Peplum Power
It’s baaack..! Unless you’ve been living under a fashion rock for the last 4 years, you are no stranger to the Peplum. Dating back to the 1800’s, the 
Peplum first hits it’s fashion mark in the 1930-40’s, when this simple circle of fabric re-instilled the lost femininity and shape to women’s fashion during an era previously dominated by the masculine influences of war.
The peplum resurfaced in the 80’s providing a much needed balance between the over-the-top shoulder pads and tight skirts – aka Alexis Carrington.
Fast forward 30 years and the Peplum is back with a vengeance, with no signs of it going anywhere soon. What started as a trend in 2011, has continued to dominate the runway, reinvented each season in the key colours, fabric and prints. Variations in leather, lace, bold floral, tropical prints, cut-outs and colour-blocking are all featured next S/S 2013.
Peplum Masterclass
Proportion is key. Always balance out the flounce of the peplum with a fitted bottom half for a Peplum top or a fitted top with a Peplum Skirt.
Ensure you choose the right Peplum length to suit your body, if you have a short torso, the peplum should sit at or just below hip length. Vice-Versa for our long torso sisters.
Peplums are a great way to elevate your look, Throw on a gorgeous Peplum top with your favourite jeans, add some bling and your good to go – instead style cred!
Look for quality over quantity, one Peplum top in a fabulous print/material that suits you to a T and will work back with your existing wardrobe, is far better Cost Per Wear than multiple cheapies that will barely see you through the season.
Use the Rule of 3 when purchasing your peplum pieces, if you can’t visualise it working back with at least 3 other pieces you own, chances are it will never see the light of day.
Making the right choice in the neckline of your Peplum pieces is the difference between working the trend and just simply “wearing” the trend. The most flattering bodices are your basic thick strap tank style or strapless. Thin spaghetti straps or dramatically cut in armholes can throw your whole proportion off balance, defeating the whole purpose of this trend in the first place.
Fashion 101 Personal Styling
Accessorise – Updating your look is easy and affordable, instead of wearing the current trend head to toe, buy a belt, bag or jewellery. This works especially well if the current trend does not suit your body shape or colour palette. Another trick is to wear the trend colour on the bottom half, ie: pants or a skirt, keeping the colour away from your face.
Stock Up – If on the other hand the current colours are YOUR key colours, consider buying a few classic pieces, shirts, pants etc. These items will not date and you know the colour is fabulous on you!
Cost per Wear – When considering an expensive purchase, divide the cost of the item between the number of times you expect to wear it, if your purchase is an awesome pair of jeans for $200 and you wear them every weekend, they will pay for themselves in no time!
Rule of 3 – To ensure that each new item fits seamlessly into your current wardrobe, visualise the intended purchase with 3 other items you already own.
A Good Tailor is your Best Friend – A GOOD Tailor is truly invaluable, particularly if you are petite, however ensure that you factor in any alterations to the final cost of the garment before deciding to purchase. A minor nip or tuck can alter a garment entirely – from OK to Fabulous in a heartbeat!
Shape Wear – What can I say, if it’s good enough for Sarah Jessica Parker and the Red Carpet elite – then its good enough for everyone!!
LBD – Not necessarily black, if black is not one of your best colours. Think navy blue, jewel greens etc. Invest in a dress that is a classic cut and in a block colour, i.e. plain black, navy etc. This will give you amazing versatility and value for money. You can “reinvent” the dress for various occasions by creating a multitude of different looks by accessorising with different elements, i.e. gold, silver, jewel encrusted, animal print – the possibilities are endless!!
Go- To- Pieces – In order to have a fully functional, phenomenal wardrobe, it is essential that you compile a collection of “Go To” pieces, these are the items that you can put on and feel and look great, regardless of “Fat Days” or “Bad Hair Days.”
Invest Wisely – Spend more on classic pieces, a trench coat, stunning evening dress, quality knitwear, jeans, bags, shoes and stunning statement pieces. These items will not date and still look gorgeous for years. Trend items – are just that –a trend, The latest “must have” tie dyed maxi dress will be obsolete before you have even paid off the purchase on your credit card!
Experiment – By all means, go ahead and indulge in that tie dyed maxi, simply buy a cheaper chain store version, ALWAYS ensuring that the cut, colour are flattering to your individual body shape and season pallet.
Style doesn’t have a price tag!
Fashionista or Fashion Victim?
A Fashionista by definition is up to the minute with the latest trends, “must-haves”and key pieces of the Season. But what if the latest trend is just all wrong for her in terms of body shape, colouring etc?
Most of us look to fashion magazines or store windows for inspiration when it comes to what’s in v’s what’s out. For the most part this is a brilliant resource tool, but like anything – too much and its overkill. Both magazines and store windows while showcasing the latest “Must-Haves” aren’t taking into account your own personal needs.
Black coated skinnies and a silver metallic peplum top is absolutely “of the moment hot”, just maybe not so right for you…or me. Particularly if you’re an Autumn or Spring colour palette, silver will just wash you out, same said if you’re a pear shape, the key is to balance out your top and bottom by adding more presence to your upper torso – a peplum will only add more bulk to your mid-section. Black coated skinnies, on the other hand, will work on nearly everyone – just in different ways. If you’re a cool Summer / Winter Palette, silver metallic will look awesome, and provided you’re not pear, peplum is also a great choice. However if the piece in question was a deep jewel toned green – you would be in the same boat as our Autumn/Spring friends. The colour would be just too heavy for you.
The trick is to pick the key pieces of the Season that relate the best to you, incorporate on-trend accessories that compliment your look and leave the rest to those who it will look amazing on. Never sacrifice your own true style for the sake of a head-to-toe –trend. So, Fashionista or Fashion Victim? I guess it’s all in the interpretation………..!
Sandra Harrison
Personal Stylist Fashion 101
13 is not 30 (and Vice-Versa)
With most fashion labels/stores now stocking sizes as small as XXXS, the once distinct line between a kids clothing store and a fashion store for women has become very blurred – and not always in a good way!
Every week-end our local Supre is wall to wall with pre-teens trying on the latest “Must-Haves”, subsequently begging Mum to purchase the object of their desire. As a Stylist, I say “That’s Cool”, awesome in fact – if it were a designated kid friendly item, however next to every tweeny there’s a 30 something woman trying on the exact same piece! So who should buy it? Well, that depends on whether we’re talking about a black pleather lace- up mini or a cropped deconstructed tank with a cute puppy motif.
I’m forever telling my Jnr Teen “Yes Sweetie, I know it’s in your size BUT that doesn’t mean I’m going to let you waltz around in a backless, low cut tube dress, you’re 13 not 30” any more than I’m going to wear the deconstructed tank.
But what do you do when you find THE pieces that will work for both of you? We both simultaneously fell head over heels for last seasons coloured skinnies – a fabulous score that transcended the vast age gap between myself and my Jnr Teen and would be as equally at home in either wardrobe.
The answer was simply to understand that she is 13 and I’m, well not… and that we could both enjoy these awesome jeans – just in very, very different ways. A cropped floral bustier and gladiators would be an amazing look…. on her. I, would need to reflect a more stylish edge, think black drapey tee, statement necklace/scarf and leather ballet flats.
The problem is that not all 30 plus women have recognised this, I see so many women wearing the exact same combo as their teen age daughters,or as teen fashionistas in general. Jeggings and a crop top might look awesome on a teen but doesn’t translate so well for mum/ over 30. That’s not saying that you can’t wear Jeggings, by all means go for it!…. Preferably with a long line tee/sweater and flats though……….
The secret is to understand that while many pieces can be worn by all of us, the key is in HOW you wear them. What may work for teens, may not always come across so well on us, always ensure your look is age-appropriate, throw on a fabulous statement piece and work that trend the right way!
Accessorise – Following the latest fashion is easy and affordable, instead of wearing the current trend head to toe, buy a belt, bag or jewellery. This is a great trick that all Stylists use – you can completely change your look by throwing on the latest cuff, ear-rings or necklace. Add a studded belt this winter to that dress you bought last year and you are suddenly right on trend !
Be Yourself –Always inject a dose of your own personality to every outfit, by throwing on a favourite, complimenting necklace, belt or anything else that you feel is totally “you”.
Co-Ordinate – These 2 Rules are the easiest way to make sure you “get it right” every time:
Pattern on top = Plain on bottom and vice-versa. Basically this means that if you are wearing a printed top – wear something plain on the bottom (i.e.: denim or black etc.) Or if you are wearing a printed skirt / shorts etc., wear a plain coloured top – Keep the bling, ruffles etc. just make sure that the top is a solid colour. This brings us to the 2nd rule:
Stay Don’t Stray – For example: This means that if you have a floral print skirt with 6 colours in it – choose a top that is in one of the colours from the skirt – i.e.: the floral skirt has blue, pink, green and yellow, so you can choose a top in any one of those colours. The worst mistake you could make is to choose a top in a totally random colour that isn’t in the skirt: such as white or red. This works for any printed item you wear – By just choosing the right colour combos and NOT introducing random colours you will always look FABULOUS!
Rule of 3 – Never buy something that won’t go with anything else in your wardrobe. Try to imagine the new top / skirt etc. with at least 3 other things you already own. This will ensure that your awesome new top etc. will create 3 fabulous new looks – not just sit in your wardrobe with the tags on because you have nothing to wear it with!
Spin It – Don’t be afraid to experiment with interesting accessory combos: Funk up a sweet floral dress with a black cuff or cool gladiator sandal or rock an edgier black tee and jegging combo and add some pretty pearl bracelets. By mixing these outfits up you are creating a whole new look entirely – from OK to Fabulous in a heartbeat!
Go- To Pieces – Every fashionista needs to have items in their wardrobe that are easy to put on, look awesome and make you feel fantastic! These can be a favourite tee and jeans or maybe you are a skirt or dress girl, These items are your “Go To” pieces – outfits that make you happy every time you wear them. whatever your preference, try to build up a few pieces that you can turn to when you have no clue what to wear.
Recycle – A secret you may not know is that clothing that is in the shops now, is actually from the following season, i.e.: some of the clothes in the shops in summer are actually items you will be wearing in winter! This is because places like America and Europe are a season ahead of us. So if you see a a fabulous scarf or bold coloured jeans in summer, snap it up and hold onto it, you will be so glad you did when the trend hits big time in winter and you are way ahead of the pack in the fashion stakes!.
Cost per Wear – When considering an expensive purchase, divide the cost of the item between the number of times you expect to wear it, if your purchase is an awesome pair of jeans for $200 and you wear them every weekend, they will pay for themselves in no time!.
Invest Wisely – Spend more on classic pieces, a leather biker jacket, quality knitwear, jeans, bags, shoes and stunning statement pieces. These items will not date and still look gorgeous for years. Trend items – are just that –a trend, The latest “must have” tie dyed maxi dress will be obsolete before you have even paid off the purchase on your credit card!
By all means, go ahead and indulge in the tie dyed maxi, simply buy a cheaper chain store version, ALWAYS ensuring that the cut, colour are flattering to your individual body shape and season pallet.
Experiment – Always try on one new thing every time you shop – you never know when you may just discover an awesome new style or accessory, therefore creating a fantastic new dimension to your look!
Style doesn’t come with a price tag – it comes with knowledge!
Sandra Harrison
Personal Stylist
Fashion 101
Metallic, Embellishments, Prints, Oh My! With so many key trends this season, there really is something for everyone.
While Spring/Summer was all about pastels and neon, Winter’s colour palette is a mixed bag of darks, brights and neutrals. Think warm toasty browns, earthy olives, honey golds, cool greys, and the deliciously rich tones of plum, berry and merlot, with unexpected pops of vibrant green, blue, chartreuse and tangerine thrown in for good measure!
Coloured skinny jeans remain a key player this season. From rich earthy tones of burgundy, chocolate and deep charcoal to bold emerald green and cobalt blue, printed, coated and everything in between, these babies are again the season’s “Must Have” item. Wine-coloured Coated Skinny Jeans worked back with this season’s military inspired button down shirt, a fur vest and ankle boots is a stylish, of the moment look this winter.
This season metallic knits, drapey tees, and embellished sweatshirts reign supreme. Yes, that’s right, even the humble sweatshirt has undergone an extreme make-over, from sequins to camouflage to studs, if you can think of it, you will find it on a sweatshirt this season!
Tips for Creating a Fabulous Winter Wardrobe
Cost per Wear is the ratio between what an items costs and the use you will get out of it. Investing in a great pair of coloured skinny jeans should be No.1 on any Fashionista’s shopping list. These will become the cornerstone of your winter wardrobe. Cost per wear? These jeans will be paying you!
To ensure maximum mileage and versatility from your wardrobe, each piece should work back with 3 existing items.
A long line cardigan, deep coloured coated skinny jeans, a black tube skirt, black “leather look” leggings, button down shirts and embellished tees and knits will all be on high rotation this winter and deserve a special place in your wardrobe.
Accessorise, Accessorise, Accessorise! Don’t be afraid to make a statement. Throw on a black cuff and snake print ballet flats with your dark coloured skinnies & tee combo and watch your style cred soar this season! Like a cake without frosting, a sparkly necklace, oversized tote or a statement shoe can elevate your look to a whole new level. A bold statement cuff will inject a pop of colour and complete your look while a leopard print scarf will spice up any winter ensemble.
The secret to transitioning from season to season successfully is to create a seamless fusion between your existing wardrobe and a few key pieces from the current season that will work best for you, in terms of lifestyle, personal colouring, body shape and style. Variety is the spice of life but this winter, there are so many trends to play with, it can seem just plain overwhelming. Choose the pieces that speak the loudest to you, complete your look with on-trend accessories and we guarantee you will rock this winter in style!
Sandra Harrison
Personal Stylist
Fashion 101
Join the Military Fashion Revolution!
At Ease Soldier!
People, your country needs you to join the Military … fashion revolution that is! From a subtle nod to Autumn/Winter (A/W) hottest trend with tops, pants and jackets in army inspired tones to fully combat- charged camouflage – this season there is something for everyone in the Military!
The secret to working this trend is all in the mix. A camouflage print sweatshirt with khaki green cargo pants may get you a role on a remake of M*A*S*H* but won’t earn you any style cred this season!
Incorporating just ONE military inspired piece into your look is the key to ensuring a hot, of the moment look this Winter.
Girls
Work a military inspired button down shirt with this seasons “must have” coated wine coloured skinnies and fur vest for an “up to the minute” chic look this Winter. A military inspired shirt dress black blazer and structured bag is a stylish, work-appropriate and on-trend look for the office.
Guys
Pair a military inspired sweater and deep coloured skinny jeans for a cool casual vibe. Black pants, black tee and military inspired jacket is a hot look for more dressier occasions.
Sandra Harrison
Personal Stylist
Fashion 101