Mookychick Blog

Dressing for your body type

mookychick — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 20:13:01 +0000

Clothes are more than just pieces of fabric. They are a way of expressing our personality and our feelings. It’s easy to fall prey to dressing for a trend rather than your personality. It’s better to fall prey to at least dressing for your shape…

From voluptuous vixen to lean machine, we’re all different, and we all suit different clothes. What suits your best friend may not necessarily suit you. It’s important to understand the different body shape categories, so you know which one you fall into, and can start dressing in a way which flaunts your best assets.

The main body shapes are; apple, pear, strawberry and rhubarb. Whilst this may sound like a fruit bowl, these are the basic building blocks to dressing for your shape!

Apple shape

If you’re an apple shape, you’re the most rounded of all the body shapes. Your hot points are your slender yet shapely legs. You are also likely to be in possession of a voluptuous and completely natural chest which you will have for the rest of your days.

Apple figures tend to have quite chunky arms, but usually very slim wrists.

If you have an apple shaped figure you usually gain weight around your tummy, and you don’t have much of waist.

That last bit might not sound so good, but there are many ways of creating a waist, for example:

* Wear tailored jackets and coats that nip in at the waist.
* Go for A line skirts, as they make your hips look curvier, which makes your waist look smaller in comparison.
* Wear thick belts around the waist, as they clinch it in, giving the illusion of a tiny waist.
* Invest in a corset – a good corset can take up to 6 inches off your waist.

Apple figures should wear V-Necks or wraparound tops, as they break up your torso, and make the most of your cleavage.

You can also wear pencil skirts to show off your shapely legs.

The apple shape should avoid wide leg jeans, as these make your legs look bigger, making you appear top AND bottom heavy. Instead, wear straight or boot-cut jeans, as these flatter the legs most.

To avoid the dreaded “muffin top”, wear mid-rise or even high-rise jeans to give the illusion of a slimmer silhouette.

Most importantly, apple figures should avoid clingy tops, as they may ride up – or else choose clingy tops that are long in the torso.

Also avoid polo necks, as they make you look top heavy. You want to emphasise those curves, not add extra bulk.

Pear Shape

If you are a pear shape, it basically means you carry your weight on the bottom part of your body, like your bum and thighs. This means you tend to have a smaller chest. You also have curvaceous hips. Your best parts are your tiny waist and slim arms. Because you’re slimmer on top, you probably want to keep the attention focused on your upper body.

Pear shaped people look good in A line skirts, as they skim over hips. Another tip is to wear heels, as they lengthen and slim legs. Wedge heels also balance out thicker calves. It’s also a good idea to invest in waisted belts, as they draw attention to your already slim waist, and create more of an hourglass shape.

It’s also a good idea to wear eye catching earrings and necklaces, as they draw the attention up.

Pear shaped girls should avoid wide leg jeans, as these make your legs appear wider than they are. Your perfect jeans are bootleg jeans, which you can wear with boots underneath, which makes your legs appear longer and slimmer.

Pear shaped girls should not overload on short skirts, especially if you have chunkier calves. Instead, high waisted pencil skirts are very flattering, as they show off your waist.

You should also avoid smock dresses, as they completely hide your top half, and usually show off your legs, which may not be your most flattering. If you want to wear a floaty smock dress, wear with black leggings, as they will make your legs appear a little slimmer.

Strawberry shape

If you have a strawberry shaped figure, you probably have a wide back and wide shoulders. It is very important that you dress properly if you’re a strawberry shape, as some clothes can make you look more masculine from the back – unless, of course, you want to look masculine from the back.

The main hot point of the strawberry figure is the full cleavage, which should be showed off with V-Necks or wide scooped necklines. As well as showing off your cleavage, these types of tops also soften your shoulders, balancing out your whole torso.

Strawberry shaped gals usually have slim legs, and these are showed off best with fitted skirts, or straight leg jeans. Ideally, team skirts and jeans with heels to lengthen your legs even more.

As a strawberry shape, you probably gain most weight around your tummy. This means that you don’t have much of a waist. You may want to try wraparound dresses, as these accentuate your waist, giving you more of an hourglass shape. Also, wearing thick belts around the waist brings your tummy in, creating a more hourglass shape.

Strawberry shaped gals should avoid polo necks, as they make you look top heavy. Also, try to avoid heavy wool sweaters, as these add bulk to your tummy.

Also, make sure you have a properly fitted bra, as this can dramatically change the way clothes look on you. If you’re not comfortable with having a bigger cleavage, try a minimiser bra, as this will make your chest appear smaller.

Rhubarb shape

The rhubarb shape is very simple to explain. Just like a rhubarb – straight up, straight down. This can also be referred to as a rular figure, or a boyish figure. Very slim legs, long torso, and a relatively small chest.

Rhubarb shaped girls should go for short skirts or shorts, which show off slim legs. You can also go for skinny jeans, which will show off your nice long legs. As with the figures that have a wide waist, you can also benefit from a belt round your waist, as this will give the illusion of a waist. Because the rhubarb shape can get away with pretty much anything, you can wear jumpers with horizontal stripes, as they will flatter you, and make you look a little wider, but without adding bulk.

Rhubarb girls should avoid full skirts, especially the long kind, as they will drown you. Also, very baggy clothes will simply emphasise the lack of curves.

Push up bras can also come in very useful, as they will make your bust look bigger, evening you out a bit more.
Hourglass shape

The final figure I’ll mention is the hourglass figure. Think Marilyn Monroe, or Dita Von Teese.

Hourglass figures have a full chest, small waist, rounded hips, and tend to carry weight on the legs.

If you have an hourglass figure, opt for sweetheart necklines, as they flatter your bust, and draw attention away from potentially chunky arms. Wear cropped jackets which nip in at the waist, as they emphasise your already small waist.

Don’t be tempted to hide your curves under baggy clothes. You have the figure, so flaunt it!

Heels are your best friend, and will make legs appear slimmer and longer.

Your perfect jeans are, as with most figures, boot cut. The darker the colour, the slimmer the effect, so try black jeans teamed with heels, for that ultimate slim leg look.

First published in Mookychick

Airlines refuse to transport primates for research following public outcry

mookychick — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 10:10:33 +0000

Campaigners call on remaining ‘cargo cruelty’ carriers to put ethics before profits

The BUAV has today applauded those airlines that have responded to public concern and stopped transporting primates destined for the research industry. An extensive analysis carried out by the animal protection organisation as part of its promotion of cruelty-free consumer choice has revealed that major airlines including US Airways and Eva Air have pulled out of the business while some of the world’s largest airlines, includingUnited Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, British Airways, Northwest Airlines, Qantas Airways, South African Airways, Delta Airlines and China Airlines have re-confirmed their commitment to eliminating ‘cargo cruelty’ by opting out of carrying non-human primates as freight for the research industry.

The BUAV has led the international campaign calling on airlines to stop taking part in this cruel trade. Information gathered from investigations, research and correspondence with airlines has enabled it to analyse the position of airlines and publish a comprehensive ‘Cargo Cruelty’ list.

The international trade in primates for research is a global industry that involves misery, suffering and sometimes death for the animals involved. Many monkeys are trapped in the wild and then isolated from their family groups and native habitats in countries such as Mauritius, Tanzania, Barbados and Guyana. Others are bred in captivity, usually under factory farmed conditions, in countries including the Philippines, Indonesia, China, Vietnam, the USA and Israel. The capture and confinement of such primates causes anxiety and stress which not only results in suffering, but can also lead to infection and the onset of disease. Further, a recent conservation report* highlighted that many primate groups in Asia and South-East Asia are at a growing risk of extinction.

Air transportation contributes to further suffering, even death. Primates destined for the research industry are packed into small wooden crates (usually too small to allow them to stand up) and travel as cargo, predominantly on passenger air flights, to destinations around the world. In addition to the cramped conditions, the monkeys may have to endure inadequate ventilation, noise and extreme temperature fluctuations as they are shipped on extremely long journeys to research laboratories globally.

The primate research industry is now dependent on a dwindling number of airlines. Air

France, Philippine Airlines, American Airlines, Continental Airlines, BWIA, China Eastern and China Southern Airlines and Korean Air are some of the airlines that have shipped thousands of primates, some trapped in the wild, to destinations around the world, during 2007-2008. Examples include:

· Air France transported wild caught macaques from Mauritius and captive bred macaques from Vietnam to the USA.

· China Eastern and China Southern Airlines both transported thousands of macaques from China to the USA.

· BWIA transported African green monkeys from Barbados and capuchins and tamarinds from Guyana. All had been captured in the wild.

· Philippine Airlines transported macaques from Indonesia to the USA.

· Both American Airlines and Continental Airlines have transported primates from the USA to Europe.

BUAV chief executive Michelle Thew said: “The BUAV welcomes the increasing number of airlines that have taken a stance and now refuse to transport primates for the research industry. We now urge those remaining airlines to reconsider their role in this cruel trade.”

The BUAV has received many supportive messages of support from airlines who want to dissociate themselves from the cruelty and suffering caused by the international trade in primates, including:

Malaysia Airlines: “Indeed, we would want to be in the list of airlines in the fight against international trade in primates destined for the research industry.”

TAP Portugal: “We wish your campaign to be successful and that the list of airlines rejecting transportation of these animals grows more and more.”

China Airlines: “On behalf of China Airlines, we would like to extend our appreciation on your dedication to protect the life of primates from unnatural human interference.”

United Airlines: “Please know that we do not support the transportation of non-human primates and we would be happy to be placed on the list that bans this practice.”

LondonEdge Alternative Fashion Exhibition 7-9 Sep

mookychick — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 08:30:08 +0000

LONDONEDGE PROVIDES HAVEN FOR ALTERNATIVE FASHIONISTAS

In less than two months, the alternative fashion exhibition Londonedge will arrive at Olympia 2 in a blaze of leather, buckles, velvet and black eyeliner.

In September, Londonedge will celebrate its 18th show with a string of exciting new global exhibitors.

Launched in 2000, Hellcatpunks is a Japanese brand jetting rock and punk inspired fashion direct from the store in Harajuku. The Harajuku girls are known for their forward-thinking fashion sense and now London will get a taste of Tokyo style via Hellcatpunks’ range of tees, shirts, trousers, skirts, waistcoats and accessories for men and women. Visit http://www.hellcatpunks.com to see more.

Life is a comic strip according to Cinderella Bones. Her playful range of tees feature gothic teddies, bats, skulls and birds from the darkside and will be on show at Londonedge for girls with attitude. This is the first the brand have exhibited in the UK and they are currently not stocked in Britain. See the range at http://www.cinderellabones.de.

Eye 2 Eye Contactz are a British company offering coloured contacts to accessorise the eyes. From a natural change in eye colour to more dramatic customised looks, their range of contacts can give your eyes an overhaul for any occasion. See more at http://www.eye2eyecontactz.co.uk.

OSIXNINE is a rainbow rockin’ boutique based in Kuala Lumpur and run by sisters, designer Missosixnine and singer-songwriter Saer Ze. Their motto is ‘Why blend in when you can stand out’ and their designs boast bright colours and are made in small quantities so that you’ll never bump in to someone wearing the same design.

At Londonedge the sisters will be exhibiting their latest collection called ‘Retro Gunshots’ and buyers will have the opportunity to see unreleased designs. Saer Ze said: “This is our first UK tradeshow. Our customers are mostly college students and youngsters, male and female between 15 to 30. We are targeting buyers with an edge that promote an outgoing lifestyle and retail select items from select brands.” Visit them online at http://www.osixnine.com.

The clue is in the name with Gothic Tiaras who offer stunning tiaras in a mixture of enchanting colours and styles. Bat pendants, skulls, and spiders are fused with pretty rose corsages and crystals for girlie girls with a darker side. See more at http://www.gothictiaras.co.uk.

Londonedge and Londoncentral will take place from 7th-9th September at Olympia 2, London, W14. For further information please contact +44 (0) 1162 898 249 or info@londonedge.com. Visit http://www.londonedge.com.

Design a belt competition

mookychick — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 12:38:26 +0000

Born in London in 2001, Lowlife set out to conquer an untouched market that brought the waistline to the forefront of fashion. In conquering the belt market with their range of edgy designs, they have been embraced by an ever-expanding family of musicians,tattooists, skateboarders, BMXers, artists and designers. By absorbing these influences, flirting with pop culture and encouraging creative independence, Lowlife continues to expand and evolve. Lowlife is distributed in 19 countries and is sold in over 700 stores worldwide.

How often do you get to design a belt for one of the leading names in alternative fashion? Not very often, that’s when! We wanted to do something really different this time, so we had a word with one of our favourite clothes companies, Lowlife. Best known for their wide collection of eye-catching belts, they have offered up a blank canvas (well, belt) for a Don’t Panic reader’s design. This will then be put into production (subject to Lowlife‘s discretion) to be seen and sold throughout the land, and the winner will also get a bunch of Lowlife gear. With bands including The Subways, In Flames, Gallows and Fucked Up all sporting Lowlife wear, your designs could end up on stages around the world!

The winner will be chosen from the publicly voted shortlist by Lowlife and stylish Canadian punk-metallers Cancer Bats!
Cancer Bats are currently tearing up the U.S. like some dervish of hardcore, punk and southern metal on the back of their second album, Hail Destroyer (out now on Hassle records). They will be making a pit-stop to pass a critical eye over the top 20 entries and tell us their favourite (you might even see your art strapped around their waists!)

Enter the competition here

Competition closes 28/08/08

Mineral makeup collection… for goths! (Get 40% off)

mookychick — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 12:55:28 +0000

Mineral makeup has been touted as being so good for your skin you can sleep in it. The critical thing is that it doesn’t do your skin any harm, sticks around on your face a long time (especially eyeshadow) and hasn’t been tested on animals.

Care Free Beauty have brought out a special mineral makeup range for gothic tastes… yep, there’s finally a tailor-made collection of goth mineral makeup!

The range includes goth pallor kits, dark and midnight (and strong blue and violent pink) eyeshadows, and we love it.

Get 40% of Goth Mineral Makeup

To celebrate the launch of their goth mineral makeup range, Care Free Beauty are offering a hefty 40% discount on anything in their store if you write a blog review!

All you have to do is write a review about their mineral makeup in your blog and link that blog entry to the Care Free Beauty homepage. Then you get 40% off.

What a nice offer. Simple! Beneficial! A bit like mineral makeup!

Mookychick.co.uk has had a major redesign

mookychick — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 08:31:26 +0000

I was going to use the word ‘facelift’, but that’s so against the Mooky ethos that it seemed as inappropriate for a website as it would for a person.

Websites age. People age. We don’t mind showing the wrinkles – we just want to look fighting fit and gorgeous.

The 2008 trends for web design suggested that something grungy, swirly, delicate – with a hint of collage – was in order. Mookychick now has had – not a facelift – but a slimming and oxygenating exercise regime, and we think it looks very pretty.

Not only that, but it’s far easier to navigate, and we’ve sorted out some bugs that were appearing for our users on Internet Explorer – like the images being pulled out of whack. It was annoying for you, it was annoying for us, but now everyone will be seeing Mookychick in the same way on their screens, in glorious pink and monochrome!

If you read this and you’re a web designer, we’re always happy for hints and tips – if you think there’s anything we can and should change on www.mookychick.co.uk, please do let us know.

In the meantime – we really hope you’ll enjoy the site!

Competition to design a ‘Balls to Bullfighting’ T-shirt

mookychick — Wed, 28 May 2008 08:11:57 +0000

Hello folks, this just dropped in my inbox, so I’m letting you know about a new design competition that Don’t Panic and The League Against Cruel Sports are working on together. The LACS ‘Balls to Bullfighting’ campaign aims to bring an end to bullfighting, and wants artists to create a t-shirt design appropriate to the message. The winner will see their design worn worldwide, sold in various independent fashion boutiques around London and also on the League’s website, with proceeds going towards furthering the cause. This is a great way to get a designer’s work noticed throughout the world, while also aiding a very worthy cause.

The competition runs from May 19th – July 15th 2008 on the Don’t Panic site (www.dontpaniconline.com).

Click here to find out more about the design a Balls to Bullfighting T-shirt competition

Against the outside drinking ban in London’s Soho

mookychick — Fri, 23 May 2008 11:09:20 +0000

It’s come to our attention that Westminster Council is planning to enforce a ban on all outside drinking (and socialising, from one version of the legalise we read online. How would one go about restricting ‘outside socialising’? And what does outside socialising mean? It makes one reminisce of the Criminal Justice Bill, which aimed, amongst other things, to shut down raves by saying groups of twelve or more people couldn’t get together and dance to repetitive beats).

Anyone in living in a mostly commercial area that’s busy at night will know that, yes, sound pollution can seriously detriment your lifestyle. But Soho has long been accepted and welcomed as a liberal, vibrant part of London. And the drinkers there outweigh the number of pubs. Seeing fifty drinkers cluster outside a pub on a friday night in Soho is not unusual. Anyone moving to Soho surely knows what kind of environment they’re moving into. If someone buys a flat in New York’s Time Square, do they complain to the council about the distracting neon and the traffic? One hopes not.

Anyway. While petitions may arguably not do much, they do, at least, provide someone with the ability to feel like they are doing something to stand up and be counted.

Here is a little petition to try and prevent Westminster Council from proceeding with the ban:

http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/SaveOurSoho/

“This petition has been created by the licensees of Soho. If you live, work or just visit Soho, and you are familiar with The Endurance Pub and want to support us against Westminster Councils objective for a complete ban on outside drinking and socializing then please sign our petition. It is the council’s intention to enforce a complete ban on outside drinking in all licensed premises.”

If you do sign it don’t forget to respond to the verification …

Win funky electro / punk jewelry from Zlanarama

mookychick — Tue, 13 May 2008 14:36:13 +0000

Electro queens, kawaii kittens & punky mommas take note…

Zlanarama is an online alternative jewelry store with a beautiful mission: to restore color and whimsy to a drab and sometimes scary world. Zlanarama wants remind women of the value of many of the things considered childish in our culture. There is nothing wrong with a splash of color – or even a lot of color.

If you haven’t already entered our Mookychick competition to win online vouchers for indie and punk jewelry from Zlanarama, now’s your chance.

Enter Zlanarama punk jewelry competition on Mookychick

Competition ends 7 June 2008.

Go straight to Mookychick homepage

Please sign a petition to support belly dancers with swords…

mookychick — Mon, 12 May 2008 08:57:35 +0000

If you’re not a bellydancer, please take time to sign a petition to support those who are.

Tribal bellydance is an art form that can use swords, but swords in bellydancing are no longer legally allowed. Here’s more information.

This just in from a bellydancer who’s been looking into the situation:

http://petitions.pmgov.uk/BellyDanceSwords/

Hello all.

Sad news I’m afraid. I have just spoken to the home office and they have confirmed that belly and tribal dancers in the UK are included in the VCR (Violent Crimes Reduction Bill).

As Belly dancers, we are not covered in the exemptions of being classed as a ‘sporting activity’ or a historical reenactment. While we can perform with our existing swords, if you have public liability insurance. You can no longer purchase a new blade.

This is scary thought, as if we are not included in the exclusions to the ban, the art form of sword dancing will ultimately die out in the UK! My sword was broken recently In a workshop when it was dropped. I now can’t get a new one….

The only way we can get this changed for all belly dancers is to voice our concern and request that as a dance form that we are allowed to continue to be allowed to purchase swords, so that we can continue with a beautiful art form.

Please, please take the time to sign the http://petitions.pmgov.uk/BellyDanceSwords/”>e-petition; to request that the government make bellydancers and tribal dancers exempt from the VCR Bill.

It will take a huge volume of dancers and people who support dance to sign the petition to make a difference, so please take the time to sign the petition and support us dancers.

Ta!