No. Vogue is a dream world, its not reality, nor should it be. Let’s be honest. Even the pieces deemed “well-priced”or “inexpensive” or some other adjective to that degree are usually still too pricey for me. I dream of the day when I can buy Jimmy Choos and clothes from Anthropologie (I probably will never buy designer). I hope for a time where I don’t start at the clearance rack. But I don’t see that time coming any day in the near future. Yet I read Vogue. Yet I purchase the obscenely weighty magazines that could serve as some sort of weapon in case of an attack between the newsstand and my loft. 

Fashion has survived some terrible economic times, flourished even in days of distress. In the war-torn days of the 1940’s, housewives used less material, creating the modern swimsuit. I pray those days would resemble our days. Fashion was not built to be reasonable, however. It was built to be whimsical. There is a stark difference between fashion and apparel. Fashion is a statement, a universe, a thesis. Apparel is a guard, a covering, a necessity. If I wanted an apparel magazine, I wouldn’t go to Vogue. Honestly, I will never dress in military boots with thick socks showing, sorry Anna. But I will try some tamer styles. It was through Vogue that the places I buy from: Target, Gap and Kohls made the decision to put my clothes on shelves.

Fashion celebrated the big-belt to enhance the waist trend. And now, years after the birth of the style, I followed the trend today. It was Anna and her minions that gave the OK for designers to create boyfriend jeans, high-waisted skirts and pants, and military jackets. 

In the movie that will forever stamp Anna’s chill into our minds, (The Devil Wears Prada) the adorable Stanley Tucci tells Andi that “her [Miranda's] opinion is the only one that matters”. And it is true. Fashion may need a budget revision meeting, but I wouldn’t worry. Vogue is not going anywhere.

One of my favorite places to go is Front Street in New Westminster, also known as Antique Alley.  Located right across from beautiful New Westminster Quay,  many of the shops in Antique Alley carry virtually everything from all eras, but one of my favorite historical trends would have to be mid century design. 

Something about mid-century design both for home and fashion has a nostalgic appeal to it and clean open lines which give even a smaller room a sense of space and air. 

This is a typical mid-century inspired living room.  Notice the light bricks on the walls, and clean lines.  This look could be achieved in most spaces, including smaller townhomes or condominiums.  

One of my favorite materials used in mid century design would have to be teak.  Teak is a beautiful, smooth wood which is light golden brown in color, and has a definite nostalgic appeal.  It was very popular during the 1950s and 1960s, and is still used to make furniture today. 

Notice the classic, soft curve of the teak wood in the use of this mid century design floor lamp. 

Another way you can incorporate the vintage elegance of the 1950s is in your wardrobe, particularly where accessories are concerned.  Pearls are not just for your grandmother anymore.  Large, bold pearls are very popular right now, and look fabulous on everything from your Christmas LBD to your power suit.  Oversized, multiple ropes of pearls will add femininity and beauty to virtually every outfit you choose to wear. 

When I think of the 1950s, I can’t help but think about sizzling screen vixen, Marilyn Monroe.  In the 20th Century Fox 1953 film “How to Marry a Millionaire”, Marilyn sports super sexy horn rimmed glasses.  If you haven’t had a chance to see the movie, I can recommend it as one of the ultimate chick flicks ever made.  Starring with Lauren Bacall, Betty Grable and Rory Calhoun (Just to mention a few) Marilyn plays shy fashion model Pola Debevoise.  Not only will it make you laugh, but the movie also is a great way for modern day chicks to get a glimpse of how luxurious the mid century design could be.   

Marilyn looks stunning in her oversized glasses in “How to Marry a Millionaire”

No matter how you do it, everyone can add a little mid-century design into their lives.  It can be something as small as a pair of cultured pearl button earrings, or something as bold as a teak bedroom.  The possibilities are endless, and it will definitely add loads of style to your life.

Image via Wikipedia

Picking your first Louis Vuitton bag can be both exciting and a bit confusing. You try looking at the catalogue and find yourself undecided as to which design to pick. I wasn’t a bag person until just two years ago, and had the same happy but confusing feeling of what to get…especially since I was trying to keep myself on a budget. 

So here’s to us girls, who loves bags, but needs just a bit of guidance as to what to pick.

First, pick your brand. There are so many great brands in the market and once you’re decided that you want to finally get your first luxury bag, you have to decide for yourself which brand is it that you will be bringing home.

I personally love Louis Vuitton Bags for several reasons….its been a long standing brand, its such a classic piece that never goes out of style, it stands the test of time (something that I can use, and even my daughter could use in the future) and the brand is globally recognized.  

Second, consider your personality. Do think of the following when making your choice:

• Hand Bag or Shoulder Bag?
• Big over-size multi-purpose or a Small clutch bag?
• Canvass or Leather?

Before even deciding on the bag design, it’s going to be so much helpful if you put some sense into your choices by considering what it is that you want in a bag. Picking a pretty Louis Vuitton bag just because it’s the latest of the season or just because it is the most popular style will not make you truly appreciate the bag once it’s in your hands.

For my first LV bag pick, I made it a point that I wanted a shoulder bag – since I’m a huge fan of toting my bag in my shoulder. I also wanted something big, since I like carrying with me a lot of junk ( snacks, makeup, perfume, work papers, wallet, hand sanitizer and a lot others). I’ve also decided that I wanted a low maintenance bag that I won’t have to worry when I spill something on it..and so canvas was the best choice. But, I wouldn’t mind getting myself a nice Epi Leather LV bag since they are also easy to maintain, and is very classy and simple at the same time.

Third, do your research. Go online and visit their website. Look at your options and also have your budget in mind. Since the site will show you all of the styles available, this is a convenient way of comparing and taking notes on which style will suite your preferences. This will also lessen the hassle of going inside the store, looking around clueless. By doing this, you’d give yourself more personal time to think things through.

I’ve always advised friends to consider the classic designs..Speedy 30, Alma, Lockit, Papillon 30. Specially if you intend on buying just one. These classic designs have gone a long way for a reason. While there are relatively a lot of new designs, admittedly some of them might get phased-out in the future if the designs prove to not be a regular favorite. But then again, never compromise your taste just because it is a classic. If you’re mind is made up and you’ve found yourself totally in-love with a specific design..and by all means do get it lest you regret your purchase. One of the not-so-new design that I totally love is the Neverfull MM.

Fourth, give the store a visit and try it on. There are certain designs that don’t look nice on pictures, but looks really flattering once its in your hands. Do give the store a visit and ask for the design options you’ve picked for yourself. Try modeling them in the mirror and see if the bag compliments you.

Lastly, buy without regret. Make sure your mind is totally made up before buying. A Louis Vuitton bag is not a cheap bag you can toss and forget…it is a woman’s investment. Give yourself all the time to decide, now is not the time to be fickle minded. Pick the one that is calling your name and never settle for what may be a bit less expensive. And once the bag is in your hands…enjoy and make sure you use is as often as you want.

Like a mirage in the middle of the fashion desert, we may by chance wander into  a store which actually does carry something over a size ten, only to realize in the change room that their version of a size fourteen and our version is vastly different.

The truth is that despite the surge of plus sized clothes on the market, us plus sized fashion divas can still feel left out of the loop.  What is my thought?  We should prove to the fashion industry that we can look sexy too.

Let’s face it?  Who doesn’t want to be a Marilyn in a sea of Hilton’s?  As my body image goes up and down, so does my self-esteem. I have learned to be beautiful, despite the media telling me that beauty is only reserved for the size six and under crowd.  Now it’s our turn and girls…we have the power to be as sexy as any other woman around.  It’s all in the attitude, and in the way we wear our clothes.

First and foremost, a plus sized fashion diva simply can’t sport her new look without a little help from beneath.  One of the biggest mistakes us fashionistas make is not having the proper supportive garments beneath our clothes.  If you haven’t had a bra fitted, do yourself a favor and have it done. 

With the miracle of body smoothers, all of those annoying little lumps and bumps that at one time looked obvious under our clothes, now disappear like magic making you look pounds thinner.  I recommend having a body slimmer in both a neutral and black color for use under all of your outfits.  Spanx Hosiery makes great body smoothers, and are sold in most department stores.   Of course, every girl wants to feel sexy sometimes, and a gorgeous lace up corset will give you the support, and the look.  Pair it with a matching garter, and prepare yourself for an evening of hot romance.

Next in importance, we must consider body shape and clothing structure.  Remember that the better fitting the clothes, the more flattering the outfit.   Stay away from boxy shapes, or anything that does not define the waist.  If you are an apple shape, you can beautifully sport empire tops and dresses with dark leggings and heels, where pear shapes must keep the waist defined, using a lighter color on the top to balance the frame and train the eye to the smallest part of you.

Darker, wide leg trousers and pencil skirts will make your peaches appear tiny, and plunging necklines in bold shades will make you look alluring and sexy.  Remember that wearing anything that is too loose or too tight will only emphasize your flaws and make you look larger. Do yourself a favor by throwing out old shapeless clothing and make some space in that walk-in for some chic, body flattering threads.

If you don’t have much in the hip department, however, skinny jeans can be a really flattering look for you.

Image via Wikipedia

What other choices do I have?

So you’ve decided that skinny jeans are not for you, but you still want to look up-to-date.  You have a few options.

• Wear straight-leg jeans in a dark wash.  Skip the boot cut style for now.
• Wear straight-leg menswear inspired pants.
• Wear a cute skirt or dress that suits your body shape with a pair of opaque leggings.

But I’ve just got to have the skinny jeans!

• Get them in a dark color.
• Try them on before you buy them, and make sure you can deal with how they look.  Use the three-way mirror.
• Since the focus is going to be on your butt, wear a bright shirt that covers one-half to two-thirds of your backside for a more dramatic presentation.
• Wear shoes that are also dark in color.

Image via Wikipedia

Earlier this week, fashion model Crystal Renn published her controversial autobiography. Titled ‘Hungry’, the book describes Renn’s personal experience of working in the fashion and modelling industries as a model – as both an anorexic and plus-size at different points in her life.

“When I started modelling in 2002 – and to a slightly lesser degree, today – the look of the moment was nearly skeletal,” said Renn. “Starting in the early 1990s with the rise of Kate Moss and of heroin chic, the fashion industry fell in love with depressed-looking, emaciated girls.”

Renn was spotted by a modelling agency at age 13 and immediately told to lose five stone – almost 50% of her overall body weight at the time. A year later, smaller than a US size zero, she secured a three-year modelling contract worth $250,000 and moved to New York City. Her career flourished as she became increasingly anorexic.

Interestingly, though, Renn’s career really took off when she started to eat and shaped up to a UK size 16. Renn says many industry players “still love to gawk at the ultra-slim” but that the fashion world is developing an appetite for “the natural shapes a woman’s body takes when it’s not being deprived of food”. 

“Thankfully the pendulum seems to be swinging back, at least a bit,” she says. “The 2009 face of Marc by Marc Jacobs is Daisy Lowe, who has a curvier body than has been in style lately. The looks of Jennifer Hudson, Adele and Beyoncé are generally admired, not reviled.”

Two months after Renn returned to the fashion scene at size 16, Anna Wintour asked her to feature in a special ‘Shape Edition’ American Vogue.  Following this, Vogue photographer Steven Meisel immediately hired Renn to feature in a non-weight-related edition of Italian Vogue.

Since, Renn has appeared in Italian Vanity Fair, Italian Elle, and CosmoGirl. She is the only plus-size model to appear on a Harper’s Bazaar cover and she has appeared in four international Vogue editions as well as runway modelling for Vena Cava, Heatherette and Jean-Paul Gaultier in his prêt-à-porter 2006 collection in Paris.

Gary Dakin, Renn’s agent at Ford Models New York, which represents models who are UK size 12 to 22, says that the appeal of using super-skinny girls is coming to an end. He believes models will be photographed for one reason alone: because they are beautiful.

Image via Wikipedia

So here’s how to find a bra that fits, and how to get your money’s worth out of it.

Image via Wikipedia

The Fit

At home, measure your rib cage where the bottom of your breasts meet your chest by circling a cloth tapemeasure completely around.  Make sure the tape is level around all sides and that the breasts are not under the tape measure.  It may be helpful to have someone help you out with this.  Write down your measurement.  Next, measure the fullest part of the breast by the same method.  (Hint: this is usually the nipple area.)  If your breasts sag, wear a thin bra for this measurement.  Record the measurement.

The first number is your band size.  For example, if you measure 36 inches around then you should look for a 36 inch bra.  If you measure 37 inches, go up to a 38.  Determining the cup size involves a little math:  subtract the second measurement from the first adjusted measurement.  For example, our lady who measured 37 inches would subtract her first measurement from 38.  Each cup is an inch:  An A cup is a 1″ difference, a B cup is a 2″ difference, a C cup is a 3″ difference, and so forth.

One final note about measurements:  if the band feels too loose or too snug after 3-4 bras of the same size, go up or down a band size.  If you find a different band size works, you may need to recalculate your cup size as well.  Just do the math again with the new band number.

At the Store

Now that you have your size, it’s time to hit the stores.  We’re going to look at four areas of fit:  the hooks and band, the center gore, the straps, and the cups.  First, look for a bra with a band that doesn’t ride up in the back on the outer most hook.  If the bra rides up in the back, it is not going to support you at all.  Once you find a bra that has a snug fitting band, look directly down.  See that little bit of fabric between the cups?  That’s called the center gore.  It needs to be in direct contact with the skin between your breasts.  If it sticks out or puckers open, find another bra.  Next, adjust the straps so that they’re comfortable but supportive.  (And if you found a bra with a good fitting band, you won’t have to worry about the straps digging in.)  Avoid buying a bra where you have to make the straps extremely short in order to work.  Finally, look at your profile in the mirror.  If your breasts are spilling out from the cups so much that it looks like you have four boobs, find a different bra.  You may need to go up a cup size.  If you find that the cups are partially empty, go down a cup size.

This may take a while, and you may have to try on several bras.  I know, it’s frustrating and I hate it just as much as the next girl.  What you want is a firm fitting bra that isn’t painful or uncomfortable.  It may feel strange at first, but it shouldn’t hurt.

Once you find the bra that fits, buy two to four in a color that matches your skin tone.  The hard part is over!

Taking Care of Your Bra

Now that your bras are home, you’ll want to wear them as long as possible because bras are expensive.  Hopefully you found a bra that worked on the outer most hooks and with minimal strap shortening, because this is the secret to bras your mother never told you about.  As they get older and lose their spring, you move in a notch and tork the straps a bit up.

You’ll want to handwash your bra after each wearing, regardless of how sweaty you get.  Have you ever noticed how jeans are looser on the second day of wearing them?  Well, the same thing happens to your bra.  When you wash it, the bra rebounds into its original shape as it dries and provides better support the next time you wear it.  It only takes 3 minutes to wash a bra by hand, so just add this small step to your night time routine.  Hang the bra to air dry, and you’re ready to go.  Oh, and that’s why I told you to buy 2 to 4 bras, because no bra will completely airdry overnight.

You can wash your bras in the machine if you absolutely must, but use a bag designed for delicates and don’t use any fabric softener, as this will spring the elastic.  Never ever put a bra through the dryer.

If you have any questions, leave a comment and I will answer it ASAP.

Image via Wikipedia

Bras are expensive. There’s really no solution to doling out the cost to the manufacturer. However, to stretch your budget dollars, these five tips will ensure the cost of buying bras is kept to a minimum. And the solution to extending the life of your expensive bras are simple and inexpensive.

Extend the Life of Your Expensive Bra with Expert Fittings

Most department stores sales clerks are trained to aid you in buying the proper sized bra and to fit it to give you maximum support and comfort. Bras that don’t fit well will stretch out quicker. Bras that aren’t comfortable will be left to sit in your drawer unused. Save your budget and get help fitting your expensive bra.

Extend the Life of Your Expensive Bra by Washing with Delicate Detergents

Close the snaps on your bra to keep it from snagging other items or the delicate lace in your bra and throw it into the washer on gentle cycle with a detergent for delicates. The much gentler washing action and chemical base of the detergent for delicates will help prevent washer wear.

Extend the Life of Your Expensive Bra by Hanging Your Bra Dry

Most of my worst wear and tear on my bra comes from using a dryer to dry my bra. After realizing the problem of heat causing the elastics to stretch out, I started hanging my bras to dry from a hanger in my laundry room.

Extend the Life of Your Expensive Bra with Selective Use

To prevent staining in the arm pits and wear and tear from exercise, I use a sports bra for working out at the gym. This keeps my regular bra fresh longer, minimizes washing, and helps me stay fresh while keeping my bras in working order for much longer. Additionally, I wear my older, less attractive bras for doing chores where they might get damaged by chemicals like paint or bleach or solvents.

Extend the Life of Your Expensive Bra with A Trainable Husband

Husband’s can be hard on your expensive bras. Explain to them how to launder your bra and how to hang them to dry. And train them to use the closures in the proper manner, although this might not always be possible. Just kidding.

Taking time and precautions to care for your bra will help reduce your lingerie expenditures and leave you feeling good that you look your best with hidden dainties.

So what can you do to ensure you’re a hit at the school gates? Here are our top five suggestions to make friends with other mums and ensure a lively social life for your child without breaking the bank.

1. Make an effort at the beginning

   Even if you’re not the most fashionable mum in the world, make an effort with your appearance for your child’s first week at school. Plain black shoes are always a winner, and wearing a dash of make-up and perfume really shows you’ve made an effort. You might strike up a conversation about what you’re wearing, and you’ll feel a lot more confident if you feel that you’re looking good.

2. Keep a smile on your face

   As a mum, you can’t be expected to look 100% all the time, even if you make a perfect impression in those first few days. But even if you’re having an unstylish day, don’t let it ruin your reputation. Keep a sunny smile on your face, talk to other mums as normal, and try to get in and out quickly. Tomorrow’s another day – just try not to let this happen too often!

3. Take emergency supplies

   Especially in Britain, weather is ridiculously hard to predict. Your children might be more than happy to splash about in puddles getting drenched, but if you’ve spent time on your appearance that day, getting soaked through first thing can be a real downer. If rain is forecast, take an umbrella and wear closed-in shoes to avoid any drowned-rat fashion when you arrive at the school gates.

4. Compliment other mums

   You’re not the only mum reading this article, and you’re not the only mum who’ll be making an effort to look good! So if you see somebody who has clearly tried hard, make sure you tell them you’ve noticed they look good. You’ll make someone’s day and perhaps even make a new friend.

5. Avoid certain items

   Trainers, tracksuits, men’s clothes, hoodies, leather and any clothes that are too small or emphasise the flabbier bits of your body should be avoided at all costs. These kinds of fashion faux pas will not be easily forgotten!

1. Fabulous Forties

   The Second World War look is back with all it’s glamour and sophistication. The easiest way to achieve this is by adding shoulder pads to your blouses , sweaters and blazers. You can also try sophisticated pumps too as well as a cinched in waist (use a thin leather or chain belt for this.)

2. Lady of The Lake

   The 40’s screen icons , like Veronica Lake, are also being copied. How to achieve this? Try a red lipstick with barely there eye make up and blush. Remember to pick a red that suits you. Fair haired and light skinned women look good with a red with a bluish undertone while olive skinned women look better with a red with a yellow undertone. Also if the red is too intense, dab it on with a finger and finish with a slick of clear gloss.

   To add to this look, try a deep side part Forties hair style. Use a curling iron or hot rollers to get that wavy Lauren Bacall look. Go to budget sites like e.l.f., Everyday Minerals and Signature Minerals to save on retro make up. Buy the always low cost styling V05 shampoos, conditioners and styling products to achieve the glorious waves and curls

3. Eighties Revisited

   You knew an Eighties revival was inevitable. Embrace the “greed is good” era by being greedy with saving money. You can have the retro hair with just a tube of gel and some creativity.

   As far as the bright colors, look to Target, K-Mart and Wal-Mart for neon bright accessories or even a color bright tee You can also put together an all black outfit and accentuate with a bright scarf ,jewelry or belts just like women did during the Duran Duran era.

4. Ruffle Ker-tuffle

   The latest craze is ruffling. Ruffles are big right now whether on dresses, or blouses. Even shoes and bags have them too. You can buy some pretty ruffled blouses at Target for under twenty bucks. Chadwick’s also has some neat ruffled sweaters for under thirty bucks. These go great with jeans or skirts.

   Another way of jumping on this trend is by getting lace trim and sewing it onto your tees and plain oxford shirts. You can create something demure or fancy and fun for just a few bucks and a sewing machine.

5. Purple Reigns

   The royal color reigns supreme this season. Purple is everywhere from lipstick to tights, from shoes to bags. Thanks to its’ intensity just one purple item will suffice. You can think about violet and grape colored eye shadows that start at $2.50 from Everyday Minerals or a deep plum lipstick for five bucks from e.l.f. Cosmetics.

   Another purple pick up is a pair of tights. Wear with a leather skirt for a nod to the Eighties trend. A luxe look is a deep plum cashmere tee. This can carry you from date night to office meetings.

6. Golden Eye

   Another look that’s hot is a shimmery eye. Again you can go to any of the mineral cosmetic companies ( can’t stress this enough but Everyday Minerals is a big financial help here at $2.50 for a small pot of shadow) to get a lid that’s bathed in gold. Just a shimmer will update any look.

   For evening think about lining your eyes with a bronze eyeliner to continue the gilded look. A party look is using the $5.00 e.l.f. eye shadows that come in cool neutral shimmers along with the same priced mineral eye liners.

7. Mad For Plaid

   Tartan back in a big way again. If you feel that the trend is too overwhelming invest in just a scarf or hat to wear with a denim or leather jacket. A cute trend is a tartan tunic which looks neat with leggings. This can be worn with a long sleeved tee underneath or just as it is. You can also buy material and make easy tartan vests or even handbags.

8. Be a Man

   Or just look like one. Menswear is big right now. If you’re going to buy a suit buy one that‘s on sale or from an outlet store. Pair it with a plain oxford shirt and even a tie stolen from your favorite male.

   Another masculine look turned feminine is the boyfriend blazer. Use it for everything from work to a night out with the girls. Top off the look with a fedora and skinny black jeans for a punk meets teddy boy look.

9. Animal Passions

   Animal prints are making a comeback. You can easily buy animal prints to make a simple shell or tee shirt. Another way of getting the look cheap is with accessories. Liven up last year’s somber black suit with a zebra or leopard skin belt or scarf. Also think about a faux fur hat or vest to add versatility to your drab winter wardrobe.

You can still be chic and trendy even though you’re penny pinching. It just takes smart shopping and some flair to weave your way through this season’s trends. Be sharp looking by being sharp with your spending.