Valextra: Bag Obsession

The beauty of Valextra bag is it's simplicity and luxury without shouting out loud 'hey I am Valextra', unlike others. This Milan based brand speaks of style and sophistication. It is not for the woman who seeks attention, but for the one who delights in the satisfaction of quiet opulence without the need for loud logos or monograms. Valextra bags brilliantly exude sophistication with simple structure and clean lines - minimalism at its finest.

Who loves it - Katie Valextra Obsession

When it comes to obsession, Katie Holmes sort of tops our list. First she had an obsession with Chanel everything then it was her Chloe Paraty Python Bag, further she could not be spotted without her Roger Vivier Mikado Flat Bag.

And now Katie Holmes has got a new obsession - her white Valextra's Slim Shopping Tote Bag. Its sleek and stylish basic shape makes it a great handbag that can be carried with just about any style.
.

.

.

Katie Holmes carrying her favourite Valextra Bag

.
And its not just Katie Holmes who loves Valextra's bags. Jennifer Aniston and Angelina Jolie have the Valextra Babilo Top Handle Bag, while both the Beckhams have Valextra Travel Bag in white (Posh) and black (David).
.

Jennifer Aniston in Valextra Babila Bag and Angelina Jolie

.

Victoria and David Beckham carrying Valextra Travel Bag

.

Valextra has been popular with celebrities since 1937. The great thing about the bag is that with its minimilistic chic you will be able to use it everywhere for years to come.

If you love clean, structured and chic bags like Valextra, you must check out Matt and Nat luxury vegan bags. They're a better buy, considering they're ethical and cruelty-free while being stylish and smart at the same time. And yes, even they are celebrity fav.
.

Related Posts:

CRUELTY FREE FASHION
Sandra Bullock - The Proposal Wardrobe
Sex and the City 2 - Trend Watch
Celebrities and their Watches
.

Valextra: Bag Obsession

The beauty of Valextra bag is it's simplicity and luxury without shouting out loud 'hey I am Valextra', unlike others. This Milan based brand speaks of style and sophistication. It is not for the woman who seeks attention, but for the one who delights in the satisfaction of quiet opulence without the need for loud logos or monograms. Valextra bags brilliantly exude sophistication with simple structure and clean lines - minimalism at its finest.

Who loves it - Katie Valextra Obsession

When it comes to obsession, Katie Holmes sort of tops our list. First she had an obsession with Chanel everything then it was her Chloe Paraty Python Bag, further she could not be spotted without her Roger Vivier Mikado Flat Bag.

And now Katie Holmes has got a new obsession - her white Valextra's Slim Shopping Tote Bag. Its sleek and stylish basic shape makes it a great handbag that can be carried with just about any style.
.

.

.

Katie Holmes carrying her favourite Valextra Bag

.
And its not just Katie Holmes who loves Valextra's bags. Jennifer Aniston and Angelina Jolie have the Valextra Babilo Top Handle Bag, while both the Beckhams have Valextra Travel Bag in white (Posh) and black (David).
.

Jennifer Aniston in Valextra Babila Bag and Angelina Jolie

.

Victoria and David Beckham carrying Valextra Travel Bag

.

Valextra has been popular with celebrities since 1937. The great thing about the bag is that with its minimilistic chic you will be able to use it everywhere for years to come.

If you love clean, structured and chic bags like Valextra, you must check out Matt and Nat luxury vegan bags. They're a better buy, considering they're ethical and cruelty-free while being stylish and smart at the same time. And yes, even they are celebrity fav.
.

Related Posts:

CRUELTY FREE FASHION
Sandra Bullock - The Proposal Wardrobe
Sex and the City 2 - Trend Watch
Celebrities and their Watches
.

RED ALERT

This season's biggest beauty trend - Sexy RED LIPS. Celebrities to runways to the style divas, Red Lipstick is a must have for everyone, and we are already seeing it. From the vivid sports-coupe crimson worn at YSL to the juicy tomato shade that showed up at Ruffian by M.A.C, the fall ’09 runways were overrun with glamorous vermilion mouths. L’Oréal is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year and red lipstick happens to be staging a major comeback even by them.
.

Well now we might thing, when was red not in fashion? No wonder red lips have a place in every season but this season you can wear it anytime and anyplace.

Any woman can pull off red lipsticks as long as she wears the right shade of red. Berries, crimson, corals or classic red - there is a perfect shade for every single one of us; its just a matter of some research and right selection.

How to find the perfect red for your lips?
- Lip Size: For thinner lips the lighter shades of red flatter your complexion, while opt for darker shades of red if you have fuller lips.
- Skin Tone: The darker your skin tone, the darker shade of red you should choose. So paler skin pink tones of red, berry reds and plum tones would look best and those with darker skin tones, such as olive, orangey reds, brown based reds and golden reds would complient well.

Does your red lipstcik suit you?
You can tell immediately if a lipstick suits you because it lights up your eyes, your hair, your skin.

How to wear red lipstick?
To keep the focus on your red lips keep your make-up mininal. The naural and subtle your make-up, the better it compliments the red lipstick. You can even out your skin with a base or luminiser to get it looking even but natural and apply mascara, very little liner or eyeshadow. Natural blush on the apples of the cheeks would finish your red-lips look.

At Cannes Angelina Jolie sported the most provocative inflated red pout imaginable, offset by minimal eye make up and a nude-coloured dress.

.

Angelina Jolie at 'Inglourious Basterds' premiere during the 62nd International Cannes Film Festival

.
Related Posts:
Choosing your Lipstick
Is your lipstick safe? - LEAD IN LIPSTICK
.

RED ALERT

This season's biggest beauty trend - Sexy RED LIPS. Celebrities to runways to the style divas, Red Lipstick is a must have for everyone, and we are already seeing it. From the vivid sports-coupe crimson worn at YSL to the juicy tomato shade that showed up at Ruffian by M.A.C, the fall ’09 runways were overrun with glamorous vermilion mouths. L’Oréal is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year and red lipstick happens to be staging a major comeback even by them.
.

Well now we might thing, when was red not in fashion? No wonder red lips have a place in every season but this season you can wear it anytime and anyplace.

Any woman can pull off red lipsticks as long as she wears the right shade of red. Berries, crimson, corals or classic red - there is a perfect shade for every single one of us; its just a matter of some research and right selection.

How to find the perfect red for your lips?
- Lip Size: For thinner lips the lighter shades of red flatter your complexion, while opt for darker shades of red if you have fuller lips.
- Skin Tone: The darker your skin tone, the darker shade of red you should choose. So paler skin pink tones of red, berry reds and plum tones would look best and those with darker skin tones, such as olive, orangey reds, brown based reds and golden reds would complient well.

Does your red lipstcik suit you?
You can tell immediately if a lipstick suits you because it lights up your eyes, your hair, your skin.

How to wear red lipstick?
To keep the focus on your red lips keep your make-up mininal. The naural and subtle your make-up, the better it compliments the red lipstick. You can even out your skin with a base or luminiser to get it looking even but natural and apply mascara, very little liner or eyeshadow. Natural blush on the apples of the cheeks would finish your red-lips look.

At Cannes Angelina Jolie sported the most provocative inflated red pout imaginable, offset by minimal eye make up and a nude-coloured dress.

.

Angelina Jolie at 'Inglourious Basterds' premiere during the 62nd International Cannes Film Festival

.
Related Posts:
Choosing your Lipstick
Is your lipstick safe? - LEAD IN LIPSTICK
.

Stylish and Smart Dressing for the Office

The work place is where you spend the vast majority of your time, where you are most likely to encounter people who you want to make an impression on; whether it be bosses or clients. It is quite clear that the goal to getting dressed for work is to project a professional, competent image regardless of what level of management you are at. Thus, the styles, colors, lengths and fit of your dress will speak volumes about your personality and how serious you are about your job.

In fact, today, what you wear at work and your presentation is very important. But that is not to say that your Corporate Attire has to be boring, or you can't follow fasion or look stylish in your office attire. You can show your personal sense of style without sacrificing your professional image by choosing your threads wisely.

Dressing up for the office actually opens up whole new vistas of style, dress, and fashion opportunities with just a little thought and effort. You can also look sexy in a subtle way. So smarten up your office wardrobe and you’re bound to get noticed more quickly. Especially Let us see how........

.
Building basics
Firstly, build a basic office wardrobe. Let us call it the 'office staples'. With your staples you can mix and match to create multiple looks.

- Well-fitted White Shirt(s)
- Well-fitted Black (Brown, Charcoal, navy) trousers
- Dark (black, brown, charcoal, navy) pant-suit
- Dark (black, brown, charcoal, navy) skirt-suit
- Fitted Shirts in subtle colours, stripes, checks or subtle dots.
- Cardigan
- Waistcoat
- Closed-toe low-heeled pumps
- Structured handbag

Remember, don't compromise quality for quantity. You are under constant scrutiny from your co-workers, your subordinates and your seniors, and you don't want to tarnish your image.

.
Smart Dressing

With your basic wardrobe, add some fashion elements and trendy twists to give your office attire an edge. Mix-and-match your tops and bottoms and accessorize with jewelry, scarves and shoes. .

.
Colours: Colors play a big role in creating a professional image of a person. Traditional career colors include white, navy, gray, black and blue and these colors go well with formal pants and skirts. However, you can even choose feminine colors like light blue, light purple, soft pink and ivory. Bright and loud colors like hot pink are much riskier in the office and should be avoided. But if you are creative and bold you can try them. However, avoid any kinds of prints and patterns – only monochromatic tints will be fine.

Layering: Layering clothes allows you to mix and match a wider variety of different styles, and adds more dimension to your outfit. Sweaters, vest or jacket over formal shirts and blouses creates multiple looks using same piece of garment. It's easy to layer as the weather gets cooler but layering works even during the hot or humid weather by choosing cottons. Put thought into your combinations. Mix and match trendy scarves, casual or formal outerwear, cardigans, waistcoats and sweaters to achieve a fashion-forward look.

Layering will especially be useful when it's 40 degrees outside and your office is 20 degrees. You need to be prepared.
.
Jacket: It's the workwear essential. Every woman should have a black suit in her closet. A sharply tailored jacket gives a power punch to any outfit. It is apropriate for job interviews, client meetings and corporate functions. This piece of clothing can be worn off-the office also. In fact, a smart suit goes straight from boardroom to bar/party - just add or delete a pretty feminine blouse and mix it with right accessories.

Vivienne Westwood Red Label (Black Jacket) - $835

McQ, Cropped Wool Jacket - $750

Vivienne Westwood Anglomania, Petite Jacket - $1,070

French Connection, My Lady Jacket - £100

All Saints, Nemi Tessimax Jacket - now £52

Topshop, One Button Jacket - £45

Mango, Suit Jacket (ref. 81100179) - £60

.

MANGO, amongst the high-street brands, has one of the best collections of jackets and pant/skirt suits.

.

Check the latest Hollywood trend, tuxedo/suit at the red carpet.

.

Angelina Jolie at Benjamin Button Berlin Premiere

.

Anne Hathaway at Bride Wars Premiere

Anne Hathaway kept things chic and minimal, at Bride Wars US Premiere, in a tailored tux jacket and skinny trousers, accessorised with blinging diamond earrings, a sky-high pair of Louboutins and a diva-tastic up-do. Her look can easily take transition from the office to the bar and exudes that perfect mix of sexiness and sophistication.
.
Shift Dress: A shift dress is a very intelligent piece of clothing in your wardrobe. With a formal jacket or a collared shirt inside you can wear it to the office and just the dress with quirky accessory and dressy sandals can be worn for the party straight from the office.

Learn more on layering and shift dress

Smart Dressing - different looks with same wardrobe

.

Accessorizing: Get creative and use accessories to revamp your old office wardrobe.

The easiest and smartest way to look stylish and break the monotonous everyday look is to accessorize. Dress up your office clothing with carefully selected accessories and jewellery and make an impression that's both professional and stylish. A smart belt, stylish bag and minimal jewellery can take any outfit from boring to beautiful.

Use these accessories to brighten up your look and make a chic statement:

- Scarf: most important piece of accessory that can instantly pep-up your look. They add color and style to any outfit and can change the look of an ensemble almost immediately! They look feminine, sophisticated and trendy all at once. Add a splash of colour using a scarf to your simple black and white ensemble.

Learn more on scarves

SCARVES - fashion item to pep you up INSTANTLY!!!

- Brooch: A brooch will give a splash of elegance to your office attire or an otherwise ordinary drab and forgettable outfit. For the corporate woman, the choice of brooch should be more sleek and elegant. Perhaps something made out of a precious metal with several semi-precious or precious stones. It can be worn on the lapel of your suit or as something to tie a bow together. It can also be used to tie a scarf. Did you see how Michelle Obama is making fashion statement with Brooches? The central focus of her look is often a bold, jeweled brooch. If you don't want to buy a precious piece, check out Aldo Accessories, they have some good brooches.

- Jewellery: Earrings, bracelets and bangles. Wear simple and elegant earrings at office. Too loud, colourful, funky or street style maybe your choice, but they are a no-no for the office. They should not be too long or too ornate. Hoops and studs are great as office wear as these do not look flashy and still make a style statement. Remember this rule for your office jewellery, less is more.

- Necklaces: a pear or beads string is the best necklace pick for the office. Don't wear anything too extravagant or loud as the office wear has to be smart but subtle, unless your profession demands something 'loud'.
(I have taken it out from jewellery because a necklace can make or break your office outfit, and hence needs different categorisation)

- Bag: Carry a smart bag. A medium-sized tote is always sleek and businesslike. Don't buy anything too small, as your stuff will not fit, or too oversized, as it will look messy. Pick proper structured and formal handbags as slouchy bags give a shabby and a sloppy look.

- Belt

Shoes: Put your best foot forward. Everyone knows that a pair of shoes can either complement your look or kill it. So invest in good quality shoes and keep them buffed and shined. Athletic shoes, tennis shoes, thongs, flip-flops, slippers, very high party heels, and any casual shoe with an open toe are not acceptable in the office.

A smart tip - if you routinely run down your heels or scuff the toes by pounding the pavement, it may be a good idea to wear a pair of inexpensive shoes (a flip-flop or sneakers) during your commute to and from work and change into your formal shoes at the office.

.
THE CLASSIC WHITE SHIRT - accessorised
.

.
The best item of your office wardrobe, Classic White Shirt, worn smartly can make you look professional, smart and chic.

The white shirt looks great tucked in. Wear it with trousers (any colour) or with a pencil skirt.
Accessorize it with a nice necklace, smart belt and shoes. You can layer it with a cardigan, a formal vest or waistcoat.
.
Meryl Streep (below) is looking every bit elegant in her White shirt paired with a jacket and worn with great accessories - the necklace and red belt.

You can get Anne Hathway's look by layering your white shirt with a black knitted round neck top or a sweater. Wear a long pearl string, do your hair in a high pony and you are ready to take over the world.
.

Meryl Streep (left) and Anne Hathaway (right) from a still of Devil Wears Prada

.

Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway

.
Makeup for office: Go easy on the makeup, of course unless your work demands otherwise (like the aviation and hospitality industry). If you want to be taken seriously at work, accentuating your natural beauty is the best way to go. It should be noticeable but not distracting. Glitter, loud colours are an absolute no-no. Emphasize skin care, and opt for a cleaner, subtle and polished look.


Tips to Remember

1. Fit is everything when you want to look perfect.
- Pants should be fitted, but free of visible panty lines. You can get good quality no visible panty lines (no VPL) knickers from Marks and Spencer or La Senza.
- Skirts, especially straight styles like pencil skirts, should be loose enough to sit down in comfortably.
- Jackets should be able to be buttoned.
- Blouses shouldn’t expose too much of your body.

2. Office is not the place to show too much. You don't want to tarnish your image to just get a few stares. Save your revealing clothing for a night out on the town.

3. Invest in good quality accessories don't buy cheap looking stuff.

4. Don't choose Jewellery that is too bright as anything that attracts too much is distracting.

5. Keep the colors simple, just mixing one or two together. Break up blacks and grays with a splash of color. Try a coloured scarf, beaded necklace or sweater set.

6. Avoid printed shirts in the office.

7. Ensure the proper ironing of your clothes and avoid wearing wrinkled clothes as they present a highly casual and an unprofessional look.

8. Other important consideration should be given to your personal hygiene including clean manicured nails, clean polished shoes, styled and neat hair, subtle perfume and deodrant and applying a light and subtle make-up.

Make sure that everything creates the right look down to the smallest detail. Dressing for the office is all about striking a balance between looking good and stylish and looking competent, organized and ready for business.

Most importantly feel confident, as carrying yourself with a right attitude is what contributes to making the right impression.

.
Related Posts:
SCARVES - fashion item to pep you up INSTANTLY!!!
Wardrobe Must Haves - all time classics
Smart Dressing - different looks with same wardrobe

.

Stylish and Smart Dressing for the Office

The work place is where you spend the vast majority of your time, where you are most likely to encounter people who you want to make an impression on; whether it be bosses or clients. It is quite clear that the goal to getting dressed for work is to project a professional, competent image regardless of what level of management you are at. Thus, the styles, colors, lengths and fit of your dress will speak volumes about your personality and how serious you are about your job.

In fact, today, what you wear at work and your presentation is very important. But that is not to say that your Corporate Attire has to be boring, or you can't follow fasion or look stylish in your office attire. You can show your personal sense of style without sacrificing your professional image by choosing your threads wisely.

Dressing up for the office actually opens up whole new vistas of style, dress, and fashion opportunities with just a little thought and effort. You can also look sexy in a subtle way. So smarten up your office wardrobe and you’re bound to get noticed more quickly. Especially Let us see how........

.
Building basics
Firstly, build a basic office wardrobe. Let us call it the 'office staples'. With your staples you can mix and match to create multiple looks.

- Well-fitted White Shirt(s)
- Well-fitted Black (Brown, Charcoal, navy) trousers
- Dark (black, brown, charcoal, navy) pant-suit
- Dark (black, brown, charcoal, navy) skirt-suit
- Fitted Shirts in subtle colours, stripes, checks or subtle dots.
- Cardigan
- Waistcoat
- Closed-toe low-heeled pumps
- Structured handbag

Remember, don't compromise quality for quantity. You are under constant scrutiny from your co-workers, your subordinates and your seniors, and you don't want to tarnish your image.

.
Smart Dressing

With your basic wardrobe, add some fashion elements and trendy twists to give your office attire an edge. Mix-and-match your tops and bottoms and accessorize with jewelry, scarves and shoes. .

.
Colours: Colors play a big role in creating a professional image of a person. Traditional career colors include white, navy, gray, black and blue and these colors go well with formal pants and skirts. However, you can even choose feminine colors like light blue, light purple, soft pink and ivory. Bright and loud colors like hot pink are much riskier in the office and should be avoided. But if you are creative and bold you can try them. However, avoid any kinds of prints and patterns – only monochromatic tints will be fine.

Layering: Layering clothes allows you to mix and match a wider variety of different styles, and adds more dimension to your outfit. Sweaters, vest or jacket over formal shirts and blouses creates multiple looks using same piece of garment. It's easy to layer as the weather gets cooler but layering works even during the hot or humid weather by choosing cottons. Put thought into your combinations. Mix and match trendy scarves, casual or formal outerwear, cardigans, waistcoats and sweaters to achieve a fashion-forward look.

Layering will especially be useful when it's 40 degrees outside and your office is 20 degrees. You need to be prepared.
.
Jacket: It's the workwear essential. Every woman should have a black suit in her closet. A sharply tailored jacket gives a power punch to any outfit. It is apropriate for job interviews, client meetings and corporate functions. This piece of clothing can be worn off-the office also. In fact, a smart suit goes straight from boardroom to bar/party - just add or delete a pretty feminine blouse and mix it with right accessories.

Vivienne Westwood Red Label (Black Jacket) - $835

McQ, Cropped Wool Jacket - $750

Vivienne Westwood Anglomania, Petite Jacket - $1,070

French Connection, My Lady Jacket - £100

All Saints, Nemi Tessimax Jacket - now £52

Topshop, One Button Jacket - £45

Mango, Suit Jacket (ref. 81100179) - £60

.

MANGO, amongst the high-street brands, has one of the best collections of jackets and pant/skirt suits.

.

Check the latest Hollywood trend, tuxedo/suit at the red carpet.

.

Angelina Jolie at Benjamin Button Berlin Premiere

.

Anne Hathaway at Bride Wars Premiere

Anne Hathaway kept things chic and minimal, at Bride Wars US Premiere, in a tailored tux jacket and skinny trousers, accessorised with blinging diamond earrings, a sky-high pair of Louboutins and a diva-tastic up-do. Her look can easily take transition from the office to the bar and exudes that perfect mix of sexiness and sophistication.
.
Shift Dress: A shift dress is a very intelligent piece of clothing in your wardrobe. With a formal jacket or a collared shirt inside you can wear it to the office and just the dress with quirky accessory and dressy sandals can be worn for the party straight from the office.

Learn more on layering and shift dress

Smart Dressing - different looks with same wardrobe

.

Accessorizing: Get creative and use accessories to revamp your old office wardrobe.

The easiest and smartest way to look stylish and break the monotonous everyday look is to accessorize. Dress up your office clothing with carefully selected accessories and jewellery and make an impression that's both professional and stylish. A smart belt, stylish bag and minimal jewellery can take any outfit from boring to beautiful.

Use these accessories to brighten up your look and make a chic statement:

- Scarf: most important piece of accessory that can instantly pep-up your look. They add color and style to any outfit and can change the look of an ensemble almost immediately! They look feminine, sophisticated and trendy all at once. Add a splash of colour using a scarf to your simple black and white ensemble.

Learn more on scarves

SCARVES - fashion item to pep you up INSTANTLY!!!

- Brooch: A brooch will give a splash of elegance to your office attire or an otherwise ordinary drab and forgettable outfit. For the corporate woman, the choice of brooch should be more sleek and elegant. Perhaps something made out of a precious metal with several semi-precious or precious stones. It can be worn on the lapel of your suit or as something to tie a bow together. It can also be used to tie a scarf. Did you see how Michelle Obama is making fashion statement with Brooches? The central focus of her look is often a bold, jeweled brooch. If you don't want to buy a precious piece, check out Aldo Accessories, they have some good brooches.

- Jewellery: Earrings, bracelets and bangles. Wear simple and elegant earrings at office. Too loud, colourful, funky or street style maybe your choice, but they are a no-no for the office. They should not be too long or too ornate. Hoops and studs are great as office wear as these do not look flashy and still make a style statement. Remember this rule for your office jewellery, less is more.

- Necklaces: a pear or beads string is the best necklace pick for the office. Don't wear anything too extravagant or loud as the office wear has to be smart but subtle, unless your profession demands something 'loud'.
(I have taken it out from jewellery because a necklace can make or break your office outfit, and hence needs different categorisation)

- Bag: Carry a smart bag. A medium-sized tote is always sleek and businesslike. Don't buy anything too small, as your stuff will not fit, or too oversized, as it will look messy. Pick proper structured and formal handbags as slouchy bags give a shabby and a sloppy look.

- Belt

Shoes: Put your best foot forward. Everyone knows that a pair of shoes can either complement your look or kill it. So invest in good quality shoes and keep them buffed and shined. Athletic shoes, tennis shoes, thongs, flip-flops, slippers, very high party heels, and any casual shoe with an open toe are not acceptable in the office.

A smart tip - if you routinely run down your heels or scuff the toes by pounding the pavement, it may be a good idea to wear a pair of inexpensive shoes (a flip-flop or sneakers) during your commute to and from work and change into your formal shoes at the office.

.
THE CLASSIC WHITE SHIRT - accessorised
.

.
The best item of your office wardrobe, Classic White Shirt, worn smartly can make you look professional, smart and chic.

The white shirt looks great tucked in. Wear it with trousers (any colour) or with a pencil skirt.
Accessorize it with a nice necklace, smart belt and shoes. You can layer it with a cardigan, a formal vest or waistcoat.
.
Meryl Streep (below) is looking every bit elegant in her White shirt paired with a jacket and worn with great accessories - the necklace and red belt.

You can get Anne Hathway's look by layering your white shirt with a black knitted round neck top or a sweater. Wear a long pearl string, do your hair in a high pony and you are ready to take over the world.
.

Meryl Streep (left) and Anne Hathaway (right) from a still of Devil Wears Prada

.

Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway

.
Makeup for office: Go easy on the makeup, of course unless your work demands otherwise (like the aviation and hospitality industry). If you want to be taken seriously at work, accentuating your natural beauty is the best way to go. It should be noticeable but not distracting. Glitter, loud colours are an absolute no-no. Emphasize skin care, and opt for a cleaner, subtle and polished look.


Tips to Remember

1. Fit is everything when you want to look perfect.
- Pants should be fitted, but free of visible panty lines. You can get good quality no visible panty lines (no VPL) knickers from Marks and Spencer or La Senza.
- Skirts, especially straight styles like pencil skirts, should be loose enough to sit down in comfortably.
- Jackets should be able to be buttoned.
- Blouses shouldn’t expose too much of your body.

2. Office is not the place to show too much. You don't want to tarnish your image to just get a few stares. Save your revealing clothing for a night out on the town.

3. Invest in good quality accessories don't buy cheap looking stuff.

4. Don't choose Jewellery that is too bright as anything that attracts too much is distracting.

5. Keep the colors simple, just mixing one or two together. Break up blacks and grays with a splash of color. Try a coloured scarf, beaded necklace or sweater set.

6. Avoid printed shirts in the office.

7. Ensure the proper ironing of your clothes and avoid wearing wrinkled clothes as they present a highly casual and an unprofessional look.

8. Other important consideration should be given to your personal hygiene including clean manicured nails, clean polished shoes, styled and neat hair, subtle perfume and deodrant and applying a light and subtle make-up.

Make sure that everything creates the right look down to the smallest detail. Dressing for the office is all about striking a balance between looking good and stylish and looking competent, organized and ready for business.

Most importantly feel confident, as carrying yourself with a right attitude is what contributes to making the right impression.

.
Related Posts:
SCARVES - fashion item to pep you up INSTANTLY!!!
Wardrobe Must Haves - all time classics
Smart Dressing - different looks with same wardrobe

.

2008 FASHION FLASHBACK - HAPPY NEW YEAR

Every year we see some fashion trends being forgotten and some sticking by. Below are some of the hottest trends of 2008, some good, some bad. Let's see which styles would stay hot in new year.

1. Maxi Dress
Maxi Dress were seen all around during the spring and summer 2008. They were a huge hit with celebrities, and I think the trend was started by Angelina Jolie in her pregnant days. Angelina Jolie and Nicole Richie (on right) were seen wearing long maxi dresses with a deep neckline that accentuated their motherly curves.

The Bollywood caught the look a bit late with Bollywood Celebs sporting maxi dress in the autumn 2008.

Though it's a smart choice in maternity fashion, the maxi dress is not very flattering on everyone, especially on petite ladies. It looks like this trend will not be carried in 2009. Dresses for 2009 would be a lot shorter and more form-fitting this year.

Sex and the City Cast in Maxi Dress
.

(l) Deepika Padhukone and (r) Mugdha Godse

.
2. Gladiator Shoes
2008 started with the return of gladiator shoes in all avatars from flat sandals, pointed pumps, heeled shoes to wedges. The Gladiator look in shoe fashion were a rage since Sarah Jessica Parker was seen wearing the look in her movie Sex and the City several times (picture below). It was hard to visit a shoe store during that time without seeing a pair of gladiators staring you in the face.

The gladiator shoe trend was quickly taken over on fashion podiums and star studded red carpet events all over the world with celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow, Mary-Kate Olsen, Rihanna, Isha Koppikar wearing them.

I am not a big fan of this style, but many designers are featuring this style once again in their new collections for 2009. If you want to wear this style pick a simple and neutral pair and ensure you keep your overall look also simple.
.

Sarah Jessica Parker in Dior Extreme Gladiator Platforms

3. Ruffles - Dresses, Tops and Shirts
The feminine and sexy ruffled blouses and dresses were in the forefront throughout 2008 and were ubiquitous in high street stores in various avatars from shirts, blouses, dresses to accessories like shoes and bags. Ruffles were also featured on our Fashion’s hot trends (Autumn 2008- Winter 2009). They were a huge hit on the runway from Oscar De la Renta, John Galliano , Marc Jacobs, Christian Louboutin to Lanvin all generously displayed this trend. Lanvin came up with this trend most beautifully (Sonam Kapoor, on right, in Lanvin Ruffled Dress).


Not only are they adorable, but are very flattering as well. Paired with pencil skirts or sleek pants, frilly, ruffled tops are popular for work attire, evening wear and even weekend wear.

This trend would certainly be seen in 2009. In the Spring 2009 trends ruffles were everywhere - ruffles at the hem, ruffled skirts, ruffled blouses, ruffled dresses, even ruffles that were vertical. In fact I think they would be one of the hottest trends for even 2009.


How to wear the trend? Into the spring, look for more ruffled tops of the sleeveless variety. Pick pastel and bright colored ruffled blouses in 2009. Pair them with grey, camel and other neutrals. Pair a ruffled blouse with a high waisted pencil skirt for a chic look. Carla wears the trend very smartly - sexy cobalt blue ruffled blouse teamed with a black pencil skirt (below).
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Carla Gugino

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4. Bangs
Bangs and fringes were a huge hit in 2008. They were worn by everyone from red carpet to street. Celebrities from Reese Witherspoon, Katie Holmes, Charlize Theron, Ashlee Simpson, Liv Tyler, Kim Kardashian were wearing bangs in 2008.
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They look stylish and instantly changes your look without severely cutting your hair or damaging them using perming, straightening or colouring. It is a simple solution to change your stagnant style. No wonder this hairstyle will continue to be popular in the new year and would certainly make a fashion statement.

How to wear the trend? I like the subtle sideswept bangs, but you can choose from various style to suit your face. If you have a long face then you can do the heavy, blunt cut bangs. If you have a heart shaped face, like Reese Witherspoon, then lighter sideswept bangs will suit you better. Wispy, sideswept bags are less harsh than bold, blunt bangs.
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Reese Witherspoon

Kim Kardashian

5. High Waisted Pants and Skirts
High waisted mania took over the fashion world in Spring 2008, it carried on till mid-year, wasn't seen much for a few months and then made a comeback in autumn. They were seen all over on the runway from DKNY, Calvin Klein to Chanel.
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High waisted pants were popular with celebrities like Scarlett Johansson, Ciara and Mischa Barton. This trend gained popularity since they had the effect of flatter tummy and longer legs. However they also widen the butt, so should be worn with caution. The A-line silhoutte and skinny jeans fit were more popular than the wide-bottom and bell-bottoms style.
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Along with pants, the high-waisted skirts were also quite popular.

I personally love the look of a high-waisted skirt with a top tucked in - it’s so retro, but done right it’s also very chic and totally flattering. Though high-waisted pants were also popular with celebrities and designers, but my preference is for the skirt. A black pencil high waisted skirt with a bit more volume that hits right above the knee would look great.
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The comeback of this trend again in the later part of the wear signifies that this trend would be seen in 2009 too.

How to wear the trend? My advice, girls with wide butt or heavy top area should avoid this look as it will only emphasize your problem area. The high-waisted pants would suit the petite lean girls the best, as they make your legs look a mile long. Team the high waisted skirt with a flirty ruffled top or a tucked in blouse (see Victoria and Karisma below).
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(l) Mischa Barton and (r) Gwen Stefani

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(l) Karisma Kapoor and (r) Victoria Beckham

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6. Baggy Boyfriend Jeans
The Boyfriend Jeans was a hit and miss trend of 2008. Although this trend was first seen in August in 2008, it didn't stick too long. This trend was set by Katie Holmes who was seen wearing them on multiple occasions and was later spotted on Victoria Beckham, Reese Witherspoon, Lindsay Lohan and Heidi Klum.
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To clear it from outset, I don't think much of the style. True some of the celebrities wearing this trend looked a little fashionable, but then these women will look good even if they turn up in a rucksack. There is no second doubt, though, that this look will be popular in 2009 as already they are being spotted on several celebrities and will soon become popular with high-end designers too.
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The 2009's 'Boyfriend Jeans' will have a distressed look and should be a little tapered than what was originally seen on Katie. How to wear the boyfriend jeans?

How to wear the trend? This style is suitable for lean girls, team it with a well-fitted tee or a vest and a smart casual belt.

I will certainly give this trend a miss.

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FASHION’S HOT TRENDS (Autumn 2008- Winter 2009)
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