[FashionRatty] tag: shorter

How to Prepare Your Hair for the Big Day

Sat, 29 Nov 2008 20:48:00 +0000

Wedding Hairstyles

Any bride knows that deciding how to wear her hair is a big decision. Of course, the veil design will be a big factor in how the bride wears her hair, but there are other considerations like what styles are popular right now and what will suit the dress the best. In the end, though, there are three basic hairstyles that are the most popular among brides these days - hair that is worn down and wavy, hair that's swept up and hair that's half up and half down.

Let's look at each one in detail.

Wavy
Following the trend of what's popular in hair right now in general, many brides opt for hair that's parted in the middle and flows over the shoulders in soft waves. Although this hairstyle is best suited for women who have hair well below their shoulders, it can work with just about any length hair. The essence of this style is romance, so it's really all about getting a nice wave in the hair and creating a style that will last for the duration of the wedding and the reception. Just about any veil will look nice with this kind of hairstyle, but most experts say that your veil should be longer than your hair, so brides with very long hair might opt for a very long veil.

Upswept
This is the traditional and common way to wear hair for a wedding. Hair is swept up in some kind of off the neck style. It depends on the bride, the hair, the style of dress and a number of other factors how the hair is swept up.
Women with very long hair might enjoy the less formal upsweep that features little ringlets left loose and a casual pilling of the hair on the head. A woman with a shorter hairstyle might opt for a tight bun. Because many wedding dresses these days are strapless, wearing the hair up is a way to really accentuate the dress and highlight the bride's long neck and facial features. Just about any kind of veil will work with this hairstyle as well, but many women will choose to go without a veil and will wear a crown instead. This hairstyle, then, highlights the crown and it helps hold the crown in place.

Half Up and Half Down
This is soft, romantic and young looking. Not the same sophisticated and modern style as the upsweep, this style is popular with women who are wearing a less formal dress and want to portray a more casual and romantic style. Many women who choose a style that's half up and half down will also choose to have flowers in the back of their hair in lieu of a veil. This style is also excellent for highlighting the bride's facial features and giving some attention to the dress. It's also a style that will be easy to keep neat and tidy during both the wedding and reception. You should now have some good ideas for popular bridal hairstyles. Just like the wedding dress, how to wear your hair is a highly personal decision. No one style will suit every bride.

Brought to you by the stylish team at e.l.f. Cosmetics.

Barbara Darnis

Sat, 29 Nov 2008 17:00:30 +0000

I think she has the best type of look for a shorter girl (unless you have a face like Sasha)...
Conventional beauty, if you will, but that's usually what gets you work in the end...

Height 174cm/5'8.5" Bust 82cm/32.5" Waist 62cm/24.5" Hips 89 cm/35"

She's signed with Elite throughout Europe, I guess... The pics are from Elite Barcelona.

Adventures in NYC (one of many episodes)

Fri, 28 Nov 2008 12:07:00 +0000

I do not, on most occassions, faithfully watch every episode of any one reality show, with the exception of Season 1 of Bravo TV's Make Me A Supermodel. This is primarily due to the beautiful men who were on the show. This one in particular.
Ronnie Kroell, is a fellow Chicagoan who I had the pleasure to sit behind and gawk at (a few rows behind actually) a Broadway show in NYC this past Saturday.
My friends and I went to go see the 2pm show of Avenue Q at the Golden Theater, Broadway. We had just sat down in our respective seats--scattered around the theater due to availability of tix at the TKTS booth--when Ronnie walks in with 4-5 guy friends and to sit in the second row of the matinee. It took me a few minutes to realize who he was, but yes, his boyish good looks had him standing out in the crowd. He was shorter than I thought he'd be. I am 5'9 and he was definitely not taller than I. I stared quite a bit, and debated to ask for a snap, and then reconsidered it as an inappropriate request since he seemed to be enjoying a day out with his friends. Plus Season 1 of this show was how long ago......exactly. Sigh. I totally need to get over my shyness at taking pics and grow some cajones.

If you are into Broadway musicals, you MUST add Ave Q to you list of got-to-see shows. It is hailed as 'muppets on crack,' and I can honestly say that it is certainly not Sesame Street. For some reason, it was in Chicago for only a couple of weeks and I completely missed it then. I am very glad to have had the chance to catch it while in NYC. It is humorous, endearing, and very witty. It is not written in a very 'politically correct' manner as they say, but I think that only adds to its appeal. An additional surprise to this particular show was the performance of Christy Carlson Romano as Kate Monster, the main female lead. Not sure if she is the Kate in every show or just every once in a while.
I have to say that these Disney actors are truly multi-talented. Not only is Christy a great actress (from the show Even Stevens as Shia LaBeouf's older sister, the voice of Kim Possible, etc etc), but she is a talented singer and published writer of a young adult novel. Impressive.
What a great way to have spent a brisk Saturday afternoon in The Big Apple. :o)

The Curious Case Of Old Brad

Thu, 27 Nov 2008 12:25:06 +0000

photos courtesy Paramount Pictures How the heck did the peeps over at Digital Domain get the gorgeous Brad to look like a short, old geezer for The Curious Case of Benjamin Button??? Well we hear Brad had to rest his fully makeup'd head on a positioner and shoot all his lines that way so the geniuses at DD could then superimpose his head on a shorter actor's body to create the older/baby version of the Benjamin character. Cool! But probably tedious for Brad! Will you see the movie on Xmas? Will you see it at all?

The skirt-skin-boots sweet spot

Wed, 26 Nov 2008 12:36:14 +0000

It is hard to make a general rule about the amount of skin you should show between the top of your boots and the hem of your skirt. There are just too many variables. The style of the boots, the silhouette of the skirt, your height, your body type and the hosiery you wear are all factors in the equation. I’ve seen everything work: from thigh-high minis with calf length boots, to mid-calf skirts and knee-high boots.

One combination that seems to work on almost everyone right now is a knee-length skirt or dress worn with knee-high boots. Experimentation will reveal whether you should show the knee cap, show just part of the knee cap or cover the knee completely. Hose keeps you warm and often finishes the look, but isn’t a necessity.

Personally, I like my skirt and boots combination best when my kneecap is covered and there’s a hint of skin before the top of the boot (either with or without hose). I also like to wear skirt and boot ensembles that show no skin at all. Occasionally I’ll wear a skirt or dress that shows my entire knee cap but that’s rare. In these shorter skirt instances, I’ve found that adding monochromatic textured hose gives my legs more shape.

Have you found your skirt-skin-boots sweet spot, or is it still a mystery?

Mini-skirts with calf length and knee-high boot combinations, each showing a different amount of space between the hem of the skirt and the top of the boots.

Longer skirt styles showcasing less or no leg space between the end of the skirt and the top of the boots. This is my personal skirt-skin-boots sweet spot.

Ask Allie - Winter Wool Coats

Tue, 25 Nov 2008 12:31:00 +0000

Hey Allie, I am from the warm south but will soon be moving north. I am also very petite. I know nothing about wool coats. Do you have any suggestions for good retailers? Or a list of characteristics to look for? Thanks, Carrie

Hi Carrie:
I think a wool coat is a great investment. Coat trends do not vary as much as other wardrobe pieces; so a well-made wool coat can really last you for several years (even decades) of stylish wear.

Finding a Wool Coat
First, look at fabric. Often times cheaper wool coats will be a wool blend, mixing this natural fabric with a synthetic like polyester or nylon. Polyester may help with durability, but it won’t help with finish or warmth. Wool blend coats are more likely to collect lint and fuzz, and won’t keep you as cozy on a blustery day. If you want a very warm wool coat, I recommend you find one that is 100% wool.

Second, check out the lining. Your lining is dependant on your locale. Here in the Nation’s Capital I find a basic silk acetate lining is enough for car commuter wear (dashing from house to car and car to building), but a lining with Thinsulate or some other thin warm fabric is better for city commuters (those who spend more time outside). Companies like Lands End and J. Crew often offer varying linings for one style of coat so you can get the combination that is perfect for your lifestyle and environment.

Third, consider your lifestyle before picking out a silhouette. Are you looking for a coat for running errands around town? For work? For evening? One that can do double (or triple) duty? I have found the most flattering and versatile style of wool coat is one that is single breasted, nips in at the waist a bit to follow your shape, and hits between low hips and above the knee. This style of coat can work with jeans, pants and skirts and is long enough to keep a good amount of you protected from the chill. A shorter jacket like a peacoat is great for day errands as that it’s a boxier style that goes on with ease over chunky sweaters and winter layers. A winter coat may have a faux fur collar, belt, decorative buttons or a longer length to create a sense of drama.

Now consider color. Black is always a safe bet – it works day or night, is eternally stylish and easy to find accessories to compliment it. However black can be boring and dreary on gray winter days. Colors can often times be just as versatile as black and far more exciting and true to your personality. Mallard blue, plum, dark red, camel, mustard, pumpkin, brown, berry, hunter green are all great colors that won’t look dated by next snowfall. Ivory is always elegant but do keep in mind that lighter colors are more likely to show dirt.

What About Accessories?
Accessories make the outfit and they also make the winter coat. Find a color that brings you happiness on a gloomy day and don’t be afraid to mix up colors. Make your navy coat pop with apple green, your camel coat stand out with turquoise, your plum coat with candy pink. I love replacing classic scarves with pashminas – they completely cover the neck opening, can be wrapped across the body for additional warmth, and can be used as a shawl once inside if there is a draft.

As for gloves, be they knit, leather or suede, make sure they are in good condition and compliment the whole ensemble. Unless you are shoveling snow, you don’t need giant padded ski mittens; purchase some well-fitting gloves that let you drive, hold handrails and pull your wallet out of your bag with ease.

When it comes to hats, this winter is the perfect time to find a favorite. All sorts of hats are in style, and everywhere from chic boutiques to big box retailers have a great selection. As with gloves, there is no need for a pom-pom topped ski cap that envelopes your entire head; you can gain just as much warmth from a tam, beret, sleek cap or even a wool fedora or other structured style.

Accessories can be useful as well as elegant. You are not 14 any more, and those ear flaps, Freaky Freezies, and rainbow scarves are not doing you any favors. You can have cheer and fun in your winter wardrobe through color and small details. I saw a woman on the train in a bright pink crocheted cloche with a crocheted flower on the side, same color scarf and gloves. The flower was so sweet and unexpected, and the happy color really brightened up her gray coat. Though my husband calls me Monica Lewinsky, I have been sporting a fun wool beret with my apple green pashmina, black leather gloves and black wool peacoat. My coworker has a simple black wool coat, but unexpected electric blue leather gloves and a blue and black scarf that really adds her flair to the ensemble. Take the time to find warm accessories that maintain style but show your personality – they can be find at any price range.

Camel coat by Lands End, ivory coat by J. Crew, green coat by Boden, red coat by Larry Levine. Click on links or images to be sent directly to the shopping page.

Sugar Shout Out: Do a Bohemian Double Braid!

Mon, 24 Nov 2008 20:50:00 +0000

How to: bohemian double braids (for shorter, layered hair!)
How well do you know your liquid calories?
Can you identify these classic sandwiches?
Have you bought Obamabilia?
Mommy's lil helper: frustration free packaging
5 websites to get the best Black Friday deals
Girls on film: Linda Evangelista by Steven Meisel
Leo trades in his Pacific views, lowers his carbon footprint
First look: Big Love season three
5 things to be grateful for when you're single
What pampering treatment would please your pet?
geek's 10 favorite charging stations
Book of the day: The Truth About Chuck Norris

The Most Complicated-Looking Easy Way To Tie A Scarf

Mon, 24 Nov 2008 18:00:40 +0000

At one of our most informative press events in recent memory, the SheFinds team visited the Begg Scotland showroom, full of luxurious cashmere shawls, scarves and throws. Begg rep Jan gave us a veritable cashmere education. She told us why some cashmere is less expensive and not so soft – it comes from parts of the goat that are exposed to the elements, whereas the good stuff comes from the untouched underbelly.

She also taught us how to tie the gorgeous scarves (or any other scarves, for that matter) in the coolest, braid-like knot that none of us had seen before – and that we definitely couldn’t have figured out on our own. But it's surprisingly easy to get the hang of it. Here’s how to do it:

1.   Start with one end of the scarf longer than the other
2.   Loop the longer end around your neck
3.   Pull the shorter end between the space made by the loop and the hanging fabric
4.   Tug
5.   Watch the video again, because it’s really hard to explain in text

While this method will work with any scarf that’s long enough – the one in the video is from Begg, but it looked good with my $5 “pashmina” too – Begg’s incredibly luxurious cashmere would make an equally great gift for your sister who has just about everything, or your frugal friend who would never buy herself such a plush accessory.

The above scarf ($189, was $315) is meant for men, but the subtle pattern and neutral color could definitely work for women, too.

Noni Signed Pattern Giveaway, Just Fuchsias, Cascading Fuchsias Market Bag, The Unfurling Rose

Sun, 23 Nov 2008 14:07:37 +0000

Three Noni pattern will be given away and they are all signed and ready for you to knit for a gift or yourself! Noni’s stunning: Just Fuchsias (currently out of print) so how lucky are we), Cascading Fuchsias Market Bag and The Unfurling Rose (again, currently out of print) so how lucky are we). Each pattern is a signed keepsake pattern that you will use and cherish. Noni’s patterns are works of art in themselves. Again, this will be a random drawing and the first winner will get the Tulip Tote and the second winner will receive the Winter Berries. If anyone would like to, or knows a yarn shop that would like to donate yarns for some of these pattern giveaways, please contact me. Your shop will be featured and this is free advertisement for you or your shop! In the comment area type “enter me” This giveaway will run from November 23rd through December 6^th Good Luck! There will be three lucky winners.

Just Fuchsias (No. 208)

This pattern is currently out of print but may still be available from your local yarn shop or one of the online stores.

This is a delicate, beautiful, flower that will make any bag, gift box, sweater, or jacket more lovely with its presence. Fuchsias are complex, layered flowers that come in a seemingly endless array of color combinations. While this pattern offers only two colorways (both of which can be found in nature), you will likely begin to think of more possibilities as soon as you start to knit. Made with a single strand of worsted weight yarn, this flower is delicate once felted. Choose to make only a single flower on a single stem, or multiple flowers on one stem.

Pattern Difficulty Level: Intrepid beginner/Intermediate-Advanced. These flowers can be accomplished by anyone who knows how to knit and purl. However, they do require use of small holders, double-pointed needles, and short rows.

Cascading Fuchsias Market Bag (No. 114)

In these days when many are trying to reduce their carbon footprints, driving hybrid cars, and taking shorter showers, it’s nice to have a great-looking shopping bag for the market. I’ve designed three different sizes for those differently sized visits to the farmer’s stand or grocery store. Small for those times when you only need butter, chocolate, and heavy cream for that delectable dessert; Medium when you need fruit, a few select cheeses, and a bottle of wine or sparkling water; and Really Big for those trips to the Farmer’s market and all the tasty treats you find there: organic tomatoes, fresh goat cheese, scones made this morning, and other lovelies. Unlike its cousins, the really big bag has two handles that slant toward each other, so it can be carried easily in your hand or over your arm, and it won’t tip all your cargo out onto the floor.

The cascading fuchsias turn these unstructured, easy-to-make bags into sculptural works of art. Let your creativity take the lead as you dream up wonderful combinations (all found in nature) for this botanically-correct version of the fuchsia. Then twist and twine long I-cord stems to make beautiful designs on your unique market bag.

The Unfurling Rose (No. 203)

This pattern is currently out of print but may still be available from your local yarn shop or one of the online stores.

Another one of Noni’s most popular patterns, the unfurling rose is the most sculptural Noni flower. It can be as audacious as the camellia, or as subtle as the jasmine flower. It can appear a rose just unfurled, or one that hides nothing.

Put one toward one end of your sassy tube baguette. Put two on the smallish carpet bag. Put them all around the top of your lattice bag. Put them together with all the other flowers in a wreath or on a Noni backpack. The possibilities are as endless as the rose’s beauty is boundless.

Suits That Suit

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 12:40:00 +0000

Filed under: Clothing

Suits That Suit

I've never been a big fan of the cookie cutter suit -- the one that you see on mannequins as you walk in. As if that's all the thinking you need do and presto -- you're finished! I'm more for putting your own pieces together in an interesting way where style is not something you buy, but instead requires some creativity on your part.

And the best part of this approach is that you can choose pieces that fit the different parts of your body -- as everyone knows that there are very few of us who are inherently proportional in all regions. With that mind, here are some building blocks for the season.

J Crew has got it hands down for color this season (though I'll admit it angers me that all of their clothing is pictured on hipless, teen-like bodies). And of all the gorgeous pencil skirts offered at J Crew, this one has a lower waist and can therefore accommodate a few more figure flaws

So if you've got a tummy and hips, you can probably still look good in this up to size 10 or 12. I love the bronzed ochre (but black would be a great investment too).

Click here to buy

The higher waisted pencil skirts are great for those with not so much tummy and hips that are more proportionate to the rest of their width (i.e. not the pears among us). Check out this gorgeous version.

Pricier yes, but this is so classic (and yet unique), you'll have it for years. Pair this type of skirt with shorter (miniaturized) jackets and any form fitting (and sculpting/containing) layering piece to make your own suit.

Click here to buy

This one, also from J Crew, is good for an open front look if you feel buttoning up over emphasizes mid section girth shown here with a nice tummy obscuring tunic topic, this would also work great with a favorite blouse or nice fitted v-neck.

Click here to buy

This one, from Target, has a slight a-line, which is great if you have a little tummy to hide.

Click here to buy

This option from the Gap has just enough shaping through the body to outline a waist while grazing over any real trouble zones. It could be worn closed or open over a skirt or pants, depending on what you want to hide.

Click here to buy

Speaking of the Gap, though seemingly preoccupied with the poufy skirt this season, they do carry a nice a-line option in this adorable herringbone number. Really great for those of you with hips and thighs and willing to don a tall pair of boots and some good tights. The Herringbone wool keeps it just serious enough so it doesn't go to 'girlish' in the work zone.

Clic k here to buy

The Box pleat is also great for providing a little extra room through the hips/thigh area for those of us who are a little heavier on the bottom, this one also from the Gap.

Click here to buy

Since Ann Taylor is the place most people associate with 'suit' shopping, here is a great investment piece for your top half.

This jacket style will flatter most figure types in that it cinches at the empire, has a deep v-neck, and a nice peplum waist that skirts out over (and thus incorporates or creates the look of) hips. Though some are annoyed by a 3/4 sleeve, think of it as an opportunity to wear some of that jewelry that never sees the light of day! You can easily roll a blouse sleeve, push the sleeve of a sweater blend, or wear a sleeveless shell or short sleeve top (you are wearing a jacket after all).

Click here to buy

These are a just a few tips about the shapes and styles of suiting separates that let you be in charge, and also gets you more workable pieces for your wardrobe that can be used outside of the office.

Why did I skip pants? Because my next entry will be all about finding good work pants, and that need an entry unto itselfstay tuned!

Suits That Suit originally appeared on StyleList Blog on Fri, 21 Nov 2008 15:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments