10 Mistake-Proof Items Every Woman Should Own
By Adam Glassman
O, The Oprah Magazine | From the May 2010 issue of O, The Oprah Magazine
I'm often asked for advice on what will be in style forever. So I've put together a list of mistake-proof items to fit any woman's wardrobe, from here to eternity.
1. Touches of animal print. On a bag or shoe, a little bit of zebra or tiger operates like a neutral. Michael Kors and Ann Taylor bring them out almost every season.
2. A leather jacket. Now a year-round staple, they come in lighter weights and pale colors, like Tory Burch's in camel or Banana Republic's in beige.
3. A men's watch. I like men's styles because they're not too fussy or dainty. If you wear a lot of gold jewelry, go with gold tones (Tag Heuer's are great); if you wear mostly silver, pick stainless steel (Citizen and Swatch have affordable options).
4. Diamond hoop earrings. More youthful than studs, hoops polish off a casual look and complete a dressy one. Unless you want to be mistaken for one of Beyoncé's backup singers, find a medium size. I love Daniel K's, and Carolee makes great faux ones.
5. A sequined scarf. Every woman should have sequins for day. I think the unexpected combination—plain plus fancy—is key.
6. White jeans. CJ by Cookie Johnson's and Gap's come in nice heavy fabrics.
7. A neutral shoe. In leather, patent leather, or fabric, a pair of heels that matches your skin color visually extends the line of your leg.
8. An oversize blazer. The "borrowed from the boys" look isn't going anywhere. At the office, throw on a jacket—black, navy, or pinstriped.
9. A pencil skirt. Sexy without being revealing, and appropriate at any age—it works for every woman. If you have a boyish shape, it gives the impression of curves; if you're curvy, it plays up your figure; if you're plus size, it's more flattering than a full skirt.
10. A lace-trimmed bra or camisole. Peeking out from under a V-neck, a little frill on a Soma bra or Mary Green cami adds a touch of femininity.
MY THOUGHTS
Surprise! Surprise! A men's watch? I don't get it. If you don, then go ahead.
Saturday, April 9, 2011
Saturday, April 2, 2011
WEAR YOUR SWIMSUIT AS A TOP
Give Your Swimsuit a Second Life -- Wear It as a Top!
Adele Brennan ON Aug 6, 2010 at 6:30AM
www.ivillage.com
Who says a bathing suit has to be beach-only attire?
Like many of my fellow ladies, when the weather cools, off I tend to toss all my bathing suits into a designated drawer and hold off on using them until next summer rolls around. But when I spotted this Binding Signs Swimsuit by Insight (originally $56, now $39.99, at Need Supply), I thought to myself: now that would look really cute with a pair of high waisted jeans and a blazer!
Sure, it's a little low cut, but that could easily be fixed by a lacy cami (or possibly perfect for a Friday night date). I could also see something like this Yellow Moon Bandeau by Insight (originally $64, now $49.99, at Need Supply) looking adorable when peeking out from a deep v-neck tee, or dress.
It might seem a little out of the box, but whether you're going to spend $10 or $100 on your suit, to me, it just makes sense to try and find more ways to wear it (rather than limiting yourself to just the pool or beach). And really, who's to say you can't put on swimwear all year long?
So tell me...
Would you wear a bathing suit as a top? Discuss!
MY THOUGHTS
Probably not in a tropical country. The swimsuit will stick to the body like glue because of the heat. On cooler days maybe.
Adele Brennan ON Aug 6, 2010 at 6:30AM
www.ivillage.com
Who says a bathing suit has to be beach-only attire?
Like many of my fellow ladies, when the weather cools, off I tend to toss all my bathing suits into a designated drawer and hold off on using them until next summer rolls around. But when I spotted this Binding Signs Swimsuit by Insight (originally $56, now $39.99, at Need Supply), I thought to myself: now that would look really cute with a pair of high waisted jeans and a blazer!
Sure, it's a little low cut, but that could easily be fixed by a lacy cami (or possibly perfect for a Friday night date). I could also see something like this Yellow Moon Bandeau by Insight (originally $64, now $49.99, at Need Supply) looking adorable when peeking out from a deep v-neck tee, or dress.
It might seem a little out of the box, but whether you're going to spend $10 or $100 on your suit, to me, it just makes sense to try and find more ways to wear it (rather than limiting yourself to just the pool or beach). And really, who's to say you can't put on swimwear all year long?
So tell me...
Would you wear a bathing suit as a top? Discuss!
MY THOUGHTS
Probably not in a tropical country. The swimsuit will stick to the body like glue because of the heat. On cooler days maybe.
Friday, April 1, 2011
WEAR THE RIGHT NECKLACE
THE RIGHT NECKLACE LENGTHS
From the article 'Jewelry Do's & Dont's'
Melissa Kagan ON Apr 7, 2005 at 1:20AM
www.ivillage.com
Wear the Right Necklace Lengths
Have you even seen someone who is dressed to the nines, yet something seems somehow off? Wearing the wrong length necklace with a particular neckline is probably the most common mistake women make when it comes to wearing jewelry. Here are some simple guidelines for getting it right.
* Collar necklaces should lie snugly around the middle of the neck, and can be worn with V-neck, boat-neck and off-the-shoulder tops.
* Chokers fall perfectly at the base of the neck, and look great with strapless or plunging necklines.
* Princess length necklaces (17 to 19 inches) fall just below the throat. This is the most common and versatile length of necklace. It can be worn with most necklines except the high ones. Add a pendant and wear with a V-neck for a pretty look.
* Matinee length necklaces (20 to 24 inches) hit the top of the bust, and it's best not to wear this length with plunging necklines. If the necklace hits the very top of your neckline, it will be fighting for attention with your top.
* Opera length necklaces (28 to 34 inches) fall below the bust and look great with a very high neckline. They can be worn from day to evening. This length can also be doubled for a multi-strand look.
MY THOUGHTS
That's pretty clear. If you're a necklace person, this should sit well with you. Most of the time I find necklaces cumbersome. I have to admit, that they do add value to the way we look when worn properly.
From the article 'Jewelry Do's & Dont's'
Melissa Kagan ON Apr 7, 2005 at 1:20AM
www.ivillage.com
Wear the Right Necklace Lengths
Have you even seen someone who is dressed to the nines, yet something seems somehow off? Wearing the wrong length necklace with a particular neckline is probably the most common mistake women make when it comes to wearing jewelry. Here are some simple guidelines for getting it right.
* Collar necklaces should lie snugly around the middle of the neck, and can be worn with V-neck, boat-neck and off-the-shoulder tops.
* Chokers fall perfectly at the base of the neck, and look great with strapless or plunging necklines.
* Princess length necklaces (17 to 19 inches) fall just below the throat. This is the most common and versatile length of necklace. It can be worn with most necklines except the high ones. Add a pendant and wear with a V-neck for a pretty look.
* Matinee length necklaces (20 to 24 inches) hit the top of the bust, and it's best not to wear this length with plunging necklines. If the necklace hits the very top of your neckline, it will be fighting for attention with your top.
* Opera length necklaces (28 to 34 inches) fall below the bust and look great with a very high neckline. They can be worn from day to evening. This length can also be doubled for a multi-strand look.
MY THOUGHTS
That's pretty clear. If you're a necklace person, this should sit well with you. Most of the time I find necklaces cumbersome. I have to admit, that they do add value to the way we look when worn properly.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
MIXING METALS WHEN WEARING JEWELRY
MIXING METALS WHEN WEARING JEWELRY
From the articel 'Jewelry Do's & Dont's'
Melissa Kagan ON Apr 7, 2005 at 1:20AM
Mix Metals
We were once told not to mix metals, and this is one of the old-school rules (like no white after Labor Day) that designers now ignore. Wearing gold with gold and silver with silver creates a more traditional look, but isn't true fashion all about looking modern? The trick is, if you want to mix metals, keep the style of the jewelry the same. A modern gold cuff won't look right paired back to dainty, antique platinum and diamond earrings. The "stacking trend" lends itself perfectly to the mixing of metals. Stack square or round rings or bangles in different shades of gold. You can even layer gold and silver necklaces for a fashion-forward look. Sometimes rules were made to be broken.
MY THOUGHTS
I kinda like the layering effect-bangles and necklaces. I agree that wearing gold earrings with silver necklace doesn't look too good.
From the articel 'Jewelry Do's & Dont's'
Melissa Kagan ON Apr 7, 2005 at 1:20AM
Mix Metals
We were once told not to mix metals, and this is one of the old-school rules (like no white after Labor Day) that designers now ignore. Wearing gold with gold and silver with silver creates a more traditional look, but isn't true fashion all about looking modern? The trick is, if you want to mix metals, keep the style of the jewelry the same. A modern gold cuff won't look right paired back to dainty, antique platinum and diamond earrings. The "stacking trend" lends itself perfectly to the mixing of metals. Stack square or round rings or bangles in different shades of gold. You can even layer gold and silver necklaces for a fashion-forward look. Sometimes rules were made to be broken.
MY THOUGHTS
I kinda like the layering effect-bangles and necklaces. I agree that wearing gold earrings with silver necklace doesn't look too good.
HOW TO GO BOLD WITH JEWELRY
GO BOLD AND BEAUTIFUL WITH JEWELRY
from the article 'Jewelry Do's & Dont's'
Melissa Kagan ON Apr 7, 2005 at 1:20AM
What every woman should know
It's an all too familiar story. Woman gets dressed in fabulous outfit. Woman wears hottest new shoes and handbag with outfit. Woman ruins everything by wearing wrong jewelry with outfit. As if rules for skirt lengths, shoe height and lipstick color weren't enough, women also have to worry about the do's and don'ts of wearing jewelry. Relax -- these rules aren't that tough to follow, and we'll also tell you which ones you can now completely ignore!
Go Bold and Beautiful
Wearing bold jewelry takes confidence and fashion know-how. It says to the world, "I'm no shrinking violet, and I'm okay with standing out in a crowd." What it shouldn't scream is, "I am over-accessorizing with the wrong outfit!" The main thing to remember is less is more. If you are wearing a chunky bangle and necklace, forget the bling-bling ring and big earrings, or you'll look like you're playing dress-up in Mommy's closet. When you want to wear big and bold jewelry, don't wear prints -- they just don't get along. Sleek all-black and all-white, however, are perfect with big or colorful jewelry. Have fun with the coral and turquoise trends of the season. The last thing to remember is the larger a stone, the less real it looks. Large retro-cool cocktail rings are very in right now, but resist the "gem-tation" to pair yours with other jewel-encrusted pieces. Let the ring be the focal point of your look.
MY THOUGHTS
In other words, don't look like a Christmas Tree with too many Christmas balls and trinkets there won't be any need for Christmas lights.
from the article 'Jewelry Do's & Dont's'
Melissa Kagan ON Apr 7, 2005 at 1:20AM
What every woman should know
It's an all too familiar story. Woman gets dressed in fabulous outfit. Woman wears hottest new shoes and handbag with outfit. Woman ruins everything by wearing wrong jewelry with outfit. As if rules for skirt lengths, shoe height and lipstick color weren't enough, women also have to worry about the do's and don'ts of wearing jewelry. Relax -- these rules aren't that tough to follow, and we'll also tell you which ones you can now completely ignore!
Go Bold and Beautiful
Wearing bold jewelry takes confidence and fashion know-how. It says to the world, "I'm no shrinking violet, and I'm okay with standing out in a crowd." What it shouldn't scream is, "I am over-accessorizing with the wrong outfit!" The main thing to remember is less is more. If you are wearing a chunky bangle and necklace, forget the bling-bling ring and big earrings, or you'll look like you're playing dress-up in Mommy's closet. When you want to wear big and bold jewelry, don't wear prints -- they just don't get along. Sleek all-black and all-white, however, are perfect with big or colorful jewelry. Have fun with the coral and turquoise trends of the season. The last thing to remember is the larger a stone, the less real it looks. Large retro-cool cocktail rings are very in right now, but resist the "gem-tation" to pair yours with other jewel-encrusted pieces. Let the ring be the focal point of your look.
MY THOUGHTS
In other words, don't look like a Christmas Tree with too many Christmas balls and trinkets there won't be any need for Christmas lights.
Sunday, February 27, 2011
WHAT'S YOUR BODY SHAPE
Match Your Shape
By Bradley Bayou
Original Content | July 14, 2010
Measure Yourself
To dress your body right, you have to know your body. Don't just guess. (Believe me, mirrors can be deceiving!) So, grab a measuring tape and a friend to help you, because it's very difficult to measure some parts of yourself and get it right. The more accurate you are now, the better you'll look later.
Your Shoulders: This is the hardest measurement to do by yourself, so you really should ask someone to help. Place the measuring tape at the tip of one shoulder and wrap it all the way around you like a shawl until it meets back at the same shoulder. The tape should skim the top of your shoulders so closely, it almost slips off. This is the widest circumference of your shoulders.
Your Bust: Stand up straight and wrap the measuring tape around your back and across the fullest part of your breasts, usually the middle of them. Pull the measuring tape as taut as you can without changing the shape of your breasts. If things start to squish, you've gone too far.
Your Waist: Wrap the measuring tape around your torso, at the smallest part of your natural waist. It should wrap flat around your back without buckling and meet just above your belly button.
Your Hips: Hold the measuring tape at one hip, below your hip bone, at the fullest part of your hip. Then, keeping the tape flat, wrap it around the largest part of your butt (no cheating!), your other hip, and bring it back to the meeting point.
Now that you've measured yourself (shoulders, bust, waist and hips), use those numbers to help determine your silhouette shape.
Inverted Triangle
Your shoulders or bust are larger than your hips.
Just to be sure, check the numbers:
Your shoulder or bust measurements are more than 5 percent bigger than your hip measurement. For example, if your shoulders measure 36 inches, your hips will be 34 1/4 inches or smaller.
Rectangle
Your shoulders, bust and hips are around the same size, with no defined waistline.
Just to be sure, check the numbers:
Your shoulder, bust and hip measurements are within 5 percent of each other. Your waist is less than 25 percent smaller than your shoulder or bust measurements. For example, if your shoulders measure 36 inches, your waist will be 27 inches or more.
Triangle
Your hips are wider than your shoulders.
Just to be sure, check the numbers:
Your hip measurement is more than 5 percent bigger than your shoulder or bust measurements. For example, if your shoulders measure 36 inches, your hips are 37 3/4 inches or larger
Hourglass
Your shoulders and hips are around the same size, with a very defined waistline.
Just to be sure, check the numbers:
Your shoulder and hip measurements are within 5 percent of each other.
Your waist is at least 25 percent smaller than your shoulder, hip and bust measurements. For example, if your shoulders and hips measure 36 inches, your waist is 27 inches or smaller.
Now that you know your body shape, find:
Dresses that flatter your figure
Pants that fit perfectly
Tops that look great on your shape
MY THOUGHTS
it'll be nice to have that hourglass figure. but since some of us are not that lucky, being more aware of our body shape can help us choose clothes that would flatter.
By Bradley Bayou
Original Content | July 14, 2010
Measure Yourself
To dress your body right, you have to know your body. Don't just guess. (Believe me, mirrors can be deceiving!) So, grab a measuring tape and a friend to help you, because it's very difficult to measure some parts of yourself and get it right. The more accurate you are now, the better you'll look later.
Your Shoulders: This is the hardest measurement to do by yourself, so you really should ask someone to help. Place the measuring tape at the tip of one shoulder and wrap it all the way around you like a shawl until it meets back at the same shoulder. The tape should skim the top of your shoulders so closely, it almost slips off. This is the widest circumference of your shoulders.
Your Bust: Stand up straight and wrap the measuring tape around your back and across the fullest part of your breasts, usually the middle of them. Pull the measuring tape as taut as you can without changing the shape of your breasts. If things start to squish, you've gone too far.
Your Waist: Wrap the measuring tape around your torso, at the smallest part of your natural waist. It should wrap flat around your back without buckling and meet just above your belly button.
Your Hips: Hold the measuring tape at one hip, below your hip bone, at the fullest part of your hip. Then, keeping the tape flat, wrap it around the largest part of your butt (no cheating!), your other hip, and bring it back to the meeting point.
Now that you've measured yourself (shoulders, bust, waist and hips), use those numbers to help determine your silhouette shape.
Inverted Triangle
Your shoulders or bust are larger than your hips.
Just to be sure, check the numbers:
Your shoulder or bust measurements are more than 5 percent bigger than your hip measurement. For example, if your shoulders measure 36 inches, your hips will be 34 1/4 inches or smaller.
Rectangle
Your shoulders, bust and hips are around the same size, with no defined waistline.
Just to be sure, check the numbers:
Your shoulder, bust and hip measurements are within 5 percent of each other. Your waist is less than 25 percent smaller than your shoulder or bust measurements. For example, if your shoulders measure 36 inches, your waist will be 27 inches or more.
Triangle
Your hips are wider than your shoulders.
Just to be sure, check the numbers:
Your hip measurement is more than 5 percent bigger than your shoulder or bust measurements. For example, if your shoulders measure 36 inches, your hips are 37 3/4 inches or larger
Hourglass
Your shoulders and hips are around the same size, with a very defined waistline.
Just to be sure, check the numbers:
Your shoulder and hip measurements are within 5 percent of each other.
Your waist is at least 25 percent smaller than your shoulder, hip and bust measurements. For example, if your shoulders and hips measure 36 inches, your waist is 27 inches or smaller.
Now that you know your body shape, find:
Dresses that flatter your figure
Pants that fit perfectly
Tops that look great on your shape
MY THOUGHTS
it'll be nice to have that hourglass figure. but since some of us are not that lucky, being more aware of our body shape can help us choose clothes that would flatter.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
WHAT DO I WEAR TO WORK?
WHAT DO I WEAR TO WORK?
from the article "Do Women Need Grooming Advice from Employers?"
By Sean Silverthorne | February 10, 2011
Women on the executive ladder face impossible choices when it comes to dressing for success. Here’s some conflicting advice I bet many of my female readers have received at one point or another:
Dress conservatively, nothing too tight, plunging, or short. But don’t dress too manly. A little makeup, but not too much. By the way, if you want to advance, stand out from the crowd!
So where is a get-ahead gal to turn to for sensible fashion advice when it comes to work? Sylvia Ann Hewlett, a blogger on gender issues for HBR.org, makes the controversial case for companies to write up fairly detailed do’s and don’ts for up-and-coming employees.
“Since leaders shrink from suggesting that subordinates don flesh-colored underwear, a 43-page handbook on dress, decorum, and grooming is precisely what thousands of would-be professionals need to negotiate treacherous fashion fads,” she writes in her post, Dress for the Job You Wan’t?
Companies should couple sensible dress codes with courses such as executive presence, she suggests.
Sure, many women would be turned off by being told what to wear and how to act — you’ve dressed yourself and held a job for years! But many others — especially younger women at the beginning of their careers — might be grateful for the advice, especially given the fact that women much more than men are judged on appearance.
“Until more up-and-comers — predominantly women — get the constructive feedback they need to succeed, the executive suite will remain the domain of those whose social privilege makes ‘obvious’ what patently isn’t to the majority of the workforce,” Hewlett writes.
Certainly the employer has a right to demand a certain level of professional grooming, but how detailed should that go? It’s a slippery slope for managers — just ask Swiss banker UBS AG. A few weeks ago it rescinded its dress code after being ridiculed around the world for advising employees on everything from proper lunch ingredients (no onions) to underwear color (no red).
How about you? Would you welcome a little grooming advice — maybe even a dress code — from your company?
MY THOUGHTS
most definitely - companies have every right to dictate what we should wear to work. after all, they have an image to protect. but then, companies should also think of what's an in but comfortable. companies should seriously think of what employees would also like to work. this is the best way to get willing cooperation. and that's what makes it exciting. how do you put together an appropriate dress code that can please a hundred, maybe a thousand, different needs and wants.
from the article "Do Women Need Grooming Advice from Employers?"
By Sean Silverthorne | February 10, 2011
Women on the executive ladder face impossible choices when it comes to dressing for success. Here’s some conflicting advice I bet many of my female readers have received at one point or another:
Dress conservatively, nothing too tight, plunging, or short. But don’t dress too manly. A little makeup, but not too much. By the way, if you want to advance, stand out from the crowd!
So where is a get-ahead gal to turn to for sensible fashion advice when it comes to work? Sylvia Ann Hewlett, a blogger on gender issues for HBR.org, makes the controversial case for companies to write up fairly detailed do’s and don’ts for up-and-coming employees.
“Since leaders shrink from suggesting that subordinates don flesh-colored underwear, a 43-page handbook on dress, decorum, and grooming is precisely what thousands of would-be professionals need to negotiate treacherous fashion fads,” she writes in her post, Dress for the Job You Wan’t?
Companies should couple sensible dress codes with courses such as executive presence, she suggests.
Sure, many women would be turned off by being told what to wear and how to act — you’ve dressed yourself and held a job for years! But many others — especially younger women at the beginning of their careers — might be grateful for the advice, especially given the fact that women much more than men are judged on appearance.
“Until more up-and-comers — predominantly women — get the constructive feedback they need to succeed, the executive suite will remain the domain of those whose social privilege makes ‘obvious’ what patently isn’t to the majority of the workforce,” Hewlett writes.
Certainly the employer has a right to demand a certain level of professional grooming, but how detailed should that go? It’s a slippery slope for managers — just ask Swiss banker UBS AG. A few weeks ago it rescinded its dress code after being ridiculed around the world for advising employees on everything from proper lunch ingredients (no onions) to underwear color (no red).
How about you? Would you welcome a little grooming advice — maybe even a dress code — from your company?
MY THOUGHTS
most definitely - companies have every right to dictate what we should wear to work. after all, they have an image to protect. but then, companies should also think of what's an in but comfortable. companies should seriously think of what employees would also like to work. this is the best way to get willing cooperation. and that's what makes it exciting. how do you put together an appropriate dress code that can please a hundred, maybe a thousand, different needs and wants.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)