Coin Life

Coin Life

Summer 2011

 

A FASHION QUESTION ANSWERED - is the petticoat about to make a comeback?

At one time petticoats were an important part of a lady’s wardrobe. A slinky, slippery shift that went over brassieres, corsets, pants, girdles, suspenders belts . . . (yes it was a time consuming chore getting dressed) . . . and under your dress or skirt and blouse. The idea was to eliminate any unsightly bumps and creases, no visible panty line in those days! Petticoats were also supposed to minimise static and prevent skirts riding up or getting trapped mid-thigh. Of course they were very pretty, with delicate lacy inserts and available in every pastel colour, or for the more daring, red or black. They went out of fashion in the 1960’s. A much freer way of dressing emerged, tights did away with the need for suspenders, corsets and girdles just weren’t needed with the new styles.
Girls wore the minimum of underwear, pert little dresses and flared trousers and even the dreaded hot pants certainly didn‘t need a petticoat! Petticoats belonged to another era. But the fashionistas passion for vintage clothing has re-awakened the need for a petticoat. Bias cut dresses, panelled and darted
jackets demand a proper foundation garment such as a petticoat to complete the look. One of our grandmother’s favourite garments could be in vogue again!

 

SEASONAL TRENDS

 

Pleats, pleats and more pleats! The catwalks have been crowded with pleated
skirts, dresses with pleats falling from shoulder to hem, even blouses with
pleated backs gathered neatly at the waist with a wide band or belt. Concertina pleats are the chic and stylish way to wear this look, not box pleats which have the whiff of the school room about them. Chose a permanently pleated synthetic fabric to show off this classy look and keep the shape without flattening or drooping.

 

FASHION FOUL!

 

Belts worn high under the bust line . . . Why? A couple of designers showed them last year, but it’s a jokey ironic take on the empire-line silhouette, and not intended for the high street. Something like this which can look quirky on the pages of a glossy magazine is crazily out of place on ordinary folk.
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

January 2011

 

A FASHION QUESTION ANSWERED - Is there a right trouser length?

 

Some people always look elegant and well dressed and if you can’t quite pin-point why as they seem to be wearing the same sort of clothes as everyone else, it is probably due to the length of their trousers. There is no correct length but some people manage to get it consistently wrong, others consistently right. This cannot be left to chance. You must use a full length mirror, check and check again. When you are buying, try to wear the sort of shoes you will wear with the trousers so you can see how they look. If you are more or less than average height, the challenge is far greater, but it is worth the effort. Trousers which have been shortened or lengthened at home NEVER look right. The cut, the side seams, the hem, all depend on and work with each other. Alter one and you will throw the others out. One of the worst crimes is shortening jeans. The hem is an integral part of the jeans, almost impossible to reproduce, they will always be wrong. So search around for the right leg length, look at the way the trouser cuff hangs above the shoe, it should just ‘break’ when standing and not touch the ground at the back. Try to avoid home-style alterations, but if you love the trousers and they are too long, roll the cuff up to create a casual look, if too short, cut and allow to fray for a Californian beach look.

 

 

Seasonal trends

 

Large flowery prints are being shown everywhere for the start of the year season. New year fashion always looks forward to Spring, and the big, bold, colourful blossoms are certainly bright and cheerful. Have a look at the print ‘sheath’ dresses, on-the-knee length or maxi, very wearable and stylish with coloured flowers on a white or aqua background. Shirts and blouses are also appearing in prints, best with long droopy sleeves, avoid the ones with a collar, too, too retro! Instead look for a narrow ‘mandarin’ collar or a flat Peter-Pan style. There are also some dramatic, floral gypsy-style shawls around, with deep fringing which look fabulous draped over the shoulder or tied on the hip over jeans or shorts.

 

 

 

 

FASHION FOUL!

 

Shrunken cardigans look strange, feel odd on and cost the same as one the right size. No amount of name changing to ‘A Shrug’ will help. Often worn by ladies wanting to conceal a heavy bust or weight-lifters shoulders, when in fact the tightly wrapped cardi actually emphasises these features.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 2010

 

A fashion question answered - why do T shirts look fabulous on some and rubbish on others?

 

The secret is all in the fabric. What you need to look for is a densely woven, slightly stretchy fabric. When buying, hold the T shirt up and check that the side seams hang straight, even a bit of a twist will increase with each washing. Also make sure the hem lies flat with no dips. Price is not an indication of style or quality, so look carefully while you are still in the shop. Next, fitting. A tight fit only works on trim and toned bodies, no fleshy rolls or underwear clasps showing. If you are not confident about your shape, choose a less clingy fit. Cap sleeves are the best option for most people, but longer ones will hide droopy upper arms. Beware of the massive over-sized T beloved of American teens. They look bizarre and far from flattering, especially teamed with the slouching shuffle adopted to deal with all the excess fabric. Choose a neat shape for maximum impact. The neck should sit neatly not creep up or restrict your breathing. V shaped necklines help to make a short neck look longer, the torso narrower and shoulders wider, however, too much chest hair for the guys, and too much chest for the ladies and you should avoid V necks altogether. If you like printed T’s, make sure it is soft and supple not stiff and plasticy. Take some care in finding the right one for you and it will serve you well.

 

Seasonal Trends

Party season outfits have been greatly influenced by the ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ styling. Dresses bristle with long fringing and bugle beads. Tiered, sequined and swirly skirts are all over the high streets. Plunging backs, dipping trains and mini capes have been cunningly adapted from the ballroom look. As for colour, anything goes this year, forget the ’little black’, try lime green, gold or fuschia pink. For the party gentleman, sparkly buttons, shiny shoes and tight fitting trousers are the way to go, no ruffled shirts though, that would be a two-step too far.

Fashion Foul!

 

Any shoe which look like a slipper. So no domed-toed, ultra-flat, multi-coloured footwear. Likewise no embroidery or hilarious slogans, cartoon heads or bits of extraneous fur. Slippers have no place outside the home.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

November 2010

 

A fashion question answered - HOW DO STRAPLESS TOPS AND DRESSES STAY UP?

 

Strapless garments have been around forever. Revealing yet tightly enclosing the female torso. Traditionally severely boned and padded, they squeeze and prop, showing off naked shoulders to their best advantage. All that skilful design and engineering, in times when ladies really did not move around a lot, ensured consistent coverage where necessary. Nowadays, fabulous modern fabrics are used, not always successfully. The stretchy ‘tube’ top, often, inexplicably worn by those generously endowed by nature, is constantly challenged on the supermarket dash or beach excursion, needing to be yanked back into position after every movement. The flat chested don’t really fare much better as the fabric has little to stop it on its remorseless slide south. Glamorous evening dresses of the type worn on many ‘red carpet’ outings, seem to have rigidity built into them. Watch how the movie star twists and bends for the cameras as the dress remains stationary. Strapless outfits, bought for the special occasion and rarely worn, often rub sore patches on delicate skin giving party-goers an uncomfortable evening. Mostly they do stay up, although a careless movement can separate body from dress, a swift wriggle should resolve matters. Better still, borrow the trick dancers use, ‘invisible’ tape sewn into place, no one will notice.

 

Seasonal Trends

 

Autumn fashions usually include coats and boots designed to keep out the cold, and although temperatures in Southern Spain do drop around this time of year, the full wrap, so essential further North, can be a waste of money, as you won’t be wearing the extra layers very often. It’s a shame, as there are some wonderful full skirted coats around, with dramatic square shoulders and velvet detailing on the cuff and hem line. You may get some wear out of one of the short tartan capes being shown in all the glossy mags, but they are not very flattering unless you are tall and super-skinny. Straight skirts are a hot fashion item this Autumn, in light, tweedy fabrics, they look very smart, with a shiny belt to nip in the waist. For men waistcoats are very ‘in’. A little extra warmth without being too heavy, wear with a shirt or your favourite ‘T’ (plain not printed) and straight-legged trousers.

 

Fashion Foul!

 

WHITE SHOES.

 

Wear them on your wedding day or when playing sports, but otherwise, NO! White shoes make your feet look enormous, they scuff easily, show every mark and give even the hottest outfits a Minnie Mouse look.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

October 2010

 

A fashion question answered - SHOULD TRACKSUITS EVER LEAVE THE TRACK?

 

Do you remember Shell Suits? Pity. But that was the moment, around the mid 80’s, that tracksuits suddenly became acceptable leisure wear. Appearing without warning on High Streets, wine bars (so you remember them too?) and bizarrely in airports. Shell Suits were really just tracksuits made in slippy brightly coloured, fabrics, pink and turquoise were popular. Until then tracksuits were rarely seen outside the gym or away from the track. And there is a good reason for that, they belong there, a practical solution for people when they have just finished their intensive workout or competition. Tracksuits on anything other than a very athletic body are all wrong. Even behind closed doors tracksuits are not safe, you are not going to have time to change if the doorbell rings, don’t risk it. Velour fabric suits made an appearance in the 90’s and gained huge popularity with ‘Ladies Who Lunch’ and they can look very glamorous, usually accessorised with padded leather handbags with gold chain straps. However, this is a small and elite group, don’t be tempted to join.

 

Seasonal Trends

 

There are some lovely mossy green and heathery violet clothes appearing in Autumn displays in the shops at the moment. These colours have been imaginatively used for light-weight, loose-fitting cardigans, perfect for the coming cooler evenings. There are mixed messages emerging about trouser shapes from the fashion shows and glossy mags. But soft leggings are a safe bet for the time being. Experiment with length, ankle of mid-calf are the most flattering, wear with a long cotton shirt or ‘T’ one of the new cardies and gold ‘Gladiator’ sandals for a versatile change-of-season look.

 

 

 

 

Fashion Foul!

 

The colour orange. Almost impossible to wear without looking like an airline employee, orange should be treated with extreme caution. If you have a nice tan, you may be able to get away with an orange bikini, but otherwise no. Likewise orange tones in lipstick or nail varnish, totally unflattering and oddly ageing.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

September 2010

A Fashion question answered - Can you wear denim beyond middle age?

Jeans, denim shirts and jackets . . . they seem to have been around for ever. Young folk may roll their eyes in exasperation, older ones tut with disapproval to see the middle-ages thus attired. But is this fair? Should youth be a criteria for fashion? Certainly leave the low slung baggies to the young guys without beer-bellies or hips and the shrunken drain-pipes to girls with the legs to match. And maybe it is painful to see your mum or granddad in jeans or denim shirt, but you’ll get over it! As for the disapproving glances of your peers, ignore them and strut your stuff with pride. There is a well-justified maxim which warns against wearing anything the second time around, for example flared trousers or mini skirts. Even if you looked the biz in them back then, it just isn’t going to be the same now. But with well chosen jeans, (do make sure the waist band fits properly), or a soft-washed denim shirt, you can’t go wrong. I would however advise against denim shorts or skirts, (see the ‘second time around’ rule).

 

Season Trends

 

There is a lot of lace around in the shops at the moment, following a trend amongst the bohemian crowd for vintage clothing to add a touch of feminine coyness to man-ish jackets and trousers. Lacy dresses with a plain fabric slip underneath and shirts with lacy inserts feel cool and look pretty. Black lace has an air of mourning about it so avoid unless you are aiming for a ‘goth’ image, in which case, pile it on! Also avoid anything with a whiff of ‘grannies boudoir’, far too stuffy and aging. If you like the look but don’t want to over commit, look for a lacy scarf in white or dark pink to stay on trend.

 

 

 

Fashion Foul!

Never ever wear jewellery which makes a noise. If it clanks, chinks, tinkles or clonks you are wearing far too much. Think of the disastrous multi-gold-chain phenomenon of the 70’s, or the annoying tiny bells on hippy necklaces. Many bracelets travelling up and down the arm produce too much noise as can multiple rings on every finger, scraping and rasping together. Less is definitely more where jewellery is concerned. And as a last thought, ankle bracelets look very dated now and if there is a bell on yours, ditch it immediately!

 

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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!