tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-601711871364843232024-02-19T15:03:25.492+00:00Swelegant Style ShoppingDemocratic Style!
<br><br>I look at clothes, shoes and underpinnings for people of every age, shape, size, gender and persuasion... Style is for everyone.
<br><br>Grown up dressing up for all - clothes should make you feel fabulous!<br><br>
If you have any shopping dilemmas, please email me at swelegantstyleshopping@gmail.com <br><br>
Swelegant Style Shopping now has a facebook group - please find the link just below.<br><br>Charlottehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12375450810106158002noreply@blogger.comBlogger133125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60171187136484323.post-59074423874634508892013-03-01T21:03:00.001+00:002013-03-01T21:03:44.165+00:00New Life for Friday FrocksSwelegant Stye Shopping may be in a coma... but thanks to the genius idea of regular frocker Maeve, I have set up a facebook group for people to share their Friday Frock outfits. Find it at www.facebook.com/groups/FridayFrocksCharlottehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12375450810106158002noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60171187136484323.post-52620549420952809942011-03-12T01:24:00.001+00:002011-03-12T01:26:18.454+00:00Inclusive at H&M<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihcC9aA-rHrIm5rtWqH40R5McaI9iRI2W_nDcRyaRRBlWCnODJ4vrukYle017ck2MwzmPyl_rUlFQZXRdbRfWgEty6pJvMY6-XbPyIfCWPKNLBqaMwVIMHPCwXzrYNPkut3CbPyu590jY/s1600/blue+dress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihcC9aA-rHrIm5rtWqH40R5McaI9iRI2W_nDcRyaRRBlWCnODJ4vrukYle017ck2MwzmPyl_rUlFQZXRdbRfWgEty6pJvMY6-XbPyIfCWPKNLBqaMwVIMHPCwXzrYNPkut3CbPyu590jY/s320/blue+dress.jpg" width="279" /></a></div><br />
So my return to blogging coincides with a not half bad new range launched in selected H&M stores and, more importantly, <a href="http://shop.hm.com/gb/campaign?campaign=A88_INCLUSIVE&page=INCLUSIVE_8">on their website</a>. <i><b>Inclusive</b></i> is a selection of feminine, directional fashion pieces - untroubled by high-quality materials but catching what's really current, and priced to be affordable. Which is what H&M do well. The difference here is that the range is available from a size 6, right up to a size 28 (although sizing can be skimpy with H&M). This means the range replaces the awful, drab, and impossible to locate 'Big is Beautiful' brand which has been disgracing H&M for years. Hurrah!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Qplvft4ZoEqHJ3LEGIM1_dSiy8FMJAOCA5bZcqVX72LYcZZ-JYWALXbr2kIaU5h4hvD-eKIvHOe4aS9BfrLisTuUC4VsrGO0sNQqR80Exl95BDt1QmsMCEaSEOIk_KzFN6rtr-TYrW4/s1600/LEOPARD+CARDIE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Qplvft4ZoEqHJ3LEGIM1_dSiy8FMJAOCA5bZcqVX72LYcZZ-JYWALXbr2kIaU5h4hvD-eKIvHOe4aS9BfrLisTuUC4VsrGO0sNQqR80Exl95BDt1QmsMCEaSEOIk_KzFN6rtr-TYrW4/s320/LEOPARD+CARDIE.jpg" width="279" /></a></div><br />
The dress at the top of this post is textural and feminine without being girly. It gives a nod to fifties influences, but it isn't full-on retro: that's key to the whole collection. <a href="http://shop.hm.com/gb/campaign?campaign=A88_INCLUSIVE&page=INCLUSIVE_1">It costs £39.99.</a> It's not my favourite, though, perhaps because the strapless, straight-across neckline is more flattering to a slightly smaller bosom. What I do really love is this I really love this <a href="http://shop.hm.com/gb/campaign?campaign=A88_INCLUSIVE&page=INCLUSIVE_4">Leopard-print cardigan</a> £24.99. The detail here sells it: the hints of aqua in the print are picked up in the vibrant turquoise placket, and then the buttons are all different shapes of crystal flower. I shall definitely be getting one, despite vowing not to spend and money.<br />
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What to wear with it? Well, if you're less paunchy than me, you might go for this black and blue <a href="http://shop.hm.com/gb/campaign?campaign=A88_INCLUSIVE&page=INCLUSIVE_2">pencil skirt (£24.99)</a> for a real sexy-secretary, va-va-voom look. Because of the colour combination, worn in isolation I don't think you'd necessarily recognise this as animal print - perfect for more conservative workplaces.<br />
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Don't like pencil skirts? This stripy peach <a href="http://shop.hm.com/gb/campaign?campaign=A88_INCLUSIVE&page=INCLUSIVE_5">skirt is £24.99</a>, and more forgiving of a tummy - though it's well above the knee: I'd definitely want to be wearing tights or leggings with it. Yes horizontal lines add width, but with a full skirt, width is part of the desired effect, and because the stripes are in a different fabric but the same colour, the optical effect is less pronounced.<br />
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My last pick are these outrageous <a href="http://shop.hm.com/gb/campaign?campaign=A88_INCLUSIVE&page=INCLUSIVE_4">shoes (£29.99)</a>. I adore these but I won't be getting them sadly, because the real height of the heel is too high. The platform is 4cm and the heel height is 11.5cm. That still leaves a true heel height of 7.5cm, or 3 inches - and I'm just too much of a wuss lately.<br />
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So - it's a small collection, but it shows great promise, and I hope that more pieces will be added regularly, as they do with their mainstream lines. Bravo, H&M!Charlottehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12375450810106158002noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60171187136484323.post-78907335739858794722011-03-10T21:59:00.001+00:002011-03-10T22:02:36.765+00:00A New LookWhen you don't do something for ages, it takes a special motivation to get you back in the saddle, and what better motivation than a request from the lovely <a href="http://twitter.com/#%21/EatOrBeEaten">@EatOrBeEaten</a>, our motorbiking, New Zealand-dwelling, science-teaching, and now Roller Derby-skating regular reader?<br />
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<i>I have a question! (and it's not about when the blog will be updated :P )<br />
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So, I cut all my hair off and now have a bitchin' pixie cut. I love it but I'm having a hard time dressing for my new look. Some of my more '50's style clothes (hello, stella doll dresses!) look a bit odd. I intend on keeping my hair this short for the foreseeable (I have no patience for long hair it'd seem) so I need to start thinking what clothes will go well with this look. Any ideas or suggestions? Body type is pretty curvy, so the full androgyne look isn't going to work... </i><br />
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A sexy, cropped pixie cut does quite often go hand-in-hand with a gamine, boyish look. Think Jean Seburg in <i>A Bout de Souffle</i> (above). But it's not an exclusive relationship, and slim-but-curvy girls can really rock a crop with some stylish garments. I have three looks for our girl to pick and choose from.<br />
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If you're all about the action, jeans and a shirt can be more practical than a dressy look. This still from the film We Are The Mods shows a shirt which would work for bigger boobs. The key thing is to look for a longer placket (the bit where the buttons and buttonholes are), one that comes down lower than the fullest part of the bust, and then wear it undone to create a deep V. The body of the shirt should fit, but not be skintight. Team with black drainpipe jeans and a chunky belt.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicAdwB3eMBYG_zOUqaewMmeXMdqqmgok-9rPLefOr-mmTac24I6_vw1YD5Mj-Jl9WGPWtkORiAilazkDxM2NFllJa-srmnl9iekx1GvxP61QI5zN_R9Pn0Cu9QqBYpC7V5jN9y7FmRuM0/s1600/jcrew+velvet+jacket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicAdwB3eMBYG_zOUqaewMmeXMdqqmgok-9rPLefOr-mmTac24I6_vw1YD5Mj-Jl9WGPWtkORiAilazkDxM2NFllJa-srmnl9iekx1GvxP61QI5zN_R9Pn0Cu9QqBYpC7V5jN9y7FmRuM0/s320/jcrew+velvet+jacket.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
My next look revolves around this shape of tailored jacket. Velvet for winter, and perhaps something lighter for summer - the shape is key. Single breasted, and one button or clip, fastening at the waist (perhaps even lower than the one here). Cut for a girl, the jacket should be nipped-in at the waist, otherwise with big boobs it will just make you look chunky. You can wear any neckline underneath, so long as it's a contrasting colour. Wear it with wide-leg trousers for work, and any kind of jeans, even really knackered ones, for a more casual look.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7k4n-QapWmDGZyOCUtGtBuTpjS03AqcAUzYZx2tT7l-7_C5ZdLArQ-RTbeG7iX7_OumvxHCpxEluyLo-Eo9l3FIly3Nsz7AjVM8N_o4uNyXogS2lozgSbzcdijXcRlltLw1ssraf1gms/s1600/boden+frock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7k4n-QapWmDGZyOCUtGtBuTpjS03AqcAUzYZx2tT7l-7_C5ZdLArQ-RTbeG7iX7_OumvxHCpxEluyLo-Eo9l3FIly3Nsz7AjVM8N_o4uNyXogS2lozgSbzcdijXcRlltLw1ssraf1gms/s320/boden+frock.jpg" width="235" /></a></div> For my last look, think <i>Valley of the Dolls</i>, <i>Barbarella</i>... that whole sixties, A-line minidress look, but worn with like a tunic. The dress above is by <a href="http://www.boden.co.uk/en-GB/Womens-Dresses/Knee-Length-Dresses/WH249-PNK/Womens-Ruby-Peony-Notch-Neck-Shift.html?StrShortKey=LN3P&cm_mmc=AWUK-_-79682-_-deeplink-_-deeplink">Boden</a> (£71.10, sizes 6-22) - and it's a little on the long side - for this body shape and look, I'd take it up to a more retro, mod-ish, upper thigh level. Then we want some slim-fitting, cropped cigarette pants, like the ones Seburg is wearing in the picture at the top of this post. The shape of this dress is what makes it work with bigger boobs. The notch-neck is more sympathetic to the sixties styling than a V neck would be, but there is a V shape, and the wide trim on this particular frock gives an important vertical line for the eyes to follow. The empire line, meanwhile, flatters the hourglass waist, and the A-line flare, with a shorter length, accentuates fuller sexy hips and bum.Charlottehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12375450810106158002noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60171187136484323.post-27392957302414082512010-09-05T21:48:00.001+01:002010-09-05T21:49:13.266+01:00Charity Shop ChallengeAs I explained <a href="http://swelegantstyleshopping.blogspot.com/2010/08/sooner-or-later-you-need-more-wardrobe.html">here</a>, while I was on holiday in Edinburgh recently I took part in a challenge from the British Heart Foundation as part f their 'Big Donation' campaign. From the stock in one of their branches, could I style a great, swelegant look?<br />
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Could I? It was surprisingly easy. In fact I was so spoiled for choice I styled two big looks for Autumn / Winter. The first is a very big trend this autumn - the New Luxe. Neutral colours and luxury fabrics: it's a return to a tasteful, elegant, grown-up aesthetic. Not very me (I prefer things a little rougher around the edges), but a great look. The key piece is the camel coat. Look for beautiful, soft natural fibres and broad lapels - think dressing gown and kimono shapes.<br />
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To be right 'on trend' (sorry) belt with slim brown leather: the fancy knot here is very catwalk. Elsewhere in the outfit, seek draped necklines, pencil skirts or high waisted trousers with wide legs or cigarette slim, in tones from caramel to cream. Knitwear, as here, should be lightweight. The boots had quite a high heel, which you can't see - but ideally I'd want something with a little more detailing and a slightly slimmer profile.<br />
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The second outfit is much more me. Velvet coats and blazers are huge this winter - I know Boden and Monsoon both have them in their collections, but this classic vintage jacket also works. With rich colours, getting a match can be hard - so combining different tones in the same opulent palette is a good solution. <br />
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The corsage and the pearls in this look, and the gold knotted necklace in the first one are part of the BHF's collection of accessories that they sell in their branches - not donated, but new. The berry tones in the corsage marry the purple of the dress to the wine red jacket. Layering pearls is a slightly irreverent way to wear a more traditional style of jewellery - they look great looped around the wrist, too.<br />
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I had a really fun time styling these outfits: it made me realise how easy fashion stylists have it, though - it's easy to dress a slim mannequin (or model). It's size, though that makes charity shops a little tricky - of course, each item is a one-off, it doesn't come in a range of sizes. But that said, it's well worth persevering. Shopping is a speculative activity: you don't always come away with anything... but in a charity shop you can find vintage gems that are the ancestors of today's couture looks. It's sustainable because you're saving clothes from landfill, and not creating a demand for more new garments whose production will use resources and pollute the environment, and it helps a good cause. But more than that, it's cheaper than buying new. Especially when we're talking about new winter coats and jackets in good quality fabrics, a reduced price can make all the difference.Charlottehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12375450810106158002noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60171187136484323.post-16298675027041543302010-09-03T01:28:00.000+01:002010-09-03T01:28:53.710+01:00Friday Frocks - A new way of frocking.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
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While I've been on summer holiday, I've been scheming up a new way of bringing Friday frocks to you. A victim of its own success, the Friday frocks way of life has become so popular that writing the weekly roundup takes hours, and is getting in the way of my writing the other aspects of the blog - which is a shame. So this is what I'm going to do: on or just before the first Friday of the month I will bring you a roundup of ten of my favourite frocks submitted during the month before. But it will only work if you keep sending the pictures every week. As ever, you can either use the email address (left), post them to the facebook group, the thread on Urban75, or to Twitter with the #fridayfrocks hashtag.<br />
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I hope that will make it more manageable - I know some people have felt a bit pressured to keep coming up with new outfits, and no one's wardrobe is endless. I probably won't feature anyone twice in one month, so feel free to re-send me pics of outfits if I haven't used them the first time.<br />
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Kicking off this week is an impressive frock made by wayward bob with her own fair hands. The retro, forties tea-dress style is innocently stylish and it's given a amusing, surprising edge when you take a closer look and realise that the pattern is one of beautifully illustrated toadstools. Notice too that the belt and collar are the mushroom shade of the mid tone of the pattern - a less obvious choice than the red or cream, but that adds a subtle interest to the look.<br />
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Sexy musician @little_mod_chick is living up to her Twitter name with this sharp, monochrome look. White tights and that high neck top aren't easy to ear, but they work here because firstly, she's very slender, but it would work on someone with a less slim figure because the look is cohesive - we buy into the overall theme and therefore don't pay too much critical scrutiny to the individual parts.<br />
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The blooming @mrsfran really made an effort here - this empire line dress flatters but also emphasises her bump, the colouring enhances her hair and she's even braved heels. Wedges are a great option for increased comfort and stability in a high heel.<br />
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Making the effort at the Edinburgh fringe festival, @_idioteque jazzes up an easy-wear combination of leggings and slouchy cardigan with some gorgeous turquoise pieces. The little dress is dark enough to cope with all the black around it - but the short length looks feminine and fun. The scarf gives coverage and at the same time an injection of complimentary colour close to her fabulous bright hair.<br />
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ScifiSam always gives good photo - here she's showing off another beautiful, bright maxi dress. The floral design against the white is so summery and fresh and those vintage-looking duck-egg-blue mary-janes, and the large white earrings are the perfect finishing touches to the outfit.<br />
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Another beautiful maxi dress, this time worn by Queen of Goths. The halter top here gives enough emphasis to her fabulous boobs that the otherwise heavy, dark hem is balanced out. Maxi dresses aren't for everyone - you want to avoid the dalek look at all costs - and drawing attention to a full bust can help, as can a substantial necklace, as here.<br />
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This is my favourite effort so far from @hayleyjgreen. It's actually a top and skirt with the wrap tunic over the top - but you'd never know as the reds are well-coordinated. So, the red top and bottom, with the straightness of the skirt gives a kind of elongating column effect, and then the diagonal lines of the crossover are flatteringly slimming.<br />
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Bee looks fresh and sexy in this primrose yellow frock from American retailer <a href="http://www.modcloth.com/">Modcloth</a>. The sixties-sleek black boots and handbag add a grown up, retro edge to what would also work as a very girly, pretty frock. It's another way to wear light, summer frocks in cooler spring and autumn weather.<br />
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My penultimate frock for August is from first timer Iguana. The shape is pure Joan Holloway and it's a silhouette that looks really good on most bodies - thighs hips and bums are all fine whatever the size (don't go too tight), but it doesn't really work with a large tummy. Not that Iguana need worry - she looks fabulous. The neat, inch-wide belt is very this season, and the pattern is stylish and tasteful. The colours here will work right through winter: try it with seamed stockings and the new Autumn/Winter shoe shape (pointed toe with an overheight kitten heel).<br />
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Lastly, peerless coordination from @BeBelongy. The stylish cream and black of the cute dress is matched with the knitted beret with pearl brooch to trim, and the perfect pumps (below). Notice too that she's kept her lips pale, which works with this slightly mod-ish, retro look. She even co-ordinated her baby in a cute knit outfit, but I think Mum is more stylish this week.<br />
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It's been really hard narrowing it down to ten outfits - I hope no one who was left out is discouraged. The main point of Friday frocks is, I hope, the feeling you get when you dress up. Viva Friday frocks!Charlottehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12375450810106158002noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60171187136484323.post-442864833005839182010-08-26T14:21:00.000+01:002010-08-26T14:21:01.904+01:00Sooner or later you need more wardrobe space - Donate!A quicky today - on a borrowed computer from leg two of my holiday.<br />
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This Saturday the British Heart Foundation are encouraging people to donate to their charity shops... but while I'm sure they'd be glad of all good quality second hand clothes - imagine how fabulous the collected donations of the Swelegant Style Shopping readership would be.<br />
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Have a think: is there something lovely you bought for an occassion but now doesn't fit? That sale bargain that you've realised doesn't suit you? The shoes that were so painful the only time you wore them that you can't bear to look at them? I'm not talking misshapen old jumpers and skirts with broken zips... the British Heart Foundation charity shops are there to raise money: last year they raised over £20 million to help fight heart disease (the UK's biggest killer), and the better quality your donations, the more they can raise. <br />
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Go on... your nearest BHF shop can be found <a href="http://www.bhf.org.uk/shops">here</a>: any day is good, and as you can see from the image at the top of the page this campaign is pushing to the end of September, but this Saturday is the big day. I'll be at the Dalry Road branch in Edinburgh because I've been set a challenge. I've been asked to style a gorgeous outfit out of the stock in the shop. I'll write it all up when I'm home next week and you can see the photos of my efforts. Of course, when you donate, it's the perfect opportunity to pick up some fabulous pieces of your own, not only helping a brilliant cause, and being eco-friendly but also paying a fraction of the 'new' price...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGlkXSu2jqzezcUcs7dh-gP5QEWVFfZRvslIAP1juyLHU_fISqp8zxnNliPK0PGwNTkbDwsI98VFfLgv-n_ejl-2Zl4SzUcHFiulStF6VbfTRTj-rdOTmrPSUlMR03PxqnfDPJ-WGfhJo/s1600/Join_the_Nation_logo%5B2%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGlkXSu2jqzezcUcs7dh-gP5QEWVFfZRvslIAP1juyLHU_fISqp8zxnNliPK0PGwNTkbDwsI98VFfLgv-n_ejl-2Zl4SzUcHFiulStF6VbfTRTj-rdOTmrPSUlMR03PxqnfDPJ-WGfhJo/s320/Join_the_Nation_logo%5B2%5D.JPG" /></a></div>Charlottehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12375450810106158002noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60171187136484323.post-9168180679691815672010-08-12T17:58:00.001+01:002010-08-12T18:03:53.883+01:00A Bumper Compendium of Friday Frocks: Part Two - Week ElevenI'm on my holidays, and despite being assured that there'd be internet access, I've only been able to get online today. Picture the scene - husband and I arrive at our gorgeous cottage for a relaxing, romantic escape, only for me to wail 'But what about the blog?!'<br />
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So - week eleven. First we have Nicola looking very sporty but no less glam in this cute blue and white frock. The regular summer visitation of nautical fashion themes isn't to everyone's taste, but navy and white can look fresh and flattering. Look for spots or simple floral prints to bring these colours into your own style.<br />
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A beautiful, glam-dressed-down look from 'wayward bob' next. For many of us this would be very dressy indeed, but Bob tends to rock a more tailored, vintage look. It's still Friday frocktastic, though - the button-detailing and the collar give a hint of 1940s tea dress, and the soft red shade of the hoody makes the outfit look sexy, in a well-behaved, taking-the-kids-to-the-park kind of way.<br />
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The first Friday frocks couple are @christhewinter and @wintersgroupie. he looks very smart from what I can see - I love that marine blue wash of the jeans - but Ms groupie looks simply stunning. The gladiator sandals work with the maxi dress because there's no leg-line to cut off, and of course the two together combine in creating a classical look. The detailing on the dress is well chosen too. The chunky scale of the buckle ring is flattering, and the pale colour of it helps to lend a certain lightness to the otherwise overwhelming black: important with such fair colouring.<br />
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This is 'madzone' and it's her first Friday frock offering - doesn't she look great? We've seen a lot of black and grey combinations over the weeks, and you can expect to see many more. The leggings and the cardigan give comfort, coverage and practicality, allowing the sexy lower neckline to feel 'daytime'. The belt is flattering, emphasising the waist, and the width of it is in proportion to the fullness of the skirt. The chunky pearls are effortless glamour and the eye makeup is a little bit rock-chick sexy.<br />
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A similar look this week from Maeve - but the cherry-red gives a completely different feel. I wear a lot of red, but from an unbiased perspective, red is associated with passion - and so it's sexy, but it's also bright. Bright colours draw attention: they look vibrant and suggest energy, so there's an association of fun too. Not all reds suit all people, but it's worth finding the ones that suit you.<br />
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Lesley is wearing the most gorgeous vintage dress this week - all tailored darts and seaming, showing off her trim curves. Lovely as it is, she's wise to let the dress be centre of our attention - with bold florals it's best to keep accessories simple, as we see here (cat optional).<br />
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Another week and another torso shot from 'strumpet'. It's a beautifully detailed top covered with a cardigan, and a good example of how you can Friday frock even if, as here, you're going to be busy moving house and lugging boxes all day. Notice too, how a closed fitting cardigan can make the waist look tiny.<br />
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It's the blooming, beautiful mum-to-be @mrsfran next. The tunic worn with wide-leg trousers is a perennial favourite, but this one's particularly lovely, and flattering to a larger bust with its crossover, kimono-style neckline. The wave-shaped line at the hem and neck edges is feminine and soft, too.<br />
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There's a really energetic-geometric pattern on the dress @hayleyjgreen is wearing this week. The longer lines and closer fit of the dress are flattering as is the crossover neckline and long sleeve. The whole effect is smart but also quite fun, especially with those cute green mary-janes.<br />
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No frocking by me this week (I was ill in bed), so I'll let @Girl_In_A_Box have the last word. A simply swelegant, summery, stylishly-casual look, dressed up by that showstopping dragonfly necklace and the detailing of the scarf used as a belt. The lemon pastel palette tones without being too matchy, and although you wouldn't see much of it as worn, I love that 'retro illustration' design - is that Nicola on her bike?Charlottehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12375450810106158002noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60171187136484323.post-6627246336328702642010-08-06T05:59:00.000+01:002010-08-06T05:59:32.419+01:00A Bumper Compendium of Friday Frocks: Part One - Week TenThe wait is over - I've tested your patience long enough and now I've recovered from my illness I can, over the next 24 hours, bring you up to date with a double helping of Friday Frocks.<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">Let's start with 'ScifiSam' who looks elegant and fresh in this peacock-patterned maxi dress. It's a great choice for her, it flatters her long legs and the top has sufficient construction to enhance and support her boobs. The gladiator sandals add to the whole 'greek goddess' thing, too.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">Edie says that she didn't feel very pretty, so this isn't a pretty dress. Well it maybe not 'pretty' but - wow! When you have legs like this you don't need to worry about the vertical line being interrupted by the straps on these dynamite sandals, and the effect is just stunning. Apparently she put on some lace leggings for the school run. I bet she was a sensation: fabulous!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqml5VVD1ssNaxGbckrLyXFsC06ysCS0OXXxkOSkeQFcIGXz8nudwkTjPUqlzG2kihqFi9jPeSAAABDFOyQPPtE0GoIfM00zKlQxX7M5ZBz0zBl3Jx1ESejvFG5KlhhQ4T5g1vc-z59Cg/s1600/miss-shelf.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqml5VVD1ssNaxGbckrLyXFsC06ysCS0OXXxkOSkeQFcIGXz8nudwkTjPUqlzG2kihqFi9jPeSAAABDFOyQPPtE0GoIfM00zKlQxX7M5ZBz0zBl3Jx1ESejvFG5KlhhQ4T5g1vc-z59Cg/s200/miss-shelf.JPG" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmoK1FAi0DEfcG_zHUyZT9iUiQWkvC_f_WFJaweoviI7asSIOEIAAOxGEIzY2VGmL77A7EaMmDSB46S0BXuAxZN0ZPSvCwhMe3gPlpI-0_3xl5GXNTYk8LmGoE0qoZwQShF1yOIkUJVKw/s1600/miss-shelf2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmoK1FAi0DEfcG_zHUyZT9iUiQWkvC_f_WFJaweoviI7asSIOEIAAOxGEIzY2VGmL77A7EaMmDSB46S0BXuAxZN0ZPSvCwhMe3gPlpI-0_3xl5GXNTYk8LmGoE0qoZwQShF1yOIkUJVKw/s200/miss-shelf2.JPG" width="150" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Miss-Shelf had the day off, and therefore had the luxury of sporting two contrasting Friday frock looks. The red kaftan is glorious: dark hair means you can get away with such a bright display. Then the pretty pink summer dress with vintage-style cardigan adds up to a real sense of innocence... although perhaps an underskirt would be advised if one were really worried about modesty!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZJbG7v12gRbyZ6sgUVSlfHQgbRfTi5q68idkf2IHGkmvaCFDoZy7avCiZuCHiz5aGtXRQp5QNS75dpMLJVWIRBCSQ69GxBqWT0rkSPjAk93aFQCaQhEvNr6mJA247bbW2xAyNyeQQ0wQ/s1600/rozifaveskirteverflamenco.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZJbG7v12gRbyZ6sgUVSlfHQgbRfTi5q68idkf2IHGkmvaCFDoZy7avCiZuCHiz5aGtXRQp5QNS75dpMLJVWIRBCSQ69GxBqWT0rkSPjAk93aFQCaQhEvNr6mJA247bbW2xAyNyeQQ0wQ/s320/rozifaveskirteverflamenco.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Rozi says this is her favourite skirt ever, and what the extra length does from my perspective is to emphasise her height. It's all down to those uninterrupted vertical blocks of colour. I love the flower in her hair, too. It pulls in the red top and makes the look feel cohesive, but it's also fun.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivi0syQaNsUuAVe9z1PSmFPBl9hPv77E6JJg4s-YKSUKrPFQL7Qnmg5FARDUWGf-3hKHf2UYQr6F1IZQXKpz2jaBTFX2nUCG8ET4DOITkXTc8WRLBTFvzuF3w6PohSadxqnWAC7TrJMAE/s1600/strumps.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivi0syQaNsUuAVe9z1PSmFPBl9hPv77E6JJg4s-YKSUKrPFQL7Qnmg5FARDUWGf-3hKHf2UYQr6F1IZQXKpz2jaBTFX2nUCG8ET4DOITkXTc8WRLBTFvzuF3w6PohSadxqnWAC7TrJMAE/s320/strumps.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">The lovely, but shy 'Strumpet' has taken the plunge and sent us a photo of a rather gorgeous monochrome paisley patterned frock. I love the structured empire line here: it defined the boobs and makes them look higher.</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHsZno2HKzrrMOocd7m9UWSbjxQ54_lYO8hBwutm9V_bkrSfRLAnTxv97mB4hLzbsnCKti1ZYYJ6OqlM8FfBN_SpdZpqLmUTz1PopxvUIboQcADVv7uJw524Miol71qFM9ikSrN3uNSqo/s1600/sassyspots1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHsZno2HKzrrMOocd7m9UWSbjxQ54_lYO8hBwutm9V_bkrSfRLAnTxv97mB4hLzbsnCKti1ZYYJ6OqlM8FfBN_SpdZpqLmUTz1PopxvUIboQcADVv7uJw524Miol71qFM9ikSrN3uNSqo/s200/sassyspots1.jpg" width="113" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs_-WVDdAypjX1U5oGBFm59A6HXCZvu-rEGX9U0JY1KfeEmocS1bWgGfHNC28q3GCU7YeawovQ5BV9HzLOuBok_-zqRTOuHBcbkpSdxeHc5kAt-ww9E40qTwORgmBpSWxhLz1fxSaQoy8/s1600/sassyspots.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs_-WVDdAypjX1U5oGBFm59A6HXCZvu-rEGX9U0JY1KfeEmocS1bWgGfHNC28q3GCU7YeawovQ5BV9HzLOuBok_-zqRTOuHBcbkpSdxeHc5kAt-ww9E40qTwORgmBpSWxhLz1fxSaQoy8/s200/sassyspots.jpg" width="111" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">@Girl_In_A_Box went for my favourite: the dotty frock. It's really nicely tailored which flatters and emphasises her curves. The little black cardigan makes it look smarter and more grown up - more businesslike: pale colours can look a little 'playtime'.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6sgJDGD4eaD0WS-yqUxmFslGPCr7rgmC4CSGTD2a9djf2d2FfLlDBSTNSWJUnQXKK2qezr4aTR-v-SI_OztIK8xaI45f6sEvWvXIqUD6g9jp2bfnnSziXtwQqRlNIHyoUdnT_E3xmBFM/s1600/nipsla.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6sgJDGD4eaD0WS-yqUxmFslGPCr7rgmC4CSGTD2a9djf2d2FfLlDBSTNSWJUnQXKK2qezr4aTR-v-SI_OztIK8xaI45f6sEvWvXIqUD6g9jp2bfnnSziXtwQqRlNIHyoUdnT_E3xmBFM/s320/nipsla.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">It seems to have been the week for fabulous pins. Nicola is showing off some very shapely legs in this sexy, tulip-hemmed wrap dress. The way that line curves up the thighs is red hot - but the look is kept daytime and fun by those cute little round-toed shoes.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRBgh9tWW3S0L5WYoa0-Px5zuO6EBTUp3jM010Yjen9b87lOq96mVCkcEJez-pzxf8nB4GzOOIrgQGWNm6CvIzvCSRlsZQIryCoMi9VLBVbou6lnzOGUxpLDJ8yaPxa3LGQ3cgDr8GwvU/s1600/maeve1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRBgh9tWW3S0L5WYoa0-Px5zuO6EBTUp3jM010Yjen9b87lOq96mVCkcEJez-pzxf8nB4GzOOIrgQGWNm6CvIzvCSRlsZQIryCoMi9VLBVbou6lnzOGUxpLDJ8yaPxa3LGQ3cgDr8GwvU/s200/maeve1.jpg" width="178" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVL81RBHOFaoFY9KGHB_zCAA09uRi8qT1d8neVc8ZuYydXAgtEaJzCtj0rKUnBapeu1vu95M3HQ1aJ-fb4WbnGHwvcTsPj60Zu2HK7tqkp9M8KRrHt1FGy16Z-um8VPJsRV8jBEgpU7lI/s1600/maeve2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVL81RBHOFaoFY9KGHB_zCAA09uRi8qT1d8neVc8ZuYydXAgtEaJzCtj0rKUnBapeu1vu95M3HQ1aJ-fb4WbnGHwvcTsPj60Zu2HK7tqkp9M8KRrHt1FGy16Z-um8VPJsRV8jBEgpU7lI/s200/maeve2.jpg" width="150" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Maeve has summoned the spirit of the eighties with this black and pale pink colour combination. The hair flower is old-world feminine, and that's why it works with the ladylike pearls.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS5PGWR7gV9-umjFie0m3LKTYh51sYnMZFSbSA7rcVDpjfV9Id65uGI002iGWFZ_uLG3_LTfSNN6UPI0f7PSfCML3wHPbYnIdrf5YQmCnw4rcG7OnKcPonQce0NQFbgmxKIRQ0eVbRSP0/s1600/maeve3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS5PGWR7gV9-umjFie0m3LKTYh51sYnMZFSbSA7rcVDpjfV9Id65uGI002iGWFZ_uLG3_LTfSNN6UPI0f7PSfCML3wHPbYnIdrf5YQmCnw4rcG7OnKcPonQce0NQFbgmxKIRQ0eVbRSP0/s320/maeve3.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Then she's married the two with these cute pale pink pumps with a pearlescent finish. Sometimes I wonder how much accessory storage Maeve must have... I'm so jealous!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwPRi4O_ahfvxwoxA2cfhLIKcLegjTnHKmEi63H2GavGTk1-ONJVdttxR-LQmP3WqvpDFvxxa9dgEuig2rL619ec9PqMgJBx47tOSmubF_1ayA8ci2nYq4dy4BAmjijDsnSRC7x1g3Mt4/s1600/rubes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwPRi4O_ahfvxwoxA2cfhLIKcLegjTnHKmEi63H2GavGTk1-ONJVdttxR-LQmP3WqvpDFvxxa9dgEuig2rL619ec9PqMgJBx47tOSmubF_1ayA8ci2nYq4dy4BAmjijDsnSRC7x1g3Mt4/s320/rubes.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">It takes patience and dedication, but if you're uninspired by current trends, ebay is the place to track down bargainous, vintage pieces. It's also very sustainable, of course, to give existing clothes a new lease of life rather than consuming more and more brand new resources. This kingfisher blue sundress is just the thing for a warm summer day.</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqmweaYQrAtE55l7WOy-kXviAafkB0KtG717Ayxw8Ssq-JNaj0DM3XMNCoeZWQ6b4CCf19mcuguVHI_GBWg2_QyAbZP9L1gYgc2gPW5IxxKrDlA6utnuC0-5vNxNxLBAjsJUFjUERTY_s/s1600/wayward+bob.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqmweaYQrAtE55l7WOy-kXviAafkB0KtG717Ayxw8Ssq-JNaj0DM3XMNCoeZWQ6b4CCf19mcuguVHI_GBWg2_QyAbZP9L1gYgc2gPW5IxxKrDlA6utnuC0-5vNxNxLBAjsJUFjUERTY_s/s200/wayward+bob.jpg" width="93" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkLzhjbyhryw4c1Pglh0w8AQvdjknq2rNWvrtySBf8uNEeThtXyMtcvTWPIDdpqXC6i7XBoM8abW3y3BQ0Fe2kX8Zrp-W9_J4vCCaxCV0DwvaYRJ5KSUg3vxjjvMcp-wJnvYoR6-8PwRc/s1600/wayward+bob2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkLzhjbyhryw4c1Pglh0w8AQvdjknq2rNWvrtySBf8uNEeThtXyMtcvTWPIDdpqXC6i7XBoM8abW3y3BQ0Fe2kX8Zrp-W9_J4vCCaxCV0DwvaYRJ5KSUg3vxjjvMcp-wJnvYoR6-8PwRc/s200/wayward+bob2.jpg" width="86" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> It's also the place to look for older vintage pieces, like wayward bob's gorgeous 1940s tea dress (which she's styled here with a hand knitted cardigan for authentic Blitz-era style). Bob wrote something about Friday frocks that I really loved, and with her permission I'm reproducing it here.</div><br />
"I really think it isn't. it's about taking chances and wearing stuff that makes you happy. I realise lots of people might not feel happy out of a comfort zone of jeans, or get self-conscious about showing bits you'd rather not, but to me it's partly about pushing comfort zones and finding that maybe it's easier than you thought. <br />
<br />
Last week I mentioned feeling self-conscious about the whole 40s thing, yet today I went to sainsbos in full forties (minus the hair), something I would never have done if I hadn't been doing the frock thing (if I take the pic I feel I have to wear the frock all day). I would have found it so much harder to get over the hurdle of wearing things that I feel might draw attention outside the house otherwise, maybe I would never have done it. <br />
<br />
It's about spending a little time thinking about what makes you feel - for want of a better word - a little more "special" than usual, and ignoring the fact that you haven't got an occasion to go to, just for the sake of it." <br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTiy8zSBbw276czCPNm6IrgYu_kIHXsMiXDx8aIkesrP1BI6Rux6jxe-Yeo4JllIK9eM3ewyrPYngKEdlWh6jAuvdh3Ljybl8WnwnKvtZd_FvOvXSEu0xNBJJpnzruFFRHw6CXW0A8Cao/s1600/trudes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTiy8zSBbw276czCPNm6IrgYu_kIHXsMiXDx8aIkesrP1BI6Rux6jxe-Yeo4JllIK9eM3ewyrPYngKEdlWh6jAuvdh3Ljybl8WnwnKvtZd_FvOvXSEu0xNBJJpnzruFFRHw6CXW0A8Cao/s320/trudes.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Trudi is showing off her brand new pirate-print tea dress from Vivien of Holloway here. I love the way it takes the traditional shape of the garment and juxtaposes it with a modern, fun fabric. She's wearing a blue belt as an accent colour here, which coordinates with her tattoo and the streaks in her hair - she's on the look out for some blue shoes in exactly the right shade, but in the meantime, nude will do.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOHmjb4DscrWXucdt8JvTstpHdfXx2e9LAcppNaIr1Vr9rtgnSBvhrSmmxRA0QwbZa2bb9KF0ge7AveuPnMhIHjCLD5eUkDYdrA4o1wQ3utr-c8ko2QnTKMGMmTs9iAgKgOThh0pdpP5g/s1600/weeps2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOHmjb4DscrWXucdt8JvTstpHdfXx2e9LAcppNaIr1Vr9rtgnSBvhrSmmxRA0QwbZa2bb9KF0ge7AveuPnMhIHjCLD5eUkDYdrA4o1wQ3utr-c8ko2QnTKMGMmTs9iAgKgOThh0pdpP5g/s200/weeps2.jpg" width="146" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGQpE3FyNpUH9u6-giA-vqZD2bwUXPkpSYKY1DsXCWzZuTlZkyPLrI2Cp2TEkReBQNjEYREyTsZHyWpymtNtea6B5vqDJP56UrE33bs0YeTg_-q-laoiJLxNZq0x31c9c7uAacUsgu3sk/s1600/weeps1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGQpE3FyNpUH9u6-giA-vqZD2bwUXPkpSYKY1DsXCWzZuTlZkyPLrI2Cp2TEkReBQNjEYREyTsZHyWpymtNtea6B5vqDJP56UrE33bs0YeTg_-q-laoiJLxNZq0x31c9c7uAacUsgu3sk/s200/weeps1.jpg" width="146" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">It's a Friday frocks debut for 'weepiper' - and she treated us to two very glamorous looks (tights in July? Must be a Scottish Swelegant type). Both these dresses flatter her petite frame through their trim tailoring.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcUDAAcD8poaBQ2On7ykb_M4Xd7oIqdnsqFKKV2T-Lwu0jWUESjX4MKO3_foPWtFFr8jOzUlYpY2KxStUUSLLJ3RLBS2C35-KRAtAmCvq7AbVy7BB3BnI0ITOz0wBxR5nnz4cA6IONAAE/s1600/weeps3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcUDAAcD8poaBQ2On7ykb_M4Xd7oIqdnsqFKKV2T-Lwu0jWUESjX4MKO3_foPWtFFr8jOzUlYpY2KxStUUSLLJ3RLBS2C35-KRAtAmCvq7AbVy7BB3BnI0ITOz0wBxR5nnz4cA6IONAAE/s320/weeps3.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">She's accessorised them with this gorgeous swallow necklace. The swallow here is part of the same aesthetic as the recent trend in traditional tattoo art - which makes it both feminine and slightly arch.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9MTTbMBfGk4uPfVUHEsoHA1KX-MtO9I9orcsQDyizlHKYAQtH0A5dhSh2MUy38Ra45kjuEQeTySmskd4yIb0R3PVbXbsukJRte4ZgnnPrPQBFtxHxYn6Gy9PK-8_Zerh8FBrP7SZhlGg/s1600/bebelongy+strapless+maxi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9MTTbMBfGk4uPfVUHEsoHA1KX-MtO9I9orcsQDyizlHKYAQtH0A5dhSh2MUy38Ra45kjuEQeTySmskd4yIb0R3PVbXbsukJRte4ZgnnPrPQBFtxHxYn6Gy9PK-8_Zerh8FBrP7SZhlGg/s320/bebelongy+strapless+maxi.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">@BeBelongy looks fabulously cool and breezy here in this strapless maxi dress. The sexiness of the strapless bodice is somewhat softened by the neutral verdigris colour, and the lightweight fabric is given some grounding by the sold, chunky belt.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvs4FFYy6R1eW50lsKuNkUM0DOrs3v7l6Ytq8oQcqirzo_I1D7YjklrW92whcd1wXMoBgcsqVqjm1AUSYEkyAWD28RVUvZTA9mAiyNsttlkYhwtFz-K2ynwNL6ohyXJlEm5nf_72tK6b8/s1600/foamy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvs4FFYy6R1eW50lsKuNkUM0DOrs3v7l6Ytq8oQcqirzo_I1D7YjklrW92whcd1wXMoBgcsqVqjm1AUSYEkyAWD28RVUvZTA9mAiyNsttlkYhwtFz-K2ynwNL6ohyXJlEm5nf_72tK6b8/s200/foamy.jpg" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh5Hjvgd7sQXop8i97nyh2I4j4RrtoymzzoPhOqq1TE5aYehYxztV2VMBhu7p0OXU0dWAPQjK82J0VzWvJ7FdPFO7bJTXgQ8wXQd-mEnjANL-0YyRBfyNAbyCbJMPWrlMalSltxzTVdBI/s1600/foamy'smum.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh5Hjvgd7sQXop8i97nyh2I4j4RrtoymzzoPhOqq1TE5aYehYxztV2VMBhu7p0OXU0dWAPQjK82J0VzWvJ7FdPFO7bJTXgQ8wXQd-mEnjANL-0YyRBfyNAbyCbJMPWrlMalSltxzTVdBI/s200/foamy'smum.jpg" width="150" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Mum and daughter here. We've seen 'foamy' before, and here she's showing off her simple black outfit with luxurious metallic sandals and an attractive necklace. I have to say, though, that her mum is in danger of outshining her with this outfit: the white linen trousers are light and summery, and the rest of the outfit is beautifully colour coordinated.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgizDOtQiaWXC1FMH_gzeKZ5U4p3RWXLkTOlcA2yGBz5uowiRyTm8MrvK7hl22Cmh95haLJPzgoftPUsiBk8pNRqLvZVAb5ZLA5hPYr6s56INTzCAHoNOgimSaLx8vTjlNvlhIQd8BdPw/s1600/qoggy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgizDOtQiaWXC1FMH_gzeKZ5U4p3RWXLkTOlcA2yGBz5uowiRyTm8MrvK7hl22Cmh95haLJPzgoftPUsiBk8pNRqLvZVAb5ZLA5hPYr6s56INTzCAHoNOgimSaLx8vTjlNvlhIQd8BdPw/s320/qoggy.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Another beautifully coordinated outfit, this time from 'Queen of Goths'. Grey is really big in the shops this summer, and will only become more prevalent as we move into Autumn/Winter. It coordinates perfectly with black, as we can see here - and those little pumps show that neutral colours can still be playful and cute.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgheB4rkLcE9Wkk1g4E8tGvGM9XY4VhFe6F_vjzRwFgNOehheDD7gvGGHkCzxbe3JoM1lQ6k-n-djR8nOO73TBEbYDmfogP3Rf02rUT-BUxS0Wes_2221dRELv0hqk1YL1ft-DYDDMUlck/s1600/hayleyjgreen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgheB4rkLcE9Wkk1g4E8tGvGM9XY4VhFe6F_vjzRwFgNOehheDD7gvGGHkCzxbe3JoM1lQ6k-n-djR8nOO73TBEbYDmfogP3Rf02rUT-BUxS0Wes_2221dRELv0hqk1YL1ft-DYDDMUlck/s320/hayleyjgreen.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Another look that's very popular in high street stores at the moment is what are called 'tribal' prints. This dress capitalises on that trend, and is in a lightweight summer fabric, but the more autumnal colour palette suits @hayleyjgreen's colouring and makes it easier to wear with dark trousers.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">Amanda was concerned that she wasn't making enough effort for Friday frocks, but since I know that she wears trouser the rest of the week, this beautiful skirt is all the effort she needs to, hopefully, feel a bit special. It's a lovely skirt - I adore the colours, and once again the darker background makes it ideal for combining with something dark - in this case a black top. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">Finally, Friday frocks week ten was the last day of term at my school. Clare celebrated in this gorgeous, military-style dress from Next (you may remember it from my recommendation a few weeks ago). The buttons accentuate her fabulous curves, without exposing any cleavage. Very swelegant.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEUFYv2606WWtdHx1lNfDgU84Mlf1tcdrFmXugOyXkHbnUB23Gy8nNyeIBIjpv4R-F7hS7M5PqJt9NyknYdShZNDhHhk1a25950Y37MqgAlrbgd-qEaKRpMj629p4fWggPqKGg5hVhWXA/s1600/dunniclose.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEUFYv2606WWtdHx1lNfDgU84Mlf1tcdrFmXugOyXkHbnUB23Gy8nNyeIBIjpv4R-F7hS7M5PqJt9NyknYdShZNDhHhk1a25950Y37MqgAlrbgd-qEaKRpMj629p4fWggPqKGg5hVhWXA/s200/dunniclose.jpg" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ-T3PqakOCQIckH28DkfQvfCwUMEgTcN0FydyYlODL7HlOFHgcEuepW7ITXhzcX3sxVoWoo4F0j_0_HlzobMT8D7KpareO_bNj14HDj7dXCrfhxtnKpp9qKooCGG9pq6lQ5v0bgnWLIs/s1600/dunni.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ-T3PqakOCQIckH28DkfQvfCwUMEgTcN0FydyYlODL7HlOFHgcEuepW7ITXhzcX3sxVoWoo4F0j_0_HlzobMT8D7KpareO_bNj14HDj7dXCrfhxtnKpp9qKooCGG9pq6lQ5v0bgnWLIs/s200/dunni.jpg" width="150" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">My beautiful friend Dunni is leaving us to work in Dubai. She looked stylish on her last day in this simple but glam dress from Marks and Spencer, and picked up the metallic detailing on the shoulder with some subtle shimmering eyeshadow.Gorgeous.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">Megan has a large collection of beautiful dresses, and this dotty green frock is one of my favourites. People avoid bright green, but this jade tone flatters most pale skins. And on top of which, you can't knock a dotty frock. That's two so far this week...</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoP_HjQyrIHlJUie5KMGUXwB2Yqhrc49clulPBK-nZPvjmTMZ5iMgNlA24owpnitnD9jYRNqlh07GXBPFfVgx_9enEM1sv0D3vs7-q31196Xmb2bWiRcLYVBlKUWRLAWUjXGGGzgoPG-I/s1600/mehive.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoP_HjQyrIHlJUie5KMGUXwB2Yqhrc49clulPBK-nZPvjmTMZ5iMgNlA24owpnitnD9jYRNqlh07GXBPFfVgx_9enEM1sv0D3vs7-q31196Xmb2bWiRcLYVBlKUWRLAWUjXGGGzgoPG-I/s200/mehive.jpg" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijSnbWL46iWKbcpOg8gtdOV8IAEj_IX9KVu2dzahIOvbIjToUlK68TN4MvsgO9CsOdxJ0jx7r_WIt-YIKr6abcnhKbcIy3KT8vXlyxidsLV0bsHksiJqb8as3Mm7mfWrjWjC6F0vdALNU/s1600/me.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijSnbWL46iWKbcpOg8gtdOV8IAEj_IX9KVu2dzahIOvbIjToUlK68TN4MvsgO9CsOdxJ0jx7r_WIt-YIKr6abcnhKbcIy3KT8vXlyxidsLV0bsHksiJqb8as3Mm7mfWrjWjC6F0vdALNU/s200/me.jpg" width="150" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">What can I say? I love this dress - and although it's really a bit too small at the moment, it still looks quite flattering. Notice the little half-hive too. Well... it was the last day of term!</div>Charlottehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12375450810106158002noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60171187136484323.post-88887177539352219022010-07-31T18:12:00.000+01:002010-07-31T18:12:31.032+01:00Apologies for this interruption in service...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLSbW4j6E5Y1-KsSS97KS_AN9TDl_eshJN1ug1_RJtt2JmhB-qpTraVdNt6LAxLIIoZUqHndmIx5TElNJvnS61lMNVt-rcERlpKd7PRJ3ULZMm1GEdzfjFdiAq-ddC1lDbM-f6vswqCbA/s1600/thompson-ss-1995-sickbed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLSbW4j6E5Y1-KsSS97KS_AN9TDl_eshJN1ug1_RJtt2JmhB-qpTraVdNt6LAxLIIoZUqHndmIx5TElNJvnS61lMNVt-rcERlpKd7PRJ3ULZMm1GEdzfjFdiAq-ddC1lDbM-f6vswqCbA/s320/thompson-ss-1995-sickbed.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<br />
... I'm actually really under the weather at the moment. When I feel better I'll be back with two Fridays worth of frocks, plus one or two other things.<br />
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xxxx<br />
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CharlotteCharlottehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12375450810106158002noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60171187136484323.post-47182237215805800212010-07-23T01:40:00.000+01:002010-07-23T01:40:39.179+01:00Friday Frocks - Nine TimeAnother week - another round of fabulous Friday frocks.<br />
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First some apologies... I now have Friday frock pictures coming at me from so many sources that I occasionally lose track. If you want to be really certain of making the roundup, I advise emailing your picture to me at the address to the left of the page. Otherwise, I will do my best. So, Lesley here is wearing the most gorgeous vintage frock - very 1965 - and looks very cool and summery on that very hot Friday from two weeks ago. Adore these pleats, especially in contrast to the fitted bodice.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbiFWNU-OGwC1NVR0r8EzPKheooKf5wkQKAe2Z2XaGrXHKwH2ZLF_mY4Hr0URqk9do49vG0OH40GA3aMYQBAAFOD-Q-OoYFZPQ2RMzHM0PNUya78xNa_Li18pJqaa87tsT3Kvf_bG1ceQ/s1600/foamyapron.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbiFWNU-OGwC1NVR0r8EzPKheooKf5wkQKAe2Z2XaGrXHKwH2ZLF_mY4Hr0URqk9do49vG0OH40GA3aMYQBAAFOD-Q-OoYFZPQ2RMzHM0PNUya78xNa_Li18pJqaa87tsT3Kvf_bG1ceQ/s320/foamyapron.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Then I also overlooked Naomi, who teaches food technology, and so made her Friday frocks effort with this striking, graphic-print apron, set off beautifully by stylish, neutral black. Making an extra effort beyond what you'd normally wear to work is absolutely a Friday frocks thing, and this is so smart and stylish... I wish she worked at my school - the kids would be learning swelegance as well as cookery.<br />
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ScifiSam plumped for gorgeously flattering shades of blue and green, which she even picked out in a fabulously fun manicure. Punky nail colours like this work best on short nails - the same shade and combination on long nails would look a little discordant. I can't see much of the frock, here - but I do love the way Sam poses - it always raises a smile.<br />
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The last of my omissions was beautiful Bonita in a red dress with white polka dots. I have this dress myself, and don't look anywhere near as stunning. Notice again (as we saw last week) how good a rounded necklace line looks inside a deep V neck. Glamour all the way.<br />
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First for this week is the delightful Trudi who eschewed a dress in favour of this utterly fabulous shirt and tie combination. The black and purple work together in a very dramatic way, and I bet she turned heads all day long with this striking look. I do love a bit of creativity - and this really is thinking outside the frock-box.<br />
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It's another doozy from 'wayward bob' this week, and rather than regurgitate her excellent description, I'll post it for you here. <br />
She says "i wasn't in a frocky mood this morning, so i resorted to my oldest favouritest dress, in a comfy old slipper kind of way. you can't really see the details, but the polka dots are actually tiny hearts, it has pintucks down the front and it's a laura lees dress so it has all that embroidery she does dotted around. but it's in need of a good iron, and that combined with the flipflops doesn't really do the whole friday frock thing of making some kind of effort so i put on a petticoat. i'm glad i did, it always cheers me up to have swishy skirts."And doesn't it look lovely? I love Bob's dresses - they have such a sweet, vintage feel to them. Almost Enid Blyton Chic?<br />
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Next lets see what the boys are doing @mikedixson, whose Twitter name I've been spelling wrong for weeks - sorry - was inspired towards these boots because someone at work apparently made a comment about his personal protective clothing not being up to scratch. Well, maybe... but they're also really cool. The current trend in menswear to tuck jeans into heavy ankle boots makes the legs look stockier and as such is pretty manly. Styled with the hip-slung braces and the plaid shirt the look is cohesive and slightly retro - but of course, you know my feelings about having only one button open...<br />
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This sharp dressed fella (the eleven year old son of Twitter's @donnabrookes) is dressed for an occasion - so it isn't quite Friday frocks, but given his age, and the fact that he chose the outfit himself, I'm including him anyway. He's dressed for a formal dinner and dance to celebrate the end of primary school, and I think he looks absolutely dapper, but not too much like a mini adult. The hair is styled and he looks surprisingly at ease in his finery.<br />
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This week saw another junior frocker - but this one I think qualifies unreservedly. It's Bonita's daughter, and she has taken an interest in what her mum's been doing over the last few weeks and has quite admirably decided that she wants a part of it. So - for no other reason than the love of Friday, she chose this fabulous outfit to dress up in - and declared she wants to do it every week. I don't know how many frocks a small girl has, but I look forward to seeing other looks she puts together. You may notice that she's wearing one of the butterfly hairclips from <a href="http://swelegantstyleshopping.blogspot.com/2010/07/now-voyager-trashy-fabulous-temptations.html">Now, Voyager</a> I wrote about the other week.<br />
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So if that was Mini-Bonita, what was her mum wearing? Bon says she's not sure about this dress, but I'm sure you'll all agree with me that she looks red hot: sexy but also classy - she's played that up with structured heels and richly-coloured but restrained accessories. Perhaps it's not very summery, but when you're having fun and looking delicious, who on earth cares?<br />
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Also rocking a flower in her hair is @BeBelongy. The red is echoed in her necklace, and then in the pattern on her skirt.<br />
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and I'm so glad she sent me this closeup of the fabric because it's absolutely brilliant and really makes the outfit special. The colour palette reminds me of prints from the fifties, but the style of the line drawing is freer and more expressively abstract. When you have a pattern like this, obviously it needs to take centre stage - as it does here with a plain, neutral top and the aforementioned red accents to tie in the colours.<br />
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Right up to date with Edie's 2 in 1 dress: the slouchy shaping and fabric is very much prevalent in the shops this season. It's very flattering to Edie's long, lean shape, in the same-but-opposite way that structured shapes and tailoring suit those of us with more 'freeform' bodies. I love the open neckline here, inviting that sexy flash of bra strap... an example of how you don't need to show too much of anything to excite the imagination. The flash of firey orange red, too, is fun and enticing. Grey might be 'on trend', but few of us look good in sober neutrals from head to toe.<br />
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How fabulous does @hayleyjgreen look? She's had her hair done, but the star here is that fabulous green dress. See how the empire line defines her fabulous boobs, and that deep V neckline gives balance and proportion of colour. I like the interesting criss-cross of her sandals, too. I don't like to wear anything between my toes, but if I did I'd like these.<br />
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We've already seen how Lesley loves striking vintage and retro looks, and here she's taken the current trend for maxi dresses and ramped it up to it's most glamorous, 1980-style pinnacle. The silk sheen of the fabric lends an opulence to the rich colour palette of royal purple and old gold, and then the presence of sleeves give it a graceful, excessive, Isadora Duncan feel.<br />
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A few weeks ago Maeve said that she didn't normally wear skirts or dresses. Frankly, looking at these pics I'm beginning to think she might be a bit of a fibber. It's a wonderfully colour coordinated look, which we've come to expect form Maeve, but the dress itself is really fabulous. I don't know if it's vintage, but that solid matt fabric has a real retro feel, which helps make the petticoat feel 'right'. The V neck and ruching over the bust is flattering and allows the hard horizontal line of the belt to create an attractive cinching of the waist without creating a widening illusion. The tea-length is right for Maeve's frame, and showing some petticoat wouldn't usually work, but where you have the contrasting colour it looks amazing. Va-va-voom!<br />
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Queen of Goths this week has accentuated her curves by the use of this full skirt, balanced above the waist with this paler, knotted shrug. The effect of the shrug is to make the boobs look more generous, so they can hold their own against the width of the skirt, while emphasising the neat little waist. I love the colours here, too. It's like chocolate cake with cream.<br />
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The swelegencia love a retro look, have you noticed? Miss-Shelf is rocking my favourite polka-dots, which are all over the place again this summer, but which do suggest a fifties aesthetic... however, it's the scarf knotted at the neck that really gives that vintage feel. Friday frocks is about special touches, and wearing a scarf in this way gives an outfit just that extra something. But the real pizzazz here is the hair accessory, and I have to tell you, Miss-Shelf made it herself! How clever is that?<br />
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@Girl_In_A_Box has honoured us with another bright floral frock, and I love this one. The combination of colours here is rich as well as fresh: dark pinks and purples tend to be very flattering to brunettes. The black belt and cardigan work because they're in a limited area, and close-fitting - which suits the tailored style of the dress. The cardigan also breaks what would otherwise be a very high neckline for someone as buxom as madam, here.<br />
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Much more simple, but 'spark' is wearing a beautiful summer frock that states another case in support of summer black. In it's favour is the amount of bare limb that is still exposed to the sunshine, but also the lightweight fabric. The detailing at the neckline (and also the sleeves and hemline) is subtle but makes the design feminine and special. I love the vertical line created by the buttons too.<br />
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I love the shape of this dress, but what strikes me is how perfectly 'temper_tantrum' has teamed it with sexy sheer black stockings. The rule of thumb with hosiery is to match your legs to your hem - and although all rules can be happily broken, the dark band at the bottom of this frock paves the way for sexy dark legwear. The shoes are fabulous too: the dark bow works with the stockings, and the white upper refers back to the white body of the dress.<br />
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As is traditional, lastly here's me. This full skirt I hope demonstrates what I said in my last post about full skirts not necessarily being retro. It's not quite a circle skirt, but it's nearly there: I certainly have to watch it blowing up in the breeze! I love the colours here - the purple is rich and berry-like, which works well in both summer and winter. I've styled it without emphasising the waist as I normally would, and I think the effect makes my boobs look slightly higher than normal, so I'll try that again...Charlottehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12375450810106158002noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60171187136484323.post-7146523293939477462010-07-19T23:33:00.001+01:002010-07-20T00:08:01.199+01:00Full Circle - Skirts for Fun and Frolics and Flattery<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLWia2eVcCzmt3PK62yJ8CEL5TgM3MsI7uqilDJuq7D81dRxbkFK_yIs2VFDIKoia0Qg-mPIa5cwRwn4-WtU-cJDGWMjvCLogdq7LZZSnAuqy_yH_bYGBDdWcXkgbE_wuFxD5z-vCdT78/s1600/hellbunnyskirts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLWia2eVcCzmt3PK62yJ8CEL5TgM3MsI7uqilDJuq7D81dRxbkFK_yIs2VFDIKoia0Qg-mPIa5cwRwn4-WtU-cJDGWMjvCLogdq7LZZSnAuqy_yH_bYGBDdWcXkgbE_wuFxD5z-vCdT78/s320/hellbunnyskirts.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I was asked months ago by a friend to have a look at circle skirts, but I confess I forgot. Still, she has reminded me, and so here we are. Circle skirts flatter most hourglass and pearshaped women, but actually give the impression of curves to anyone with boobs bigger than their waist - and they're forgiving of bums, hips and thighs, and tummies too, if like me you bulge out primarily below your natural waist. They're a fun, lighthearted sort of shape, often - but not always - evocative of a retro 1950s look, and as the Autumn Winter collections reassured us, they're going to be around more and more over the coming months.<br />
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The retro look of the circle skirt is fairly obvious - they're much beloved for giving incomparable swirl and movement when dancing, and you need a lot of skirt to top a net petticoat. The skirts above and top are by <a href="http://www.rockabillypinup.co.uk/skirts-c-4.html?osCsid=2o3fhemgiff5losu8aicn4q8e7">Hellbunny</a>, cost less than £20, but come in a terribly limited range of sizes: only going up to a 14. I include them because they're fun, but for similar skirts you could also try <a href="http://www.wagtailsdancewear.co.uk/skirts.php">Wagtails Dancewear</a>, who have a good range of sizes and patterns in a slightly longer length.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbPe60ZzjPM1cD4Lq6UOcFbj4cJFKKCwxj2wyTAI0zmfZfb8kuUGVAJxPPbYzXpiWfPEwUrSA30Gz26t4nSgRCZzjvOrowxFQ5soN1bzO377e3-i7ArBhIdhsXybURAqennovoMUhI59Y/s1600/skaterskirt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbPe60ZzjPM1cD4Lq6UOcFbj4cJFKKCwxj2wyTAI0zmfZfb8kuUGVAJxPPbYzXpiWfPEwUrSA30Gz26t4nSgRCZzjvOrowxFQ5soN1bzO377e3-i7ArBhIdhsXybURAqennovoMUhI59Y/s200/skaterskirt.jpg" width="156" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLdWemL_HHcj85LDLqKvo2LXBnOnTmgmfO_omqZs7bdZBBo2E7epb8v3TC-7X_M5lSfNLNzP0pe_KhSR_h5dRjRHuuP7iOvj4nyc1bW4kCu9CJxlejoQ5h3spqiunFpsNvvXmlyp-2XKo/s1600/american+apparrel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLdWemL_HHcj85LDLqKvo2LXBnOnTmgmfO_omqZs7bdZBBo2E7epb8v3TC-7X_M5lSfNLNzP0pe_KhSR_h5dRjRHuuP7iOvj4nyc1bW4kCu9CJxlejoQ5h3spqiunFpsNvvXmlyp-2XKo/s200/american+apparrel.jpg" width="166" /></a></div><br />
Length then. Most circle skirts fall between 'just above the knee' to 'tea length' (upper calf), and certainly it's worth bearing in mind that most retro petticoats are designed to fall just below the knee if you're average height. But the full circle skirt has many incarnations. Taken shorter it becomes a skater skirt, and these are huge fun if you're confident showing your legs (be aware that circle skirts of any length have a tendency to get caught by the slightest gust of wind and expose more leg than you'd planned) - <a href="http://www.asos.com/search/pgeSearch.aspx?q=floral+skater+skirt">ASOS have a good range of these</a> up to a size 22. Taken longer than calf length, and without a petticoat to create the shape, all that extra volume becomes quite blowsy. They are around - the example above is by fashion brand <a href="http://store.americanapparel.co.uk/rsa0320s.html?cid=139">American Apparel</a>, and you'll find a lot of them in 'hippy' shops, but it's not a flattering look. As a rule of thumb, the longer a skirt is, the stronger silhouette it needs.<br />
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What about a modern look? Well, a circle skirt doesn't need to be dressed up in retro trappings to be a flattering option. <a href="http://www.very.co.uk/net-skirt/737896564.prd?browseToken=%2fb%2f1589%2fs%2fbestsellers%2c0%2fo%2f9%2fr%2f100%2fpromo%2f22800005&prdToken=/p/prod3970057-sku5931907&aff=buyat&affsrc=home&cm_mmc=buyat-_-affiliate-_-na-_-deeplink">The skirt above</a> is by catalogue company Very, and with its net overlayer looks very contemporary and clean-lined. It's available up to a size 24 and costs a reasonable £32. To avoid echoes of the fifties, don't overplay the waist with a cinched belt, and whereas you would wear a more retro look with ballet pumps, wedge heeled espadrilles or curvy high heels, here you'd keep things modern with some more modern lines as above, or perhaps a tomboyish pair of flat, heavy-soled boots.<br />
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In most cases, circle skirts look best with a close fitted top, to give definition to the waist, but of course if you opt for a dress you don't have to think about what to wear with it. Obviously purveyors of fine retro frocks <a href="http://www.vivienofholloway.com/Womens-Clothing.html">Vivien of Holloway</a> and <a href="http://www.collectif.co.uk/l1-clothes-l2-dresses.html">Collectif</a>, amongst others, will cater perfectly to your vintage-look needs, but contemporary fashion also provides. The <a href="http://www.oli.co.uk/Great-Plains-Silk-Printed-Full-Dress/productdisplay.stm?An=673&A=22T591_XL&Nao=992&Au=P_MasterItem&Nu=P_MasterItem&Ns=P_Colour%7C0%7C%7CP_Size%7C0&SID=197679159&cm_mmc=CJ-_-1909792-_-3021243-_-Product%20Catalog&AID=10569974&PID=3021243&SID=197679159">dress above</a> is silk, by Great Plains at Oli, and it breaks my heart to say it only goes up to a size sixteen, because it truly is gorgeous. £59 reduced from £85. For other full skirted frocks, look for anything called a 'prom dress'. Odd terminology (have you <i>seen</i> what is generally worn to proms?), but the silhouette is usually right.<br />
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Lastly, an apology and a request. My friend did ask me to find a particular skirt that she saw, once upon a time in some long-lost corner of the internet. I couldn't track it down, but maybe the swelegencia can? We're looking for a circle skirt with flames appliques or embroidered around the hem. Please pass the information on via the comments box or email if you happen across it on your travels.<br />
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Edit - one suggestion from the lovely people at <a href="http://www.biscuitboutique.co.uk/">Biscuit Boutique</a>: <a href="http://modemerr.com/Flames.html">This gauzy number</a> from Mode Merr - handmade and with a breathtaking price to reflect all the work involved.Charlottehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12375450810106158002noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60171187136484323.post-22579989243120130342010-07-16T00:54:00.001+01:002010-07-16T00:55:53.552+01:00Friday Frocks - Super EightIt was another hot, hot Friday last week, and the swelegencia measured up in the scorching stakes.<br />
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Proving the point is 'Queen of Goths', who has turned a simple maxi dress in to something theatrical and elegant through the addition of a shrug. The tight cover-up looks like it's part of the frock, and creates a sexy, flattering neckline, and the lace trimming makes it look more opulent. Then the fabulous purple corsage picks out the colour bands at the hemline, and is tonally matched by the flatteringly large pendant. All those bangles make the wrists look delicate, and the empire line (with the shrug nicely out of the way) enhances hourglass curves. Brava!<br />
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A similar look from Ruby but I wanted to draw attention to how cleverly she's reworked this dress. Originally the dress had sequin banding, but she's removed that and replaced it with this pretty braid detail. It's a simple bit of needlework which requires a couple of things: motivation and vision. To see something you almost love and realise what needs to be done to make it the piece you really want is really creative style shopping. I love those cute little dolly shoes too.<br />
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The last of this week's trio of maxi dresses is from drag0n, and this frock is really flattering. It makes her boobs look fabulous, and the horizontal seaming on the skirt is pretty, but unobtrusive enough not to interrupt the vertical line. The washed-out blue works well with the plaid shirt and slouchy bag to create a pretty spin on the early-nineties 'grunge' revival.<br />
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So now onto a trio of tunics. Tunics are a fabulous option for apple shapes, as they glide over your tummy. Many apples have great legs, like gorgeous 'aqua' here, who has finally decided to take the plunge with leggings... and doesn't she look amazing in them? The tunic itself gets a way with such a large floral pattern because of its muted colour palette, allowing those peacock tones in aqua's hair. If you do have striking hair colours you have to be careful with clothes - choosing tones to enhance or to provide a backdrop. It's the latter here, and it looks great.<br />
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Preserving her anonymity with a headless shot, and her modesty with a leggings and vest combo 'cesare' looks really cool in this short kaftan. The translucent fabric makes for lots of flattering colour without the 'in-your-face' impact of a more solid cloth. The translucent patterned fabric also creates a flattering diaphanous effect, softening the clean black outlines with floaty vertical stripes and feminine frill detailing.<br />
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My last tunic is from Fran, who I know would dearly have loved to wear a more dressy frock, but she's finding it tricky to find one to fit both her and her tummy-residing daughter. This tunic is lovely, though - it emphasises her fabulous rack, makes her bump look gorgeously blooming and rounded, while finishing at a good length to ensure that someone so petite (and Fran is under five feet tall) still looks quite long-legged (that's also the empire line at work). Fabulous.<br />
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Rozi has been on her school's winter holidays this week but still frocked up in this utterly wonderful skirt. When you have a feature piece like this, you obviously need to keep everything else very simple, but I'm glad she's picked out the turquoise from the skirt for her top, rather than sticking to safe black - colours near the face are brightening and flattering.<br />
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Charlotte also went for separates with these cool linen oxford bags providing the foundation for a bright strappy top and feature necklace. There's nothing complicated or hard to wear here - but the overall look is elegant and put together. Try choosing a more complicated piece of jewellery and then putting together a simple outfit behind it, paying attention to the colours that flatter you, but keeping things plain.<br />
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Jewellery really can be the making of an outfit, particularly in a dressing-up, Friday frocks context. This lovely, full maxi skirt doesn't need much, and the simple white vest is perfect - but imagine if 'geminisnake' hadn't added the necklace. The broad bands of rich colour at the bottom would dominate, dragging the eye down. By picking up the colour again at the throat, our eyes focus on the outfit as a whole. It's a wonderful photo too, no? There's something about it.<br />
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Back to the frocks. I love Cloo's dress here. There's something a bit Brideshead Revisited meets Wimbledon, and it's utterly flattering. Cloo is really slim and petite, and the length and restrained full skirt of this dress suits her proportions. She has pale colouring too, and would be in danger of the white washing out her complexion, but the clever black piping gives definition. Hurrah, too for nude shoes.<br />
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@BeBelongy's two-in-one nautical dress is right up to the minute. The horizontal lines at the bust make her look utterly boobalicious, while the A line skirt skims to the knee flatteringly. She's softened the harsh monochrome with a soft ochre corsage, allowing her to finish the look with fabulous matching mary-janes. Beautiful - her hair looks great, too.<br />
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Tribal prints are absolutely everywhere this summer, so 'temper_tantrum' is right 'on-trend', but it's more than that. This sundress may be simple but the cut is so flattering. The close fitting, deep scoop-necked bodice accentuates the bust, while the pretty, full skirt hides any imperfections while keeping your legs cool. Expect to see more of this shape in Autumn/Winter - it was very big in lots of the catwalk shows. Hurrah!<br />
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A similar shape, from 'wayward bob', but the high neckline here does two things. Firstly, it's more flattering for a smaller bust, and secondly, it evokes a more retro feel. That, combined with the simple print and the slightly shorter length (plus the bare feet) makes this look quite beautifully childlike... in a womanly kind of way. Perfect for a summer day in the garden, picking daisies in the shiny weather.<br />
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All womanly swelegance, however, is Maeve, who this week decided to go for simple, classy pearls to finish off her look. She tells me that the pearls made the outfit look almost forties-style, and I know what she means: it's also because of the scale of the print - you could imagine that fabric making up a tea-dress fit for a siren of the Blitz. The black leggings, cardie and shoes make this a restrained, elegant look for Maeve. Really lovely.<br />
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Have I said enough, yet, how much I love this style of dress. This week it's Trashy's turn to be sporting the 'deep-V-neck-tailored-bodice-wider-than-A-line-but-not-quite-full-skirted' frock. If you have boobs over a C cup and a smaller waist, <i><b>this dress will flatter you</b></i> - get one while they're in the shops. I love the double string of beads here: the colour lends warmth to the face and the curve sits perfectly in the angular neckline.<br />
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The curve and V effect is also used here by Miss-Shelf, but that's not what I love most. Look at that brilliant, bold raspberry pick cardigan. It turns an elegant, grown up dress into something fun and flirty and fabulous. The cropped length of the cardi allows Miss-Shelf's neat waist to feature, somthing she's accentuated with a cinching, chunky belt. The flip flops coordinate perfectly too. Very 'put together'.<br />
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I'm aware that I often point out who shouldn't be wearing white and light colours, but Sophie here demonstrates that if you have some colour in your skin, and warmth in your hair shade, pale clothes can look breathtakingly pretty. The sprigged floral pattern and feminine styling is a little bit 'Little House on the Prairie' - but I imagine Sophie's too young to get that reference... I adore the white flower - it increases the cute, romantic feel, while the wedges are simple and retro but high enough to be womanly and sexy.<br />
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I recieved lots of pictures of accessories this week - which I love to feature because some people still think that Friday frocks can't work with their life... but everyone can accessorise with something a little bit special. Beautiful 'Moose' actually did put together a whole Friday frocks outfit, but could only get a pic of the head and shoulders. We'll have to use our imaginations for the rest of the top and the three quarter length jeans, but it's creating a pretty picture in my head. What we can see is the fabulous necklace from <a href="http://www.retro-jewellery.co.uk/index.asp">Retro Jewellery UK</a> - sadly the cherries are out of stock, but let the website and Moose inspire you to jazz up your friday with an inexpensive piece of fun.<br />
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@Melanie_jane sent me this picture of her fantastic Friday footwear. How Fabulous are these feet of flame? The rich orangey red platforms are wonderfully late seventies retro, and the different textures create a sculpural look - I love those kind of design details. The manicure is perfect, and the whole look sets off her ice-blue tattoo.<br />
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I know that Pootle did a whole Friday frocks outfit last week, because she told me all about the compliments she was getting the whole day long. Sadly, she only got it togther to photograph her handbag - but it's a beauty. Proof that elegant doesn't have to mean boring, Pootle swapped her usual courier bag for this gorgeous vintage-style coach bag. The pale tan leather is timeless, and the external purse pocket both makes the piece interesting, and evidently is a practical solution for mp3 player storage.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD42Wp5D_S1LMQivLsJNlzyiyfev9pp2Tel_LBJLGAA2lRi9lM3uSefzYrN9iIvWFg0CZ19uwXc1L1whEai0GzogvTbUVmiER_0hqbcwlt-To3-1qDIaFJQicNNeK24LEaHsLtGKuTjBs/s1600/giabringofpower.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD42Wp5D_S1LMQivLsJNlzyiyfev9pp2Tel_LBJLGAA2lRi9lM3uSefzYrN9iIvWFg0CZ19uwXc1L1whEai0GzogvTbUVmiER_0hqbcwlt-To3-1qDIaFJQicNNeK24LEaHsLtGKuTjBs/s320/giabringofpower.jpg" /></a></div><br />
The always-glamorous @Girl_in_A_Box spent all day on Friday travelling, so focused her swelegance on one finger. She calls this her 'Ring of Power' - I love it. The pretty lilac stones coordinate with her hot pink nails, and the asymmetric circles design looks both organic and playful. I must. not. covet.<br />
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No picture of me this week - I did do Friday frocks, but I wasn't happy with it. Let nobody ever feel under tyranny to share with the world what they know looks rough. I'll do better next week...<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Charlottehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12375450810106158002noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60171187136484323.post-57259283019127475752010-07-14T00:02:00.004+01:002010-07-14T00:04:32.091+01:00Easy GlamourA mission:<br />
<div style="color: black; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><div style="color: #f4cccc;"><span style="font-size: small;">Hello Charlotte,</span></div><div style="color: #f4cccc;"></div><div style="color: #f4cccc;"><span style="font-size: small;">I loved your response to the size 6 PGCE interviewee and therefore feel confident in you ability to help me (if you have the time).</span></div><div style="color: #f4cccc;"></div><div style="color: #f4cccc;"><span style="font-size: small;">I am 5ft 4 and size 16/18 (34 j boobs but relatively small waist). I have been invited to an uber glamorous 40th and am dreading going because for me glamour + dress = me feeling like a man in very unconvincing drag.</span></div><div style="color: #f4cccc;"></div><div style="color: #f4cccc;"><span style="font-size: small;">I did try on a purple halterneck at Coast recently and didn't look completely stupid but it's too rich for my pocket and I'd never wear it again.</span></div><div style="color: #f4cccc;"></div><div style="color: #f4cccc;"><span style="font-size: small;">Please can you point me in the right direction? I am blonde with blue eyes and short thick legs attached to size 8 feet.</span></div><div style="color: #f4cccc;"></div><div style="color: #f4cccc;"><span style="font-size: small;">Many thanks in anticipation,</span></div><div style="color: #f4cccc;"><span style="font-size: small;">Selena </span></div><div><br />
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</div></div>Dressing for a glam event can feel like a challenge, but it should be fun, too. Enjoy the element of theatricality involved in wearing richer colours, finer fabrics and an outfit designed to make you look special. Regular readers will know that I don't recommend a lot of black - and I wouldn't normally do so for a blonde... but there's truth in the lore of the Little Black Dress, and this one is particularly flattering for Selena's body. It's by <a href="http://www.monsoon.co.uk/Maris-Mesh-Dress/invt/65239503&bklist=icat,5,shop,women,dresses,newwomandress">Monsoon and it's £85</a> but you would be able to wear it for years - particularly if you wore it with different accent colours each time. For this summer and your colouring I recommend pale gold or pewter accessories: a chunky bangle, dangly earrings, a simple pendant to echo the neckline and a pair of strappy sandals - wedges to give your legs some shape or flats for comfort, but not heels in a metallic shade with this dress - too middle-aged. The dress would work for Selena because the neckline is perfect to flatter her boobs, and the structured tailoring at the waist will accentuate her waist. As it's a high waist it will also give the impression of longer legs - as will the shorter length: it's more flattering than a long hemline if you're not tall. This dress is in the 'New Arrivals' section of the Monsoon website, but is only showing in a limited range of sizes. Monsoon, however, don't hold a centralised record of stock on their website (which is why they have such great sales) - you'd be well advised to phone a few branches.<br />
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I've written before about the often disappointing design output from Bravissimo's clothing range, but this <a href="http://www.bravissimo.com/products/clothing/dresses-and-skirts/bravissimo/bo10-details.aspx?ck=K%2f%2bibL3vZIE%3d">Kingfisher satin dress (£65)</a> is quite beautiful - and remember that blues and greens are the most flattering colours for pale complexions. Being by Bravissimo it is cut to fit perfectly over the bust (you'd want the 18 'Super Curvy' size), but the tailoring detail is flattering to the rest of the body too. The waist is defined by the jewelled applique, and that pleating over the tummy is generous and flattering to your lumps and bumps. Which is not to say you won't want to wear Spanx - not to reduce your size but just for smoothing. Because of the detailing at the waist it's keep jewellery simple and silver. Some nude (pale tan) heels or heeled sandals would look best. <br />
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I know I'm becoming predicable in my love of a dotty frock, but I really think this one shows why. Patterns go in and out of fashion - currently the newest trend is for tribal prints - but the simpler the pattern, the more longevity it will have. These spots are fun and by breaking up the expanse of solid colour they are flattering too. I really think this is a pattern that won't date because it's so simple. The frock itself is on the expensive side - <a href="http://www.east.co.uk/p/clothing_dresses/ss101230005BLA.htm">it's £89 from East</a> - but it's fearsomely flattering to a curvy girl. The crossover neckline will accommodate larger boobs (you can add a vest or camisole in your chosen colour accent if it gets too boobalicious), and the plating and cut of the skirt will smooth over lumps and bumps while giving the impression of an hourglass silhouette. There is a matching camisole, but I wouldn't - matchy-matchy feels matronly. Instead team this with a close fitting cardigan in a fine knit. I think a sherbert colour (like a pastel but with more guts) would work beautifully: perhaps sky blue or pink. You can then work that colour through to your shoes and jewellery.<br />
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Lastly, although I really do think that shorter legs do better with shorter dresses, I know that people's sensitivity to their body imperfections can be all consuming - so I offer you a maxi dress. It's <a href="http://www.next.co.uk/shopping/women/smartcasual/2/3?extra=sch&n=women&mpch=ads">£35 by Next</a>, and unlike most maxi dresses it's glamorous enough for a dressy event <i><b>and</b></i> you can wear a bra with it. It's possibly going to need a vest or camisole underneath because of that plunge neckline, so I'd go with black accents including flat black sandals as here. The empire line silhouette elongates the legs and draws attention to the fabulous boobs.Charlottehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12375450810106158002noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60171187136484323.post-6344137833099802022010-07-07T23:29:00.005+01:002010-07-07T23:58:33.320+01:00Friday Frocks - The Magnificent SeventhAnother week of massive participation in Friday Frocks; I recruited some posters from webforum <a href="http://www.urban75.net/vbulletin/">Urban 75</a> to the cause. If any swelegant readers also post on forums, you could try spreading the joy of frocks in that way.<br />
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First this week is Trashy in a divine vintage dress. Denim is very big this season, and I love the 1980-style detailing here. She wasn't sure about the length, but I think it's a great feature that's part of what makes this look so retro-chic. She's styled it beautifully with those peeptoe wedges, and a pair of oversized tortoiseshell sunglasses would complete the look. Or she could go more rock-chick with a bright red belt and heels.<br />
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Two Friday frocks from Lesley, I love the gorgeous white and navy vintage dress: that fabric creates great lines and structure, and the circular detail adds a fabulous three-dimensional texture. And then the second frock proves that animal print can be completely classy, especially, when here it's used for a clean-lined, tailored piece.<br />
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Urban 75's 'wayward bob' next in a really beautiful fabric. And a look that she described as hippy, but I think is utterly lovely. The way that deep vertical split is echoed by the long lines of the outfit and her lean figure creates an overall impression of elegance.<br />
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Another urbanite, drag0n, joined in with this full-on glamorous makeup look. There's an oft repeated rule that in makeup you should focus attention on either the eyes or the lips. It's a rule I generally ignore, but it's hard to argue that drag0n doesn't look amazing with those sexy smoky eyes - and that the effect wouldn't have been less dramatic had it been fighting for attention with full-on lips. Maybe I should take a leaf from her book...<br />
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Maeve also focused on the details this week. Her plain black outfit is the perfect backdrop to draw attention to these well matched, but not matching collection of silver accessories. I love that: the way they all belong to the same aesthetic, but are interesting because of their differences. Beautiful.<br />
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My colleague Charlotte looking effortlessly gorgeous here in a simple red sundress. Summer makes most of us veer away from dark colours, but we don't all suit pastels. If you're white with dark hair, you may well find pale shades make you look washed out - so look for summer brights. Like most brunettes, Charlotte looks amazing in red, and the simplicity of the dress allows the colour to give the wow factor.<br />
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On the other hand, if you have a tan or naturally darker skin, white stops counting as a pale colour and becomes a bright. Twitter's @BeBelongy wasn't sure about the length here, but I think she looks fab. I'm not a fan of gladiator sandals, but these gold ones are close enough to her skintone that they don't shorten the leg. I adore that headband too. So cute.<br />
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@mikedixon looking moody again, this time in a gorgeous white shirt that he obligingly popped that second button on, and then sent me another photo. The shirt is by <a href="http://www.superdry.com/">superdry</a>, and Mike says it's like wearing fine Egyptian cotton. Me, I like the black detailing, especially on the inside of the collar. It makes my eyes follow it inside the shirt, which I'm sure is something a lot of men would want ladies finding themselves doing....<br />
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Edie sent me this gorgeous photo of her in her Friday frock, and although I can't see much of the dress (what I can see - deep V neck, full, floaty skirt - I like a lot) the photo itself is gorgeous, isn't it? Friday frocks photography getting arty? I didn't expect that.<br />
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But then, this has to be the most enthusiastic photo we've had so far. Another Urban 75 type, scifisam, searing a simple summer dress with an unfussy monochrome floral print.Prints like this are a good compromise if you can't bear to let go of black altogether, and there are quite a few of them around this summer. I love the draped neckline here, too... but of course mostly I love the pose. This is how good I hope Friday frocks should make you feel.<br />
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Gorgeous 'mentalchik' teamed her monochrome floral dress with skinny-fit jeans for a casual-glam look. Personally, I can't wear jeans in the sort of heat we had last week, but she wears them well and the effect is flattering and fun.<br />
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Lovely Rozi (@EatOrBeEaten on Twitter - follow her!) is one of Friday Frocks' biggest cheerleaders, and this week she not only bought a new dress but had a gorgeously flattering new haircut ready for Friday. Remember she's in New Zealand, so she's wearing fashionable grey in the form of a jumper dress. It's important with grey to add some interest, and her warm-toned necklace and chunky ring make this look dressy and put together. It's hard to wear a necklace with this kind of cowl neck, but the length and weight off these beads are perfect.<br />
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So many of the dresses in the shops are short at the moment, and I know it's something the swelegencia are finding annoying. @hayleyjgreen solves the problem here by layering this dress with it's flattering empire line and stylised floral design over a similarly flowing skirt. The line of the dress is continued down, successfully creating an elongated silhouette.<br />
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Suzi says this frock makes her "walk tall and smile wide", and what more could you want? The cafe au lait colour is warm enough to flatter her skintone, and the deep square neck provides a frame so that attention is focused on the face, smiling widely. See too how those sandals, so similar in tone to her complexion, elongate the legs.<br />
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Conversely, tempertantrum chooses black shoes, which allow her to accessorise this tailored floral summer dress with a smart black jacket - without the shoes, the black would seem too heavy. However, these shoes, although black, really only appear to cover the toe, so the line of her legs isn't broken until the last moment. Very smart.<br />
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My offering last week was a bit of a break from the norm. I didn't choose this dress, I was exhorted to buy it by my mother-in-law a couple of years ago. Although it's pretty and I love the zigzag seaming at the dropped waist, the lack of tailoring at the bust and waist and the pearshaped silhouette aren't very flattering to my 'over-inflated-hourglass' body. However, it's very cool in the heat - and it coordinates perfectly with my turquoise and pink flowered Birkenstocks.<br />
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On Friday @Girl_In_A_Box (left) was bridesmaid at @LittleModChick's wedding. Not technically Friday frocks, but how could I resist. Particularly because I wanted to talk about how great these bridesmaids look. When you have attendants of different shapes and sizes, it's cruel to put them all in the same dress. The solution here, of frocks in the same fabric but a shape to suit each girl, is both elegant and kind. That kingfisher colour is gorgeous and flattering to all the ladies too.<br />
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@Girl_In_A_Box did single out The Lady Vee among the wedding guests as being particularly Friday frocktastic. I can see why - the colours on this dress are deep and jewel-like, perfect for a special occasion and so flattering to her colouring.<br />
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Lastly, the bride herself. @LittleModChick has the perfect figure for this dress: not enough boobage and the corset top will look sad and empty, too much and you look fleshy and unsupported. The diagonal pleating over the bodice enhances her waist and adds subtle detail and interest to the simple ivory. I love the way, too, that those delicate curls just touch her bare shoulders. All brides look beautiful, but this is elegant too.Charlottehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12375450810106158002noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60171187136484323.post-74278878345969564092010-07-06T22:11:00.001+01:002010-07-06T22:13:29.564+01:00The Importance of Shirt Buttons<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-tSvNUVH9OXX1yfGnAsmn_R-y6dDd9isn0lylScD-ZPjZPlhJJdu2vuqIEZC6DUhxmreJ2G_ezOROWgyzDl0qNbJCIAIOVIC73cJTM0pA9VAgTGb0ZJbOxwtjJIxAbyexzZjBtJ9TbIo/s1600/209.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-tSvNUVH9OXX1yfGnAsmn_R-y6dDd9isn0lylScD-ZPjZPlhJJdu2vuqIEZC6DUhxmreJ2G_ezOROWgyzDl0qNbJCIAIOVIC73cJTM0pA9VAgTGb0ZJbOxwtjJIxAbyexzZjBtJ9TbIo/s320/209.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Aww - I love this photo. I have it as my desktop wallpaper on my work computer and my laptop. It captures a beautiful moment on the happiest day of my life. But - oh my gosh it irritates me, too. Drives me mad. Just -just <i><b>look</b></i> at it...<br />
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I have known my utterly wonderful husband for about four and a half years. During this time, I have explained, demonstrated and cajoled, but still he insists on unbuttoning one, but not two of his shirt buttons - I've more or less given up with him, but it just looks odd. And yet, as I look around at the gentlemen of Britain, this one-button-madness seems to be rife. The problem is one of connotation. Two open buttons give an impression of comfort and relaxation. One button open is, well, more buttoned-up.<br />
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The king of 'Only Opening One Button Land' is actor / writer / presenter / comedian and all-round likeable chap David Mitchell. But it works for him. Mitchell's media persona is one of slight diffidence and discomfort, a man who finds himself ill at ease with things like relaxation, fun and the modern world. As such, the single button open at the neck says "I didn't want to wear a tie, but actually, I'm not quite sure what to do if I don't have a tie on. I know that leaving all my buttons done up looks weird, so -there - look, I've undone one. It's more comfortable and I don't look like I've just taken off my tie. Even though I probably have." And while that works for him, it's not the kind of image many men want to project. It's also true that, having two buttons open makes you look leaner both in the face and neck; and in the body. It's the same optical rules that make V necks so flattering for women.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhszN501z_liZP1zIJr367ZZER8XoWuowZRewdhDmtvyPq7V-PWDPDkBdyzpBejWGC334s40MzH-Zn3IDazregMaKcV2jOWIYeEioUsuuaN_L5AskDSW2fROxXhacR4274-Cbs3SSj9Hjc/s1600/adrian2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhszN501z_liZP1zIJr367ZZER8XoWuowZRewdhDmtvyPq7V-PWDPDkBdyzpBejWGC334s40MzH-Zn3IDazregMaKcV2jOWIYeEioUsuuaN_L5AskDSW2fROxXhacR4274-Cbs3SSj9Hjc/s200/adrian2.jpg" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG7Hw15UyRlXVw5h0axdQQ5_CKkEPaA4DhMGYFej5YZUhpvmClt1zewNSex7By5DdfsEEd5JKW9uwXbzrMIMPTKqwFZXXoAzk5tMxf-MKfsVX0u110UueJzynTbFc7kjLttO0AhbIkimM/s1600/adrian1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG7Hw15UyRlXVw5h0axdQQ5_CKkEPaA4DhMGYFej5YZUhpvmClt1zewNSex7By5DdfsEEd5JKW9uwXbzrMIMPTKqwFZXXoAzk5tMxf-MKfsVX0u110UueJzynTbFc7kjLttO0AhbIkimM/s200/adrian1.jpg" width="150" /></a></div><br />
When I was at the pub on Saturday, I got some of the gentlemen to pose for us, with one and two buttons undone. Ignore the odd orange glasses - and instead, notice how - when Adrian has more buttons done up - he looks a bit geeky.<br />
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It's even more pronounced here, on Harry - perhaps because of the long sleeves - that with only one button undone the wearer looks uncomfortable and uptight. It's important to notice that if you undo two buttons you're not normally going to expose great acres of chest-flesh: you just give the impression of a longer neck.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCWKkAP2b1sYfRA-j_WmKJPuxf8H2ZZ2kLPTstFmQWKKj8q0ighKfrdIAoj-JX9LKGEMyvIkYlMOnDNemXw03N71szSOYtpsEphC-Mu2Gcjzt9n_wfel20PUFnNi9kFFcf6Wd-MEb8_Ww/s1600/pete1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCWKkAP2b1sYfRA-j_WmKJPuxf8H2ZZ2kLPTstFmQWKKj8q0ighKfrdIAoj-JX9LKGEMyvIkYlMOnDNemXw03N71szSOYtpsEphC-Mu2Gcjzt9n_wfel20PUFnNi9kFFcf6Wd-MEb8_Ww/s200/pete1.jpg" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXnc2GZAwcuesSKmnHfMCUu-N8aDfyUF-iIEGOqKxy_u_v1pX-zaemdXS82LnNC1qCMbYpncaguJqfA10JM3psa1Oraks_yU1DvgMJo45eV2nxIJ7cYJDfYfFAtftxYJkQLFb5EkbYtD4/s1600/pete2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXnc2GZAwcuesSKmnHfMCUu-N8aDfyUF-iIEGOqKxy_u_v1pX-zaemdXS82LnNC1qCMbYpncaguJqfA10JM3psa1Oraks_yU1DvgMJo45eV2nxIJ7cYJDfYfFAtftxYJkQLFb5EkbYtD4/s200/pete2.jpg" width="150" /></a></div><br />
Undoing two buttons is flattering, and it also marks a clear distinction between work and play. On the left, Pete would be smart enough for many workplaces... but who (except barstaff) wants to look like they could be at work on a Saturday in the pub? On the left, Pete looks laid back and casual. It's so simple.<br />
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There's always one. It's funny, though - a few men have pulled their shirt open in a similar way when I've brought this subject up. Assuming it's not a crazy desire to show me their manly chests, it sometimes seems to be a way of jokingly dealing with insecurities related to showing off more of their bodies. Or perhaps it's not feeling it's ok for everyone, even very 'blokey' blokes, to look stylish and be aware of what suits them. As I said above, most shirts won't show much more flesh if you open two buttons than one, but actually, very soft, unstructured shirts like Steve's will tend to fall open in a wider V shape.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg35vNOrCqmCl0n6FbKCCTBZZnba2kY_79nMBfRcEZNzVoxflvxhMVXZ7rBRfhZH7m4ND9UzFmmo73ZR0i6mbxaCxVEhDFfJBSdr8j_Jux_YPa3COPXLj7nMyfUa0JWngBGP3cu8_xpY7s/s1600/steve3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg35vNOrCqmCl0n6FbKCCTBZZnba2kY_79nMBfRcEZNzVoxflvxhMVXZ7rBRfhZH7m4ND9UzFmmo73ZR0i6mbxaCxVEhDFfJBSdr8j_Jux_YPa3COPXLj7nMyfUa0JWngBGP3cu8_xpY7s/s200/steve3.jpg" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge5zQQbJWLeAvv_4_SWGdg-hRv7wY3XjAF5jEKXrUhKNmywsSP3jVqPd_0V-Y_uK8WRN0dvm3_tGYdTQfZCGz3QD7vUoHh8nxifpwERUSdxPC6ovo9-vm9_9sBzyjBjgkBGkLalTqUWrw/s1600/steve1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge5zQQbJWLeAvv_4_SWGdg-hRv7wY3XjAF5jEKXrUhKNmywsSP3jVqPd_0V-Y_uK8WRN0dvm3_tGYdTQfZCGz3QD7vUoHh8nxifpwERUSdxPC6ovo9-vm9_9sBzyjBjgkBGkLalTqUWrw/s200/steve1.jpg" width="150" /></a></div><br />
I think the more open neck here looks great - very relaxed and summery, but you can go too far with a good thing. It takes a certain type of person to pull off more than two buttons open, and on others, it can look a little odd...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Bav3JzjbFT7V9oYAc_5g64d7oxjSY7v1NaIBAtOVP1uqsYQRIDaVL48y4ndtnLXxHAkhHYcW_utBNLugc13ppAnNo3PNdga4xMg9ZjzlqNxbAaqNSz3jx_P7O2tYZJvwdvfFJwQRo9M/s1600/comedian-david-mitchell-001jpg.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Bav3JzjbFT7V9oYAc_5g64d7oxjSY7v1NaIBAtOVP1uqsYQRIDaVL48y4ndtnLXxHAkhHYcW_utBNLugc13ppAnNo3PNdga4xMg9ZjzlqNxbAaqNSz3jx_P7O2tYZJvwdvfFJwQRo9M/s320/comedian-david-mitchell-001jpg.jpeg" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">In the unlikely event that you are Mr David Mitchell and you are reading this blog, please accept my apologies. I think you know that you've a look and persona that work for you - but should you ever want to change all that, I think you should start with the hair. Seriously...</span>Charlottehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12375450810106158002noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60171187136484323.post-15533959276011018652010-07-05T23:25:00.001+01:002010-07-05T23:27:34.423+01:00Undercover Arms<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjABKYjaCExsZEMxLBFS7s-ouUpn0Vr9U_DobbB-De8-BzpiP_9Nt6FCqKwfMYnbiqiWxd2V03XGKRuJxZnw6NxwV0quxNtM6jEAxkMWJjh9OqNRq5G3mC8YBi0DynCZozXTeSueHx7pPg/s1600/phase+eight+pink.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjABKYjaCExsZEMxLBFS7s-ouUpn0Vr9U_DobbB-De8-BzpiP_9Nt6FCqKwfMYnbiqiWxd2V03XGKRuJxZnw6NxwV0quxNtM6jEAxkMWJjh9OqNRq5G3mC8YBi0DynCZozXTeSueHx7pPg/s320/phase+eight+pink.jpg" /></a></div>So, I've been meaning to get around to this mission for a while - but Friday Frocks has been a shameless attention seeker, and I've been dazzled by its frivolity.<br />
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<h3 class="UIIntentionalStory_Message" data-ft="{"type":"msg"}"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="UIStory_Message">Mission request? As you know I have tattoos on my upper arms, and as much as I love them I don't show them at work (professionalism and keeping work/private life separate). Looking for long or 3/4 sleeve tops and dresses in the summer tends to limit the choice so I sometime buy things that have shorter sleeves and we<span class="text_exposed_hide"></span><span class="text_exposed_show">ar cardigans. I hate buying them them so need some suggestions on cardis for covering up my tattoos in the summer and not leave me boiling.</span></span></span></h3><br />
We don't all have fabulous tattoos like Trudi, but many of us feel more comfortable covering up our upper arms. It seems especially true that ladies with big boobs have had the dubious twin blessing of hefty hams to match - but lots of us are sensitive about our 'bingo wings' - the untoned flesh that keeps waving long after we've stopped. It stands to reason then, that Trudi's quest for ink-concealment will come in handy for quite a few others of us.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR2mae_e7qwuitpc2VI6wxRochfivUU-6vZ2pIoTfdtXh-fx17f_Ab79Zyb9AhvXHYCAI4etpkr_IKfyKO1eUXkjdCnVVYciow0eO6qY57cylijWGb-2QcluwdoGbBmcpwHkAkXDFQCTM/s1600/planet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR2mae_e7qwuitpc2VI6wxRochfivUU-6vZ2pIoTfdtXh-fx17f_Ab79Zyb9AhvXHYCAI4etpkr_IKfyKO1eUXkjdCnVVYciow0eO6qY57cylijWGb-2QcluwdoGbBmcpwHkAkXDFQCTM/s320/planet.jpg" /></a></div><br />
The most common solution to the problem is an elbow-length cardigan, either cropped or very fitted. The <a href="http://www.houseoffraser.co.uk/Phase+Eight+Knitted+shrug/129508660,default,pd.html?cgid=3012">pink cardigan</a> at the top of the page is versatile enough for day or evening, and won't look dated anytime soon, so it's probably worth the £50 price tag (it's by Phase Eight at House of Fraser - other colours are available <a href="http://www.houseoffraser.co.uk/Cardigans/3012,default,sc.html?prefn1=brand&prefv1=Phase%20Eight&sz=20&fix&spcl">here</a>). The <a href="http://www.johnlewis.com/100032/Style.aspx">orange shrug </a>above, (£49, John Lewis, also available in black) has a little more femininity in its design detail, with the puffed shoulder and gathering at the elbow - and this can make it easier if you are trying to disguise rounded arms. There are two problems with this style of cover-up (and for more in the same kind of mould, <a href="http://www.houseoffraser.co.uk/Shrugs/3028,default,sc.html">see here</a>): firstly, they're quite expensive, and secondly, they're probably a bit much for a really hot day.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbWfZPcxlk1MNKSHxoDIEl9vnSv-8bHr8rjhqCNgY0n9akfrXU0BH9dCvugUHlPKznZpG8hAN_VqD8wB5x-C-CNPoZQhguiVKu24kEheyg_66TNcs_5p3W8HoDa8bZbdWUAn5_XTbzxgc/s1600/per+una+white.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbWfZPcxlk1MNKSHxoDIEl9vnSv-8bHr8rjhqCNgY0n9akfrXU0BH9dCvugUHlPKznZpG8hAN_VqD8wB5x-C-CNPoZQhguiVKu24kEheyg_66TNcs_5p3W8HoDa8bZbdWUAn5_XTbzxgc/s320/per+una+white.jpg" /></a></div><br />
So we want pocket-friendly, heat-busting, arm-covering pieces. This <a href="http://www.marksandspencer.com/Per-Una-Cotton-Sleeve-Embroidered/dp/B003HWRXQM?_encoding=UTF8&categoryNodeID=42967030&node=53414031&mnSBrand=core&ref=sr_1_10&qid=1278366101&sr=1-10&rh=&page=">white three-quarter sleeved bolero</a> from M&S is a perfect summer cover-up. The colour is light-reflecting and summery, and it's 100% cotton so it will allow air circulation. It would also be ideal to protect yourself when you've had enough sun. Those flared cuffs will help to balance out heavier arms, and the fabric has a pretty, subtle, circular pattern. It's only £19.50 and will work with all kinds of looks.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihedNyf8Q6KaPir7kL3xWjC_sNh7JBJRGqZ24XduPnbF8UdpCf5Q2fcd3Wi28eWnX9eh9slJOgJ0TCMm10ksQCLugekVkUpc6nyK8zPnDcL41ZD4G3kzy8e_TdBsS9p-PaeF9tcXswKic/s1600/per+una+turq.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihedNyf8Q6KaPir7kL3xWjC_sNh7JBJRGqZ24XduPnbF8UdpCf5Q2fcd3Wi28eWnX9eh9slJOgJ0TCMm10ksQCLugekVkUpc6nyK8zPnDcL41ZD4G3kzy8e_TdBsS9p-PaeF9tcXswKic/s320/per+una+turq.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Not everyone feels comfortable wearing white, but I've rarely met someone who doesn't look great in shades of turquoise. This <a href="http://www.marksandspencer.com/Per-Una-Cotton-Sleeve-Pleated/dp/B0037GQ3SW?extid=af_a_Content_79682">bolero</a> is also from M&S, also £19.50 and also 100% cotton (it's also another really weird picture with an uncomfortable-looking model - try to see past that). I'd say his bolero is less versatile - unlike the last one, it probably wouldn't be suitable for more casual occasions - but it is a lovely colour and those A line sleeves are going to be cool and flattering.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYphFoWpIvz2cStxD-IdbPy9EVRdwEMYwk4A4TJznE_7riVx02fYFJjFub1PFGPJFmP_5k8ksxl91yiLjqJa0HbsXtdpFF4-S-XT9M9qSLZo7EYotXc2UbUKa1X7UrCKU-Fdq6oEXSLGM/s1600/asos+shrug.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYphFoWpIvz2cStxD-IdbPy9EVRdwEMYwk4A4TJznE_7riVx02fYFJjFub1PFGPJFmP_5k8ksxl91yiLjqJa0HbsXtdpFF4-S-XT9M9qSLZo7EYotXc2UbUKa1X7UrCKU-Fdq6oEXSLGM/s320/asos+shrug.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Lastly, this <a href="http://www.asos.com/Asos/Asos-Shrug-Cardigan/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=1137070&SearchQuery=shrug&sh=0&pge=0&pgesize=20&sort=-1&clr=Grey">slouchy shrug</a> is from ASOS. It comes in black, a warm pale beige, and a super-fashionable pale grey, and the loose cut is easy to wear in the heat. Best of all it's reduced from £18 to £12. This is a less tailored look, but that doesn't mean it's only suitable for casual dressing. Kept simple with a more tailored dress or skirt in a plain colour, it would look draped, elegant and classy.Charlottehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12375450810106158002noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60171187136484323.post-76283026601435487412010-07-03T13:20:00.002+01:002010-07-03T13:46:15.082+01:00Now, Voyager - Trashy-fabulous Temptations<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_iJVzi1HqSn8_RKzhYMsTTYnPXbvsKe3NncKbJLZq64IIWdQGOO5MQo1JRlVJZ-YMHrcGUb_bYbKMetytTssRi9JmPsT33PbwX7EnYnFs2VlUPsp2IqW-N_Y0K7rqfI3HrTRRZ6dpgHA/s1600/small_Butterflies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_iJVzi1HqSn8_RKzhYMsTTYnPXbvsKe3NncKbJLZq64IIWdQGOO5MQo1JRlVJZ-YMHrcGUb_bYbKMetytTssRi9JmPsT33PbwX7EnYnFs2VlUPsp2IqW-N_Y0K7rqfI3HrTRRZ6dpgHA/s320/small_Butterflies.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Much as we might be dedicated to swelegance, few of us can afford to buy a whole new outfit whenever the mood takes us. That's when you need accessories. Not your bog-standard, identikit bits of outfit-garnish, but gorgeous focal points that will attract glances and compliments whenever you wear them.<br />
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So let me introduce you to <a href="http://www.now-voyager.co.uk/shop/">Now, Voyager</a>. This is a small business based in Southend-on-Sea, and they stock loads of lovely bits and pieces - perfect for adding a touch of glory to your look. I'm a big fan of floral hairclips: they are a great way of injecting some bright colour to your outfit, and by carrying your look through above the neck it helps you look more 'put together', rather than being all about the clothes. Now, Voyager's own range of hair flowers are some of the best I've seen. They're bright, yes - but they're also large: I think a larger hair accessory looks more balanced and less like an afterthought or an apology. I'm definitely going to buy the <a href="http://www.now-voyager.co.uk/shop/now-voyager-sunflower-trio-fascinator/">sunflowers</a> (£8.50) and the <a href="http://www.now-voyager.co.uk/shop/now-voyager-poppy-clip/">poppy (£7.00) </a>above and - depending on how my spending goes for this pay packet - possibly one or two others as well.<br />
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You'll have noticed a retro aesthetic to the photos used, but I really believe a floral hairclip can work regardless of your look. However, that rockabilly sensibility is their guiding design principle. That doesn't mean, though, that you have to go wholesale for the look. Take <a href="http://www.now-voyager.co.uk/shop/bow-crossbones-gold-anchor-necklace/">the necklace above</a>. By Bow & Crossbones, it's £12.50, available in silver or gold finished brass and would work beautifully to add something a bit special to the current big nautical trend that's all over the high street.<br />
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Wedding season is upon us, and people love a fascinator... but I like them in principle much more than practice, where I feel the design opportunity is often wasted in favour of producing anonymous sprigs of feather and ribbon. Some of the larger hair accessories at Now, Voyager however, are perfect for wedding guests who want to look truly fabulous. The butterfly clip at the top of this post is really lovely and sure to attract compliments. The <a href="http://www.now-voyager.co.uk/shop/bow-crossbones-gold-anchor-necklace/">black and white pompom</a> above (£9.50) would be an easy alternative to a pillbox hat for city nuptuals, while the fabulously <a href="http://www.now-voyager.co.uk/shop/now-voyager-aloha-clip/">huge orchid</a> (right, £9.50) is perfect for those who love the theatricality of a wedding.<br />
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If that's not your style, you're not off to any weddings, and you like to look a little more frivolous, then there's plenty on offer. In fact some of what's in store is a little bizarre. There's a whole range of <a href="http://www.now-voyager.co.uk/shop/category/love-cake-hair-accessories/">cake hairclips</a>, another made from <a href="http://www.now-voyager.co.uk/shop/category/party-bag-hair-clips/">children's toys</a>, but how about a <a href="http://www.now-voyager.co.uk/shop/now-voyager-pastel-flying-bird-hair-clip/">big feathery bird</a> (available in a range of colours £8.50), or a <a href="http://www.now-voyager.co.uk/shop/now-voyager-straw-hat-fascinator-copy/">small, girly straw hat</a> (£14.50) complete with trailing ribbons?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPdIdkMNNhmdJlhaCKLd2vZcSiVLzElCxAf_UM3RsfmRAQLnroIfFwxMaJKc4AWkPK1wU-B1ztaLkaLFNiOTFOFcnpnD3XEWJYjy-KTi5nSsOVkXREDVat2R3qqd2KxxadwyArcVMWXlY/s1600/small_strawhat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPdIdkMNNhmdJlhaCKLd2vZcSiVLzElCxAf_UM3RsfmRAQLnroIfFwxMaJKc4AWkPK1wU-B1ztaLkaLFNiOTFOFcnpnD3XEWJYjy-KTi5nSsOVkXREDVat2R3qqd2KxxadwyArcVMWXlY/s200/small_strawhat.jpg" width="133" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu81T-INz9x0-WyKm6mpddSsZXxmKwfayM9rGxBK9oPa8F62pkbZ773UyV2H8LZ_Va-kMTklrD0Puqi_I1XUhCMoDKudBypYJYyJ0R7kfJgCTuBMH56iHBJioeDjnEh8H6MiLhxCCHFLY/s1600/small_strawhatb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu81T-INz9x0-WyKm6mpddSsZXxmKwfayM9rGxBK9oPa8F62pkbZ773UyV2H8LZ_Va-kMTklrD0Puqi_I1XUhCMoDKudBypYJYyJ0R7kfJgCTuBMH56iHBJioeDjnEh8H6MiLhxCCHFLY/s200/small_strawhatb.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>Charlottehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12375450810106158002noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60171187136484323.post-49347750879676336472010-06-30T23:35:00.001+01:002012-09-01T21:16:00.865+01:00Friday Frocks - Long and Hot and SixyThe sixth week of Friday frocks and we have a bumper crop. Firstly, here come the boys:<br />
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pic removed by request (sept 2012)<br />
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Your eyes don't deceive you, and this isn't a distorted picture - this jacket really does feature the kind of pattern you see if you get too close to your TV screen. I love it! I bet it attracts attention all day long. On a design level, see how the pattern gets smaller as the jacket tapers in? That's pretty neat.<br />
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One of my colleagues, next - and isn't this shirt gorgeous? The print has quite a vintage feel, and it isn't too much for work because the tailoring is neat and close-fitting. It helps too, that Hugo is quite a trim guy: that pattern over a much larger frame would look a little like soft furnishings, and what man wants to look like a sofa?<br />
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Lastly, for the gents @mikedixon honoured us with a new T shirt. Cant say I'm much of one for slogans or jokes on clothes, but I do like the retro-americana styling with the contrast neck and yoked sleeves. And the moody look - you have to love a moody look. He's a musician, you know, ladies...<br />
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Say hello to trashy. Trashy is a very, very close friend of mine and I truly love her, but this is the first time she's braved Friday Frocks. What kept you, beautiful? Here she looks sophisticated and cool in a floaty-but-tailored black dress. I love the deep V neckline, it makes the dress sophisticatedly sexy - and it's enhanced by a simple silver necklace of exactly the right length. Those Audrey Hepburn-style sunglasses? Divine. The darkness and size balances out the dress against her fair colouring.<br />
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Rebecca lives in Ireland, and I guess it must've been a bit cooler there last Friday, because she's chosen to team up this simple black sundress (simple, but gorgeously flattering and boobtastic) with jeans and a cardie. The dark denim works with the black dress - and of course jeans are practical for a busy mum - while the soft rose cardigan adds a flattering flash of colour and enhances her auburn hair. Accessorising with a three year old in full Spiderman regalia? I love it. And if even toddlers can get on board with Friday frocks, what excuse have the rest of us got?<br />
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Speaking of small people, I know that lots of you loved Poppy, @BeBelongy's baby daughter last week. Well here's mum! This is a lovely sundress, but styled up to look very swelegant. Belting a dress can be a great way to show off your shape and add a certain something - and here that tan leather belt has been echoed by some lovely heeled sandals. Then the chunky necklace gives the top of the outfit balance against that full skirt.<br />
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I need to apologise to a couple of lovely ladies for missing them out last week. I expect I occasionally will forget what photos I've been sent - please, please remind me if I do. Charlotte looks so sophisticated here - this tailored dress is given a look of softness by the draped neckline, and the ballet pumps are the perfect retro-friendly option for people on their feet all day.<br />
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Less practical footwear from Megan, but I love the contrast of these twenties-style cutout 'tap shoes' against the black tights. The eau de nil shade of the vintage-look dress (tiny pleats are such a lovely fashion detail at the moment) is picked up in the ribbons tying her shoes. I adore this look - so cute.<br />
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Back to this week and another colourful frock from the woman in black: @Girl_In_A_Box... I may faint! This is a simple linen shift dress, but the idiosyncratic black jewellery, retro eyemakeup and 'up do' make the overall look unmistakably glam.<br />
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Maeve is rocking an actual skirt this week - which she tells me is a novelty for her. I don't know why, because she wears it well. Immaculately colour co-ordinated as always, the little cardigan makes the outfit fun and is wonderful against Maeve's reddish hair colour.<br />
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Another turquoise cardie - this time from Trudi who is looking positively girly. Those silver pendants are just <i>the</i> most flattering length, and because of where they sit they break up the blackness of the top - tying it in to the patterned skirt. I really love those ultra-pared-back sandals too. Glitzy and practical.<br />
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I love the shape of Amanda's dress, here. The neckline is so flattering and respectably sexy, and the empire-line cut and A-line skirt give an impression of height and long-leggedness. It looks really cool and airy, too.<br />
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Now, this is @_idioteque's Friday frock look - but it raises the question... is a Friday night outfit a Friday frock? Well, technically, no... probably not. BUT - I'm happy to feature them anyway. Grey is Hugely fashionable at the moment, but it can look washed out and dull. This outfit pulls the grey into sharp focus by teaming it with black throughout - on different scales. I'd love to see more of those shoes - the contrast platform sole not only works with the contrast pattern on the skirt, but is eyecatching enough to be a focal point for the outfit.<br />
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@Girl_In_A_Box again, this time with first time Friday frocker @LittleModChick - ready to paint the town red. @LittleModChick pulls off the difficult horizontal stripes of the current nautical trend - but in such a showstopping top, wisely doesn't go too short with her skirt. Conversely, @Girl_In_A_Box covers up her cleavage in favour of showing off her fabulous pins in a pair of daringly short shorts.<br />
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@BeBelongy looks tanned and sultry here in this flattering maxi dress for her Friday night. Once again she shows her eye for accessorising with those two simple wooden bangles - natural materials enhancing the kind of glam-hippy look.<br />
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A headless Bonita next - she sent me this Friday evening frock last week, actually - but it fits in with the Party Frock theme. I know regular readers will recognise the fabric as being the same as my peacock dress from the summer party a few weeks back - but this style, also from Collectif last year, is shorter and more flirty. To avoid too much exposure, Bon is wearing a beautifully matched vest top underneath - always an option to make you feel more secure.<br />
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Lastly me, in a pair of dotty frocks. In my Friday frock I've inadvertently managed to channel the eighties - it's a bit Strawberry Switchblade, and that's no bad thing. On the Saturday night, at my Mother-in-Law's birthday party, I rocked my new frock from Collectif, and very pleased I am with it, too<br />
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So there you go - week six: a bumper crop. But keep sending them in - regulars and newbies; young and old; male and female. And keep spreading the word!Charlottehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12375450810106158002noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60171187136484323.post-20758613811544220272010-06-28T23:14:00.001+01:002010-06-28T23:23:20.454+01:00Short-and-Sweet and Super Slim Summer Smarts - A MissionI received a plea for help from a lady known to me only as Hellsbells: <b><br />
</b><br />
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<b>Can I ask for some urgent advice please? <br />
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I have an interview on Friday for a PGCE and don't know what to wear. It's been years since I had an interview of any kind and don't own any smart trousers or skirts. I was hoping to get away with wearing smart black jeans, but not sure this is a good idea. Plus, in this heat, I'd probably be stupidly uncomfortable. <br />
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I find buying trousers that fit properly REALLY hard. Practically impossible actually. <br />
I'm petite - about 5 foot 1. And very slim. So for anything to look decent on me, it has to be pretty fitted. Don't know what's going on with sizes in shops, but trousers in Next (for eg), in a size 6 in the petite range - they just fall off me or look utterly ridiculous. <br />
Should I wear a skirt instead? And if so, what kind of length/style etc? <br />
<br />
Thanks for your help</b> <br />
<br />
Sometimes, we all need to look smart. Some jobs require an everyday level of spit-and-polish, while others - like teaching - are a little more relaxed day to day. Some jobs are T shirt and jeans territory... but almost all of us need to look tailored and groomed for interviews, and although this is for a course (post-graduate teacher training, for the uninitiated), it's the sort of thing that demands a professional-looking appearance. But then - wow, but it was meltingly hot today. Looking the part may be important but if you're too flushed and flustered to answer your interviewer with your customary charm and sparkle...? Well, you may as well be dressed in your pyjamas. So we need to find a balance - on the one hand, smart; on the other hand we need to keep it cool.<br />
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The answer, my swelegant lovelies, lies in dresses. If you weren't going for elegance and poise you could be cool and comfy in a loose linen trouser, but linen is too soft and crumply to give a super-professional impression. The two dresses above will both allow cooling breezes to circulate around your bits and pieces, and while they are superficially similar, not all Little Black(ish) Dresses are created equal. <a href="http://www.marksandspencer.com/Petite-Square-Neck-Panelled-Dress/dp/B0031EX4AA?ie=UTF8&categoryNodeID=42967030&ref=sr_1_1&node=407083031&page=&sr=1-1&qid=1277752769&_encoding=UTF8&mnSBrand=core&rh=n%3A407083031%2Cp_91%3A6%2Cp_93%3APetite?_encoding=UTF8&categoryNodeID=42967030&node=407083031&mnSBrand=core&ref=sr_1_1&qid=1277752769&sr=1-1&rh=n%3A407083031%2Cp_91%3A6%2Cp_93%3APetite&page=">The dress on the left</a> is from Marks and Spencers' petite range. It's £29.50 and available in sizes 6 to 18. <a href="http://www.marksandspencer.com/Petite-Slash-Neck-Sleeve-Dress/dp/B002W32GBE?ie=UTF8&categoryNodeID=42967030&ref=sr_1_6&node=407083031&page=&sr=1-6&qid=1277752769&_encoding=UTF8&mnSBrand=core&rh=n%3A407083031%2Cp_91%3A6%2Cp_93%3APetite?_encoding=UTF8&categoryNodeID=42967030&node=407083031&mnSBrand=core&ref=sr_1_6&qid=1277752769&sr=1-6&rh=n%3A407083031%2Cp_91%3A6%2Cp_93%3APetite&page=">The dress on the right</a> is also from the petite range, is £35 and available in sizes 6-18. So which is better? It's the latter. Hellsbells is a teeny size 6, so we can safely assume she doesn't need to worry about that high neckline making her boobs look matronly, as a more buxom girl would, and the benefit of that is the fabulous retro styling that the neckline gives (along with that perfect little belt). Think Audrey Hepburn in Givenchy - the slightly pointed low-heeled pumps add to the early-sixties look. Also, it's not black, but rather charcoal grey: an entirely more flattering colour for almost everyone. Dark grey also manages too look more expensive than black, even in a budget-friendly man-made fibre like this. Lastly, the lack of sleeve will help keep Hellsbells cool as air can get to the underarms too. We can't all look smart when sleeveless - those of us with flabby arms can't help making the place look untidy if we let them wobble around freely - but a size six has no such problem. Cover shoulders and decolletage, of course - but the arms can be exposed without compromising your smartness.<br />
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Both those dresses are very plain, though. It is possible to look more 'fashion forward' (to use a revoltingly fashionista phrase) while still communicating grown-up intelligence. My least favourite high-street shop seems to be having a little moment of style. <a href="http://www.next.co.uk/shopping/women/earlyrelease/2/6?extra=sch&n=women&pid=733-193&exclude=00AI00%7c00A00&returnurl=%2fsearch%3fp%3dQ%26lbc%3dnext%26uid%3d531223081%26ts%3dv8%26w%3dnavy%2520military%2520dress%26af%3d%26isort%3dbst%26method%3dand%26filter%3dsubset%253a4201%26nxtv%3d000%26nxti%3d0&bct=%26quot%3bnavy%20military%20dress%26quot%3b">The navy dress above</a> (available in a size 6, petite length - but also in regular and tall length and sizes up to 22) is rather fabulous. The matte, businesslike fabric is enhanced by feature seaming and silver buttons to create a suitably subtle but unmistakably stylish military feel. It's £28.<br />
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So far all the dresses have been super-sober, but this is an interview for a potential teacher, and teaching is all about personality - so how about some colour? Also from Next (I<i><b> know</b><b>...!</b></i>) and available in the same range of sizes and lengths is this soft raspberry pink dress - a colour muted enough to be sensible but bright enough to fit the season (£38). In terms of cut, this dress is in the same family as the charcoal Marks and Spencers dress above - more contemporary (with the draped skirt) but also not quite as smart at the waist. For that reason it's not a clear winner: you'd have to decide whether fabulous tailoring or gorgeous colour is more 'you'.<br />
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Regarding the rest of your outfit - I'd accessorise with black: even with the navy dress as matching blues can be hellishly hard. A low 1 - 2 inch <a href="http://www.asos.com/countryid/1/Asos/Asos-Sabrina-Mid-Heel-Court-Shoe/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=939701&MID=35718&affid=2134&siteID=0RpXOIXA500-zgc_3Hq6DH.6dWTofdxNpg">court shoe</a> or <a href="http://www.marksandspencer.com/Round-Toe-Buckle-Court-Shoes/dp/B002U8DLOM?ie=UTF8&categoryNodeID=42967030&ref=sr_1_42&node=209669031&page=&sr=1-42&qid=1277762307&_encoding=UTF8&mnSBrand=core&rh=n%3A209669031%2Cp_10%3ABlack?_encoding=UTF8&categoryNodeID=42967030&node=209669031&mnSBrand=core&ref=sr_1_42&qid=1277762307&sr=1-42&rh=n%3A209669031%2Cp_10%3ABlack&page=">mary-jane</a> would be ideal, but a well polished ballet pump would do (no sandals or peeptoes, though), and a plain black bag or slim briefcase. Keep jewellery minimal, and probably silver for all of these outfits. If you want to take a warmer layer, a black, lightweight fitted cardigan in the twinset style would be better than a jacket. Despite ettiquette I think, in extremely hot weather, that you needn't wear tights: so long as you aren't self conscious of your legs being blotchy or some other such thing. If you do choose hosiery, go to the locale bare legged and take two pairs of 10 denier, non-shiny, skintone (not tan) tights in your handbag. Put one on in a cafe loo just before you arrive - the second pair is in case you ladder the first through nerves or plain old cack-handedness... or is that just me?<br />
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And good luck! Teaching, eh? Why anyone'd d want to do a thing like that I'll never know...Charlottehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12375450810106158002noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60171187136484323.post-48349545339867541262010-06-23T22:28:00.003+01:002010-06-23T22:41:10.150+01:00Friday Frock Factor FiveLots and lots of new visitors to the blog this week, so if that's you: welcome, and let me tell you all about Friday Frocks. Just over a month ago I launched a manifesto to spread a little happiness through making an extra effort with what you wear on a Friday. It doesn't have to be a frock, boys can join in, and it's all relative to your own everyday standards of glam. For you, Friday Frocks might be a whole showstopping look, or it might just be a clean T-shirt... so long as you made the extra effort in honour of Friday, and doing so made you feel good about yourself.<br />
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Last Friday was the fifth week of Friday Frocks and I know through checking the hashtag #fridayfrocks on Twitter that lots and lots of people in the UK, and also several in New Zealand and in Ireland are now dosing themselves up with Friday fabulousness. But it's the usual suspects who are sending me their pics. Can we make it a mission for next week? If you are or know a Friday Frocker who we haven't seen here before, capture their image and sent it to me! (Email address is on the left of the page) Of course, I do still want to see the hardcore loyal swelegencia... and why wouldn't I when they look as fabulous as Maeve in a dotty outfit I could die for. Gorgeous with her colouring, too.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb_LiKAEJXmnc_tmaAjrOiIneTXTj7__oV1VwqYrbP9oNSoBZU4xb-uYjIVMMdQHgTYY1EPSO5EJ1qG7dPhiicmhbIXVeVzKaIizl6KrmtbI6S1OwKcpOwCZSVPWs3U0UHKEmpxo6erqY/s1600/giabcolour.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb_LiKAEJXmnc_tmaAjrOiIneTXTj7__oV1VwqYrbP9oNSoBZU4xb-uYjIVMMdQHgTYY1EPSO5EJ1qG7dPhiicmhbIXVeVzKaIizl6KrmtbI6S1OwKcpOwCZSVPWs3U0UHKEmpxo6erqY/s320/giabcolour.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Making good on her promise of colour, @Girl_in_a_Box here looks fresh as a country garden, despite the service-station loos backdrop! If you don't feel the ditsy, floral type, something more down to earth, like this chunky leather belt can make the outfit more 'you'. It works because the light floral fabric is juxtaposed with the solidity of the belt, which accentuates the femininity without making it feel 'too much'.<br />
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Suzi here is working a summery, preppy look for a day at home - and helpfully proving that frocks are optional. The soft blue cardigan looks rich against the more utilitarian fabrics of the rest of the outfit, and lends an air of luxury. I love those simple black birkenstocks too. You can wear black sandals with bare legs, but avoid too much foot coverage: these are perfect.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSdfKs0KDbX_QK2XE5BbP638RiXGC4ExMla2dzZde_p6fYSZ9PJLrlZsNmnTf5Br_DjwSUOYGvHxUkmf_evGCHSPc-gRP0s_eiUc9auY8B-wXKCCZVEEvWTjHyGKeY5Qo6dpt6eW5mV5w/s1600/suzido.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSdfKs0KDbX_QK2XE5BbP638RiXGC4ExMla2dzZde_p6fYSZ9PJLrlZsNmnTf5Br_DjwSUOYGvHxUkmf_evGCHSPc-gRP0s_eiUc9auY8B-wXKCCZVEEvWTjHyGKeY5Qo6dpt6eW5mV5w/s320/suzido.jpg" /></a></div><br />
She also got creative and treated herself (and us) to an elegant updo. It's the kind of thing that Friday frocks is all about: a little extra effort that makes you feel a little bit special all day.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgea9NkeNXTkLzuuI4Y0M6taSTSkuaX4zWKiVveY3aazb_VRqhnfDHwapZMHs_aytKXDRD4xZdKtVYGnqbPg1EHLbHqLNXY4AKbgPtw2z7Ua1WGNM6T2vxPvXYQCSwBY5T7dKjvXxA07L4/s1600/bondayclose.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgea9NkeNXTkLzuuI4Y0M6taSTSkuaX4zWKiVveY3aazb_VRqhnfDHwapZMHs_aytKXDRD4xZdKtVYGnqbPg1EHLbHqLNXY4AKbgPtw2z7Ua1WGNM6T2vxPvXYQCSwBY5T7dKjvXxA07L4/s200/bondayclose.jpg" width="161" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTTrWj9smZwbKYm2aijIR-GRJAwYY8q_eOSZAiUsHbxrzx-1hDrbVhonAUP0PsNFZSJZdSmz_ywhDPzVPETpsxpRC2hcGVjovVpXej8cCtMR689kOpegzXDL_ujfWTX11wmUtqrWKK1IE/s1600/bonday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTTrWj9smZwbKYm2aijIR-GRJAwYY8q_eOSZAiUsHbxrzx-1hDrbVhonAUP0PsNFZSJZdSmz_ywhDPzVPETpsxpRC2hcGVjovVpXej8cCtMR689kOpegzXDL_ujfWTX11wmUtqrWKK1IE/s200/bonday.jpg" width="150" /></a></div><br />
After last week's gorgeous maxi dress, Bonita is a hot contender once again for frock of the week in this fabulous monochrome number. The angel sleeves and deep V neckline are super-flattering, even for those of us not as slim as Bonita, and the addition of the broad black belt gives shape and finish to the look. This kind of stylised floral pattern is a great way to 'wear summer' even if you're not the flowery type<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPj2fTvydC9HpvkRrS3dOJ4Svd56qs7sXUJ1y03u-wN2XB578LJxN2qvZKMAWe45V85gTpPXyiQP79DCLGhioPxmmHcTXdZy-FSlzhMqdqH_SymhUkLvBk0SL6xNIdaiRsk1G7QECoJ_0/s1600/mefriskirt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPj2fTvydC9HpvkRrS3dOJ4Svd56qs7sXUJ1y03u-wN2XB578LJxN2qvZKMAWe45V85gTpPXyiQP79DCLGhioPxmmHcTXdZy-FSlzhMqdqH_SymhUkLvBk0SL6xNIdaiRsk1G7QECoJ_0/s320/mefriskirt.jpg" /></a></div>.<br />
My offering this week (and please ignore the somewhat sulky face) isn't a frock either. I bought this skirt in the sale at Monsoon a few years ago, but have only worn it a couple of times as I'm really not fond of navy. I don't know quite how it can have taken me so long however, to notice that some of the flower appliques are red which is definitely a favourite colour. Loved this outfit, and got loads of compliments around school. Sometimes you need to know what works for you. For me, there are summery colours - pastels make me look ill!<br />
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In the end, though, we were all outclassed by @BeBelongy's eleven week old daughter. As a new mum she felt Friday Frocks was something she could best express through her delicious babe, and I think we'd all agree that the youngest member of the swelegencia wears it very well.<br />
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So - that was week five. Get planning for Friday and don't forget to send me the evidence!Charlottehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12375450810106158002noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60171187136484323.post-9283835926238702052010-06-21T23:21:00.000+01:002010-06-21T23:21:53.473+01:00Fabrication<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZCelKWeseTmFHo-O0uJpFPRzlvnibHWym9zzYosSdf_n70NcwpuxT4oAsBu_glCJ756u9uFPwZ_yB7_W-Q3xj_XwJEieKfvfATDknpLV_1VSx0k3-50bb5sFlffE8yebTPxom711Igfw/s1600/swelegantfabric.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZCelKWeseTmFHo-O0uJpFPRzlvnibHWym9zzYosSdf_n70NcwpuxT4oAsBu_glCJ756u9uFPwZ_yB7_W-Q3xj_XwJEieKfvfATDknpLV_1VSx0k3-50bb5sFlffE8yebTPxom711Igfw/s320/swelegantfabric.png" /></a></div><br />
An enticing idea today.<br />
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An American company, <a href="http://www.spoonflower.com/welcome">Spoonflower</a>, offers something quite unusual: the opportunity to have fabric printed to your own design. You can have your design printed onto a range of fabrics, ranging in price from $16.20 to $28.80 per yard (£10.98 to £19.52) which you can then sew yourself - or persuade / pay a talented tailor or seamstress - into the clothing of your dreams. There's even a cotton knit, a soft t-shirt fabric which would make darling baby clothes. There are lots of ideas on the site, but I've had a little play with some photos and pictures to give you an idea of what you could do.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6prVBhhDbwyXsNQcjhGViwA_Yf3vT_OFWHhR4JMo3cwvcPz4bs6z9VERm2kWjZYva7Thg2k3a49a3V4qpFR4s8YXOVyicLNYaOH97GRBrxRaUgwKai4GlCpYEzcIu7s99k1aoHoXAFjQ/s1600/manifestofabric.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6prVBhhDbwyXsNQcjhGViwA_Yf3vT_OFWHhR4JMo3cwvcPz4bs6z9VERm2kWjZYva7Thg2k3a49a3V4qpFR4s8YXOVyicLNYaOH97GRBrxRaUgwKai4GlCpYEzcIu7s99k1aoHoXAFjQ/s320/manifestofabric.png" /></a></div><br />
The built in design software allows you to repeat your pattern with a horizontal staggering - as at the top of the post - a vertical drop, as above, or a simple repeat, as with this old map of London below.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>You can choose a single design to cover the whole width of the fabric, but it would have to be at a minimum resolution of 150dpi. Alternatively, you can easily reduce the size of the design for more repeats on the fabric. There is also the mirror effect, which reverses your image through its horizontal and vertical axis and creates something quite unusual.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn_G8jX0PoI_hoL_hHOW44ZnZGBtRXJ3boHduI4vz1WjnOk4y4oy2hUO3oEDp9bpfl0G1xKTexY_by7U7KOtum4ssos9eUIg8g0oqGFCOp4SgqFHvC-_Ls9qhDg53mvVB6Jj9DGKxO5Bg/s1600/shoesfabric.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn_G8jX0PoI_hoL_hHOW44ZnZGBtRXJ3boHduI4vz1WjnOk4y4oy2hUO3oEDp9bpfl0G1xKTexY_by7U7KOtum4ssos9eUIg8g0oqGFCOp4SgqFHvC-_Ls9qhDg53mvVB6Jj9DGKxO5Bg/s320/shoesfabric.png" /></a></div><br />
I'm not sure photographs would look quite right, but there's all kind of scope to get creative - scan in a child's drawing, alter an image using one of the many effects engines available online, make a collage out of the concert tickets, keepsakes and ephemera of your life... And turn it into... a bag, a skirt, a headscarf, a cushion, a dress, a shirt... anything you could imagine. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHKVv5NwftEVAE7SsZdluQt1bC0ox6kITVP0Q5i_01iFfDTsj8kyADByzPgo1jMSrj5nXcV73P9igs-5x3Lrn0N0UVqo7bb8SFypZmDFYKZ0MEmVPK36YXVv5Il4nhv53NJVOe9mFpKN8/s1600/warholedfabric.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHKVv5NwftEVAE7SsZdluQt1bC0ox6kITVP0Q5i_01iFfDTsj8kyADByzPgo1jMSrj5nXcV73P9igs-5x3Lrn0N0UVqo7bb8SFypZmDFYKZ0MEmVPK36YXVv5Il4nhv53NJVOe9mFpKN8/s320/warholedfabric.png" /></a></div><br />
Yes the company is in the states, but postage is reasonable. For a fat quarter (that's a yard divided in half lengthways and widthways, as opposed to a thin, quarter-yard strip) of the lightest weight fabric it's $1 domestically and $2 to the rest of the world - that's experimentation price! To ship a whole yard of that weight is only $7 internationally - which is £4.75. I should point out that there is always the risk of your package attracting a customs fee too, but that's always a risk when buying from overseas... it's the luck of the draw, essentially.Charlottehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12375450810106158002noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60171187136484323.post-14741192184849466372010-06-17T23:15:00.000+01:002010-06-17T23:15:05.601+01:00Summer Party StyleWhat with Friday Frocks, I'm doing a lot of analysis of real people's looks lately - but I think that's no bad thing. Part of the point of Swelegant Style Shopping is that people see what will work for them: not an eighteen year old with a figure my father used to describe as 'racing snake'.<br />
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On Saturday, I went to a birthday party (which of course didn't really get going until after the England match...). The birthday girl is known as a bit of a style icon, and her guests really rose to the occasion too. This is birthday girl Lesley, looking the picture of relaxed elegance in a much-less-expensive-than-it-looks intricately knotted ribbon shift dress from H&M. The photo doesn't do this dress justice, sadly - it really was fabulously textural and the pale tone suit's Lesley's colouring in a really flattering way. Those sandals are pared back elegance too - striking the right note between 'garden' and 'party'.<br />
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Also elegant, in a gorgeous midnight blue satin dress with fabulously feminine but structural waterfall-style shoulder detail, was this lady. The dress was all grown up eveningwear, but the choice of accessories here subtly changes the message to something a little more fun. The feather hair clip is from Accessorise, and all those fabulous bird-of-paradise colours are picked up in the glass ring. It's an injection of colour appropriate for the occasion but not taken too far.<br />
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More casual, but fabulously put together, Fay's longline Topshop jumper is so flattering to her petite frame. For knitwear, this too is really structural and almost space-aged, and the necklace is the perfect length and solidity to draw the eye down from that otherwise quite severe neckline.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcy2u-MsRoEQc20KJYMicsFc-3mcs8G9Ijy5nxx5Jc7wW-5fkOCCmz7lAzRUXXr8Gn8z-cFa5PRYqbfxWbF8Cq5WCFC4qXI3zzL50bbV9rePQ-VWFMwxVKXuOQ0vessmjDgnvQ_IGO8E4/s1600/hattie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcy2u-MsRoEQc20KJYMicsFc-3mcs8G9Ijy5nxx5Jc7wW-5fkOCCmz7lAzRUXXr8Gn8z-cFa5PRYqbfxWbF8Cq5WCFC4qXI3zzL50bbV9rePQ-VWFMwxVKXuOQ0vessmjDgnvQ_IGO8E4/s200/hattie.jpg" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYsZt_MQvJB6ZScdfIpBcu-YYcx0dxNdE2OUhvN0Iw2GvosHly3r9HecNCiteQH9DYOpTja4XvQbYD9EdaktbPqNVLozNCLYReJsUFeo2tBiMyKSOqtRDOunspsaM_E6A1JTukm5j1oVw/s1600/hattieglasses.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYsZt_MQvJB6ZScdfIpBcu-YYcx0dxNdE2OUhvN0Iw2GvosHly3r9HecNCiteQH9DYOpTja4XvQbYD9EdaktbPqNVLozNCLYReJsUFeo2tBiMyKSOqtRDOunspsaM_E6A1JTukm5j1oVw/s200/hattieglasses.jpg" width="150" /></a></div><br />
A masterpiece of colour coordination next, from the wonderful Hattie. All the colours in that scarf are gorgeous jewel tones that flatter her complexion - and she's chosen the jade-turquoise shade to create the backdrop against which to show the scarf off. Wearing a patterned scarf in this way adds interest, and by having one end trailing down there is a lengthening, slimming vertical line created. Such a scarf though really needs the plain backdrop Hattie has provided. The accessorising here is faultless too: those glasses in a mock tortoiseshell of exactly the same shade of greeny blue. The colour of glasses frames can really help an outfit look cohesive - but be aware that the colour probably needs to be subtle, as here, if it is to flatter your complexion.<br />
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More coordination here. This gorgeous royal purple and pale gold silk dress is dressed down perfectly with the well-fitted indigo denim jacket. Again, the effect is 'party-dress-but-informal-too'. The jacket also helps break up the purple, allowing the lovely patchwork leather bag (which I think this lady said was by Marni) and the purple cocktail ring to add to the cohesive nature of this look, without being to overwhelmingly 'matchy'. <br />
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See those lovely shoes in the background? Guess whose?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_vB2OxRhsgw_HUsOveoXGspcFxGUFGqDNjXj0oeLq-KSgEydx_OZ-utJ1tycMDeetWmLHhhtV7Z5kAbYxFyobLyD6qWy4WqLa9-gnxtwZMWTDYzMG-czEiDHjBVQ6UGQNHEk4NnUrxuY/s1600/peacock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_vB2OxRhsgw_HUsOveoXGspcFxGUFGqDNjXj0oeLq-KSgEydx_OZ-utJ1tycMDeetWmLHhhtV7Z5kAbYxFyobLyD6qWy4WqLa9-gnxtwZMWTDYzMG-czEiDHjBVQ6UGQNHEk4NnUrxuY/s200/peacock.jpg" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5SNY71cG0ab_LFE4SokMT31Yk00Bego-bmKi9N6KiGSwyFR-2HpwFI-1MZ4iLxcG-Ye2_6iDNZ3Vcln_Uhp8Zp-Byja5chXMRX9bDgSbpOd3liaTvIVi6Vb4EHQY_kT5YZNx_KAl3MmQ/s1600/peacock+and+miumius.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5SNY71cG0ab_LFE4SokMT31Yk00Bego-bmKi9N6KiGSwyFR-2HpwFI-1MZ4iLxcG-Ye2_6iDNZ3Vcln_Uhp8Zp-Byja5chXMRX9bDgSbpOd3liaTvIVi6Vb4EHQY_kT5YZNx_KAl3MmQ/s200/peacock+and+miumius.jpg" width="150" /></a></div><br />
You've seen both these items before (<a href="http://swelegantstyleshopping.blogspot.com/2009/10/back-to-eighties.html">dress</a> and <a href="http://swelegantstyleshopping.blogspot.com/2008/11/only-way-to-buy-shoes.html">shoes</a>) but I was quite pleased with this outfit so I wanted to share. Indulge me. The dress, by the way is by Collectif, who I mentioned on Wednesday. Although that fabulous peacock fabric is sadly no more, the dress itself is the 'stella doll' style which is still available in lots of fabrics and is also essentially the same cut as their sailor frock. I've repositioned the halterneck to make shoulder straps, is all. Flattering, no? Of course unlike everyone else, I totally failed to get the balance between dressy and casual. I always tend to err on the side of glam...Charlottehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12375450810106158002noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60171187136484323.post-35167915066989258862010-06-15T23:30:00.001+01:002010-06-15T23:31:42.665+01:00Good News for More Retro-Loving girls.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Eatb_aw_OsGdCTHBAOCKcaOSgAxHTBwyY6NF6js7WAc8Isu_2cEXkS_5U8raSDCOIdtWtK60Skal_H7iGelTEJLt65ak55xFI82I4nsu55GEevHCm1SHsrm7z-5iOeGsUvxNC7uRj_k/s1600/stella+doll+black+dot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Eatb_aw_OsGdCTHBAOCKcaOSgAxHTBwyY6NF6js7WAc8Isu_2cEXkS_5U8raSDCOIdtWtK60Skal_H7iGelTEJLt65ak55xFI82I4nsu55GEevHCm1SHsrm7z-5iOeGsUvxNC7uRj_k/s320/stella+doll+black+dot.jpg" /></a></div><br />
A couple of my very favourite dresses were from the online boutique Collectif. They specialise in retro looks with a slightly punky edge, and at pretty reasonable prices... But about eighteen months ago, with no explanation, they stopped stocking anything over a size 16. I was disappointed - I sent an email on behalf of the blog - but no response was given (which I still think is pretty shocking customer service). To the present day, though, and not only have Collectif begun to reintroduce sizes up to a 22 (in a very limited range of stock now, but the website seems to have been set up to suggest that bigger sizes will become the norm) but also until 21st June you can get a 20% discount if you enter the code SUGAR at checkout. I can't lie - I did just that, buying the frock above.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh91IPVvF74L0w6gPP8Z0aFLFarXexTnRNFS0zU08FEYHxfSyDklgHCFjBxLLa5ybjcxUWnkd7t1vodiHDvfsyP_0x0g4y-3G-RJ0lVH-raEiLaP0u84CJ1K2CQA2rNzOaEOU9DZYdxUBk/s1600/sindy+doll+sailor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh91IPVvF74L0w6gPP8Z0aFLFarXexTnRNFS0zU08FEYHxfSyDklgHCFjBxLLa5ybjcxUWnkd7t1vodiHDvfsyP_0x0g4y-3G-RJ0lVH-raEiLaP0u84CJ1K2CQA2rNzOaEOU9DZYdxUBk/s320/sindy+doll+sailor.jpg" /></a></div>The <a href="http://www.collectif.co.uk/plain-stella-doll-dress-polka-print-p-sku6454-c-red/-white.html">polka dot dress</a> (£50 - various colours and prints) I bought is basically the same shape and style as the <a href="http://www.collectif.co.uk/sailor-sindy-doll-dress-sailor-p-sku56987-c-red.html">cute sailor dress</a> (£55, also available in black and navy). It's flattering to hourglass shapes, disguises tummies, bums and thighs, and can be worn with a flouncy retro underskirt (available in many other retro stores) for more fifties-tastic impact.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaUTN1mZBccojLrj13I_lVb4OLIqjzAAqcIezIUGIzX7zxP3NLbPId2HtXQC6J-e1bfgaApwL0dYtLliEXMUfB5oWlbxS-ADntYRJhndLp8MvOvtp0yiP89gFee4CR-ZzGOBhSsx3xqJQ/s1600/lust+cherry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaUTN1mZBccojLrj13I_lVb4OLIqjzAAqcIezIUGIzX7zxP3NLbPId2HtXQC6J-e1bfgaApwL0dYtLliEXMUfB5oWlbxS-ADntYRJhndLp8MvOvtp0yiP89gFee4CR-ZzGOBhSsx3xqJQ/s320/lust+cherry.jpg" /></a></div><br />
If you have a more flat stomach, there are plenty of pencil skirts and wiggle dresses in the range (although not yet in the larger sizes). I love the<a href="http://www.collectif.co.uk/cherry-lust-dress-cherry-flock-p-sku00010047-c-red/-black.html"> 'Lust' dress</a>, above, for its dramatic portrait collar and asymmetric buttons (£50).<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRttn5XIwdTfdBfsR7p9lzgLHZct1JEDjkkqCLxP4mzNMkSRxh1lcBBVIUAQJhXZaa4Xs8pgWfLB9UN1qxkzEddDn-FPfCJIfshYcZ9mVl9mw2YUrzLiheH6jwJ2JFmjMZvypx4RBOQ04/s1600/dolores+top+ahoy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRttn5XIwdTfdBfsR7p9lzgLHZct1JEDjkkqCLxP4mzNMkSRxh1lcBBVIUAQJhXZaa4Xs8pgWfLB9UN1qxkzEddDn-FPfCJIfshYcZ9mVl9mw2YUrzLiheH6jwJ2JFmjMZvypx4RBOQ04/s320/dolores+top+ahoy.jpg" /></a></div><br />
There are separates too - of which the <a href="http://www.collectif.co.uk/plain-dolores-top-ahoy-p-sku222583-c-red/-white.html">Dolores top</a> (£25) is my buxom favourite. The curves of this clever neckline will enhance small boobs, while flattering the fuller embonpoint because of it's diagonal lines.<br />
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There is also a new range by Bordello Shoes on the site. All fantastically impractical, I particularly love these 'too fabulous to be true' Teeze platforms (£49.95).<br />
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If you're new to Collectif, I think it's well worth a look - generally reasonable value, and with a 20% reduction as well, you may find something to treat yourself with.Charlottehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12375450810106158002noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60171187136484323.post-28197242285377656112010-06-14T23:41:00.000+01:002010-06-14T23:41:24.627+01:00Friday Frocks Goes FourthThe word continues to spread and people are Friday Frocking who've never visited the blog - hurrah (although, obviously I'd prefer them all to be reading the blog too...!)<br />
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<blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjThW2Lc2vGKlz7Pbjwnc4inn0CjI3WCdhi-oUT4anD8DupWUHcw3DQAMCuY0bAGdnAwGZYtBcbEzJJFAuy_Hd7-YmMZC4i2iRbKZMv3b5aBabcICNNe9dPED5L1pmz7_aIjdMJAKbJh1M/s1600/Rozi+closeup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjThW2Lc2vGKlz7Pbjwnc4inn0CjI3WCdhi-oUT4anD8DupWUHcw3DQAMCuY0bAGdnAwGZYtBcbEzJJFAuy_Hd7-YmMZC4i2iRbKZMv3b5aBabcICNNe9dPED5L1pmz7_aIjdMJAKbJh1M/s200/Rozi+closeup.jpg" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6kjMZPdKpHQVIRPsspXPELroSVPJm1DoA1LIpGRRnerXPAQkzeFloRGWws3ygu8InaD2BOqlthmavpZzQWDAuwJrKNFIYI-hXzT1FMeuqxEEu1Egkpx2S-YrbV3_FbpjxN3Fcl1wrd9w/s1600/rozi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6kjMZPdKpHQVIRPsspXPELroSVPJm1DoA1LIpGRRnerXPAQkzeFloRGWws3ygu8InaD2BOqlthmavpZzQWDAuwJrKNFIYI-hXzT1FMeuqxEEu1Egkpx2S-YrbV3_FbpjxN3Fcl1wrd9w/s200/rozi.jpg" width="115" /></a></div></blockquote>First as always, to see in the new Friday, was lovely New Zealand-dwelling Scot, Rozi. Love those autumnal berry colours she's been wearing lately - and the perfect necklace to complete the look.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgvWcGvkrJvoDTM6aSWSlrWUmQAKCwlfSf15qB3U3ow9xcEDjG6T29PFpTTd1ADoFoPGDy58j3uYwOq920TTsHlqpSFtmgdKg0zB8OS3cD8QJXTjUJ97WTc1HJZPjCRRrqEgM66ckYz3U/s1600/charlie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgvWcGvkrJvoDTM6aSWSlrWUmQAKCwlfSf15qB3U3ow9xcEDjG6T29PFpTTd1ADoFoPGDy58j3uYwOq920TTsHlqpSFtmgdKg0zB8OS3cD8QJXTjUJ97WTc1HJZPjCRRrqEgM66ckYz3U/s320/charlie.jpg" /></a></div><br />
You've heard of poodle skirts? Well my colleague @Charlotte82 added some glitz to the school with this full skirt featuring a sequined cat applique, accessorised by a gold lurex cardigan and simple metallic pumps. Proving sparkle is perfectly acceptable for workwear if it's kept localised. <br />
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Continuing the feline theme, next is lovely Fay, who remembered to Friday frock even though she was excitingly taking delivery of two brand new kittens - and she's thoughtfully modelled with one of them here. The slightly sixties A-line dress is accentuated by the retro knee boots, and both are plain enough to be perked up by her patterned tights (as always, click on the pics for a larger view).<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIVx3rlOiNfZAEMAWcYKtwiBNPPvXyNBakgKSzdszM0ZPUb5d5jPwasbrtU_FOc4u2EkOtrDAS2MFaSiJeUcNpNHTA2_vIrhdxRZxl6SIGiaSkSr637PiJV02_tYCn20COHY8g6oy1mIk/s1600/debsa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIVx3rlOiNfZAEMAWcYKtwiBNPPvXyNBakgKSzdszM0ZPUb5d5jPwasbrtU_FOc4u2EkOtrDAS2MFaSiJeUcNpNHTA2_vIrhdxRZxl6SIGiaSkSr637PiJV02_tYCn20COHY8g6oy1mIk/s320/debsa.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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Apparently shy @debsa sent this very sexy office look. Her great legs are accentuated by those nude-toned shoes, and the tucked in and belted cardigan gives a flattering and womanly V shape above that funky belt.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifdA4Sd8C2r9Rvwx_lEbcWVbEl0FLp2Mw_e3EcRBKzQG7pg5K784n8e5hZ1lXEfhnTNiGD35trMFR_WGeYSOucEY7DAg8F4ZP4Ad4GYpDVRXqakvGE6fyLwMuP2ro5tQ62hQLVXUL0Vc4/s1600/GINB+dotty.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifdA4Sd8C2r9Rvwx_lEbcWVbEl0FLp2Mw_e3EcRBKzQG7pg5K784n8e5hZ1lXEfhnTNiGD35trMFR_WGeYSOucEY7DAg8F4ZP4Ad4GYpDVRXqakvGE6fyLwMuP2ro5tQ62hQLVXUL0Vc4/s200/GINB+dotty.jpg" width="115" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdgZHA4L62iSKxnZObTkZq99M-IhE0tltqe1huKdhk6H1sajtlvGpnC83im2I4Y23eu32YNOe_d06NQTLWnfu66h4_6jJEQge8QUQwV7n7nbYN_E9z3UAxloXWB1pTHs3RkFVkL6VMKoM/s1600/giab+jacket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdgZHA4L62iSKxnZObTkZq99M-IhE0tltqe1huKdhk6H1sajtlvGpnC83im2I4Y23eu32YNOe_d06NQTLWnfu66h4_6jJEQge8QUQwV7n7nbYN_E9z3UAxloXWB1pTHs3RkFVkL6VMKoM/s200/giab+jacket.jpg" width="142" /></a></div><br />
@Girl_In_A_Box kept up the good work with this leg-enhancing polka dot dress and, I'm told, lace top holdups. The rain mac is also fab - the black is sexy and the cinched waist makes her all about the hourglass.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Now last week, @Girl_In_A_Box made promises that this week she'd go for some colour - and I held up my end of the bargain in jade green - but it was miserable weather, to be fair (hence the thick black leggings), so I'm laying down the gauntlet: let this Friday be for colourful frocks - come rain or come shine... </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4L374CEZZZb4ykQHvRsMv5tW9vXXxdUHJUGP-pA-Yzdu_a4tzBR-KOhRUfCtGVdLtuc-Ag3BQIh7CXUqgc4td4T3BfFXWgMXarogG0rWAqOXbOX5wr5Qpcf_W6oPSYA2bI2GHgz43vk4/s1600/bonita.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4L374CEZZZb4ykQHvRsMv5tW9vXXxdUHJUGP-pA-Yzdu_a4tzBR-KOhRUfCtGVdLtuc-Ag3BQIh7CXUqgc4td4T3BfFXWgMXarogG0rWAqOXbOX5wr5Qpcf_W6oPSYA2bI2GHgz43vk4/s200/bonita.jpg" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUHk0BbJJC1M_ZByppMbxx6loNuN4vJ17oL_zNriQ50d47g86LPILfd5j6ELvK9bLfEbK9myG3FryDmURgfDv0vMxefMFp-WxVPYdiGkrlwg_nHvmfwKAMs4-SCadlVYU6a5hyw9JnAoU/s1600/bonitafeet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUHk0BbJJC1M_ZByppMbxx6loNuN4vJ17oL_zNriQ50d47g86LPILfd5j6ELvK9bLfEbK9myG3FryDmURgfDv0vMxefMFp-WxVPYdiGkrlwg_nHvmfwKAMs4-SCadlVYU6a5hyw9JnAoU/s200/bonitafeet.jpg" width="150" /></a></div><br />
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Beautiful Bonita couldn't have been more summery, however. This maxi dress is elegant and beautifully light - surely one of the prettiest Friday frocks to date.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTCsumbokSJyn-aC3C41V97w4jkyRgjMOKT5CFfaR0X4_4pwbTPm3_0I0xaEmQWt6_NuP5NKlcRGg35XETZodI4ylDe0ORyqjF8HZz6wrlOr3raDTV62TQpTORt2vUi76Y1gUhyb0rQdw/s1600/mooms.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTCsumbokSJyn-aC3C41V97w4jkyRgjMOKT5CFfaR0X4_4pwbTPm3_0I0xaEmQWt6_NuP5NKlcRGg35XETZodI4ylDe0ORyqjF8HZz6wrlOr3raDTV62TQpTORt2vUi76Y1gUhyb0rQdw/s320/mooms.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Amanda went one further and got out in the garden - although I see those tights, and they prove that it was no less of an inclement day where she was. I love this frock - you all know my feelings on polka dots anyway, but the floral motif add flattering colour splashes and the asymmetric hem is fun and perky.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqYJybr-c6uzRvS1GXXzPMMNPzXYi3er0iJB4kJlJW2rYsRDQyngHUSxdp_L3GeOUMMitZ2TA9mmVMTuQBUyz9eUQc-QzSOXIwJMSHo694oJQNLg-h_4rqV2R1VxLIbuIOHfFeaAlt13s/s1600/maeve+red+top.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqYJybr-c6uzRvS1GXXzPMMNPzXYi3er0iJB4kJlJW2rYsRDQyngHUSxdp_L3GeOUMMitZ2TA9mmVMTuQBUyz9eUQc-QzSOXIwJMSHo694oJQNLg-h_4rqV2R1VxLIbuIOHfFeaAlt13s/s320/maeve+red+top.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
Lastly coordination queen Maeve rocking a particularly juicy cherries and cream look - the scarf ties together the top and bolero with panache, and she looks summer fresh and totally cheeky. In fact, she even took the look to these cutesy polka dot mary janes. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXXCHx18mhTOGopNKNlEjcRKF7t9mefjYjRITrq4WsQuj6Sa3Q_bCXVOvmyhtbtG3r2qooCL9eTVvD1h3cG3kuR_SY9EKNNJFY1mNAVhUgfo8EzAU2B93rokKgJDxwG4NdDZcnZBIfFi0/s1600/maeve+red+shoes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXXCHx18mhTOGopNKNlEjcRKF7t9mefjYjRITrq4WsQuj6Sa3Q_bCXVOvmyhtbtG3r2qooCL9eTVvD1h3cG3kuR_SY9EKNNJFY1mNAVhUgfo8EzAU2B93rokKgJDxwG4NdDZcnZBIfFi0/s320/maeve+red+shoes.jpg" /></a></div>Charlottehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12375450810106158002noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60171187136484323.post-12587793459271662002010-06-10T21:33:00.001+01:002010-06-10T21:35:07.496+01:00Bravissimo - ish.<i>Before I begin - remember: Friday Frocks is tomorrow. Keep the fabulousness flowing, and send me your pictures! </i><br />
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The basic USP of lingerie retailers Bravissimo is to sell pretty bras to women who have big boobs but who aren't especially fat. They have a young, friendly image, their stores are staffed by bright and lovely bra fitters, and excellent customer service for their online retail business. I'm right at the top of their sizing range: massive rack (K cup) but weirdly slim back (34 inches - despite being roughly a UK dress size 22 (US 18)) and this tends to mean that the pickings are very slim. Not only are there fewer people buying in my size, but it's mechanically much harder to make supportive undergarments for my dimensions... so I was excited to see in the summer catalogue, a new style in my size.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd6ydgaXJ7LXvf1TWTT8bIBIrLxKmU556Fh12mVP68okO91RBFpKyjltDvfiPwsYXv0CjLIkYd_YPw0pjs7Qtq_BhLOL0jVUYiW2r8oXjQNmqqa7-l-ptmTx16Sv5nrswoFRewprvE3og/s1600/boudoirbeau.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd6ydgaXJ7LXvf1TWTT8bIBIrLxKmU556Fh12mVP68okO91RBFpKyjltDvfiPwsYXv0CjLIkYd_YPw0pjs7Qtq_BhLOL0jVUYiW2r8oXjQNmqqa7-l-ptmTx16Sv5nrswoFRewprvE3og/s320/boudoirbeau.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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<a href="http://www.bravissimo.com/products/lingerie/sensational-sets/bravissimo/balconette-bras/pa07-details.aspx?colour=coral">The Boudoir Beau</a> is by Panache, available in the peachy coral colour shown, or a more subtle minky silver. The bra is available in back sizes 28 to 38, cups D to K (in the 28 back the cups are only DD-J). It costs £29 and there are matching shorts / thongs available. You might justifiably be thinking "so what?" - it's pretty but nothing particularly special, and most, more normally-sized women will be able to find more fabulous and swelegant lingerie elsewhere. Well, I have two reasons for mentioning it: firstly, there's news for those of us who rely on Panache bras for their size range, but end up wounded under the arms because of their brutally high-cut underwires - you can give a cheer, because this style is pretty comfy and low-rise. It also gives a fairly natural shape - not sit-up-and-beg balconette to be fair, but nice and perky. The other reason for featuring this style is that Bravissimo are donating a quid for every bra sold to <a href="http://www.bravissimo.com/coppafeel/default.aspx">Coppafeel</a> - a charity (launched by a twenty-something breast cancer survivor) which wants young women to be more breast-aware and examine their boobs for lumps and bumps regularly. You can't say fairer than that.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibXTtIQlYw6pRr-J47wgb4vruVNNzGxd0iADhv6DiE-oa2BBA2CbIC6dtd_Se4fpQr2o2ECbzQoIWa9d5k0H06ue0mGHsn3mlkrKvkVTqhf88nRlLRTyyXHusSsARfLSgCrTJVwrrBtLU/s1600/redlinendress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibXTtIQlYw6pRr-J47wgb4vruVNNzGxd0iADhv6DiE-oa2BBA2CbIC6dtd_Se4fpQr2o2ECbzQoIWa9d5k0H06ue0mGHsn3mlkrKvkVTqhf88nRlLRTyyXHusSsARfLSgCrTJVwrrBtLU/s320/redlinendress.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
The other notable thing about the summer catalogue is lots of new clothing. Bravissimo manufacture their own line of clothing which, as well as being sold in traditional dress sizes (8-18) is also sized by the enormity or otherwise of your boobs, allowing you to buy clothes which fit all over. They're not especially cheap, and not especially funky (if you're into more unusual looks, go to <a href="http://www.getcutie.co.uk/">Get Cutie</a> for the same boob-size fitting), but they do a marvellous job of providing smart, tailored, well-fitting work / wedding-guest clothes to boobalicious types. It's not all good though - some of the designs look cheap and nasty, and some is bizarrely unflattering, so what <i><b>is</b></i> worth a look? Let's start with <a href="http://www.bravissimo.com/products/clothing/dresses-and-skirts/bravissimo/bl62-details.aspx?ck=K%2f%2bibL3vZIE%3d">the red dress above</a> it's an easy-wear shade, and quite retro / Mad Men in influence - sexy but reserved, it's £59.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgww6MoR40LKkxcmtUiMQVmzbkC_9Ntet5f3-FmYpjuCHpI3XrZlUK2bSrcQs06dpAddknMYJDH-AgwE0cqu-LV9rT2slBrvVb3m3ShxyynqXAdLoCBhIsfYdFefdN0F5768Xwz9OhdZSY/s1600/washedcottondress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgww6MoR40LKkxcmtUiMQVmzbkC_9Ntet5f3-FmYpjuCHpI3XrZlUK2bSrcQs06dpAddknMYJDH-AgwE0cqu-LV9rT2slBrvVb3m3ShxyynqXAdLoCBhIsfYdFefdN0F5768Xwz9OhdZSY/s320/washedcottondress.jpg" /></a></div><br />
More flattering to tummies and bums is this<a href="http://www.bravissimo.com/products/clothing/dresses-and-skirts/bravissimo/tf02-details.aspx?ck=K%2f%2bibL3vZIE%3d"> almost-wrap-dress</a> (£50). The asymmetric hem and feature seaming detail at the waist are flattering as hell, as is that deep V neckline. I'm not so keen on the colour - though it will suit pale skins, and not all khaki tones do - so I'd want some seriously gorgeous accessorising (red, turquoise, lapis blue...).<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Tuvx4_5_igV0tvsED3XYHqGkylc7ixlwzHY7LBh5eLD41cuR7vK8VgLQDnQC5c2YBV49eA8vcDOiYfCJV3buL2BXLDreE2h2y0-_RZljXOgSveGWqYBox2pxr_m1jvZi-dPbXd7vH0Q/s1600/zebramaxidress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Tuvx4_5_igV0tvsED3XYHqGkylc7ixlwzHY7LBh5eLD41cuR7vK8VgLQDnQC5c2YBV49eA8vcDOiYfCJV3buL2BXLDreE2h2y0-_RZljXOgSveGWqYBox2pxr_m1jvZi-dPbXd7vH0Q/s320/zebramaxidress.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Lastly, a more casual frock. I don't wear maxi dresses (you need to see feet at the bottom otherwise you look like you're dressing up in your Mum's clothes - I'm just too short) - but I know lots of you love them for their ability to hide a multitude of sins. I love <a href="http://www.bravissimo.com/products/clothing/dresses-and-skirts/bravissimo/ix08-details.aspx?ck=K%2f%2bibL3vZIE%3d">this bold zebra print</a>, and imagine a sun dress built to wear a bra with and cut so you weren't 'busting out all over'... but £59 is a lot of money for a sun dress. I'm not entirely convinced.<br />
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As a post script: I like Bravissimo as a company - despite their hit-and-miss clothing collection - and I'm happy to support them on these pages. But I don't know if I'll bother again. They've made every image on their site really hard to copy or save, unless you go through the palaver of using print screen, as I have here. I don't see what that achieves - other than to put off bloggers like myself, who are essentially providing free advertising... grr.Charlottehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12375450810106158002noreply@blogger.com5