Topics
21 June 2009
EASY SUMMER STYLE
Let’s assume you’ve got your summer capsule wardrobe sorted...
- Neutral coloured cotton shorts (white or black)
- Dark denim pencil skirt
- Fitted black and white tees
- Layering tank tops (including a striped one)
- Lightweight cardigan (even better with a metallic thread)
- Strappy sandals (preferably with a heel)
- ‘Standout’ metallic necklaces
Now inject some personal style with a few, carefully chosen pieces...
All clothing items shown in this article are from from the State of Grace Summer 2009 Collection. Contact State of Grace for more information.
Wear this vest over your tees for a stylish twist on the traditional vest.
Also available in white:
Add a silk wrap dress that can be worn dressed up or down:
Increase your chic with this gorgeous black embroidered dress. Layer it
under another dress showing the scalloped hem like a petticoat or wear it over
leggings/skinny jeans and a t-shirt or simple knit dress. Also available
in white:
Looking for a ‘go-to’ outfit for summer weddings? This is a lovely combination;
and the bolero will also work well over tees:
25 May 2009
THE CASUAL CAPSULE WARDROBE
This capsule is great for those who work from home, are at home with children, or work in a non-corporate environment, and want to look effortlessly stylish but practically dressed everyday.
- Dark blue straight leg (or slight boot cut) jeans
These are a more casual version of a trouser
- Dark blue denim pencil skirt, to knee area
A sleek, feminine silhouette, in practical denim
- Straight leg black trousers, in a leg width that flatters your shape
Can be dressed up for evening, down for day
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Straight leg jeans |
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White V-neck Tee |
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- Capped or sleeveless jersey wrap dress, in black or other dark neutral
Layered up or worn it on its own its worth its weight in gold
- Black short and long sleeved cotton tees, fitted and v necked
Wardrobe and layering essentials
- White short and long sleeved cotton tees, fitted and v necked
Wardrobe and layering essentials
- Layering tanks x 2, one in a dark plain neutral and one striped
These are layering pieces that add interest to simple outfits
- An evening top, in fabric such as silk or fine merino
To dress up the jeans, trousers or skirt for evening
- Black fine wool cardigan; hip bone length
A wardrobe classic, this will go over anything and wear well. With the addition of a finely textured scarf it’s an excellent alternative to a fleece jacket
- Red/Cobalt/Amethyst coloured cardigan; hip bone length in fine wool (or cotton for summer)
An easy way to lift a mostly black wardrobe and will work with and add interest to most of your wardrobe.
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Striped tank |
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Red cardigan |
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- Black fitted leather jacket
Will look fantastic over dresses and with the trousers, jeans and skirt
- A fitted trench coat style
Go for a shower-proof trench coat in a neutral colour, which is smart enough for evening and can double as a chic raincoat during the day
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Jet beads |
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Studded belt |
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Suggested Accessories
Shoes:
- Ballet flat with small heel ~ (avoid these if you have thick ankles)
- Knee high boots in black
- A Strappy sandal in black or silver
Scarves
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Chiffon – one in black and one in a print (eg leopard)
Jewellery
- Jet beads
- Chunky chain or group of fine chains
Belts
- Waist belt, preferably stretchy/adjustable
- Trouser belt, that can also be worn as a hip belt
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Black boots |
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Leopard print scarf |
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21 December 2008
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR TO A WEDDING?
This is one of the most frustrating questions ever! And here's a simple solution: a feminine silk or fine cotton dress in a
sophisticated pattern will work for most semi-formal to formal occasions. Add accessories such as silver strappy high-heeled shoes,
silver clutch, and a waist cinching belt, for a modern, glamorous look. For formal occasions also add a complimentary hat.
This beautiful version is available from State of Grace
10 October 2008
THE POWER OF ACCESSORIES
Accessories are truly essential items in our wardrobe, and no outfit is complete without them. You can use accessories to make an outfit:
your own
You may have the same or similar dress as another woman, but its how you choose to wear it that defines your style.
seem more expensive
Good quality shoes and bags will always make an inexpensive outfit look smarter, whereas cheap ones drag good quality clothing down with them. Buy the best you can afford in flattering shapes and colours – starting with basic black, then warm browns/tans, followed by an unexpected colour like red, green, or orange.
different for each occasion
Accessories, can have a chameleon affect with the same outfit, allowing your wardrobe to stretch further, and transform from day to night. We all know of the businessman’s illusion of a completely new outfit, simply achieved by changing the tie, and we can work this effect into our own wardrobes using a limited clothing palette and a wide variety of coloured and textured accessories. Statement necklaces, felt brooches, or a colourful scarf will quickly alter the look of your basic shift dress.
work with changes in season
Different accessories adjust the seasonal feel of an outfit, for example a top and skirt worn with boots in winter are worn with strappy sandals for summer, or swap a black bag for a shimmery silver one in summer. Similarly, change bulky winter scarves for gossamer silks in spring and summer. The same outfit (with more or less layering!), ready for a new season.
For more accessories ideas, see our accessories page
13 August 2008
SHOP YOUR WARDROBE
Summer is on its way, and before you hit the shops (with all their fabulous new stock), now is a great time to take stock of your wardrobe.
Try new combinations with pieces in your existing wardrobe, and photograph the
ones you love for future reference. Could some of your old pieces be transformed into something more flattering, or current, with only a little effort? Could one or two new pieces lift last summer’s look? Why not mix a few expensive pieces with clever finds from a cheaper chain?
Here are a few ideas to try:
- take up the hem on a well made but frumpily lengthed skirt or dress to a flattering place near your knee
- shorten or remove the worn/dated sleeves on an otherwise attractive cardigan
- take in a lovely-but-too-large jacket or shirt to create a fitted, shapely silhouette
- shorten ‘too-short’ straight-legged jeans or trousers to capris (if you're tall) or knee length shorts
(note: if you’re paying to have these alterations done get a quote first, as more involved alterations can be costly. Try Rose’s for experienced alterations staff.)
Shop with the list of things you need (ie missing capsule essentials, replacements for worn items, and wardrobe updates, as determined from your ‘stocktake’), and only buy pieces that you know will work well with what you already have, and will truly flatter your skin colour and body shape. Refer to our
planning pages for more info.
- Try a jewel coloured tunic dress (Vanilla Ink) or short sleeved cardigan (Kate Sylvester) for an instant pop of spring/summer colour - layerable with all your neutrals, and good ‘til the end of winter too.
- Pencil skirts are a classic, flattering buy, and there are plenty around to choose from this summer. Visit Taylor, Kate Sylvester, and Andrea Moore for inspiration
- A gorgeous 'statement' necklace will add the wow
factor to a simple look
- Add edge to your outfits by putting a studded belt over everything. NOM*d’s is
our current favourite
- Check out Glassons for some surprising designer-look finds, and cheap layering basics to stretch your wardrobe budget
01 August 2008
THE CLOTHES ON OUR BACKS
You think you've got it rough with the daily task of deciding what to wear? -
take a moment to consider the challenges faced by our ancestors just to be
clothed!
Clothing in prehistory
Its unknown when people first started wearing clothes. It is thought that primitive man wore animal skins and furs draped around his body, and later learnt to fashion crude clothing. Making clothing was a major development, because until man could clothe himself he couldn’t survive in the colder climate found north of Africa in Europe and Asia.
The prehistoric Indians of Arkansas, America, who lived 12,000 years ago, were skilled craftsmen and craftswomen. From plants, animals, and minerals, they made clothing for everyday use and special ceremonies. Their dry bluff shelters protected even fragile articles of clothing, so many examples have survived. Typical clothing for men was a breechcloth made of leather or sometimes woven grass, tied with a sash. Leather moccasins and shoes woven from grasses (almost like modern slippers) were worn. In colder weather, men wore fur and feather capes, sometimes decorated with painted designs. Women wore skirts of deerskin or mulberry cloth, leather moccasins or grass sandals, and feather or animal hide mantles, or capes.
The labour intensive task of making fabric
Medieval peasants (approx 500AD-1600) prepared fabrics themselves, whereas the nobility and the bourgeois had the money to buy imported fabrics. Wool was made into cloths of different strengths - durable, felt and carded fabrics. The most expensive, the finest, and the most colourful cloth were extremely important merchandise, imported, for example, from the Netherlands, England and Germany. Preparing the fabrics and the threads was a time consuming and valued craft; and both homemade and imported fabric were extremely valuable. Medieval threads were spun with a distaff (an early part of a spinning wheel), and for a single dress, where the density of threads were 12 threads per centimetre, you needed as much as 15,000 metres of finished thread; ie 30 kilometres of one-filament thread. The thread had to be tightly woven and very durable.
Clothing as a valuable asset
For the Anglo-Saxons (early 400’s to 1066), clothing was a valuable asset in a society where wealth was usually held in possessions rather than money. Clothing often featured in barter, trade agreements and bequests made in wills.
In American colonial times (1607-1789), if a person was lucky they had two sets of clothing - one for Sunday and one for work. They would have been horrified at the amount of clothing we have today. As always, it took time to prepare the fibres, weave them, and then make the clothing. Everything, including shoes, was handmade: the mother knitted socks, the father made shoes, and they were at the mercy of the skill of the maker.
Pre-revolution (1789) the peasant population of France also wore an extremely limited wardrobe comprising of coarse home-made clothing or cast offs of the upper class. By the late 1700’s all wardrobes had increased greatly in value, and an artisan’s wardrobe is recorded as comprising15 pieces of clothing and his wife’s 50! Does this sound familiar!? How many items do you have?
Keeping it clean
During the 1800’s clothing was washed as little as possible. Washing was a long, involved process which started with making the soap using lye, lard and ashes, then scrubbing, boiling, rinsing and bluing the clothes in huge outdoor vats of water. Most rural homes in the 1800’s didn’t have running water, so the 200 or more gallons of water needed for washday had to be carried by the woman of the household. Clothes were dried by hanging them on lines, over fences, or on bushes. Dyes were often unreliable, and sometimes after washing, clothing had to be re-dyed. In the homes of the upper class, fancy dresses (most likely made of silk) were often taken apart and only the dirty parts washed. The dress could then be remade in a slightly different style so that the woman always had a new dress to wear to the next party.
Clothing laws
Medieval (approx 500AD- 1600AD) clothes were worn to show the status of the wearer. Such emphasis on clothing and what they could or couldn't wear meant that it was decreed by law in the 1300’s that...
"...All labourers and lower classes shall wear no kind of cloth but blankets and russets, nor use any girdles than such as those made of linen"
It was also stated that wives and children of tradesman were to wear...
"...No veils, but such as are made with thread, nor any kinds of fur except those of lambs, rabbits, cats and fox..."
Elizabethan (1558–1603) dress was specified in a law passed in 1574, and was enforced by Queen Elizabeth I. If you violated the law you could be fined, lose your title or even your life! The colours you could wear were also specified - the list below shows who could wear what:
- Gold - Duchesses, Marquises, and Countesses. Dukes, Marquises, and Earls
- Crimson - Royalty, Nobility and members of the Council
- Indigo - Royalty, Nobility and members of the Council
- Purple - Queen, Queen's mother, children, and sisters, and aunts. The King, King's mother, children and uncles
- Black - although expensive to produce - lower and upper classes
- White, Blue, Orange, Brown, Grey, Green, Yellow, Pink and Red - lower and upper classes
A contemporary example of using law to control what people wore was the use of clothing coupons in Britain during World War 2 (1938-1945) to control valuable resources. Clothing coupon books were issued to each person over 5 years old. Under this rationing system each item of clothing required a stated number of coupons along with payment. This meant that women were forced to wear clothes that they had in their wardrobes pre June 1941, adding items only when essential. The coupons were also reduced as the war progressed. Mid war they fell to 48 a year and by 1945 clothing coupons were as low as 36 a year. The scheme continued to issue coupons until 1949 with all forms of rationing ended in 1952.
In 1942 under the Civilian Clothing Order the British government introduced sumptuary laws. These laws made it illegal and unpatriotic to spend time embellishing clothing for sale, and forbade manufacturers using the CC41 (Clothing Control 1941) label from using fancy trimmings, unnecessary buttons, extra stitching or tucks or pleats or pockets more than was essential to function.
Recycling clothing
Due to the high cost of fabric, in the 1700’s clothes were made over until they went to rags. So it’s common, particularly for women's gowns, to find fabric from the 1720’s made over in the 1750’s and again in the 1770’s as fashions changed. Loosening of clothes was achieved using gussets. These were triangular inserts used to expand clothing; this way you could also save the valuable fabric. There was also a lively trade in used clothing. Working class clothing was eventually threadbare, which explains why little exists in museums. What we see in a museum glass display case, in excellent condition, is usually the clothing of the well off, or servants of the rich. However, in general, the cut of clothing was fairly similar across the classes, only the quality of the fabric and the decoration changed.
Like other lower class workers, the Edwardian London (1901-1910) working woman, such as a seamstress, obtained most of her clothes from one of the second hand markets held in the neighbourhood of Bermondsey New Road in London. In the book Human Documents Of The Age Of The Forsytes, E. R. Pike tells of '... the usual scene of second hand female underclothing, the surrounding crowd consisting of the poorest middle aged women-mothers. It is an almost silent trade, for not a word passes beyond the naming of the price. The garment is sold or not sold, and if not sold goes back on to the rising heap and another held in view.'
For ordinary Victorians ((1836-1901) an item would be made with the idea that it was to last, and last it did. Later it would be cut down for children or adolescents. Sometimes women had the garment restyled or a new bodice added. Versatility was achieved by using detachable trims, such as replacing white collars or engage antes (false blouson lower under sleeves), or having converting yoked collars which when removed could transform a dress into a low cut evening gown.
In Britain during World War 2 (1938-1945) women were encouraged to 'Make Do' and 'Mend'. A 'Mrs Sew and Sew' featured in advertisements in women's magazines, and propaganda cinema clips promoted the idea of recycling textiles. To working class women, who had always had to make do and mend, this was all rather patronizing and nothing new. Pillowcases would be turned into white shorts for summer. Wedding dresses would be worn several times, borrowed by sisters and friends, until the original 1939 bride in desperation for new items, remade the dress up into underwear, French Knickers, or nightgowns. The only way to have feminine underwear was to sew it yourself. Skirts were made from men's old plus fours or trousers. Cast offs would be made into children's clothes. Collars would be added and trims applied all to eke out a limited wardrobe. Women who could sew dresses had trouble getting hold of fabrics so they used everything from industrial blackout cloth to parachute silk or the harsher new parachute nylon. Blankets were used to make coats and old voluminous swagger coats cut into smaller garments. Pillowcases were trimmed with lace and made into blouses. Nothing was wasted, and even milk top discs were covered in raffia and made into handbags or accessories.
Industrialization
All sewn clothes remained entirely stitched by hand until the 1850’s. From early Victorian times (1836-1901) in Britain, partly made clothes were made by London firms, and these were sold on to country dressmakers and drapers. The partially completed bodices, or partly made clothes, were then completed by dressmakers or the customer herself, to ensure a good fit. This evolved into the skirt being fully made and the matching bodice fabric being sold for individual styling. Short notice mourning clothes were sold in this manner from the 1860’s, and led the way for the concept of ready made women's garments. Those that could afford superior tailoring looked down on those that bought ready made goods, because the clothes were never a good fit and usually looked as if they had belonged to another person. Even so, methods of pattern drafting and sizing for a reasonable average fit were improving, and these shops were well received by the average person.
First patented in the 1850’s, the sewing machine was initially so expensive that they were only purchased by factories which mass produced clothing. Manufactured clothing became widely available as a result of the Civil War (1861–1865), because of the need to produce uniforms for the army. Consequently, men’s clothing continued to be mass produced after the war, while women’s clothing remained a product of the home and independent seamstresses until the early 1900’s. As a result, manufacturers of sewing machines realized the potential of the home customer and devised time payment plans and trade-in allowances to finance purchases. By the 1870’s, paper patterns, advertised in or sold along with women’s magazines like Godey Lady’s Book and Leslies Illustrated, brought international fashion to even to faraway frontier homes and standardized women’s clothing even before it was mass produced.
Mass production of clothing was refined in the UK during World War 2. Strict restrictions ensured that manufacturers produced goods of a high standard under the Utility scheme. Manufacturers were only given cloth if they produced a percentage of utility clothes. Only those companies who could achieve high standards stayed in business. This set the tone for superior production of well made clothes after the war.
17 July 2008
DESIGNER BARGAIN HUNTING
Right now everyone seems to be having a sale, but don’t overlook opportunities online and at outlets.
Things to remember
- The best bargains are things you know are missing from your wardrobe or need replacing, such as classic capsule pieces, and staples like black boots, simple sweater and cardigan shapes, and the little black dress.
- Don’t buy it just because it’s a bargain. If you already have 2 black cardigans, or you just like the idea of owning a designer piece, it’s not a bargain its wardrobe clutter.
- It has to fit you properly, or be prepared to have it altered to fit you and take into account the additional cost.
- Does it suit you, colour and style wise? Don’t kid yourself, unless you’re sure you’ll wear it, and it can be worn with at least 3 other pieces already in your wardrobe – put it back.
Where to look
In addition to Dress Smart, and Trademe try these fantastic Auckland outlets and recycle boutiques:
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Saga Outlet, 1 Pah Rd, Epsom
Hugely discounted quality designer clothing.
Stocking: Angela Lewis, Saga.
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Saga vest, found at Saga outlet shop |
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Workshop, 2 Williamson Ave, Ponsonby, 09 361 1290
A fabulous brand, with quality clothing.
Stocking: Workshop, Helen Cherry and Marc by Marc Jacobs
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Echo, 30 Victoria Rd, Devonport, 09 445 3300
echodesigneroutlet.co.nz
Stocking: Ricochet, Scarlett, Geena Paige/Reba, Petrena, Bittermoon, Euphoria, Caroline Church, State of Grace, Leslie Herbert and Ritual.
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Caroline Sills, 26 Clarence St, Devenport, 09 445 3356
carolinesills.co.nz
This is the outlet shop for well known designer Caroline Sills, with 40% off the retail price.
Stocking: Caroline Sills, Calliope, Richard Moore, Birzeit and Kathryn Wilson footwear.
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State of Grace, 5a Flower St, Eden Tce, 09 377 7050
stateofgrace.co.nz
Gorgeous dresses and accessories from this season and last season, with great discounts.
Stocking: State of Grace
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Scotties Recycle Boutique, 2 Blake St, Ponsonby, 09 379 6617
scottiesboutique.co.nz
A treasure trove of second hand designer labels.
Stocking: Hermes, Dries Van Noton, Louis Vuitton, Gucci and Marni
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Second to None, 1 Kingdon St, Newmarket, 09 529 1815
secondtononeboutique.co.nz
The place to go for designer evening wear.
Stocking: Versace, Escada, Gucci, Prada and Feragamo as well as local designers.
- Encore Fashion Recycle, 279 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby, Auckland
www.fashion-recycle.co.nz
The longest running fashion retail store in Ponsonby, Encore has been selling new and recycled designer fashion for over 25 years.
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Encore Fashion Recycle |
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Trelise Cooper, 100 Richmond Rd, Grey Lynn, 09 360 9578
This is Trelise’s factory outlet.
Stocking: Dresses, street wear and eveningwear samples. On the racks are Winter 07 pieces and slightly damaged stock. Most items are less than half price.
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Molly N, 83A Onehunga Mall, 09 634 4315
mollyn.co.nz
This brand is well known for its quality footwear. Espadrilles are currently on offer at $20 a pair.
Stocking: Molly N shoes, boots, bags, gloves and jewellery from previous seasons.
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Gitmans, 42 Galway St, Onehunga, 09 636 7371
gitmansknitwear.co.nz
Conveniently located down the road from Dress Smart.
Stocking: Original Topshop, MNG, Mango, Gap, Ann Taylor Loft, Ted Baker, Banana Republic, Club Monaco, Zara and Gitmans’ own brand.
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N Style, Shop 17, Fox Outlet Centre, 3 Akoranga Drive, Northcote, 09 480 7389
nstyle.co.nz
This outlet brings in over-runs from upmarket US department stores, Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s, and sells at heavily discounted prices.
Stocking: DKNY, Liz Claiborne, Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger, Guess, INC, Jones New York, Kenneth Cole, Nine West, Charter Club and Style & Co.
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Jean Jones, 4 Waipareira Avenue, Henderson, 09 836 1795
This factory showroom is full of pieces from previous seasons.
Stocking: Jean Jones
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Double Exposure, 15 Surrey Crescent, Grey Lynn, 09 361 3553
doublexposure.co.nz
Online, auction and in-store shopping, specialising in new and second-hand designer labels.
Stocking: the A-Z of overseas and local designers
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Nu to U, 385 Parnell Road, Parnell, 09 377 9235
Stocking: Second hand clothing in great condition. Genuine Gucci, Prada, Armani and Versace pieces at very affordable prices.
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Serendipity, 5 Como St, Takapuna, 09 489 9575
Stocking: Caroline Church, Sabatini, George, Mr K, Paco, Backstage, Seduce,
Petrina, and Ika samples, seconds and end of lines, with current season styles at around half price or less.
Currently stocking Italian leather boots.
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Stitch Ministry , 42a Galway Street, Onehunga, 09 622 2242
stitchministry.co.nz
Vault concept store and factory outlet
Stocking: latest season, samples, seconds and some of last season's stock at up to 70% off.
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David Elman, 40 Fremlin Place, Avondale 09 828 8313
The David Elman brand is well known for its high quality footwear.
Stocking: David Elman shoes
Want to see outlets from other city centres listed? Email us the details!
11 June 2008
GETTING FOUR SEASONS OUT OF YOUR SUMMER-WEIGHT DRESS
You’ve found the perfect dress. You wear it over tees and jeans, a singlet and
shorts, belted or loose, and it always looks amazing. Then Autumn and Winter
come along and you reluctantly put it aside for 6 months.
Not necessarily! As the image below demonstrates, that sheer dress can continue making you look gorgeous
throughout Winter, as a filmy decorative layer over your fine winter knits.
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Chaos Dress - Sauerkraut / Grey
Skinny Rib Turtleneck Dress
- Peacock
Available from State of Grace |
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Other styling ideas for this dress:
- wear it over long-sleeve tees/polo necks, and jeans
- wear it over long-sleeve tees, and leggings
- wear it over long-sleeve tees/polo necks, and straight-leg black trousers
- substituting a slouch belt, and trying with the ideas above
- adding a fitted cardigan, with a narrow belt over top
17 May 2008
SCARVES
They are a relatively inexpensive way to add colour, warmth and style to an
outfit. There are many types of scarves - we’ve all received our fair share as
Birthday and Christmas presents over the years - but how often have you tried
anything beyond the traditional scarf or pashmina? A stylish silk square or
rectangle are great alternatives for some easy chic, they’re easier to carry in
your bag too. Still not sure? Check out Audrey Hepburn in Roman Holiday! Visit
our ‘How to..’ page for how to tie a small square
scarf, and ‘Accessories’ for some locally
available examples.
Here’s a quick rundown of what’s out there:
Pashmina
Most luxurious in 100% cashmere, or cashmere/silk. Try: Pashmina on Broadway,
Newmarket for pashmina (finest 100% cashmere) versions, Keith Matheson for silk
and wool versions, Tie Rack for wool and acrylic styles, and Country Road for a
Bamboo version.
Uses: can be a scarf, blanket or shawl
Traditional
Most luxurious in cashmere, silk or fine wool. Try: Keith Matheson for silk and
wool versions, and Country Road for angora/silk and lurex styles.
Uses: neck scarf
Here’s a link to an excellent youtube video showing four great ways to tie a
winter scarf:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=PIHkeNcq2Wk
Small Square
Most luxurious in silk. Try: Oroton
Uses: Neck scarf, headband
Visit our ‘How to..’ page for step by step instruction on various ways to tie a
small square scarf
Large Square
Most luxurious in silk. Try: Oroton, Karen Walker, Smith & Caughey, and
Kookai
Uses: head scarf, headband, waist sash, neck scarf, bag accessory
Small rectangular scarf
Most luxurious in silk. Try: Sabine
for silk; Tie Rack have affordable
Italian Polyester versions.
Uses: headband, neck scarf, bag accessory
Long Rectangular Scarf
Most luxurious in silk chiffon. Try: State of Grace
Uses: neck scarf/sash, waist sash
If you have suggestions for other retailers,
email us the info.
5 May 2008
THE FABULOUS DIANE VON FURSTENBERG AND HER WRAP DRESS
History
Diane’s business first took off in the early 70’s after showing her initial
collection to legendary Vogue editor Diana Vreeland. Diane was inspired to
invent the figure sculpting jersey wrap dress after seeing Julie Nixon
Eisenhower on television pairing one of her wrap tops and skirts, and decided to
combine the two. Her versatile dress - which was appropriate for most occasions
and sexy enough for a night on the town - was a hit. Perfect for the sexual
revolution, in that a woman who chose to could be out of it in less than a
minute! The wrap dress came to be seen as a symbol of women’s liberation in the
1970’s, and a cultural phenomenon. In total Diane sold five million of them,
using her catch phrase: ‘Feel like a woman, wear a dress’. Eventually the market
became saturated, sales rapidly declined, and it was over. When she returned to
the American fashion scene in 1997, Diane faced a real dilemma, her wrap dress
hung in museums but was unwanted in stores. Then Diane noticed that her daughter
and friends were wearing her vintage wrap designs. Diane re-emerged on the New
York fashion scene with the relaunch of her signature dress, the wrap dress.
These quickly found favour with Hollywood elite Demi Moore and Madonna, and a
whole new generation of fans.
Today
Diane’s brand, DVF, has now expanded to a comprehensive line of sportswear,
woman’s wear, swimwear, accessories, cosmetics, Diane von Furstenberg by H.Stern
jewellery, luggage, and a partnership with the Rug Company. Target and Forever
21 have been sued by Diane for copying her designs, and rumour has it that she
may no longer make her wrap dresses in response to ongoing copyright
infringement.
Where to Buy
Get your own piece of history at the only New Zealand stockist of
Diane von Furstenberg’s wrap dresses: Muse, 11 Teed St, Newmarket, Auckland,
Tel: 09 520 2911. Or shop on line at http://dvf.com
How to wear
This very comfortable, flattering piece can be dressed up or down to suit almost
all occasions, just make sure it’s tied securely!
- Layer with t-shirts and jeans for the weekend
- Team with boots and a neck scarf for work
- Add statement jewellery and heals for evening
- Wear a silk version with diamonds and strappy silver heels to a wedding
21 April 2008
LAYERING WITH METALICUS
We've mentioned Metalicus a lot in the 'What should I
buy?' page, this is because they are considered worldwide to be great layering pieces and
have a fine luxurious texture.
Due to its sheer qualities individual Metalicus pieces are not usually
worn alone (some 'Wool' pieces are an exception) and look fantastic layered with
other Metalicus items and other layerable pieces you may have. Metalicus
does require careful washing to keep its good looks, but Metlicus devotees would
gladly put up with the effort!
Metalicus is available on line at metalicus.com, and in various retail
outlets in New Zealand, such as: Kimberleys, Vanilla Ink and Taylor.
There's also
a roaring trade in second-hand Metalicus on TradeMe.
Other brands have become available with similar properties to Metalicus, these
are Vigorella (at Harleys), and Messop (at Vanilla Ink).
13 April 2008
LOOKING STYLISH DURING PREGNANCY
During pregnancy the last thing you need to be thinking about is your wardrobe. Comfort is a priority,
but being comfortable doesn’t necessarily mean wearing oversized tops and
voluminous dresses. Assemble a comfortable and stylish capsule, containing
stretchy forming fitting pieces, layered in varying combinations, to see you
through the 9 months and beyond. If you choose carefully there’s no reason to
stop wearing your ‘maternity’ wardrobe after returning to pre-pregnancy size.
Child and Metalicus excel at clothing suitable for before, during, and
after pregnancy.
Our maternity capsule suggestion
At least 40 combinations are possible from this capsule, more if the wrap dress
is sleeveless.
- Long sleeve wrap cardigan
- Stretchy layering tops (preferably 2 long sleeve - 1 black 1 white, 2 short sleeve, and 2 tank)
- Stretchy wrap dress (sleeveless or long sleeve)
- Light-weight sleeveless dress suitable for layering
- Stretchy- waist knee- length skirt
- Stretchy- waist straight-leg yoga style pants or similar
- Leggings
- Vest
Accessories:
- Slouch belt
- Scarves
- Jewellery
- Knee length boots, or in summer, embellished slip-ons
Choose the above pieces in flattering, unpatterned, neutral colours (white,
black, grey, blue-grey, green-grey and warm brown), and in fine gauge fabric to
avoid adding bulk to your frame. Many of these items are included in our
What should
I buy? and Accessories pages.
Combination ideas
Layer short sleeves and over long, and tanks over short and long sleeves.
Put the short sleeves and
long sleeves under the dresses.
Layer dresses over leggings and pants.
Use
belts, scarves, and jewellery to add interest and texture to these neutrals, and
change a look from casual to dressy.
9 April 2008
DRESSING LIKE A FRENCH WOMAN
Firstly, why would you want to?
Who wouldn’t want to look chic and well put together every day? They even
get dressed up to put out the rubbish! Confident, elegant, glamorous,
chic, never too casual, they understand the importance of impeccable grooming
and dressing well no matter what the occasion.
How do they do it?
They have mastered the effortless look commonly called BCBG - bon chic, bon
genre - half style, half attitude. Confidence is an essential element to a
French woman's look - she is comfortable in her own style. A French
woman’s wardrobe is tiny, stocked with chic, high quality basics, scarves and
standout pieces of jewellery. They love to make a statement with
accessories.
French women keep their style simple and don’t follow fashion slavishly.
They have a few, high-quality pieces, all in neutrals, that they dress up or
down with accessories. They prefer figure skimming, closer fitting
clothing in preference to clinging or loose. A lot of time will be spent
deciding what to buy – with each potential item scrutinised for its cut, colour
and fabric – if it isn’t perfect it isn't purchased. They will
only buy what they love and feel beautiful in, with the certainty that it is
perfect for them and works with their existing wardrobe. Each item will be
worn ‘to death’ season after season by mixing and matching creatively, until
replaced with another, following the same simple rules – classic lines, gorgeous
fabric, and a perfect fit.
Clothing in black and white is classically vogue for French women, and they use
colour coordination with flair. They'll often choose a main neutral such
as a black skirt or dress, and then add two other nuetrals, such as a white
blouse and beige cardigan - not forgetting that essential beautiful scarf tied
at the neck. If wearing a man-style suit, they'll soften it up with a
silky shirt, a scarf or high heels.
French women also pay particular attention to the cut of their hair, and prefer
excellent skin care over camouflage. Expensive perfume is also a very
important part of their overall aesthetic.
What do they wear?
Essentially, feminine clothing, in a perfect fit. The essentials of a
French woman's wardrobe are listed below.
little black dress
black trousers
the perfect fit jeans
fitted white tee
white blouse
fitted cashmere cardigan/sweater
black fitted jacket to go over sweaters in winter and camisoles in summer
luxurious coat
pencil or a-line skirt
fitted black polo neck
camisoles
scarves (many of these, in a variety of colours and weights for different
seasons)
pearls
black handbag
black heels
knee high boots
What to avoid if you want to get it right
baggy clothing
street wear
sweatshirts and anything with hoods
sweatpants
clothing made from poor quality fabric
experimental fashion
any obvious fashion trends