{ten} commandments of hanging...

1. Thou Shalt Hang as Much as Possible in Thy Closet
2. Thou Shalt NOT Hang Sweaters
3. Thou Shalt Banish Wire Hangers From Thy Closet
4. Thou Shalt have Matching Hangers
5. Thou Shalt Use Appropriate Hangers for Appropriate Garments
6. Thou Shalt Not Kill Clothes with Plastic
7. Honor Thy Breathing Room in Thy Clothing
8. Thou Shalt Not Hang Thy Clothes with Strangers
9. Thou Shalt Color Code
10. Honor Thy Pants and Thy Sweaters!

{how} to determine your face shape

I don't know about you, but I find it quite difficult to determine face shapes !! Thank goodness I am NOT a hairdresser, who seriously have to consider the shape of a face for the perfect hairstyle for their client !!

I have been researching face shapes and how we are able to determine, easily, our own shape. I have always believed that I have a long face, with a somewhat pointy chin....I definitely know that I don't have a square face (this is probably the most easiest shape to identify) and I don't have a round face (although gaining some weight makes me look round !).

Angelina Jolie has a definite square face shape

So, I have been searching and searching to try and come up with an easy way to find out what shape face I do have ! Lot's of websites say to measure your face, but then don't give you any measurements that you can relate too !! So confusing ! So I found this table which asks you questions about your face....I thought this looked to be quite easy ! You can still take measurements if you wish, this may help with some face shapes such as oblong, oval, heart or diamond.

So, see how you go in determining what your face shape is and let me know if you find this is easy or not !!

Here are some other face shapes on celebrities, which may help you to work out your shape:

Natalie Portman ~ Oval

Kirsten Dunst ~ Round

Reece Witherspoon ~ Heart

Still confused? Don't worry. Just think about what your major gripes have been about how certain haircuts have made your face look. If you get angular quickly, you're probably a square (or a rectangle if your face is long). If you're always fighting to cover your long forehead, you're probably an oval. And if you're always worried about making your cheekbones seem high and not chipmunky, you're probably a heart or round shape.

{looking} after your best assets....your boobs !

Before I became a professional bra stylist a little over 4 years ago, I used to hate going into department stores to shop for bras ! You would NOT find me in the dressing rooms to try on the bras either !! The only time I have ever had a bra fitting was for my wedding {in 2000} and even though the lady in Bras n Things was lovely, I felt very self conscious about my body and my boobs {or lack of !} and I was NOT a big girl then {like I feel I am now !}.

But now I view things very differently about bra fittings, because I am so very aware of how we should be looking after our boobs. The damage you can do to your boobs by wearing ill-fitting bras is shocking to me ! Our boobs are only made up of tissue and fat, no muscle {forget the "I must, I must, I must, improve my bust" chant !}, so wearing the correct size bra is imperative, if you want to keep your boobs looking perky and fabulous ! Afterall, PREVENTION IS BETTER THAN CURE !

So in saying this, I must admit that my boobs have seen better days. Four children later and they really have seen better days !! Before you start over-thinking things, it is NEVER too late to start wearing a well fitted bra. You can prevent any further damage by having a bra fitting and purchasing bras designed to fit you and for any purpose you require, ie, sports bra, t-shirt bra etc...

Once you have your new bra wardrobe it is also important to know how to care for your bras so they last the distance. Good quality, well designed bras {such as Intimo} should last you approx. 6 months. Wearing your bras for 2 days in a row is suffice as any longer than this will cause breakdown of the natural fibres, due to your body's sweat/oils. Sounds disgusting doesn't it?!! Washing your bras should be done in a lingerie bag on a handwash cycle, and hang them to dry {do not put in dryer, as the heat will damage the elastane} via the middle of the bra {which sits between your boobs}. This will allow any water to drip away evenly and your bra will not stretch unevenly.

Storing your bras is vitally important also. How do you keep your bras stored? I used to be the "push and shove" into my lingerie drawer kinda gal !! But no longer do I abuse my beautiful and stylish bras !

I am attaching a photo so you can see the proper way of storing your bras, so they don't lose shape, or become punctured by any underwire !

As you can see, bras should be stacked neatly, cup in cup. This is so important !!

So what does having a bra fitting and well fitting bras have to do with styling?? EVERYTHING !!

Your body can look elongated and slimmer just by wearing a bra which fits you perfectly. It shapes you and your outer garments will sit how they are supposed too. No more "heading south" boobs ! It's all up and out in front for your best assets !! Notice the difference with this lady below....HUGE difference !!

REMEMBER: YOUR LINGERIE IS THE FOUNDATION OF YOUR OUTFIT.

It can certainly be the difference between a frumpy you or a slimmer you !! x

{you can see me for more information regarding bra fittings and stylish & sophisticated bra purchasing}

{photo} a day challenge

I am going to embark on the new phenomenon which is taking over FB !!

"A Photo a Day" Challenge is a fabulous way to show the world how you go about your life ! It looks like so much fun, that I cannot wait to start !

If you think that this is something you might enjoy as well, then visit Fat Mum Slim and you too can participate. All the details are on Fat Mum Slim's website ! The 1st of March is when the next once begins.....

{2012} grammy awards fashion

So I thought that I would share some of the fashion from this year's Grammy Awards !! Let me know....Yay or Nay?!!

Adele

Bruno Mars

Fergie

Giuliana Rancic

Kate Beckinsale

Kelly Osbourne

Kelly Rowland

Katy Perry

YouTube sensations Sophia Grace and Rosie !

Cyndi Lauper

LL Cool J

Carrie Underwood

{Most images sourced via Billboard or MTV}

{boring} black...

Despite the fact that black items of clothing tend to make one feel slimmer, smarter and possibly even more powerful, the season tones recommend that only winter toned individuals wear the colour black.

However, here are some tips on how to successfully wear black (because we can’t all give it up !)

• Black looks its absolute best when worn with one, or a combination of neutral tones (eg. white, grey, cream, tan, gold, silver, bronze and brown)
• When wearing black with a colour, be sure to add another neutral tone to the ensemble – it looks less dated that way
• It isn’t easy to look good in black when worn from head to toe, but it can be done. Make sure that each item of the outfit is of a different texture. The trick is to “add dimension” and avoid “looking flat”. (See photo of Charlize Theron)
• Black items need to be very black ! As soon as they start to lose their colour – the overall flattering effect is lost.
• Refrain from wearing black all the time. It has the power to “drain” one’s appearance. Remember to alternate with other colours that suit your skin tone.

{bracelet} sleeves...

What is a bracelet sleeve?

Perhaps you have been listening to various fashion talk and have been left wondering, “What is a bracelet sleeve?”

Isn’t it the same as a 3/4 length sleeve? Well, technically no. Bracelet sleeves are different than the 3/4 length sleeve because they hit just above the wrist rather than just below the elbow, which is a difference of a few inches.

This look was named the “bracelet sleeve” because it is the perfect length to show off bracelets (how original). Need to see it to understand? Just look on the runways, especially Louis Vuitton, pictured.