Swimwear: over a century of history or the cult of a woman's body.

We've come a long way since the hugging tank swim suits of the early 1900's to trendy models in 2013 and certainly our attitude with it.

Designs have evolved over a century. From the neck to knee garment that women were to wear in the 1900's to corset like swimsuits in the 30's, skimpy Brazilian thongs to Daniel Craig's James Bond swimmer boxer trunks, swimwear has witnessed our social and technological evolution and adapting through the decades.

Liberated from long skirts, young women of the twenties wore a figure hugging wool jersey sleeveless tank suit. Women did not swim back then. They bathed. Men were swimming and they were doing so naked which they could do until beaches became more populated and women arrived. Those long woollen garments would absorb so much water than they would rapidly weigh a lot. Uncomfortable and unfit for swimming an Australian female swimmer and film star between 1909 and 1924 championed a new outfit more functional for women.

Annette Kellerman c1900, Australian professional swimmer, vaudeville and film star in her famous custom swimsuit - designed to allow for serious athletic swimming, unlike conventional women's swimwear of the period (Image: United States Library of Congress)

It's only after the 1st World War that nations led by France, The US, Britain and Australia started developping swimwear into both sportswear and fashion.

"Channel creates the first beach Pyjamas... a sign of liberalisation for beach recreation"

The swimming suit was ideal for the androgynous athletic figure that fashion suited best in the 20s.  It looked very similar to male swimming costumes of an earlier era. The swimsuit legs stopped at an unflattering point mid thigh and beneath the swimsuit legs were built-in modesty shorts. Swimsuits were often in dramatic abstract patterns or stripes and those with poorer figures covered them up with wraps. Channel creates the first beach Pyjamas in the 20's showing a sign of liberalisation for beach recreation.

It wasn’t until the 1930s that wool began to make way for better-suited materials like lined cotton, elastic ruched waffle nylon and Lastex – an elasticised yarn used for swimsuits that was a forerunner lycra. Well-known swimsuit company Speedo originated in Australia in 1914, but didn’t become known by its now famous brand name until 1928.

Swimwear catalogue from the 30's

Sun bathing became more popular as an inexpensive recreation. Athletic swimming and synchronised swimming was also popular. The suits reflect the need to show more skin to the sun and be more streamlined for water sports. Belted maillots were popular with boy cut legs or slim skirts. The exposed v-back was invented and a few daring ladies even exposed their midriffs with the first bikinis. 

 

Jean Harlow striking a pose. Her suit is very glamorous and shows a lot of skin for the era.

Feminine cotton printed bathing suits often with little over skirts to hide the thighs gradually replaced the ugly 20's fashion.  The 20's suit which sometimes sported cutout sections in the midriff panel disappeared as it evolved into a two piece garment.  By this era most of us would recognise the late 1930's swimsuits as one that bears some relationship to swimwear of today.

In the 1940s, corset manufacturers saw a gap in the market. Corsetry was losing ground, but the new more revealing swim suits really needed experts to design garments that hid unflattering curves in a woman's shape.  They achieved this by adding stretch tummy control panels to hold in the stomach. Manufacturers also used bra cups and boning to give bust support. Costumes could then be worn either strapless or with small straps that buttoned onto the inside.The bikini was still thought of as risqué and best suited to film stars and exotic dancers. 

"A bikini is not a bikini unless it can be pulled through a wedding ring" ~ Louis Reard.

Striking yellow bikini in the 40's

Jane Russell's glamour 50's swimwear

The bikini was designed by French designer Louis Reard in 1946. An explosive innovation in swimwear, it was aptly named after the atoll in the Marshall Islands where the US was testing the atomic bomb. Reard’s bikini was made from four triangles of cotton printed with newspaper type and fitted into packaging the size of a matchbox.

Marilyn Monroe 1962, santa monica beach by Georges Harris

"A girl in a bikini is like having a loaded pistol on your coffee table - there’s nothing wrong with them, but it’s hard to stop thinking about it. " ~ Garrison Keillor


Nobody is quite as timeless as Marilyn Monroe. Almost fifty years after her death, her influence on fashion can still be seen.The bathing suits of the 50s and 60s were designed to flatter womanly figures of all shapes and sizes.

Hollywood icon, Marilyn Monroe, sporting swimwear courtesy of favim.com

In the 1970's the thong is introduced, and the string bikini's gain popularity. High cut leg openings appear, and  Speedo launches swimwear made of Nylon/Elastane. Arena swimsuits is launched by Horst Dassler.

By the end of the 70's it was clear that showing a bit of flesh was no longer an issue. The influence of designer glamour had never been stronger. This was the era of Supermodels. Another factor is the venue where the exposure takes place. The bikini is no longer simply a swimsuit, but a public garment worn for tanning, playing, and glamour. It has become fashion-wear, a vehicle to display the body of the wearer. The shoulders and back are the focus with an athletic body build emphasised. Therefore the one piece comes back into fashion and racer backs/T backs come in vogue. Neoprene begins to be seen in swimwear. 

"The emancipation of swimwear has always been linked to the emancipation of women."

 

Claudia Schiffer demonstrates the luxe accessories with the swimwear that Karl Lagerfeld introduced at Chanel

The bikini is perhaps the most popular female beachwear around the globe, according to French fashion historian Olivier Saillard due to "the power of women, and not the power of fashion". As he explains, "The emancipation of swimwear has always been linked to the emancipation of women." 

In 1994, the bikini became the official uniform of women's Olympics beach volley, sparking controversy, with some sports officials considering it exploitative and unpractical in colder weather and athletes admitting that the regulation uniform is intended to be "sexy" and to draw attention. Dancers, sex appeal and bikinis worn by women players as much as athletic ability made beach volleyball the fifth largest television audience of all the sports at the Games in Australia in 2000 Olympics.

Science into swimwear: Speedo Fastskin 2007

Recent innovations for swimwear in the 1990s was the tan through fabrics used for swimwear.  These fabrics allow you to tan through the fabric without showing the nude body. But the most technological breakthrough came from Speedo. It developed the Fastskin FS-PRO high performance swimsuit and made it available in 2007. In 2007 it was their lightest and fastest swimsuit. Swimming athletes comments were used to develop swimwear with the idea of producing champion swimmers. The Speedo Aqualab Fastskin FS-PRO suit has low passive drag. This means athletes swim faster in the water. The suit has a low absorption rate and it feels really light to the competitive swimmer. Unlike the average fashion swimsuit, this is a sleeveless all body suit from ankle to neck with only the arms free. It is mainly used in competition swimming as it is very costly.

 "Summer trends for 2013?... Fresh and bold"

Summer trends for 2013? Retro is huge this year not only in clothing but also with the swimwear. Fresh and bold. Strapless bandeau are back and expect to see leopard print in all manner of shades, not to mention zigzagging zebra patterns and foxy giraffe print. Meow! Due to glamorous icons such as Marilyn Monroe, Grace Kelly,and Elizabeth Taylor, who so elegantly donned such swimwear back in the day, the trend has welcomely reintroduced itself to the 21st century. This classic style is being sported by modern women, who are channelling their inner pin-up girls. Retro swimwear’s return to the fashion scene this summer has verified its timelessness, just like that of the celebrities who originally popularised the look.

Let the glamour shine on the beach and embrace your inner goddess this summer!

Some iconic swimsuit moments:

Ursula Andress as Honey Rider in James Bond, well known as the Dr No bikini. 1962

• Ursula Andress’ white bikini, complete with hip-holstered dagger will mark 50 years of Bond style. Ursula Andress's bikini will join three more of the most famous swimsuits from the 007 movies in an exhibition to mark 50 years of the films. London's Barbican Centre has been given unprecedented access to the archive of Eon Productions for its two-month exhibition, Designing 007: Fifty Years Of Bond Style. 

  

   Farrah Fawcett's famous red one-piece

• This was the bathing suit that made Farrah Fawcett a star. In 1976, a feather-haired Fawcett and her bright red one piece became immortalised in a popular poster that came to symbolise 1970's pop culture. The image, taken before Fawcett's most notable role in 'Charlie's Angels,' has been featured in countless films and TV shows such as 'Boogie Nights' and 'That '70s Show.' In fact, the iconic red swimsuit has been donated to the Smithsonian National Museum of American History, along with an original copy of the poster.
  

•  Pamela Anderson ran slow-motion circles around the hearts of men everywhere during her five year stint as C.J. Parker on the megahit TV show, 'Baywatch.' Her red lifeguard suit will certainly live on in infamy.

  

  Jessica Alba, Into the blue. 2005
•  'Into the Blue' may have been an indisputably terrible movie, but nobody was paying attention to the plot line so long as Jessica Alba strutted her stuff in a tiny bikini.  

• 

  Brigitte Bardot in Cannes early 50's.

• If anybody must get credit for popularising the bikini in the world it is French actress Brigitte Bardot. The bikini becomes such an integral part of Bardot's career that she becomes The Bikini Girl.
  
  

Gisele Bündchen, brazilian fashion model late 90's

• The Brazilian Thong or tanga first became popular on the beaches of Rio de Janeiro in the 1970s. – nicknamed ‘dental floss’. Although the 70's seem like a long time ago, thongs were found in South America as far back as the late 1800's and called then a g string. The thong was worn more and more often in Europe and America in the 1980s and became very usual by the 1990s.  With it came a boom in pubic waxing and the Brazilian wax.
  
  
  
  
  
  

Find the right fit.

Helping you find your true blues

No matter if you are a featherweight or sitting tall, there is a right fit for you.

Featherweight

Any limited overhead height warning signs always come as a surprise for you. Everyone bends except you: in other words you’re short!

Diplomatic sales assistants will call you petite but to cut a story short you are struggling to find a decent pair of jean which does not make you look like shorter than reality or endless rolling up.

The good news is there are cuts you should consider on a shopping hunt. Ankle skinny will flatter your body shape as they won’t need any cuff-rolling and any shortening alteration will still look great! Wedges or platforms are already your best friend so why not combine them with a high-waisted flared jean to create the illusion of longer legs!

 

 

                                                     Asos

 

 

Sitting tall

Your height impose natural authority and sitting at a board meeting you tend to overlook your male peers. Let’s face it. You will still be tall, no matter what!
Depending on  your proportions, many would see your endless legs or a long-waisted body, the fact is you need to re-create the balance without emphasizing on your height. Choose shirt or tops that ends on your hips. Don’t tuck in!

Like your petite friend above try the high-waisted flared jeans if you are long-waisted to raise your waistline and look trimmer. Hipsters, low-slung belt will suit any short-waisted body type. While being tall you will shorten the length of your legs and elongate your bust. As for blouses and tops, tuck in! Turn ups and cropped are a great way of shortening your leg’s length.

 

                                                   Asos

Straight and Narrow

You’re the girl’s dream! Long and lean your legs have a natural longitudinal shape and let’s be honest any shapes suit you!
So your challenge is to make sure your proportions are balanced as well as making sure you make the most of long and slim legs. Unless you are preparing for the next flood, skinnies look fabulous on you, either with a pair of ballet pump and an oversized oxford shirt, or sexed up with killer heels and sequined top for an evening out.
You can also try the flared leg, high-waisted straight leg or boot cut... as long as you keep proportions balanced you’ll find a variety of denim cuts all available for you!

 

                                                     Acne Jeans

Hipsters

Sensitive female subject when hips are concerned. There is nothing wrong showing them. However hipsters don’t lie and while this is a younger trend the vintage look shows a creative individual. So while you feel young and free-spirit here are some tips to find a pair that fits and flatter.
Never been a baggy blue fan? Try instead any shape that has a bit of flare. A mid-rise boot cut with a wider waistband will cover your hips without pinching. If you have a fuller figure, aim for a higher waist with a boot cut or wide leg. And think colour! Lighter shades elongate rather than the darkest shortened your height. Avoid jazzy pockets as they will make you look larger.

                                                         Seven for all Mankind.

Trendy makes: 7 for all Mankind, Robin’s jean, J Brand, Citizens of Humanity, Hudson, Current/Elliott, True Religion, Guess, Acne jeans.


To find which cuts suit you best for your body shape and style personality visit Renaissance Image or contact Nathalie now.

Make-up demystified

Part 2 - The eyes

 

Make-up fashion can dictate us what are the trendy new colours and often we fall into the trap of buying a pretty box with a set of shades which months after are barely used and left forgotten at the bottom of our drawer. Follow few simple guidelines and you will reduce the amount of make-up you need to use and make the most of the make-up you already have.

Before considering applying eye shadow you can help brightening your eyes by giving them a good base. Cool products such as eye gel packs and masks give a fresh relaxing feeling while helping reducing puffiness or tiredness. Keeping your eyebrow well groomed with a neat shape is essential. The creation of an arch will give the impression of a lifted eye appearing wider and longer.

Treat your face like a canvas. Any good artist would invest in good tools. So should you! Make sure you have the following as your basic make-up tool box:

•    Powder brushes: Large, domed soft brush to dust off the excess powder.
•    Blusher brush: Smaller dome soft brush.
•    Foundation base brush/ sponges: A brush will allow you a better mix and precision. If only one foundation applied you can use a sponge for a light finish.
•    Eye shadow dome: Best to have 2 of them which will allow you to use a different one for the darker and lighter shades.
•    Angled brush: Great to work in the eye sockets as well as contouring eyebrows.
•    Lip brush: Gives much more precision than your lipstick itself.

Tired of doing your make-up every day and look for a quick fix? You are not obliged to head for the extreme solution of tattooing on semi-permanent make-up. Find the perfect eye shadow and eye pencil/liner that suits you. Make-up texture is key when you blend colours. This can be tricky and can be overcome with the right tool. Here is a list to help you choose from:

•    Powder eye shadow: The easiest to apply and blend. Be aware of the shimmer will accentuate mature skins. Best to stick to a matt finish then.
•    Cream and gel eye shadow: Easy to apply (use a brush for blending). Avoid in summer as it tends to be sticky and messy when too hot.
•    Pencil shadow: As long as the texture is soft, this is a very precise tool for upper and lower lids.
•    Eye pencil: The must have! Everyone should have one and preferably with a soft texture. Easy to smudge.
•    Eye liner: Great for maximum impact. You need a steady hand and precision while applying. Opt for a fine pencil for better results.
•    Mascara: It show-cases your eye. Waterproof is generally preferred, although if you don’t play sport or are heading for a romantic/dramatic movie you can wear a regular one.

These days most make-up brands will offer a handy set of shades. It is a good start if you are starting your make-up bag. The inconvenience lies in the neutrals often used to compose the palettes. You might end up buying 2 or 3 identical shades when choosing from those pre-sold in twos or more.
Which colours look best on you? Look at your skin tone. Here are some colours that work very well together:

•    Fair skins: Use naturals and preferably blue shades for a pink undertone, whereas peach, salmon colours for yellowy base.
•    Olive skins: Copper, gold, orange, cream, purples, bronze and chocolate
•    Buttermilk and toffee skins: Vibrant colours or more subtle shades such as hazelnut, plum, creams for a natural look.
•    Chocolate and coffee coloured skins: Strong colours like reds, purples, black, gold or for a more natural finish try ivory, browns, copper, bronze.

Regardless of your age or eye shape, you can play with your make-up, mix and match colours and fully express your creativity. 

Contact Nathalie Baur Renaissance Image for Make-up lesson details.

Make-up demystified

A simple guide for professional results

Part 1- Foundation

      Make-up is part of your look. Getting it right with your clothes and leaving out your face will ruin the look! I work with “real” people and good make-up allows your real beauty to shine through.

      You might feel lost while browsing for make-up products. So many to choose from! Following the latest trends is not always advisable. Make-up should reflect not only your personality, your mood but also your wardrobe and your lifestyle. So do your homework and look at the options. Don’t believe the marketing claims, believe your eyes. In choosing the best product for you, ask yourself the following questions:

•    Does the product really conceal?
•    Does it look natural?
•    Does it last?
•    Does it match your skin tone?
•    Is it waterproof?

"...different formulations...have a different coverage and effect."

      Skin changes regularly to help protect against the environment, pollution, extreme weather, as well as your personal health. Adapt your routine as your skin changes. While in summer you may use a light and dark foundation, you might opt for a lighter shade and more consistent texture in winter.  

      Take your time with foundation. Make sure to choose the best colour and texture of base for you. They come in different formulations and will have a different coverage and effect.

•    Tinted base (for those with little coverage needs);
•    Mousse base (better results on young skins);
•    Liquid base (an all round product);
•    Cream base (used for a flawless complexion when photo shooting and filming);
•    Compact base (easy to carry. Great for touch up);
•    Powder base (should only be used to top up foundation with a matt finish);
•    Long-lasting liquid base (used for heavy coverage. Fast drying product);
•    Cake base (used for heavy coverage and applied with fingers for a flawless and unnatural look. Ideal for photograph).

"...the most natural looking results like a natural canvas."

      Look for foundations that have highly concentrated pigment and a high degree of opacity that allow you to conceal skin discolorations or imperfections without using additional products. Any hyper pigmentation or other skin disorders should be checked by a doctor or dermatologist. Although many brands now offer hypoallergenic ranges make an educated decision on which one to choose. You may decide to cover a cold sore but you will be unpleasantly happy when you get in its place 3 more the day after. If in doubt don’t risk it!

      The key to any successful make-up application is to match your skin tone exactly to achieve the most natural looking results like a natural canvas. This is particularly important for men and children who may not apply make-up to their entire face, but only to the area to be concealed while having a photo shoot. To choose your skin tone shade, use natural daylight. This is the key to a perfect make-up. For best results, apply your make-up near a window. The second best option is to apply it under full-spectrum daylight bulbs. Here are the main variety of colours:

•    Pinky;
•    Yellowy;
•    Tan;
•    Beige;
•    Brown;
•    Dark brown.

"...seeking the best products and learning how to use them."

     Also, never choose your make-up shade by matching it on the back of your hand or on your wrist unless that’s where you’ll be wearing the make-up! Apply a little along your jaw line where your neck meets your face. If it disappears, you’ve got the right shade. If you see a stripe, you know you need to go lighter or darker until you can’t see where the make-up ends and your skin begins. Sometimes you may need to mix two shades to get the exact one, but the results will be worth the effort.

"Make up can be a reflection of your inner self or an emotional fortress."

     Practice makes perfect. Remember, the goal with make-up is to make yourself happy when you look in the mirror. Having the complexion you’ve always dreamed about may simply be a matter of seeking out the best products and learning how to use them. Be patient with yourself and relax; have fun with the process. Make up can be a reflection of the inner self or an emotional fortress. You’ll be amazed at what a transformation on the outside can do for you inside.

Products shown are colour me beautiful range.

For enquiry about make-up lessons email Nathalie or visit Renaissance Image website.

Lingerie for Love: a necessary guide for men.

Lingerie with love: a Guys' Guide to buying underwear this Christmas.

The Countdown to Christmas is almost over so you better get organised if you haven’t found yet the perfect present for your special lady. There is little more offensive than the wrong gift that says: “I have absolutely no idea who you are”? In order to avoid a relationship faux-pas, a wise man planning to indulge his lady with lingerie should be assiduous in his search. From bras to corsets, bodies to suspenders, the world of underwear is fraught with perils and pitfalls. Get it wrong and it's a nightmare waiting to happen. Get it right and this could be a time to remember.

So where should a man begin? Let’s start with the things you should not do. Avoid any models that might make her feel like (a) something you saw in a strip club, (b) the model displayed in the window of Ann Summers shop or (c) Jordan. Some fabrics also MUST be ignored: high-shine satin, over-the-top frills, clashy reds and most importantly anything that has an unambiguous hole.  Make sure you get the right size too! Too small she will end up depressed and might skip the 3 star Michelin you’ve booked. Too big, she will accuse you of seeing her fat. Think less about the lingerie in the latest LADY GAGA video and more about the sort of lingerie the object of your affection already wears and you'll be on your way to a winner.

Engage in your quest and don’t be embarrassed to ask the advice of the expert in the Lingerie shop. From style personality, size, shapes and colours, she will talk you through and suggest you with some models for her. At least this is the only opportunity for you to talk openly about underwear to another woman without sounding like a pervert!

Here are some of my suggestions to ease your search:

Luxury-lovers will enjoy La Perla's sumptuous fabrics or Chantelle who offers quality and beautifully designed products. Comfort and simplicity are important for her? Elle Macpherson's Intimates range has a vast selection of bras and lace boy-shorts in soft shades, as does M&S or Gap which are more affordable.

Got it? Well, hit the shops now!

Book today a Style & Image consultation with Nathalie Baur from Renaissance Image. Individual or group sessions available. Visit my website for more details now.

Style and Fashion During The Christmas Holidays

Black is often a chic and fashionable selection.  Darker colours are favoured during the A/W season. It might explain why fashionistas add a bit of sparkle and cheer to Christmas and holiday clothing with some colour, usually magnificent red.

Dominant colours during the Christmas holiday season are usually black, white and magnificent red accessorized with a coloured matching scarf. A good alternative would be Purple. Too often dismissed this colour flatters everyone and boosts any skin tone.

 Holiday-themed apparel with snowflakes, candy canes, stars, Christmas trees, are also popular during the season. Along with being colourful, they also convey the message that the person is fully embracing the spirit of the season and is in a festive mood. When applied with moderation, individuals wearing holiday-themed accessories or just as a pattern on their knitwear are giving a pleasant signal of festive season. After all, nobody wants to be around the ‘grumpy bah-humbug’ type of personalities during the Christmas season. Just be cautious not ending up looking like the Christmas tree yourself unless you want to convey a creative look.

Jewelry also works wonders. These can add that little sparkle to an outfit that makes it stand out in an admirable way. Holiday-themed jewelry is also perfect for those individuals who simply want to show a touch of holiday spirit without having to actually wear a holiday-themed outfit because it maybe too different from the conservative style of their wardrobe.  Miglio offers a wide range of quality jewelry to complement your party outfit.Miglio email address

Jackets can play the main part with embroidery, sequins at Fenn Wright Manson or they can be more minimal based on the overall outfit. Don’t forget textures. Velvet, faux fur or fur if keen to invest in a real one, leather have been the stars of the catwalk and are a great statement to any outfit. The winter short and pencil skirt can easily convert from working outfit to party wear with the right accessory, making them perfect to wear to an early evening Christmas or a holiday party. Add a fur shrug from LK Bennett on top of your coat or jacket and you’ll be party ready!

Another A/W fashion staple are knitwears. Either as a black loopy waistcoat at Mint Velvet, an oversized jumper or just as a tunique, they offer a great versatility. Dress it down with colourful tights for fun or put on your Hunters boots for a casual-country look. A cardigan over a shift dress accessorized with a broad belt at work will instantly give you a more relaxed look. For a New Year party, dress it up with a sparkly brooch, sex it up with high heels or jazz it up a dramatic hairdo. The key is in a nice mix between casual and made up.

Fancy something younger and trendy? Leggings are one of my favourite. Check this one from  Alexander Mc Queen at Net a Porter.They completely transform a classic outfit and are a more dramatic version of the tights. They can be worn under skirts, dresses, tuniques or simply in place of trousers, worn with a jacket or again, with an oversized knitweater.

2010 A/W collection has celebrated the come-back of the dress. For those who don’t want to spend time thinking of matching a skirt with a top the dress is a great alternative for a quick decision and looking impeccable. Choose the dress that flatters the best your body shape and your colour type and enhance the look with sparkly or a subtlely strass detailled tights.

 The latest in jeans, which is a mainstay in everyone’s wardrobe and suitable to wear at all times including during Christmas and the holidays, is that a skinny fit is in. And if ultra-skinny is not very complimentary to your body shape, you can still get one of the newer types of jeans that are said to have a lot more stretch, giving a 360-degree or all-around wrap to the body for a perfect or near perfect fit. "Not my daughter’s jean" is a good address to start browsing with.

And since Christmas is the season to be happy and cheery, the truly jolly can always top off their Christmas outfit with a cone-shaped, red and white Santa hat!!!

Blah basics about fashion, style and beauty.

Nathalie tackles Blah basics...

International Fashion expert,  Nathalie Baur returns for another instalment of Blah Basics. This time Nathalie met up with Rachel, PR director and busy mum of  2, to help her create some fun, affordable and professional looks by mixing in a few key pieces alongside the basics in her wardrobe. 

Discovering what your dominant colouring is a key factor. Cardigans, tailored shirts, and tops in varying hues help to effortlessly extend the possibilities of a wardrobe. Jazz up your style by mixing in a few chic pieces combined with more casual ones. Choose versatile accessories such as ballet flats that go from the office to the park, or a fashionable laptop bag that can double as a handbag.

Everyone always asks me, “how can I look chic and trendy without looking like I am too dressed up ?” As much as we would all LOVE to find the weekly clothing delivery service straight to our door, it’s essential to find some key pieces that will carry you through the work week and into the weekend! Don’t forget, you never know where the day will take you, or what evening event you’ll have to plan for at the last minute…Depending on your budget but a wardrobe that works does not have to leave you with an empty bank account.  TK Maxx has limitless options at great prices to keep you looking trendy and pulled together in these winter months!

Some of my favorites are pieces that can easily be mixed in with separates to create a whole new wardrobe. For example, a silk bow shirt. It looks great under a shearling jacket with a tailored skirt in the office, and goes perfectly with a pair of short denim shorts for the weekend. Another great piece is the shift dress! Don’t be afraid to wear it with a fitted cardigan and a coloured patent belt, and accessorized with fish net tights and high heels laced mini boots. For a night out, swap the cardi and the belt for a furry coat and a luxurious clutch. Textures are all you have to remember for this winter so play with your imagination and let them complete your look!

Winter is not an excuse not to wear colour. A light rose blusher will always looks better with porcelaine pink skin tone and look stunning with a pearl necklace. An olive skin tone will dazzle in coral and goes perfectly with some gold statement necklace or earrings. Your canvas doesn’t always have to be white!

Don't know yet which colours and style suit you best? Feeling you're stuck in rut with your wardrobe? Don’t wait for 2011 to kick off. Shop the sales with confidence and book your colour and style consultation NOW with Nathalie info@renaissanceimage.co.uk . Vouchers are available for Christmas presents too!!
 
For more information on packages call Nathalie TODAY on 07850 44 27 08. 

Which style personality are you?

Love wearing stilettos and never missing a chance to browse for some nice pieces at Urban Outfitters while being skilled at playing drums, booking tickets for a Metallica concert or getting pissed in Camden?

Whether you are getting an interview, getting retired and leaving your suits behind or just getting anxious on how to dress for a first date, what you wear will make a difference.

So where do you stand? And do you have to be either soignée or tomboy? Well there is no such thing about being able to listen to Metal and having your nails done. A sudden invitation for a week end away might send the impeccable suited businessman into panic if not knowing how to dress accordingly. But there is an appropriate etiquette at work while socialising enables you to get a more relaxed or daring look. 

"Elegance is a question of personality, more than one's clothing" Jean Paul Gaultier.

Getting to know which style personality will help you to get the right wardrobe for every occasion that fits with your life style. When identifying your look it might reveal a split personality for some whereas others will always get uniformity in their choice of clothes. The key is that you feel as comfortable in your clothes and look the part.

Start asking yourself:

For women...

• How do you wear colour?
• What kind of shopper are you?
• How would you describe your overall look? 
• What is in your working wardrobe ?
• What is in your non-working wardrobe?  
• What is in your special occasion wardrobe? 
• What are your shoes like? 
• What kind of jewellery do you like?  
• What is your attitude to make-up?  
• What type of hairstyle do you have?

Some example of style personality celebrities:

The Natural: Never more comfortable with a pair of jeans and an easy top. They don’t like over done or being too-put together.

Cameron Diaz, Kate Hudson, Natalie Portman, Courteney Cox, Jennifer Aniston, Alicia Silverstone.

The Romantic: By definition passionate and fanciful.

Penelope Cruz, Nicole Kidman, Keira Knightley,  Eva Longoria Parker,  Anne Hathaway,  Carrie Underwood, Sarah Fergusson Duchess of York.

The Trendsetter- Creative:  The style-Idol that loves high-low pairing wearing a designer piece mixed with a vintage one. 

Sienna Miller, Gwen Stefani, Rihana, Sarah Jessica Parker, Mary-Kate Olsen, Chloe Sevigny, Mischa Barton.

The Sophisticate - City Chic:  Gravitating around a classic look with a bit of European flare. 

Katie Holmes, Reese Witherspoon, Angelina Jolie, Gwyneth Paltrow, Cate Blanchet, Charlize Theron.

The Bombshell - Dramatic:  Perfecting Old Hollywood glamour by adding sexy elements to a retro look. 

Scarlett Johansson, Halle Berry, Eva Mendes, Heidi Klum, Jessica Simpson, Salma Hayek, Victoria Beckham, Madonna. 

The Classic: A timeless and elegant look, that is rather smart and understated. 

Condoleezza Rice, Princess Anne, Dame Judi Dench.

 For men...

• How would you describe your overall look?   
• What do you wear for work?
• What do you wear at the week-end?   
• What is your favourite jacket?   
• What are your favourite shoes?   
• How would you describe your tie collection?  
• What do you wear for a night out in town?   
• What are your thoughts on grooming products?   
• What would be your favourite holidays?    
• What is your dream car?

Cars, like clothing, give a lot away about their owner. From the most elegant Rolls Royce to the rustiest Hyundai, cars are an excellent indicator of character. Here are a few basic categories, for your curious minds.

The Creative:

Original Beetle, 2CV: you are a collector and the car is not chosen according to its performance rather than its uniqueness.

The Dramatic:

Lexus, Ferrari and expensive luxurious, speed cars such as the BMW M3: BMW is not far behind Mercedes reputation-wise - the variation lies in the sportier character of the BMW. When you see a BMW, you immediately know that this is a person not only with class, but with a sense of adventure. BMW is the style that meets speed car. You like the risk and every latest hi-tech equipment that goes with it.

The Romantic:

These cars indicate one thing: old luxury and comfort. These are the brands of our parents and grand-parents. Though not quite Cadillacs, these cars now mean that retirement savings were well managed.

The Classic:

The Mercedes: This car exudes style and luxury and is tell-tale of a very large wallet. This is the car of upper class. The classic lines combine with the established Mercedes name to give the driver the flair of aristocratic taste. Once you find your favourite one you tend to stick to it.

The Natural:

The estate car, the mini-van you like functional rather than stylish. It doesn't matter what brand you’re talking about - they are generic in what they say about their owner. These are the emblem on wheels of the family. Owner = soccer mom, or caring dad. Just watch out for the kids.

The International:

The Audi TT, Mini Cooper S: You like trendy cars but not ostentatious. You want your car to show quality while remaining current and versatile.

"Fashion is what you adopt when you don't know who you are" Quentin Crisp

Your style is your signature. In order to stand out from the crowd you need to adopt a style that makes you feel comfortable and great without getting too stuck in a rut and make an effort to get out of your fleece.

So who will you be tomorrow?

Looking good at 40.

Going back few decades ago, you would reach 40 and would retire from the fashion nest, relocate your wardrobe at Marks & Spencer ensuring you have comfortable cotton knickers as you have been told time was gone for frivolity. Fashion was a youthful and slightly perilous hobby, like rock-climbing.

Since there has been a slight change to the scenario. Divorcing or a come back on the work place at 40-50 is no longer an exception for women. Does that mean we don’t stand any chance to still look good at 40?

Whereas younger women were before favoured in promoting brands, beauty is not any longer regarded in terms of age. Older women, such as Nicole Kidman, Monica Bellucci, Kristin Scott Thomas, Sandra Bullock, Halle Berry, and the sublime Elle McPherson to name a few get the front cover and prove you can still look fab.

But there has been a twin effect of both empowering and disorienting women. On the one hand, women over 40 can't see any longer why we should wear dull clothing. This is good - it is about valuing ourselves.

On the other hand, there is the luring tale we've swallowed about age being only a number and 40 being the new 30. This is all great news however some haven’t learnt the new rules.

If you take Madonna as an example in her hot pants or Gwyneth Paltrow in her mini and it reminds us that there is "age inappropriate" clothing. Looking young is certainly possible but not at any cost. Having great legs and being able to show them may not imply you get to dress as a 20 something. Maybe we don't look cool and cutting edge in our teen clothes, we just look foolish.

Being aware of an age etiquette is not a discrimination. Women in a desperate attempt to reverse the clock achieve the opposite. They look silly. And men follow the same rule. Even when a man over 40 has a good body he should wear clothes differently than he did in his younger years. For example, even if he has a six-pack and a great butt, he should avoid wearing low cut and tight fitting jeans he might have worn in his 20s and 30s. He can still wear flattering, stylish jeans and t-shirts, but just differently.

So it is grotesque to see some who can afford the best trainers, make-up artists and hairdressers, not to mention pricey little nips and tucks and still dress like Barbie.

10 rules to look good at 40.

It’s not so much what you wear but how you wear it that matters the most.

1. There are certain parts of your body that you have to really watch once you hit your mid-forties: armpits, knees, cleavage, tummy. No matter how fit you are, you will never look as good in a low belted jean as you hope to.

2. Simplicity works better as we get older. This does not mean you need to look dull. A plain basic shirt on a tailored trouser or on a pair of jeans looks great. Add a statement necklace and you’ll look really smart. The well maintained look is key. Too much excentricity looks desperate as we pile on years. Avoid adding weight to your look and keep it simple. Stick to accessories instead.

3. Learn how play with accessories whether it’s the shoes, a bag or a jacket/ coat. Get the part by getting a cutting-edge piece which will be a statement. That’s the grown-up investment that will upgrade your look and be less predictable. So jazz up a classic suit and pair it with some funky shoes. It can take years off you. Subtly surprise your audience rather than bore them. And ditch the precious jewellery on a classic outfit. You are not the show-case of your bank account.

4. Baggy or floaty outfits are great on teanagers and 20’s.Passed 40 and you will look like hiding stones or wearing a potato bag. Older women are always at their best when well groomed. So if you want to stay trendy adapt a loose dress with a quality belt to enhance your waist while smartening up the overall. Or show off your legs and get the edge with smart tights and a great pair of boots.

5. Think more long lasting trends rather than the extreme ones which will only last a season. So chuck away last season’s must-have. On a younger person, it looks okay. On you, it will make you look years older. Teanagers are experimenting and mock the ridicule. Instead you might not be forgiven.

6. Jeans are ageless. Some would say it’s boring, other would wear for any occasions. The key factor in wearing jeans and still looking the part when getting older is to get the right one. Start investing in a good pair which has a cut that suits your body shape, a quality tailored cut and a great colour. Dark blues should be favoured as they give this neat, impeccable look rather than the washed out ones.

7. Underwear are always underestimated when it comes to looking young and that’s where we should start focusing on. So get a proper good fit and indulge in some nice piece you enjoy. Women should be buying nice one for themselves first.

8. Too short hair is ageing. Long hair can look witchy on older women. Get some inches off and get a neat cut. Looking like a babe might not be the point at +40. Make sure your dyed hair is never just one colour, or too dark or light. The more extreme the colour, the more washed-out you look. As your hair get finer layering is good and adding some contrast with highlights helps out.

9. And stay away from the crush diet. Getting in control of your weight does not mean going extreme. Don’t get too thin. It smacks of desperation and makes you look worn. What goes unnoticed at 20’s is maximized at a matured age.

10. Bad foundation in bad light is the biggest enemy of women. Get a make-up lesson. You can't do without it, but you don’t need to advertise it. Looking painted cries for help. Remember, too-red lipstick is for young beauties and dowagers — tread carefully. An old adage: A good make-up is one that goes unnoticed.

For a colour, style or make-up session contact Nathalie at info@renaissanceimage.co.uk

Some of my favourite brands: Gerard Darel; James Lakeland; LK Bennett; Karen Millen;

The end of the feminist era

The debate of whether women should remove any sign of their femininity to prove themselves powerful in a male environment is over. Austerity and a mannish allure looks more retrograde for women now. Gaining credibility can't be achieved if you don't appear being part of your time. We no longer need to prove if we can compete with men. It is not a fight against them. Showing our femininity and our skills is the key message. The old belief that we need either to confront them or copy them is outdated. Our credibility is now firmly engaged in our femininity.

"the etiquette code obliges...less to be cloned with men"

Times have changed and feeling good about ourselves is admitting our differences with men and enjoying, expressing who we are in a balanced way. The etiquette code obliges now less and less to be cloned with men and endorsing their power suit. Looking glamorous and having fun with fashion does not take off any of your credibility. Let's have a look at the pioneers of this revolution for women's public fashion. Michelle Obama, Jackie O before her, Carla Sarkozy are such a contrast with their predecessors such as Hillary Clinton, Laura Bush, Mrs Blair.. And I must admit before them Princess Diana was a stepping stone of the alliance between Power and Glamour.

 

" looking fashionable is a strong asset"

Entrepreneurial women, those who have reached the boardroom or in more conservative fields such as lawyers are giving up on their conventional suit for a more feminine look. Getting recognition from men does not come from looking like them. Competing in a male environment is far more efficient if you show your differences and playing with them. This attitude shows power and assurance. Contemporary women have understood that looking fashionable is a strong asset. It gives them an edge, a freedom to be able to choose to be different. Fashion and power are intricately linked. The trend is also interestingly showing itself with men. An increasingly number of them are paying closer attention to how they look. The culture of our image has matured and affirms our differences. Our inspiration is now coming from women who show us power through their image. Because the bottom line of this attitude is to care about your appearance without giving up of who you are, by looking genuine and feeling good on the inside and on the outside.

 

"The key is in how you subtly balance your femininity"

So shall we give more weight to our wages in comparison to men's pay for the same role when it comes to choose how we dress before going at work, or shall we take the risk to bet on our femininity. It is very tempting to keep it safe especially when we know how much the first impression we give is our look. And in the top jobs in the city this can be very risky. It takes more guts to show who we are than sticking in a confined pre-tailored look. The key is in how you subtly balance your femininity. You don't want to look too sexy and provocative which definitely will send the wrong signal in a conventional environment. Women need to learn how to adjust the length of their skirts and heels accordingly while still looking fashionable and being taken seriously as a professional.

 

"wearing an outfit slightly smarter... provide an edge"

Every job has its own dress etiquette and some are more inclined towards fashion than others. Take a PR working in a well established advertising company. None of the staff wears a suit to the office. Being all creative they invent themselves, look unique. How anyone could fit in this team if they came in one of those bulletproof suits? It simply won't look to be a part of them. Wearing an outfit slightly smarter than theirs will provide an edge they don't have and without dissociating yourself from them.

 

"master the art to glamourise ourself"

The issue is more in our gender and claiming that this is over because many women have made it to the boardrooms and succeeded is a step too far. That I won't do! We have still many inequalities when compared to men in business. Looking feminine is now possible but it is down to us to master the art to glamorise ourself while still being dressed adequately according to the environment we are working in. I encourage every woman to feel good about them self and stop feeling they had to dress for the male environment. Our differences are our strength. And I would say the same to men. Being groomed and looking current prove to be far more efficient than being too conservative and timid about ourselves.

If only our Prime Minister had spoken to an image consultant he would alternate his suits more often and choose colours and shapes more adequately. Wearing ten times the same ensemble during public appearances is not reflecting the position of the number one, leader of a country. Our image is as powerful as our speech.

Consultations for corporate images are available. Please contact Nathalie Baur at Renaissance Image

Seeking identity within a global world

Day 5

The Fashion world was before very restrictive as there wasn’t many ways of looking current and therefore being labelled fashionable. Nowadays thanks to individualism fashion trends are more democratic and we have many ways of finding one trend that suits not just our lifestyle and personality but also our body shape and colour palette.

“Remaining ourselves while keeping it up to date”

Could we remain ourselves and keep evolving to the seasonal trends without risking loosing control? I can see already two clans; those anti-fashion who would argue the matter can wait a few decades due to more dramatic issues such as global warming, and the fashionistas who would stress the importance of supporting creativity and genuineness in a world where conformity takes over individuality.

Fear of loosing our culture and identity may be just a lure. It is no longer a simple debate between being conservative or liberal, academic or being self-made. The good news is the culture of individuality is pushing us to choose a style that suits us and we have quite a few to choose from; creative, dramatic, romantic, natural, classic, city chic or international for men. Just pick one or two and you’ll have the wardrobe that goes. In reality we often have two or three style personalities where we adapt according to the circumstances of our lifestyle. Who would put on a suit and stilettos while heading for a countryside break? 

“The freedom of remaining ourselves”

Being ourselves is not just an option, it becomes necessary. Applying for a job and pretending to be someone else will end up tricky on the short term. There is only so much that we can change and do for a short period of time. It is better to show the best of us and in its best light. The message sent across by the fashion industry is “Just be yourself”, “Just do it”. Oversized or skinny, Topshop or Prada, there is a wide choice for everyone.

Show me what you wear and I’ll tell you who you are. Is the equivalent to “What am I going to wear” also means “Who am I”? In most cases it does. And remember that it just takes us few seconds to make a first impression. So learning the techniques to show ourselves at our best seems crucial. And being all different there is not one universal solution. We are free to get out on the street and wear whatever we want, but being too different might scare people off and it takes a good dose of confidence to do it. Getting a unique look out of the trends is not out within reach of everyone. Unless you’ve now established yourself, have climbed at the top of the social ladder and received recognition from the society you still need to pay attention to the social etiquette.

"An essence of the uniqueness"

Fashion allows people to display their identity and attachment to a group. Being slightly different shows a sign a uniqueness without breaking any bonds. In order to look trendy you need to be slightly ahead of it. That’s the difference between the media stars and the reader of a fashion magazine hunting for the next trends. One is setting up the trends the other one follows. Fashion does not really reflect our modern world if it doesn’t take snap shots of individuals within a group of different people. My leggings reveal a current look but my vintage bag reminds people I am unique. The concept is simple. Using trends to adapt it and making it ours. Once we get the knowledge and control of our past, who we are now, and our goals we can start playing with our image. Getting to know ourselves better in order to make the most of it will allow a better appreciation of our look and certainly more pleasure in getting dressed.

We have more freedom than ever. Fashion has adapted to the current world. May be we should make the most of it as like any seasonal trends this might not last for ever.

To discover your style personality visit www.renaissanceimage.co.uk