Doncaster Fashionistas

Since it’s commonly believed that 80% of women are wearing the wrong size bra, most likely not. If your bra is uncomfortable, it’s a clear sign that it isn’t the right size or shape for your body.  To access how well your bras perform, see if you have any of the following problems.

1. Does the bra back ride up?

Your bra band should always be horizontal on your back. The majority of the support for the cups comes from the band around your body, not the straps. So, if the back rides up over the course of the day, your breasts will droop down. A band that is tight enough will stop this from happening. Try a smaller band size to get the right fit.

To test the fit of your bra band, put your hand behind your back and try to pull the center of the band away from your body. (Feel free to get help if you aren’t this flexible!)  If the band moves more than two inches out from your back, it is too loose to provide good support.   A smaller band size should fix this problem.

If the band is sufficiently tight but still rides up, it is not made to provide the support that you need. A taller band will distribute the forces more evenly around your body. In order to avoid the 5 hook look in the back, boning can be used under the arms to provide the same support with a much shorter back. If you are more buxom than a D cup and want to have 3 or fewer hooks, look for a bra with something like underarm boning to ensure that you will get enough uplift.

2. Do you feel the underwires in your bra?

Feeling your underwires at all is an indication that they are an incorrect shape or size. There are no underwire standards, so you can be wearing the correct volume cup and still be uncomfortable. Pinching on the sides means that the wire isn’t wide enough. Rubbing against your rib cage at the bottom of the cups means that the U of the wire is too deep. The tip of the wire digging in to your armpit at the top of the band indicates that you are “high-chested” and that the wires are too long for you. You will have the most difficulty finding bras in stores that do not do this. Try a different manufacturer or style to get a more comfortable fit.

3. Do your straps dig in or fall off your shoulders?

Red marks on your shoulders are a clear sign that the bra straps are doing too much of the lifting work. Remember that the band should bear most of the weight, so digging straps means that the bra band is too large or that the bra is poorly designed. If your straps slip off your shoulder, try a different bra style or a smaller band size. While the straps don’t do most of the heavy lifting, they are an important part of uplift and can’t do their job if they fall off your shoulders.

4. Are the cups overflowing or wrinkling?

Overflowing cups give that quad-boob look when the top seam of the cup or the arm seam digs into the breast. This is a clear sign that you need a larger cup size. When there is enough extra volume for the cup fabric to wrinkle, you need to move to a smaller cup size.

5. Does the bridge lean away from your chest?

If the bridge leans away from your chest wall or is lifted entirely off, your bra cups are too small. You will be more comfortable and get better support if you get a bra where the bridge sits against your body. The underwires provide the most support when they are anchored against your body. Really, why have them there if you aren’t going to let them do their job?

A bra is like a well-engineered machine. In order to do its job correctly, it needs to fit well and be taken care of. If one part of the bra is off, the whole rest of it will under-perform and you will end up uncomfortable and looking less than your best. And how many of us can really afford that?

Bras are designed to fit average dimensions, so don’t be surprised if you have a hard time finding a bra that fits you in all of the ways necessary to make a bra comfortable.

~ Article and Images Source: Infusion of Style website

I highly recommend that every woman be professionally fitted for the proper bra(s).  Having the right bra provides proper support, creates an ideal body silhouette, helps clothing drape properly on the body, and produces a desired comfort level. Most department and lingerie specialty stores offer this service for free.

As the weather warms, it’s time to update your wardrobe for spring and summer. Without spending a fortune on entirely new looks, utilize items you may already have and pair them with a few hot pieces from spring and summer for looks that will be smart on budget and style.

JACKETS: A lightweight jacket will take you well into spring as a layering item for cooler days and nights. Fall’s Novak jacket, M130JK58 is lightweight and winter’s Stowe jacket, M135JK36 are both graphic choices that will look adorable over a white camisole like summer’s Drew, M146CM10 and summer’s cropped Bishop pant in white.

Doncaster Spring 2010 Options 1

BLOUSES: A great statement blouse can often last you all year when styled or layered appropriately for the season. Try fall’s Talulah blouse, M130BL65 worn casually with summer’s white Cindy jean. For cooler spring nights, layer under the Chelsey cardigan. Winter’s Cortina blouse, M135BL34 in white also looks great paired with a fun printed or colorful skirt like spring’s Carmel skirt, M139SK18 in Coral Reef or summer’s Libby skirt, M145SK29. Add a great metallic sandal and both looks exude feminine cool.

Doncaster Spring 2010 Options 2

PANTS: Denim is of course a year-round staple and luckily you’ve got a variety to choose from. Put fall’s dark denim Brooke, M130PT67 with spring’s Sydney blazer, M139JK44 for a casual chic look. Or, mix a dressier pant like fall’s Garbo wide leg, M131PT55 with a spring jacket or blouse like the Grace jacket, M139JK04 or the Veronica blouse, M143BL08.

Doncaster Spring 2010 Options 3

KNITS: Make the most of your knits by using them as separates. Break up twin sets and pair something like winter’s ivory Darien tank, M135KT21, with a bold spring skirt like the Laney skirt, M139SK69 or the Sag Harbor skirt, M139SK68. Try fall’s Bette tank, M131KT26 casually with a pair of shorts like summer’s Bishop in white, M145SH35. With a strappy sandal, these looks are great for anything from graduation parties to BBQ’s.

Doncaster Spring 2010 Options 4

Get creative mixing and matching your seasonal items before packing up any fall and winter pieces. You’ll be sure to get the most out of your wardrobe this way!

NOTE: Doncaster maintains their color pallets for up to 10 years, and references them along with the current color trend pallets when creating their new lines. This results in them offering pieces which coordinate perfectly with previously purchased items, thus enabling you to add on individual pieces each fashion season for fresh new looks without having to purchase entire new outfits! In the long run, you are able to build a tailored designer wardrobe that is the most cost effective … and always feel that you can go to your closet and easily find something to wear because many of the pieces mix and match!

To see the entire line, visit: http://www.doncaster.com/jrabiner

The overall callout for Summer is relaxed, sophisticated, easy elegance – perfect for the hot months and warmer climates. Doncaster’s Design Team always stays close to the trends and are very conscious of how they are interpreted for the Doncaster customer, whether they be a color story, silhouette, proportion or use of novelty.

A snapshot of what you will find in Summer 2010…

Doncaster Summer 2010

One of the best trends on the horizon is military. We see our interpretation in Haute Hybrid with the use of colors like caper and bisque and design details such as fatigue pockets, double needle topstitching and military belts. The belts clearly are intended to emphasize the waist and make the military influence a bit more feminine.

Doncaster Summer 2010

Another is the wider leg crop pant – - a summertime silhouette that is great for both flats and heels.

Doncaster Summer 2010

Attention to sweaters, which are so nice for Summer. Longer sweaters are trend-right and offer softness; luxury sweaters can dress you up while still being relaxed and feeling comfortable — the way to dress in Summer! The Chelsey Fringe Cardigan in white, and our inspired loose knit Edgecomb,
short-sleeve cardigan in black are both elegant and easy to wear.

Doncaster Summer 2010

Black and White for summer is graphic, modern and mixes and matches well with items that already exist in the client’s wardrobe. We wanted to make sure we had appropriate jeans in black and white, as well as a longer jacket, and a shorter jacket. One jacket in particular, the unlined black sheer stripe, boasts solid black piping, which is very timely along with faux pockets, which are fun and sophisticated.

Doncaster also wanted to impart the importance of femininity – which is why they did the soft Tahiti print in Haute Hybrid. The print pops against the neutrals and pulls in all of the colors.

Some selected highlights from Summer 2010…

You’ll find great price points, great colors and great fabrics. The collection includes a wide range of options, including less constructed jackets, which can “go to work” because they’re polished and yet relaxed. The perfect way to dress for Summer. You’ll see the use of Positano, the color of blue ribbon which is saturated and sophisticated. We love it against white and with black. The fabrics, are friendly. The prices and silhouettes are understandable. The color is powerful.

Doncaster Summer 2010

You’ll also find MORE CONTEMPORARY SILHOUETTES in part of the collection for the more fashion-forward, trendy dresser. Doncaster has made sure the price point is right and not a big commitment which is very important when you are “buying fashion”. You will find the more relaxed Demi pant that’s everywhere!. This silhouette will become even more important for Fall than in Spring.You’ll also notice a lot of of draping, the proportion of longer knits with a narrow leg pant and a longer cardigan.

Doncaster Summer 2010

We feel the Summer collection hits all of the high points from a fashion perspective while addressing the needs, musts and desires of the Doncaster customer.

To see the entire line, visit: http://www.doncaster.com/jrabiner

Hollywood Fashion Tape

Have a special function to attend and want to ensure that you don’t have a wardrobe malfunction? Than check out Hollywood Fashion Tape’s site to add to your wardrobe emergency kit. Utilized by the celebrity elite, yet affordable for every fashionista!

Your appearance starts with the proper substructure! They offer the undergarment tools you’ll need to hide, tuck, and flatter your body…. and protect you against potential hazards.

Visit: http://www.hollywoodfashiontape.com/

Since the weather man is calling for another snowfall, when the near foot of snow we have already received hasn’t yet melted, I thought it was a good time to recommend a good source for stylish rain/snow boots. (See link below.)

Zappos has short, medium, and tall boots to choose among. The best part about ordering from Zappos is they have free shipping, even if you have to return them for some reason! Below are three options as a starting place. Check them out!

For a traditional snow/rain boot, in a variety of standard and fashion forward colors, visit:

http://www.zappos.com/hunter-hunter-original-red-2

Zappos Hunter Rain boot

For a sporty, comfy, low cut snow/rain boot, visit: http://www.zappos.com/bogs-mattie-chocolate

Zappos Boggs Rain Boot

For a more trendy, logo splashed rain/snow boot, visit:

http://www.zappos.com/michael-michael-kors-mk-logo-rain-boot-black-rubber?zlfid=111

Zappos Michael Kors Rain Boot

Are you a woman who prefers to play it “safe” with a more neutral wardrobe, yet still want to be stylish and express your personality? Then here are a few tips for you!

1. Know your neutrals: black, brown, gray, tan/ beige, cream, and white or anything in these color families. Navy is also a great neutral, especially for those who don’t like wearing black.

2. Pick which neutrals work for you based on your skin and current hair tones. You should be able to easily tell which work best for you by simply holding the garment up under your face to see how the color affects your look. Does it bring out warmer or rosier undertones, or make you appear pale?

3. Start your wardrobe capsule by selecting two neutral colors as your palette. Make sure that you have at least two or three bottom pieces in each neutral color – preferably with two neutrals that could even coordinate together (i.e. black and white/ off-white) to enable your wardrobe to go even further. Then select at least three tops that can work with each of the bottom pieces. And follow with two or three jackets in each neutral color that can coordinate with the tops and bottoms. This will provide you with a capsule wardrobe that will yield approximately 50 outfit combinations or more, with as few as 15 pieces!

4. Add texture, layers, and designer details such as princess seaming or embellishments. You can also look to incorporate a subtle pattern or print for added dimension. Try to avoid plain solids or one dimensional fabrics for each piece.

5. Add accessories – belts, scarves or jewelry. Here you can bring in another neutral or a hint of color. You can even play with a stronger splash of color by working with an accessory that also incorporates your neutral color to tie it together – i.e. with a scarf, necklace or bracelet.

NOTE:
To expand into bolder looks with color, select one to three colors that work with your coloring and can mix and match easily with your basic neutral capsules. Then follow a similar pattern as before when building each color capsule. Purchase two or three tops or bottoms for each piece you are looking to coordinate with. You can either start by strictly building off one or both of your neutral capsules, or start fresh by building an entirely new color capsule!

Always buying clothes but never have anything to wear? Here are some step by step instructions on how to develop a wardrobe (Source: About.com):

1. Stop impulse buying. Every $10 mistake you would have picked up in the bargain bin goes to a really great wardrobe.

2. In the first step of cleaning out your closet, eliminate everything that doesn’t fit or that you haven’t worn in a year.

3. A few weeks later, go back and get rid of all the stuff you fudged on the first time around.

4. With what’s left, begin identifying a theme to your wardrobe, relying on favorite looks, colors and lifestyle pieces.

5. Decide on three colors that either match or will coordinate with what you own and buy only those three colors for apparel.

6. Establish a workable budget.

7. Make a list of all the items you need in your wardrobe. (For example: solid blazer, wool pants, white shirt)

8. Set aside an hour of time each week to shop – online or off.

9. Avoid trendy items.

10. Buy clothing that will span two to three seasons – like wool crepe or matte jersey.

11. Purchase only clothes that work with something that you already own.

12. Pass on anything that doesn’t fit – no matter how great a buy.

13. Try to add only one or two well-thought out items per month.

14. Add punchy color and trendiness with accessories, shoes and handbags.

15. Continually eliminate and replace essential wardrobe pieces once it is built up so that you are never caught without a necessary item.

As you prepare your wardrobe for spring and look to purchase the perfect strapless dress, keep these tips in mind ….

NOTE: This video is borrowed from UTube, and I am not in the video… but I agree with the advice.

To start you need to determine your individual body’s architecture. Although you may go up and down in sizes throughout your lifetime, your natural body silhouette remains the same, simply scaling in its natural proportions. There are basically six body types, which we will refer to as A, B, C, D, E, and F. Body shapes D, E, and F are the same basic proportions as A, B, and C but represent plus-sized figures.

Type A and D: The width of your shoulders and torso are smaller than your hips, with a clearly defined waistline. Think of a triangle.

Type B and E: The width of your shoulders and hips are similar, and your torso is smaller, with a clearly defined waistline. Think of an hourglass.

Type C and F: The width of your shoulders, torso, and hips are similar, with only a slight waist definition. Think of a silo.

Tips for dressing for a Type B body:

Tops:
Your best styles are soft, simple blouses that are softly fitted or bloused, wrap tops with deep V crossovers, halter tops with V necklines, and cotton or jersey knits. Blouses with detailed seaming, darts, designer shaping, open necklines, and soft sleeves are the most flattering for your womanly shape. Avoid tight fitted clothing that appears to cling. Fine gauge sweaters, midweight cotton knits, firm matte jerseys and knits, and soft, skimming cottons or blends work well. Avoid fabrics that are sheer or are too light and tend to cling to the body. Also, avoid overly busy patterns or excessive embellishments. The busier your bottoms are, the more simple and subtle your tops should be.

Jackets and Coats:
Your best styles are single-breasted jackets, wraps, and belted, nipped, or waist-cinched jackets. You want to accent your small waist and hourglass figure. Avoid straight jackets which will appear boxy and add dimension, making you appear heavier. Belt jackets, cardigans, and coats when possible to accent your waist. Jackets and coats with notched collars look the most flattering, framing your face and enhancing your breasts. Look for styles with minimal details or patterns. Look to add flair with the selection of simple patterns, flattering colors, textured fabrics, sleek leathers, or supple suedes. The busier your bottoms are, the more simple and subtle your tops should be.

Skirts:
Your best styles are pencil, trouser, circle, A-line, sarong, and tiered skirts. Look for pencil skirts with small waistbands that hit at your natural waist and are slightly tapered at the hemline for a curvy silhouette. You want to select fabrics that are heavy enough to hang properly by skimming the body and not clinging to your curves. Look for trouser skirts with front zippers, worn at the low waist, and shaped straight to the hemline. You want to select crisp fabrics such as cotton, denim, soft suede, etc. which hang properly and do not cling to your body. Circle and A-line skirts are best for medium height to tall girls. They should have a minimal waistband, hit just below your natural waist and worn either with a skirt/blouse tucked in, or belted. Sarong skirts can be worn short, to the knee, or just above the ankle. Tiered skirts work best for taller women and appear best in black, navy, or other darker tones. As a general rule, keep your skirts simple and play up your tops to draw the eye upward to your face, which should be the focal point. If you wear a strong color, print, or embellished style on the bottom though, keep your top simple so that the two do not compete with one another. Complete your vertical line with a shoe or boot with at least a 1-1/2″ height. This gives you a longer, leaner appearance.

Pants & Jeans:
Your best cut is has a low waist, flat front, minimal waistband, minimal pockets or decorative stitching, and a straight but full leg. The waistband can hit at varied heights, depending on your preference in look and comfort. It you have a long torso though, avoid very low waisted pants or jeans, because they will throw off your proportions. Your pants or jeans should allow for ease through the hip and thigh and gently skim the body. They should not feel snug. You can also wear different leg cut styles from straight to flared. Darker colors work best: black, brown, navy, dark denim, etc. Firm fabrics with a flattering shape best suite your shape. Complete your vertical line with a shoe or boot with at least a 1-1/2″ height. This gives you a longer, leaner appearance.

Capris and Shorts:
Capris should hit between the low calf and ankle length. They should have a minimal waistband that hits below your natural waist, with a flat front and straight leg. They should skim through the hip and thigh without clinging. You can typically wear short skirts which accentuate your shapely legs, but take in to consideration, the wider the thigh, the longer the shorts should be. Avoid shorts that hit mid-thigh, which will shorten your leg line and widen your overall appearance. It’s best to select something either a little shorter or longer depending on your body’s proportions.

Dresses:
Your best styles are dresses that are nipped or belted at the waist, cut on the bias, or sculpt the body naturally (i.e. tank dresses). You want to look for selections that provide torso and hip/thigh skimming with clean lines to show off your curves. Shorter lengths that hit at or just above the knee to show off your legs are the most flattering. Deep V or oval necklines will flatter your bust. If you have a very full bust, look for dresses with built-in additional support and vertical seams which shape the torso. Complete your vertical line with a shoe with at least a 1-1/2″ height. This gives you a longer, leaner appearance.

Hot tip! The key to clothing skimming your body properly and draping best is to have the correct undergarments – check out this video from Stacy and Clinton of “What Not to Wear”….

NOTE: This video is borrowed from UTube, and I am not in the video… but I agree with the advice.