Asymmetrical hem - shirttail

As I previously mentioned midi lengths are back, but some of us still like to display one of our best assets – legs. And designers are on our side with an asymmetrical hem, which called shirttail- with shorter in the front and elongated hem at the back. It brings movement, wildness and grace to the outfit and captivates many looks from others. As well it’s very comfortable since we can bend over without oops…our rear end being exposed! This trend allows us to show another girls’ weakness - shoes.  

High street brands still did not fully embrace this trend, so be first to wear it.

                            For styling tips check my post Midi attire.

Why more shoes are better!

I love shoes. I got platforms and flats, boots and sandals, and never get enough of them. But when it comes to go for a long shopping spree in the malls, I got a dilemma what to wear. The experience of past years shows that my legs are sore whatever I am in flats or heels (on flats even more since my confidence not as high when I am wearing heels)
Many people come to conclusion that sports shoes are the most comfortable. But recent statistics show increasing number of people having flat feet. And doctors put the blame on flat sport (look like) shoes, since wearing sport-only footwear can cause damage to ones foot structure, our feet get lazy to work.
The dynamics of feet movements should vary during the day, so do not spend all day wearing the same shoes: wear slippers at home, walk barefoot on the beach, do shopping on low heels and go out on stilettos. Therefore, the more footwear in your wardrobe, the better!
I found in internet an article with a simple test to get your most comfortable heels:

By some doctors the most comfortable heel is 1/14 of your foot length, so it’s about 2 cm; spine specialists find ideal heels no higher than 4-5 cm; shoemakers advise 3-4 cm heels, and I would like to know your opinion about the most comfortable heels for you and how many pairs of shoes do you own?

Good news for shoe lovers. Level Shoe District - the world biggest shoe destination opened in Dubai Mall and offers 15,000 different styles from 250 brands for men and women.

Spot on: polka dot trend

I love this sweet trend, but always consider it more appropriate for small kids and for mature ladies (such an age gap, right?) This season brought a spotlight on polka dots in cool and trendy way, which is eye opener for me too, I must admit.  Stella McCartney made this trend sexy, lingerie look like, Lanvin turned polka dots into rock ’n’ roll outfit, Gucci combined 70’s chic with 50’s print, Albino played with colors. 

To pull off an edgy look let’s try these tips:

- Usually enough to wear one garment with the print at the time. But for bold look combine stripes (or other graphics) with dots; scale it right like thin stripes and large spaced out dots.
- Achromatic polka dots are great with bold colors
- Choose textured polka dots like appliqué, cutouts, burnout velvet and etc.(Mango)
- Choose garment with increasing or uneven dots like Jasper Conrad dress
- This print is very feminine, so add masculine pieces like leather jacket, boots and etc.
- Accessories should be either much bigger or smaller than dots, so they don’t compete and keep to the minimum
- Requires minimum layering

This print came for Spring/Summer'11 and getting stronger over Autumn/Winter'11-12, so go ahead and invest in timeless chic, which can be easily updated into trendy outfit.

For the love of dots I am continuing with update... and great news that polka dots will stay even in Spring/Summer 2012!

Beautiful as ever.

In more affordable options:

  And here it goes... a joke:

Love you lots,like polka dots,

Even more than vodka shots ;)

Asian flair

When established fashion designers like Carolina Herrera, Louis Vuitton, Kenzo, Philosophy by Alberta Ferretti and Haider Ackermann sent their models down the runways for Spring/Summer 2011 in opulent Korean, and geisha-like looks, it was not a coincidence. We called it trend.  The trend which combines vivid colors with sculptural draping and impeccable tailoring, is quite often on the runways. But every time it’s intriguing.  I particular like the asymmetrical delicate prints and origami-like folds, feminine vs masculine, they remind me the balance between yin and yang.

These garments will blend easily into daily wardrobes, since they require simple elegant accessories, shoes and bags with clean lines. Or we can update simple outfit with obi-like belts, bright asian inspired bags and shoes.

Shapewear

Why should you own at least one piece of shapewear?

· Takes inches off of your problematic areas

· Gives smoother silhouette

· Improves and corrects your posture

· Helps to lose weight

Everyone knows that perfect outfit starts with the perfect layer of undergarments. Centuries ago women wore girdles and corsets, which were uncomfortable, but absolutely essential to the fashion trends of the time.  Now we can still look attractive and seductive, but also be in comfort zone while wearing body shapers. Better known today as “shapewear,” these garments include body briefs, bodysuits, bras, control panty hose, control panties, corsets, garter belts, girdles and etc.

There are different types of shapewear, and each one focuses on a certain part of your body. Body briefers and shapers are worn for the overall sexy look. They work on your tummy (it flattens and firms), and some shape up your body from your breasts to your butt. Girdles come in an array of styles and target specific body parts, such as your butt, tummy, legs, hips, and waist. Some have the added benefit of back support to improve your posture. Waist cinchers, as the name suggests, work on your waist and even flatten your tummy (some even give your boobs a natural lift).
So what's the best body shapewear for you? Only you can decide that. If you want shaping only for a certain part of your body, then go for shapewear that targets that area. If you just want to look sexier all over, no problem – there's shapewear for that, too. Just make sure that whatever you choose, it'll be something that you can still comfortably breathe and move around in. After all, there IS such a thing as too-tight shapewear.

The beauty of body shapewear not only lies in its ability to provide instant shaping and sculpting – you can actually lose weight in it because it suppresses your appetite! That's right - it's not just about instant results.

The shaper should passively promote weight loss over time. The best garment you will find will be able to tackle your adipose tissue, which is the soft fat in your body. It should also assist in disposing of your fat cells through your urine and bowels through the lymphatic system. Also, the garment should help to suppress your appetite so you are eating smaller portions for faster weight loss
.

You can thank me later :P

Pocahotas style

Walking around the malls we clearly see that tribal fashion is not leaving yet. Being with us for soooo many seasons it didn't get boring, maybe it's evoking inner Pocahotas or deep connections with traditions. In any case this summer I am again in love with tribal prints, more graphics like Navajo, Aztec patterns and ikat.

These prints are great with geometrical patterns like stripes, checks aka wild wild west, worn out tan leather, denim, accessorize the look with feathers or tassels, wooden jewelry or metal embossed knuckle ring or tribal necklace.

Try combinations:

1. Tribal print leggings with simple top or tunic (accessorize with feather necklace) and aztec/navajo print poncho/long jacket/open blazer or a scarf (then without a necklace)

2. Chunky knit tan or beige top/cardigan with long skirt with the print and patterned bag

3. Printed dress tied up at the waist with thin leather stripes with tassels or feathers at the ends, like H&M necklace and tribal cuffs

4. Aztec/navajo patterned shirt with denim or chino pants or even leather skirt and tan/beige slouch bag. Shoes can vary from tan/beige leather gladiator sandals, tribal print ballerina pumps or espadrilles: wedges, flats. Complete the look with printed headband or straw fedora hat.

Prefer leather like/suede like or rafia bags, shoes and other accessories in tan, beige or mustard colors for more authentic look.

Choose favourite shoes from espadrilles (flats or wedges) or gladiators, ballerinas or moccasins, clogs or brogues in cut out leather, suede, interlaced, fringed or with studs.

Prints got not as bright and loud like previous seasons and new trend of feather earrings or feather hair extensions (featherlocks) will compliment the look.

You can own the earth and still 

 All you'll own is earth until

You can paint with all the colours of the wind

(Pocahontas)

Dark Medieval jewelry

After Autumn/Winter collections were revealed and summarized, one of the trends (by my opinion) is medieval era that varies from rich Byzantine ornamentation on fine silks, damask, brocade and velvet till Dark ages with religious oppression and superstition, mostly shown in accessories.
I recently caught a sight of a ring in Bershka, which resembles that era and couldn’t stop myself from buying it. Now it goes even further… I have an urgency to share it with you, since it’s a trend for next season.

"message from the dark side there is..." (Yoda from Star Wars)

Black Swan

Even before the movie release, we knew it’s going to make an impact on current fashion trends. Since 2009 ballet style stays strong and undergoes a dark metamorphosis from pretty tutu into edgy look. This time it brings us raw sensuality, gothic influence and unrefined beauty.

Ballet flats, legwarmers, feathers, headbands, hair bun, ballet shrugs, bustier dresses are still in style, but with transition into the dark side. Almost everything has an unfinished feel, a thready, feathered edge. If it is about ballet flats then with rough detailing; hair buns are getting messier; dresses and skirts with uneven, structured asymmetrical hems.
A lot of celebrities spotted to dare this look at MET Ball 2011 just yesterday, some of them ended up looking like crows.  
Lessons learned never wear too much feathers and keep it simple, girls!