Stylemate - How to.....

....wear a choker

2008-06-16T19:01:00.000-07:00

Chokers are neither in nor out – but beware the choker on a chicken neck. The age of your skin is the determining factor here. There’s a saying that the older you are, the longer your necklaces should be. Don’t get me wrong, chokers are fabulous in that they can be worn with anything except a poloneck sweater, however, be conscious of the fact that it will draw attention to that area of your body. Saggy skin aside, chokers look best when worn with a top that displays some flesh; preferably only your throat and collarbones. While there is a multitude of choice for younger women, I favour a very simple pearl choker or a black choker, made from agate or jet.

....ensure expensive clothing lasts

2008-06-16T18:53:00.000-07:00

For most people, wooden hangers, a sachet of potpourri and plenty of hanging space is all they need to feel as if they’re caring for their clothes, but there are some tips that will prolong their life for as long as you wish to wear them. Invest in three tools: a lint tape roller, a clothes brush and a steamer. After each outing, remove lint, hair and dirt with the roller. Before wearing your clothes, perk them up with a clothes brush and a shot of steam. A steamer is a quick and effective way of removing wrinkles and freshening up the fabric. Dry cleaning is very harsh on your clothing, so rather than have things laundered every time you wear them, hang them outside to air. This dries out the fabric which absorbs moisture from the body during the day and eliminates odour. Unless something drastic happens, like red wine or baby vomit, aim to have outerwear (suits, jackets, trousers, skirts etc) in natural fibres dry cleaned only once per season – usually at the end – just prior to packing them away for the following year.

....achieve an expensive polished look - fast!

2008-05-12T21:22:00.000-07:00

Thank God for all of those Vietnamese nail bars that have sprung up like weeds in recent years. If you have crap nails - like me - for $40 and an hour of your time, you have can perfectly maniucured hands. It's well worth it if you have a big event or equally as important, a job interview. Secondly, always have your hair dyed the right colour. Nothing worse or more sloppy-looking that undone roots and stray greys. To top it off, wear navy, charcoal, beige (if you're slim) or black head to toe and always ensure your face looks good.

....save yourself $330 at the hairdresser

2008-04-23T22:14:00.000-07:00

OK, so two tuesdays ago, I had my hair cut and coloured at a grand total - shocking price - of $330. Today, I had to redye my hair with a $10.00 packet of dye from the supermarket because I could no longer bear to stare at the grey hairs that were not covered professionally. I called the salon which told me they use semi permanents because it was better for the hair. My reply was, well, who can afford $330 a month???? What a joke. Never again. Garnier Nutrisse Chocolate all the way.

....shave your legs.

2008-04-08T16:13:00.000-07:00

The great beauty paradox. Magazines bombard us with ideas about outsourcing our beauty routines: hair colouring, manicures, waxing, eyebrow shaping, cellulite wraps etc, when many of the girls who work on the magazines are so busy (and well informed) that they do actually perform many of these tasks themselves -or they did when I was a beauty editor. While a lot of these treatments have become so cheap it's laughable, there are times when seriously, isn't it just easier to do it yourself?? I mean shaving your legs is surely a snack...all it takes is five simple steps.
1. Shower for 2 mins to hydrate and soften skin.
2. Use a new blade and shaving cream when possible
3. Exert as little pressure as possible - direction not an issue
4. Leave ankles and knees till last, when you're most comfortable with the razor
5. Hydrate your skin as soon as you get out of the shower (within 5 mins) to seal in moisture

....pack lightly

2008-03-26T19:31:00.000-07:00

Of course it depends whether it's a warm or cold climate trip, but the premis remains the same: Take as little as possible and buy anything else you need.
Here are some of the rules I pack by -
1. Take only nylon or poly underwear, it's easy to wash in a hotel room and will dry overnight. Cotton NEVER dries overnight. If you want a cotton gusset, use a Carefree Barely There Pantyshield.
2. Keep your colour palette to two, and accessorise in a highlight colour: Black/white, navy/white, black/ grey, navy/camel are all good travelling colours and highlight with a colour that goes with both whether it's red, orange, lime or whatever....
3. Take t-shirts and singlets that have given you good wear at home, that you can abandon rather than wash. And, either replace them on shopping expeditions while away or when you return home. Same goes for socks, thongs, ballet flats etc
4. Always take one great dress that can be dressed up or down. You just never know who you'll meet and where they'll take you. Depending on where it is you're going, either take heels or use your destination as an opportunity to shop.
5. One pair of comfortable shoes that you can live in while away. If you're at a holiday resort, this is probably a pair of thongs or sandals and then you might just take sneakers so you have the option of hitting the gym or playing tennis. If you're travelling around, these might be walking shoes such as loafers, ballet flats or low-heeled boots. Something that can be dressed up or down. 6. Toiletries and cosmetics are really heavy, so only take what you need. And, try and time it so you're taking the last half of the tube of toothpaste, not a new one - it's twice as heavy.
7. Always have your hair cut and coloured, so that it looks good when you wash and go. And, have a wax - eliminating the need to take razors.

It's all simple stuff really, but just remember that you alone are carrying your bag. And, you might think it's just from the baggage carousel to the trolley which you'll then wheel to a cab. But more and more airports require you to place money in the trolley so by the time you've got change, the queue at customs is an hour longer....

....hide a large tummy

2008-03-24T17:16:00.000-07:00

I am an advocate of the French way of dressing - and that is slim! It not only makes overeating uncomfortable, but it shows off the curves you have. By contrast, dressing in loose, oversized clothing will highlight, not hide a problem area. You need clothes that are slim fitting, but not tight. Don't wear tops that button through. They are guaranteed to gape where they shouldn't. Instead go for wrap styles that open up the face and neck. These are flattering to almost everybody. Other tricks include drawing attention to areas of the body that you like - if its your ankles, always wear fabulous shoes, hair, make sure it's always cut and coloured etc. The other thing is if your aim is to hide your tummy, you need the right underwear - try control briefs and the right trousers. Never go for a wide or skinny leg. Instead stick with a very neutral boot leg trouser which ensure the proportions will be right.

....shop for a bargain

2008-03-24T16:25:00.000-07:00

I read a really great little piece in British-based Eve magazine the other day on this very subject. Here is some of what it had to say about shopping during a sale.
1. Only shop where you know your size as fit is everything.
2. Buy big ticket items you can't normally afford such as black cashmere, coats, classic trousers and timeless handbags.
3. Take the maximum number of items into the fitting room and never buy anything you haven't tried on.
4. Scope ou tyour favourite stores the week before the sale is due to start. Try on the the items you love for maximum sale shopping efficiency.
5. Always avoid a rail full of one item. There's a very good reason it didn't sell the first time around.

....choose which shoes to wear with a mini.

2008-02-19T15:30:00.000-08:00

There are some shoes that regardless of fashion you should always consider carefully before wearing - particularly with a mini skirt or dress. Here's a rundown of what they are and why they can be dodgy.

· Short Boots: Short or ankle boots can can unfortunately make your legs look shorter and fatter than they really are. If you have really skinny legs you can probably pull them off - but beware that your legs can look like they are swimming in the boots.

· Stilettos. This is all about balance. Wearing a short skirt with stilettos is the same as wearing it with a midriff top. Tacky, outdated and just plain cheap. Ideally, the stilletos will be worn with a skirt no shorter than the narrowist part of your knee. And, they do look incredible sexy with a pencil skirt that hits at this length.

· Pumps: Hmmm, if they're really quirky in colour or style you might get away with these, but they can often look way too clunky for a mini skirt.

Shoes you should avoid completely are performance trainers or anything that requires you wear socks. Shoes you should wear are thongs, wedges, espradrilles, light sneakers like volleys, Converse or Bensimon, flat sandals or tight knee hi boots.

....banish blackheads.

2008-02-12T22:00:00.000-08:00

For those of you still hightailing around with a face full of blackheads - here is a safe, easy and inexpensive way to get rid of them. Combine equal parts baking soda and water, apply to blackheads with fingertips and leave for 2-3 minutes and rinse.

...do colour.

2008-02-08T18:51:00.000-08:00

Women are constantly seduced by fashionable colours - but you know what? It's actually really hard to do top to toe colour and look great - unless you're a stylist or have an innate sense of style confidence. Given there's a huge swing back to monochromatics - getting dressed just got a whole lot easier. If however, you still want colour, then perhaps introduce slashes of colour in the form of a new handbag, earrings or shoes. Throw a fabulous coloured scarf around your neck or go for Hollywood glamour and swipe blood-red colour across your lips. If you want to make a complete change – then stick with monochromes, but try charcoal, navy, camel or fashion's current darling - metallics!

....maintain the perfect summer glow.

2008-02-05T19:14:00.000-08:00

This is just too easy. Mix some iluminating liquid or a little bit of bronzing powder in to your foundation before applying for an all day glow - without the UV rays. Be mindful not to use too much pressed powder, rather just sweep around your eyes to ensure your mascara and eyeliner don't run.

....minimise a big bust

2008-01-28T19:24:00.000-08:00

First of all, let go of the embarrassment. This is a wasted emotion and won’t make your bosom any smaller or your dress sense any better. Be rational and calculating when buying clothes and getting dressed. The goal here is to divert the eye downward to balance the bust with the rest of your body. Wear slender pants and skirts for a slim silhouette and choose tops that are a little bit loose but not oversized. And, without exposing your cleavage, aim to flash a bit of skin around the décolletage area to open up the area around your face and neck. Cross over or wrap tops are good for achieving this look. If in doubt stick with dark colours and avoid belts as they will cut you in half and keep the focus up top. But most importantly, get fitted for the best quality bra you can afford.

....wear a pencil skirt.

2008-01-27T11:44:00.000-08:00

The pencil skirt demands polish: groomed hair and make-up and manicured nails. And most importantly, the skirt should finish just below the knee - at the most flattering part of your calf. This season team it with patent leather shoes and a belted jacket.

....dress between seasons

2008-01-27T11:29:00.001-08:00

The easiest way to think about transseasonal clothing and how to wear it is to dress for the sesaon you are about to enter. In autumn, despite the heat, start layering. Ditch the thongs and sandals in favour of a court shoe and switch to a heavier-looking bag. Conversely, in spring, when it can be very cool, loosen up the look by lightening your colour palette. Wearing black will keep the look heavy. Lose the poloneck sweater in favour of lots of light layers. Wear different textured garments - tank, sweater, jacket and make sure the jacket is structured so you don't look sloppy. Keep wearing your pencil skirt, but remove the opaque tights. The classic trench really comes into its own at the change of seasons. It can be thrown over everything to pull the look together. It also helps if it is waterproof.

....ensure your cream blush lasts.

2008-01-27T11:21:00.000-08:00

Cream blushes, while natural looking when first applied, can be too sheer or too oily to last the distance so when you're shopping for one, always look for a formula that has a powder finish. When applying blush, it helps to put a layer of primer underneath (I use primer on my entire face if I'm going out) to make it last. Once the blush has been applied, set it with a natural loose powder. In summer, it might beworth swapping to a powder blush which isn't so affected by oily or sweaty skin.

....prevent flippy hair

2008-01-20T00:11:00.001-08:00

It’s all in the cut. Firstly you need to find a stylist you trust and with whom you can communicate. Layers, which are the trend right now for longer hair, encourage flip out. And, just because they’re fashionable doesn’t mean they’re right for your face or hair type. Keep hair one length, which weighs down the ends if you want it to remain dead-straight. If you like the looseness that layers add, then just have them around your face to soften the style. Finally, you could use product and an appliance to keep things in place: try heat styling product to protect your hair and follow-through with the straightening iron.

....buy clothes that fit

2008-01-20T00:11:00.000-08:00

Frankly, we’d be here forever if I covered every significant item of clothing and the way it should fit. So, here are five unflattering don’ts that every woman should know.
A bad bra. Regardless of fabric or style, a top will never sit properly over a bra that’s too big or too small. Your bra should support, not show off. Get measured to make sure you’re wearing the correct size, and invest in smooth versions in basic shades like beige and black.
Too-tight neckline. When your neckline is too close to your neck, your upper body looks blocky. Take the time to find a neckline that flatters your body shape and your face. V-necks look good on most people and boat-necks are dreadful if you have broad shoulders.
A mismatched belt. The wrong width or placement can make your hips and waist look bigger than they really are. If you’re bulging around a belt go for a thinner width. If you have a short waist, stay away from belts altogether.
The wrong shoes. A bad shoe can totally throw off what would otherwise be a fabulous look. In general stay away from clunky shoes, and anything that’s too skimpy, particularly if you’re wearing a skirt. Styles with ankle straps should be worn with caution as they make your legs look shorter.
Too-short pants. This is the fastest way to stumpy legs. If you’re wearing shoes with height, make sure the pant hits the bottom of the heel almost to the floor. If your trousers are ankle length or shorter, stick with flats.

....keep your shoes dry.

2008-01-12T18:17:00.000-08:00

With this spate of deliciously wet weather, it pays to keep your feet dry - or at least know how to console damp footwear. If your shoes do get absolutely drenched stuff them with newspaper, let them dry and then polish them the old fashioned way: with polish, a brush and a clean dry rag. And, to waterproof them before their next outing, give your leather shoes a coat of floor wax.

....do textured hair styles.

2008-01-10T16:09:00.000-08:00

Toss the straightening iron as wavy undone hair makes a welcome return. Run a small amount of leave-in conditioner through damp hair, tie it up into a loose knot and let it air dry. Undo the knot and voila! Instant waves.

....wear ultra-bright clothing and look chic

2008-01-09T19:15:00.000-08:00

There are a few things I know to be true: Never wear brights with black, because, as Trinny and Susanna would say, the brights look cheap and the black looks boring. And, don't wear brights on a body part you're not proud to show off. That said, the ideal way, in my opinion is to wear one fabulous ultra bright dress. It has to be, or at least look expensive. It must fit like a glove and preferably be long - well, definitely not short. And importantly, it should be worn with very little other than fabulous, fresh hair and make-up. Keep shoes neutral (skin or metallic) and jewellery to a minimum.

....deal with dark under eye circles

2007-12-28T23:42:00.000-08:00

Concealer is the best way to counteract darkness under the eyes. If you have extremely dark undereye circles (circles that have a greenish or purplish tinge to them), start with a pink- or peach-toned corrector. Next, layer on a yellow-toned concealer that is one to two shades lighter than your foundation. Women with average darkness under the eyes can just use the yellow-toned concealer.

....avoid dull, flat, lifeless hair.

2007-12-26T21:35:00.000-08:00

Only Morticia Adams and Cher have been able to stay flat with any kind of success. Hair fullness begins at the roots so this is where you should start. A trick is to use dandruff shampoo, which has a tendency to puff up the hair. Then use a very light conditioner. While hair is still wet, apply a light gel at the roots. (Applying product to the ends of your hair will drag it down). Finally, blow dry your hair with your head upside down. If you want volume after 5pm – loosely twist your hair and clip to the top of your hair. That way gravity’s not pulling it down during the day.

....shop for a swimsuit

2007-12-13T15:52:00.000-08:00

A minefield, I know! The idea of shopping for a new swimsuit is thrilling in theory - but depressingly overrated in practice. Go to specialist swimwear stores - not - department stores as te lighting is so much more flattering. And essentially, you need to shop for your shape.
Apple shaped body frames have broader shoulders and smaller hips. Two-piece bikinis or tankinis with a solid color top and a patterned bottom will give you a more balance appearance.
Pear shaped body types have larger hips and smaller shoulders with a waist that is larger than the shoulders. One-piece bathing suits with tummy control or other design feature that create the illusion of a waist line will be the most flattering.
Small Bust - To enhance a smaller bust try a halter bikini top that has a seam just under the bust line or a lightly padded or line top. Swim wear with texture can also help detract attention away from your bust line if you feel self-conscious.
Fuller Bottom - Skirted swim suits are back in style and can be found in many different patterns and styles. The skirt flatters a fuller bottomed body type and will give you a more balance look. You may also want to try on a few boy short styles as well. Both of these options offer a little more coverage on the bottom.
Slender, athletic bodies have shoulders, waist and hips that are the similar in width. One-piece or two-piece suits with detailing around the waist will help create a more hourglass shape. Try a wrap style top or a belted bathing suit bottom to create more waist definition.
Hourglass figures have balance shoulders and hips with a smaller waist. If this is you, you're lucky because just about any classic styled bathing suit should flatter your figure.

.....remove white deodorant marks

2007-12-13T15:50:00.000-08:00

It's a familiar fiasco: You're all dressed up with someplace to go when you realize that you have white deodorant smudges on your dark top. The quickest solution: Spray the stains with cold water. The light mist of spray form one of those plastic water squirters is ideal. Then, using a dark towel or an item of dark clothing, rub vigorously until the marks are gone. (Note: Never use paper towels, which leave white bits behind.)