW I am in the minority there. Most women run screaming just from the thought of having to try on bikini after bikini in those nice, well-lit (too well-lit) change rooms and I must say, as I get older, I possibly love the task slightly less than I used to so here are some of my tips for buying the best swimmers this summer!

1. Go shopping with a tan

Spray tan, self tan, bronzer, whatever gives you that slight golden glow will make your life much easier! Just make sure you get a good one, there is nothing worse that going from winter white to tandoori orange. My picks are – Loreal Sublime Bronze Gel, or St Tropez tanning foam.

How NOT to fake tan

2. Do your research

Look at the style of bra you wear, do you need underwire? Do they have a thicker strap to hold those puppies up or does a little Bonds triangle of fabric do the job. This is a good indication of the style of bikini (or one piece) top that will be best for you. Seafolly have got their togs just right this summer – they have incorporated a few bustier-styles into their range which will give great support (due to the underwire) for a larger bust, but at the same time give lift to a smaller bust. Here is a fav:

Matt soft cup bra ($99.95) and retro pants ($54.95)

For more great shapes – visit www.sunburn.com.au as a great place to start

3. Make sure they fit!!!!

If you are planning on swimming in the surf, make sure you get some togs that will stay on if you plan on body surfing in front of the flags. The whole of Surfers Paradise does NOT need to see your tan lines!