Fashion News

Don’t let the cold weather keep you indoors. A woollen coat is a winter wardrobe staple and will keep you toasty wherever you go. Either try a classic colour and style to go with all your outfits, or one that makes a bold fashion statement. Investing in a good coat, will keep you cosy and looking good. What winter coat is right […]

The grey skies of autumn are here but you can colour your world with the new season’s rich hues of pink, violet, crimson and blue. Try embracing this trend wholeheartedly with beautiful, bold dresses, tops and cardigans or just add a splash of colour to your look with a bright accessory. Ruby Tuesday Red is […]

**Question: ** Later this year we are embarking on a 3 month driving/camping holiday around Europe.  I need ideas for wardrobe basics which will take me from walking around cities to day hikes in the mountains, swimming and eating out, and it all needs to fit in one suitcase. Answer: A light-weight water-proof jacket will […]

Normal daily tasks can be difficult and frustrating when you are undergoing treatment for breast cancer. But a little wardrobe planning can alleviate added stress and help you to feel as comfortable and confident as possible. Choose a small collection of mix-and-match pieces that will see you through your treatment period with ease. If you’d like to mix things up a little, you can accessorise with hats, […]

With the advent of digital cameras it’s much easier to take photographs we’re pleased with. But it’s often out of our hands. And with friends frequently posting snapshots on Facebook, you’ll want to look your best every time you’re in front of the lens. Here’s how: **Practise **Look at some of your best and worst […]

Very few of us have the perfect shape but it’s possible to create optical illusions by choosing the right garments. To appear taller, choose dark, block colours or soft vertical lines (pin stripes). A suit in a matching colour will make you appear taller. As will high heels of course! PantsWear trousers that are long […]

If you’re anything like most Kiwi women, your winter wardrobe is full of black! Nothing wrong with that – black makes for a great base. But sometimes just a splash of colour is all we need to lift our look, improve our mood and add flair to an outfit. Colours are also a great way […]

Prints and patterns can add a level of interest to your outfit but you have to know what you’re doing in order to avoid them dominating your look. The key is to balance a busy print with a neutral fabric or to wear prints that work with your body shape. If you’re bottom heavy, a […]

How often to you come home from a shopping trip feeling guilty or empty-handed? With a few rules in mind it’s possible to avoid the pitfalls and become a successful shopper. 1. PrioritiseYou’re best to start with the basics – tank tops, t-shirts, jeans – before moving onto more desirable items. Make a note of […]

1. **Feminine fabrics **Silk blouses, sheer singlets, ruffled party dresses. Imagine the kinds of fabric you simply wouldn’t find in your man’s wardrobe and you’re onto something. Be sure to check the washing tags when shopping as some silks require dry-cleaning only. 2. **Westie influences **Well, sort of. oversized, crocheted tops, leather tassles, studs, zips, […]

If the invitation doesn’t give much of a clue as to the most appropriate attire, consider who invited you – are they quirky, conservative? Next, consider the season and the venue – in a private home in stormy winter or on the beach in balmy summer? Afternoon or night time? Before you leave the house, […]

What do Scarlett Johannsson, Dita Von Teese, Katy Perry and Kiwi actress Emily Barclay have in common (apart from stunning good looks?) The ability to carry off red-hot, vintage Hollywood without looking contrived. If you’re brave enough to give it a go, it’s important to start with the right attitude – it’s flirty, feminine and […]

**Harem pants **Who would’ve thought the genie would inspire the most dramatic new style of trousers since skinny jeans?The good news is, by pairing harem pants with the right tops, there’s no need to sing U Can’t Touch This as you get dressed in the morning. The key is to think of the pants as […]

oinimise a large tummy by choosing slimming, tunic-style tops. Don’t be afraid to create definition in this area by cinching a long, floaty top or dress with a belt. Avoid fabrics that cling tightly to the body as they’ll accentuate lumps and bumps. Wide-legged pants also help to create a flattering silhouette. Flatter a small […]

We should all learn to accept and be proud of our bodies but here are some tips to help you to make the most of what you do have, and to improve on what you don’t. oinimise broad shoulders by drawing the eye away from the shoulder area. Good options include monochrome jackets with narrow […]

Freezing temperatures and over-zealous indoor heating makes layering an essential skill in winter. Layering is also a great way to show flair. Start with a cotton T-shirt, dress shirt or skivvy, then add heavier items such as a jumper, blazer or jacket. only layer with items you’d wear on their own (in other words, ditch […]

Sometimes a little goes a long way. Wear long boots like Jane Birkin. The British-born French star knew how chic tall boots could be. Go for tight, thigh-high boots with a slight heel, preferably in black. Start with beautiful lingerie like Dita Von Teese. The burlesque dancer always puts on something sexy, lacy and girly, […]

The best way to save money when shopping for clothing is to go second-hand – but that doesn’t have to mean second-rate. Companies such as Saveoart now offer shoppers a vast selection in huge warehouse-style buildings all over the country. Don’t forget your local charity shop either. Recycling your wardrobe is even more fun at […]

With fewer jobs around, it’s more vital than ever to make a great first impression on prospective employers. The way to do that is by dressing professionally and ensuring you’re perfectly groomed. Consider what current employees already wear to this workplace and what you’d wear if you got the job. Is it a corporate office […]

The size printed in the back is a fitting guide only and is exclusive to each bra, from one style to another and one brand to another. You must try on – and preferably have somebody help you with fitting – every single bra you buy. The size is made up of two measurements – the […]

Back to basics All garments sold in New Zealand have a country of origin, fabric content and care label attached. Remember to read them. *on wash day, start by separating woollens, delicates – like lingerie – and machine washables. Wash fabrics that are likely to produce lint, such as towels, separately. *Separate machine washables into […]

The key to successful stain removal is acting fast. The sooner you try to remove a stain after it happens, the better your chance of success. If you encounter a stubborn stain, avoid drying it before re-retreating it, as heat – especially dryers and irons – can set stains permanently. Here are some first aid […]

There’s nothing quite as satisfying as organising your clothes. The best part about clearing out the old? Replacing with the new! So throw open those wardrobe doors and dust off the cobwebs with our foolproof strategy. Honesty is the best policy so let’s face it, you’re never going to wear those purple flares again are […]

Colour is a great way to brighten your mood but knowing the colours that suit you best aren’t always obvious. The first step is to decide the “season” that best represents your skin tone, hair colour and eyes. Study the inside of your forearm in natural light to best decipher your colouring. Winter is a […]

Sometimes it’s easy to get distracted by pretty, impractical things. Before you can say “credit card bill” you’ve splashed out on a silver jacket, a red nightie and a big floppy hat just perfect for next year’s races. It’s worth stocking up on a few staples as the backbone to a healthy wardrobe. You can […]

Shopping for jeans used to be as simple as requesting Levi’s 501s but now we’re overwhelmed by choice – stretch-fit, bootcut, skinny, hipster, flares. The most flattering style for any body shape is a slightly flared leg or a boot cut, with a low-rise waist, as it gives room for curves and balances the width […]

Choosing well-fitted garments is the key to a wearable, flattering wardrobe. Always try on a garment before you buy, take a good look in the mirror and critically analyse how it looks on your figure. Before you hand over you card, ask yourself the following simple fit questions

As Coco Chanel once said ‘Elegance does not consist in putting on a new dress.’ There is something alluring about a woman who can take traditionally male-style clothing and make it her own. over the years female dressing has come along way, evolving and defeating many social barriers. These days fashion is a personal choice, […]

We all love a good bargain, but how many times have you purchased something new, revelled in the satisfaction of a discounted price just to find once you return home, glow fading, that

Have you ever come out of a disagreement, had a bad day at work, or even been so frustrated by heavy traffic that you turned to a little retail therapy to soothe your state? It’s no lie that a new purchase gives you a little spring in your step, we’ve all experienced that! The problem […]

Deciphering party invitation dress codes can be a tricky business, a wrong interpretation can cause serious embarrassment. To avoid wanting to dig a hole and get in it at your next social function, read on for code decryption

Do plan your look ahead. It makes no difference if you are purchasing an entirely new outfit or wearing an old favourite, taking the time to think through every piece you will be wearing avoids unnecessary stress on the day. You may even want to have a try-on session of every single piece you plan […]

Bad purchases can happen when we become carried away by internal or external influences. When out shopping, remember to always be aware of the context you are in and consider whether it’s possible you are being swayed into the wrong decision. 3 example scenarios of unsuitable shopping conditions

1. Checks and plaid Traditional tartans and tweed are prepping up looks from winter coats and dresses to shoes, belts, bags and other accessories. 2. 1960s/1970s influence Groovy styles of times past are back after a modern makeover. Look for more sophisticated versions of fabrics and textures, pussy-bow styles, gloves, hats and patterns, patterns, patterns! […]

Chunky KnitsAn essential layering piece for your winter wardrobe, a warm, cosy knit will have you looking and feeling luxuriously toasty! 2. Glam Jewellery It's hard to add a little interest to your

How to balance a short body. As the aim is to elongate your body keeping to one colour or tone is important. Another smart strategy is the use of vertical lines (zips, piping, braid, contrast stitching) – one or two down the centre or side of a garment. The vertical line trick is made even […]

How to balance a rectangle. You need to define your waist and elongate the upper torso area, especially if you’re short-waisted. overall, try to emphasise your shoulder line and create curvesthrough the waist and hip area. As an alternative, you can opt for drapey loose tops worn with skinny pants. Best topsTapered, tailored shirts will […]

How to balance an inverted triangleFind balance by choosing shapes that create a longer-looking middle. your strong shoulder line, narrow hips and flat bottom are fashion-friendly, allowing you to select from many styles. Best topsYou can always count on a tailored shirt that finishes between the top of your hip and just below your bottom […]

Make the best of your body by choosing garments that flatter your form. Typecasting yourself according to age is a practice that we can consign to the nearest charity clothing bin. Exercise, careful eating, and appearance medicine make it possible for a 50 year-old to have a body that’s significantly better than many women in […]

All women are different but most of us – even celebrities – have one of four main body shapes. Find out which celebrity body shape you have! Diamond – Beyoncé Knowles If you… Have smaller shoulders than hips Have a small to medium bust Have a curvy bottom and thighs Look thinner from the side […]

As Kiwis, we love going on holiday but for many of us, packing for the trip can be a real pain. Fear of being inadequately prepared can push you into making irrational last-minute decisions. “I’ll take this just in case” and “I’ll throw in an extra…” can lead to unnecessary overload – and one very […]

If you have a pear-shaped body, it’s important to select top-half styles and shapes that widen the appearance of your upper body and attract the eye. Select bottom-half styles and shapes that recede and don’t draw attention to your widest areas. Tightly woven fabrics are best for your lower half. Best topsTops should finish at […]

How to balance a pregnant body. The pregnant figure looks best when you show there is a beginning and an end to the belly. For most women, a collection of co-ordinating separates is the best strategy. Go for quality rather than quantity. our tips for a basic pregnancy wardrobe are: T-shirtChoose a nice stretchy one […]

Care and attention when washing your knits will ensure they last longer and keep their shape. Follow these simple steps to keep knits in tip-top shape: Choose a mild soap designed for delicates. You can find these at your supermarket either as soap flakes or in liquid formulas. Baby shampoo is also a good option, […]

Nothing gets me up on my soap box quicker than the topic of a good-fitting bra. If you do one great thing for yourself this year, make sure each and every bra you buy is a perfect fit. The size printed in the back of your bra is, at the end of the day, entirely […]

Wearing a bikini at the beach is akin to wearing your bra and knickers in public, so it’s no wonder it can be a bit daunting. No matter how healthy or fit you are, some parts of your body are bound to cause concern. Follow the guide below to make sure you choose the right […]

When you’re trying out this season’s hot new metallic looks, bear these tips in mind: It was once a fashion faux-pas but these days anything goes – it’s officially okay to clash your gold and silver jewellery.  If you’re unsure whether you suit metallics, start out with something simple such as metallic accessories. There’s a […]

The gloominess of winter is almost over and the whiff of spring in the air has us itching to make room for the fabulous line-up of new trends. What better way to emerge from winter’s cocoon than with a clean, revised wardrobe and a new attitude to keep it that way. So throw open those […]

Whether you have the most enviable wardrobe in town or a couple of pieces you wear to death, caring for your clothes is worth the effort. Here are some tips to get the job done right. **Back to basics **All garments sold in New Zealand have a country of origin, fabric content and care label […]

Knitwear that is properly cared for will last for several years. Here’s how to lengthen the life of your knits:  Washing and rinsing by handFor woollen garments, hand-wash in luke warm water using a mild soap, good quality shampoo or mild hand wash detergent. Gently squeeze the suds through the garment, taking care not to […]

What’s black and white and striped all over? A zebra? An escaped jailbird? No, it’s the funky beatnik look. Take your cue from the 1960s subculture that was inspired by a group of writers and artists in Paris’ Saint Germain Quarter in the 1940s. Channel icons of the 1960s such as Jean Seberg, Edie Sedgwick […]

Perky or saggy? Too tight or too loose? Check these six signs to see if your bra is doing its job properly. If you can’t wait to take off your bra when you get home in the evening, it’s probably the wrong size. Do you look like you have four breasts? This is probably because […]