fashion this season

helloo sorry its been so long i've moved house and didn't have internet for aggggges! So a quick flick over fashion trends this autumn. For some reason tartan seems to be hot for the gals, god knows why i flamin h8 tartan usually. So if you plan on following this trend use it sparingly, maybe a tartan coat or a little tartan skirt ( see earlier post for advice on how to wear these) . Grey tartan tops look ok actually, especially if paired with a cute pair of black hotpants when going out or a pair of black jeans - try to keep it black in the legs if you wear a tartan top.
Another big fashion is drawn from the 80's - high waisted trousers/skirts and leather/leather look jackets + boots. Go for this look its surprisingly hot! Goth is also in but try to keep this classy so black lace, chiffon etc nothing too heavy if you want to keep it feminine.

Colours include reds, dark purples, dark greens, blacks, greys, browns, creams and strangely for autumn, turquoise. Embrace the colours and show them off boldly just be careful how you match them (ie) not purle with green or brown with black, or red with turquoise.

Girls have fun this autumn enjoy the quirky fashions!
Guys, the in colours remain very similar, scrap turquoise for dark blue, cream for white and I think your there. Polo-necked jumpers are IN as are long sleeved tops. Jeans and I hate to admit this but camo print comats are in. You too, go and enjoy the autumn fashions :)

x-x-mwah-x-x

Shopping Trips

Shopping trips are great fun and quite obviously the key to fashion success! Yes, you can order things online and if you are new to the fashion game this may be a good start. However, there's a certain warm fuzzy feeling you get from hitting the stores and that is what is known as retail therapy - it works! It's like getting presents...only you're choosing (and usually paying!) but hey it's worth it!

So you're off to choose a hot new outfit, but you don't want to be seen as a fashion mistake in a fashion shop so, what to wear?

• Go for jeans, and style you like.
  

• Girls, if you opt for boy-cut jeans pair it with a girly babydoll style top and dolly shoes. Skinny jeans look great with heals and t-shirts go really well here too. Boot cuts look great with just about anything especially cute strappy tops with shoes in a matching colour wear possible. If it's winter go for a knee length coat or a short jacket with your outfit. Cardigans and jumpers can look great if worn right. If you like jumpers choose a slim-fitted polo-necked jumper, an off the shoulder style or a long jumper/jumper dress. Skirts and dresses work great on a shopping trip as they can look quite chic, however you'll look best with heels if you go for this look and not everyone is comfortable walking round in heels, so I'll leave this to your discrection.
  

• Guys steer clear of skinnys they will rarely look good on you. Go for straight leg or slightly baggy - give's a more masculine look. Team your jeans with a simple t-shirt or polo-shirt or jumper if it's winter. Avoid slogans on your tops these don't really work for guys. As for shoes, a nice-looking casual trainer (see picture) will look best - save your smart shoes for work, and evenings or formal occasions.
  

Accesories

Heya again - ok so I aimed to write an entry every day but I'm a 19 year old what you expect?!

Right, as for today's entry a quick chat about how to accessorize your outfit. If you've opted for one solid colour from top to toe then break it up with a complementing colour using a belt - a thick one will help to seperate the outfit. Match your handbag and jewellery to the colour of the belt rather than the colour of your outfit. Shoes can be in either colour. If your hair is up, wear large stud-earrings rather than dangle or hooped ones. If your top has a high neck eg polo neck then go for a long necklace as this will emphasize the effect, however, if your top has a low neckline then team it with a mid-length pendant and for a mid neck-line a shorter pendant. If you're wearing a corset, basque or heart-shaped top/dress than a delicate choker will be best suited. Don't over-do it with the rings, a maximum of two fingers per hand should be wearing rings. Bracelets depend on both person and occasion, the more fomal the occasion, the simpler the bracelt should be. Not everyone likes wearing bracelets so style and quantity will really depend on your personality, this one I shall leave entirely in your hands.
Handbag size and style depends on the occasion too. The more formal the occasion, the smaller the bag, at a formal occasion all you should need is your lip-gloss to top up, your phone, keys, cash and bank card incase you run out! Oh, and if you're like me, take your driving lisence with you because I'm forever getting I.D'd.

Hair accessories and shoes come under a different category so I'l go through them next time.

I'm done then, so off you go, shop for accessories :)

x-x-mwah-x-x

what to wear to work if you're a guy

Yesterday, I talked about what to wear to work if you're a girl, well as I said in the beginning this blog is for both genders!

Again this one should be short and sweet - if you work in a shop wear black jeans - they're smart and casual all in one, wear smart black trainers with them preferably made from faux (real if you must) suade. Wear a long-sleeved top (you can always roll the sleeves up!) and make sure its nothing too fancy - the more plain the pattern the better.

If you have uniform, wear boots - steel toe's if in manual work, smart if not. Again, go for long sleeved shirts where offered since they look smarter on guys - as I've already said you can roll the sleeves up if its hot.

Office wear should be dark grey, black or really dark navy avoid brown. Smart trousers with a plain shirt colour/ shade choice is up to you. Match this with a plain or striped tie as long as the colour doesn't clash with your shirt you'll be fine.

If you have to wear brown match with brown shoes, if not avoid brown altogether and go for black shoes/ smart boots (see picture for example).
There ya go, I said it would be short!

x-x-mwah-x-x

what to wear to work (if you're a gal)

Hi, sorry I'm late with the post, had a mad one yesterday! Anyway, this should be a relatively simple one.

If you don't have a uniform, wear something conservative but flattering. You don't want to reveal too much at work - it's not the place! BUT at the same time you're not exactly going to want to look frumpy are you?!
So, if you work in a shop or another setting where you're likely to be on your feet all day opt for a pair of smart canvas or suit trousers in black, grey or navy blue - preferably a boot cut leg as the slight flare will add a hint of class. Never wear skirts! You'll need to wear flat shoes if you'll be on your feet and well skirts and flats don't go unless its a mini which is far too short for work! As for style of flats I suggest a pair of dollies as they look cute and fashionable whilst being suitable for work ;)
If you work in an office or get to sit down a lot then go for a skirt again, black, grey or navy- it's smart - bright and pastel colours may look great but if you want to be taken seriously then really don't do it - you'll be classed as a bimbo. I know it's unfair but it's the unfortunate truth. Skirt length should be to the knee or just above/below. No higher else you'll give the impression of being "easy" I know it's not right but again the sad fact is it's true. If you go too far past the knee you'll come across as frumpy. With your skirt - make sure you wear a cute pair of court shoes as these will not only look great with the skirt but also have an executive edge about them showing you are serious about the job.
As for the top, the same goes no matter the setting - a smart but sexy blouse, either nice and tight or skimming over to show the shape of your breasts and floating out after. If you can find a gorgeous silk top then go for that, if not try to stick to satin or chiffon as they're the most flattering materials. If, however, on that rare occasion you see a cotton top that really looks great, then go ahead and get it by all means!

If you have to wear uniform, then go for short sleeved tops as you can always wear a jumper/cardigan/jacket if it's cold and short sleeves will look the best - especially if you modify them by putting a quick stitch in to make it flatter your figure! Again, depending on whether you're on your feet alot or not depends on wheteher you should go for trousers or skirts.

If you're told to wear brown then match the outfit with a pair of dark brown shoes, failing that I advise stick to black for your shoes unless of course it is otherwise specified in which case follow protocol you don't want to get the sack for not following company policy!

Finally, if you're in a manual trade, to keep your femininity, wear a top that'll show off your mid-riff with whatever else your supposed to wear as it'll say "I'm a girl, I look like a girl and I'm doing a man's job - very well indeed thank you!"

Have fun!

x-x-mwah-x-x

club makeup

Hi again! Right, as I said yesterday I'm going to talk about make up today. You're off too the club, you're dressed to kill, and your hair is done, all you need to do now is that stunning make-up - but what look will stand out and what will look over the top?
First thing's first - if you have and spots or blemishes get rid of them using a concealer - I suggest Superdrug's tea-tree one or Boot's witch-hazel one - they'll work to improve your complexion whilst covering it up! Dab onto offending area and rub in to blend - simple.

Use your tweezers to neaten up your eyebrows but don't use your pencil - not yet!

Next is the foundation - you don't want to look orange or even have foundation line's round your face. So apply evenly a thin layer will do to be honest after all it's only to even up and slightly darken your complexion. My favourite foundation is Boot's No 7 intelligent colour in the tube not the mousse pot. I opt for dark but test against your skin! I don't limit myself to this mind - I also own a Revlon compact foundation but I never use more than one! To avoid foundation lines blend over your chin and jawbones going right down your neck as this will make the colour seem all the more natural to your skin tone. The key is never go more than two shades darker than your skin! Boot's make it easy they have light, medium and dark with their intelligent colour so depending on how fair/dark your skin is depends on the colour you should use.

After foundation is done I get out a blusher - something subtle - my favourite is a pinkish brown since I'm neither pale nor deeply tanned. If you're pale opt for a light pink, and If you've a dark skin tone go for a peachy colour. Give a nice smile as this will help you find what is known as the apple of your cheeks - (the roundish bit) brush over this and out towards the side of your face in sweeping strokes.

Next I always do my eyes. When clubbing I like to do bold eyes and more subtle lips, however if you're fond of bright lip colours go for a light brown or gold eyeshadow - nothing too heavy.
They say never match your eye-colour to your outfit - I say sod that! I agree - too much of one colour is just too mcuh full stop, however, if you're in mainly colour (A) and your accessories are colour (B) then do your eyes to colour (B). Whatever colour is in your outfit but is least noticeable that's the colour you should do your eyes. Use a darker shade of the colour to line your eyes - I use a lip pencil dipped in Vasiline (petrolium jelly) to stop the colour from smudging. I then use a thin brush to fill in the lids with the normal colour. I hate using proper eye-shadow pad things (the type that come with some eyeshadows) because they don't give such an even blend as the normal brushes.
I opt for Mabellyine define-a-lash mascara (see picture) to complete my look. Always use a balck not brown mascara as the black emphasizes the white of your eye, where as brown mascaras make yuor eyes look yellowish and tired. Use the upwards curve of this mascara to do your upper lashes and the inwards curve to do the lower.

Now I get out my brow pencil (I use a Revlon dark brown here but the make is reall up to you)
Choose the colour closest to your hair colour ok? Right, brush your eyebrows into shape, and then start on the brow and sweep outwards- in one move if you can, and go for what ever shape you think will suit you. I like a simple thin curve.

Finally, do your lips, use L'Oreal made for me natural as a base colour and a pale pink, peach or gold tinted lipgloss on top. Use a lip-liner to match your lipstick colour. If you opted for simple eyes then go all out on your lip colour. A bright red or pink or purple. Something that will stand out and say look at me I'm stunning - but don't let the colour clash with the colours in your outfit - that don't put red with pink or brown with black rule yeh?

Paint your nails (both finger and toe nails) either french manicure or a colour to match your lips/eyes. Your fingers don't have to match your toes - one can be french one can be colour, both french or both colour but don't have one in one colour and one in another.

Ok, I think your set. Go to it and hav fun!

x-x-mwah-x-x

Club hair

Ok first up I've just been watching Gok's Fashion Fix and I have to say I'm proud to see that it was a fellow brummy lass who won ;-) However, that country girl outfit could have looked fab with a beautiful pair of dark brown boots...but black boots - brown outfit - Gok, I know you like contraversial but WHAT WERE YOU THINKING??? Usually, I'm a huge Gok fan - the man can do no wrong but nuh uh not this time brown and black do not go. It's like putting red with pink - you just don't do it!

Sorry, rant over. Back to my club theme. You've got your look, your man looks suitably dressed to accompany you what next? You need to get your hair and make up just right, if this is wrong all the effort you put into your outfit will not matter! Get your hair right; it makes all the difference. If you're prone to limp, fine, or greasy hair opt for curls or the "messy" look. It will create volume, the product needed will disguise any greasyness and your hair will look super. For curls, invest in a decent pair of curling tongs, I've never got on with rollers, though I know people who they work perfectly well for. You can achieve curls using GHD straightners, but if you're planning on uing these make sure you get assistance, I've found it to be quite difficult on your own. I regularly go for the messy look when I'm not in the mood. It's quick, simple and looks great. I'm lucky because my hair is naturally curly so I only need to give it a little encouragement my scrunching it up using a little hair gel rubbed betwwen my palms. If you have limp hair this may be difficult so invest in a a hair diffuser and some hair mousse as well as hair gel. Soak your hair in hair mousse before using the diffuser to mess it up and a little hair gel between your palms when scrunching your hair to complete the look. A thin hairband will keep your hair looking nice through-out the night. An alternative to this version of the messy look is to back brush your hair and spray it with hair-spray, continuing to back brush, eventually brushing you hair forwards again using ur fingers though, not your hair brush!

If your lucky to have thick hair then straightening it is always a great look. Use GHDs to perfect it, however most straightners will do the job well enough, they'll just take longer to get it perfectly straight. Always use a "claw" hair clip (see picture) as this will help straighten the hair in layers and so help avoid getting kinks in your beautiful hair.

If you have short hair, spike it Rihanna style or Hallie Berry chic. Work your look, don't let your look work you.

Right, tomorrow I'll talk about make- up since it needs a section all of its own.

x-x-mwah-x-x

Clubwear for guys

Hello! Following on from yesterday what should guys where to the club? After all, why should it just be the girls dressing up? Jeans. That's the key. They can be black, dark blue, light blue, grey or stone it really doesn't matter but they must be jeans. Not smart trousers, not combats not cords and not shorts or 3/4 length. Don't even go towards trackies. NO NO NO NO NO. Jeans are the answer. Straight leg or slightly baggy, only emo girls are interested in skinny jeans on guys. Personally, I dread to think the damage you'll be doing to your reproductive organs and they just don't look good. I'm sorry but they don't.

Anyway moving on....the top. No t-shirts, unless its plain or smart, long-sleeved ones can help smarten a look up but again a simple pattern, maybe a cris-cross to one side or some writing? Plain is always an option no matter what you choose. If its cool out, take a jumper, v-necks look best for clubs but as long as it's a plain jumper style isn't too much of an issue, polo neck, v-neck or round neck, just don't turn up in a fleece or sports jumper. Polo shirts look great with jeans and are perfect as they look good no matter your age and since your never too old to club, a look that never goes out of style is a ideal. Alternatively, a casual shirt - long or short sleeved will look fab with the jeans. Again, a simple pattern or no pattern at all is best; nothing too fancy unless you're going for the camp look.

Remember, black is slimming, white emphases your skin tone and colours tend to show off personality, if you want to show confidence go for bold colours, but never bright pink it just doesn't work. Pastel pink says comfortable with sexuality, bright pink states over the top. Pastel colurs look great and show a gentleman. Black, white and grey will show a sense of style so go for this if your not sure about colour, or ask a girls opinion we tend to know our stuff ;)
Make sure you go for smart shoes/ boots not trainers. Trainers look great for the day but not for a night out, they would look awful in a club. What shoes to wear then? I say go for a fawn or black pair in a trendy but smart style, i.e. not those rounded bulky things with the holes in the top. If you've opted for dark colours (unless its dark brown) go for a black pair of shoes. If you're wearing light shades then a tan/fawn shoe is best. Right, if you have chosen dark brown in your outfit, then go for dark brown shoes, I know this means venturing away from the multi-use two shades but if brown suits you then go for it.

If you opt to wear jewellery then nothing too fancy. A simple neck and/or bracelet chain, white not yellow gold. You can opt for a wooden one but only a necklace and not if you're wearing black as it's that brown/black clash again. Rings are ok but limit it to two ando nce again in a silver or grey colour not yellow gold. If you're a married man then obviously a third ring will be allowed! Also, one leather friendship bracelet will look fine.

Finally, jackets. You won't always need a jacket. Being a guy you can probably get away with just a jumper though cloak-rooms aren't much so it may well be worth taking a light jacket. Virtually any jacket will pass, remember the rules for colour and remember to keep it plain - not patterned ok? Once again no tracksuit jackets - they look awful. No shell suit material at all. And definatly advoid those jackets that look like they've got eyes - u know they look like aliens or gas masks or something. They're a big no no. Ok well I think you're all set so I'll leave it there and see you tomorrow.

x-x-mwah-x-x

Rules on club wear

Ok, so most girls know the rule of thighs or boobs right? NEVER display both. If you do, well you'll ba categorized as a certain type of girl and that title will be a toughie to lose. So which to choose? wel the best place to start is to look in the mirror? No boobs but fabulously toned thighs? Easy, opt for a cowl-neck top since it'll disguise a flat chest and get out those gorgeous legs in a short skirt either tight or pleated or go for those sexy hotpants. Ok, so what if your legs aren't up to much? If you've got a nice pair up there then go for a v-neck to show em off, if theyr'e not too big but better then your legs go for hatler neck that'll push them together a little to produce a stunning cleavage. Couple this with a pair of bootlegs if you carry a little extra weight or straight legged trousers/jeans if you have a semi-decent pair that you're just a little self-conscious of revealing. Not all of us are lucky enough to have one or the other, some of us have both. If you look in the mirror and see a girl with little cleavage and less than appealing legs DO NOT PANIC and DO NOT SHY AWAY! No no sweetheart in this situation bring back out the cowl neck tops, and opt for a knee-length or past the knee skirt. Choose a cute style in a stunning fabric and match with a gorgeous pair of knee high boots - stiletto heeled of course. I own these 2 gorgeous skirts - they come half way down the calf and are made from a material similar to a very thin suade. The skirts rest on the hip and follow the curves before swishing out half way down the thigh. WOW. It's the same skirt in reality but I was so in love with it I bought it in both brown and blue. http://www.wallis-fashion.com
Of course sometimes you can have both legs and boobs. I tried this trick last time I went clubbing and I really managed to pull it off! I went for a little denim skirt to show off my thighs but paired it with a polo cowl neck top. This shows you have the boobs without getting them out - the classy way of saying "look at me". I don't have amazing legs but with the help of a a lovely pair of heels and a tan (bronze - NEVER do orange tan... unless you want to look like a wag or a page 3 girl) I felt confident enough to go for it. As you can see from the picture, I rolled up the bottom of my top to reveal tanned abs, the main reason being the club was waaay too hot, yet when I saw the photos I realised that it actually helped balance out the amount of flesh on show due to the skirt.


For the record, you can show your legs and boobs off as long as your thighs are covered, so if you decide to opt for knee-lenth shorts or a modest skirt then go BRIGHT with the top. Pick out a bright colour, lime green or turquoise, lemon or hot pink. It will show confidence all round, be daring.
Don't forget to accesorize, a light jacket because it may be warm at 8pm but i bet it'll be a lot cooler come 3am. What-ever you do, do NOT wear a tracksuit jacket - it looks tacky and you'll look common. Go for a cute pendant with a plunging neckline or a long necklace with a higher neck line. If you take a bag go small - oversized is for the day not evening...I tend to opt for my boyfriend's pockets but it depends what you want to take and if its girls only then you'll sooo need a bag for cash, ID, make up, mobile etc.

Just a quick note to those of you who like tartan skirts. They look cute. BUT. Only if you wear them right. No tights with this style of skirt, well unless they're natural tights with what is known as a sandle toe - that is toes (not the whole foot just toes) are revealed. Black tights are a definate NO as are brown or grey. Net tights, maybe, but be careful and don't go over the top. The tartan is pattern enough. With this type of skirt, heels are a must! They also must show toes - painted in red if its red tartan if not go for french pedicure or a gold shimmer. Ok so what ort of top? This is where the rules alter slightly. Tartan skirts look girlish, not girlie which is great, but they'll make you look young/immature unless you get this right. Opt for halterneck or a sleeved top in white , black or grey. NO colour. There's colour in your skirt unless you've chosen grey tartan in which case its a white or pink top. NO exceptions on this one. Right, the neckline. V-neck, scoop or heart shape. Bring it close to your cleavage - enough to show you're all woman not a child but also hiding enough to leave it to the imagination of others. Trust me on this one, you want to show a little but not a lot. Absolutly, no t-shirts or sky-high necklines, even if they are the appropiate shape. Nuh uh. Not at all.

Ok, well I'll see you tomorrow. Hope I've defined the rule a little better.

x-x-mwah-x-x

a quick hello

Hi. my name's Ally, I'm only nineteen but I've spent the last 3 years addicted to fashion. My world revolves around what's hot, what works and what suits the various body shapes. I am obsessed by the rules, and I get genuinely upset when I see girls (and guys) devaste what could be a good look. I don't just follow the trends of feminine fashion, I also spend a good deal of time with men's fashion - my boyfriend is the typical man who knows nothing about what looks good and I make it my mission to educate him and other fellas like him to realise that girls like their men groomed - not to the extent where they appear gay or a pretty boy... but just not so they show us up when we go to such effort to look good. And yes. I am fully aware that girls dress up to show off to each other - it's like light hearted competition - I mean how many guys do you know (that aren't gay or seriously camp or soo into themselves it's untrue) that would actually notice that brand new pair of shoes you're wearing have just been launched or that you got your inspiration for your latest look from rihanna's latest video? No, us girls dress for us and to show each other that we know what to do when it comes to shopping.
Ok, so what exactly am I going to write about on here?

• Well I intend to advise how to get your look with out breaking your bank - I'm a student so there's no chance I can afford Gucci this and Versace that all the time!

• I intend to tell you what suits the body types and actually define these types properly not like the fashion magazines with their vague definitions.

• I'm going to outline and fill in the details of the rules of fashion, what to wear to various occasions and the general fashion ettiquette of what goes with what and how to wear various items properly.
  
• I will go over make up - how to apply it without looking cheap, how to get a particular look from your make up and what brands work as they should.
  
• I will go over the rules for shoes, I own well over 80 pairs and this is sooooo not enough and yes sacrificing comfort for pretty is often a must in order to make it in this fashion world.
• Finally, I'm going to teach you girls how to dress your man properly without getting him kicking back and rebelling insisting that he will wear his army style boots if he wants! No, you must win on this point, often a key fashion accessory to any party is a good-looking, smart guy on your arm - contary to centurys gone by when us girls were the accessory. If I get guys on here then first, well done :) second I'll guide you as to what looks good in a girl's point of view rather than your own ;)

Got to go cook my guy's dinner now but I'll see you tomorrow!
xx mwah xx