Chirstmas Crackers
- November 2010

The Little Black Dress
- November 2009

Since Coco Chanel introduced the little black dress (LBD) in 1926, it has become the epitome of timeless fashion. It is the answer to every “what should I wear to…..”  question from cocktail to Christmas parties.

The LBD was glorified in the movie Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961), where Audrey Hepburn walks down the street wearing one. It has even moved on to represent an ideal of a perfectly simple, yet sexy object and remains at the height of chicness.

A fashion anomaly, the concept of the LBD never changes. It knows no social, style or size boundaries, whether it costs £50 or £1,000, is a size 8 or 18, it is still a LBD, and everyone wants to own at least one perfect LBD, making women look and feel fabulous.

THE PARTY DRESS

Versatile and flirty, the “party” LBD dress is a style that every woman has to have. Whether it’s stretchy, slinky, strapless or seductive, your little black “party” dress is a save-the-day evening staple.This is one piece of clothing that you can feel comfortable investing in since it will never go out of style.   

LITTLE BLACK DRESS TOP TIPS

• Spend as much as you can on the perfect dress
• Experiment with incredible shapes and styles. Black is the perfect base, so try different silhouettes and necklines
• Don’t get carried away with accessories, keep it minimal. Just wear one significant piece
• Keep shoes classic and elegant. Invest in this season’s patent shoes
• Consider length (just above or below the knee)
• Legs can be bare or wear a very sheer tight or stocking for the dressiest look
• For that Christmas part look try sparkly earrings and bag because the simple black dress carries these accessories well

STAYING STYLISH!
- September 2009

Keeping up with trends can be even more difficult because fashion magazines, ignore women over a certain age. However the mature women can be just as fashionable as any young girl. So while it may seem that the shops are packed with teenage clothes, you can still find fresh, current looks that can work for you. Mature women can embrace today’s trends with a few adjustments. All that is required is a little creativity and willingness to shop outside your comfort zone.

A few of Iolanda’s tips for the mature lady!

Choose colours wisely:
Pastels can often wash out the skin tone of mature women. Neutral colours are more sophisticated than head to toe bights and mix easily with items in your wardrobe. You can use colour that is on trend in your accessories, such a belts and handbags. This will instantly update your outfit. Purples, oranges and greys can be used here.

Simplicity rules:
Keep the silhouette simple, think straight lines for elegance. Go for a clean classy and sophisticated look. Wearing a white shirt with a hint of ruffles only is perfect, anything to frilly will look too girlie.

Accessories:
Pay attention to these trends ladies. Swap your gold thin necklaces for chunky statement ones. Fashionable accessories look fantastic on the mature lady, and an instant lift to complement your stylish outfit.

‘With it’ item:
It good to buy one ‘with it’ item each season. This could be a pair of high heeled shoes an oversized bag or a sequined top. Buy better quality as they will look more expensive, and classier

Too trendy?
If you think it’s too trendy, get it in black, it will look more sophisticated and less young. E.g. a black halter neck dress. Never wear the most extreme versions of a trend, wear only one trendy piece with each outfit

So what ever you wear this autumn/ winter, show the world that you are fashion-conscious but not a fashion victim, make the new looks work for you!

KEY LOOKS AUTUMN/WINTER 2009/2010
- September 2009

Do you want to know what you should be wearing this season? Then look no further, I’ve sourced out the colours to consider and 5 of the latest trends. From over the knee boots to capes and cloaks, this guide will prepare you for the colder months, and help to keep your wardrobe updated, and your looks on the cutting edge!

COLOURS
Black and brown remain popular, but spice it up with dark greens, maroons, oranges, reds and magenta giving you some flashes of colour. Electric blue, earthy greens and purple are other shades to be seen in!

THE TRENDS

OVER-THE-KNEE/ THIGH-HIGH BOOTS
A must have item this season, but those daring enough will find the tops of their boots creeping up even higher with thigh boots. From elegant suede’s to darkly futuristic wound-and-bound leathers, the options are many and varied.

CAPES/ CLOAKS
The cape in its various forms will make it to major trend status as many big names of the fashion design world create their own unique revivals. Choose from cropped mini capelets to long cloaks and full capes.

ONE-SHOULDERED DRESSES AND TOPS
Asymmetric shoulder-lines have made a huge return in 2009. Showing off one-shoulder in a dress can be subtly sexy and interesting on the eye, and the possibilities for how to wear it are numerous.

MILITARY FASHION
A close cousin of the bohemian luxe trend, the military jacket strikes back in 2009 as a winter wardrobe staple. Whether feminised, rocked up or sexy, it's a winner!

RIPPED JEANS AND TORN DENIM
Ripped and shredded jeans are back, but in 2009 it’s sexy and revealing - possibly more than ever!

Rain drops keep falling on my head
- August 2009

We all love the song, but it’s not often that we like getting drenched in the rain especially during the summertime! Do you find yourself in the rainy day fashion dilemma: What to wear? Which shoes won’t get damaged in the rain? Which outfit suits in the rain when it’s still muggy? And, umbrellas! Which one to match what I’m wearing?

So Iolanda’s here to help, just follow her rainy day style guide to brighten up your raining days and not let the rain dampen your style!

TIP NO 1: The Trusty Trench Coat

You can never go wrong by investing in a classic wardrobe staple. A double-breasted bright trench coat is perfect to stand through those rain clouds and still feel fabulous. You will definitely feel super cool and sophisticated, walking in the rain in a classic colourful trench coat!    

TIP NO 2: Bright colours

Ran sack your wardrobe and dig out clothes in bright colours. Rainy days are known for dark gloomy clouds. Do not let the weather bog you down. Instead, wear bright colours that will not only make you look but also help to lift your dampened spirits!

TIP NO 3: Brolly or Umbrellas

Always carry a folding umbrella with you. It is better to carry an oversized umbrella than get wet and resemble a scarecrow. Try and use a neutral colour that will match with most of your outfits, but it’s alright to go bold by using a colourful brolly which will brighten up your day and your outfit.  

TIP NO 4: Handbag

It is advisable to carry a big bag on rainy days. Big bags are required to carry your umbrella and raincoat. After all, you would not want to be stranded in the rain without one. Keep your lovely suede or velvet bags for dry days!

TIP NO 5: Footwear

During the rain, it is best to say adieu to your favourite stilettos or heels. In fact, leather is a big no no especially your expensive leather or suede shoes may get spoiled completely. Try patent or mock croc instead!

WHAT NOT TO WEAR IN THE RAIN

Some more tips ON ‘FASHION DON’T IN THE RAIN!’ 

HOPE YOU FIND THESE TIPS HELPFUL!