We ALL have parts of our body that we don’t like no matter what our figure type is. There are many things we can do to work on these problem areas such as exercise and healthy eating programs, to more severe surgical enhancing methods such as liposuction.

However, simply by wearing clothing that suits our body shape we can overcome many of these problem areas without resorting to extreme measures.

Fashion and clothing has the ability to make you feel different emotions depending on the occasion they are to be worn for. A tracksuit, for instance, can make you feel ready to burn calories by pounding the pavement for the next hour, or similarly it can encourage you to put on the calories by watching a chick flick with a family sized block of chocolate with rainy weather outside.

The 80’s were well known for the introduction of power dressing which was typically created by wearing a Man style suit with broad shoulder pads. The look was created to portray an image of the powerful woman when equality for women was a very current issue. Whilst the trend for oversized shoulder pads has passed, the theory of power dressing is still relevant as this is what makes you feel good when you dress well.

These days we most commonly think about power dressing when we go for a job interview or are asking the boss for a promotion, in these instances we work hard to create a look of success and confidence. The essence of power dressing is important every day and we should use with the simple design principles listed below to feel wonderful, successful and comfortable in every look we create.

Petite

Generally petite people can wear mostly whatever they like so long as it is scaled down to suit their proportions. Vertical lines help to elongate the body and can be used in ways other than stripes including pleats and draping. Be conscious of the horizontal lines created when layering clothing. The more layers the more lines which then breaks up the body into pieces and shortens the body length

Thick Waist

Use layering to effectively hide the flaws. Long straight tee’s/camisoles with straight vests or cardigans can effectively hide many flaws. Avoid wearing tops that are too short and/or tight which show the “muffin top”. Wear straight leg pants that don’t taper too much down the thigh or at the hem.

Large Bust

V-neck lines can be a great frame for a large bust but make sure the neckline is only not too low and shows any kind of cleavage. Layering can also be effective to hide a large bust. Avoid wearing clingy clothing which can follow the curves of the bustline too much. Also try to avoid gathers off yoke panels, high waistbands and tucked in tops.

Broad Shoulders

Avoid halter necklines and racer backlines. Balance broad shoulders out with a fuller skirt.

Straight figure

You need to create the illusion of a more shapely figure by adding shape through design features in the garments. This could include empire line tops, flared skirts and bootleg cut pants. Try selecting a fuller shirt/top and wear a decorative belt to enhance your natural waistline.

Pear Shape

Avoid high waistlines and pants that taper from the hip. Straight and wide leg pants tend to be more flattering.

We have collected some tips on methods to remove many common stains on fabric, however they are a guideline only. We do not take any responsibility if these stain removal techniques don’t work for you.If you are unsure of any method it would be best to err on the side of caution and have your garment professionally cleaned. We hope that the information helps you.

Blood Stain

Wash fresh stains through the washing machine on the cold setting. For older stains use cold water and soap and gentle rubbing.

Grass Stain

Use dry cleaning fluid to spot clean before washing in normal washing powder.

Ink Stain

Sponge out with methylated spirits. This may take some work and the stain will spread as the fabric is wetted with the spirits but stain will eventually lift.

Alternatively some ink stains can be removed easily by spraying the stain with hairspray and then launder as normal.

Chewing Gum

Chill with ice and lift of excess. For any remaining gum spot clean with dry cleaning fluid.

Coffee

Use glycerine with a cotton ball and then wash in the washing machine.

Wine

Gently rub with vinegar and blot dry.

Paint

Use Methylated spirits for water based paints and turpentine of oil based paint stains.

Scorch

Whilst usually a permanent stain marks can sometimes be removed by gently rubbing with fine emery paper. This method is not suitable on fine and delicate fabrics.

Wax

Chill with ice and lift off excess. Spot clean any remaining stain with dry cleaning fluid and launder as normal in hottest temperature for the fabric.

The following tips are some easy steps on “How to….” for some of the more common every day activities!

How to…

…Iron A Shirt:

1. Start with unbuttoning the shirt so that it can be opened flat. Begin ironing the collar first, to get the best finish make sure that you iron both sides of the collar for a crisp finish.

2. Next iron the cuffs. Pay attention to this area as they will be seen quite a bit when worn. To achieve the best look, iron both sides of the cuffs also.

3. Slide the shoulder along the board and iron the Yoke (the piece that sits across the top of your shoulders) and iron from the shoulder seam towards the center back

4. Place the sleeve flat on the ironing board keeping the underarm seam flat and iron from the cuff to the shoulder. Make sure that you iron both sides of the sleeve.

5. Finally finish by sliding the shirt over the end of the ironing board and iron the body ensuring to press around buttons. It can help to iron the shirt if it is slightly damp as this will press all creases nice and sharp but be careful when ironing dark fabrics that you do not scald the fabric.

If in doubt, just watch this entertaining video below.

…Sew A Button:

1. Thread your needle so that you have both ends even to create a double thickness thread.

2. Start from the back of the garment where you need to place the button and begin by stitching through the fabric 2-3 times until the thread holds in the fabric.

3. Push the needle through the fabric to the right side and through one hole in the button.

4. Then go back down through the other hole and repeat approximately six times or until the button feels firm. For four hole buttons you can stitch in a cross pattern, horizontal or vertically but try to remain consistent so that the stitches are neat.

5. To finish push the needle back through to the wrong side and finish using the same method as you started.

If you would still like a hand, let this entertaining video show you more.

…Tie a Windsor Knot:

We’re not sure about our drawing skills here so we’ve added the video below to help you on your way…of course, you’re welcome to drop in to the store and let us assist you in person…we’d love to say hello!

Below is a short list of recommendations for common dress codes for functions, events meetings and parties. Dressing appropriately for each occasion will ensure you feel more comfortable and also adds an element of respect for the host.

Black Tie

This is the most formal dress code. For men it means a black dinner suit with satin lapels, white shirt (preferably pleated shirt) and black tie whether it is a bow tie, long tie or fatboy tie etc. For women it means a long dress typically, and is the highest dress code.

Formal

This is reasonably similar to black tie but without the more strict guidelines to follow. Typically men would still wear a black suit but could play around with the colour of shirt and tie. Women should probably still wear a long dress but shorter styles would still be acceptable.

Semi Formal or After Five

This takes a more casual stance on the formal dress code. Men may choose to wear a lighter colour suit (particularly for a daytime occasion) and may play around with more fun shirts and ties. Women can afford to shorten the hem line of the skirt of their dress and wear a more cocktail length dress.

Cocktail

Generally cocktail would still mean a suit for men but short and elegant dresses for women.

Lounge

Very similar to cocktail dress code.

Smart Casual

This can be quite general, but for men we would suggest smart dress pants with a shirt and optional tie and maybe a casual sports coat. Women could wear dress pants with a pretty shirt/top or a more casual skirt or dress, to that of the cocktail dress. Generally we would choose NOT to wear denim jeans to a smart casual event.