Sheer Madness..

Are you daring enough to bare it all this Summer? The idea of transparent clothing is certainly a dominating trend this season. While at one time we wore clothes to cover up, designers suggest leaving less to the imagination with body conscious blouses, statement evening wear and the modern version of this trend, floor length and asymmetrical skirts.

Keep these ideas in mind to elevate this look..


Dior, Celine, Lanvin

Do.. keep it in the same colour family. Mix-and-match undergarments had it's fashion moment, but to keep this look modern 0pt for a clean palette.

Don't.. confuse runway with real life. Just because high-fashion runways dictate a no holds barred demeanor when it comes to showing it all, remember the real world asserts a more conservative approach.

Do.. opt for solid shades. Transparent garments are best kept in a solid colour scheme without boisterous patterns. To create the most flattering silhouette for any body type stick to neutral colours.



Karlie Kloss bares all in
Hakaan  S'12

Valentino, Chanel, Stella McCartney

Forever 21 $27.80, Zara $79.90, Michael Kors $164

Elizabeth & James Aaliyah Sheer Blouse $265

Shorts & heels, summer's perfect pair..

Bershka

Now that summer is upon us, so are a whole new onslaught of questionable fashion choices. How do we stay atop fashion when we're well, wearing less of it?

When the thermometer goes up it's easy to automatically pull on a pair of shorts and slip into your favourite Havaianas. But, why not pair your shorts with some platforms instead? 

This is a great daytime look for the hot months ahead, but how do we dress up shorts without crossing the shaky line of exuding more trash than class?

Here are some tips on how to make this pair perfection; 

Do...  

keep edges clean, always wear shorts with a finished hem

wear with chunky heels, wedges, platforms, or flatforms

Express $36

Zara $99.90

Don't...

Britney Spears.. daisy don'ts!

go too short or too tight, no hot pants!

wear frayed shorts, running your errands around the city shouldn't look like a jaunt to the rodeo 

More great pairings...

Shorts on, heels up!

Opposites attract..

As Spring turns to Summer and temperatures start to sore, there's nothing more exhilarating than the first time we get to bare our (albeit, sometimes pasty) legs for all to see.

It seems we are in a transitional period of fashion; one where anything goes, especially when it comes to our hemlines! Is it mini's, midi's or maxi's that we're suppose to be wearing right now? The answer-Whatever you want! 


No matter which fabric direction you go in, let's keep it all proportional when it comes to a girl's second best friend - her handbag of course!


I love pairing a mini with a slouchy hobo, tote bag or oversized satchel. The whole shrinking ensemble look is never in.  A big bag gives this sexy skirt an effortless fashion element.

Amanda Bynes pairs it right 

Starlets: loose minis, big bags

 

MARC by Marc Jacobs Preppy Nylon Hobo

Midi's, or a-line skirts, which are knee-length, or just above or below, are great with cylindrical or bowling bag styles, think Louis Vuitton's iconic Speedy bag. 

Victoria Beckham 

Louis Vuitton 'Speedy'

When living loose in a maxi, go for a smaller shoulder bag or my favourite for the season, a fabulous cross-body, or take a cue from Ashley Olsen and pair it with a small handbag. A smaller bag evens out the look and doesn't weigh you down.

Ashley Olsen is proportion perfect!

I just picked up this crossbody bag from Aldo $40

This summer, when you're not sure which purse will complete your stellar outfit, just remember opposites attract!

How to make high value purchases...

This is my formula to determine the monetary value of an item before you purchase it. It will aid you in the decision whether an article of clothing or an accessory is worth the price tag!

Ex. $250 Prada sunglasses that fit your face perfectly, and go with everything

$250 ÷ 200 days (let's say about 6 months of the year) = $1.25 


High value items are those with a low amount determined through the formula 


Other high value items include,

• Handbags
• A great pair of black pumps (don't go with an overly pointy or rounded toe, as these styles come and go)
• Sunglasses
• Cashmere winter scarf 
• Beige or black trench coat
• Button down dress shirt
• Black pants



Marc Jacobs 2007

• Dark wash jeans, bootcut, or loose ankle skinny 

These items can be worn for years, as long as you don't take these classics too trendy.


Low value items are those that are only trendy for one season and look 'dated'. Let's all remember Marc Jacob's 2007 misplaced heel shoes, or Balenciaga's knee high gladiator sandals (guilty!), or how low can you go low-rise jeans. 


Next time you're out about to grab that bright orange floral frock from H&M, do a quick calculation to see if you really want to spend the cash, just because its in now, there's no telling what next season holds. And, when someone asks you how much that Coach handbag was, smile and say $5, (because it was, well as determined through our formula)

So maybe it's not exactly scientific, but it's a good way to justify your credit card statement to your significant other, parents, or yourself.