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Out of the Closet: 2018 Wardrobe Staples Revisited

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While cute fashion trends are endless, our bank account, however, is not. You know how it is every season – you grab a magazine, you browse the latest styles, and you just about go crazy from creative joy as you see a bunch of stunning garments that you just know would look flawless on you. And then you check the small print underneath that has the price tag on it, get a minor heart attack, and realize that you are sadly not made of cash. Does this mean you don’t get to be fashionable? Hell no. A fashionista is not rich, a fashionista is creative, thrifty, and knows the worth of a good staple garment. With a few versatile pieces, a style-savvy gal can make magic happen, so if you want to know what you’ll need to make 2018 be your best fashion year yet, read on.

Denim jacket

Denim everything is really in right now! But while some pieces can be considered great staples, other things are very obviously going to last only one season and then be tossed away at the back of your closet. For example, denim crop tops, corsets, and tube tops might sound like a fun idea, but in reality, they’re impractical, hard to style, and can very easily come off as tacky. But denim jacket? That’s what you should invest in. You’ll be staying true to the jeans-material-is-everything, but you’ll also have something useful on your hands. You can wear it with pretty much anything – from maxi dresses to graphic tees and shorts combo. Pick a classic straight cut if you like it subtle, or maybe something with distressed denim details to give it a bit of an edge.

Sneakers for style and comfort

Athleisure is no longer just a trend, it’s a lifestyle. If Gigi Hadid and Kendall Jenner can make it their staples, so can we, and the very basis of good athleisure lies in sneakers. They’re comfy, they’re good for your feet and your posture, and they just so happen to be very fashionable right now as well. Whether you wear them with leggings, miniskirts, jeans, or baggy sweatpants, it’s up to you. They’re not limited to athleisure either – a sassy pair of kicks goes well with a cute dress, so don’t be afraid to experiment.

Timeless bags

What could possibly be more practical than a good bag? It’s the perfect accessory for any lady, and the latest women’s black bags are so perfectly elegant and sleek that they’re bound to make any outfit more stylish. Nothing like a cute little tote or a saddle bag made of leather to make you look sophisticated, or if you crave something more casual you could pick a backpack. Make sure that it’s black in color if you want to keep it versatile and trendy, and feel free to wear it with absolutely everything.

Bombshell pencil skirt

These curve-hugging garments are the ultimate sexy staple that somehow manages to be entirely professional at the same time. They look great when paired with simple button-down shirts if you need them for the office, but they’re actually quite a good idea for a date night as well. Wear a red silk blouse and a pair of heels and you’ll be achieving elegance with absolutely no effort. Don’t be afraid to pair them with graphic tees for an urban, street style look, or with a crop top and a cute clutch for a party night. If you want to make it even more interesting, pick a black leather pencil skirt.

Blazers for work

Pantsuits are still extremely popular this year, but you don’t have to invest in a whole suit if your budget doesn’t allow it. A good blazer is worth the money because it’s one of the easiest things to wear, and it’s absolutely priceless for office fashion. A plain white tee and jeans can be made professional with the help of a suit jacket, and having a few of these in versatile neutrals (black, navy, white) will mean you always have something to fall back on when you need to look polished.

Classic jeans

Straight-cut jeans are back! You don’t have to throw away your favorite pair of skinnies at all, but having old school, Levi’s cut jeans with a straight leg and maybe a tapered cut means owning something that’s never going to go out of style. This is truly a timeless staple that is impossible not to love, so if you love your denim, enjoy styling it in creative ways.

Make your own capsule wardrobe with these trendy-yet-practical items! You don’t have to spend a ton of cash to look good, you just need to mix and match good staple pieces and you’ll be surprised at how far it can take you.

Gift them Style Without Breaking the Bank

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We all have that loved one that adores fashionable accessories, shoes, and outfits in ways that we may not understand. Many assume that in order to be fashionable that you have to shell out the big bucks. The reality is, with a keen eye and savvy sense of spending, you can find pieces that are affordable and stylish. This is especially true if you are wanting to give a stylish gift to your fashionable friend or loved one. Here are some ways that you can make your fashionable gift affordable.

Sunglasses and Accessories Never Go Out of Style

For the fashion-challenged, it can be a scary and daunting task to pick out an item for our savvy loved one. Never fear! We are here to hold your hand and explain how to get those accessories. Let’s say you want to get affordable designer glasses for women but every time you check out a pair of Gucci sunglasses, you want to scream. Firstly, stop looking at Gucci sunglasses. Yes they are beautiful and quite stylish, but we want to make this easy on you. Secondly, take note of your friend or loved ones sunglasses now. What shape are they? How tinted are they? Are they simple or bejeweled? Noting what they already like makes everything easier. Lastly, hit Google and look for those shades she is already wearing. Print up a picture and use that to do an online search or take it with you to the nearest thrift store.

The same can be said for any other accessory. Necklaces, earrings, and bracelets are easy to shop for once you have an idea of what they like. Many thrift stores and second hand shops carry some higher end items that may be out of season but are still fashionable and meet your loved one’s own style statement.

Designer Clothes with a Department Price

Many folks assume designer clothes means spending thousands of dollars. Not true! The savvy shopper can learn new ways of obtaining designer apparel and paying a significantly less amount. Of course the easiest option is to hit up all the local thrift stores and second hand shops. They are a hit or miss adventure so you have to be prepared for spending time and finding nothing. Another option are to choose to shop at outlet centers for those designers you love. Many of them sell items that are no longer in season or are considered out of fashion. As long as they fit your loved ones own personal style, that doesn’t really mean much. Another big option to hit the internet are online outlet stores and second hand websites. With sites like Overstock.com and ThredUp, you can easily find some items at drastically reduced prices.

It’s Not Just for Women

Unfortunately, designer clothes seem to be associated most with women and that is simply not the case. Many men take great pride in their own personal style and love to receive gifts that reflect that style. Whether it’s a fantastic designer watch or a special new tie, don’t forget the men in your life that want to exude a specific look and sense of grace. Just be sure that you make sure any thrift store or online discount website have fantastic options for him that you can bookmark for later, he will appreciate it!

Remember that style is defined by the person, not the clothes. The clothes and accessories are merely reflections of that style. Gifting something to your friend or loved one should certainly reflect what they routinely wear and would be astounded by. If you are unsure, take a moment and sit with them as they peruse a magazine to get a feel for the things that catch their eye. You will be glad you did!

6 Luxury Watches to Gift Your Man

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July 29, 2017 by

We struggle to find the perfect gift only for the most important people in our lives. On top of it, if the gift is for our man, the challenge gets tougher. I mean of course, there are options like shoes and wallets and ties and cufflinks but for the love of our life, we’d want something more impactful, something more representative of our love, something timeless. What can that be? We say get him one of those vintage watches from dealers across the UK – a luxury wristwatch. A Cartier!

Cartier watches are pure elegance. These are a beautiful way of telling someone they are priceless. Here are 5 special designs by Cartier we love. Read on to more about them.

1. The Cartier W2020067a classic beauty indeed! Its perfectly embossed Roman Numerals on a silver analog dial is all about superior designing. Its rose gold rectangular case with brown leather straps adds further to the charm. This signature watch is water resistant upto 30 metres and boasts of an impressive power reserve.

2. The Cartier Ronde Louis Cartier Model No: W6800251 is made of gorgeous silver dial and brown leather strap and is one of the most renowned luxury pieces by Cartier. A classic Roman watch, set in 18K rose gold and strapped with alligator bracelet, it makes a bold and assertive statement. Its soft leather strap gracefully circles the wrist and the Arabic numbers embossed along the inner rim of the watch gives it an unbeatable visual appeal. It also features a crown, set in beautiful sapphire within a strong case window, vouching for long term durability.

3. The Cartier Roadster Model No: W62008Y3 is a watch with a larger-than-life sporty feel to it. Curated to appeal to people always on the go, it is bold, classy, and quirky all at the same time. It beautifully illustrates a luminescent sun-ray effect over the champagne-coloured oval-shaped dial, complemented by a black leather strap. We assure you, you’ll fall for this beauty!

4. The Cartier Ballon Bleu De Cartier Model No: W6920104 features a light circular dial, reminiscent of the shape of a balloon. This watch has a simple and contemporary crafting.  With rose gold case material and exquisite brown leather strap, it has a universal appeal. The dial comes in subdued tones of white and black and the fixed bezel is adorned with diamonds adding a little glitz and glamour to the watch. The strap has a smooth glossy finish, making it an ideal accessory for a watch lover.

5. The Cartier Tank American Model No: W2620007 is among the most iconic watches of the Cartier Tank Collection. It is defined by a sleek rectangular cased grey dial with a patterned black leather strap. It is intricately designed with a classic dial and Roman numerals, exuding a vintage timeless feel. The watch also comes with a calendar and a power reserve display.

6. Cartier Ballon Bleu De Cartier Model No: W6920105 is a watch with a blue dial and strap combined to make a bold style statement. The leather strap looks sturdy but is incredibly soft at touch. The design highlights the blend of luxurious comfort with advanced technology. This collection, in particular, has been designed to cater to those looking to add a royal touch to their lives.

Each wristwatch of Cartier has a personality of its own. You can simply choose the one which suits you best.

Revealed: The 10 Most Inspirational Celebrity Fashion Icons

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Source

All over the world, women look for inspirations from celebrities in terms of their style. UK fashion retailer Bonmarche has completed a study to determine which women were particularly inspirational for those in their target demographic, being women aged over 45. They found that, consistently, Helen Mirren, Jennifer Anniston, Meryl Streep, and Joanna Lumley ranked in the top 4 across all age groups and geographical locations.

It is a universally accepted fact that woman always want to look their best. Often, women develop their personal sense of style by looking towards celebrity women for inspiration. UK fashion retailer Bonmarche has completed a study across women from all over the United Kingdom, aged 45 and over, to determine which women were their greatest inspirations. The full results of their study were:

  1. That 19.2% of women were inspired by Helen Mirren.
  2. That 16.3% of women were inspired by Jennifer Anniston
  3. That 14.5% of women were inspired by Meryl Streep.
  4. That 13.5% of women were inspired by Joanna Lumley.
  5. That 10.3% of women were inspired by Nicole Kidman.
  6. That 10% of women were inspired by Elle McPherson.
  7. That 8.1% of women were inspired by Julie Walters.
  8. That 5.9% of women were inspired by Jane McDonald.
  9. That 5.4% of women were inspired by Salma Hayek.
  10. That 4.8% of women were inspired by Ruth Langsford.

Breaking these numbers down into different age groups, they found that women between 45 and 54 followed them exactly. 19.2% of women cited Helen Mirren in first place, 16.3% picked Jennifer Aniston, 14.5% picked Meryl Streep, and 13.5% picked Joanna Lumley. When asked why, women said Helen Mirren’s sophisticated style was what they wanted to emulate, whereas it was Jennifer Aniston’s golden tan, lustrous hair, and healthy living habits.

Looking at the 55 to 64 age group, there were some changes. Mainly, Helen Mirren was cited as favorite by 20% of women, a slight rise. Jennifer Anniston held on to her second place position, but only 15.5% of women mentioned her. Meryl Streep and Joanna Lumley stayed in third and fourth place respectively.

A real change was noted in the over 65 age category. Here, 28.4% of women cited Helen Mirren as their favorite, and Jennifer Anniston made a dramatic drop to fourth place. However, the exception was seen in woman in Scotland, where the over 65s placed Jennifer Anniston in first place, with a whopping 27.8%.

According to Bonmarche’s online marketing manager: “As women grow older, their tastes and influences change, but one thing remains constant: a desire to look great”.

Bonmarche has been very impressed with the results of their study. For them, it shows that, once women reach the age of 45, they are quite consistent in terms of which women they feel look good. While there are some fluctuations in the top 4, the same four women are mentioned again and again. This information is invaluable for them as it helps them to drive their own stock. By monitoring the clothing of these icons, they can ensure that they have relevant items in store.

What they found particularly interesting, however, was that it was not just the clothes that made the woman. Women consistently mentioned their celebrity inspiration’s hair, skin, and healthy living habits. This would suggest that, for the modern woman, lifestyle is as important as fashion. This is something that Bonmarche feels should be celebrated, as it also demonstrates that women want to live long, healthy lives and not just look good from the outside, but from the inside as well.

What’s In And What’s Not For Prom 2017

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Every girl dreams of wearing the most sensational dress in the world for her prom night. That’s why we’ve put together the latest trends for 2017 – so you can choose the best possible style, shade, cut, and shape for your special event and be sure to be the Belle of your Ball.

The Main Trends for Prom in 2017

Every year we see a wide range of innovative designs popping up on the catwalks in time for prom dress shopping, but overall, this year’s trend is to be classic and elegant. Evening dresses always have a special place at prom, but, there are a few new designer threads you may want to consider.

Long Dresses

Long dresses for prom are elegant, stylish, and traditional. Floor length gowns are making a big comeback this year, and we’re sure to see more girls opting for long, flowing ball gowns for their big night. The most popular style of long dresses is set to be form-fitting fabrics with fluffy skirts. These selection of prom dresses for 2017 are very pretty. It’s worth noting that the length of form fitting dresses may not quite reach the floor, but more popularly to the knees or a little bit higher.

Convertible Dresses

The convertible dress is also a hit this year. In this case, a dress that flows to the floor is best and looks the most elegant by far! 2017 will see prom girls picking long dresses with fluffy skirts and corsets, and there will certainly be a wide variety of colours and shapes to choose from.

Lace Dresses

Another trend to be on the lookout for this year is dresses with bodices made of lace and other transparent materials. Other trends include oval, “to the neck,” boat neck, and even deep swing collars along with open arm options, cut-out heart shapes, and “carmen” sleeves. One shoulder strapped are also big this year, regardless of whether the strap is wide or narrow.

What’s on the Catwalks?

So, which trends have shown the most promise on the catwalks for 2017? Mainly, garments adorned with lace with extensive inserts. While these are a little more costly that other styles, they are certainly unique and will ensure you stand out at prom.

We also need to discuss 2017 prom dress colours. Designers from around the globe always bring out something new and trendy that is sure to impress on the big night. But, as we mentioned earlier, this year is about class and elegance, and that means shades of white and black are very in. While there really aren’t any compulsory colour rules for evening dresses, you really cannot go wrong with a black or white prom dress. Also in this year are pearl and greys.

If you are still deciding what type of dress you would like for your 2017 prom, keep elegant, classy, and lain shades in mind, and if you’re looking for that “wow” factor, go for lace with intricate and extensive details!

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We left our home in Sydney, Australia many moons ago in May 2012 and, other than a brief stint back in Perth for Christmas and a wedding in early 2014, we have been travelling the world nomadically ever since, running a business from our laptops and we’re here to show you how to do it!