{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.

{accessorising} with necklaces...

Accessories complete your look and add necessary punctuation to your style ! Accessories are the details in your wardrobe !

Dress up a tailored blouse or t-shirt with a chunky necklace or create interest in the neckline of a typical work suit. Necklaces help frame and highlight the face and can be worn in your seasonal colour palette for the maximum effect. Who knows, a boss or interviewer may compliment you on your necklace which could lead to a brief yet entertaining anecdote to share about the particular piece !

{sun}glasses

Sunglasses are a must during Summer. The number one factor of wearing them is to protect your eyes from UV damage....after that, they purely are a fashion statement !

So, in saying that, sunglasses are just as important as a handbag and shoes in the accessory stakes. With all the different styles and colours of sunglasses out there here are some guidelines to help narrow the choice. A good rule of thumb: go for a frame that is the opposite of your face shape.

Square Face - slightly curved frames with the top high enough on the face to downplay the jaw line. Try aviator or wrap styles.

Round Face - straight or angular frames in a deep colour such as black or tortoiseshell flatter facial features. For a good fit, try square-framed sunglasses.

Triangular Face - thin rims and vertical lines will complement this face. Sleek oval frames with coloured lenses also look becoming.

Oblong Face - similar to the square face with a little more length, this face shape looks best with a frame that covers as much of the centre of the face as possible. Avoid large frames, heavy nose bridges, bold colours and square shapes.

Oval Face - suits most styles of sunglasses, however always remember to pick frames in proportion to the size of your face.

TIP:
Oversize frames balance out a large nose, while short noses suit sunglasses with a high bridge and a light colour. A double bridge and frames with high sidebars complement long noses.

{denim} style

Do you find it difficult to find the perfect fitting pair of jeans? Not sure which style is for your body shape? Then stay tuned as I take you through each jean style.....

Voluptuous Curves: Best fit is classic or relaxed fit worn on the hips rather than on the waist. Avoid too-tight legs and small, widely spaced back pockets that add width.

Curvy with a small waist: Best fit is stretch, straight and tight. Worn low-rider style. Avoid high-waisted jeans, which make the bottom look out of proportion.

Heavy thighs: Best fit is bootleg. Worn with an easy, looser fit on the hips. Avoid high, tight waisted jeans at all costs !

Petite: Best fit is straight with a long leg. Worn on or just above the hips. Avoid low-cut jeans and wide legs as they have a shortening effect.

Short waist: Best fit is the hipster. Worn low-slung and with super-high heels. Avoid high waists.

Boyish figure: Best fit is high waisted or low-rise straight-leg. Worn either high or low-slung. Avoid cuts that don't optimise your curves.


This quick guide should help you the next time to head out to shop for a new pair jeans.

{monique} lhuillier's style

I wanted to share one of my favourite designers.....Monique Lhuillier.

To me her style is elegant and timeless. Her designs compliment the female sillouette perfectly with that added punch ! These are dresses that you could wear every day of the year....unlike some designs you see on the catwalk !

Here are some of my fav dresses.......

{style} etiquette

"Although every woman's fashion budget will differ, there is one rule that applies to everyone: it is better to buy fewer but better things."

The Amy Vanderbilt Complete Book of Etiquette, 1952



{polka} dots style

Polka dot is a pattern trend that pops up from time to time and is a great way to add a touch of 1950's rockabilly style to an outfit. The polka dot is commonly thought to be named after polka music and the polka dance as they both came into fashion in the mid to late 19th century. Perhaps the dance that takes one around in circles was its inspiration, but whatever the reason, the dots have made an indelible mark on fashion and popular culture.

{fan} of the week !

Hi my little fashionista lovelies !!

I would love to start a fun "fan of the week" on my facebook page, {grace} & co, and have a little something for being my "fan of the week" !! If you are not already a liker to my page, then I suggest you do so, so you can be in it to win it !

If you are all up for it, all you have to do is participate by posting comments on my posts, or just say hi on my wall and at the end of each week the winner shall appear on my wall ! It's that easy....but don't forget while you are here to follow my blog by selecting the button under "fashionista's" !

Now the prize....you will receive a $10 voucher* to use on any garment of your choice from the Intimo lingerie and loungewear collections ! I am a registered Consultant with Intimo, and I would love to spread the Intimo love and name oh and of course, their amazingly beautiful garments.

So, there you have it ! Now get commenting and I look forward to helping you select your next bra or comfy pants....

*{voucher to be spent no later than 3 days after winning and only available to Australian and New Zealand residents}

xo

{princess} style....

A little bit of fun...

Which gorgeous princess style best represents you??

{current} trends referencing past era's

An assignment I completed recently was based on how our modern trends reference past era's. I enjoyed this module immensely and it completely changed the way I look at current styling. There is just so much to learn in this area and the fact that I aced this, excites me somewhat !!

Here are two styles which I based my assignment on....

Style One {Roman Style} Toga

The original toga was actually worn by men for some time. Roman women wore a Stola, which was a long pleated dress. As you can see from both images, the current dress is very similiar to the original, with the dress only having the fabric over one shoulder. The current version of the toga is definintely much more appealing to our fashion style today as the lines are smoother and less draping of fabric is involved. Another similarity between the original and current verdion (in this style) is that they are both fashion pieces which flow beautifully. Originally the toga was to cover up the body until the 2nd Century, when it became more about style, as it was worn over tunics.

{the original toga}

{Marchesa's current toga-style dress}

Style Two {Greek Style} Chiton

The original Chiton style gave the impression of two outfits put together, such as a skirt and top, due to the addition of belts and girdles which were worn under the bust and on the waist or hips as well as fabric which was folded, twisted and wrapped, enhanced with stitching and pressed pleats. This current style chiton worn by Kim, shows a very similar style to the chiton with the fabric wrapping around the bust area, pulling in tight around the waist. The flowing length of the dress from the waist down also reflects the chiton's flowing style. Having her hair up as well, makes Kim look like a Greek Goddess, as they too always wore their hair up.

{original chiton dress} 

{current chiton-style dress, again by Marchesa}

It's funny how you see a dress/outfit hanging on the rack or on the runway and you just don't give it much thought, for where the style originated from ! This module has really taught me a lot and I look forward to learning more and more about the fabulous world of fashion !

x





{ten} staples for a classic wardrobe

1. A good coat: For example a trench coat, is a wardrobe essential. As with all other classic pieces, choose a neutral colour for your client such as black, chocolate, navy or beige that can be worn over lots of different things. Purchase one which you can afford as an ill-fitting coat will ruin the most expensive, and beautiful of outfits.
2. Good quality knitwear: Budget permitting, aim for natural fibres such as 100% wool or cashmere. These are more expensive but much better quality and will last you a lot longer. A classic V-neck style with three-quarter or full length sleeves will suit most women and will get you through several seasons without appearing dated. Choose a thin rather than thick knit.
3. A cocktail dress: Look for a classic style that flatters your body shape, for example a wrap dress which suits most figures. Remember, it doesn't necessarily have to be a "little black dress."
4. A collared shirt: A well-cut white shirt with crisp collar and cuffs is always a great addition to any wardrobe. It is perfect for both weekend and work wear. Choose a shade of white that is most flattering for your skin tone.
5. The perfect pair of jeans: Look for either a boot-cut or straight leg style in a dark, even denim. Definitely no fading, embroidery or hemline detail (this sounds lik a trend piece, rather then a classic). Always fit your widest area first, and then it can be a simple alternation to nip in the waist if it is too large.
6. An A-line skirt: A simple A-line skirt is very easy to wear and flattering on most body shapes.
7. Boot-cut or man-style pants: A great cut that skims over the hip area, creates a long leg line and upper/lower body balance. These styles will suit most body shapes. Budget depending, get several pairs in neutral colours such as black, beige or chocolate.
8. A pair of boots: Perfect for autumn/winter weather. Look for soft chocolate leather in whatever heel height you are most comfortable in.
9. A handbag: Look at purchasing the best quality leather handbag which you can afford in a neutral colour such as beige, camel, chocolate or black. This is a wardrobe staple, will go with practically everything, and last you for many seasons.
10. Any other signature pieces that you feels suits your own personal style: Your wardrobe must have its own personal element of style.

The basic guidelines are:

• Solids mix more easily than prints but prints can bridge the gap between two completely different solids
• Choose classic styles with clean, simple lines
• Choose colours from your most flattering colour palette (I can help you with this)
• Choose styles that suit your shape and your clothing personality
• Invest in quality pieces that will last for many years

{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 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 (e.g. 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".
• Black items need to be very black! As soon as they start to lose their colour - 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.

{image found on collegefashion.net}

{christmas} gift ideas

So the scary part is, Christmas is creeping up on us and at a not so slow pace ! I don't know about you, but I am usually a last minute shopper, and unfortunately this year is NO different. I'm not quite sure why I leave it so long before I do start to shop for Christmas, but it's probably because I do have 4 children and a home which does not have much storage space at all ! Which makes it quite tricky when I do need to hide things !

So if you are like me and leave your shopping to the last minute....never fear....I have some gorgeous products which you will just love and so will your recipient ! These gifts are perfect for those whom you find difficult to find pressies for, or just because !

Take a look at these gorgeous goodies and I might add that they all smell so divine !

Vanilla Amber Gift Set

Lip Polish Palette Gift Set

Shea Butter Blends Hand Cream Trio

Sky for Men Gift Set

You can find these gorgeous gift ideas plus more at www.loretta.myarbonne.com.au under the Shop Online tab and Holiday 2011 !!

xo