Relaxed Outerwear – Blanket Coats, Ponchos, Ruanas When it comes to layering up, ponchos and ruanas are an ideal choice. They are an alternative to jackets and coats. They’re lightweight enough to work as a cover-up and cozy enough for the cooler weather. So what is the difference between a poncho, blanket wrap, cape and…
There’s something magical about stepping into a thrift store or vintage boutique. If you love vintage and second-hand fashion, you know the thrill of uncovering unique, high-quality pieces that bring personality to your wardrobe. But mastering the art of thrifting requires skill—one that can transform your personal style while being budget-friendly and sustainable. Why Vintage…
Decoding Fabrics: The Science of Choosing the Right Material for Your Wardrobe When it comes to crafting a wardrobe that aligns with your style and lifestyle, the choice of fabric is just as crucial as the cut, colour, or design. Understanding the properties of different fabrics can help you make more informed decisions, ensuring that…
As I discussed in this post on my Three Rules of Horizontal Lines, line in clothing design creates optical illusions depending on the direction of the line. Verticals lengthen. Partly because they go up and down (giving height) but also because our eyes move along them more quickly than they do on horizontal or curved…
One of the comments left on a post the other day was this: jinnan-tonnyx said… Can you explain more about why trousers pull across the crotch on X shapes? I am an X and whenever I buy a new pair of pants my husband always says they don’t fit right – and I tell him,…
Want to look taller and or slimmer? The column of colour is just one of the many illusion tricks I can teach you, so that you can become your own clothing magician. The column of colour is a great trick to elongate your body When we think about using lines to create the illusion of…
How do your shoes communicate? What is the personality dressing style of your shoes? In this video with Jill Chivers of 16 Style Types, we discuss and show examples of different shoe styles and elements of shoes so you can learn how to interpret your shoes and what they are communicating. What are The Design…
The other day I posted about the concept of Yin and Yang (advancing and receding elements) in clothing design. You may have started to think about the clothes you choose and what they are communicating, but have you thought about your own physical appearance and what it may naturally communicate and how you can use…
Most O shapes that I’ve met tend to feel self-conscious about their stomach area, so here are some tips of what not to take into the dressing room if you are an O Shape. 6 Styles of Clothes or Clothing Details to Avoid if You are an O or Apple body shape Dresses or tops…
What are the keys to creating flattering outfits for the A body shape? The A shape has narrower shoulders than hips with a defined waist and is often described as a pear shape body. If you want all the details grab your Body Shape Bible here. The widest part of the hip is at the…
Live a long way from stores? Shop online and have it delivered! Want to get something that isn’t available in your location? Find it online! Love to find unique and interesting pieces that nobody else is wearing? Online is the way to go. Here is my ultimate guide to online clothes shopping so that you…
It is not uncommon for women to experience a shift in their body shape as they age, particularly during menopause. As women lose estrogen, they tend to gain weight in the upper body, resulting in less-defined waists. This can lead to a shift from an 8 shape to an H shape or even an O…
by Catherine Scholze Flattering a curvy frame requires a combination of structured garments that support the shape of the body and good fitting lines that provide the correct amount of space for the curvy areas of the body. The structure of a garment refers to its ability to give the body a certain shape, and…
The Wardrobe Problem Nobody Warned You About Nobody tells you, when you are building a career, that you will spend a significant portion of your professional life trying to solve a problem that has no official name. It sits somewhere between “what should I wear to work?” and something considerably more complicated, something closer to:…
Currently showing at the Design Museum in London is an exhibition of couturier Azzedine Alaïa’s creations. Tunisian-born Alaia tirelessly upheld the traditions of haute couture from his first show in the late 1970s until is final one just before his death in 2017. He worked in the tradition of the great couturiers he admired, Madeleine…
So you’ve read the body shape guidelines and thought to yourself “but my body doesn’t really fit into just one shape … I’m more of a mix of a couple of shapes”. Fortunately, you are not unusual and you don’t have to worry that nothing works for you. All you have to do is understand…
Shoes, I love them, they really can have a huge impact on your outfit. They can be talking points, starting conversations, and can really elevate an outfit. Which is why I was excited on my recent trip to Canda, whilst in Toronto, to visit the Bata Shoe Museum. It’s home to one of the world’s…
The Virgin Australia Melbourne Fashion Festival brings together not only fashion shows, but also fashion exhibitions and here is one worth visiting if you enjoy seeing exquisite brocades and silks and understanding more about the artisan processes to create the divine garments you see on display. Supported by the Ministry of Textiles India and the…
Life is full of changes, and our bodies are no exception. Whether it’s due to menopause, weight fluctuations, medication, or other life events, you may find that what once made you feel fabulous no longer works. If you’re struggling with how to rediscover your style after a body change and regain your style confidence, don’t…
What are the keys to creating flattering outfits for the H body shape or Rectangle shape? The other rectangle shape with an undefined waist is the I shape – if you are very slim with what you may think of as a more boyish figure – this is your shape. The H shape has similar…
