Knee-High Boots

December 21st, 2011 . No Comments »

If you feel you missed out slightly on the OTK boots last winter time, don’t worry, the knee-high boot will successfully re-enter the fashion wear for autumn/winter 2011-12. Thigh-high and over-the-knee boots are already proven to be this winter’s edgiest footwear choice.

Over-the-knee style has been gracing masses of catwalks such as ‘Chloe’s’ and were the stars of the autumn/winter catwalk shows in Milan, New York, London and Paris. The fashion item has also recently been spotted on a variety of celebrities, too. These celebrities include big names, such as: Madonna, Kate Moss, Alice Dellal, Rihanna, Miley Cyrus and Daisy Lowe.

As always, high street brands like Diesel, Firetrap and Voi have quickly caught on to the shape of things to come and have created a variety of affordable versions. There are also a variety of styles when it comes to buying boots; from high-heeled tight leather, to more discreet softer colour suede’s.  The flat interpretations are also great alternatives are hugely practical; especially as it bad weather is quickly approaching.

If you only buy two things this season from Designerwear, make it knee-high boots and a warm winter coat –you can pair them together for a great, instant winter-chic look plus they look great over jeans as well with Designerwear for Police jeans for on trend styles. These boots are a must have! Fashionable, practical and warm!

Posted in Trends, fashion

How to Master Walking in Heels

December 19th, 2011 . No Comments »

Walking in heels can be a skill in itself and every woman has to start somewhere.  Practising as much as possible can go a long way until a woman feels comfortable enough to wear a favourite pair of high heel shoes out in public.  It can be quite hard and sometimes also painful, but choosing the right pair of heels will also make a big difference.  This guide gives some tips as to how to master the walk.

A good idea is to try out the new heels out at home for the first few days in order to get used to the height and how they feel.  Stairs should be avoided until the new shoes are more comfortable, a useful tip, though, is to practice this skill by holding onto the banister at the same time.  Do not give up.  Stay positive and keep practising.  Some people may take longer than others to master the walk, but this is perfectly fine

Do not go overboard on height.  There are so many great pair of heels on the market without having to choose ones that are uncomfortable. Shoes still need to provide support, so women should try to go for a smaller heel, and build up the height gradually.

It might be a good idea to try out flat-heeled boots instead, in order to get used to the slanted direction of your feet.  This gives the wearer greater balance than a pair of shoes with high, thin heels.

The hips should be used when walking in heels, similar to models walking down a catwalk, but within moderation of course.  The rhythm of this style of walking can be mastered within time.  High heel wearers should always ensure that the shoes fit properly, because if they are too tight they will cause pain.  On the other hand, if the shoes are too loose, the wearer is likely to end up tripping over.

High heels from Christian Louboutin

High heels from Christian Louboutin

Posted in Shoes

Twilight fashion is a big hit

December 17th, 2011 . No Comments »

The stars of the hit movie The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 1 had the opportunity to show off their fashion sense during the film premiere.  The hot young actors shunned teen vampire chic in favour of suits, accessories and altogether something a little more grown-up as they graced the black carpet at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles.

Leading man Robert Pattinson, who plays sultry and misunderstood young vampire Edward Cullen in the movie, wore a smart suit by Gucci in charcoal, teamed with this season’s essential skinny black tie.

Co-star Kellan Lutz, who plays Edward’s adoptive brother Emmett Cullen, cut a fine figure in a black suit and tie.  Man-of-the-moment, Taylor Lautner, who plays werewolf Jacob Black in the film, scored high in the style stakes, wearing a navy blue suit accompanied by a tie in dark red.  Jackson Rathbone, who plays Jasper Cullen, did not follow the crowd with the sharp tailored look, opting instead for a red velvet suit by celebrity favourite Dolce and Gabanna, worn with a black vest top and accessories.

Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 1, Premier Los Angeles

Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 1, Premier Los Angeles

Posted in Celebrities, Designers, Fashion News

A guide to men’s jeans

December 15th, 2011 . No Comments »

Men’s jeans are a permanent wardrobe staple whatever the season, and there is a cut and style to suit everyone.  Classic fit jeans sit on the waist, have a straight leg and should be comfortable to wear.  Levi’s 501 straight leg jeans will always be seen as the originals, and are available in a selection of denim hues to suit every taste.  Alternatively, look at Armani’s range, or for the weekend, check out 883 Police jeans.  Wear with a biker jacket and patterned scarf for a timeless style.

Boot cut jeans fit below the waist and are slightly flared at the ankle, to allow room for a pair of boots.  Often these styles are a little more casual than the classic fit, and they generally look good across all generations.  Boot cut jeans worn with desert boots will fuse style with comfort and practicality. For a smarter boot cut style, check out the range from Diesel.

Skinny or tapered jeans are not just for girls.  Styles for men should sit at the waist and feel tight-fitting, tapering downwards towards the ankle.  This style definitely looks best on the young and lithe, and it is something of a modern trend synonymous with indie rock.  Skinny jeans are a great way to have fun with denim.  Uber-cool tapered jeans from Diesel, Firetrap or even Vivienne Westwood, worn with a blazer and motif T-shirt is probably the ultimate way to wear this style.

Distressed denim has made a comeback, and is one of the coolest ways to wear jeans.  This is another style that looks best on younger people; however there are some subtle styles around by numerous brands including Jack & Jones clothing.

Posted in Uncategorized

How to Ensure a Bra Fits Properly

December 12th, 2011 . No Comments »

Choosing the right bra can be very important, as it can have an impact on a woman’s health.  If the wrong size is selected then it might not give a decent amount of support to the bust area, meaning delicate internal parts of the breast can become damaged.  An ill-fitting bra can also cause various other problems, such as back pain, headaches and indigestion.

It can be quite easy to tell if a woman wearing the wrong size bra.  There are a few tips that are well worth following to the right size and fit.

If the band at the back of the bra is tight and the straps are far apart from each other, it may be too small.  The straps should be parallel with one another, so check this whilst standing facing a mirror.

If the bra rides up when a woman lifts up her arms or during normal day-to-day tasks, then it might not be the right size.  It is best to go for a smaller band size next time so that it sits more firmly under the bust area.  This will stop the bra from moving around, as well as giving much better support
.
The straps should not be tightened too much as this can cause them to dig into the skin, which may lead to pain or soreness.  Instead, go for a smaller band size to make the bra tighter.  A good idea when buying a new bra is to wear a t-shirt over it to see if it creates a smooth effect or not.  If there is a slight bulge at the top then the bra could be too small and so a bigger cup size will be needed.

An indication that the cup size might be too small is that if the middle area on the front of the bra does not lie flat against the body.

Posted in Lingerie, Women\'s fashion

What to wear this winter

December 9th, 2011 . No Comments »

A new season brings new trends, with designers and top brands showcasing their collections during fashion week, which then help to influence choice of collections in stores and on the high street, which is good because not everyone can afford designer clothes.

Stripes are back this winter, and stripy shirts are everywhere as well as stylish stripy jumpers. Winter accessories as well have been focusing on this trend too and there is also a huge range of striped scarves available. Broader stripes are easiest to wear on a cardigan or sweater, and stripy socks are a fun and subtle way to incorporate bold stripes into an everyday outfit. Striped pyjamas are definitely back in fashion, and with high street packed with winter warmers ready for the festive season, there is plenty of choice out there.

Bold prints are making a comeback in stores once again. A cotton print shirt is a good way to take up the trend, and can work well with jeans or chinos. You don’t want to add too many accessories when wearing print so keep everything else simple and jumpers or jackets in a similar colour.

Rucksacks are also right back on trend.  As well as looking good, rucksacks are a practical way to carry belongings around as they keep both arms free.  So make sure you add this onto your Christmas wish list.

Roll-neck sweaters are back for the autumn/winter season.  They remain popular for their versatility, working well with jeans and trainers, or even with trousers and a blazer. There is a vast array of colours available, and a pure wool or wool-rich fabric will be warm and comfortable to wear.  If you’re looking for the added luxury why not check out some more luxury brands on Designerwear who stock a wide range of designer brands.

Posted in Designers, Fashion News, Trends

Spring and Summer Trends for 2012

December 7th, 2011 . No Comments »

Traditionally, spring and summer couture lines seek to imitate or counterpoint the colours and themes of the seasons.  This summer designers have chosen to take an imaginative step away, choosing the themes, fabrics and hues that are whimsical, harmonious and ethereal.  Here are some of the top themes  which will dominate women’s fashions in 2012:

Changing Proportions

Phoebe Philo and several other designers have chosen to alter the proportions of several elements of their clothing lines including jacket sleeves, frills, waistlines and shoulders, emphasising the garment as an extension of a person’s aura amid the brightness of spring.

Undersea Aqua

From Chanel’s grand undersea backdrop where their spring 2012 collection was introduced to Versace’s ‘Aqua’ theme, the spirit of the sea and water underlines the choice of fabrics this season.  While cerulean and aquamarine are not in vogue, colours such as deep teal, quarry and cedar that counterpoint the undersea theme have been seen on the catwalks of Rome, Paris, Milan, London and New York.

Androgyny

Androgynous clothing for women is a major trend through the 2011-2012 season, in keeping with a revival of themes from the 1960s.  The military jacket and high-waisted sailor pants from Designer Marc Jacobs’ collection are being paired with fur capes for the perfect androgynous look.

The Environmental Fashionista

More and more designers are beginning to choose socially responsible and ecologically balanced themes in their clothing.  One of the key themes among designers is responsible clothes made from sustainable, eco-friendly fabrics.  Many of today’s top models and celebrities endorse responsible designers who care for the world around us.  This spring, several designers including Gucci and Armani have introduced eco-friendly fabrics into their collections.  So when you refurbish your wardrobe this year, think responsibly and do your part for the world in which we live.

The Opposites

The season reverberates with the ‘yin-yang’ philosophy.  From the hardcore gothic designs to the simplicity and elegance of a sixties revival, the season has no single focus but flourishes in the abundance of diversity.  Make your wardrobe reflect the diversity and clarity that togetherness and symbiosis brings.

The trends for spring and summer 2012 are sure to bring a breath of fresh air to your collection.

Trends from Phoebe Philo at Celine, Chanel spring summer collection and trends from Marc Jacobs

Posted in Designers, Trends

Raf Simons – The Influential Innovator

December 5th, 2011 . No Comments »

Raf Simons, born in 1968, is a Belgian fashion designer.  As a young adult, Simons studied furniture design before going on to become a menswear designer.  Simons did not receive any formal fashion design training; self-study taught him all he needed to know to find a work placement in industry.  Initially, Simons worked alongside Walter Van Beirendonck in Paris.  During this time, he was exposed to the works of both Martin Margiela and Jean-Paul Gaultier. 

In 2005, Simons was offered the role of creative director for Jil Sander, a label then owned by the Prada Group.  His first collection for the label, designed with autumn/winter 2006 in mind, sold well.  In 2006, Simons launched his menswear line, Raf by Raf Simons.  His autumn/winter collection was recognised among the most impressive lines of that season. 

Simons’ autumn/winter 2007 collection for Jil Sander was acclaimed as being appropriate for the high-powered, career-centric female.  During the showing of his autumn/winter 2008 collection in Paris, Simons was hailed for his designs inspired by the stark contrast between human softness and futuristic robotics.  In 2008, Simons collaborated with Fred Perry to produce a 12-piece collection of polo shirts and knitwear. 

Simons’ collections are indirectly influenced by youth culture.  His clothing combines strongly cut classic design with loose cut items heavily swayed by streetwear.  Simons has been hailed as an innovator by global fashion critics. 

Simons, who still lives and works out of his home country, presents new collections twice per year, typically on the catwalks of Paris.  During his first few years as the creative director at his own label, Simons’ exhibited unconventional catwalk shows, consisting of models running down makeshift streets and walking around photographers’ studios.  Fans of Simons’ work for Jil Sander include Ellen DeGeneres and Ashley Olsen.

Raf Simons

Raf Simons

Posted in Designers, fashion

Style from the Sixties

December 3rd, 2011 . No Comments »

The 1960s were a time when the radical met the conventional, where freedom met elegance and floral headscarves met the iconic pillbox hat worn by Jacqueline Kennedy.  While the summer’s fashion may have echoed the suave sophistication of the late seventies, this season, designers have put out a new spin on the bold elegance of the sixties. The high street has also jumped on the bandwagon and Republic clothing has a great selection of sixties inspired styles. 

Fashion from the Sixties Today 

The mod movement has seen a resurrection with the use of the strong, feminine colours including orange, teal, bamboo and classic pastels.  Knee-high boots are an essential part of the sixties wardrobe when paired with a pair of orange or black hot pants.  Jackets with sloping shoulders and bracelet sleeves are also wardrobe essentials from this fashionable period.  Culottes or split skirts have been reinvented with tartan or inverse floral print.  The androgynous look of the sixties has been blended by the major fashion houses in a trend that looks to go well into their spring and summer collections.  In keeping with the spirit of exploration and freedom, the sixties couture line will see the use of new materials, including photo-luminescent fabrics.  Angular paisley prints and trench coats are also expected to be in vogue later this season. 

Sixties styles

Sixties styles

Posted in fashion

Aamaya by Priyanka

December 1st, 2011 . No Comments »

Aamaya by Priyanka is an extraordinary label that was launched in Europe in April 2008.  Its creative head is Priyanka Lugani, who has a strong background in design and luxury branding, in addition to the advantage of her family’s long involvement in the textile industry.  This vibrant and enticing couture label combines easy-to-wear feminine outlines with Eastern exoticism.

This range transitions easily from day to night wear and features luxurious fabrics from all over Europe, delicate beadwork with Middle Eastern inspiration on vibrantly coloured backgrounds that capture the spirit of the Orient.  The collection is a favourite among celebrities and fashionistas all over the world.

Jewellery

The Aamaya by Priyanka couture line is best complimented by their own range of exquisite handmade jewellery, which comprises of fashion statements made of rose quartz, turquoise and citrine.  A signature aspect of their jewellery is the three-stone ring, which is made of three different semi-precious stones set in a textured gold fitting.  The popularity of the fashion culture created by Priyanka Lugiani is evident from the fact that her collections have already been featured in Vogue and Marie Claire (Germany).  In London, the line is stocked at the cult boutique Trilogy, among various other upmarket stores across Europe.

Aamaya by Priyanka

Posted in Accessories, Designers, Jewellery, fashion
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