Summer 2009 Style Update

• Highlights of 2009

• What's hot for summer
   

• 10 Reasons to love the maxi dress

• How to pack your suitcase for holidays
•  

 
Highlights for 2009

• Zonta Club of Christchurch-Canterbury Fundraising Event – Unique Style Secrets evening raised $6000 for Dress for Success, featuring a total makeover.
  
• Presenting at four major fundraising events during the year raising over $20,000 for local charities.
  
• Having completed the training of my first two Unique Style Stylists, which are being featured on www.uniquestyle.co.nz  website – Marilyn Welsh in Oamaru and Maria Robinson in Hokitika.
  
  What's hot for the season
  
  Colours for the summer:
  
  Brights: Lime,apple green, soft yellow with slightly greenish hues to primary yellow, bright coral, bright turquoise, cobalt blue, primary red, violet hues through to rich purple, and orange.
  
  Blush shades: pink champagne, soft gray, pinky beige, gray-green evoking memories of country gardens.
  
  Colour juxtaposed with clashes of colours not normally worn together, and highly coloured prints of floral, geometric and abstract, swirls and complex patterning.
  
  Soft muted shades in blush shades of pink, grey, cream, beige, yellow, and green in soft, feminine fluid fabrics and knits. Black and white stripes worn horizontally.
  
  Fabrics:
  
  Soft draping silks and chiffons
  
  Cottons: white making a statement in dresses, soft shirting and skirts. Printed cottons for skirts and dresses Metallic fabric for evening.
  
  Looks for this summer:
  
  Soft, flowing and flattering jersey style dresses Short hemlines as dresses, tunics and skirts Bright colour clashes Safari themed items as highlights Bold necklines and collars
  
  Bejewelled necklines for tops and dresses
  
  Blouses: soft and floaty - either worn loose or belted with Capri pants and flat shoes
  
  Trousers: high-waisted or slouch loose and soft
  
  Harem shapes in soft draping fabric
  
  Narrow leggings in soft lightweight worn with tunics and dresses
  
  Waistcoats and sleeveless soft lightweight knits are wonderful for reproportioning your body. Either worn short or long depending on your body shape
  
  Statement jewellery:check out the Zsika range of jewellery www.zsika.co.nz
  
  Retro accessories:large bangles and handbags, block colours
  
  Hemlines:short dresses or maxi. Extremes are in!!
  
  Maxi dresses: Due to its versatility, the maxi dress has become the new ‘garment’ for summer.
  
  10 Reasons to Love the Maxi Dress
  
  1. High fashion at affordable prices.
  
  2. Versatility. Great for day or evening. Wear it to the beach, a walk in the park or dress it up for evening.
  
  3.Wear a single colour layering garment underneath for cooler days (cap sleeve t shirt, metallicus body knit or similar).
  
  4. Whatever your size the empire line accentuates the narrowest part of your body, and the full length skirt keeps any limps and bumps well hidden.
  
  5.The perfect holiday dress. Feel fashionable as well as respectful when visiting countries that require covering up of legs.
  
  6.They cover fuller hips and thighs.
  
  7.With the longer length there is no pressure to wax  or pre tan your legs.
  
  8.Maxis can be worn with flats or chunky edges and platforms for extra height. Accessorize with this seasons beads, fabric bag and pair of oversized sunglasses.
  
  9.Bring out your 1970 dress that you have had in your wardrobe from years ago, or buy one from your favourite op shop.
  
  10.It is comfortable, and feminine while being the latest fashion trend.
  
  Shoes:
  
  Casual: loafers and wedges for comfort for those who prefer heels>
  
  Flats are going to be a big theme, but for most of us we need a little bit of a lift and will still need a small heel to be the most flattering.
  
  Block colour and patterned shoes are going to lift your soul! Shoes with lots of straps – across your foot, around your ankle and up your leg>
  
  Wedges are comfort with style.
  
  How to Pack the Perfect Suitcase - just what you need for the coming holiday season, or if you are going overseas for your romantic getaway!
  
  It is that time of year again -summer holidays or weekends away, which mean having to decide what to carry in your case and still be prepared for every fashion emergency.
  
  Pack Less but Pack Better
  
  The kind of clothes you decide to take depend very much on the purpose of your holiday. Consider what activities and events you need to dress for.  After that consider your everyday wear, whether it be for the beach, country side or city.
  
  Once you have laid-out some potential outfits, halve them (and halve them again, if it is for carry-on luggage for air flights).
  
  No matter where you are going for a summer vacation, there are a few common clothes that are indispensable.These include a dress-it-up-or-down simple dress, which is comfortable and versatile, and can be worn under a jacket, or cardigan or wrap for evening. A pair of neutral pants – e.g. black, navy or taupe, and some casual dressy jeans.
  
  General rule for tops and blouses is to take 2 for every bottom (skirt, trouser, or shorts), then add a jacket, cardigan; shawl to keep you warm on cooler evening, or in overly air-conditioning on the plane and restaurants.
  
  Shoes always present a problem as they can be heavy and take up lots of space. 1 x high heels, sandals and flats should work with the majority of your outfits, good walking shoes are essential if you intend to be walking or hiking longer distances. I have a pair of ‘Merrells’ which have been the most fantastic lightweight walkers which not only look good but they are like air to walk in, do not get hot, and have never had aching feet after walking all day.
  
  Garments to pack for your summer holiday:
  
  A dress in a single colour for those going on a holiday where you will need something to dress up in the evening for restaurants or shows.  E.g. cruises or overseas trips.
  
  A pair of black or taupe trousers (depending on your colour palette). Team with different coloured tops, and colourful accessories to make different looks.
  
  A lightweight sundress: it can rebalance body in an instant. A knee length A-line or straight skirt (depending on your figure type).  This is the most flattering length for most people, it shows of tanned legs.  If you do not like your knees then make it just below your knee where your legs gently indents. Makes the calf-muscle look really good.  Team with flats or a small heel or wedge sandal.
  
  Six tops: a minimum of 2 for every bottom, whether that’s trouser, skirt, or shorts. Included a couple of extra t shirts of your choice to make sure you have all bases covered.
  
  Swimsuits and a cover-up. Sunhat to protect your head from the heat and your skin form the damaging rays of the sun. Your cover-up can be the versatile sarong, or a caftan, or a soft cotton long shirt style.
  
  A cropped jacket or lightweight cardigan. Essential for traveling so that you can dress outfits up and down, and extra warmth when needed. Casual trouser and/or jeans.Casual trousers can be 3/4 or 7/8 or long in a comfortable fabric and which are compatible with your tops etc.Jean colours can be from white, blue to charcoal: neutrals are always good for standbys when not sure what to wear.
  
  Three pair of shoes. Wear one on the plane, which are probably your heaviest. High heels that can change your dress from daywear to evening in a instant. Strappy sandals and flats or walkers.
  
  Aim for fabrics that do not crush easy. Minimize creasing by turning dresses, skirts, jackets and shirts inside out. Put dry cleaning plastic between garments that will creases easily and this will eliminate most and hang immediately on arrival at your destination.
  
  Roll socks, underwear and store in shoes and corners of your suitcase.
  
  Pack shoes in bags to prevent dirt and heels from rubbing on your clothes. I keep cloth clothing bags that I have been given when purchasing at a shop and use these for shoes. Pack your heavies items at the bottom of your suitcase like shoes and toiletries, and progressing to lightest last. Check toiletries that caps are on tight and put anything that you are suspect about in plastic bags e.g. hairspray.  I have had a disaster with hairspray and had to wash out everything which was a sticky mess. Sunscreen, insect repellent and moisturizer.
  
  I always take my 4 aromatherapy essential oils – it is like my doctors kit, and often have been asked to share it with friends while away – peppermint, lavender, eucalyptus, and tea tree. If you want to give these ago buy a simple book on aromatherapy to show you the benefits of using these wonderful 100% oils. There are so many uses e.g. jetlag, tired aching feet, insomnia, relaxing muscles, insect bites, insect repellent, and sunburn – as they have anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory uses.
  
  Have Fun on your holiday and enjoy your time out with family and friends. Take some time out to do something special for yourself and I look forward to seeing you next year. I would like to thank everyone who has made a commitment to themselves by attending a workshop or consultation.  I truly believe when you carry out the principles learned that it changes your life. I have enjoyed my time with you and look forward to seeing you again next year.