Think like a man. Act like a lady. (image: Ava Pitt 2011)
The Rolled-Up Chino [chee-noh] noun
Best worn with brogues for every day (and some funky socks to keep your feet warm)
Stilettos or pointy flats for evening
For warmer days, a flat sandal works well
Autumn is looming in the Northern Hemisphere and further down South, we’re in the thick of it. I love it! Trousers, in all shapes and lengths, are the key piece for the season ahead. So, to get the best of both worlds we can adapt the Autumn/Winter ’11 trends to suit us all across the globe. Many of my friends and clients have asked me about which shoes to wear with this season’s ‘must-have’ item, so I have put together a series of illustrations for you to peruse over the next few weeks and I hope they will help you with any potential dilemmas.
Today’s feature is a personal favourite. I love that whole androgynous vibe, although I usually mellow it out with some feminine eye make-up. This is a very comfortable, yet stylish look. That’s a winner in my book! What do you think?
Don’t be scared by the new shapes, just enjoy experimenting… There are many more to come, so keep checking in for more style tips.
ADRESS have officially launched their personal styling service in Cape Town. We have a whole host of delightful packages for you to have a look at, and no, we won’t make you undress in front of a 360 degree mirror. Trinny and Susannah we ain’t!
So whether it is an entire style overhaul you want, seasonal wardrobe updates, how to get noticed at the office (in a good way!), hands-on tips for travel packing or finding your perfect wedding dress BEFORE you turn into Bridezilla, we can help. Our service is tailor-made to meet your requirements and we definitely do not have a “cookie-cutter” approach to your personal style. You will not end up as clones of us, which so often happens. Rather, together we will discover your very own personal style and vamp it up a few notches! And in case you need any reminding, their is no age limit to looking good.
Personal style can make or break that initial impression and we know the importance of maximising your very own billboard. Yes, that’s you! And being busy mothers ourselves we understand that keeping your wardrobe up-to-date and well-edited just makes our lives that much easier. One less thing to worry about…
All you have to worry about now is fending off all of those admiring glances!
As seen all over the news, Britain is being stormed by an army of hoodlums (not just kids – grown-ups too!), looting shops, burning down businesses and homes and all under the watchful eye of the media. I’m not going to delve into the depths of why these riots are taking place – of course there’s always someone else to blame, the government (although why they’re attacked all of the time bemuses me – where else in the world do people get paid NOT to work?!), the parents, those “bloody hedge-fund managers”, anyone in a suit for that matter, or the police. Apparently not the rioters themselves. It’s not their fault! The lack of sympathy I feel may be, in part, due to the fact that my father was born into an extremely deprived part of Birmingham (no silver spoon there). He worked his arse off for many, many years and founded a successful engineering company. He was his own role model. No excuses. No, “my teachers don’t empower me” (he left school at 13), no “my Dad doesn’t love me”, no dole money and certainly no credit. Just a “get on with it” attitude because there really was no other alternative. There were also repercussions if you behaved badly – you were punished. You really can only empower yourself and try your best. Hmmmm… Better I move on before I really start a rant. Going back to the original point of this post, because for those of you who were beginning to wonder, this is a style blog after all…
A new style icon? Urmmmm... FAIL!
The Ubiquitous Hoody.
It is no coincidence that this group’s favourite item of clothing is the “hoody”. This once innocent garment has now taken the place of the the IRA’s favourite, the Balaclava, for hiding thugs’ mugs. I have a feeling some people aren’t quite sure how to use it to full effect. If you’re going to loot a shop, surely you need to pull the drawstring tighter? Otherwise, we can see you! Or maybe I am totally missing the point. Maybe the hood really is just a style statement and not a matter of practicality.
Either way, my style tip for today is: “do not wear hoodies (in public)”. Or masks for that matter. Totally inadvisable given the situation. You might find yourself caught up in the thick of it. Also, if you’re going to try and cover your face, then clearly you already know what you are doing is wrong. Scarves are also being used in the most uncreative ways…
Why so shy? Don't hide behind your scarf. Or embarrassed that you just stole two really bad bottles of wine? (source: http://www.dailymail.co.uk)See. Her hoody does her no favours. (www.dailymail.co.uk)
In the Blink of an Eye.
Rightly or wrongly, first appearances count when forming our opinions of people. Kids wearing hoodies appear intimidating. Just as a woman with too much cleavage on show and blonde hair may warrant heavy eye-rolling and the assumption that she’s not the sharpest pencil in the box. Assumptions are made all the time. Of course we are told never to judge a book by its cover, but unfortunately it is how our brains are programmed to function. For now it may be wise to keep your hoody tucked safely away in your wardrobe until these riots have died down… Whoever says style doesn’t matter is wrong. First impressions are everything, and your clothing choices speak volumes, whether you like it or not.
The Hoody. Ended up being the symbol of badness in our times. Maybe it'll have a Renaissance like the Burberry check...
Alabaste Cashmere 