How to be a Fashion Stylist

When shopping for bikinis and swim suits, most women do so in the hope of finding something that flatters their body. However, considering the fact that they have different body types, one might look good on one person and completely different on someone else. It is for this reason that it is advisable to make your choice from a collection that has taken this aspect into consideration. Some of the things that need to be taken into consideration include the following.

• Slim Figures
There are people blessed with curvaceous figures and they can accentuate this further with two piece bikinis. These come in different designs a fact that makes it easy for people with different tastes to find one that meets their preference and taste.

• Pear Shaped
For the pear shaped individuals, it is advisable to find those with the ability of drawing attention away from the stomach. These also come in different designs a fact that makes it easy for those women with heavy hips or thighs to find sexy and appealing wear. They focus on the upper part of the body and come in different colors such as matte shades and other dark shades.

• Apple Shaped
If you have concerns about your heavy top figure, you can also find ideal suits that compliment your body type. Some of the things you need to consider before making your purchase are whether they have cup and underwire which offers support. They should also have necks that are conveniently designed to cover the shoulders. In this instance, it is advisable to have bright colors the bottom while dark shades should be used at the top.

• Flatter Chests
If you have curves but a flatter chest, you can also make a pick that will compliment your strong features. In this, you can select some belted suits. The designs are also varied and while this is the case, they feature in built pads around the cups to accentuate the chest.

• Tummy Tuck Effects
If you have a bulging stomach, it is advisable to select designs that cover up the same. In most cases, these are designed to highlight your strong points and ensure that the problem area is effectively covered to give you a perfect look.

• Athletic Figures
For women with athletic figures, it is important to find designs that bring out the feminine side. These should be designed with embellishments, prints or some girlie frills in order to achieve the desired effect.

• Small and taller Body Frames
For those individuals with small or tall body frames, there are also some designs that have the ability of complimenting the body. These are designed in patterns and designs that accentuate the best features.

Manolo Blahnik, Christian Louboutin and Jimmy Choo are only a few of the famous contemporary shoe designers who owe much of their success to an early 19th century gentleman revered at the time for his style, manners and worldliness. Alfred Guillaume Gabriel, the Count d’Orsay was a nobleman and eclectic artist who married into the British aristocracy. He became a touchstone for manners, taste, understated luxury in the English royal court and high society.

Count d’Orsay won fame throughout France, Britain and the Rhone Valley as an painter, sculptor, diarist and wit. He was considered the “most perfect gentleman of his day”. Cynics spoke of men such as Beau Brummel and the Count as “dandies”. The term “dossy, commonly in use during the first half of the 19th century, was considered to be derived from his name and meant a man who was an “arbiter elegantarium.”

The privileged class at that time was very interested in all things related to fashion and vanity. Shoes and footwear were of particular interest. Since Catherine de Medici, in 16th century Italy, wore two inch heels to negate her diminutive height, the pursuit of shoes with ever-more exaggerated heels had become a passion. By the time of the reign of the famous French Sun King, Louis XIV, regal women were teetering on high soled and heeled shoes so ridiculously elevated that they required a type of ski pole to keep themselves upright.

The Count d’Orsay had been a soldier in early life, and a courageous one. Uniforms and military dress were of great import to him. He was not happy with the military parade footwear of his day. He designed a military shoe for men in 1838. The profile of the shoe was quite different from pump footwear of the day, fitting more snuggly, and featuring low cut sides and a V-shaped top. The silhouette became so popular that it was soon adopted by women. The d”Orsay pump high heel shoe was thus born.

“The d’Orsay pump leaves the sexiest part of the foot, the curved instep, naked. The curve of the instep resembles the curves of a woman’s body, and it is normally not exposed, but hidden from view “, said Christian Louboutin, in describing the modern influence and popularity of the d’Orsay high heeled style of pump shoe. Modern materials, technology and design have co-mingled to make women’s shoes ever more exotic and dynamic. The d’Orsay styles sold today are reflective of the advances in engineering that the pioneering styles created by the Count d’Orsay have evolved to.

The origins of the d’Orsay designed shoe has been largely forgotten. Most women that wear the d’Orsay don’t even know the proper historic name for the shoe. However, the design is one of the most popular today, worn and favored by stylish women everywhere.

The Count d’Orsay inadvertently created an enduring fashion style for women by endeavoring to create footwear for men. Modern haute couture designers have taken his military directed shoes and leapfrogged the styling to runway shows, department stores and boutiques where they are mated with ever more feminine fashion creations. This is a classic instance of a product or design evolving from its market of original intent to an ultimately more successful usage.

by: Geoff Ficke

Geoff Ficke has been a serial entrepreneur for almost 50 years. As a small boy, earning his spending money doing odd jobs in the neighborhood, he learned the value of selling himself, offering service and value for money.

After putting himself through the University of Kentucky (B.A. Broadcast Journalism, 1969) and serving in the United States Marine Corp, Mr. Ficke commenced a career in the cosmetic industry. After rising to National Sales Manager for Vidal Sassoon Hair Care at age 28, he then launched a number of ventures, including Rubigo Cosmetics, Parfums Pierre Wulff Paris, Le Bain Couture and Fashion Fragrance.

Geoff Ficke and his consulting firm, Duquesa Marketing, has assisted businesses large and small, domestic and international, entrepreneurs, inventors and students in new product development, capital formation, licensing, marketing, sales and business plans and successful implementation of his customized strategies. He is a Senior Fellow at the Page Center for Entrepreneurial Studies, Business School, Miami University, Oxford, Ohio.

Sarees are the most undermined piece of clothing anywhere in the world. Even in India, where the saree originated, people are moving more and more towards western outfits and designers. The saree- a beautiful garment six yards long can make any woman look and feel like princess.

Gone are the days when saree shopping used to be an ordeal; visiting countless saree shops in the relentless afternoon heat all to find that perfect sari. Now, finding that perfect sari is that much easier. Availability of sarees online has made life simpler not only for the girl in question but also for all those assisting her. Not only does this option save time and energy, but very often you find cheap deals not offered in the stores. Moreover, you can see all the saris up for sale without having to put up with a cranky salesperson.

It is so much easier to shop for sarees online because you don’t need to mention sizes. They are all six yards long unless you want a specially made longer or shorter saree. They come with blouse pieces attached so that you can get it stitched however you want at your leisure. These sarees are generally branded and you can be assured of their quality since only the well known brands put up sarees online for sale. Often, you have package deals like buy two and get one free where you can even choose your free saree.

A lot of designers put up bridal sarees and even regular saris up for sale on their respective websites. Designer sarees are gaining popularity among Indians because of their increased affordability and also because of the fact that every girl wants that one perfect saree she looks gorgeous in. Famous Indian designers like Sabyasachi Mukherjee, Tarun Tahiliani, Satya Paul almost exclusively make saris. For the perfect formal look, these designers swear by Indian saris. Nothing makes a woman look more beautiful than a sari.

Indian sarees have evolved with time. They are no longer so full of embellishments that you are forced to blink every time you look at one. Of course, if you like those sorts there are plenty of stores where you get beautiful heavy sarees. Designers as well as cheaper boutiques offer a huge collection of bridal sarees and lehengas.

The sarees available now are classier, more elegant and are fit to be worn anywhere- from your cousin’s wedding to the red carpet. Moreover, saris complement the Indian curves like no other garment. They are suited to any body type and can be worn by all- from twenty to eighty.

Whether you opt for a plain chiffon or a heavier silk saree with embellishments- the saree can make you look and feel beautiful.

The salwar kameez is a traditional outfit found in the closet of every Indian woman. This outfit is a remnant of the Mughal era and hence has been a part of Indian culture since time immemorial. The kameez is the top which generally goes below the knees and the salwar is a kind of loose fitting pant. This is usually worn with a dupatta, but you can also go without it.

This piece of garment has undergone tremendous changes in terms of style, fit and length. Now the kameez can also be worn with a pair of leggings traditionally called churidars. Their length has been shortened and they are often above the knees or just about skim the knees. Punjabis usually wear a very short kameez with a more flared version of the salwar. Wearing a plain, light colored kameez with a bright salwar is very simple and popular style.

The salwar kameez has gone from being an outfit for the poor middle class to an outfit fit to be worn for weddings. Designer salwar kameez is now gaining popularity for their simplicity and beautiful hand craftsmanship. A salwar suit is the right option if you want to go for a semi- formal look.

The Indian salwar suit is a versatile outfit which you can dress up or down according to the occasion. A pair of stilettos, heavy earrings and a nice watch can dress up even the simplest outfit. The trend nowadays also pushes towards being minimalistic and not overburdening yourself with too many accessories.

The most popular style doing the rounds is the anarkali which takes inspiration from the Mughal courts from ancient times. It is a flared kameez from the chest down which sometimes goes almost to the toes. It is a grand outfit and you can wear it anywhere as long as it is an important black tie event. An anarkali can make you look regal and statuesque. Worn with high heels and nice accessories it makes the perfect outfit to attend a wedding in.

A salwar suit is available in different fabrics, colors and in different styles. Choosing the one best suited to you need not be difficult since most designers make outfits of all kinds. All you need to do is visit a store and try on the different styles available.

Designers usually work with zardosi, crystals, stones, zari and other kinds of embellishments to make the salwar kameez beautiful. Using embroidery and printing are other popular and very pretty ways of designing a salwar kameez.

The outfit has evolved over the years and is now seen as a classy, elegant and feminine piece of clothing much preferred by foreigners for its simplicity and comfort factor.