21st Century Style

Fashion Emergency Kit

2010-08-22T06:57:00.000-07:00

If your like me you have a purse your filling with random things half the time. So I have a list of fashion must have for the purse, which you can put in a small make-up bag

Include these items:

This is my emergency kit

~Double sided fashion tape (this stuff is so handy)
~Safety pins (a selection of different sizes)
~Broach (great for a quick fix of a ripped strap)
~Tiny scissors
~Small sewing kit
~Tide stain remover pen
~Tampons!
~Bandages
~Small manicure kit
~Velcro (sticky on one side)
~Small pocket sized sun lotion
~Clear nail polish (If you ware hose)

This little emergency kit is more useful then you think!

Time to clean out the closet!

2010-07-30T17:34:00.001-07:00

I have to do this again. I had to do a major clear out once before, by following these rules most everything I owned went out the door. I had hardly anything to wear for some time. But I have a new love for clothing. I search for the best deals. Ebay, thrift stores and even the clearance racks at sears. I still tell my story about dumping all my clothing and starting from nothing. So lets clean out the closet. These are the things you need to consider:

Whats the items condition? Are there any rips beyond repair? Is it over stretched? Are there any stains which will be there for ever? Is it pilly? (the little bumps that slowly cover the fabric)

Another thing I should mention if you've been living in a apartment for a long time or are just cheap in general with you laundry its time to smarten up! Washing to much in one load will slowly ruin you clothing because its not getting the item clean. I know so many people who do this, too. But really read the care tags when washing you clothing and keep the load small enough the washer can do its job.

Does it fit? Try it on, does it fit? Really does it fit? Lift your arms, move around a bit in the item. Ok good. Is it flattering? Does it make you feel great?

I have to take pictures of myself. I find they tell you more about the item then any mirror. When you first see the photo you might be a little in shock to see just what something looks like on you. And very quickly put it into the donate pile!

So long as the item is in excellent condition you might try to swap it on a site like Rehash or Big Wardrobe. Its a lot of fun so long as the item is in excellent condition.

However items can be taken to the tailor for minor alterations and repairs, hems can be sown up. So decide if its worth altering before adding it to the donate pile.

Is it in style or a classic piece? Is it a classic piece which will never be outdated or an out dated item which really shouldn't be worn any more?

Its hard to tell if your not very up on current trends. But use you own judgment on this. I am sure your not totally in the dark.

What your clothing are really saying about you

2010-07-30T06:33:00.001-07:00

Someday you might lose weight. But think of today

For years and years, I wore what I now understand to be out dated hand me downs. I always planned to lose weight and when I did I would by the dream wardrobe. Hasn't happened yet! I know there are so many women like I was. I watch on the bus and in the streets, more then there should be. Being a plus size doesn't mean you shouldn't enjoy fashion and style, it just means you have to be smart about it. There's so many choices for fashion out there for plus women these days. You here it over and over beauty comes in all shapes and sizes. Its true. Welcome.

Since taking a lot more time to dress in the morning I have gained a ton more self-esteem, and confidence. I no longer feel eyes over me as I enter a room. And people are generally more willing to talk to me. People judge you withing seconds of meeting you. So what are you clothing saying about you? These are the 10 things people judge you on within second of meeting, and it can take a long time to change these first impressions.

Economic level
Trustworthiness
level of sophistication
Economic heritage
Education level
Education heritage
Social position
Level of success
Social heritage
Moral character

all this based on the way you look? Crazy. I never know.

What are, how to wear, and the trends of nautical stripes for spring/summer of 2010

2010-04-26T08:21:00.003-07:00

There comes a time in every trends life where they are no long a trend but a fashion staple. Nautical stripes have made it to this point. First brought to the fashion seen by Coco Chanel in the 1930. Who doesnt love Nautical stripes! But walk in the stores this season and you can help but be over run by these fashion staple.

What are NAUTICAL STRIPES:

Nautical means:

adjective of or pertaining to sailors, ships, or navigation: nautical terms.

Adj. Of, relating to, or characteristic of ships, shipping, sailors, or navigation on a body of water.
From Latin nauticus, from Greek nautikos, from nautēs, sailor, from naus, ship; see nāu- in Indo-European roots.

Okay, so yes, I went to a dictionary. Cause I didn't have a clue what the word nautical meant. And it actually comes from the sea. These ocean inspired stripes can be seen in many closets this season.

If you have a BOYISH figure

try horizontal stripes they will give you the curves you want
vertical stripes make the body look longer and give you the curv
es you want

If you have an HOURGLASS figure

Wear stripes with caution
Wear darker colours they will be more sliming
Go for a looser garment then a tighter one. Nothing clingy

If you have a INVERTED TRIANGLE figure

Wear stripes with caution
Wear darker colours they will be more slimming
Go for a looser garment then a tighter one. Nothing clingy.

If you have a PETITE figure

narrow stripes look best on smaller or petite figures.

If you have a TRIANGLE figure

if you want to give the illusion that your bust is bigger try wearing a wide stripes across the top half of your body and a narrower diagonal stripe on the bottom.

Rules for EVERYONE who loves stripes

by one size up! you really don't want horizontal striped to be clingy or to tight. Because they have a widening effect
Skirts and pants with vertical stripes will make you look taller, wear them with a solid top. Diagonal stripes have the same effect.
Dont over do the stripes. One article with stripes is trendy everything you have one isn't.
If you want to hide the 30+ lumps and bumps stick to darker stripes.
Keep pinstripes at the office.

How to walk sexy and comfortably in high heels

2010-04-19T00:04:00.000-07:00

If your like me you cant just throw on a pair of heel and walk around normal. I have however discovered a pair of black pumps which I can walk in. they have a wide heel bottom and I can go just about anywhere in them. I am not a high heel virgin but it has been many years since I wore them after twisting my ankle in a pair years ago.

So here are some great tips for getting around in a pair of heels

Start by walking int hem at home if your new to heels. I took my new pumps out today for a walk with the dog to see if I could wear them again without hurting myself. So rather then wearing them for the first time somewhere important I tried them out. This is a good idea for any one with new high heels not just the newbie.
Walk slow with long steps. Little steps make you more likely to trip. I remember years ago when I walked in heels I used to take very very huge log steps. I did it for years later in my runners too. Now I have to learn to do it again! But I remember just how sexy I felt taking my long steps.
The more straps on the ankles the better it helps with stability. You want more ankle support, so look for a pair with a thick or multiple straps around the ankle.
The higher the heel the more your hips push forward so put your weight on your heels and lean back a little to spread you weight more evenly. Check your posture in the mirror before going out. See how much lean you need. Using your core muslce will help you lot to keep balanced. Sign up for yoga.
The secret to a sexy walk is to swing! Own them shoes.
No need to go super high right away if your not used to heels. Start with lower heels they will give you the same sexy feel as 4 inch heels but you can walk more comfortably in them! If you need more height look for a platform rather then a heel. But you best to start with a kitten heel.
Once you get a feel for walk try turning stopping and dancing in them at home, and dont forget stairs! (Make sure the whole show lands on each step – heel and toe)
Don't attempt to walk on snow or grass in stilettos – the heel will sink into them. Also be very careful on ice. Avoid gravel also the small rocks will throw you all over the place.
Don't be afraid to take a seat and give your feet a rest! Try to take a seat every 20 minutes or so. You will last longer with breaks!

And just for fun this is a cool site to check out The High Heel Museum

And before you step into those high heels be sure to know what your getting into. The sad truth about high heels