Showing posts with label CHIC in the City NEWS. Show all posts
Showing posts with label CHIC in the City NEWS. Show all posts

Thursday, November 29, 2012

Swimsuits to suit your body shape



Yes it is that time again - swimsuit shopping!  The thought of bearing the body after being hidden over winter can send shudders down your spine. To help, we have put together some tips and tricks on what swimsuits suit what body shapes.  Follow our tips below to have you beach ready!

Hourglass



You will look great in most swimsuits.  We love an hourglass in a vintage inspirted swimsuit that celebrates your curves. The key is to keep your proportions balanced.  The one we have chosen is $145 at Prue Trollope for a bit of fun. Look for:

  • Tops with straps that sit mid-way across the shoulder.
  • Match patterns and colours of your top and bottom.
  • Balanced ruffles, padding and embellishments can enhance your curves.
  • Bottoms that cut straight across your hips. 
  • Strapless tops look great too if your bust size is not too big.
  • Halternecks or cupped styles, and anything that brings in the waist to play to your hourglass shape.


Triangle



The nautical look illustrates sophistication at sea. Wear a mix of red, blue and white to follow the sailor trend. Stripes are a popular summer bikini trend that you can use to your advantage by adding volume at the top half. We have chosen (below) a Seafolly one piece for $159.95. Horizontal stripes around the bust can create the illusion of your top half seeming broader and balancing your lower half.  Look for bottoms that will minimise your lower half and tops that add volume to your bust.  Things to look for:

  • Wide-set straps
  • Moderate to full coverage bottoms
  • Lightcoloured tops that are ruffled, embellished, patterned or padded.
  • Dark bottoms or waist bands
  • Scoop or high-cut legs/



Inverted triangle



When choosing a swimsuit for an inverted triangle, remember the objective is to balance your body and break-up your broad shoulders a little. We have selected a khaki Seafolly tankini for just $179.99.  Things to look for:


  • Use ruffles to your advantage by conversely adding them to the bottom to balance your hips with your bust. 
  • Avoid string bikinis if they don’t offer any support; instead stick to structured styles and simple halternecks.
  • Patterned or light coloured bottoms paired with solid tops.
  • Bottoms that cut straight across your hips.
  • One-piece suits with side cut-outs are also great.


Rectangle



For a rectangle body shape, it is all about creating the illusion of curves.  We chose this stunning Zimmerman mesh panelled one piece at $395.  Other styles to look for:

  • Wide-set straps
  • Moderate to full coverage bottoms
  • Light coloured tops that are ruffled, embellished or patterned
  • Light coloured bottoms or waistbands with ruffles or embellishments
  • Waistbands that are cut straight across from hip to hip


Round


Look for swimsuits that will define your waist and add curves to your figure to make you seem less round.  We have chosen a Miracle Suit that has curves in just the right places for $269. This summer, indulge in the extraordinary prints inspired by India. Things to look for:

  • Tankinis and one piece suits with hourglass prints
  • Skirted skirts with light coloured busts
  • Straps that sits mid shoulder
  • Suits with wrap or crisscross details
  • Bottoms with hip details such as ties.

Diamond


We have selected a Baku one-piece that has tummy control for $159.95.  Your body shape is all about creating the focus on your bust and de-emphasizing your tummy and hips.  Things to look for: 
  • Ruffles, padding or embellishments at the bust
  • Straps that sit mid-shoulder or strapless suits to broaden your shoulders
  • A-line skirts that skim your body without adding volume
  • Suits that are light/patterned at the bust and dark at the waist and hips
If you are still not sure what to do, or just need a trained pair of eyes to help you look your best on the beach this summer, please feel free to book in for a CHIC Style Session - call 0416 644337 or email us.









Tuesday, August 21, 2012

CHIC launches Surry Hills Design Experience


Discover the eclectic mix of Surry Hills



Surry Hills has become a unique area for the speciality boutiques. This is the creative hub where design, fashion, and style all come together in one spot.  The café vibe, the independently owned stores, with an interesting mix of gifts, homewares and of course, fashion, you simply can’t find elsewhere. CHIC has researched extensively the area for months and hand-picked the best of the best to create a wonderful three hour experience where you can uncover all there is to know.  If you have discovered Paddington with us, Surry Hills is a wonderful new adventure for you. This experience is for guys and gals as the fashion stores selected are unisex as well as covering homewares and design.

This experience is ultimately about all things style.


This suburb has so much to offer that we have three choices of experiences to choose from:
  • The Fashionista (a fashion-only experience)
  • Life & Home (a combination of homewares, design and fashion)
  • Manly Men (straight-forward fashion for men)
These tours are on foot so you can fully embrace the vibe and are offered throughout the week and Saturdays, or a Chauffeured experience can be arranged if you prefer to give you greater reach of places to visit.


If you have a particular love for vintage let us know when you book and we can also incorporate that into your special day out.

Only $150 per person, 2 person minimum, includes style notes, three hours of stylist-led shopping, Café voucher, plus a gift bag too!








BOOK NOW - CALL 0416 644 337 or EMAIL mail@chicinthecity.com.au
The experience doesn’t stop here Vintage experiences, Chauffeur experiences and Personal Styling also available. Visit www.chicinthecity.com to find out more.

Sunday, February 12, 2012

Beyond Roses - CHIC Valentines Offers



Looking for something a little unique this Valentines for your loved one.  A memory that will last.  Well, look no further.   Not only are we offering special Valentines packages but we have gorgeous gift vouchers too. You can nominate any value over $95 and they can put that toward an experience of their choice. Just click here if you want to arrange a gift voucher or simply call us on 0416 644337.

Love for Shopping & High Tea
It’s a day of luxury for your loved one.  Starting with your own personal style consultation over a stunning high tea at the gorgeous new Victoria Tea Salon in Westfield Sydney!  They will then have their stylist guide her on a two hour shopping excursion. Be treated for the day.  You can choose to share the day with your besty or just have some ‘me time’ for only $495 for one and $595 for two people.  Includes high tea, a glass of Moet and your own personal stylist.  Offer available for a limited time only.  To book or arrange a Valentines gift voucher for this experience, click here.

Couture High Tea with a Stylist
Simply want to have special outing and learn something new.  Why not choose CHIC’s Couture High Tea with a stylist at the gorgeous Victoria Tea Salon at Westfield Sydney.  Want to know what really works for your body shape? Which colours make you shine? Enjoy invaluable advice, yummy food and ‘me time’. Choose to bring a friend or just have exclusive attention for one.  2 hours at $250, includes stylist consultation and high tea.  To book or arrange a Valentines gift voucher for this experience, click here.

Something for him – The James Bond Package
Want to get something a little different for the man in your life. At CHIC, we understand how men like to shop plus the nuances of men’s body shapes so can guide them as to what works for them showing them some of the best men’s fashion secret stores in Sydney.  Start his day over coffee with a stylist consultation where he learns what works for him.  We will then hit the shops with his own stylist showing him the latest looks that work for him. Finish his time getting groomed so he is ready for his loved one.

For only $550, he will be sure to be ‘James Bond like’ at the end of this experience! Included is a personal style consultation, two hours of shopping, plus some grooming either hand or foot maintenance to get him ship shape for you.   To book or arrange a Valentines gift voucher for this experience, click here.

Options can be added such as the Gentleman’s tidy-up or a relaxing massage for extra pampering at an exclusive male grooming salon.

Call now to arrange - 0416 644 337 or email us at mail@chicinthecity.com.au.  Happy Valentines from the team at CHIC in the City!


The Art of Seduction

Fashion has always given potent power to the seductress, rendering men weak and women strong.  The seductress is one who creates mystery and elusiveness through the use if symbols and appearances, tricks and of course her appearance.


In every era, there have always been certain women skilled at the game of love, for example, the 1920s New York flapper or the 1950s blonde bombshell. Iconic names such as Marilyn Monroe, Madonna, Ava Gardner, Audrey Hepburn, Jean Harlow, and Jane Russell are just a few iconic seductresses of their time.  Study them to learn the art. The red lips, the dress, the way they lie on their bed or listen to what someone is saying, the way they laugh or appear interested are all forms of seduction that these goddesses truly mastered.

A seductress in the 18th century, was a woman who was accomplished, well versed in arts and politics as much as the game of love, objects were displayed carefully in her apartment that hinted to these accomplishments.  However, it was the boudoir where her seductive nature shone.  Here she made sure the conversation was sparkling and her manner alluring, witty and cultured in a space specifically devoted to luxury, feminity and pleasure.  Veiling her body in seductive lingerie, a woman would put herself in an interesting bargaining position.

By the late 19th century, a women could be the initiator of seduction, even of a man thought otherwise, by subtly displaying her wares through her appearance in a manner very different from the gentleman in her life.  The same seems to apply today where the art of titillation, flirtation and tease are needed in a society where there is an abundance of naked bodies, particularly the female kind.  As Jan Birks states, “With so much exposure to sex these days (its everywhere you look) most folk are craving mystique and seduction more than ever”.

Interestingly, a woman’s boudoir/sanctuary is having a comeback as a luxurious haven for all things feminine.  A special place to be feminine and girly.  We believe we all deserve our own special boudoir!

The clothes of seduction remain the same today as the 18th century boudoir: the lingerie of the belle époque, the bra, stockings, and suspenders of the 1950s all remain the stalwarts of the modern night of passion.  The fabrics of seduction have been silks that were sufficiently transparent, lace with devine trimmings in soft pastels, and flimsy materials in delicate, dainty colours. Other items of seduction over the eras have been corsets, pearls, feathers, gloves, furs, robe de chamber (dressing gown), and false eyelashes to create an illusion.


Dressing Seductively
There is fine line between dressing seductively versus looking sexy or tarty.  The height of a split on a dress or the length of dress, the amount of bossom to expose are common areas where women go wrong.  Finding dressing prompts to will people to take notice of you and that you feel sexy in, regardless of what others think.  Remember the art of reveal – you do not need to show it all.  Ankles, shoulders, wrists are also seen as female parts of the body that excite. The way you dress may call attention to certain features on your body or certain attributes of your personality, perhaps your flair for style, color, comfort, or fun. You may be subtle with a hint of sexy. You don't have to dress in a way that says, “Take me to bed this instant!” unless, of course, that's what you want.
To get people to notice certain features on your body, you may wear a piece of jewellery or an article of clothing that accentuates that part. You may choose soft fabrics that beg to be touched, or you may dress in a way to tease (a split on a skirt, stockings, a low back dress).
But seduction goes beyond what you wear, it is also about how you behave:

Eye Contact
Making eye contact with someone is often the first way you express sexual interest. Letting someone catch you looking at him with interest can be very seductive. Maintaining eye contact is uncomfortable for some people, but it is a skill that can be developed. Calm and clear eye contact can express confidence, interest, and availability.
Paradoxically, shyness too can be seductive. In fact, sometimes coyly looking away is very alluring. It may express that you are extremely attracted and just need some help feeling safe enough to show it. Whether you project confidence or coyness, smiling will help you be more seductive. The classic fluttering of the eye lashes still works!
Flirtatious Talk
Usually, flirting involves some type of playful or suggestive conversation. Everybody develops her own style, but in general, flirtatious conversation is light, fun, upbeat, and sexy. With flirtatious talk, you may try to convey how desirable you are in clever ways. Or you may play hard to get. Conversely, you may focus your attention on the person you are flirting with, offering him obvious compliments or flattery. Getting him/her to talk about themselves and holding back on your life story, creates a sense of mystery. 
Essential
The trick to flirtatious talk is making sure that whomever you are flirting with is on board with you, not getting offended, and has room to respond. If you are the only one flirting, you might be making a fool of yourself or just being a nuisance. Be sensitive to your audience, but by all means, have fun!

Body Language
Whether you are aware of it or not, your body language could give off signals that you are sexually interested in someone. If you become aware of what kind of body language expresses sexual interest, you can use it to help you flirt and build up the heat within yourself and/or between you and another person. Awareness of your body language can also keep you from sending the wrong message to someone you are not interested in.
You can also use your body language to draw attention to parts of your body that you think are sexy. You can play with your hair, brushing it back with your fingers or tucking it behind your ear. You can cross and uncross your legs slowly, or do things to call attention to your mouth or neck, like bite or lick your lips or rub or touch your neck. You can stretch your arms up in the air and draw attention to your underarms. You can nonchalantly open an article of clothing and expose some bare skin. Whether or not you deliberately use body language to flirt, it can be interesting to try to notice if you also use it unconsciously at times.
These are just some of the ways to become the seducer.  Have fun, play a little, and most of all remember at the heart of seduction is illusion and mystery.  

Monday, November 7, 2011

Colour Blocking & Your Body Shape Tips


This season is all about colours and using them in bold and wonderful ways. We predict this trend is here to stay well beyond Summer.  This look is definitely for those that want to stand out from the crowd, wallflowers need not apply. The whole trick to colour blocking is putting together chunks of colour that you would not expect to see together.  The rule to colour blocking is that there are no rules, except consider your body shape so you don't end up looking like a rubik's cube!  Plus, think twice about having four colours in your clothing and then your shoes and handbag are also colour blocked - you will end up looking like a bunch of crayons.  Try and use common sense as to how many colours - our view is maximum four in one outfit, ideally three colours at one time to remain stylish and not too 'try hard'.


Be brave, have fun with it and enjoy putting colours that work together.  If you don't like the idea of wearing block colours from head to toe, then try mixing with a neutral tone like beige or khaki, or simply experiment with accessories to achieve a similar affect. A small clutch in a bright colour or a pair of gorgeous bright heels will work wonders for bringing colour into your life.  This is the perfect trend to really experiment with your own seasonal colours.


To help pull this look off successfully, here are some tips for your body shape to make the most of this season's biggest trend...


                            
TRIANGLE
Triangle
Bigger in the hips and bottom compared to your bust and shoulders?

When colour blocking, wear your bright colours on top with the bottom colour muted or toned down. Reduce your bottom area by avoiding pale colours in this area. Given you need to balance your shoulders, structured jackets or tops work wonders for you.
Inverted triangle




INVERTED TRIANGLE
Broader in the shoulders and bust in comparison to your hips and bottom?
Ideally, you should wear your bright and bold colours below the waist - there a plenty of options for pants or skirts. Bright coloured jeans work well for achieving this effect. Keep colours and patterns plain on top and try crisp fabrics and styles. 


Rectangle
RECTANGLE 
No waist definition and similar size on top and bottom?

Give the illusion of curves by wearing bright coloured flowing tops and feminine dresses that cinch in at the waist. Fabrics are your key.  Look for softer fabrics rather than stiff structured materials.  






HOUR GLASS
Hour glass
   
Wider bust and thighs with a thin waist?

This season works for you but your watch-out is around wearing block square shapes on top.  It is best to stick with simple colour blocking rather than multiple colour blocking in one item of clothing. Try not to wear too much colour on the bust or below the waist as this will focus attention on your curves. Vertical colour blocking works best.





ROUND/OVAL
Fullness in the middle with a flatter bottom and slender legs and arms?

Round
Stick with simple colours and avoid fussy prints or too much colour. Play with layers.  Wear colours vertically.  Bold accessories would work great on you. Like a statement clutch or colour blocking heels.














If you want any advice on what would work for your body shape, then book in for one of our Style Workshops by clicking here to find out more or we can always take you shopping for this season's wardrobe! Embrace colour as it is here to stay!



Thursday, October 13, 2011

How to DIY Your Own Wardrobe Detox


Detoxing your wardrobe is always loaded with emotion. What to keep? What to go? Sometimes the sheer sight of your wardrobe can be overwhelming too.

The style team at CHIC in the City have battled tug-of-wars with our Wardrobe Detox clients over the years now and consoled weeping one's terrified of letting go of road-weary fashion ‘sentimentals’. We now have it down to a fine art and wanted to share some tips to help you get started.  Of course, if it is all too much, we are only ever a phone call away...

Here's our quick guide to wardrobe editing the hardcore way:
BAG IT

Have the following large bags ready for sorting garments into:




  • Archive - its too soon to say goodbye to these fashion faux pas. Remove them from the wardrobe and file as sentimental.
  • Reinvent and alterate - they still have life they just need updating.
  • Sell - never forget the power of eBay if you have a designer item that could still be worth something.  Reinvest the money from selling your garments into new ones. If you're not into eBay, don't forget second hand designer stores too!
  • Donate - wearing these garments are embarrassing. Listen to your inner voice.
  • Dump - even Vinnies and Salvation Army would refuse these. They are worn, stained, torn, have lost shape and colour.
KNOW YOUR BODY TYPE

Before you edit your wardrobe take a honest look at your silhouette or the the contour of your bodyshape. Get to know it and you will know how to flatter it. Check out our five part series How to Dress for your Shape (as featured in our blog) as a guide before you get started. Some of us may be a combination of a couple of body shapes such as a mix of a triangle body shape and hourglass. Get to know the right shape for your frame and draw attention to the best parts. A lady with personal style is confident in her body shape - she knows it and how to work it and is sexier as a result. RUTHLESSLY SELECT


Weeding out your wardrobe requires a draconian mentality! Be focused and merciless. Now ask yourself the following: 
1. Has it seen daylight in the past 12 months? Golden rule: If you don't use it - Lose it! 
2. Does it fits perfectly and is well cut? 
3. Is the colour flattering? If it is you'll usually be complimented when wearing it.





If you answer NO to any of the above, then add it to the bag pile. Still deciding if its days are done or there is still life in the old garment? Perhaps its not in high rotation because it needs a few tweaks. Consider alterations. A good tailor can update a look with a few tucks or a new hem. Or why not invest in a professional dyeing service such as Culla Change. Make those blacks look as good as new.




STORAGE SOLUTIONS How can you find anything to wear if you dont know what's in your wardrobe? Ideally you want to be able to see what you have at a glance. If space is tight, store seasonally to make room. Homeware stores have a great selection of storage options which are worth investing in to help ensure your closet is less chaotic and organised. Check-out Ikea for excellent options.


Get organised
  • Wooden hangers - for jackets and coats - these help the shoulder line
  • Pant hangers for skirts and pants
  • Plastic hangers for shirts, pants and skirts
  • Soft padded hangers for silk blouses and delicate dresses
  • Store all shoes in their boxes or invest in a clear shoe boxes such as PinkLily
  • Return all wire hangers to the dry cleaners. Never hang your clothes on wire hangers.
Box it or tissue wrap it Delicates such as beaded garments need to be wrapped in tissue and folded away. Fill large totes and hangbags with old t-shirts to maintain their shape and keep in their cloth bag. Wrap delicate clutches in tissue. Finally, to finish off - line drawers with scented paper and hang moth repellent ( I use lavender ones as they smell nicer). 


If you are still pruning and closet sweeping after 48 hours, it's time to call in the experts.


CHIC in the City team offers a Wardrobe Detox in 2 hours (yes super efficient) at $380.00 which includes a personalised style profile and a killer attitude.

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Introducing CHIC Style Workshops



What does Spring hold for you and your wardrobe? See for yourself at a stylish showcase of 10 top looks for this season. Over a glass of bubbly, you’ll discover the season’s must haves for any fashionable wardrobe, along with how to wear them, particularly focusing on what will work for different body shapes. We’ll also look at jewellery, shoes and accessories that can quickly update your wardrobe for this season, delivering timeless style in a matter of moments.

Some of the big looks for the upcoming season include bright colours, monochrome, floral prints, and of course white, white and more white! So if you see something you simply must have, place your order then and there. You’ll not only fast track your Spring-Summer wardrobe, you’ll save your poor feet from hours pounding the pavements hunting down everything. (And did we mention there were cupcakes?)

Location: CHIC’s Style Lounge, @ Mrs Press -  436 Oxford St, Paddington
When: Tuesday 4th October 7.00-9pm or Sunday 16th October 2-4pm
Price: $65pp, including one glass of bubbly, style notes, and two hours of invaluable style advice, plus a gift bag too!

Bookings: mail@chicinthecity.com.au or call 0416 644 337. Hurry as spaces are limited.

Sunday, August 7, 2011

Princess Perfect - Style yourself like Kate Middleton

We just love the amazing job that Kate Middleton…now Princess Catherine Elizabeth is styling herself.    A classic chic and modern look that mixes not only designer brands but also brands for the everyday girl.  She puts her spin on a classic approach, with a chic, less is more look. Here are a few ideas on how you too can have her style...

The LBD
Start with the form fitting LBD, which in Kate’s case is the Little Bold Dress. Try bright colors like blue, purple, red and green, or a patterned wrap. While you may not be able to snag Kate’s engagement dress from Issa (it’s been sold out everywhere since the November 16th wedding announcement), there are quite a few options other options to choose from. Our favourite is Diane von Furstenberg Silk Jersey Wraps, now at Westfield Sydney, the store has a beautiful variety of printed wrap dress options to help you look royally divine!


Blazer
A staple every woman should have in her closet is a tailored blazer. Replicate Kate’s look by finding a tailored, neutral colored blazer that nips at the waist. This look is flattering on every body shape because it defines your waist and shows off a feminine figure. Pair it with the aforementioned LBD or casually over a t-shirt with jeans. 


Go to Zara at Westfield Sydney, Arthur Galan or Saba for a selection of blazers both casual and dressy.

Denim
Kate’s often seen out and about in dark denim cigarette cut jeans, often  tucked into her black to-the-knee boots. Our advice is to wear dark denim in a cut most flattering for your figure type. Always, ensure that they’re slimming and figure hugging, but classic and not trend driven. Look for Paige denim, J Brand or AG Adriano Goldshmeid Jeans for the most flattering and stylish in denim.

Pumps
Whilst we are firm believers that a woman can never have too many pairs of shoes, it’s best to start with the basics. Like Kate, you should own a pair of classic black and nude pumps. They are elegant, go with everything from jeans to dresses, and elongate your ladylike legs. Check out Christian Louboutin Rolando Leather $695. Or try Nat-Sui who do beautiful quality pumps.



Trench Coat
A classic trench is a must for Kate’s wardrobe in misty London and a must-have for your collection. One of Kate’s favorites, Burberry, has a beautiful beige trench with a double leather chin strap that is absolutely stunning $1,595. There are many other options a little more reasonable in price from Karen Millen at Westfield Sydney, they have some gorgeous trench coats in there.







Saturday, August 6, 2011

Annalie's Wardrobe Detox & Shopping Experience


I promised myself after the birth of my second (and last!) child I would take time and invest in myself. I just wanted to make the most of what I had, meaning clearly my body! Also the clothes I had in my wardrobe and the items I would purchase in the future.    

I found Fleur and CHIC in the City more ‘by luck than judgment’ as I had no point of reference and I was very happy and blessed I did.   To put her assignment into context, I am no high-end fashion expert of someone who wants to spend lots of money or time on my wardrobe… I have 2 young kids, work and not skilled enough to know what works or doesn’t.  I needed a great deal of guidance establishing a style and then where to shop for it!    Making the most of what I had! 

So full of trepidation and probably somewhat overwhelmed by the ‘fashion expert’ arriving we met.  Firstly, although Fleur is clearly a fashion expert she was lovely, warm, engaging and made me feel instantly comfortable.  We went through the much needed wardrobe detox which involved 4 wardrobes of items I had lovingly collected over 15 years.   

Over 3 hours we had disguarded approximately 1/3rd of my wardrobe in a manner that was decisive, convincing and right!   Something my husband had been trying to do for years!

From there, a few weeks later we went shopping.  Fleur had prepared the day and ‘boy’ did we have fun. Yes, we spent some money but it was meaningful.  We made some investment purchases, made items in my wardrobe work and defined a style which today I love, can make work and feel good in.  I found specialist boutiques I did not know existed and more ‘high street’ labels that work too.   

Today, nearly 1 year later, I still have great relationships with some super designers who I met along the way, all gems, not overly priced and passionate about what they do. Now I love my clothes, making my style work and looking as good as I can! 

Since my ‘make over’ I have introduced my husband who had recently been through the ‘process’ with trepidation and high levels of skepticism …. He loved it! They had fun and now he looks handsome as ever!