Sugar & Spice? Women At Work...

What Are Little Girls Made Of? 

Culturally it is common that girls are raised to be 'nice' while boys are raised to be 'strong'; western cultural ideals that will have been reinforced over the course of our lives. 

Much of this can be good, bestowing ladies with some wonderful qualities that shape success. Often however, we over employ our girlish tendencies without realising that they are contradictory to the accepted culture of professional success - in the eyes of both WOMEN and MEN.

My most recent article in Inspirational Women Magazine covers some of these issues and gives top tips for leaving your inner girl behind you when you step over the professional threshold. 

Discover common mistakes that you will be making which are hampering your resonance, how others view your ability and are shaping perceptions of you.  I've only covered a few in the article but I'd love to hear of any lessons you have learned about how your 'girlish' tendencies have maybe let you down.  

Not only that there is a myriad of other inspiring and interesting articles bringing together women's issue & culture.  The "culture" issue can be read here: http://bit.ly/12O77d8

www.inspirationalwomenconnecting.com

Signing off in the lush green Swiss countryside with cow bells ringing in my ears and a toblerone within grabbing distance; Lady Mirror Ball xxxx

Rich, Roaring & Romantic. Chin Chin to the '20's.

If you haven’t caught the Gatsby bug yet, you obviously haven’t seen the film’s previews. It is going to be a sartorial feast for the eyes.

Those of you who know me know how much I love the clothing of this period.  Sadly my pear shaped figure makes it difficult for me to wear well but I have adapted the key silhouettes over they years so that I could take my wardrobe back to this fabulous era.  Indeed Chicago is also one of my all time favourite movies - and sorry but I do prefer the movie to the stage musical - as well as the original with Mia and Robert.  So,  I for one cannot wait for Gatsby.

The costumes in this story of the rich and famous in the roaring twenties are simply sumptuous. This fashion era was not about practicality, it was about elegance, statement dressing and fun.

Catherine Martin is the film’s costume designer (married to Baz Luhrmann, the film’s director, with credits including Moulin Rouge, Strictly Ballroom, Romeo and Juliet). Some of Carey Mulligan’s costumes are designed by Miuccia Prada.

During this period fashion was characterised by beautiful hanging fabrics that were heavily embellished and accessorised with a 'long line' look where the head and the feet were equally as important as the gown.  By contrast you would also find that androgyny became fashionable with women adapting the man's suit.

Marlene Dietrich, 1920; Yves St Laurent’s ‘Le Smoking’, 1960s; Kate Moss
www.adorn-london.com

Fashion retailers have been heavily influenced by this anticipated epic, so if you come away from the film wanting to adopt a bit of Gatsby glamour here are some handy dos and don'ts.

• Flapper is a word that may strike fear into your heart but ladies, you don’t have to go completely flapper, you can incorporate bits of it into your look with any of the following: 

fringes, sequins, feathers, beading, pleats, metallics

sparkle, cloche hats, brogues, t-bar shoes, capes.  

For more inspiration think Velma Kelly, Roxy Hart, Greta Garbo or Gloria Swanson.

• In shoes, you will find heeled t-bar and various metallic styles. Gorgeous t-bar shoes are everywhere, but this style doesn’t work for everyone. The t-bar will appear to cut off the leg at the ankles, so don’t wear this style if you have short legs, especially if you are short from the knee to the ankle. However, if you have fallen for this style (and we wouldn’t blame you) do choose one with an open toe and in a pale shade or one that has a low t-bar - that means it doesn't buckle at the ankle bone but more at the top of your instep.

Amazing Coast dresses as featured in Ireland's 'Social & Personal' Magazine in a glorious Gatsby inspired shoot. See the stunning 'Roaring 20's' styles dazzle>> — All That Jazz: The Great Gatsby Revival
www.coast-stores.co.uk

• The traditional drop-waist flapper dress looks elegant on slim, straight figures but is not so flattering on curvy bodies like mine much as I've tried.  So don’t invest in this shape if you are a full hourglass, triangle or round body shape. You will find some current takes on twenties dresses offer more flattering cuts, so do hunt around if you are desperate to have one.

Katy Perry channeling the '20's era well I think.

• Do try some hair accessories (jewelled, feathered, beaded etc.) as they will give you instant Gatsby glamour without having to invest too much in the trend. Equally, a handbag will give a nod to the look without overdoing it. Or think long line necklaces as well as scarves tied around your head - band style.  For an evening look add an evening glove.  BUT BEWARE - too much and you will look like you are heading for a fancy dress party.   

And ladies when putting the look together one simply must be sipping from a champagne saucer - even if it is only apple juice.

Chin Chin daaah-lings, Lady Mirror Ball xxx

The Elliot Sisters - Bea & Evie  (left and right) with their
assistant from BBC's House of Elliot. 

www.louisemacdonald.com.au

PS:  Anyone in the UK remember the fabulous House of Elliot series set in the design atelier of 1920's sisters.  Fabulous. Originally shown around 1993 it was regular weekend watching while I was a student.  

PPS:  Thanks to Colour Me Beautiful for their help with this blog post.

Summer Style for Sun, Sea and Sand

It's been so long since you saw your beachwear you probably can't remember what it looks like! If you think it's not worth investing in your swimwear because you don't wear it that often, think again. We all like to feel good and look good on holiday and what you wear on the beach is just as important as what you wear out for dinner. You want it to fit and flatter you and make you feel good (especially as you are exposing more of your body!). So, if you have dusted off your swimwear and it's looking a bit tired, faded or shapeless or it simply doesn't suit you any more, now is the time to invest in something colourful and flattering.

Beautiful Colours To Choose From - useful if you know your colour profiling.  I'm a CLEAR with dark hair, blue eyes and pale skin  and love my scarlet swimmie with its beautiful bow at the bust.   Swimwear colours we recommend for this summer are: Beautiful Shapes for Luscious Lady Your swimwear should give the same support as your underwear, suit your body shape and be in your WOW colours. Remember you'll be wearing it all day!! See our tips to find out which cuts suit your shape best. Hourglass As long as your proportions are good (you're not a Full Hourglass) you can wear any style, depending on your personal preference. Full Hourglass Underwiring or support is essential. Your bottom half should have little detail and ensure it doesn't finish at a wide point on the hips. Avoid stripes and detailing on your bust and hips.  Triangle like meKeep detailing above the waist. Keep to simple lines on your bottom half, you might choose a darker colour. Beware of high-cut styles that finish at your widest point; you don't want to emphasize your hips but you may want to lengthen your leg if they are short like mine.  Just don't finish at the widest part. Inverted Triangle Halter and square necklines work well, as do pattern and detail on the hips. Choose geometric rather than floral patterns. Go for styles where tops and bottoms are sold separately. Rectangle On a one-piece, a central panel in a darker shade gives the illusion of a slimmer shape, as do square necklines. Avoid high-waisted bikini bottoms and choose geometric patterns. Round  Try a tankini or vest top that covers the middle and isn't too figure-hugging. Choose a bottom that is roomy and deep. For more cover, use a sarong or a floaty beach kaftan. Details on the shoulders will draw the eye towards your face.  From the beach to the bar, I can help you to get holiday-ready this summer! Thanks to Colour Me Beautiful for the sunny inspiration. Get that gorgeous body on the beach or in the swimming pool ladies.  Lady Mirror Ball x x x

The Knack of The Necklace

Choosing the right necklace can be a dilemma and often we leave home without one.  So today I am sharing a handy pictorial snapshot to help you decide the best way to go.  Short and snappy today - that's the blog post of course, and not my advice on the style of necklace.  

Do you have a preference or any other good advice I could share?  Top style tips that work for you always welcome.

Thanks to Imogen Lamport  Author at http://www.insideoutstyleblog.com

PS:  As it happens I'm also highly recommending turquoise jewellery set in yellow gold this summer.  It's a winner and goes with everything.

Yours, sticking her neck out, Lady Mirror Ball xxx

Summer Time & The Frillin' is Easy...

'Early adoption of the modern frill is a high-risk strategy. The pioneering frill-seeker appears to have got dressed up in something fussy and fancy, not something chic and stylish' 

Jess Cartner-Morley, The Guardian

Frills, ruffles, call them what you will, are back. The Romantic personalities will be ‘frilled’ as spring flounces into summer.  But as frills don’t usually appeal to the Natural, Classic or City Chic personalities they  may find them too fussy for their tastes. However, the new frill is not the familiar busy ruffle we know but instead a more elegant detail.  

Think FRILL rather than FRILLS.

It might be a demure neckline, a stylish ripple on a cuff, a soft drape on a top or a sculpted wave on a skirt. It might be just one ripple or two or three, but they won’t be fluttering all over the place making the eye dizzy.

www.zara.com

On the catwalk, designer frills looked reminiscent of the trademark hems on a flamenco skirt or a ladylike trim from the 1940’s. The frill for spring 2013 is definitely a more feminine and stylish look that says “I’m on trend AND I’m elegant.”

Can you pull it off?  Here are three things to consider for chic frills:

1. Does it suit your style? 

Even though the new frill is less fussy, if you’re a Natural personality you may still shy away from it. However, you might find a simple, soft t-shirt with a gentle frill works for you. If you are a Classic you might stretch to a smart top with a subtle neck frill to add a bit of interest to your look. A City Chic will enjoy an elegant ruffle and you might use it almost as an accessory to your look. The Romantics, who love feminine detail, will prefer a softer drape and the Dramatics who like to be on trend will probably choose a statement piece. If you are a Creative personality you will want to be, well, creative, so you might play with colours, combine two frilled garments or add your own self-styled frill.

2. How do I wear it? 

www.asos.com

Aside from preference, it’s about the fabric and where you wear it. Softer fabrics will fall softly against curves and stiffer fabrics won’t, so think about what works for your figure. As with any embellishment or detail, you don’t want to wear it on a fuller part of your body as it will make that part look bigger. No ruffles across a full bust or sitting on full hips, please.

www.asos.com

3. How many ruffles and what size? 

If in doubt, go for one ruffle on one garment. The size of the frill is important too: small figures should choose small to medium frills whilst larger frames can carry larger frills. This will also depend on your personality, of course, a Dramatic or Creative might use the frill as a statement piece and ignore what suits their frame and go for something big and bold.

Go on dress to Frill! lots of love 
Lady Mirror Ball

Article adapted from colourmebeautiful.co.uk - with thanks.