Shapewear as a Solution for a Big Event

Every woman wants to look great for a big event. This could be a party, a date, a job interview or even an important meeting. No matter how nice your outfit is, if you’re not comfortable with the way your figure looks you won’t be able to relax and enjoy yourself. The solution is shapewear: underwear that helps create the perfect figure and help you feel confident.

Many companies now make shapewear, including Spanx and M&S among others. Shapewear can include anything from control pants to bodysuits which take care of your bottom, thighs, hips, stomach and waist, providing all over support. The body areas you are most conscious of will help you decide which kind of shapewear to buy. In addition, the type of outfit you are wearing will dictate the best kind of shapewear. If you’re going on a date and want to wear your little black dress, consider a pair of high waisted control pants which will hold your bottom and stomach in. If you have a job interview or want to look great in a trouser suit or pencil skirt at work, consider mid-thigh length shapewear; it helps you look more toned without anybody being able to tell you’re wearing it but the confidence boost can make a real difference.

Once you try shapewear for the first time you’ll probably want to wear it every time you have a big event to attend, and many women say the confidence boost it provides is priceless.

History and Facts About The Gladiator Sandals Trend

Fashion draws inspiration from different times and ages. Whether this is a cultural tribal influence, for instance the Aztec ‘look’ has come about every now and then. Or we go back to modern looks such as the 60’s bohemian/hippy style attire. Of course this is always modernised and updated to fit in the current lifestyle and trends. One style (for footwear at least) that doesn’t show signs of ceasing is the Gladiator Sandals trend.

What is the history of the Gladiator Sandal?

They were favoured by Ancient Greeks and Romans, the style which consists of plenty of straps, were made to let air circulate between the gaps and prevent the feet from excessive sweating and dehydration. Sounds good to us on a hot summer’s day. The actual ‘Gladiators’ would usually fight bare foot and were used to fight to the death for wealthy folks amusement. No well off Roman citizen would be seen with bare feet, this would indicate poverty. Gladiator sandals were made in leather and the style worn by subordinate citizens, were plain and of a less quality material. Romans of a high status would have their sandals dyed red.

The Romans creation of the gladiator sandal is thought to be the very first rigid style shoe crafted. A stiff sole was attached to the foot by leather cords, straps, or braided thongs.

So why has this look been taken over by the modern day women. Well just like there practicalities for the ancient Roman, they have the same benefits for us. We wear sandals in this day and age to keep our feet cool and sweat free. We went through many years sticking to the thong strapped flip flop, with no proper support to our feet. Gladiator sandals tightly grip our feet, with support around our ankles and of course they look absolutely gorgeous.

Shine on London

Vintage clothes through the ages

Vintage clothes and fashion throughout the decades. From the 20’s to 80’s and how to perfect those looks yourself.

1920’s
The arrival of the ‘jazz age’ and prohibition, women’s skirts rose scandalously to the knees, the hair was cut short in a boyish bob, women shamelessly smoked and drank in public and defied the rigid social status that the early 1900′s brought.

1930’s
These were depression years. With the majority of people poor and without work, no one had much money to spend on leisurely things like clothes and shoes.
Women entered the workforce, tight skirts with a daring slit in the side or along the back seam. Jackets fit tightly with shoulder pads to accentuate the commanding force women needed to gain a steady hold in the work force full of men.

1940’s
Hats of every shape and size were fashionable. Shoulder pads were wide and pointy. Hot items were alligator accessories, platform shoes, and marten stoles. Styles were simple due to wartime restrictions. There are many pre and post war style vintage clothes shops and army surplus shops.

1950’s
In the 50’s came teenage rebellion. Girls’ dresses fluffed out with petticoats and crinolines worn under the skirt.
On these outlines, women wore a trim bodice and very full knee-length skirt.
The 50’s is a popular look, and vintage clothes fairs are a great place to start. Look for
James Dean motorcycle gang look vintage clothes for men.

1960’s
Both girls and boys wore tight Levis bell-bottoms that flared wide at the knee; and decorations like patches, drawings and fabrics were added as well.. The women wore loose fitting blouses of cotton, frequently patterned with intricate designs as well as flowery loose dresses. These were called ‘peasant blouses.’ Search online for 60’s Vintage clothes, there are many sites specialising in this look.

1970’s
The 1970′s was the disco era. Disco wasn’t just a type of music, but a way of life. The men still wore bell bottoms but the fabric of the decade was polyester, acrylic and lycra. Women’s dresses were ruffley and loose, usually stopping at the knee. Again search online for Vintage clothes shops. The 70’s is another popular look.

1980’s
80′s brought two very different styles in. Women’s business suits had broader shoulders, with the help of shoulder pads, the suits resembled those of the 30′s except with much brighter colors like yellows, blues and pinks.
The second vintage clothing fashion was exercise, it became a big deal in the 80′s and exercise clothes became bright and worn casually. Charity shops are great place to look for 80’s vintage clothes, the many vintage clothes shops are a great place as well.

We Love: Spring Tights!

Spring is finally here – officially at least – but it’ll be a while before it’s warm enough to reveal your legs. So how can you keep warm while still looking stylish? With a fabulous pair of tights, of course! The days are long gone when all you had was sheer tan tights; these days there’s such a vast range available, in every thickness, style and colour you can imagine, that you can dress those legs and stand out from the crowd.

Colour is a simple way to add pizzazz to a plain outfit. If you´re a little nervous of colour, don´t be. The shops are full of strong coloured hosiery this year. Purple, mustard yellow, red, emerald green, stripes, diamond patterns, prints – wear one of these with a black dress and you’ll need no other accessories, the tights will do all the talking. Alternative shops are great for finding bold tights in extraordinary colour combinations.

If you like to keep your look more subtle, and yet plain tights are too boring, then go for one of the many patterned pairs available in a more discreet shade. A pattern in a single colour can still look great. Try diamonds, flowers or coloured fishnets. I particularly loved lilac fishnets this year – classy but fun.

If you´re really daring, mix your colours and patterns. A striped dress worn with diamond patterned tights might not be elegant, but it certainly would be eye-catching. If you’re young enough or individual enough to pull off this look, and love being stared at, then go for it! Or try a striped top with matching (or contrasting) coloured tights, separated by a plain skirt.

So you see, keeping your legs warm doesn’t have to mean a choice between trousers or dull tights! Try some of these suggestions and stay warm while looking cool.