How to Belt it October 28, 2008

Belts from Accessorize

Everywhere I look I am reading the word ‘belting’. Belts were always a vital item in one’s wardrobe, but never as big as they have been the past couple of years, so I guess that is reason that this word will be soon added in the Oxford Dictionary – if it hasn’t already. But lets leave the grammar lesson and move on to the fashion aspect of belting: It is true that belting stuff that you already own will instantly update them. But what type of belts should one choose? Now that can be overwhelming especially if you are new to the belting frenzy. But we are here to help on how to belt:

Rule 1: How to wear your belt.
The new way of wearing a belt is snug to your wait and over a coat, jacket, sweater, or blouse. The other way -but only if the belt is wide- is to wear it loose on your hips. If you have a little extra in your mid section, opt for a larger snug belt and if you are slimmer you can also go for a narrower/thin version. You should use a belt to make your figure more of an hourglass shape. Sausage shapes and variations are out and will always be. Think of how your mom and grandma wore their belts in the 50s…that’s the look you should be after.

Rule 2: Daytime Vs evening belts
The good news here is that the line between daytime Vs evening clothes and accessories is not as clear as it was a few years back. Now we can wear sparkly things for morning and jeans for evening, and the same goes for accessories. HOWEVER: if you want to wear a sparkly belt or accessories, everything else must be mute and plain. Too much sparkle and you’ll look like those Barbie Dolls my daughter plays with and that look is not sophisticated, nor chic.

Rule 3: Belts for jeans
Jeans have become the staple in everyone’s wardrobe, so choosing the right belts for your jeans is critical. A medium sized belt is perfect for jeans and it doesn’t have to be just brown or black. Any color and shape under the sun will look fab. Pair it with a nice buttoned down crisp white shirt, or a black turtleneck and a jacket and viola: Girl, you are dressed!

Rule 4: Avoid the Logos
There are tons of designer belts out there, with huge logos on them, but this is a trend that will not do you any justice. You are not a walking advertisement and you should avoid looking like one, unless you are the spokesperson for that company and get big bucks for walking around and flashing huge logos. Capiche?

Happy belting!

Carlos Falhci python belt at Neimann Marcus

Michael Kors chain belt at Neimann Marcus

It is all about the Blazer October 24, 2008

All Saints

When it comes to men’s fashion what I am all for the guy I am dressing, is that he looks smart but also feels comfortable. That’s why I LOVE blazers so much. The perfect blazer is casual but always has tailoring details & looks good with either dressier trousers or jeans/corduroys. A blazer jacket can get you a long way, and it should be on your essentials list if you want your wardrobe to work and be cool.

When buying a new blazer this fall look for something that works on your body – don’t do a slim fitting style if your mid-section looks like the belly of a 6-month pregnant woman for example. Choose a color that works with the stuff you already own and pay attention to the details: tailoring, lining, buttons, and how flattering the lapels are on YOU.

If the look you’re after is smart casual, pair your blazer with jeans and a polo shirt – like this idea from NEXT. If you prefer a more rock-n-roll look get something sleeker in black or charcoal (i.e. All Saints blazer) and paired it with a vintage type shirt, a vest and black pants. If you are the posh type and you want your blazer to take you straight from the board room to your country home, get something like this one from Paul Smith.

Choose something that suits your body and life-style, & it will be your go-to item for many occasions this fall/winter. Wanna bet?

Paul Smith

NEXT

Front Row Fashion, Beautifully Cut at COCOSA October 20, 2008

Amanda Wakeley Jacket at COCOSA.com

I am happy to invite the readers of the Ivi Varda, go shopping, go personal, to preview the pre-sales of this amazing website called COCOSA, which offers front row fashion, at incredible prices. Designers such as: Mawy, Amanda Wekeley, Matthiew Williamson, Temperley and many more are just a click away at 1/3 of the price one finds in stores and on the internet!

To become a founder member and just for ivi varda readers, COCOSA.com created an exclusive code which is: ivivarda.

This special code is only valid for two weeks to become a founder member, so make sure you sign up quickly! The first sale is in 2 days time, so there isn’t a minute to loose!

I am in love with this timeless and amazing Amanda Wekeley fitted jacket at the fantastic price of 238.0 pounds. Need to dash and start shopping…

Fashion V Sport at the V & A Museum October 15, 2008

I just viewed the Fashion V Sport exhibition at the V&A Museum in London. Is all about how sportswear has become an essential part of our wardrobes, how it has translated into a fashion statement, and how it has integrated into high-end design and high street shopping. Interesting idea and some good exhibits, however I would have liked some more history, more clothes instead of trainers, and possibly some more audiovisual enhancement. After all this is the 21st century… Check it out as it is up until January 4, 2009. For info click here.

The Little Black Dress Redefined October 15, 2008

RM at net-a-porter.com

One item that is in every fashionable girl’s closet is the LBD. It is a staple and a classic garment, always slimming and chic. The Fall/Winter 2008 essentials list is redefining the LBD, making it even more irresistible. Tons of new ideas, which flatter every shape under the sun: clean-cut and geometric like this Roland Mouret one from net-a-porter.com, girlie and flirty like this satin and lace doll number from Oli.co.uk, or ready to party and shake like this tier design from TopShop.

Top Shop

No matter what fashion dictates, the LBD will always make the list, so it is time to start looking for the one that will steal your heart as the party season is around the corner. Endless options out there, so keep focused on the cut, the material and how it flatters your body. Your body baby, not Gizelle’s.

Happy Shopping!

Oli.co.uk

Oh LaLa! Tartan! October 9, 2008

My dear readers,

Oasis

[caption id="attachment_232" align="aligncenter" width="150" caption="Topshop"][/caption]

Julien Macdonald

It has been a while since I last blogged, mostly due to relocating from New York to London and all the fun that comes with that. It has all been crazy & exciting, and what it has been great is that I am residing in another fashionable city, full of shopping bargains and lots of fashionistas for endless inspiration.

Being in London at this time of year is great, as it is not too warm to wear fun hats and light coats, but not too cold either, so one doesn’t have to bundle up and forget all about being glamorous. One trend that I am frequently spotting on the streets and the shops is tartan designs in coats and jackets. Take a look at these babies, which all promise to keep you warm, hip, stylish and comfy. Pair them with jeans, a polo shirt, boots and a nice bag and you’ll end up at Glamour’s ‘Do list’.

TARA!