One fantastic tool in your style arsenal is the concept of “levels of refinement.” This principle helps categorize clothing into three distinct levels, allowing you to pinpoint where different pieces fall in terms of formality. Let’s break them down: Cracking the Code of “Levels of Refinement” Level One – More Formal Wear: The top tier…
I’ve always been bemused by the “thou must not wear white before Memorial Day and after Labour Day” (and for those readers who don’t live in the USA, that means end of May and beginning of September) mantra that I read in books and ‘style rules’ lists from American authors and purveyors of style. I…
I received this question from a reader: What role should winter gloves/scarves/hats play in accessorizing? I’m still figuring out how to make scarf/jewelry/shoes/bags all work together in a not matchy-matchy way, and now that it’s getting cold, and winter adds another set of items to coordinate. (Also, I happen to work in a cold…
So many people these days have a smart phone, it’s basically a computer in your handbag. And many people like to read a blog or two while waiting for a train, but usually it’s much harder to comment and interact on these devices than on your computer. I’m really excited to announce that a new…
Over the past few years, one winter style that remains a staple is the chunky knit sweater. They are usually not only chunky but also pretty boxy too. The reality with any texture, if you’d describe it as chunky, it will make you look chunky. This is why over the years I’ve removed from many…
I’m spend a lot of time thinking about breasts. Very little of that time is thinking about seeing a flash of royal breast as has been in our news these recent days (all that Duchess Catherine pap shots stuff is of no interest). But I spend time thinking about how to dress mine to look…
Today’s Stylish Thoughts contribution comes from Tanesha who writes the blog Girl With Curves. What is the secret to great style? Confidence, amazing fit, and never sacrificing your personal style for a trend just because it’s “in.” Be yourself and you’ll always be in fashion! The one piece of advice most women need but don’t…
Can you do a post for professional yet comfortable clothes for those who work in education? You asked – here is my answer – as I know that it’s more than just the education sector that has this same issue. For those who work in a more relaxed business environment such as the education sector,…
What about ‘the little black dress’? I am a ‘summer’ (cool, soft and light colouring) and therefore black is not a good colour for me, yet I would love to wear a little black dress on special occasions. Would I be able to get away with that? Wear it at night When you turn out…
Legs One of the great body parts – they move us around and we should appreciate them. They may be longer or shorter proportionally and so it’s good to know what yours are so you can make better decisions regarding lengths of skirts and dresses. Want to know how to make your legs look longer?…
Today’s Stylish Thoughts come from Michelle Farrar-Eagles of the Fashion Playground. Michelle is an image consultant and blogger who is based in Sydney Australia. What is the secret to great style? 1. Dress for yourself, no one else. 2.Invest in a couple of hours with a Personal Stylist or Image Consultant whose style you admire.…
I’m not sure if this is the place to ask, but I have a question. My style is and has always classic, (think Jackie or Audrey-esque) but I’m struggling with feeling like it’s boring. I am longing for a very stylish vibe while maintaining a classy and timeless style overall. Do you have any suggestions?…
This was an extraordinarily helpful post! What is your take on incorporating seasonal colors? For example, I am a light summer color, so pastels and the such look good on me. While there are plenty of them to be had in the summer, it’s harder to wear pastels in the fall/winter as clothes and moods…
Today I’m delighted to share the Stylish Thoughts of the divine Lady Smaggle who is a Melbourne based blogger on lifestyle matters. What is the secret to great style? Only ever wear clothes that you feel comfortable in. Hitching at your pants or sitting at a weird angle in a binding dress is never stylish.…
After 885 posts and around 400 polyvore sets, over 3.6 million page views and thousands of comments I’m belatedly celebrating my 4th blog birthday and just wanted to say to all my lovely readers just how grateful I am to you all for reading and commenting and supporting me. I always love to hear from…
Do you have some input on occasionally wearing colors that maybe aren’t the very best, but that you still love and want to include in your wardrobe? And I mean, like a blouse or sweater, not just an accessory or something you wear far away from your face. I have reddish hair and my coloring…
This video of 13 different ways to tie a pashmina or long rectangular style scarf whether winter or summer weight can help you add a little interest to your outfit. Want more ideas on scarf tying? Check out my ebook The Finishing Touch: perfecting the art of accessorizing.
People don’t notice your flaws until you point them out. I learned this from a friend, many years ago at University. She had heaps of friends and appeared very attractive. One day I asked her what her secret was and she told me that she never ever points out what she perceives to be a…
Notice how in the photos above that Denise Richards looks washed out (so she’s gone and got a serious spray tan, then packed on the makeup with a trowel) in the silver dressed, and that if you do the blink test (shut your eyes, then open them and notice what you see first), that the…
I’ve brought you the Stylish Thoughts of lots of other bloggers, but never shared mine, so I thought that this week I’d give you a taste of my personal style. What is the secret to great style? Knowing who you are, owning that, and expressing it through your clothes. Good grooming. Grooming is the first…
When my 10-year-old son wrote a speech titled A Fair Go, our discussion about fairness led to some tough but important conversations. From gender pay gaps to racism, he was shocked to learn that equality isn’t yet a given for everyone. Fairness and equality are important to him, and as someone who has grown up…
