Fashion For Lifestyle: January 2009

Saturday, January 31, 2009

>> Watchful << Heidy

Hey hey..check out for one of Spring 2009 Trend Reports (according to style.com) !!

Yes.. I'm talking about "Trash and Vaudeville" trend!! Truly some brand new inspirations for me!!!...

Thursday, January 29, 2009

VOGUE - RECESSION HIT?

Vogue (Indian edition) disappoints by using an older cover from the US edition on their February 2009 Indian issue.

VOGUE - RECESSION HIT?

Vogue (Indian edition) disappoints by using an older cover from the US edition on their February 2009 Indian issue.

High-end fashion does not have to be cruel and part of the animal trade. It can be just as glamorous, elegant, thrilling and beautiful without any cruelty involved. Unfortunately many people believe fashion is more important than the life of animals, and to feed their needs many designers continue to capitalize on the animals' lives. Even vegetarians cannot contain themselves from luxury brands' leather handbags and shoes rage. Think before you buy, you don't want to kill animal for the sake of fashion. Fashion should be fun, not fatal!

Click here to know what an animal undergoes for your Jimmy Choo Shoes or Louis Vuitton Bags.

HOW TO BUY CRUELTY-FREE FASHION
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LEATHER - NO, NO
There are lots of high-quality substitutes for animal skin and many designers and luxury brands are using them in their collections.

Stella McCartney, the name synonymous to style and luxury, has proved that luxury does not mean being cruel. Stella McCartney is famous for her sharp tailoring, irreverence and sexy femininity. A strict vegetarian, her designs are fur and leather free. In addition to keeping leather and fur out of her collections, the luxury designer also has vegan perfumes and luxury organic cruelty-free range of skincare in her portfolio. Stella has also won 'Best Green Designer Award'.
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Click on following links to buy Stella McCartney Online:

- Stella McCartney Online Store

- Net-a-Porter

In India Stella McCartney, currently, has one store in Bangalore at UB City Mall.

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Marc Bouwer is a highly influential designer in the world of high fashion. His creations add phenomenal glamour and style to an array of red carpet events around the world. He decided to go ethical and stopped using any animal skins or products in his designs. He refrains from using fur, leather and wool in his collections.
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German Brand Puma makes high-quality non-leather athletic trainers.

Online store www.asos.com has a selection of non-leather shoes and handbags. In fact while making a search, you can filter your search by selecting non-leather in the category.

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Matt and Nat makes cruelty-free smart and stylish handbags and clutches that you would love in your wardrobe. They produce two lines a year, and each collection is filled with clean lines, bright colours and interesting details. Their designs are classy yet modern. You would not desire Balenciaga or Gucci once you see Matt and Nat cruelty-free handbags. List of celebrities that love Matt and Nat bags include Natalie Portman, Charlize Theron, Drew Barrymore and Teri Hatcher. More on Matt and Nat or click here to buy online.
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On Budget?

Charles and Keith, the Singapore's high-street shoe brand, has a wide range of stylish non-leather shoes, bags and belts. Their shoes are concoction of style, quality and sensuality for fashionable women at affordable prices. Charles and Keith's products are available in over 23 countries, predominantly in Asia and Middle East (they are not complete cruelty-free brand, but have a good non-leather variety).

Malcolm Frontier have great collection of stylish bags and accessories. Malcolm Fontier shows us that leather isn't the only option for durability and luxury when it comes to wallets, bags and toiletry cases. The unisex pieces are all made from PVC-free alternatives including coated canvas. Its a great brand especially for me, who are looking for cruelty-free stylish bags.

Update 31 October 2009

Luxury Designer teams with target to create faux snakeskin bags. The bags will be available inn Target stores and onlin (to debut tomorrow).

How to check if the product contains leather?

Read on What's Wrong With Leather?

FUR is not fashion
Wearing animal fur on your body does not reflect chic, class or style, but cruelty. Buy faux fur. Many of the big designers in the fashion world have already started using faux-fur. Vivienne Westwood, Juicy Couture and Stella McCartney use cruelty-free fur in (some of) their collections.

Vegan BEAUTY
If you're vegetarian or love animals, stop putting lipsticks, mascara, moisturiser, perfume or other beauty products made from animal ingredients. Cosmetic brands that offer vegetarian and even vegan products include Clarins, Dr Hauschka, Origins, Suki, Urban Decay, Oriflame (for the girl on budget), Stella McCartney, Lush.

Recommended: A favourite with celebrities, Suki offers organic beauty products that are pure and gentle yet effective. Suki's Exfoliate Foaming Cleanser is my favourite product. It cleanses, exfoliates, and smells of fresh lemons. And as if that weren’t enough, it helps remove acne scars. Their Velvet Face Cream is also yummy. Clarins is my another favourite brand, their moisturisers suit even the most sensitive skin.

Related Posts:
Is your lipstick safe? - LEAD IN LIPSTICK
The Encyclopedia of Lip Balms
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CRUELTY FREE FASHION

Click on following links to buy Stella McCartney Online:

- Stella McCartney Online Store

- Net-a-Porter

In India Stella McCartney, currently, has one store in Bangalore at UB City Mall.

On Budget?

Update 31 October 2009

Luxury Designer teams with target to create faux snakeskin bags. The bags will be available inn Target stores and onlin (to debut tomorrow).

How to check if the product contains leather?

Monday, January 26, 2009

>> Balmain is my man!!! << Heidy

Today I went out with my mom and my bf (as always..!!! hehehe!!!) and I don’t know why I wasn’t in the mood to dress up. But suddenly (it kinda popped-up in my mind), I remember some of Balmain’s Spring 2009 Ready-to-Wear collections and it inspired me towards my today’s outfit (of course mix with my new acid wash jeans which created by my maid..ahahaha..thanks Gu!!!).

Yeahhh….Balmain is man!!!!

What I Wore :

Crème Outerwear : Pasar Senen Rp. 1.000 (super less than $1)
Printed Sleeveless : Pasar Gedebage Rp. 5.000 (less than $1)
Acid wash jeans : Custom made
Briefcase Bag : Inheritance from my mom
White Lacey Printed Bangles : Gift from my besty!! (thanks so much dear Deste!!..hoho)
More bracelets : from random stores
Fringe Moccasins : Custom made

Friday, January 23, 2009

Stacia on SNOB Style.tv

Check out my interview on snobstyle.tv, my new favorite go-to site for fashion. I'm a big fan of Erika Stanley's brilliant web site which covers all things fashion with regular episodes on your favorite designers and boutiques giving an insider's look into the real world of fashion. The site also pinpoints the latest trends and SNOBsessions. And the best part of the site in my opinion are the clever SNOB Stylish Quotes of the Day from fashion icons - "I've always thought the T-Shirt was like the Alpha and Omega of the fashion alphabet"--Giorgio Armani or "I like my money right where I can see it--hanging in my closet."--SJP as Carrie Bradshaw. For the One-On-One with moi, go to www.snobstyle.tv.

Stacia on SNOB Style.tv

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

>>Expressive 23 << Heidy

Hello 23!!!!

Thanks to Jesus Christ for this brand new age!!..hohohoho!!!

Last not but least!!

this is my greatest Fashion Wishlist in this brand new age:

" More encourage myself to dress to EXPRESS NOT TO impress !!! "

yeeahhh!!!!

Are You Wearing the Right Bra Size?

Wearing the right sized bra is very important. Correctly fitted bra can change your entire body shape, make you look slimmer and makes your clothes fit & look better, while ill-fitting bras can make you look shapeless, damage confidence and cause bad posture. Not to mention causing back and neck pains, scarring under the breasts and much more.

Does your bra ever feel uncomfortable? Does the band pinch? Does the underwire poke? Does the back ride up? Do the straps create leave bad marks on your shoulders? Do the cups overflow, squeeze or sag? Take a look at the following bra fitting tips and see if you are wearing the right size:

- A bra that fits properly will be supportive and comfortable
- Your boobs would be lifted and separated by the cups
- The back would fit snugly without being restrictively tight

Signs that you need a bigger cup size:
- Your boobs bulge over the top or sides of the cup
- Wires stick out at the front

Signs you need a smaller band size:
- Bra rides up at the back
- Bra moves around when you do
- Straps dig into shoulders

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What difference the correct fit can make to your posture, and yes confidence too.

3 steps to the perfect fit

Try these simple steps at home to check that your bra fits perfectly.

1. The band around your body should be firm but comfortable. It should be horizontal and not ride up at the back at all.

2. The wires at the front should lie flat against your rib cage and should not dig in, rub or poke out anywhere, especially in between your boobs.

3. Your boobs should be completely enclosed in the cups and you should have a smooth line where the fabric at the top of the cup ends and meets your bust. You shouldn't have any ridges or bulging, even if you are wearing a balconette or lower cut style bra.

Try before you buy
Just as you would never buy a pair of shoes without trying them on for size, bra sizes differ depending on their style, cut, fabric and make. So always try before you buy. When trying on a bra, fasten it on middle hook (so you can tighten it as it stretches with wear and washing or loosen if it feels tight sometime) and don't forget to adjust the shoulder straps to fit.
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Are You Wearing the Right Bra Size?

What difference the correct fit can make to your posture, and yes confidence too.

Monday, January 19, 2009

Style Returning to the White House

Finally, after decades of poor style in the White House, the Obamas have come to the rescue. Not only is there excitement for a new President, but I'm so psyched we're getting one with actual style. And it's not just the elegant Michelle Obama, who I'm also happy has some fashion sense. But the big guy himself, Barack, has some serious style too. I love this picture above of him at Occidental College with his funky Aloha shirt and fro. You can just hear the Bob Marley music in the background. Love it! I'm sure most of the time, the poor guy will have to wear his boring suit and be all business when we see him on TV, but you can just tell this guy's got a lot more style than your average Republican or Democrat. Not since JFK has the White House seen two style icons move in. And I'm not talking about the decadent Reagan era either with all those Dynasty dresses worn by Nancy. Thankfully, both Michelle and Barack have a more down-to-earth fashion style that us real people can relate to. J.Crew anyone? Next on my to-do list, send Michelle one of my Pucci space-dyed beach tunics for her next vacation on Oahu. I can totally see her wearing it with some J.Crew white skinny jeans and some Tori Burch thongs.

Style Returning to the White House

Stacia for Bono

What a treat to see my favorite rocker perform at the One inaugural event in front of the Lincoln Memorial yesterday. No, I wasn't actually there, but watching it on HBO was just fine with me. Bono, who is clearly on the top of my "list", exudes cool and is a pioneer in rocker fashion in my book. Even back in his hay day at Red Rock's sporting his motorcycle boots and bi-level hairdo, he was ahead of his time. And yesterday, wearing his military-style trench, rose-colored sunglasses, and black n' white scarf he looked as cool as ever. The whole time I'm watching him, I'm thinking...Bono needs my Stacia bamboo scarf! The unisex black and white space-dyed scarf would be perfect wrapped around Bono's neck. Since he's into saving the world with his Red collection for Gap, he'd appreciate the sustainable quality of the bamboo too. So, I'm on it. I'm going to track him down (or at least his stylist) and send one of these puppies his way in the hopes he'll wear it in concert or at least it'll keep in snug in the blustering Irish weather - xoxo, Stacia.

Stacia for Bono

Design Inspiration - The T-shirt Dress

My children have always been a source of inspiration, but yesterday at sunset on the Santa Monica beach, my daughter truly enlightened me on the power of the T-shirt Dress. For the last couple seasons, this trend was heavy on the runways, thanks to Phillip Lim's white knotted t-shirt dress in '07, and it's a trend that is still hovering into Spring '09. After my daughter got drenched by a rogue wave at the beach, she demurely pranced around the wet sand in her daddy's ringer shirt and looked oh so chic I must say. I was dying to belt that t-shirt on her with a wide leather belt and ruche the front a bit. With the slightly off the shoulder, wide neckline, this slouchy t-shirt was the perfect proportion for a casual dress for moi! This could actually be a pretty easy look to duplicate for a grown up fashionista, by simply buying a men's XL tee and belting it to perfection for just the right slouch. Wear it over tights now with short booties (yes, you'll reek of the 80's, but as long as you're not sporting a geometric print on your tee and neon tights you should be okay) and later bare leg with flats into Spring. I'm anxious to design my own take on the slouchy t-shirt dress next Spring in a super-soft 14 gauge bamboo yarn which will feel like silk against your skin. And I think one made up in a black and white space-dyed pattern with a solid scoop neck trim will give it that sporty ringer look reminiscent of Kai's tee above.

Design Inspiration - The T-shirt Dress

Rarity is the New Luxury - the Margaret Rowe Collection

With the inauguration just around the corner, it's time to glam it up. Whether you'll be attending in person or hosting your own bash at home to celebrate, many fashionistas are pulling out their old standbys, their LBDs, and accessorizing with vintage baubles and fun jewels. Especially in this dire economy, a gal may have to work with what she has in her closet, but there's no reason to skimp on the accessories for a black tie affair.

I've recently found a great new resource for vintage jewelry that has been hand-crafted into one-of-a-kind pieces that will jazz up any basic sheath - the Margaret Rowe collection. Think Breakfast at Tiffany's or what Grace Kelly would wear to exude simple elegance. It's easy to inherit glamour when you don vintage jewelry. And with fashion trends churning out uniforms for the fashion set, it's even more important to make your own statement - rarity will be the new luxury when it comes to accessories. But it's also important to make any vintage find new again by updating into modern-day pieces, which is what designer Margaret Rowe has successfully done in her Heirloom collection of limited edition jewelry - bracelets, necklaces, brooches, earrings, and pendants. Many of these 1950's vintage brooches serve dual purposes as pins and pendants, and many I could easily see on our new first lady, who often is seen wearing catalog-giant J.Crew twinsets and colorful brooches.

Margaret Rowe's Decadence limited edition jewelry is very affordable and will make you feel like a million bucks when you wear any of these beautiful jewels. I'm thoroughly in love with the vintage crystal chain that is pure Coco Chanel and is right in line with the chain trend, but at $245, it's a lot more obtainable than Givenchy's take on the trend. If you're looking for something a bit more than your basic pearl necklace, I'm loving the Pearl Diamante Snowflake necklace which would look stunning on Michelle Obama with a simple black Thakoon sheath. If you really want to splurge, the Vendome pendant necklace is pure elegance in white and would be exactly what Grace Kelly would wear strolling down the Champs-Elysees.

View more of Margaret Rowe's Heiress Collection at www.heiressvault.com. Coming soon are a new web site and possibly a secondary line by Margaret Rowe.

Rarity is the New Luxury - the Margaret Rowe Collection

Sunday, January 18, 2009

>>Blossom<< Heidy

"Life is happy!!!"

What I Wore :

Oversize Jeans Shirts : Pasar Senen Rp.10.000 (about $1)
Black Printed Sleeveless : Pasar Gedebage Rp. 12.500 (about $1)
Dark Purple Corduroy Skinny Pants : Pasar Gedebage Rp.10.000 (about $1)
Briefcase Bag : Inheritance from my mom (as in last posting!!..hoho)
Fringed Boots : ZARA
And more bracelets..

Saturday, January 17, 2009

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........

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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.

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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. .

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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 v

ariety 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.
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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.
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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.

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THE CLASSIC WHITE SHIRT - accessorised
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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.
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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.
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Meryl Streep (left) and Anne Hathaway (right) from a still of Devil Wears Prada

Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway

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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.

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

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