James Steward: Women's City Fashion

Issue 53:

Could Green be the new Black?

According to a Consumerism Report last year, ethical fashion is worth £175 million....that sounds like a huge amount of money, but its a pitiful amount compared to the total, when the British Fashion Council reports that our fashion industry is worth £21 billion!

Thinking of fashion as a sustainable and ethical practice might seem a little absurd when we could argue that the cycle of fashion generally instructs us to dump last season’s clothing to buy the new must-have items, but ethical fashion is slowly making its mark on the industry, and it looks like it has a promising future! Even the High Street is beginning to flirt with sustainable fashion; from Topshop adopting a limited edition range of 'upcycled' products, H&M introducing an organic collection, and Monsoon, in particular, flying the flag to improve working conditions worldwide, and sponsor to "estethica" - the sustainable initiative of London Fashion Week. By opening the doors of a high-end, edgy fashion fair such as London Fashion Week to sustainable designers, it's clearly given the cause unprecedented exposure!

So how green are you when it comes to fashion?

You don't necessarily have to know the lifecycle of your favourite piece of clothing, but if you think that its harming a family in India by you supporting the shop you bought it from....then don't buy from them! Vintage clothing is most probably the easiest way to become part of the eco revolution, giving old clothes a new lease of life....and nowhere else can boast the amount of diverse vintage boutiques that we can in Leeds! When thinking of the best cities for vintage shopping, London or Manchester spring to mind. But the Sunday supplements have touted the North East as a gold mine for vintage.... and if you value your independent style you'll check out the three floors at Birds Yard on Kirkgate in Leeds, home to independant designers, hand crafted pieces and handpicked vintage couture.

My own couture collection a few years ago, was made entirely from organic materials, Hessian and unbleached cotton....to this day, I still get requests for some of those pieces as private orders and wedding dresses...It's great to know that people out there can see beauty in a gown made from potato sacks!

Thanks James

Issue 52:

True Colours

Finally, the grey, cold, wintery days look like they're leaving us, and we can hopefully look forward to some sunny days,( although, probably not warm!)

So which colours are going to inspire and brighten up our lives? Which are going to calm us and make us feel lyrical? And which ones will provoke no emotions at all but are still interesting in their own unique way? Prepare yourself for the colours of Spring/ Summer 2011.

Orange appears to be the most exciting color trend of Spring/ Summer 2011. It's vibrant and energetic and most designers have used orange in their collections. From delicate tangerines, to neon and deep terracotta - this season, fashion is warming up. Now you don't have to wait for the summer holidays to don this zesty shade, whatever the weather, orange will bring your outfit to life. It oozes confidence and fun, be it a small accessory or totally head-to-toe. There's no other shade that could outperform the visual effect of orange for the summer and if you're brave enough go for the head-to-toe colour-block dresses look to Versace or Prada, for inspiration, having used the hottest tints of orange in their collections, while Jil Sander ( being one of the most iconic collections of the season) combined bold stripes and colour blocking... this is the pinnacle of in-your-face orange style! One of the great secrets to rock out the trend is to pair the right shade to your complexion tone. Those who were blessed with olive or dark skin would have more success sporting the darker and more profound shades, creating a great visual effect. On the other hand, pale and fair skin should appeal to the power of muted and more lighter orange hues to balance out the contrasts. Proceed gradually, and you can rock the transition from Neutral to neon. Max Azria and Alberta Ferretti opted for softer hues and combined them with neutral colours like black and beige to make outfits more versatile.

Besides the power of the Orange, other colours that are screaming summer and will liven up any wardrobe over the coming months are white, lemon andshades of pink and purple... from Deep purple to neon pink, and although they're not the hottest of the season, we can't ignore them....Just as we can't ignore Grey and stone. While grey and stone tints may be considered dull and boring they look incredibly good in combinations with other tones. Floral prints, undoubtedly, have become a new hot trend. Alberta Ferretti used huge flower patterns to decorate her dresses, Dolce & Gabbana reminded us of "The little House on the Prairie" with their take on the all over printed Maxi and Marc Jacobs used the motif to create belts and headwear....Remember the thing about florals though, is that you don't want to overdo it..... one floral piece is enough, you don't need to match everything.It's all about balance and harmony!

Thanks James

If you have any fashion questions don't hesitate to contact me

jamesstewardcouture@googlemail.com

www.jamessteward.co.uk
Tel: 07979 961906

Issue 51:

Dreaming of the Wedding Dress?

Every bride dreams of the perfect wedding dress and your dress should be something you are totally happy with. After all, the wedding dress is the centrepiece of the ceremony, it's going to be the focus of many memorable photographs taken on the day and you have to make sure you're comfortable wearing it; if you're not, it will show!

Some prefer a more up to date and modern style, while others prefer the more traditional approach. Whatever your own tastes, it is worth keeping in mind current trends when shopping for your dress. The vintage style has always been a popular choice and remains a firm favourite in 2011, those who like extra frills will be pleased to be getting married in 2011 as embellishments are back and those of you who have been watching that popular programme about gypsies might be pleased to know that flashing lights, moveable parts and five times your own bodyweight in white netting aren't a popular theme for this or hopefully any year to come!

You can of course, always design your own.....

Brides today have more choices than ever before when they are picking a wedding dress. Many of the old rules have been tossed out. For example, dresses aren't always white, they're not always big and poofy, and they don't have to include trains that go on for miles. A bride can feel free to choose a wedding dress that fits her body type and personality. Dress silhouettes break down into four basic shapes:

• A-line, which is narrower at the top, flaring gently toward the bottom, works well on most figure types, and is good for disguising bottom-heavy figures.
• A sheath dress features a figure-hugging silhouette with a defined waist, and flatters well-toned bodies.
• The mermaid dress is close fitting through the bodice, down through the hips and to about mid or lower calf where the skirt flares out; it is not an easy style to wear or to move in.
• Finally, a ballgown is fitted at the bodice; with a very full skirt, which can hide many figure flaws.
Visit a bridal shop and try on different styles of gowns. This will help you determine what looks best on you and will give you a feel for the latest trends. Maybe you like the bodice of one gown, the fabric of another and the skirt on a third dress. The beauty of designing your own dress means you can pick and choose exactly the elements you want to include in your perfect gown, and come to a designer like myself to guide you through the possibilities and fabrics that would best suit your ideas.

Most importantly, don't go overboard. This should be a once in a lifetime day so keep it tasteful.....forget the pumpkin-shaped, maxi-pouffe of glittering nylon gauze! A fire extinguisher is no substitute for a nice bouquet

If you have any fashion questions don't hesitate to contact me jamesstewardcouture@googlemail.com

Thanks James - www.jamessteward.co.uk Tel: 07979 961906

Issue 50:

New Years Resolutions

How about making some that you'll enjoy doing? Make some Fashion resolutions! I'm not talking about promising to treat yourself to a new Mulberry handbag or maxing the credit card at Chanel, but just make a few changes to your wardrobe....

Many women tend to lean towards one particular style when it comes to fashion, they know what suits them and they stick to it. Fair enough, there will be the occassional variation, but they typically derive from the same style point. When you open your wardrobe, besides the fact that the contents are stylish and fabulous, if its mostly neutral shades and an enormous amount of black, then why not make a change by introducing some colours? It might be difficult to think of yourself in bright colours or multi coloured prints if it hasn't been part of your personal style in the past, but why not ease yourself into it with toned down shades that can be worn all year round....Mustard, Aubergine, Royal blue and Olive, or other colours worth a shot; Red, Coral or Pewter. All these colours are perfect to mix with items that you already own, working perfectly with black, cream and jeans...but if you feel out of your comfort zone, throw on a blazer to subdue the colour a bit!

Stripes have always been a staple trend for the last decade. Like a classic pair of jeans, the black/white, blue/white or red/white striped combinations will always be safe from spring to winter, and are the perfect piece to integrate with your current wardrobe. Mixing stripes with solids creates an infinite number of outfit combinations, but remember which way the stripes need to go to make the most of your assets!

Another area to tackle is to simply clean out all the clothes that you've had for years! All those comfortable clothes that have been in your life so long, they no longer fit but there was a time when you loved them? Chuck them out!
Asses the pieces that no longer represent the person that you are today and get rid of them!

"If in doubt, chuck it out!" ( Or at least donate it)

With all these new ideas and an updated closet, the new year should be full of fashion, fun, and jealous stares.
Have fun!

If you have any fashion questions don't hesitate to contact me jamesstewardcouture@googlemail.com

Thanks James

www.jamessteward.co.uk
Tel: 07979 961906

Issue 49:

City Dwellers Fashion writer James Stewart chosen to represent Leeds in Vancouver

Leeds Designers lead the way at Vancouver Fashion Week 2010

For the first time in its 10-year history, Vancouver welcomed British designers to the catwalk during its highly celebrated annual Fashion Week.

Marketing Leeds supported Leeds based, award-winning designers James Steward and Lisa Jayne Dann to become the first ever UK designers to showcase their collections at Vancouver Fashion Week.

James has lived in Farsley his whole  life, other than a stint in Milan working for one of Italy’s oldest and most respected fashion houses, www.gattinoni.com/” Gattinoni Couture. Lisa grew up in Boston, but has lived in Leeds for many years.

Both designers have achieved great success already. James has dressed Victoria Beckham and Kylie Minogue, and Lisa was the biggest selling independent designer on online fashion powerhouse, www.asos.com in the three months before Christmas last year.

Over 500 guests including regional and international media, stakeholders and international buyers gathered at the Empire Landmark Hotel in Vancouver to watch two of the most eagerly anticipated shows of the week. Lisa Jayne Dann’s collection hit the catwalk to a rapturous reception, as her natural and earthy animal prints in luxurious fabrics took centre stage. Inspired by ancient mythology and described as an ‘eccentric collection’, James Steward’s designs led to thunderous applause, with members of the Asian media flocking to the post-show interview room.

A couture hat by Leeds-based milliner, Beth Hirst of Beth Hirst Couture Hats was also commissioned by Marketing Leeds, and proved a huge success following its debut in James’ collection.

Leeds in Vancouver has proved to be an overwhelming success, with both designers making invaluable contacts in retail and manufacturing, as well as receiving extensive press coverage.

James Steward said:
“The attention we have received has been unbelievable, and both Lisa and I have been blown away with the amount of support we have received from Marketing Leeds, regional and international media, buyers, and the city of Vancouver as a whole. Everyone we have spoken to has been incredibly friendly, and we would like to thank everyone involved for this unmissable opportunity”

The designers’ collections can be viewed at www.jamessteward.co.uk
and www.lisajaynedann.co.uk

Issue 48:

You don't have to be a trained stylist in order to look fantastic at your Christmas Party and not that there's anything wrong with being festive, but trust me -- the blinking Rudolph sweater is best left in the closet.

We’ve all heard the cliché, drunken declarations of love, slagging off the boss when they’re right behind you and the inevitable office snog that is talked about for years to come. We know the Office Christmas Party is the chance for you to let your hair down, but you don't need to let your hem line up! It might be out of work hours, but it still needs to be kept formal.

Here are a few helpful tips to make an impression, for the right reasons....

The key is to make a big splash, but not big enough that you are the only center of attention. Remember its a works night out, and probably not the place to show off all your tattoos, piercings, and too much flesh! The ideal outfit is one that allows you to make a big entrance and then fade into the background. It may sound contradictory, but you don’t want anyone to know exactly when you left (and who you left with)! Your office party isn't a fashion show, so you won't need to spend a fortune on a dress from your favourite designer, or the latest styles hot off the catwalk. Whether you spend £5,000 at Versace or £50 at Top Shop, it’s about looking stylish and feeling confident in what you wear.

How about getting the best of both worlds?.....

The new Lanvin for H&M range is one of the industry's biggest stories of the year and, judging by their previous collaborations and Lanvins Status in the industry, it's going to be a sell out! Highlights include the line's perfect tuxedo jacket, a tiered baller in a dress and shoes adorned in ribbons. With asymmetric necklines, oversized ruffles and feminine silhouettes, the collection carries all of Lanvin's signature trademarks with a pleasing H&M price tag.

Ask colleagues what they're going to be wearing.....you might have found a great dress at a great price, but someone else might have had the same idea! That would be enough to ruin your night.

What you wear defines you in the eyes of those around you; bear that in mind when you dress and you should do fine. And most important....behave yourself whilst looking fabulous.....you want a
pay rise in the New Year, not your P45!

Have a good one!

Issue 47:

On a Great British theme, how could I possibly pass up the opportunity to herald our creative industry?

Our colleges have produced some of the biggest names in the industry, from Christopher Kane and the late Alexander McQueen, to Stella McCartney and Yorkshire’s very own Christopher Bailey at the helm of Burberry. In little more than 25 years, we have established our own fashion council and the world has taken notice. Even the international houses have taken on our talent as their creative directors, such as John Galliano at Dior, Matthew Williamson at Pucci and Giles Deacon at Ungaro.

As a result, London’s position as a major player in the international fashion arena ranks alongside New York, Milan and Paris as one of the 'Big Four’.

The UK is a creative and cultural melting pot for international designers to develop their creative identity. London Fashion Week is renowned for showing an edgier, more creative breed of fashion designer and for celebrating "cutting-edge couture that pushes the boundaries of convention."

In my opinion, nobody could possibly fit the above quotation more than the late Alexander McQueen, an absolute genius and a serious loss to our industry.

McQueen’s clothing was accused of promoting fetish and misogyny, but however dark his design, it still achieved a femininity that has seduced everyone from Bjork to the Duchess of Westminster.

From his humble beginnings as the son of an East London taxi driver, he was one of the successful candidates of Central St Martins and was propelled into the fashion limelight by his unconventional designs and his cutting edge techniques. He went on to become head of Givenchy, four time winner of British Designer of the Year and International Designer of the Year in 2003.

Every season his shows were so eagerly anticipated, bringing drama and extravagance to the catwalk through technology and sheer innovation. A designer from the dark side, many people never realised that much of McQueen's work was quite simply, heart-stoppingly, gorgeous with exquisite tailoring and beautifully sculpted dresses.

Long live McQueen.

For further tips or advice e-mail: www.jamessteward.co.uk or Tel: 07979 961906

James Steward: Women's City Fashion

Issue 46:

As the summer months are still with us in the UK, floaty fabrics, summer tops and dresses continue to be extremely popular, and when you can grab them all at a bargain price in the summer sales, why not take them through to autumn without feeling the chill?

Take advantage of the sales and take this look right through into the cooler evenings and first days of autumn by adding a cardigan to make your summer wardrobe last that little bit longer. Once you pack away your summer clothes and start to wear warmer chunkier clothes to keep warm, the feminine touch seems to vanish for most women.

You can still achieve a trendy, elegant look by layering, rather than some crazy bag lady look!

Having floaty fabrics in more delicate shades allows you to add a contrasting cardigan without adding bulk to your frame. If you are not the really feminine type you could opt for a denim or leather jacket instead to suit your own style.

Before covering your legs with jeans and trousers give a little thought to how you can utilise your clothes more effectively. Floral or soft fabrics look equally as stunning with knee length boots as they do with sandals.

Adding accessories is also another great way to transform summer clothes into great autumn outfits, chunky wood bangles are very trendy this year and are also a good way for women with large upper arms to give the illusion of them being slimmer as these will naturally draw the eye downwards and away from the problem area. Alternatively, wear a shrug to hide upper arms.

Maxi dresses have been huge this summer, so why waste them now? Carry them through to autumn. These will not only look great with sandals but equally as striking worn with boots and a cardigan.

When choosing a cardigan for style and warmth, an ideal way to smuggle summer outfits into the cooler months is to keep them unfastened and held in place with belts as seen on the new seasons catwalks.

Avoid the fashion trap of only wearing jeans and jogging bottoms in autumn, with a little thought and minimal effort, it's so easy to achieve a relaxed and informal look which still oozes chic and well thought out style!

For further tips or advice e-mail: www.jamessteward.co.uk or Tel: 07979 961906

Issue 45:

There’s no doubt that T-shirts are taking their turn in the fashion spotlight. In these recessional times we’re returning to stealth wealth and there are few fashion items more stealthy than the ever present T-shirt. Tees are a dream to build an outfit around: flattering, super-comfortable and not trend-driven items that will date. The latest designer influences stem from the fact we all want to inject an element of luxury into our everyday lives without showing off... but how far would you go?

One of the stellar pieces of Balmain’s spring/summer 2010 collection was a khaki-studded T-shirt. The 100 per cent cotton tee sold out so quickly that it barely had time to hit shop floors. The price? A cool £934! Daylight Robbery! While this sounds like just another example of “Balmainia”, the fashion house isn’t the only label to have transformed the humble T-shirt into a luxury item. Alexander Wang has a striped design for £388, Céline, a leather version for £1,763; and Pucci, an eagle-print number for £368 – and they are all flying off the rails. Insaniti-tee? Many of these cotton or jersey T-shirts seem similar to cheaper versions, but shoppers are hooked! It’s a long way from Fruit of the Loom!

Maths aside, those who balk at paying the price of a laptop for a T-shirt can find unique tees at more palatable prices. Wallis’s leather T-shirt costs £75, and Reiss has long done quality T-shirts for around £50 (slightly more if they feature adornments, such as a current style with shoulder details).

Balmain’s studded version is on a different plane, and for those who opt for the higher end of the price spectrum, they apparently offer a piece of fashion history?

www.jamessteward.co.uk email: james@city-dweller.co.uk

Issue 44

It would appear that we are edging ever closer to race season and the past few weekends have already seen the Grand National and the annual ladies’ day at Cheltenham and Aintree. Each occasion always promises to be eventful in the fashion stakes - if only you could have a flutter on the worst dressed...

Whilst everybody loves to marvel at the many “ensembles” chosen by the women in attendance it is often events such as a day at the races which cause women problems in the fashion department. However, it is much easier than you may think to create a sophisticated races look...it may be your only guaranteed winner that day!

Most important is to remember that the races are formal occasions and, although it may be York or Wetherby rather than Royal Ascot, only occasion dresses are appropriate. Many racecourses have a strict dress code which they tend to impose, so it would probably be worthwhile checking to see what the dress code is to ensure that you are dressed appropriately.

Whether you choose to go for an on-trend monochrome combination, a striking maxi or a colour block dress, select one dramatic piece and play down the other elements - it’s not a circus!

Although many women wear hats to the races, it’s not compulsory. A fascinator looks just as nice (in many instances, more-so) or even a simple hair band will do. If you go for a bright dress or a loud print, keep the hat simple. Making too many statements in your outfit is how to be noticed for all the wrong reasons. Team your outfit with a neutral cropped jacket and nude or brown heels; wedges are a good idea if you don’t want to sink into the grass.

Remember, decorum is everything. That means no bra straps on show, no ugly tan lines, and nothing too low-cut or too short. Racing gives you the perfect opportunity to put together an ensemble that will ensure you have an outright winner.

Issue 43

Stylish yet still sexy

As women grow older they can still follow fashion trends and show off their bodies to their best advantage, look at Michelle Pfeiffer, Goldie Hawn or Meryl Streep. Clinging to youth is not a good look unless a woman is genetically gifted. Learning how to show some skin in a stylish, more elegant way helps to minimize any mutton-dressed-as-lamb moments. When a woman waves goodbye to her 40s, the question is how low or high should she go, and how much skin should be on show?

One fail-safe rule of fashion is not to reveal too much flesh. Stylish yet still sexy, showing some shoulder is a way to keep on trend. Asymmetric dresses have ruled the runways for four seasons now and 2010 is no exception. Whether aged 50 or 70, any woman can look elegant in a stylish one-shouldered dress, particularly one with draping. (A well-fitting strapless bra and a more demure hemline is essential though!) A woman can avoid looking like she’s trying too hard to be young by making sure her figure appears in proportion. When wearing an outfit with a revealing neckline, it’s advisable to balance out the rest of the body’s silhouette - do this by covering up on the bottom-half with a longer hemline or vice-versa, with a shorter hemline make sure your top-half is not too revealing.

When it comes to hemlines remember, skirts or dresses which finish half way down the calf can be unflattering and ageing, as the hemline finishes at the fattest part of the lower leg.

If there is one part of the body that a woman can draw attention to with confidence, it’s her “décolletage”. Go for elegant necklines which show off some cleavage, such as a scoop or square neckline ... bigger busts should go for a v-neck to avoid the ‘uniboob’ look. For women who don’t feel comfortable revealing their cleavage, try a draped low-back as an alternative.

And finally ... when it comes to bingo wings ... cover them up!
Three-quarter length sleeves cover a multitude of sins and make arms look slimmer, or sleeves in sheer fabrics like chiffon will give the effect of baring flesh without being unsightly.

So with this in mind, enjoy any family weddings this summer, without the fear of looking back at the photographs in discomfort ... they will be passed down through generations!

www.jamessteward.co.uk For any fashion questions or queries contact: email: james@city-dweller.co.uk

Issue 42:

So, Christmas has been and gone once again, and now we’re in the beginning of not just another year, but another decade...so happy new decade!

If, like me, the thought of hitting the sales on Boxing day, before the turkey and stuffing had been given the chance to digest, put the fear of God into you... fear not! Why is it that a sequin mini dress after the New Year becomes so unattractive?

Let’s face it, what you’re really missing out on is buying up the rubbish that is already “sooo last season”, that nobody else wanted when it was on trend! You’ll be glad you held on to your money!

So you may have missed out on a designer label at a knockdown price, but Topshop will be your saviour with its new London Fashion Week designer collaborations this season.

Last year, the Christopher Kane collection was an instant sell out. This year, if you can hold onto your stash of Christmas cash for a little bit longer, you can have the pick of Ann-Sofie Back or Jonathan Saunders by the end of January, or Ashish’s Rhianna-inspired collection in early February.

• Look out for the slashed jumper dresses from Ann-Sofie Back and the panelled denim pieces from Jonathan Saunders, but you might want to start queuing for the Ashish leather jacket with studded shoulders...this will be the one on Ebay for three times the price!

Issue 41:

City Fashion

Every couple of months the fashion world assess the collections and dissects the trends of the season. Sometimes the hottest trends on the catwalk can be a disaster in real life!

Here’s a few pointers for Winter to stop you making a fashion Faux pas...

Less is more!

The looks you see on the catwalk are not always meant to be thrown on by the average woman and worn to work or the supermarket. Collections that seem outrageous are often meant to be! It’s how the designer gets his point across without room for confusion. When trying out these trends, less is more, fashion crimes are committed when an entire outfit is made of pieces all screaming the same trend. 

Unless your circle of friends are the young fashion elite, it’s generally best to use the looks on the runway for inspiration, not blatant imitation. Lets face it, who really wants to look like Lady Gaga?

Play it Safe... & Stylish

For example: Rather than wearing an entire ‘80s ensemble (a common trend for winter) and look like you’re going to a bad taste party, mix and match the ‘80s pieces with modern ones. Pair an oversized blazer with modern skinny jeans. Or if the designer’s vision is motorbike chic, rather than covering yourself in black leather and studs, pick up a simple biker jacket and wear it over something a bit softer.

With a little creativity and self-restraint, even the most challenging trends can transition from the catwalk into your wardrobe. Keep these tips in mind to avoid a fashion disaster.

Issue 40:

The Rise of the Rock chick

It’s time to pack away the summer dresses and sandals as autumn is upon us. Along with the crisp weather comes the edgy Fall/Winter 2009-2010 trends. Last time, I mentioned the rise of the rock chick...well check out my next fashion forecast!

Our wartime female ancestors would never have imagined this day; where laddered stockings are not only acceptable, but fashionable! The ripped stocking trend is a close cousin of the ripped denim trend, a step towards a new era of neo-Grunge.The most defining trend of the 1990s was undoubtedly grunge. And since the 80s revival has reached its peak and is on the steady decline, it’s the 90s that are next in turn - grunge naturally included.

The first time I noticed it was on Alexander Wang’s A/W 2008 runway, in which beanies, boots and ripped tights made up a look that was rock chic meets neo-grunge. Since then, it’s taken quickly to the streets - featuring in many a street-style blog across the web.

How to wear it?
With conviction! Wearing a crisp, corporate skirt-suit and a pair of stockings with a little ladder or two just looks like an unfortunate run-in with a sharp fingernail. On the other hand, shredded tights with studded boots and a black mini screams fashion-forwards neo-grunge chic.

Issue 39:

Stay Hot this Winter

For so long, the perfectly manicured, coiffed and designer-dressed ‘pop princesses’ have preened, pouted and posed for the paparazzi as icons of ‘doll-like’ perfection. Girls Aloud, The Saturdays and The Sugababes are just too good to be true. But now the average girl on the street has a whole army of rebellious role models to be inspired by, led by none other than the ‘secret’ rock star, Kate Moss, whose love of skinny jeans, studded belts and bedroom hair, has caused a revolution in both the fashion world and the music world, and the rock chick is fast approaching a high street near you!

The key piece for autumn / winter 2009 is the bold shouldered jacket. Hip French fashion house Balmain wowed fashionistas again, with punky jackets with stiff, peaked shoulders thrown over drapey harem pants or skinny jeans and single handedly triggered the hottest trend of the year!

As much as we look back at the 80’s fashion and ridicule the shoulder pads of the Dynasty era, it’s time to re-evaluate! Come September, strong shoulders will be abound on the high street, having dominated the autumn / winter 2009 runways. Though unlike Dynasty, the key with this trend is to keep the waist defined.

Ensure your striking jacket remains the centrepiece by keeping the rest of your outfit simple and your colour palette neutral.

www.jamessteward.co.uk
For any fashion questions or queries contact:
email: james@city-dweller.co.uk

Issue 38:

The right style on the big day!

With this season’s diverse women’s fashions, deciding on a wedding outfit is relatively easy. However, as a guest, what to wear at a wedding is always a dilemma, and I’m sure all City Dweller readers will have at least one wedding this year to go to.

Take some inspiration from the fashion trends of the season with bright berry colours or chic black and white two-tone prints. Gone are the days when black (or white) was inappropriate for a wedding, the only unbreakable rule when it comes to fashion is, don’t upstage the bride!

For some general guidelines, remember to go for non-slutty and unaggressive styles. Perhaps check with the bride first to see how she feels about certain colours, or if she has a certain colour theme for the wedding. Most women want to invest in an outfit that will serve them again, so consider the longevity of a monochrome print dress, currently favoured by so many designers.

Alternatively, there’s a trend for all things bright and bold this summer, combined with a hippy influence, so if length is your thing, the good news is that floor-skimming styles are in. Chic and stylish, a black and white print will serve you well by adding some bright colour co-ordinating accessories.

Remember, print dresses will minimise the need for accessories, whilst single-colour blocks cry out for them. Try fuchsia, red, purple or green. All will give you that extra style kick.

With bold accessories, no-one’s going grey and understated once the warmer weather hits!

www.jamessteward.co.uk
For any fashion questions or queries contact:
email: james@city-dweller.co.uk

If there is one key item to add to your wardrobe this season it is the full-length dress. Versatile and trendy, find one to suit your shape.

Whether willowy or wide, skinny or short; no matter what your frame, with careful selection of styles and fashion accessories, every woman can feel feminine and glamorous in a versatile maxi dress.

Here’s some DO’s and DON’Ts to get you started:

DO buy a style with the right length for your height. Overly long hemlines can take inches off your height so make sure you get the right length to flatter your figure.

DO choose heels which will give you enough height to make you look feminine and glamorous not lumpy and large. Patent platforms and wedge heels are great for this season.

DO team with this season’s oversized bags, large shades and a headscarf for a real celebrity look.

DO consider an empire line if you are conscious about your stomach. The focus is on the breasts with the fabric falling from just beneath them. The flowing skirt acts as a tent without hiding your entire figure.

DON’T over accessorise a flowing maxi with a belt as it will ruin the line of the dress

DON’T wear small floral patterns if you are curvy. Opt for block-colours or larger prints.

DON’T choose a light colour if you want to hide your lumps and bumps. Darker colours disguise flab and are more sophisticated for the forty-somethings.

DON’T team your maxi with cowboy boots, thats just wrong!.

DON’T layer your clothes. A simple shrug or cropped cardigan will do the trick. Alternatively choose a short fitted jacket.

DON’T be afraid of volume but choose the cut wisely. An empire line with a flowing skirt flatters the narrowest part of the body and doesn’t swamp your frame.

DON’T be afraid to wear it casually - walking the dog or a shopping expedition. The maxi is no longer just for ‘dressing up’ in the evenings..

www.jamessteward.co.uk
For any fashion questions or queries contact:
email: james@city-dweller.co.uk