How to with the Peplum Trend:

If the thought of adding volume to hips sends you running scared, fear not – the peplum’s ability to flatter may just surprise you. We usually picture peplums as being either attached to skirts or attached to jackets worn with skirts, now there’s no limitations!

Peplums can be added to the hips of skinny-cut pants, or being worn with tailored shorts, this is the modern day take on the peplum silhouette giving it a cool hint of androgny.

The truth about peplums is that they can add volume where volume is most needed. If you’re thinking that hips are the one place volume is not needed, don’t write peplums off just yet! By adding volume to the hips also creates more negative space at the waist - even for those heavier on the bottom, peplums can flatter your figure by drawing in the waist and creating a deliberate hourglass shape. 

*Opt for pieces that create an s-curve by really drawing in the waist. Try out tops or jackets with peplums high at the waist as opposed to skirts with peplums that flare out from lower on the body if your conscious of your lower half. 

For those with a boyish or straight figures, peplums can add volume and shape to the hips. They’re also the surprise antidote to days where your stomach is feeling less than flat: peplums can be very forgive that way! (For more: fashionising)

Navigating what-do-i-wear:

what-do-i-wear (Main Page)

1. FAQ (Frequently asked questions/list/trends/aids)
2. Giveaways (Past and current giveaways)
3. Personal Posts (WIWT and images of me)
4. Outfit Collages (Outfits for all occasions) 
5. Outfit Submissions (Outfits submitted by viewers)
6. Wardrobe Essentials (Must-haves for dressing like MOD/celebrities)
7. Runway & Collections (Current collections of 2012)
8. Menswear (All things menswear) 
9. Wishlist (My personal clothing wishlist)
10. News (Fashion News) 
11. DIY (Do it yourself projects) 

Check them out, these sections are designed to make searching this blog easier and quicker for you! xx

5 Retro-Inspired Crop Tops:

1. A thick strapped bustier in edible pastel colour is a way to pair a innocence with a hint of skin. A full skirt is it’s soul-mate for a ladylike ’50s look. Jacquard print bra-top, $45 at ASOS.com.

2. A cropped bustier bikini, ruched bandeau, or vintage-style halter transcends easily into modern pin-up territory when paired with a high waist. Norma Kamali lace and tulle bustier bikini top, $285 at Net-a-porter.com.

3. A broderie anglais bustier gives off a Dolce Vita vibe that’s ultra feminine and just as suited to a marriage with casual denim as to a hourglass-inducing pencil skirt. Broderie Anglaise Bralet, $48 at Topshop.

4. Follow Prada’s lead with a teeny bandeau balanced by a below-knee skirt. Prints are the best option for spring 2012. Floral printed smocked bandeau, $26.70 at Free People.

5. Nothing screams 1950s cheesecake pinup more than a cropped top in gingham. Cut-out detail holds the sugar and keeps it modern.Gingham crop top with cutout, $45 at ASOS.com. (via: fashionising)

Statement Collars for Spring 2012:

This look is no longer part of a menswear only wardrobe, or uniform - the collar has been re-transformed into an essential piece for women’s wear Spring 2012. Spring 2012’s statement collars don’t require a shirt or printed pants for definition; they’re an individual trend in the running. They have become an added detail to an outfit, rather than just supporting a classic white shirt. (image:fashionising)

Where to buy a statement collar?

ASOS generally has some of the best options, for example: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7! Although here are some other stylish options from a variety of other online shops! Option: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8!

Other shops that constantly carry this product: Topshop, Net-a-Porter, Pink Clouds, Eleven Object, Ulala. 

Summer Layering Tips:

As we enter spring/summer 2012, a new silhouette is discovered that permits you to layer clothes during the summer months. Lighter fabrics and fresher palettes come around with an obvious touch of summer sensuality.

When layering for summer, the key is to drape fabrics on the body whilst leaving scope for an unpresumptuous skin show, as opposed to how layering is done for the winter months where even the ears aren’t spared. The silhouette is A-lined, vertical and fluid, all owing to the fabric enveloping the body.

Layering a skirt over sheer:

For you to adapt this version in your new wardrobe, ensure that the fabric underneath is either organza or crisp georgette. The inner layer can’t be flimsy and soft, or it wouldn’t give the shape you require to compliment this look.

Layering a skirt over shorts:

Where hot pants are teamed with an A-line cape skirt. This serious front-on leg reveal is another way to experiment with this layered clothing trend. Adjust the sensuality levels with buttons to show more or less of the shorts underneath.

One-toned colour:

Take the path of minimalism and pick an all-white layered outfit; whether that’s a sheer overlay on a shift dress or a silk chemise under a lacy shirt-dress. It’s sexy, vulnerable and there’s so much to choose from.  The appliqué and lacy fabric layering in soft hues of cream strangely spark a boyish charm for this array of layering. (image:fashionising)

How to wear crop tops for S/S 2012:

There’s a 1950s fashion vibe aligning itself with the crop top in spring 2012, but don’t imagine it as a conservative one. Instead it’s the youthful, rockabilly fashion of the 1950s that the crop top is being interpreted through.

Vintage-inspired crop tops can be paired against relaxed cuts and high-waisted skirts. The loose cut outerwear gives the look something of a dowdy feel, downplaying the statement that is the crop top trend - a look that needn’t be about showing your entire stomach – a mere peak will do.

This style works well with a fitted pencil skirt, with layered over top a cropped blazer, or an oversized menswear inspired blazer that has a strong cut. Worn with high waisted trousers and a pair of metallic platforms. You can also look to team up your crop top with a pair of high-waisted shorts, or a pleated maxi with a kimono for those hot summer days! (via: fashionising)

5 Steps for an Organised Wardrobe:

(my personal wardrobe: what-do-i-wear)

1. Clean up

Unless your wardrobe resides in the Get Smart corridor it is not impervious to dust. Built-in and walk-in robes are the worst offenders. Take everything on a flat surface out, vacuum, then get slightly disgusted at how you lived with it for so long before doing so.

2. Sort out

Before you put everything back think about where it’s going to go. Style, colour, foldability… it doesn’t matter how you categorise it, but make a home for every item instead of shoving it into the nearest gap. As a general rule knitwear should be folded, shirts buttoned, jackets on sturdy hangers and socks paired. Storing things properly means they’ll wear better, for longer, with less ironing. Everything in the wardrobe should be clean & ready to go – anything that needs handwashing, dry-cleaning or mending should be put in an interim spot, somewhere out of the way but not so hidden that you forget about it! 

3. Fill gaps

Finding out exactly what is in your wardrobe also means finding out exactly what isn’t. It’s easy to forgo basic pieces in favour of the bold & bright, but a few smart staples can open up a whole new realm of outfit options. Think about what will bring out the harder-to-wear pieces in your wardrobe and take note every time you think ‘if only I had…’ (within reason, of course! The aim is for a functioning curated wardrobe)

4. Invest

Now is the time to decide if this is the year to invest in a new coat, or if your go-to boots are looking more worn out than worn in. As we all know, waiting until you need to buy them will end up in a mad rush to the nearest department store and something you’ll recoil at in six months, so keep these staple pieces in mind when vaguely trawling online stores or wandering past that shop on your lunch break. Buy the best quality you can afford, and no excuses for ill-fitting polyester if you’re on a budget – earmark off-season pieces on international webstores and check back as they go on sale, just in time for your change in temperature.

5. Maintain

Coats and jackets are notoriously difficult to fit off the rack, and even the most sculpted figure will benefit from a personalised tweak to a sleeve or waistline. A good cobbler/seamstress will work miracles to a certain degree, but they’ll look more favourably upon you if you get those leather soled shoes Topy’d before they’ve worn thin. (via: fashionising)