Covering up

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If you're like me, you might sometimes get turned away from the recent fashions (even ones that you like) because of a plunging neckline, a short hem or a gaping back. Whether it's because of your upbringing, your religion or body image issues, finding clothes that you like that cover everything you want to cover can be difficult. After many years of dance concerts and a few night-time outings I've learned how to cover what needs to be covered even if the dress doesn't quite do it for you.

 

BUYING MORE CONSERVATIVE CLOTHING:

This is where it all starts. I like to look for  something appropriate first, so I don't have to worry too much about covering up. I am a bit of an old fashioned girl and while I have no problem with beautiful people flaunting what they've got (tastefully) I don't feel comfortable dressing that way myself. Dressing conservatively is definitely something I intend to do.

 

One of the great things about buying vintage clothes (meaning 2nd-hand op-shop finds) is that many of them tend to be more conservative than some of the modern-day shop bought clothes. I've also discovered that many of the vintage-inspired boutiques or ranges for department stores are more reasonable where length and necklines are concerned.  What I look for in a dress or outfit is that it is reasonably long (mid-thigh or longer), that it isn't too-low cut in the front (that a t-shirt bra wouldn't poke out of the top), And, that the item isn't backless or too low in the back (again, I don't want my bra to be showing).

 

ACCESSORIES, UNDERGARMENTS AND BASICS THAT MAKE LIFE EASIER:

Sometimes it's hard to get exactly what you want, or you find the perfect dress only to discover that it's a bit see-through or a bit short. It's for this reason that I think it's just as important to have the right undergarments or basics on hand as it is originally to try buying more conservative clothes. The right undergarments can be the difference between tacky and elegant.

 

Bra Straps

Many strapless dresses and bras now come with loops sewn into front and back for straps to be attached. For those who don't like to be hitching up dresses all the time a pair of clear gel straps can stop your dress from falling down.

 

Fashion Tape

I've never used the stuff, because I've never worn anything that revealing that I needed to, but apparently it's useful stuff. I'm not sure how it goes if you get sweaty though...

 

Safety Pins

Great for keeping in a handbag to disguise or fix any wardrobe malfunctions that may occur. I also like to use these to keep cross-over necklines from gaping too low or to keep scarves in place.

 

A Strapless Bra

Even if you don't tend to wear strapless dresses, dresses with one shoulder, a boat neck or spaghetti straps may not look the most tasteful with visible bra straps. So going strapless, or wearing clear straps with a strapless bra ultimately adds more class. Some strapless bras are more rounded and less likely to poke out of the top of a dress like a t-shirt bra with removable straps would.

 

A Boob Tube / Crop Top

You can get plain or lace varieties of these from the underwear section of most department stores, boutiques or even ebay. (I'm not talking about cropped-t shirts BTW. I mean the crop top bras) these are great worn over a strapless bra or alone, under a dress with a low neckline or back.

 

Singlets

Handy for wear under chiffon, lace or white(see-through) tops.

 

Petticoats/Slips

Great for a see-through dress or skirt.

 

Opaque Tights /Leggings

Leggings and Tights are a fun way to convert your summer dresses to winter weather. They are also great for wear under a dress that is too-short.

 

Bike Pants

In hot weather a pair of lace-trim bike pants can replace leggings in any short-skirt-situations. They are also handy for keeping your stockings/tights up in winter.

 

A Bolero or Cardi

If you're a bit wary of showing off your upper-arms a nice cropped cardi can hide them without covering up too much of your dress. Also, great for cooler weather.

 

Colours recommended for undergarments: black or skin-tone

Colours recommended for basics: black, cream, white, navy or grey

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HAVING SOME FUN WITH YOUR LOOK:

Just because you're trying to cover up and be conservative doesn't mean you can't have a little fun with your outfit or show off your figure.

 

-Patterned, beaded or sequin bra straps can add some fun to a strapless dress.

-Substituting safety pins with brooches makes pinning easier (not having to worry about hiding the pins) and can add sparkle to a plain dress.

-some boutiques and department stores are now selling patterned/printed bandeau tops a la Prada SS12

-Bright coloured crop-tops, bike pants and/or leggings are fun with a patterned dress.

-A tulle petticoat can add some volume to a skirt or dress

-add a belt around the waist or tie a ribbon for an instant hourglass (not recommended for baby doll tops)
 



I've noticed only too many times that people feel they can't wear a garment that they really like because it's unsuitable by itself. With the right underclothes and accessories an inappropriate outfit can become appropriate. And, while the aforementioned undergarments, basics and accessories may all be extra cost they will certainly get their use and may even save money where the cost of an appropriate length dress is concerned.

 

Your Favourite Blogger,

Natalie

So you want to wear stockings...

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I've seen lots of summery things in the blogosphere lately. I know what most of you are probably thinking. Why is she writing a post about stockings in summer? You probably all think I live in a constant state of air-conditioning. nope. I just live in Australia. (It is winter here at the moment)

I asked a good friend of mine what she would like me to do some posts about. And she said stockings. It had never really occurred to me before now that there isn't really an education about how to wear tights in most fashion magazines. So I thought "Why not?"

One thing I found a little difficult when drafting this was deciding whether to categorise the guidelines for wearing tights under the type of stockings or the item the guideline referred to. I decided to go with the latter. Otherwise I think I'd repeat myself too much.

STOCKINGS AND SHOES:

I think this is one of the biggest dilemmas I have when I want to wear stockings. Finding shoes that match the outfit and work well with stockings can be difficult. So I thought I'd include some tips on what colours and textures work together.

-Black opaque stockings (Not-see-through) should be worn with black shoes.

I can't lie, I have seen them worn with other colours, but when your stockings are a block colour wearing another block colour (That isn't the same as the other one)shoe can be a bit scary looking. Note that this rule only applies to opaque stockings. If you've got a pair of black sheer tights or shimmer tights you can get away with a large range of colours, because the black isn't so harsh. Also, this only applies to full length tights. Footless tights can be worn with other colours because of the patch of skin visible between the shoes and the stockings.

-Shimmer stockings suit Shiny shoes

Shimmer stockings can look a bit OTT if you don't pair them with something equally shiny. Patent Leather, Metallic colours or shoes dowsed in glitter/fake gems look great with shimmer stockings. Velvet and suede just don't seem to look right...

-Coloured Tights Should be Worn with black, brown or metallic.

-When in doubt wear skin tone

 Skin coloured tights can be worn with most colours of shoes because they're... well they're skin colour.

WOULD YOU LIKE SOCKS WITH THAT?:

Another common problem as far as stockings (and shoes are concerned is whether or not you need to wear socks.

-Cable/knitted tights shouldn't need socks.

-Most stockings worn with lace-up shoes or boots will need socks

The exception: Brogues/oxfords may not need it depending on how well they fit.

-Be careful that the colours actually work together

Some tights especially bright coloured ones can be difficult to pair with socks

THE LENGTH OF YOUR BOTTOMS:

-Tunics and Over sized Tees/Sweaters should be worn with leggings

Leggings are a pretty good coverage. The are opaque and are thicker than most brands of tights, which means that they don't show off your bulges as much as tights do. There's nothing I hate more than seeing someone who is wearing a tunic that doesn't completely cover their bottom and the shape of everything showing because they aren't wearing proper leggings.

-Leggings are only for those hems that sit above the knees

The only time I have seen them worn with skirts that were longer, that looked OK was in a magazine and the skirt had cut-outs around the middle.

DON'T OVER-COMPLICATE THINGS:

It's a bit of an issue in winter; trying to manage all those layers and do so without looking busy. To top it off, there now seems to be a bit of a market in patterned stockings.

-Pattern +Plain

Try and keep the number of patterns (and textures) in your outfit to a minimum. If you've got patterned tights, go for an outfit of block coloured garments and plain shoes. If you've got a patterned dress stick to block coloured tights.

-Don't add too many colours.

You don't want to wear a rainbow, trust me. It can get scary.

STOCKINGS AND SHORTS?

This is a tricky one. Some people find it acceptable, while others think it looks silly. Really it's up to you. I think black footless tights, look best under shorts.

OTHER THINGS...

-Invest in something called 'Anti-static' spray if you have problems with your stockings sticking to your skirt

Denim, chiffon and tulle are usually fine, but other fabrics can "ride up" or bunch up when you wear stockings

-Moisturise

Stockings can irritate your skin, so moisturizing definitely helps prevent that.

-Check that you Skin-tone stockings aren't too orange

It's the stocking equivalent of a bad spray tan.

-Don't get too theatrical

There are some looks that might seem like a whole heap of fun to try, that may end up looking a little bit try-hard if you can't get them right.

 Things like red shoes, white stockings and a blue dress. Hello Dorothy!

Or, White socks with black tights. Hello Minnie!

And I don't mean this in a good way....

SOME INSPIRATION:

(The asterisks below each picture are the link to the image source.)

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GETTING CREATIVE?:

You can do some pretty cool things with tights. If you've got an old pair that's gone a bit ratty, you can use it for many different things. Things like art and craft, hair ties, fairy wings....

If you've got a plain pair and some craft supplies, and think yourself to be creative, have a little looksy on google for tutorials on embellished or tie-dyed tights. There are heaps out there.

Hope you enjoyed my post.

Your Favourite Blogger,

Natalie

It's Tuesday Heres Some Unconventional Fashion Advice for the Unconventional

I can't promise that these Ideas won't be considered dorky by people who exude normalcy...

So lately I've been trying to think of some new blog ideas. I don't write enough on here and the blog tends to resemble a book blog rather than a blog about everything. This is probably great for other readers out there, but I thought "hey wouldn't it be nice to write something for those who like to play dress ups too?". I'm not saying that bookish people don't like to play dress-ups (I sure do), but I wanted to put something on here for my non-reading followers.

Dressing nicely can be expensive. Fashion Magazines all sell, sell, sell and tell us to go and buy some new fan dangle thing to make us look prettier. Actually, I think it is more like one fan dangle thing per page plus extra. So after buying a lot of the sorts of things that I thought would go with everything I have ended up with a lot of patterned clothes (because patterns can go with a lot of different plain-coloured things...) that don't match each other, And some plainer clothes that I just don't wear, I've been trying to reinvent my wardrobe by thinking out of the box when I style it.

SOME TRICKS I'VE LEARNED:
1) Chiffon is GREAT for Cheating:
-Because chiffon is sheer you can wear different colours underneath it for a fresh look. I have lots of chiffon (and other sheer fabrics) blouses that I wear different coloured singlets underneath.

2)Create a waist:
-Tops that are smock-y or that are straight-up-and-down can be given a waist with a belt, ribbon tied into a bow or fabric gathered and pinned with a brooch.

3)Fake conservative:
-A ribbon tied a round the neck, a silk scarf, a men's tie, a bow pinned the top of a blouse or a detachable collar, can give clothes a quirky look. Another way to get this effect is by layering normal tops/dresses over collared shirts.

4)Bling:
-I'm not telling you to go buy some bling. Most people already have heaps of it. Different jewellery makes a difference.

5)Tuck or Belt your winter wear:
Yep, Apparently it's now trendy to tuck your sweater into your jeans...

FOR THOSE WHO LIKE TO SHOP:
1) Forget necklaces, just buy pendants:
-On etsy and ebay pendants can be purchased for very little amounts of money. Especially if you buy in bulk. Just thread it onto a ribbon or an existing chain and new necklace!

2) Shoes and Hosiery makes a difference:
-White socks don't go with everything.
-I recently bought my self some cheap flats from a department store and they make a huge difference to some of my outfits.

3)Go Basic, but not too basic:
-Things like a good jacket, an evening bag and a hat are all things that women need, And they need to match a lot of things. Go for neutral colours, but don't go for plain and boring designs. Pick something in a unique cut/texture or that has small details.

FOR THOSE WHO LIKE TO CRAFT:
1)Swap or add buttons:
-You could add buttons to  shoulder of a shirt or swap the existing buttons for another colour or style.

2)Dye Dye Dye:
-You could be like Topaz from 'I Capture The Castle' and dye faded clothes a different colour. Tip: Don't go overboard with the dye. You don't want to dye your whole wardrobe one colour and you certainly don't want to dye your skin.

3)It's in the Trim:
-Adding a bit of lace to the neckline of a plain top or the bottom of a skirt can make all the difference.

I hope that was inspiring.

Your Favourite Blogger,
Natalie

Get Some Funk in Your Step

FIVE MINUTE FLAIR:
Five things you can do in five minutes (each) to update your look.

1) Change the way your hair is parted
2) Put on lipstick
3) add a belt (not for babydoll styles) or a simple ribbon tied around the waist.
4) change your earrings
5) Minimalism and layering: Try removing any unnecessary layers for a minimalist look or try adding another layer (hosiery etc) if your look is too plain.

COLOUR COORDINATION:
Some interesting colour ideas and how you can use them in your wardrobe

SORBET:
One Fluorescent colour matched with  whites, creams, greys and pastels.

Looks good with:
-Belts
-Tailored and well cut items
-Chiffon, Satin and cotton
-Blouses
-Point toed shoes or sandals

PEACOCK:
Teals, Dark Blues and Purples worn with animal print

How to wear it:
-choose one dark colour and wear with an animal print
-with metallic items
-Dark Blue and Purple worn together

NIGHT TIME:
BLack, Navy, Grey, Gold and Silver

Looks good with:
-Leather and lace fabrics
-Opaques tights or stockings
-Heels and Wedges
-Chunky Jewelley

CAMEL COLOUR
beige, caramel and mustard colours

Wear with:
-sunset colours: Maroon, Tangerine, Brown
-greys, navys, blacks, very dark purples
-olive greens and cherry red

Songs to put some funk in your step(and your ears):
1) Hang me up to dry - Cold War Kids
2) Do Wah Do - Kate Nash
3) Juice box - The strokes
4) Zero - Yeah Yeah Yeahs
5) Kiss with a fist- Florence and the machine
6) Can't shake it- Kate Miller-heidke
7) Sunday Morning- No doubt
8) Baby did a bad thing- Chris Isaak
9) In the sun- She and him
10) Cherry lips - Garbage

Try something new:
-Put Mascara on your lower lash line (only). You can enhance the effect by using light eyeshadow underneath and blending  into natural skin tone.
-Wear a long-sleeved  blouse as a blazer. Chiffon ones work well in warmer weather and thicker ones work well in autumn.
-Wear a ribbon as a necklace. like marie antoinette did.
-Lace ankle socks with heals

Brooch is the new Black

Here are some ideas for your brooches

Fresh-faced by quirkichik on Polyvore.com

SO I recently saw n a college fashion website that there are some great ways to reinvent a blazer that is perhaps too large for the wearer. You can try this with shirts or dresses as well. The idea is to pin the back with a brooch a quick one step innovation and the brooches can be changed to create different looks. Above is a polyvore set i made using heaps of brooches. also there is anothe reinvention method if you are interested.
Click Here for article.

Also included in the items list under the set is Ericka Domesek's "P.s. I made this" which has plenty of ideas like the one above. One of these ideas is to pin a brooch onto some faux pearl necklaces Audrey Hepburn StyleClick Here to see the site.

You can also use your brooches to:

• pin a scarf in place
• Pin a necklace to a top
• pin onto your earrings for a new look
• pin onto a hair pin
• pin your head band or head scarf
• coverup an ugly belt buckle
• pin a crochet collar or beanie
• decorate your socks or mary-jane shoes.

Masculine Boots for cheap

Ok. So i am just about fed up with hearing all these people on Polyvore whininng about how they saw some really cool boots, but they can't afford them. So here are some ideas for all you polyvorians out there that want some manyly boots.
Where to Buy Your Manly Boots:

• First of all if these are black or brown Dr martens you are after scour through your local Discount clothing stores and such in the mens department. They may not be designer but these boots will be just as comfy and just as manly looking aswell as saving you alot of money.
• If it's cowboy boots you're after have a look in a rural shop or equestrian shop to compare prices. Because girly cowboy boots are quite common these days you can often find them lurking around K-mart in winter.
• I have also found mens evening shoes in both K-mart and thrift stores to be quite quirky looking and to have the Winona ryder quality about them.
• If you want expensive boots because they have nice embellishments on them than take a leaf out of P.S. I Made This 's book and DIY yourself a pair from the mens section in shoe paint super glue and gems.

How to Style Your Manly Boots:

• With Over-The -Knee, Knee high or Thigh high socks
• With Stockings
• With a full skirt (recently renamed Skater - Skirt by Instyle mag)
• With a long skirt or a cute dress for the taylor swift effect
• With leggings and a cute oversized sweater or shirt

Other Manly things that are having a resurgence:

• Boyfriend Style jackets
• Oversized mens style shirts (saw some at ICE)
• Pixie cuts (have been having a resurgence for a while)

For dramatic effect team feminine with masculine.