Fashion Schmashion

Cameron Diaz is the star of this season’s must-see movie, the Bad Teacher!  As well as the film getting lots of laughs it is also a great film to go and see if you want to steal the stylish leading ladies style!

Cameron Diaz reveals an array of stylish attire on set in the shape of some very sultry work wear.  This is work wear only to be worn by the very confident but who says we can’t dress up during the day!

It is certainly a great way to make your day a little more interesting.  It is also a great way to go straight from the office and on to the cocktail bar without the hassle of running back home to get changed!

Think killer heels, tight knee length skirts, glamorous locks and sheer pastel shirts!  If you wish to tone the look down a little swap the heels for cutesy patent flats.  Wear your hair in a low-slung pony tail and add a little cardigan to the mix.  As soon as the work bell or in Camerons’ case, the school bell rings, add statement jewels and get those heels out to play!

Cameron has a figure to die for and she could more than likely pull off absolutely anything she chooses to put on, If you want to look as good as the stylish star, clever tailoring is key!  A few hard core sessions at the local gym won’t go a miss either!

Grunge style clothing is currently having a huge resurgence in popularity. A staple style for music fans in the 80s and 90s, more and more high street stores are stocking grunge-style clothing on their rails. The grunge look is incredibly easy to pull off and requires very little effort, but there are some rules that should be followed to make sure your grungy look is authentic and stylish.

• Start by looking at pictures of some of the original grunge stars. This will help to inspire you own grungy look.

• When you’re putting together your grungy look, don’t spend too much time on your hair. Wear it messy, as if you have just woken up.

• For a true grunge look, avoid wearing bright or bold colours. To be completely authentic, wear a relaxed flannel shirt with a band T-shirt underneath.

• No grunge outfit would be complete without a pair of ripped jeans. There are plenty of pre-ripped jeans available on the high street but, if your budget can’t stretch to some new jeans, you can rip an old pair yourself. You can even add patches, sew fabric on them and colour them with fabric pens. Any stains on them will just add to the grungy look.

• The right shoes are the key to the grungy look. A pristine pair of trainers or stiletto heels just won’t do. Scour charity shops for old pairs of Dr. Martins, Converse high tops, skate shoes or any other boots.

• Layering is the major part of the grunge look but, in the height of summer, it can get a little warm. A couple of vests layered over each other teamed with a pair of ripped jeans or shorts is a great, summer-friendly way to embrace the grunge trend.

Within the past couple of years, skinny jeans have almost totally replaced those big, baggy pants that everyone was wearing somewhere in between their butts and their knees. Now the fashion world has done a total reversal and Jeggings are all the rage. Tight, form fitting stretch denim jeans, Jeggings are a blend of jeans and leggings – thus, Jeggings. Jessica Simpson, not known for her wit, but known for her sex appeal, has a line of tight fitting, ultra stylish Jeggings on the market that are certainly superior to her attempt at perfume.

Any of these body contouring pants can be worn with flats or heels with equal effect. Three styles that should be considered are the Chevron Zipped Pocket Jeggings, the Kiss Me Vivian Stretch Jeggings and her Kiss Me Virtual Stretch Jeggings. While the Chevron comes only in white, the Kiss Me Vivian is available in Black Enzyme and the Kiss Me Virtual comes in Enzyme Rinse.

Each style is 32 inches inseam length and a blend of cotton, polyester and spandex. They are made in Egypt and have been getting rave customer reviews. Moderately priced, if you are looking for a stylish pair of tight fitting stretch jeans, Jessica’s Jeggings are probably a good match.

Retailing at under $50 a pair, and available both in local retail stores as well as from online vendors, Jeggings by Jessica Simpson are easy to find. Add your own flare to the trend with oversized accessories and high heeled platform shoes and you will be the height of fashion.

While you ‘might’ want to be seen in your seductive Calvin Klein lingerie, chances are you are looking for more than sex appeal! Although this line of under garments a chic and fashionable, they are also manufactured to wear well, last longer and provide the comfort you need that is so lacking in most lingerie. There really is no need to sacrifice comfort for style and Calvin Klein is here to prove just that!

For instance, nothing is more comfy in casual wear than a T-shirt, but most bras are not made to be virtually undetected under those jersey knits. In the Calvin Klein collection there are two bras that bear mentioning and they are the Garnet Floral T-shirt bra and Perfectly Fit Tailored T-shirt bra, both of which retail for prices under $50. That might sound expensive for a bra, but when you factor in the comfort and support you need under those clingy blouses, you really do get what you pay for.

But what is a sexy bra without matching panties? To match the Garnet Floral bra there is an ultra sexy Garnet Floral thong that has a floral lace band around the hips and just the smallest bit of fabric covering that most intimate part of the anatomy. More reasonably priced is the matching panties for the Perfect Fit bra which are available in two styles, bikini and hipsters.

When it comes to lingerie, you really do get more than style when you purchase designer under garments. Although sexy, designer underwear is simply made from superior fabrics which will last for much longer periods of time. In fact, even though you initially pay more for any one of Calvin Klein’s under garments, you will probably still own them when they no longer fit, years down the road!

Who says only women like soft, warm and comfy clothing hugging their bodies on cold winter days? If this year’s trend in men’s outerwear has anything to say about it, then it appears that men also like the feel of soft microfiber keeping them warm during chill winter months. Microfiber jackets are trending at the moment and a number of top designers have at least a few variations available.

First on the list is the Nautica Bedford Microfiber lined lightweight jacket in double navy or twig with a zip front and welted pockets is both stylish and cozy warm. It is machine washable and available in sizes small through double extra large. Normally retailing at $98, many online vendors are offering a discount at the moment. If you find this jacket on sale, snatch it up.

Not to be outdone by Nautica, Perry Ellis also has a trendy zip front microfiber jacket retailing at $125 and available in Black or Safari. This jacket is also available in sizes small through double extra large but it has snaps on the sleeves and front and for extra warmth on colder days, the lining is quilted.

Last but not least in ‘honorable mentions’ is the London Fog microfiber golf jacket for that casual masculine appeal but with the soft comfort of microfiber. London Fog makes this jacket in Black, Cement, Olive or Navy and sizes run from small to double extra large. Perfect for the golf course on colder days, the lining is made from double hole mesh with a plaid undercollar and of course, the signature leather logo pull strap on the zipper. Whether walking the course or roaming the city streets, any of these microfiber jackets are the perfect blend of warmth, comfort and style.

With a name that we tend to equate with trendy men’s fashions, it is surprising to many of us when we find that this famous designer also carries a line of fashionable clothing for women and children as well. If you are ‘into’ Ralph Lauren as so many of us are, you can literally dress the entire family in all things Lauren. From newborn footies to extra large men’s attire, Ralph Lauren is there.

This year, there are a number of newborn styles that are truly charming. Of particular note is the three piece Delaney Floral Set that comes with the floral print coverall, a short sleeve white body suit and of course a darling pink knit jacket with the lining in floral. For the bigger little girl, the bright red Ciaran corduroy dress with a pintuck faux placket is as smart as can be in bright red.

However, Mom can also go red in her sexy sleek Adara stretch satin dress that is a perfect blend of sex appeal and sophistication. This ruched surplice V-neck pull on dress sports an empire waist and gently hugs her curves while adding shirring down the left side. There isn’t a classier, body contouring dress on the market this season so this style is really worth looking at, retailing at just $160 USD.

Guys, when it comes to Ralph Lauren, there is no need to mention his many styles of polo shirts and classic pants. The name is synonymous with trendy mens’ fashions so that anything Lauren is also ultra stylish. This is one designer that can quite literally clothe the entire family.

Although animal prints have always been around, they have never been more en vogue than for the winter fashions of 2010 – 2011. Every leading designer is featuring at least one line that includes leopard or tiger prints, and the trend has even reached footwear. Whether you are looking for casual wear or formal attire, there is sure to be a line of clothing that brings out the beast in you.

Velour is always a hit during the cold winter months, but the black and white velour Leopard Print Mockneck Jacket by Kim Rogers is a huge success this season. Retailing at $36 USD, this is one of the hottest sellers at trendy department stores like Belk. One of the most comfortable looking jackets for those cold winter days is a tie waist Leopard Faux fur by Jones New York that originally listed at $240 USD.

The style also carries through to shoes suitable for the office, especially as seen in Vince Camuto’s Leopard pumps in brown/fawn, retailing at $98 USD or JRenee Felton pumps in snakeskin print that are listed at $79 USD. However, if you want to compliment your leopard jacket and shoes, try a pair of Betsey Johnson leopard earrings which are available in cute dangle hearts with a bow, or the leopard and gold stud earrings.

If you look, you can find everything from infant footie pajamas to ladies’ and men’s formal wear in animal prints, leopard being the trendiest this season. From high end designers to low cost fashions, this is the season for being a beast.

Most of us think ‘boots’ when we hear the name UGG, however, the amazing styles in suede and leather that continue coming from down under include coats, jackets, hats, gloves, bags, and even bedroom slippers! This season there are some innovative styles that are taking the fashion world by storm.

Starting with their signature line of boots, this year the Cresthaven Boot is truly unique because the footbed is covered in suede, resembling a traditional UGG boot, but the shaft is fashioned from a sweater type knit that can be pulled up to knee length or worn scrunched down. The heel is rubber and cork at 2.5”.

Not to be outdone by their boots, the Marin vest in genuine lamb leather and fur is quite remarkable. This rugged, outback appeal is sure to keep you warm and comfy while also dressed in the height of style. Of course it’s a bit pricey, retailing at $595 USD, but the style says it all and it is worth every penny of that price tag.

Complete any outfit with a UGG hobo, cross body or shoulder bag and you’re good to go, except perhaps if you need a bit more warmth. Then you would want to consider their Bailey Aviator hat to match the Aviator hobo bag. You can’t match UGG for style and comfort, and although some fashions carry a higher price tag, the fashions for winter 2010 live up to the UGG Australia name for quality and cutting edge style.