Fashion Masterclass #2 Tips for accessorising with Scarves
Hi there Dear Hearts,
I hope you enjoyed our last masterclass on layering and you're busy going through your wardrobes and experimenting with the many ways you can layer up and look 'fab-u-lous dar-ling' all year round.
It's raining outside today and it's like a ghost town out on the streets of Paddington. The cooler weather got me to thinking that with all the beautiful scarves we have in store, you may like some tips on how to wear them.
Lots of women love scarves but are not too sure what to do with them or don't have the confidence to wear one. Well ladies my advice is " FEEL THE FEAR AND DO IT ANYWAY" . It can make an outfit look completely different by adding style and elegance and the more you wear a scarf the more comfortable you will feel, and in the end you will feel quite naked without one.
Scarves have been around for ever and while they probably started off for practical reasons, like blocking out the sun, wind and rain, they were quickly embraced by many women in many different cultures and countries all around the world. They come in many differnt shapes, sizes, materials, weaves and patterns each one serving several purposes. Most commonly today, scarves are made from silk, rayon or acetate for that light weighted fluid like drape or for a heavier look they are made from cotton or wool.
There are so many ways to tie a scarf I could write a book but alas you'd be asleep in no time. So I have picked out some very simple ways to tie a scarf to get you all started.
Deep Breath Now ...!
Style 1 : Simple and Smart.
Drape the scarf around your neck starting at the front of your neck and bring the ends around to the front letting the ends hang in front. Don't worry if the ends are uneven it adds texture but if you want them completely equal in length you would be wise to fold the scarf in half and put the centre of the scarf at the nape of your neck before beginning to drape.
Style 2: Loop Me.
Fold the width of the scarf in two or simply bunch the bulk of the scarf together. Place both ends of the scarf together so that the scarf is halved in length. In one hand you have the two ends in the other hand you have the other end of the scarf that forms a loop. Place the middle of the scarf at the nape of your neck and pull the open end of the scarf through the looped end and tighten to your taste. It can be firm or loose depending on the look you are going for .Hey Presto...You've been looped !
This style can only be done with a square scarf. Fold the scarf in half to form a triangle in the front of your neck ( upside down so triangle in pointing downwards) wrap the ends around the back of your neck and let each one hang in front.
This style goes best with jackets and blazers. Wrap the scarf around your neck as many times as you can and tuck the ends in. You can bunch the scarf up before you wrap it for a more textured look or if you like the more sleek and polished look fold the width of the scarf neatly to your desired width and wrap as above.
Style 5: Glamour Girl.
To get that Hollywood look simply wrap the scarf around you neck leaving one end at the front and one at the back . They'll be green with envy whoever 'they ' are.
More scarf tips to come closer to winter!
xx Debbie
Friday, 8 April 2011
Fashion Masterclass #1 Layer up!
Hello there Dear Hearts,
Welcome to our very first Fashion Masterclass. I thought we'd start with some fashion fundementals, and since we have just taken ownership of our newest label Lola Vs Harper, which is at it’s best when layered, we're going to start with basic rules for layering clothes and getting that fabulous, effortless look.
Layering is for all ages. It works well for high end fashion ranges, right down to lounge or beach wear. So as long as you don’t end up looking like a well-padded snow women, it’s entirely fashionable and complements just about any body shape.
Layering isn't about hiding the bits of our bodies we think are hideous, it's about knowing what suits your figure, your personality and wearing it with confidence!
Tips for Layering:
1. Wearing a mixture of fabrics is a good start to putting together the perfect layered look. Go for fabric texture and patterns that you love; don’t worry too much if they are on trend or not because you think you have to wear it but be careful not to end up having too many colour or pattern clashes.
For example a simple vest coupled with a plain coloured T-shirt. You could even add to that a short military style blazer. For a more mature look try wearing a hip-length, sleeveless, lightweight knit (one with an interesting hem-line would be great) over a long sleeved shirt, left untucked with just-above-the-knee length pencil skirt.
Remember whatever you wear you want it to be a reflection of who you believe yourself to be. Go for fabric texture and patterns that you love; don’t worry too much if they are on trend or not because you think you have to wear it but be careful not to end up having too many colour or pattern clashes.
2. Try and think outside the box. Layering is not just for the upper body. Don’t neglect the lower part of your body. How about wearing a’ just above’ the knee shirt or dress, a pair of knee high boots with over the knee socks peeping out for a textured wintry look. And with the cold season upon us, a good pair of full lenght, and 3/4 length leggings are an essential wardrobe item.
3. The thinnest garment should be worn closest to your skin with the thickest layers worn on the outside. It will ensure a smoother look and be a lot more comfortable.
4. Generally a maximum of three layers is the most you should experiment with. You don’t want to be looking like the padded snow woman I mentioned before.
5. Experiment with matching different styles of clothes together. Like denim jeans with a more open flowing shirt on top, with a tight fitting Tee underneath. Consider even draping a scarf around your neck to complete the look. Don’t forget to play around with shirts or jumpers etc, that have different lengths or interesting hem lines or both.
6. A word to the wise to make sure you stand out from the crowd, don’t wear two garments with the same style. For example if you are wearing a ruffled jumper don’t wear a ruffled skirt as well. Just wearing one or the other ensures you are waring your ensemble at it’s best.
Here's an example of nicely layered outfit:
Wendy wears: Lola Vs Harper Garden Dress $79, Otto and Spike beanie $40, Betty Basics leggings $29.95, Cinnamon Creations scarf $39.95, Lombada leather travel wallet $165. All available from Four Hearts.
xx Debbie
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