A Month at the Races.

The Spring months are when we all catch racing fever. Even the straight-laced among us find it hard not to have a flutter on the race that stops the nation. That's right, the Melbourne Cup is less than one month away. If you don't know much about the gi-gis, no matter, all the action (in our girly opinion) happens off the racetrack. Caaren Hulme, from Stylizit, gives us the tips on what to wear at the Spring Racing Carnival. For racing tips, you're on your own.

DATR_1

Colour Blocking is here to stay this Spring and sporting bold blocks of colour is definitely a great way to celebrate Spring at the races. There's no possible chance (like, zero, naught, na-da) of flying under the radar in this style, so it's not for the faint of heart. Pinks, purples, emeralds, oranges, turquoise and yellow will all take their place.

When translating this strong look onto the field remember to keep your accessories clean with simple, elegant lines. A dress with paneling will not require a fussy hat or fascinator. Instead stick to a simple pill box to set this look.

DATR2

The traditional black and white ensemble is hot-to-trot this Spring. Play it with elegance, or with a sexy sleek style. Kim Kardashain looks brilliant - keeping all of her accessories sharp and strong. Patent is perfect for black and white.

I am not a fan of rules in fashion as we all have our own eye, but if you stick to the thinking “the lighter your features = more white, the darker your features = more black in the blend.” and you'll definitely be galavanting with the winner's circle.

DATR_3

The LBD will always work. Don't think playing it safe, think playing it with class and style. My tip is to choose a shape that works for you. Here I have chosen the classic cocktail cap sleeve fitted bodice as it works on so many levels and for many of our body shapes. A well-fitted, structured dress can work back with many styles of hats.

Have I mentioned that the hat is in and the fascinator is out? Look for a style with soft curved lines to soften the strong lines of your dress. A shoe with a subtle added colour adds some fun to your outfit.

DATR4

Lady-like lace is the perfect way to add a little femininity to your Spring Carnival outfit. I love how Rachel Bilson has added extra softness with her jacket. This is a beautiful, effortless effort of style and texture. I am tempted to go blonde just to be able to wear this outfit. The lace dress requires a smooth shoe and jacket to set it up. But have fun with the hat and look for one with shades of your accessories and curls. The curlier your locks, the girlier you will feel.

Written By:

Caaren Hulme, from Stylizit.

Caaren Hulme from Stylizit

A costumier, designer and stylist for film, TV and theater, Caaren Hulme provides quality styling services to men and women. Her passion is fitting you to the right fashion.

A costumier, designer and stylist for Film, TV and Theatre, Caaren provides quality styling services to men and women. Her passion is fitting you to the right fashion.

File Under: Fashion |

The Sheer Simplicity of White


File Under: Fashion \|

Red Carpet Round-up.


File Under: Fashion \|

In the navy.

Slide1_copy

Slide2_copy

Slide3_copy

Written by:

Caaren Hulme from Stylizit

A costumier, designer and stylist for film, TV and theater, Caaren Hulme provides quality styling services to men and women. Her passion is fitting you to the right fashion.

File Under: Fashion |

Boring is not an option.

stylizit3

stylizit2

stylizit1

Written by:

Caaren Hulme from Stylizit

A costumier, designer and stylist for film, TV and theater, Caaren Hulme provides quality styling services to men and women. Her passion is fitting you to the right fashion.

File Under: Fashion |

Leaving your winter woolies behind

Like a caterpillar shedding its safe warm cocoon I am picturing women everywhere waiting for the right day to shed their black boots and heavy trench coats. Yet emerging from our cocoons with summer maxis and sandals is not going to cut it.

The spring fashions are looking fab, with a 1970’s theme of soft fluid lines, high-waisted, wide-legged trousers, soft feminine floral maxi dresses and a lot of bohemian thrown in to keep us young at heart - there is a lot to play with.

Colours also range from bright and bold to softer tones. Plain block arrangements to intricate floral pretty prints. Emerald, tangerine, pinks, lime greens, lilacs, whites, navy and turquoise will be brightening up our warmer days.

Here are some of my tips to get you out of your cocoon.

Transform it with Very Very’s Caron Pon zip off ponti jacket.

If you still feel the cool winds consider a versatile piece that can take you from a long warm cosy coat to a jacket in seconds. Available in black, red, khaki and winter white the Caron Pon is perfect for this time of the year.

Layer it with leggings, maxis, wrap dresses, skirts, vests, knits and jackets.

To achieve a relaxed layered feel keep your proportions in check.

If you are short waisted/long legged then finish your tops lower on your hip. Long waisted/short legged women should wear their tops more cropped to get the right balance.

Remember also to wear a softer fuller top half if you have a fitted bottom half. If you are wearing a fitted more sculptured top then match this back with a softer more relaxed bottom half.

Metalicus- long tube skirt/Milanese L/S loose top/Sensation L/S anorak

Soften it with the soft flowing oversized shirt. This is a great transitional piece.

Hide your favorite thermal underneath and still pull off a relaxed spring style. A minimalistic style that doesn’t try too hard. Match an oversized georgette shirt with your favorite jeans for a casual weekend look or a pencil skirt for the office. Note – the taller you are the more this look will sing. If you are shorter look for shirts that don’t drape lower at the back hemline.

Very Very Sammy GPP Cape shirt, comes in slate, smoke, nemo and Amazon.

Accessorize it with any fun find that will colour up your look.

If you are wondering how to get back into the colour groove then step lightly until you find some colours that work for you. Bags, shoes, jewels and scarves are all there for the taking when it comes to colour. If you have khakis’ and browns in your closet then consider rich golds, peaches and tangerine accessories. If you have more grey and black-based clothes then pick up some cooler tones like berries and lemons for a nice contrast. This scarf is my personal favourite at this time of the year. As I love to have my arms breathing the fresh air, yet my neck still needs the warmth.

Metalicus Great Frill Scarf available in Aztec, razzle, ceramic and dolphin

Happy shopping ladies.

Caaren Hulme http://www.stylizit.com.au/

File Under: Fashion |

What you'll be wearing...Myer Spring/Summer 2011

Sassi Sam lets us in on the trends you'll be wearing from Myer's Spring/Summer 2011 Collection.

sass&bide

^MYER^{have followed up}^{David Jones’}^{Spring/Summer Launch}^{with an equally captivating show bursting with colour, prints and gorgeous beauty looks paraded down the runway, led by its brand ambassadors,}^{Jennifer Hawkins}^and^{Kris Smith}^.

^{Myer used the show to officially welcome new brands}^{sass & bide}^{, Fleur Wood and}^{Jayson Brunsdon Black Label.}^{Drawing inspiration from the Australian landscape, the show’s set design embraced the dramatic Pinnacles Desert in Western Australia where the campaign was shot.}

^{Models walked a 20-metre catwalk with Jen making a stunning entrance in}^{sass & bide}^{to open the show, leading 20 models down the catwalk in a yellow silk chiffon mini dress, layered with a two tone full length draped dress in orange and melon and a gold sequined jacket. The incredible sunset coloured pieces worn by the 20 models accompanying Jennifer created a spectacular contrast against the raw beauty of the desert landscape.}

^{Jennifer took to the catwalk five more times through the show, wearing gorgeous designs from}^{Wayne Cooper}^,^{Manning Cartell}^,^Simona^,^{Cozi by Jennifer Hawkins}^and^Ellery^{to close the show.}

^{Kris Smith appeared on the catwalk four times showcasing leading Myer menswear brands Arthur Galan AG, Hugo Boss and Blaq as well as new men’s swimwear range, The Rocks Push.}

^{Here are a few}^{trends to invest in this season}^{(warning: be weary of how many times you swipe your credit card!):}

^{Colour Clash}

^{Bags, shirts, pants, scarves, watches, shoes … everything is colourful this season! Invest in a few key pieces such as a bright bag or kaleidoscope-like scarf that will just spruce up an otherwise normal outfit. Mix and match a few colours for a Myer-inspired look!}

^{Dessert Bloom}

^{Feminine and pretty, you should definitely invest in at least one floral piece this season. Be it a swimsuit or flirty tea dress, it’s perfect with a pop of pink lippie and a ray of sunshine.}

^{Riviera Cruise}

^{Perfect for a day by the ocean, this nautical inspired look is back. But don’t limit yourself to shades of white and navy, be adventurous and try your hand at a few colours! Steer towards wide-legged pants and simple crisp shirts and dresses for a cruising look.}

^{Safari Society}

^{Khaki, nude and camel are your friends. These neutral colours are perfect for an every day look and you can add a pop of tangerine or animal look to accentuate your look. Go for slim fit trousers, leather skirts and lightweight blouses.}

Check out more of Sassi Sam's style files and other gossip on her blog http://sassisamblog.com/

File Under: Fashion |

Essential Shoe Wardrobe

Reader Question from the Lovely La Belette Rouge who recently lost almost her entire shoe wardrobe : What shoes do I need when you are rebuilding a shoe wardrobe? I am thinking of starting with black riding boots, animal print flats, plain black pumps and a loafer. I have ballet flats(5 pairs), black high oxfords, black sexy knee length boots, black and red sling pumps, gold strappy sandals, brown suede high heeled penny loafers and sneakers, uggs, MBTs, and flip-flops( thongs).

Start off with a shoe and a sandal in your hair colour - these can be worn with lots of things as they create what we call Visual Grouping, they lead your eyes back to your face.

Nude shoes are also great - choose a shoe that blends well with your skin and

What are the ingredients for a GREAT Bra?

The most common mistake women and even “Professional fitters” make with bras is they think it’s all about the bra size. IT’S NOT!

So many things come into play when you get fitted bra. You may have a great fit but why do you still want to rip it off at the end of the day?

Here’s WHY?

- - It may be the wrong shape for you - Under wires are digging in, you are getting obvious back fat, and it’s gapping in the top of the cup OR your boobs are under your arms.
  - It is poor quality - Quality means comfort, support and a longer lasting bra
  - The material is poor quality - It’s scratchy on your skin, it doesn’t mold to your body and it feels like plastic. Again it’s going to be uncomfortable.

So when I do a Bra Review this is what I look for:

Lift - It MUST give you good lift
Shape -The shape must complement your body.
Read more...

File Under: Fashion |

Elle MacPherson Intimates D - G cup

Imogen Lamport reviews the new Elle MacPherson Intimates D-G Cup Range.

I posted last week that I was excited to see that Elle MacPherson Intimates had brought our a range of bras up to a G cup - so today I went for a test drive - unfortunately the hype doesn't live up to the reality.

What I noticed first was that for a larger cup bra they felt very flimsy - we bigger girls need some serious strength in our lingerie and the very fine laces and elastics just didn't cut it.

When I tried the bras on (and I tried 3 different styles) there was NO lift at all (and I need lift), so my breasts sat low and flat and kind of wide at the bust peak - not attractive.

Fashion

A Month at the Races.

The Spring months are when we all catch racing fever. Even the straight-laced among us find it h...

In the navy.

Written by: Caaren Hulme from Stylizit A costumier, designer and stylist...