Coin Life

Coin Life

August 2010

A fashion question answered - Why do shorts bunch up?

It’s a familiar sight, the person walking in front of you with their shorts
bunched, unattractively, in between their legs. The reason this occurs is
because there is too much loose fabric coming in contact with moving thighs. To
avoid this happening to you, here are a few tips. Test you own favourite shorts
and try before you buy. Wearing your shorts, walk a few steps then look over
your shoulder and check in a mirror. If they are bunched, try some others.
Stretch fabric shorts with an elasticated waist are usually the worst fitting.
Look for a pleated front and possibly a stiffer or heavier fabric. Wide legged
shorts will also twist themselves behind your thighs, while a tapered leg will
usually stay put. Tight-fitting, ultra-short shorts cancel out the problem
altogether, but these are really only advisable for the very young.

Seasonal trends

The outfits on show at London Fashion Week, held in early Summer, are an
indication of what will be appearing eventually on the high street. Along with
the outrageous and downright crazy, are the shapes and colours that influence
street fashion. A couple of seasons ago, the cat walks were full of pattered
leggings and slouch tops, which on the spindly models looked suitably freaky and
odd. Now these are normal wear for anyone. This season, many designers were
showing a ‘triangle’ outline, wide shoulder details with a pulled in waist.
Shades of indigo were dominant, complemented with black or fuchsia pink. The
trick is to find the wearable elements and translate those to affordable
fashion.

Decorated nails are very big at the moment. Seek out a local ‘nail bar’ and have a look at the pretty and the daring designs on offer, especially fashionable is the glittery look.

A single sparkler on each nail is understated yet striking. And do consider mirrored polish on toe nails, very ‘in’ this season.
 

Fashion foul!

Metal trimmings on bikinis are not a modern look and best avoided. Usually seen
on would-be starlets posing by Hollywood pools, bikinis with buckles, rings,
beads or sequins look trailer-trashy. Also when the trimmings get heated by the
sun they can burn your skin.
 

July 2010

A fashion question answered - shirts in or out?

There is a firmly held belief that leaving a shirt untucked somehow produces a slimmer outline. I would challenge this idea as a well-chosen shirt, neatly tucked and belted will always deliver a more considered and flattering appearance. For gentlemen, tapered shirts with darts forming a nipped-in waist, must be tucked into your trousers or shorts, and don‘t forget the belt. Left out, it looks as if you were surprised half-way through getting dressed. Although the tapered outline is a bit dated, seen mostly on footballers and estate agents, the taper has the advantage of sitting neatly inside a jacket so should not be completely despised. A short sleeved, straight-up-and-down shirt can be worn out, in fact looks better out, but make sure it’s not too long. If you can sit on it, it’s too long. For ladies, tapered shirts can be worn out, especially if they have a shaped hem, but again watch the length. Shirts gathered at the yoke making a ‘bell’ silhouette should be tucked in or belted. If you have a short rib cage, most shirts are going to be too long for you, so try before you buy or chop off the excess.

Seasonal trends

Maxi dresses are big news this summer. Go for the shaped-shift, darted at the back with a V neckline. Sleeveless or cap sleeves, avoid the bunched or tied shoulder seam which will make your neck look short. Soft, yielding fabrics work best with this shape, bold single colours rather than patterns and check that hem-line in the mirror, it should just skim your ankle bone not wrinkle on your foot or flutter up your calf. Wear with leather clogs, high or wedged heels, flats can make you look clumsy. Some men are trying the ‘pants style’ swimming trunks this summer which are featured in all the fashion mags. Try by all means. But remember ‘harvest festival’, ensure all is safely gathered in.

Fashion Foul!

Shiny fabrics. Unless you want to be mistaken for a bridesmaid or bingo caller, avoid shiny fabrics at all costs. Really only suitable for lining smart jackets, shiny fabrics are a disaster from every angle. It makes big people look bigger, bounces light off places which should never be high-lighted in the first place, and static problems cause it to creep into folds in the body you never knew you had.

June 2010

A fashion question answered - Why Do Women Wear Beige?

Many women, of a certain age, embrace beige with an enthusiasm which is difficult to understand. Is beige imbedded in the psyche, or thrust upon us by example and availability? Nature or nurture? Could it be that the wearing of beige is a default colour, the result of a gradual blurring and melding of colours over the years? Having worn many colours over a long period of time, the brain and eyes may be seeking a restful shade of brown. Beige fulfils this desire, couple this with shops and catalogues offering beige options in all styles and sizes, peer groups similarly attired and there you have it, the default colour, welcome to Beige World! There is nothing inherently wrong with beige, indeed it is worn by some of the worlds most expensively dressed women, Michelle Obama and Joan Collins to name two. But one beige item per outfit is enough. Top to toe, including hair and underwear is far far too much. So don’t throw out those beige cardies and shoes,
mix them up with a bright green belt, patterned tights a jewelled handbag and you are good to go!

Seasonal Trends

Fashion needs inspiration. An idea or theme to kick start a trend. This Summer the ‘Hot Desert’ look, showcased by Carrie and friends in the new Sex And The City movie, will be appearing in the shops any day now. Look out for semi-fitted dresses in stripy Bedouin fabrics, calf length or short, teamed with baggy cotton trousers in white or sand. Add a long scarf tied round the head with the ends draped over the shoulder. This versatile outfit will travel happily from lunch with the girls to evening drinks. For men, collarless shirts in cheesecloth (making a comeback) or knobbly linen, will keep you cool and look cool at the same time. Colours are faded stripes white or black. Wear with unstructured cotton trousers (no out-side pockets please) and canvas shoes.

Fashion Foul!

Beware the cropped trouser. Look carefully in the mirror before leaving the shop, if they flap, pinch or sag, put them back on the shelf and walk away because getting the wrong ones will ensure you look like a circus clown on a bad day!