Thursday, December 3, 2009

Hunt: Feminine Athleticism

(Image courtesy of Domestic Bliss, Blissfest 2009)

Right side of photograph - Premium hug benefactor, Carrie. Carrie - Tranquil Proprietor of Inside the Bungalow
Inside the Bungalow
- The most delightful little
yoga spot you ever took a deep breath into.


When I complete a vinyasa with Carrie, I want to be sheathed in my soul's ensemble, my atman frock. I want feminine athleticism. Following extensive prospecting, I have uncovered the following thus far.

Extrinsic bling for the intrinsic Diva


Traditionally timeless attire for a present moment stretch

Modern typeset graphics to complement the angles of a warrior pose



Bohemian henna an ethnic, organic filigree connection the wearer to Brahman.


Ruffled pants for a romantic soul. And this I found after much, much searching. But alas, where is my lace inset yoga hoodie? Not to mention my floral sports bra.

Come back tomorrow for my solution. Namaste.

Stuff a chic stocking with a
Fashion Package Gift Certificate, complete with a look book & virtual shopping session to compile a portfolio of uniquely customized ensembles for the new year.

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Accessories: Stockings, Leggings, & Tights

"In [a bad economy], we always see a surge in hosiery," says Nicki Gondell, principal at Trend House, a fashion forecaster. "Maybe you can't afford the 'It' bag, but you can have beautiful hose, usually under $25." Below is the decorum for splurging on your gams.


one: stocking science, denier is the unit of measure for the linear mass density of fibers. In lay terms, a higher denier means a more opaque, more cozy stocking sheath. And when one dons a higher denier, one should couple it with a chunkier shoe. Meaning, the woolliest of legwear requires boots.


two: the lighter the hue, the heavier the leg. White stockings post pubescence may seem innocent, but in truth they are Lucifer legs. Not only do they thicken your stems look, but they'll be irretrievably soiled after a single wear.



three: Wearing nude hosiery will associate you with two colonies: rest homes and umpa lumpas. Instead tint your legs with a fresh hue. To lengthen your legs, match your stockings to your shoes. But as long as you keep the ankle exposed feel free to mix rather than match


four: Not only will crocheted hosiery avoid runs above and beyond their sooth counterparts, but they will instantaneously elevate the most basic of ensembles. For a more sophisticated consequence twin this pair with a neutral or monochromatic frock.




Fashion Police: Wearing Leggings
I agree with all aspects of this short film, except that of matching heels with leggings. No one can tell me, "you can't wear pumps with that." no one.


1 hundred 98 cents = your own accessories fashion look book cheat sheet.

Procure your own empire constitution. Your personalized fashion look book can include your own guide to accessories and much more.

Monday, November 30, 2009

Accessories: Belts


The duct tape of fashion, belts are there when a blouse begins to billow, when a waistline begins to sag. This practical and aesthetic panacea dexterously accents hips or waist depending on your figure contours. Belts are a friend to all, except the middle figure. Sorry my dears, but belts squeeze out your soft delicious centers. For the rest of you, follow the girdling guide below to heal your adornment disease.





Romantic hourglasses will benefit from the fancy, sweet styling and proportionally substantial waist accent.



Petite divas can have dazzle on the delicate scale.



Traditional upper figures can accent their constantly coveted hip-line.


A bit of warmly hued leather will draw a bohemian eye up to the waistline of a lower figure.


Modern Linear can create curves with clean circles.

1 hundred 98 cents = your own accessories fashion look book cheat sheet.

Procure your own empire constitution. Your personalized fashion look book can include your own guide to accessories and much more.

Friday, November 27, 2009

Accessories: CrystalB Giveaway Winner


FarmerJo, has harvested her own CJane Bohemian Chic Earrings from CrystalB.

Count your blessings lovely you are a winner!



1 hundred 98 cents = your own accessories fashion look book cheat sheet.


Procure your own empire constitution. Your personalized fashion look book can include your own guide to accessories and much more.

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

How to Prepare a Thanksgiving Outfit


Definitive dates call for a gourmet ensemble. Something layered with interest, infused with style, peppered with the unexpected.

Such a day is Thanksgiving, a day in which my ridiculously ample blessings require generous gratitude from my person. And in order to convey my bountiful internal thanks, I need to make full use of articulate outer fittings. Below is a step by step recipe should you have appreciation to express as well.


Ingredient 1: Simple, sophisticated basics
Like butter and salt, a fine underpinning and a clean-lined knee length skirt are necessities for every sartorial pantry. Appropriate foundaions for every age, occasion, and season.


Procurement Point:
ModBod Perfect Capsleeve
ModBod Pencil Skirt

These ModBod basics are priced affordably enough that one can procure them in multiple colors. The stretch in both ensure a flattering fit and keep shy body ranges (shoulders & knees) out of view.

Ingredient 2: An ambrosial blouse

Something that speaks of nutmeg and cinnamon. Earthy, warm, and redolent. I chose a delicate tie-neck silk, just enough to add interest but not so much that it overwhelms. Procurement Point:
(This illustrated model is no longer available, but these alternatives are)
ModBod Anna Ruffle Neck Top
Victoria's Secret Silk Georgette Tie-Front Floral Blouse



Step 3: A textured jacket

With a feminine nod at Sherlock Holmes, this nubby wool cape makes cozy chic.

Step 4: Apply Accessories

You can see a small smattering of my accessory choices photographed above, but my full dream list is available at
Sensibly Styled.
Here is another application in cranberry & licorice.

Felicitous Wishes for a Jubilant Thanksgiving!

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Accessories: Scarves

Some things are better demonstrated than talked about. Gracious thanks to the makers of these cozy videos on scarf tying.

Long Scarves





Short Scarves






1 hundred 98 cents = your own accessories fashion look book cheat sheet.

Procure your own empire constitution. Your personalized fashion look book can include your own guide to accessories and much more.

Don't forget to enter the CrystalB Jewelry Giveaway.

Monday, November 23, 2009

Accessories: CrystalB Giveaway


Jewelry is elegantly unessential. It's aim is not to insulate your loins from injury nor shield your tenders from the elements. Baubles exist solely to express and to ornament.

With the pretty assistance of jeweler CrystalB, we shall examine and demonstrate how to best appropriate jewelry to its frivolous purpose.

Criteria One: Face Shape
When selecting jewelry shapes, opposites offer complementary completion. For golden results, avoid items that mirror the curve of your countenance.

Face Shape


Definition Yes of course,
just try it
Hush, No
please avoid
Round Polished circle with equivalent width & length
Square, angular, or long & narrow earrings
Hoops or other circular earrings, tiny round posts and studs.
Oval Perfectly proportioned visage greatest width at cheek bones, tapering towards forehead and a slightly slimmer chin. Almost anything
Exceptionally long styles that overextend the length of your visage
Square A strong, powerfully set jaw line parallel to an angular forehead with an equivalent width.
Hoops and round edges. Opt for length over width. Face in echos in square, rectangular or harsh angles
Heart Divinity in a wide forehead, stunning cheekbones and a tiny cherubic chin Chandelier and teardrop earrings, that broaden as they descend thereby balancing the narrow chin line
Pretties that come to a point at the bottom


Round hoops soften a square face

Angled length contours a round face


Criteria two: Body Frame
Covered more extensively earlier in our accessories focus, pair petite frames with delicate adornments such as gossamer chain necklaces, sweet & slight bangles, and candy-sized studs.


Fuller forms can carry larger jewelry statements, such as luxuriously thick cuff, deliciously chunky bib necklaces, and gorgeously gaudy cocktail rings:



Criteria three: Body Type
In a nutshell, add interest and volume to your smallest areas.
Case in point, should an upper or middle figures, blessed with a diminutive lower half, wish to highlight her slender hips, she might extend interest with a bracelet shimmering around her wrist just at thigh height.




Criteria four: Signature Style
If you desire to venture into a more defined style but do so with trepidation, accessories are a safe entry gate.
Rather than donning a full bohemian embroidered romper, you can confidently experiment with exotic wood dangling from your ear or an organic feather at your bosom. Following are additional ideas.

Precisely calibrated modern glamour


Romantic whimsy on a gilded string

Traditional noblesse, cultivated simplicity

Primitive Bohemian euphoria

Dramatic Diva Dazzle



Giveaway Details:

To Win: Go to CrystalB's Etsy Shop, inspect her adorned glory, and leave a comment on your lobe's fancy.

The winner of the CrystalB Giveaway will be selected on the blackest of retail Fridays, November 27th. The winner may select a set of her own CrystalB earrings.


1 hundred 98 cents = your own accessories fashion look book cheat sheet.

Procure your own empire constitution. Your personalized fashion look book can include your own guide to accessories and much more.

Belts, scarves, and other fashion mysteries solved tomorrow.

Friday, November 20, 2009

Accessories: AcademyJ Giveaway Winner


Missy Meg, spontaneously selected #14, may redeem her lucky wish for an AcademyJ Clara Double. Felicitations my dear!

If accessories are the icing on the pastry, join me next week and we'll eat all the frosting off of cupcakes. Flavors include: jewelry, scarves, millinery, and more.

1 hundred 98 cents = your own accessories fashion look book cheat sheet.

Procure your own empire constitution. Your personalized fashion look book can include your own guide to accessories and much more.

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Accessories: Handbags


Since the Egyptians girded jems to their loins, purses have been an essential accessory. While a lady no longer requires a reticule for every occasion complete with visiting cards and smelling salts, an ensemble and life are better for the proper handbag.

But how to select said handbag, following is criteria to ensure that your essentials are always fashionably stowed.

Criteria
One: Frame & Proportion
Measure the circumference of your wrist and compare it to the chart below. (Alternatively, you can measure the breadth of your elbow joint and find your frame type here.)

Female Wrist Measurements


Height less than 5' 2" (Less than 155cms) Height 5' 2" - 5' 5" (155cms - 163cms) Height more than 5' 5" (More than 163cms)
Small Less than 5.5" (140mm) Less than 6.0" (152mm) Less than 6.25" (159mm)
Medium 5.5" - 5.75" (140 - 146mm) 6" - 6.25" (152 - 159mms) 6.25" - 6.5" (159 - 165mm)
Large More than 5.75" (146mm) More than 6.25" (159mm) More than 6.5" (165mm)

Should your frame run sturdy, you require a substantial bag which will not fall lost in your statue.
If your frame slants small, you will need a more delicate bag. Petites should ensure that they avoid bags with a width wider than the length of their forearm. Criteria two: Signature Style
Accessories can be a safe genesis for the expression of signature style, while we'll be covering this topic extensively later, below is a sample of handbag romantic bohemian and hangbag traditional with a tiny diva twist. While many plain sided soles will tell you an everyday bag has to be a neutral hue, I say, a many-hued pattern can be just as versatile and a pop of color never hurt an outfit.

Criteria three: Body Type

Create your fashion zen by looking for yin for every yang (and vice-versa)

Linear ladies, soften your angles and add substance to your slim frame with an oversized, softly slouchy bag, with appropriate touches of feminine detailing.

Round, middle figures, can create contrast with an angled, square shape.



For robust, upper figures, a purse hung on a longer strap will bring attention to your slim stems.



The hourglass figures may accent her dainty waist by carrying a bag in the crook of your elbow.


Lower figures, will benefit from shoulder straps that are short enough to hang a bag above the hip-line.

1 hundred 98 cents = your own accessories fashion look book cheat sheet.

Procure your own empire constitution. Your personalized fashion look book can include your own guide to accessories and much more.

Don't forget to enter the AcademyJ Hair Pretty Giveaway.

Monday, November 16, 2009

Accessories: Academy J Giveaway

Returning to the empire hearth with the most charming little addition of all has inspired a set of posts on accessories.

And what finer way to initiate the series, than with a giveaway. Let me introduce AcademyJ: Handcrafted Hair Accessories, offering the coziest crocheted fall frills.



You can win your own AcademyJ Headband & Clip, here's how:

Either: Go to AcademyJ, inspect their hair couture, and leave a comment on what you would select should lady luck smile upon your tresses.

And/Or: Become an AcademyJ fan and leave a confirming comment on this Cardigan Empire post.

The winner of the AcademyJ Giveaway will be selected on Friday, November 20th. The winner gets to select an AcademyJ Headband & Clip of her choice.


1 hundred 98 cents = your own accessories fashion look book cheat sheet.

Procure your own empire constitution. Your personalized fashion look book can include your own guide to accessories and much more.

Come back for detailed instructions on the proper application of handbags, jewelry, and more.