The Japanese culture is so rich and dynamic, that it is not a surprise that its influence has extended throughout the rest of the world. There is no doubt in anyone’s mind that Japan is the leader in cutting edge technology, but have you ever dwelt on the thought that Japanese fashion is also starting to become felt in the area of global fashion?
Not convinced? Ask fashion designers from the United States and Europe, and they will tell you that they keep tabs on what is happening in Japanese fashion. This stems from the fact that some worldwide trends actually began in Japan. A classic example would be the popularity of camouflage patterns in clothing. I am willing to bet that you have at least one article of clothing in a camouflage pattern! And I bet that you didn’t know that this trend originally started in Japan!
Perhaps the same “wiring” that makes Japanese engineers and inventors the best in their game makes Japanese designers and trendsetters successful in creating unique and fashionable clothing. Indeed, it has reached a point wherein big brands recognized worldwide have placed a premium in clothing made in Japan. In the denim industry, in particular, Japan-made materials are considered to be the best in the world.
The Japanese look is not limited to clothing, however. In fact, it is more of looking at the whole get up – from clothing to hair accessories to bags to shoes to umbrellas to bags. I wouldn’t be surprised if we hear more of Japan in the global fashion sector.
To truly experience Japanese fashion, try visiting the homeland. For example, Japanican recently had a Japan tour, which included a free ticket to the trendy Tokyo Girls Collection fashion festival. The next Tokyo Girls Collection event will probably happen in March 2010 so keep an eye out for the announcement of that tour.
Photo courtesy of mynippon.com
March 16th, 2011 in
Beauty,
Makeup |
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We’ve talked a bit about cleansing and priming the skin in one of our previous articles. Now comes the fun part… We’ll be talking about “actual” makeup. This starts with foundation and concealer. These two products can make or break your look. After all, you can have all the color you want, but if you don’t have flawless-looking skin, then you won’t achieve whatever effect you’re going for. In fact, you just might end up looking worse.
This is probably why I have, for years, been left stymied by these two products. I had used a lot of guesswork in the past, and my old pictures are an embarrassing testament to that. After a few years of hits and misses, I finally understood how to make these products work for me. While I can’t claim to be the authority on cosmetics, I hope these tips will help you do the same… And since the simplest things can often be the most complicated, let’s focus on foundation for now.
Liquid, cake, and other dilemmas
With countless products in the market, it can be so easy to get lost. One of the first things you have to decide on is whether to get a liquid or cake foundation. Since liquid foundation started becoming popular, I have become a convert. I love how easy it is to apply, and how I don’t have to use a sponge dipped in water when I use it, but that’s just me.
There are some guidelines you may want to be aware of before you decide for yourself. Cake foundation, for example, is supposed to give more coverage. It is also more likely to give you a matte finish for a longer period of time. This makes it a better option if you have oily skin. Of course, with new products coming out every season, exceptions have been created, and there are now liquid formulations which promise to give a matte finish that lasts.
There are also products which offer different benefits, such as added SPF. While it’s great if you can find a good product which can double as a sunscreen, it’s not really wise to depend on this alone, especially since the effects won’t necessarily last for very long, especially if you are exposed to sunlight (yes, even through your office window) or bright lights for extended periods of time. The verdict? Go for it if you want, but use a separate sunscreen with the right SPF anyway.
The same goes for products which promise to double as foundation and skin treatment. They’re great, but they’re not really substitutes for getting actual treatment for any condition you may have.
Of course, there are always exceptions. If you have a very specific condition or allergy, then you simply MUST opt for a hypoallergenic product. Your dermatologist knows best when it comes to these things.
How do you know which shade of foundation is best for you?
One of the most common mistakes that women make when choosing makeup is testing the foundation on the back of the hand or on the wrist. Ladies, foundation is quite different from perfume, so don’t even try the wrist technique! Unless the color of your skin is perfectly even all throughout your body, which is highly unlikely, this won’t work. Chances are, the color of your hand or wrist is several shades away from the actual color of your facial skin. (Here’s a quick tip: If you’re Asian, chances are, you will need a foundation with yellow undertones. Don’t worry, it won’t make your skin look sallow – instead, it will lend your skin a nice, natural-looking glow.)
Now all you have to do is take a very small amount of the product and blend it along your jaw line. The product you want is that which seems to disappear completely into your skin. Don’t choose a color that seems a bit too light, unless you’re okay with looking like a china doll, and don’t choose a darker shade, because you just might end up looking burnt. If you want a bronze effect, well, you’ve got bronzer for that.
Some people have more acidic skin than others, though. Now this is the exception, because if you’re highly acidic, there will be a tendency for the product to darken on your skin after some time. If you think you might be acidic, try the product and let it sit for a few hours. If you notice that it has turned a bit darker than your actual skin tone, then you might have to test a foundation which is a shade lighter. Again, wait and see if the color changes. This may make foundation selection seem like such a pain, but trust me, it is well worth all the effort.
Less is more
Once you’ve chosen the right product, it’s time to put it to good use! Don’t rely on your fingertips for this task. Aside from the fact that it will probably take longer for you to finish, you could mess up your clothes and end up with a less-than-polished look. Depending on the product, you can choose to use a foundation sponge or a foundation brush. Some cake foundations work better with sponges, but the creamier formulations are easily picked up by the brushes, too.
If you decide to use a sponge, choose the triangular ones over the round sponges. The corners can be very useful whenever you want to blend the color on smaller areas, or when you want to clean up smudges caused by eyeshadow or eyeliner.
I am personally a fan of brushes, and I think a good foundation brush is the ultimate must-have (okay, good eyeliner is the ultimate must-have, but you get my point). It makes makeup application more pleasurable as it glides on smoothly on your skin. Of course, the shape allows you to reach smaller spots, as well.
When you apply foundation, make sure to use just a tiny bit with each application. Don’t pile on the product immediately, or else your face is going to look cakey in the end. Just like salt, it is easier to use just a little and gradually add more than to use a lot and find it difficult to reverse the damage. Apply the product using downward strokes, following the direction of facial hair growth (yes, you do have facial hair!) to allow the product to glide seamlessly on your skin. If you’re new to makeup, this may seem tedious, but with a bit of practice, you should feel more comfortable with it quite quickly.
A few of our top picks
Since there are so many products out there, it is impossible to come up with a definitive list of the best products. To help you get a headstart, here are some which have been tried, tested, and loved!
Who says liquid foundation is not for those with oily skin? Nars’ Sheer Matte Foundation is specially-made for those with normal to oily skin, and has been formulated to fight shine all day. This is a great product to use on a daily basis as it keeps the skin looking bright and fresh.
On the other hand, those with dry skin can take comfort in the fact that something has been created especially for them. One of the best brands ever when it comes to foundation, Bobbi Brown, has come up with the Moisturizing Cream Compact Foundation. Aside from providing full coverage, it also contains oils from jojoba and avocado which nourish the skin all day long. It’s a great choice for young ladies who have naturally dry skin or who live in very dry weather conditions. It’s also excellent for middle-aged or older women who are starting to see some wrinkling.
The last one on our list, Shu Uemura’s Face Architect Smoothing Fluid Foundation, helps you achieve the right balance because it provides a matte effect while keeping the skin hydrated. This product is so light, which makes it great for those who don’t want to feel like they’re wearing makeup.
So that’s my take on foundation. Do YOU have any favorites?
Photos via narscosmetics.com, bobbibrowncosmetics.com, and shuuemura.co.uk
March 14th, 2011 in
Footwear |
No Comments »
They’re not new, but they’re not out of fashion. If anything, flip flops are becoming more and more acceptable with the passing of the years. Then again, if your flip flops are as chic and sexy as the flip flops that bear Gisele Bundchen’s name, you’ll definitely be proud to wear them practically anywhere!
I have been eyeing this line of flip flops for a very long time now, but for some reason, I kept putting it off. Last month, though, right before I left for a week-long beach vacation, I decided to just go ahead and get myself a pair. I do NOT regret it; not one tiny bit.
So what’s up with these flip flops? A little background information: Ipanema is this long stretch of white sand beach in the southern part of Rio. Just imagine the lifestyle of the beautiful people there – that is summed up in a simple pair of flip flops. Seriously. The designs are simple and laid back but classy enough to wear to most places. From the beach to the bar and even to work (on dress down days I suppose), these sandals can be worn.
On the practical side, these flip flops are very very comfy. They are made of PVC material that is eco-friendly and they are so soft that you can walk around all day and not have your feet kill you at the end of the trek. They are a bit pricier than the average pair but they really are worth it.
March 9th, 2011 in
Beauty,
Makeup |
2 Comments »While putting on makeup may seem simple enough, it is not surprising to see that a lot of us ladies really don’t have much of an idea of what we’re doing, which products to use, or how to use these correctly. After all, there are countless products in the market for all sorts of skin types and designed to produce different effects. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed in the midst of all those pots and jars. Wait ‘til you start reading the labels and sorting through all of the colors!
On the other hand, there are those who think that makeup application is as simple as slathering some product on without much thought. They often end up either messing up their look or failing to take advantage of what they already have. How many times have you seen someone with a sloppily made up face? It’s hardly flattering, and it defeats the purpose of highlighting one’s best features.
This is why, no matter what your difficulty with makeup is, it is very helpful to be familiar with the different products available. This can help you choose the right ones for you, which means you don’t waste money on things you can’t use. You will also be able to make the most out of your makeup if you know how to use it, because you’ll be able to actually get it to do what you had originally intended.
Step 1: Cleansing
Before anything else, though, let’s talk about preparing your face. A beautiful painting must start with a clean canvas, and that’s exactly what your face should be. There are a lot of cleansers out there which you can use, but make sure that you choose one which won’t irritate your skin.
On days when you have a lot of dead skin or some stray flakes on your face, you might want to use a gentle face scrub to get these out of the way, especially since makeup makes these much more obvious.
St. Ives Apricot Scrub is one of the most popular scrubs in the market, and for good reason. The apricot stone grains gently exfoliate and brighten the skin instantly. Of course, it doesn’t hurt that the product smells good, too.
Another very popular cleansing product, especially for those with sensitive skin, is Cetaphil. The formula has emollient qualities that soothe irritated skin while cleansing it at the same time. The product is known to be so mild that it is recommended even for babies!
My personal favorite is the cleansing oil created by Shu Uemura. They may be called cleansing oils, but they don’t leave the skin oily at all! In addition, they come in different varieties, so you can choose which one best suits your skin type. The “fresh” variant, which comes in a light pink color, is the one I use most often. It leaves the skin feeling so clean and soft, it’s no wonder that the cleansing oil range is the most popular line they have.
Step 2: Priming
After cleansing, the next step is to apply some makeup primer. While a lot of people skip this step, it is not a useless one. Using primer already has the effect of concealing some discolorations. It also provides just the right amount of moisture and smoothness to allow the foundation to glide on smoothly. With the right primer, one can expect the makeup to sit on the skin much better than it would without it.
Choosing a primer should be a lot easier than finding the right foundation, so don’t stress out! Makeup Forever, for instance, has an HD primer which does not only smoothen the surface of the skin, but also helps the skin tone appear more even. The great thing about this is that it comes in several variants. You are bound to find something that works perfectly, no matter what your skin type is. A sponge may be used to apply this product. However, for greater control, it is also all right to use your fingertips to blend the product in.
Shu Uemura has also come out with an easy-to-use makeup primer. The best thing about this product is that it comes in mousse form, making application oh-so-easy and allowing the skin to feel light and smooth. It can easily be applied with a sponge. Since it only comes in two variants – pink and beige – it is not really hard to make a selection, either.
There are a lot of other cleansers and primers out there. Feel free to look around for one which suits you best. Of course, it won’t hurt to try looking for hypoallergenic ones. Also, try to consider your skin type. If you already have dry skin, don’t go for cleansers that are too strong or abrasive. Of course if you have oily or combination skin, it makes sense to steer clear of products which are oil-based or which seem to have a very heavy formulation. If you have a particular skin condition such as rosacea or if you have had a history of skin allergy, you will have to be even more particular with the products that you use. When in doubt, consult your dermatologist.
Once you’ve found your cleanser and primer, things will start to get a bit more interesting. It’s time for “real makeup.” Let the creative process begin!
Photos via stivesbeauty.co.uk, cetaphil.com, shuuemura.co.uk, and makeupforever.com
The results of the recent Academy Awards were arguably predictable, with “The King’s Speech” bagging Best Picture and Colin Firth and Natalie Portman walking away with the Best Actor and Best Actress trophies, respectively. One of the new things spectators watched out for was the hosting stint of Anne Hathaway and James Franco, who, many claim, was not all that stellar.
As in any awards event as big as this, there are winners and there are losers. While fans eagerly waited to know how their favorite films, actors, directors, and writers fared, there were awards of a different sort being given out, albeit unofficially. After all, what is the Oscars without its famed red carpet and the gowns that sweep across it? Let’s take a look at the lovely ladies who emerged as winners on the walkway, as they succeeded in capturing the attention and admiration of both fans and fashionistas all over the world.
Captivating Cygnets
Both Black Swan ladies made an entrance worthy of an encore. Natalie Portman, with her lovely baby bump, didn’t walk — she glided along in her purple off-shoulder Rodarte gown and Jimmy Choo heels. Truly a picture of understated elegance, she emerged as a winner on all fronts. What a memorable night for her and her little one!
Mila Kunis came in a lighter hue but was just as stunning. She wore a lavender Ellie Saab Couture gown with just enough lace detail to make her look every bit the ethereal yet striking beauty that she is. The gown did not look quite the same as it did while it was being modelled on the runway. I daresay though, that it looked much better on her. It was the perfect choice.
Timeless Elegance
For many actresses, their time on the red carpet is an excellent opportunity to make a statement about their personal style, as well as secure a spot in the international imagination. An image of perfect dress on the right body and with the right face can be stamped in the minds of both the media and fans worldwide. As such, a lot of thought goes into picking out the dress, shoes, and accessories. Unfortunately, some celebrities fall prey to trends and tend to overdo things. Others seem to forget their age and go for overly revealing or outlandish outfits, which often makes for an unnatural and even ridiculous appearance.
There are, however, others who get it right. Newcomer Hailee Steinfeld, who was nominated for Best Supporting Actress for her role in True Grit, showed teenage actresses how it’s done with her lovely crystal-studded Marchesa gown. The sweet 14-year old was such a refreshing sight with her barely made-up face. She hardly wore accessories, aside from a cute jeweled headband that didn’t come across as juvenile at all. It didn’t hurt that she was wearing a pair of champagne Ferragamo pumps with her outfit, either. Perhaps other young actresses should take their cue from her. She may be new, but she certainly knows how to shine!
On the other hand, Helen Mirren could give us all a lesson or two on ageing gracefully. Completely natural, with no signs of Botox or anything similar, she looked ageless in a dark yet subdued Vivienne Westwood creation. In her case, both wisdom and beauty do come with age. Very classy.
Hollywood Staples
While many of the usual red carpet queens were a bit underwhelming this year, there were a few who did not disappoint. Reese Witherspoon, for instance, looked like a life-sized Barbie doll in her minimalist, black and white Giorgio Armani Privé dress. She appeared both clean and regal, which made her a definite red carpet head-turner.
Michelle Williams awed us a few years ago with her canary yellow Vera Wang gown. This year, she chose a much more subdued color, and she looked both lovely and fresh in a jeweled Chanel Haute Couture dress. Cap sleeves are not very easy to pull off, but on her, they were quite elegant. Understated chic, indeed.
Amy Adams, on the other hand, brought a rich burst of color onto the walkway in a deep blue-violet L’Wren Scott gown and Cartier emerald jewelry. She may not have shown a lot of skin, but she did come across as elegantly bold.
One of the most consistent of the stars when it comes to being absolutely stunning on the red carpet, Halle Berry came in a nude yet crystal-studded Marchesa gown. It flowed along her curves perfectly as her Neil Lane jewels provided a subtle accent to her look. When it comes to dressing for awards ceremonies, it seems as though this woman can do no wrong.
Stellar Songbirds
It wasn’t just the actors and actresses who made an effort to look amazing. Some of the loveliest attendees were the performers of the night. Celine Dion’s Armani Privé gown was the perfect combination of structure and style. Now Celine has always been an impeccable dresser, but this particular look was distinctly classy as her streamlined metallic gown was accented with jewelry from Bulgari. An added bonus is that she’s been able to get back in to shape quite quickly, so it was pretty difficult to imagine that she had just given birth to twins a few months ago.
Another beautiful sight to behold was Mandy Moore, in a glittering Monique Lhuillier creation. With her hair swept up elegantly and her chic red lipstick, she was quite an apparition on the red carpet. Many media personalities and fans had to do a double (and even triple) take, scarcely believing that this former teeny-bopper songstress could transform into a perfect model of elegance. Mandy Moore certainly proved herself to be one of the top contenders for the best-dressed award, even though she was only there to perform.
While the Academy Awards for this year proved to be a bit predictable, the red carpet remained as interesting and lovely as ever. This is just the beginning, though. Here’s to more fabulous red carpet moments in 2011!
Photos via harpersbazaar.com and msn.com
February 16th, 2011 in
Shops,
Sporty |
11 Comments »
The eBay market place is home to many different items, real and fake. North Face jackets are extremely popular items on eBay because they can be sold at high prices because they are high quality jackets. However, there are a large number of North Face jackets which are being sold on eBay which are fakes. It is widely reported that you will find at least 300 fake North Face jackets at any one given time on eBay.
Like with many fake items on eBay, it is very difficult to tell the difference between the real and the fake items until you get them in your hands. However, one thing you can check is the location of the seller. I do not intend to be prejudice in any way, but you have to be very wary of the sellers of the North Face jackets if they are located in Asia. It is widely reported that you can only very rarely find a real North Face jacket from an eBay seller located in Asia, the majority are fake.
Even when you have received your North Face jacket, it is still difficult to indentify if the jacket is real or fake. In many cases, the fake North face jackets will have the authentic tags and the exact same quality patterns as on the real jackets. They are the exact same looking jackets but with a major difference, the material! The fake North Face jackets will not be made from the Gore-Tex material. It will be manufactured from a cheap substitute material.
You will soon realise this when you go out in the rain or snow later on and you find that you are soaked through within minutes and you are sweating like mad! If the material is real Gore-Tex then this shouldn’t happen. You should be kept dry! It may be easier to identify bad materials if you are already an owner of a known to be real North Face or other similar quality jacket. You could pour an amount of water on an area on both jackets and observe how wet the underside of the jacket feels and also time how long the wet patch takes to dry. If there is a major difference in the time taken by the two jackets then you will have probably identified that the jacket is fake!
The best advice that you can give to anybody when buying a North face jacket is to be suspicious right from the beginning. I know that doesn’t seem appropriate but it must be done. If you take some time to research about the jackets and use your own common sense if you see a really cheaply priced jacket, you will soon be able to identify if the North Face jacket is fake. It is not easy, but you will soon be able to differentiate between the real and the fake.
The decision between buying an original and a fake implies that one actually has the power or financial clout to buy a designer handbag if they wish. There are some times during the year when this is true. In the January sales quite a few designer bags are reduced to the price of ordinary top-end, high-quality non-designer handbags and so are affordable. There is also birthday time when payouts from various relatives mean a big cash injection that one can blow on a designer bag. In these circumstances (because they occur so infrequently) one can be forgiven for having that ‘must get’ attitude.
Splashing out on a signature designer handbag is a good feeling. Especially as it’s been a year since you bought your last one. This bag will help define your fashion year and has the power of making you look like your worth a few bob. Carrying round a £1000 Gucci bag gives one an air of respect and perhaps an illusion of financial security to others at the office, on the train or even at the dentist’s. In short, for a women, it is the secret to happiness…..
Fake handbags do not quite carry that same air. If they are obvious fakes, they make the owner look like someone who does not care for accuracy or proper fashion accessories. This is in varying degrees depending on the age of the owner. For a teenager, one can be proud that they are aware of the importance of good-looking handbags at such an early age, despite having a small budget.
For grown women, fake handbags are simply unattractive. Carrying round a Pucci handbag or worse Dukki handbag (as I saw yesterday on the bus) does not look good. Save up and spend or stretch the budget to a better looking fake. Better still, buy a non-branded handbag.
February 9th, 2011 in
Beauty,
Trends |
1 Comment »While it may still be chilly where you live, there’s no doubt that Spring will be here before we know it. That means only one thing: It’s time to gear up for a change of wardrobe and of course, nail color!
Fall and Winter saw us painting on some pretty luxurious shades of caramel and darker jewels. These were excellent for driving away the cold and getting us to feel all warm and festive for the holidays. For Spring, however, these may be just a tad too overwhelming. For a brighter and lighter feel, you might want to think of transitioning from the darker, richer shades to those which resemble candied almonds and Easter eggs. It’s time for a change!
In Full Bloom
Spring is all about color bursting forth from the earth. Get into a brighter and more cheerful mood by painting on some sweet pastels and bright pinks. If you can pull it off, you might even want to combine colors or use different shades for a bit of nail art!
Remember how we told you all about the Color of the Year for 2011? Well, this season, you can certainly be in fashion by picking out a honeysuckle polish. OPI’s Flower to Flower comes very close to this year’s most happening hue.
For something a bit more subdued, Orly’s Chantilly Peach makes a great substitute. It gives just the right sort of gloss with a bit of sweetness. It’s a really good option for those who want to wear a bright color without being too loud.
On the other hand, Essie’s French Affair, which is a mix between lavender and pink, adds just a bit of mystery without losing the playful vibe of the season.
For a refreshing, citrusy boost of color, there’s Lemon Fizz by China Glaze. What’s great about this color is that it suits a lot of skin tones, because it’s bright enough to look alive, but the shade isn’t too dark so as to make it look gaudy. If you want to channel the energy of the first bit of Spring sunshine, this is a great color for you.
Chilling Out
If pink is not your thing, but you still want to go for something light and playful enough for the season, why not go for blues and greens in their more pastel hues? For instance, OPI’s Breathe Life is a silvery-blue polish. It’s a great color to wear if you’re going for a light, airy vibe.
Another cool shade to wear is mint green. Re-fresh Mint by China Glaze is definitely the way to go for those who like this color. It’s the best shade for those who’d like to welcome the green of Spring without succumbing to a grass-stained look.
Sophisticated Classics
Of course, there are just some colors that never go out of fashion, regardless of the season. Even as you go out and get those pretty pastels, make sure you still have a couple of bottles of the indispensables. Nudes and reds just look beautiful and classy, period. If you want a relatively neutral color that still suits your Spring mood, check out Essie’s Sand Tropez.
To distinguish from the deeper, more jewel-toned reds that were all the hit during Fall, try to go for a brighter shade of red with the tiniest hint of orange. Orly’s Haute Red might do just the trick.
Changing your nail color is one of the easiest, most effective ways to change your look and mood. In the coming season, make sure you don’t miss out on the opportunity to liven up your appearance by experimenting with some new colors. More importantly, don’t forget to have fun and flash those new nails with confidence!
Photos via orlybeauty.com, nailtechsupply.com, naildepot.ca, harpersbazaar.com, and essie.com
February 2nd, 2011 in
Beauty |
No Comments »
It’s STILL winter and don’t we all know it! I know most of you are probably yearning for some place sunny and warm, but hey, if you can’t do anything about it, so be it. Did you know, though, that your beauty routine should be adjusted to the winter weather? Here are some tips that can help you look fantastic despite the cold.
Don’t go easy on lotions and creams. The winter months are bad for the skin in that the cold dries it up even more. As such, don’t hesitate to use more lotion or facial cream than you normally would. Moisturize, moisturize, and moisturize some more.
Don’t forget your sunblock. But it’s winter, right? Yeah, but that doesn’t mean that the sun is not emitting UV rays – that’s something that doesn’t disappear. So when you’re going outside, don’t forget to put on some protection.
Don’t forget your lips. Your lips are probably chapped because of the cold. I know mine are – that is if I don’t use lip moisturizer or balm regularly. In case your lips do get chapped, use an exfoliant to get rid of the chap. You can make one at home using brown sugar and olive oil (or honey if you wish).
Don’t give up on a glowing look. It’s winter and you think you look like a pale fish. You just might be right but that doesn’t mean that you have to go on looking like one. Put foundation on. Better yet, mix some highlighter in with your liquid foundation – you’ll see a world of difference!
I suppose it makes sense when you think about it, with those pencil skirts, high-heeled stilettos and trademark tight-lipped facial expression. Posh Spice once claimed that she never even owned a pair of flats, but was busted this summer when she was caught in flip-flops at Disneyland. Far from dressing like a relaxed Californian since her move to the States, Victoria has gone the other way, dressing more un-laid back like ever before in tailored, tight pieces that scream “uncomfortable”.
When asked about this change in style, the Essex-born Victoria told Company Magazine in an article out this week:
“It hasn’t, not at all. I am very British in my style. Think school teacher…..I love pencil skirts and fitted blouses, classic cut dresses and well fitted jeans mixed with classic tailoring.”
Hmmm. Having lived in the UK, I can honestly say that most British girls are actually some of the most relaxed dressers I know, bordering on the scruffy, especially if they spend a lot of time in the Country. Victoria, I believe has a style of her own, purely made for the pages of the tabloids. Why the woman sold 400,000 copies of her book on fashion, The Extra Half an Inch is completely beyond me. The Guardian newspaper sums it up rather perfectly. Here’s a bit of it:
I have no qualifications to write this book; that’s why I’ve got someone else to do it for me. But let me share my insights anyway. First I’d like to knock something on the head. The idea that, once you have a bit of money, you start wearing couture and stilettos all day and live on caviar and champagne is just nonsense. They’ve both got far too many calories.
My own inspirations come from Grace Kelly, Jackie Onassis and Giacometti sculpture, but this book is not my attempt to tell you what or what not to do. It’s my last chance to cash in on what remains of my fame before David retires.
I am grateful for the possibility of being close to Victoria’s credit card” – Roberto Cavalli.
