How to wear stripes. S/S 2011

Stripes seem to be very in Vogue at the time being, whether you're a lover or a hater of this stripy takeover you will not be able to escape them this up and coming season - They. Are. Every where.

I  wont lie... I never used to be a fan. Rumours say they make anyone who doesn't look like a stick thin size zero model look wider than anyone could imagine. But having researched I found that this isn't true. NOW I LOVE STRIPES. However, they can and most probably will make you look wide if you wear them the wrong way - so that's where I am stepping in to help. We should all be able to experiment with fashion trends without having to be anorexic - so below are a few of the trendiest ways to be wearing the fashionably striped look this summer without looking like a whale. Enjoy! 

 

Colour blocking is a look we are all (or at least all should be) familiar with by now. There are ways to get it right and wrong - the important rule here is to remember that clashing your colours is a must! If you decide to opt for a stripy jumpsuit (striped jumpsuits have been seen all over the runways worldwide, and are exactlly what you want if your looking to update your wardrobe) then team it with a bright blazer - clashing waist handbag for an outfit worthy of a cover shoot for the likes of Vogue- And before you ask - yes, it's a bumbag... and yes, much to everybodies surprise it's also on trend.

 

Now who said your work clothes cant be fashionable? Stripes are so easy to fit into a proffessional look for a long day at the office. I personally think a baggy striped top looks great tucked into some tailored tan trousers... it makes a statment whilst being neutral. Finish off the look with striped accessories, but remember to vary the pattern a bit - by this I mean if you go for narrow width striped shoes, go for a wider width striped handbag & vice versa.  Rather than a messy top knot - yes I said it, tie your hair back in a slick pony tail to add a final look of fashionable professionalism to your ensemble.

 

This final look is a little more fun and daring! Now, unless your Kate Moss DO NOT, I repeat do not try and match the stripes exactlly - for example don't try to team black and white stripes with black and white stripes. Stripes on stripes is quirky, so why not play on this? Instead go for pink stripes on top and blue stripes on the bottom?! A bit of messing around with colour never hurt anyone! 

A little secret -  it works best to keep the brighter / louder shades for you smaller half. For example if your curvier on your bottom half than you are on your torso, then keep the brighter shades for your torso as it will help even your shape out!

REMEMBER TO SIGN UP TO THE NEWS LETTER FOR THE LATEST NEWS & INFO ON THE BLOG ALONG WITH THE LATEST BLOG POSTS!

GAGA... Give me your jacket.

I am neither a lover or a hater of the often talked about Lady Gaga. However, I am a big fan of her recently new song Judas. Its catchy, has a great beat to dance to, and is definitely a belter! Ive seen the music video for Judas only a couple of times, but something in it definitely caught my eye:

TAKE NOTE OF HER LEATHER BIKER INSPIRED JACKET.



So you saw the leather jacket? I like it. I want it... but its summer - so unless you plan to wear it with a bra and some dainty knickers over a pair of tights - like Lady Gaga, then it might be a little to hot to wear it.

 I mean yes, by all means go for it: 'biker' chic is always in fashion, and if you wear it with a head scarf like Lady Gaga does in Judas, then it will look very stylish indeed. However I for one, would like a more wearable version for the summer season...  think lighter fabric, sleeveless - still keeping hold of the studs and biker esq. inspiration.

Unfortunately I couldn't find anything I really liked on the Internet - so instead I urge you to do a bit of D.I.Y. get a denim jacket / leather jacket/ PVC jacket a pair of scissors and some studs.

• Chop the sleeves off - their too hot, last season, and boring - so away with the sleeves please.
• Next embellish the jacket to your hearts content- the technique I think looks best when finished is to embellish it from the collar outwards.

Ive had fun customizing jackets before - for an example look at my previous post: customized denimz.

I would also urge that you have a look around for your favourite styles - how long you want it, what fabric you want your jacket in, what embellishment you want to throw all over it... because the limits are endless and it is totally up to you how cool or chic your jacket ends up looking - with or without the Gaga style bra & panties. Anyway, you know what to do - so have fun!

REMEMBER TO SIGN UP TO THE NEWS LETTER ON THE RIGHT HAND SIDE OF THE BLOG. JUST SUBMIT YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS TO GET THE LATEST POSTS & BLOG INFO.

Who said Country & Western can't be glam?!

So many people seem to be interested in the Western style emerging this summer... but don't want to experiment with it as they think they'll look like John Wayne! Here is an idea of how to get the trend right for all you glamorous girlie's... now its your turn. Have fun!