Posts tagged “women”

All these curves and no breaks: finding the right pair of jeans with @NewLookFashion

Posted on June 14, 2013

Anyone that knows me, knows that I don’t really wear jeans or trousers.

It’s been an ongoing battle to find jeans that fit and flatter my figure eight shape.

Until now that is…

All these curves and no breaks

I have the curvy but balanced body type we call “hourglass”, a very difficult shape to shop for believe me. Therefore, it was like manna from heaven when I walked into New Look to discover that their SS13 ‘denim’ collection included an abundance of high rise slim cut jeans in an assortment of colours.

Getting the low down on high-waisted denim

I love my curves, but due to the circumference of my derriere, the popularity of low rise jeans means that I am subject to having to tug my jeans back up every time I sit or bend down. Buying denim is deeply personal because you are confronting your body shape. But it’s not just about shape. Body proportion is more important than dress size!

Therefore it’s shocking that thirty per cent of women don’t know if they are long- or short-waisted.

If you are long in the torso with short legs like me, you need a high waist to trick the eye and give you ‘more’ leg. Plus, it’s much more comfortable – you don’t feel like you’re losing your jeans! If you have a short body with a larger bust, a mid-rise waist is going to look better.

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So here are some of my best buys from New Look this season for all you figure eight fashionistas

Navy Supersoft High Waisted Skinny Jeans
£22.99

Buy here

These high waisted jeans are a fail safe wardrobe essential! Easily dressed up down, they’ll work wonders with a peplum top and heels, or a simple check shirt and biker boots. In a supersoft, skinny design, they’re the perfect comfy-cool combo!

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Burgundy High Waisted Skinny Jeans

Were £22.99 –> Now on SALE £15.99

Buy here

I love the 4 button fastening to the high waisted design. Perfect with an oversize white tee and biker jacket for everyday effortless cool.

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Know your denim

Trouser Jeans

Denim doesn’t have to always be casual. Since denim is the one staple in everyone’s wardrobe (or at least it should be), consider a dressier pair of denim to wear to parties, events, and nice dinners. What constitutes a “dressier” pair of jeans? Fit and wash. A pair of jeans that fits your silhouette perfectly without showing off too much or being too tight is usually a pair that can be dressed up with a silk blouse or heels. A darker, cleaner wash with no whiskers or fading is considered a dressier wash for jeans. A trouser jean is the perfect jean to wear to dressier occasions. Trouser jeans usually have less than 5 pockets (sometimes only 2 front slit pockets), a finished 2 to 3 inch hem or cuff, and a trouser-style waist with belt loops to fit a wide belt. Most trouser jeans are also a little looser in the thighs with a wider leg opening. Basically just like a pair of suit trouser pants made out of dark denim.

Straight-Leg Jeans

Straight leg jeans are the perfect in-between fit for just about every body type. They are not a true skinny that tapers at the ankle and they are slimmer than a boot cut. The best straight leg fit is one that is slightly fitted in the knees and just barely follows the silhouette of your calves, leaving a little extra room in the ankle. They can be ankle length or slightly longer and ruched at the ankle. Straight leg jeans can be styled a little funky with booties, classic with ballerina flats, or modern and sexy with heels. You can wear straight leg jeans with a t-shirt and Chuck Taylor tennis shoes or with a chiffon blouse, a cropped blazer, and heels. What’s great about straight leg jeans is the leg-lengthening effect they have on any body type.

Skinny Jeans

This fit is not going out of style anytime soon. Skinny jeans are perfect for the fall & winter months tucked into boots and sexy and slimming in the spring and summer months. As most of you know by now, you don’t have to be rail-thin to wear skinny jeans. There are different levels of skinniness that are appropriate for different leg sizes, so use your common sense when tryout out a pair of skinny jeans. The reason they are called skinny jeans is because they are usually ultra snug against the body with a tight fit around the ankle. Skinny jeans have been re-invented in recent years to a jegging (jean legging), which can be ultra comfortable. Just be careful and conscience of how a skinny jeans fits you. If the skinny jean or jegging is skin-tight, I recommend wearing a blousy top that covers at least half of your bottom. You can balance out the skinny fit with flowy blouses and t-shirts and either tuck them into boots or toss on a pair of flats to keep them casual. If you are blessed with the body to wear skinny jeans with a slim-fitting top, go ahead and be daring with a pair of heels and lots of jewelry. My point is, be cognizant of your body type and embrace it.

Boot-Cut Jeans

For a more casual look, boot cut jeans are the best fit to go with. You can wear a boot cut jean in a dark wash for a dressier look or a washed down. Lighter wash for a more casual look. I usually hem my boot cut jeans a little shorts so I can throw them on with a pair of Pumas or flats while running around. If you already have a curvy shape, boot cut jeans will help even out the curves and if you have more of a boyish figure a boot cut jeans can add some curves to your shape. Hudson makes a few different styles of boot cut jeans ranging from a baby boot cut to a more extreme boot cut that I love.

Flared Jeans

Denim trends are always reverting back to the styles of the fifties. Sixties, seventies, and eighties and the flared fit from the seventies has been in style for several years now. This fit can be a little more bohemian than the trouser style, depending on which wash you choose to wear. Flared jeans are best when they are fitted through the hips and thighs with a small break in the knee, to create a more drastic flare effect. Flare jeans are best styled with romantic blouses, vests, menswear blazers, or even chunky sweaters. I recommend wearing a platform or wedge with a flared jean that runs almost all the way to the ground. My favorite flared jean, the Jimi, is from Mary Kate & Ashley’s denim line called Textile, by Elizabeth and James.

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NEW LOOK AUTUMN/WINTER 2013/14 “BABOUSHKA“

I am highly anticipating New Look’s AW13 collection entitled ‘Baboushka’, a Russian opulence themed collection, full of fur hats, tapestry skirts and embroidered blouses. The accessories are grandiose… more boots, shoes, bags and incredible jewellery than you could shake a heeled biker boot at. Plus I am loving the 101 leopard/dalmatian themed patterns coming out of their knitwear and boots.

Enjoy the sneak peek.

Back to paperbacks: Top three books I haven’t finished yet

Posted on May 7, 2013

“Classic’ – a book which people praise and don’t read.”

― Mark Twain

Like many, I suffer a condition which is a product of my impatience; I am always reading too many books at once.

Do you have a book on your bedside, another in the bathroom, one at work, and another at the ready for your daily commute? All of which have been marked at around 15-25% into the narrative, only to exist as guilty reminder of your failed endeavours?

You would think that the delights of owning an eBook means that the hardback book you love, but feels like you’re lugging bag of sand, along with the thriller you’re saving for the quiet evening you never have, can be contained into one nifty little device.

I raise my hands to the sky in despair as I exclaim “No! this is not the case”

Easy eBooks have only made my reading habits harder than carrying a hardback, as it’s too easy to order books online and I’m often tempted to buy more books than I need. So whereas in ‘the good ol’ days’, one might have been tackling two or three books at a time, it is now six or seven. And the feeling of guilt only builds; will I ever finish any of them?

So I’ve given my eReader a rest, and I’m back to juggling a handful of paperbacks, rather than a dozen of eBooks…

Here are three paperbacks I am reading, recommend and intend to finish before 2030.

THE 50TH LAW: 50 CENT & ROBERT GREENE

Robert Greene’s blog- http://powerseductionandwar.com/

The 50th Law is a New York Times bestselling book on strategy and fearlessness written collaboratively by rapper 50 Cent and author Robert Greene. The book is a semi-autobiographical account detailing 50 Cent’s rise as both a young urban hustler and as an up-and-coming musician with lessons and anecdotes from historical figures such as Abraham Lincoln, Sun Tzu, Socrates, Napoleon, Malcolm X, and James Baldwin.

The majestic (almost holy) book cover gets a bit of attention on the commute home, until the word ’50 Cent’ is seen, they my fellow passengers roll their eyes in abhorrence.

Truthfully, the references to the life and times of Curtis Jackson (aka 50 Cent) do not add much value, besides the obvious shock factor that 50 Cent could actually write a book (which in this case I even doubt he did). Nonetheless, It’s Robert Greene’s perspective and ability to articulate the perils of human nature whilst highlighting the steps and attitude needed to be a fearless and calculated and entrepreneurial person that makes this book worth the read.

Definitely an inspirational read, even if you’re not a 50 Cent fan, and probably best if you’re not.

EAT.SLEEP.SHOP- THE LONDON GUIDE, SASKA GRAVILLE

Follow Saska Graville on Twitter- @SasAtRedMag

On book I love to delve into before what I hope will be a free weekend of travelling and discovering.

In the London Guide, Saskia Graville, also deputy editor of Red Magazine, takes you on a journey into small, stylish and off the radar places across the city. London can be big and overwhelming, and there are many guide books directing you to the key trophy sights of the city. London Style Guide breaks it down by village, and reveals the places that the locals love.

My best bit of the book is the Meet The Londoner section, which interviews shop and café owners, showcasing their favourite local haunts. It’s beautifully presented and highly illustrated with photographs of all listings, including venues interiors, food, fashion and accommodation; comprehensive content with map references, address and website listings that is practical for visitors and locals alike.

It’s London up close and personal.

ON BLACK GIRLS STREET, CHIKA UNIGWE

Chika Unigwe Online- http://www.chikaunigwe.com/

I am finding this book very powerful, as it talks of something which is at the essence of my interest: Afropean culture, and the exploration of African’s living in Europe as a sub culture within itself. The novel tells the haunting story of four very different women who have left their African homeland for the riches of Europe—and who are thrown together by bad luck and big dreams. They offer their bodies to strangers but their hearts to no one, each focused on earning enough to get herself free, to send money home, or to save up for her own future.

Aside from its thrilling storyline so far, the novel celebrates the talent of Chika Unigwe, a brilliant new writer and a standout voice among contemporary African authors.

WOC at WOW! Natalie Clue and British Woman of Colour take the stage at #WOW2013 @beautypulse_ldn @wowtweetuk

Posted on March 8, 2013

If there’s one woman who deserves recognition on International Women’s Day, it is my fellow market research, and hair and beauty enthusiast, Natalie Clue. A leader in championing the visibility of black beauty products, companies an professionals in the UK, she’s also the founder and powerhouse behind the networking and mentoring event Keziah CONNECTIONS – an organisation for the professional, enterprising Woman of Colour with a Passion for all things Beauty.

I have had the pleasure of knowing Natalie as business woman and more importantly as a friend, which is why I was ecstatic to see her as a speaker at this year’s Women of the World (WOW) Festival, speaking on the ‘Politics of Afro Hair’. For centuries, women of colour have been told that their hair in its natural state isn’t good enough, raising a range of vital and emotive questions from; Do we judge black women by whether or not they straighten their hair? Is the afro still a political hairstyle? And do Michelle Obama’s bangs really matter?

Other speakers include: Keysha Davis, editor of Blackhair magazine, journalist and writer Funmi Fetto and journalist Eva Simpson. Chaired by jounalist and author Hannah Pool.

Don’t miss out

Tomorrow- Saturday, 9 MARCH 2013,
11:30AM – 12:30PM
Level 5 Function Room @ Royal Festival Hall

Book your tickets here

http://wow.southbankcentre.co.uk/events/weave-vs-natural-the-politics-of-afro-hair/

The WOW festival will be hosting a diverse programme of keynote talks, performances, concerts, talks, gigs, debates and free music will be on offer as woman from around the globe come together to discuss and debate the issues that concern us the most; attracting hundreds of women and men from all walks of life – a true celebration of diversity. Throughout the festival the very best of recognised and emerging female talent from across all fields will be represented from politics to the arts, economics to fashion, science to health, sport, business and education.

London Fashion Week: Ashley Isham AW13- Two words “anonymity” and “sadomasochism”

Posted on February 19, 2013

“Ashley Isham’s AW 2013 collection was a singular wave of fetish.”

Alex Moss and Giorgio Grande, 160grams

Ashley Isham’s AW 2013 collection couldn’t have been further from what I expected, but in saying that, I’m not complaining, his collection took me somewhere I was excited to go.

The collection was dark, sexy and dominant, as models stomped the catwalk with reconstructed evening-wear leather peplum and opulently embellished maxi dresses. The PVC visors masked over the models faces added to the illusion of anonymity and sadomasochism.

(Click to scroll through gallery)

Fashion Scout presents textured and beautiful design by Nova Chiu AW13 #LFW #VFS

Posted on February 19, 2013

Last Friday, also included vibrant collection from Nova Chiu, graduate from London College of Fashion who I also saw last year as part of Vauxhall Fashion Scout’s ‘Ones to Watch’ show for AW12.

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Nova Chiu’s highly textured, beautiful AW13 collection was inspired by Nam June Paik’s ‘Electronic Superhighway’, which is permanently on display at the Lincoln Gallery of the Smithsonian American Art Museum, Washington. Electronic Superhighway was a critical piece, conveying American culture, and its obsession with television, moving image and bright shiny things.

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I strongly believe the AW13 collection is a step in the right direction for Nova Chiu. Despite her SS13 Collection receiving some criticism for moving away from heavy ‘ethnic inspired’ embroidery, to more diluted silk prints. In contrast, I felt that her SS13 complimented the burst of colour and floral prints that were predicted to dominate Spring/ Summer look books for 2013.

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Furthermore , her AW13 collection will be a colourful and bold alternative to the floral print that I can only assume we would have exhausted by the end of the season.

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The Nova Chiu aesthetic is one which sits on the very border of what might be considered good and bad taste. It is a precarious position – the difference between what works and what doesn’t is subtle – but it is a position occupied by some of the most innovative and noteworthy designers in fashion, so it is exciting indeed to watch the development of this fledgling brand.

Charlotte Gush- Pheonix Mag

“Hothouse blooms”- Best of this year’s seasonal prints

Posted on December 18, 2012

Print this season is head-to-toe, flamboyant and, above all, hi-res as designers take advantage of the digital tools available to today’s fabric-makers. Here’s a pick of my hothouse bloom style favourites.

Hothouse blooms on the Catwalk AW12

(From the left: Dries Van Noten, Kenzo, Kenzo, Prada, Suno, Erden, Peter Pilotto)

Shopping the trend:

I am loving the floral chiffon shirts I grabbed at H&M, paired with these floral pencil skirts I bought for only £7.99. Bargain! Gotta love H&M.

H&M £15 (On sale) Blouse in airy chiffon with a print pattern.

H&M £7.99 (on Sale!) Skirt in glossy jersey with a print pattern, with a visible zip and slit at the back.

H&M £7.99 (On sale!) Skirt in glossy jersey with a print pattern, elasticated waist, trims at the hem and seams at the back, and a slit.

More looks I am loving:

(ASOS)

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(Style of a London Tall Girl)

(Mavala)

(Tumblr: SO FUXCKINLUXE)

Unemployed is the new black … regretfully @davidlammy @societyguardian

Posted on December 7, 2012

“All unemployment is equally tragic but women from ethnic minority backgrounds face a greater challenge to enter the labour market than most. Not only do many employers continue to discriminate against women that they worry will leave employment to start a family, they are also victims of on-going prejudice against ethnic minority women in recruitment.

During our investigation we heard from countless women who changed their name or their appearance, either because they thought it would stand them in better stead in looking for a job or, in the worst cases, because prospective employers specifically asked them to do so.

This has massive implications for families and society as a whole – particularly given the large numbers for Black families where the mother is the sole breadwinner and the high poverty rates of Pakistani and Bangladeshi families .” David Lammy, Labour MP

Today, the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Race and Community published its report on ethnic minority female unemployment following its inquiry into the issue. Earlier on in the week, the BBC who happened to grab a sneak peek into the report touched upon the fact that despite latest official figures showing a national fall in unemployment, an apparent racial bias against female ethnic minorities in particular is still holding some women back from getting a job.

I am 25 and although not planning to start a family any time soon, I believe that several women orchestrate their career choices based on how and when they see themselves starting a family. From the facts, it would appear that despite encouraging testimonials from the array of women’s metropolitan magazines, on how the modern women can sustain a healthy work life balance, it seems several employers beg to differ. In this report, we see that in addition to being discriminated against their names and accents, it’s startling but unsurprising that potential childcare requirements were seen as a problem for several employers. Bummer!

With 17.7% of Black women and 20.5% of Bangladeshi and Pakistani women looking for work being unemployed compared to only 6.8% of white women, the inquiry found that this gap has remained constant for Black women since the 1980s, and has actually worsened for Pakistani and Bangladeshi women since 2004.

Throughout the report and inquiry it was found that service providers, employers and the Government frequently dealt with women and ethnic minorities as separate entities and undertook little work or data monitoring on these two characteristics combined. This report shows that ethnic minority women – and in particular Black, Pakistani and Bangladeshi women – have specific needs and a specific experience of the labour market and unemployment.

Although I do recognise that there may be different needs based of cultural experiences, I do not believe that the needs of ethnic minorities in this country should be treated as a special case; but rather a greater push for societal integration needs to take place if the unacceptably high levels of unemployment of these women are to be solved. In my opinion, politician’s, policy makers and employers need to call for more robust intelligence alongside the promotion of societal integration rather than racial side-lining.

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Of all the 24 recommendations in the report, these five I felt should be dealt with most urgently. Let me know your thoughts!

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Recommendation 1: Better information on ethnic minority female unemployment is needed. A government department or non-departmental public body should collect this data and consider publishing a regular report on public sector redundancies broken down by ethnicity

Recommendation 5: The Government should publish an action plan to increase take-up of blank name application forms, with the Government leading the way by piloting its use in at least one of its departments.

Recommendation 6: Professional associations should provide improved guidance offering greater clarity regarding the equivalency between UK and overseas qualifications and experience of employment.

Recommendation 12: Given the larger numbers of older women from Pakistani and Bangladeshi backgrounds entering the workplace for the first time, Job Centre Plus should be clear on how they are meeting the specific needs of these women, particularly taking into account cultural and language needs.

Recommendation 14: It should be considered whether cultural awareness training is needed for Job Centre Plus advisers in particular areas of the country.

You can download the report here

Keziah Connections Nurture and Network Evening #2 – “The Product- How to develop it and get it into the right stores”

Posted on October 4, 2012

Another glamourous and insightful evening was spent at the Keziah Connections Nurture and Network evening last Tuesday. This was the second of the Keziah Connection events, which have so far been full of rich conversation, inspiring speakers and held at some of the most decadent beauty venues in London.

This month’s Nurture and Network evening event took place at the Illuminum Fragrance Lounge, an uber chic boutique I found tucked away on London’s Dover Street. Upon arrival I was greeted by Bart, the Sensory Guide, who showed me around the elegantly designed rooms, which were adorned with wild flowers and gorgeous interiors.

As always it’s always a pleasure to meet my favourite bloggers, friends and also network with beauty consultants and product owners.

The theme of the evening was ‘The Product- How to develop it and get it into the right stores’.

Leading the first discussion was Christine Benson, experienced beauty buyer and retailer, with an impressive background having worked with Selfridges and House of Fraser, but to name a few.

Top tips from Christine Benson:

Do not rush your product launch to fit a specific date. You would rather be late than possibly diminish your reputation because of a rushed job. You can only make one good first impression.
Get your branding right. No matter how good your product is, be aware of your packaging and its suitability for your target audience.
If you are a niche brand, you won’t have to worry so much about advertising costs as you will get PR, advertorial agencies to spread the word, however, if you are planning on going mass market, expect to spend millions on advertising.
Bloggers need to be your best friend- Involve them at the beginning and development of your brand.

The second discussion was led by Dr Yana Johnson MBE, owner of Yana Cosmetics, awarded an MBE in 2009 for services to cosmetics and tenacity in diversity of the beauty industry.

A hugely inspirational and charismatic lady, who from the success of running Yana Cosmetics, has now started her own enterprise programme.

Top tips from Yana Johnson:
Understand how to sell in department stores. Be aware that they take a large margin, and prepare to operate and follow the rules of the shop, which often means dealing with your own team as well as the wider political arena.
When you start up, it’s not so much about what you can do, but who you can partner with. Learn to work together to get to where we want to get to within this global beauty arena.
Customer service- Make sure you and your staff/representatives take pride in your appearance and value your customer service.
Do not underestimate the value in consumer analysis. It is worth investing in software that enables you to track staff, sales and your client database.

For the fullimage gallery, visit the Keziah Connections Pinterest page http://pinterest.com/beautypulseldn/keziah-connections-nurture-and-network-25-09-2012/

Who is an African woman?

Posted on September 21, 2012

REBLOGGED: Who is an African woman? @msafropolitan

In a failed attempt to reblog this article through WordPress, I had to manually recreate this bold blog post by the well-known and respected the blogger Minna Salami, also known as Ms. Afropolitan. A thought provoking and interesting account on how perceptions of what it is to be an African women are still very much outdated.

Please share your thoughts, and I strongly recommend visiting the stimulating and enlightening Afropolitan site.

When people ask me what I do, and I respond that I’m a blogger, and that I blog about topics that primarily concern African women, quite often they proceed to either tell me about an humanitarian or developmental cause they are involved with or have read about. Sometimes they ask me how my blog reaches women in African villages.

They’re not ‘wrong’ to ask these questions and I do address women’s lives in rural Africa at times. However, these reactions imply that too often, the term “African woman” conjures a poor woman in rural Africa that automatically needs helping. The pitiable African woman. The one that mainstream media doesn’t tire of depicting. The one who indeed exists – although she has more agency often than allowed in depictions of her – who furthermore is a sister to other African women,and not this “Other” that we ‘inauthentic’ African women are saving.

When such questions are posed, I find myself needing to be quite careful in explaining that women in rural Africa are not necessarily my target audience. This is foolish. It should not be offensive for me to say this! No one imagines that a European feminist blog must reach just one type of European woman. Most people who read this blog are based in urban cities, both in the west and the continent. Also, I myself being a Nigerian-Finnish, African-European, woman with strong ties to both continents, share stories and opinions that are based on my experiences. Therefore, people who read the blogs are likely to have cultural experiences that resonate to some extent with mine.

It seems obvious that an African woman is equally the farmer who lives in a village in Ghana or one who has a high-flying office job in Kinshasa. She is the Togolese woman in a refugee camp in Israel. Or the Ethiopian woman in a luxury home in London’s Chelsea. She is the Namibian/German woman on social welfare in Berlin. She is – from a pan-African cross-continental stance which this blog has – the Dominican woman, the Brazilian woman, the African descendant in any part of the world who vests a part of her identity in the African continent.

I’m tired of people immediately assuming that to blog about African women is to blog about charity work. I’m tired of this idea that African women can only be objects of pity. I’m tired of the notion that African women can or should only interact on select topics. African women bloggers should and do write about social media, sex, literature, art, pop culture, love, philosophy,fashion, food, hiphop and more. I’m sick and tired of the single narrative of African womanhood having such impenetrable power.

What do you say? Have you had similar or dissimilar experiences?

… Read the full article on Ms.Afropolitan and share your comments here

#NYFW SS13 – Diane Von Furstenberg – “Gypsie Princess”

Posted on September 10, 2012

THE LOOK:

Gypsy princess with a whiff of “I Dream of Jeannie” humor. Palazzo pants, draped jumpsuits, tailored crepe jackets and vests with contrasting color borders, tunics with beaded collars, pearl-encrusted T-shirt, flowing caftans worn with slim silk faille trousers, dresses wrapped like saris, sandals with chunky chain ankle straps, silver ball or leather curlicue decoration. Rich color palette of coral, lime, green and violet.

(Vogue.fr)

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A fresh take on the boho look. Just fun enough without being costumey or kitsch. Tapped into the emerging trend of bedouin-inspired layering for spring. And kudos to DVF for always keeping technology in the fashion discussion. (LA Times)

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Patterned pencil skirts. As powerful women evolve, so do our skirts!

Posted on July 3, 2012

I am adoring patterned pencil skirts in this less than predictable British summer, and I’ve spotted quite a few with ethnically inspired print to!
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Pencil skirts is nothing new in fashion, especially on the build up into Autumn, however, this season what’s made the whole pencil skirt revival far less generic is the mindful dis-coordination of patterns, placement, colours and accessories that we seem to be wearing them in.

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Pencil skirts equals professional, sophisticated, powerful, and feminine with historically strong corporate undertones. So the mismatched and what I would call “organised mess” that pencil skirts are now being adopted in has began to reinvent the way business woman look and feel. We are not only smart, sexy and sophisticated, but also creative, innovative and adaptable to change.
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These are my favourites this week.
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Paris Fashion Week – a recap on afrofashion #vogueitalia

Posted on March 12, 2012

Barbara von Enger

Click on an image to enlarge

The Jardins des Tuileries and other cult locations are now the background to capture the trends of those that follow fashion both for work and for passion.

Gianluca Senese photographs them with his camera, and here you will be able to follow everyday the latest updates.

Sizing the minefield: Size 10 in one shop and 14 in another?

Posted on February 15, 2012

Anne-Powell-Smith, you are a genius for quantifying the age old problem of dress size disparity across the high street!

“As everyone who’s ever bought clothes knows, high-street sizing is completely mad. You can easily be a size 8 in one store, and a size 14 in another, and it’s impossible to guess your size without lots of zip-wrangling. However, I am a computer programmer as well as a fashion fan, and so I decided to do something about it.”

Computer programmer and fashion fan Anna-Powell-Smith has created an app ‘What Size Am I’ that can tell you what size you are depending on which outlet you’re shopping in; the app lets you enter your bust, waist and hip size to determine what size you would be across a range of stores from online retailer ASOS through popular high street brand Zara. Frankly I was just as surprised as she was that no one had yet thought if this brilliant idea.

“The data I collected confirms that sizing is indeed madness. In the UK, a size 16 at Jaeger has a bust of 108cm, waist of 88cm and hips of 114cm: a size 16 at Banana Republic has a bust of 98cm, waist of 77cm and hips of 103cm. That’s a 4-inch difference, and it’s not unusual.

I assumed that the pricier stores would size smaller, but that’s not actually true. Counter-intuitively, a size 10 in upmarket Whistles, Zara, or Reiss is actually quite a bit bigger than a size 10 in ASOS, Monsoon, or M&S. And mass-market Next consistently has the smallest sizes on the high street.

I was particularly interested to see the different body shapes flattered by different stores. Broadly, M&S, Karen Millen and French Connection look the most pear-shaped: Banana Republic and Warehouse are best for the top-heavy: LK Bennett and Zara are cut for a fitted waist, while Oasis and TopShop seem most up-and-down.”

What Size Are You has been adapted for mobile phones, so you can use it on the move. Check it out here

Recently I find myself being attracted to all things cubist…

Posted on January 10, 2012

Recently I find myself being attracted to all things cubist, I think it may be it’s aesthetic undertone of simplicity, modernity and freshness that often comes with the spirit of the new year.

In cubist artworks, objects are broken up, analysed, and re-assembled in an abstracted form—instead of depicting objects from one viewpoint, the artist depicts the subject from a multitude of viewpoints to represent the subject in a greater context.

I encourage the notion that we are always reinventing ourselves, adapting, or evolving (whichever way you want to put it), and the great thing about cubism is that although the object may remain the same, how we see it is open to interpretation as often the surfaces intersect at seemingly random angles, removing or adding a sense of depth.

Here are some of my most recent cubist inspired accessories from the high street, when I saw them, I fell in love with their randomness, angles and their ability to create a space for interpretation.

(From the left)

-Large triangular earrings- TOPSHOP (Sale) £3.50, Smaller triangle earrings in black and white-PRIMARK £3, Pentagon silver earrings and silver cube earrings- H&M £3.99

H&M Silver circular earrings £3.99

White and silver necklace H&M £10.99 (I think)

Style excellence with age : Seth Cohen – Advanced Style

Posted on October 18, 2011

As reiterated by the Guardian “street style is nothing new to the world of blogs”, but on this occasion Ari Seth Cohen’s Advanced Style blog, brought something old, and yet something new, uber trendy and super decadent to the street style and fashion blogging arena. He brought “Advanced Style”.

Advanced Style is a fresh, quirky and timeless fashion blog dedicated to capturing older women and men who grab his attention with their “sartorial excellence”. Looking through the pictures, it is evident; you’re looking at the pioneers of style, the grandfathers of funk and the women who do not only have swagger, but who ARE swagger.

Contemporary fashion culture thrives on post-modernity, we thoroughly enjoy seeing traditional or classical elements of history reintroduced with modern contexts or practices, and although it does well in recycling and showcasing the iconic style of past generations. Unfortunately, the original faces of that era are replaced with the young fresh faces of today, meaning many older fashionisters and fashion-misters get sidelined and excluded from the fashion world.

My point is that the Advanced Style blog is beautiful, it showcases some of the most stylish men and women, who unfortunately aren’t always given the limelight in a society that only drinks from the fountain of youth. Personally, I will certainly be taking a leaf out of the Advanced Style book, and whilst I am at it, I would rather have a well aged wine any day; the fountain of youth is way to over-rated anyway, and rarely does it quench ones thirst!

Buy the Advanced Style book from Amazon

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Posts tagged “women”

Posted on June 14, 2013

Anyone that knows me, knows that I don’t really wear jeans or trousers.

It’s been an ongoing battle to find jeans that fit and flatter my figure eight shape.

Until now that is…

All these curves and no breaks

Getting the low down on high-waisted denim

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So here are some of my best buys from New Look this season for all you figure eight fashionistas

Navy Supersoft High Waisted Skinny Jeans £22.99

Burgundy High Waisted Skinny Jeans

Were £22.99 –> Now on SALE £15.99

Know your denim

Trouser Jeans

Straight-Leg Jeans

Skinny Jeans

Boot-Cut Jeans

Flared Jeans

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NEW LOOK AUTUMN/WINTER 2013/14 “BABOUSHKA“

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Posted on May 7, 2013

“Classic’ – a book which people praise and don’t read.”

― Mark Twain

So I’ve given my eReader a rest, and I’m back to juggling a handful of paperbacks, rather than a dozen of eBooks…

THE 50TH LAW: 50 CENT & ROBERT GREENE

EAT.SLEEP.SHOP- THE LONDON GUIDE, SASKA GRAVILLE

ON BLACK GIRLS STREET, CHIKA UNIGWE

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Posted on March 8, 2013

Don’t miss out

Book your tickets here

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Posted on February 19, 2013

“Ashley Isham’s AW 2013 collection was a singular wave of fetish.”

Alex Moss and Giorgio Grande, 160grams

(Click to scroll through gallery)

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Posted on February 19, 2013

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Posted on December 18, 2012

Hothouse blooms on the Catwalk AW12

Shopping the trend:

More looks I am loving:

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Posted on December 7, 2012

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You can download the report here

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Posted on October 4, 2012

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Posted on September 21, 2012

REBLOGGED: Who is an African woman? @msafropolitan

Please share your thoughts, and I strongly recommend visiting the stimulating and enlightening Afropolitan site.

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Posted on September 10, 2012

THE LOOK:

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Posted on July 3, 2012

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Posted on March 12, 2012

Navy Supersoft High Waisted Skinny Jeans
£22.99