The End Of The It Bag

It seems that the 'It' bag is no longer a must have. Frankly, I never saw the point. Who wants to tote around something that everyone else seems to be carrying? Individuality girls. I have seen so many petite girls absolutely drowning under their oversized bags and totaly ruining the look of the outfit they've put together. It's all about balance.

Here are a few tips:

Big bags make you look smaller. Carry a bag that complements your proportions.

Where a bag sits draws attention to that area of your body. So, if you're bigger in the hips, don't don a satchel that sits over them.

A worn out bag can ruin an outfit instantly.

A brightly coloured bag can add contrast and interest to your outfit.

You don't need to match your shoes and bag. A matching set is even worse - very ageing. (Personally, I wouldn't mix black & brown)

Do try to invest in a good quality bag. I try to buy the best I can afford rather than carry something it looks like I've saved up my pocket money to purchase! Cheap generally looks that way.

Never ever buy a fake! I can't stress this enough and the reasons for have been well documented in the media. Most people can tell it's a fake and you'll just look like a 'wannabe'.

Don't get confused between the 'it' bag and the 'classic'. A Chanel 2.55 and an Hermes Birkin are classics and always will be (even if Paris Hilton owns them).

Until next time
Nic.

THE DILEMMA OF THE SIZE TAG

Oh the confusion and angst these tiny wisps of fabric cause!

Current sizing systems have gone pear shaped. There is such a variation in sizes between labels that it's hard to know exactly where you stand.

Surely Style, Proportion and Fit should be what it's all about. Can we forget Size for a moment - please?

I'm pretty much an Australian size 10-12 (depending on the cut across the shoulders), but I also have size 8s and 14s lurking in various places in my wardrobe. Now, there's no way I'm a size 8 anymore and I'm certainly not a 14, but as they say "if the shirt fits..." It doesn't bother me what size I buy. If style, proportion and fit are great, then I buy.

Trying to convince ladies to go beyond their perceived size can be quite tricky, if not impossible. I've had ladies flat out refuse to try on a size 16 garment. Even one that will look amazing on them. In reality, they probably are closer to a size 16, but they've been buying larger cut labels in which they're a size 14 and they won't budge. This is because it makes us feel better about ourselves thinking we are a smaller size. We may try on a size 14 and when it's too tight, we will 'poo poo' that particular label and disregard a perfectly good garment. So sad. We are more often than not missing out on a great look and quite often a bargain!

At the other end of the scale (pardon the pun) no-one seems to have a problem when they need to try on a smaller size. It's definately a vanity issue here ladies and many designers play on this. I hear it all the time. "Ooooh, I'm a size 10 in this label". "I like this label".

We are seriously limiting ourselves if we hang on to this way of thinking.

As I said before, please forget about size and look at each garment for its individual appeal. If it looks like it will fit, try it on and be prepared to go up a size, not just down.

At the end of the day, If you're really that worried about the size on a garment - cut the tag out!!! Who's going to know?

Nic

Hello & Welcome

After many months of perusing the blogesphere with my morning coffee and pondering the question "would anyone bother to read it, if I were here?" - Here I am - Hello and welcome.

I'm a 43 year old, married mother of 3 gorgeous boys, so you can imagine my need for a girlie outlet, or two. I have been obsessed with fashion since childhood when my favourite thing to do was play dress up. I still have my own dress up box, in the form of a boutique and this is where a new obsession began. Helping ladies to have fun with fashion and more, importantly, find their style.

As a visitor to many a boutique and chain store ladies department, I am often frustrated by the lack of personal service. The "pounce and sell" mentality of most stores leaves me frustrated and cross. I swore that I would never succumb to the "hard sell" tactics and would always offer honest advice. I've spent 3 years educating myself so that I can offer advice on what best suits an individual's silhouette (body shape) and how to teach women to shop smarter.

Fashion Vs Style

If you've found this blog you more than likely love fashion.
My first question to you is this:

"Do you follow fashion, or do you dress to suit your own personal style?"

I will admit to being guilty in the past of falling prey to fashion trends. A few of which I should not have even considered. I was always a skinny skinny girl in my youth and yes, I probably got away with a lot. Now in my forties and after 3 children, my body shape has changed and here's a run-down:

Broad shoulders - bordering on "linebacker" (American footballer)
Small bust - often a drama when shopping
No waist and short waisted
No hips
Long slim legs - probably still my best feature if you disregard the cellulite!
Longish arms
Long neck

So, I guess I'm a V shape.
I actually prefer not to define by shapes, as there are quite a few grey areas. I tend to focus on each aspect of the silhouette and address each one individually.

Here's an example of paying attention to Fashion Vs Style. I LOVED the power shoulder look. Did I run out and buy those sharp shoulders? No Way, I would have been way out of proportion. So, sadly, not for me. Instead, I bought a gorgeous ocelot print faux fur coat - happiness.

What fashion trends have you fallen victim to?
I look forward to hearing from you.

Until next time
Nic