How to wear Harem pants

I know harem and peg-leg pants are not everyone's “cup of tea", but I love Harem pants. They are billowy and luxurious (but most importantly, they are just so comfortable!). Depending on your figure, this may not exactly be the look you are after, as harem pants have a tendency to add weight to fuller figures (I should know). However, the right pair, worn with the right pieces, can actually be flattering for your figure and classy to wear, so for those who want to wear a harem or peg pant, keep trying them on until you find one that flatters your shape (if you haven't already). Having said that, be honest to yourself when looking in the mirror, you should feel confident in them...

There are a number of variations on the harem theme, and you needn’t spend too much on them, as these pants may not be around for many seasons (I don't really care, as I will be wearing them regardless, haha), but they are pieces that will instantly update your wardrobe without having to try too hard.

DO: Select the right fabric
Some fabrics will drape more elegantly than others; light drapey fabrics are the most flattering, e.g. silk or cotton jersey.

Do: Know how low you can go
Make sure the drop crotch folds are elegant and sit well, rather than in a sloppy manner. Harem pants that sag in the centre half way down your legs don’t flatter most people. Instead, choose a leaner style, especially if you are under 5' 3". A capri-length variation can be very flattering, as a certain portion of your leg is exposed, lengthening the look.

DO: Keep it simple
Although I like to keep jewellery to a minimum with harem pants, I like wearing sparkly jewelry, so keep them in the same tone. I also love ethnic, chunky pieces, but not too many at once (usually just one or two at a time). Keep tops, cardigans and jackets, such as tailored jackets or a fitted boyfriend blazer, simple, as the pants are already the feature; alternatively skip the jewellery and wear a more costume-like top as the accent.

DO: Tuck it in
To balance out the bagginess at the waist and the fullness at the legs, harem & peg pants are best worn with a fitted top, like a tank top, casual silk T-shirt (or brightly coloured tee) or fitted feminine blouse.

DO: Lighten up
If you feel the style is too masculine, go for soft pastels and blush tones, which are more feminine and will provide a much softer look.

DO: Jump it!

If you have trouble finding a look that works for you, then try a slouchy harem-style jumpsuit instead.

DO: Not forsake femininity

For a more classic take, pair tailored harems with a pussy-bow or frilly blouse.

DO: Belt it up.

It's a minimal addition that doesn't distract from the interesting part of the outfit - the silhouette. To add some glamour to this classic tailoring, add a wide statement belt, or even an obi-inspired corset.

DO: Modify the runway look.
Subtlety, femininity, sequins, leather - infuse them into this look, while keeping the shape simple and chic.

DO: Crop it

Wear cropped jackets and tops with harem pants, so that the pants are the obvious feature. Short tops show that your pants are deliberately billowing, look better and accentuate the style. Defining the waist is key to successful wearing of harem pants.

DO: Distract

You can draw the eye upward to the top half of your body with interesting detailing, graphic prints, vibrant colour, or a bold accessory.

DON'T: Be afraid to mix trends.
I have worn mine with a tuxedo jacket, or with a striped top for a French/Nautical 'take' on Harem pants.

DO: Pair it with high heels.
This will give you the added height needed and it also balances out your figure; gladiator sandals or strappy stilettos, the higher the better. Flat shoes will deaden the harem pants look unless you are very slim/tall (I often disregard this in exchange for ultimate comfort, whilst aware of how unflattering it is for me, and seriously hoping no one I know spots me, oh, the shame!).

DO: Indulge in the comfort of harem pants.

Once you find the right ones, you'll want to wear them all the time, I certainly do! They are my 'muu muu equivalent' of pants, and are my 'jeans' staple equivalent, seeing I no longer can fit into any of my jeans.

Sass & Bide Harem pants worn throughout

Outfit 1: Sass & Bide 'Hot cat on a tin roof' tee & Burberry washed navy leather jacket, Dries Van Noten buckle sandals
Outfit 2: Vanessa bruno wool jersey/satin blouse, Chloe silk belt & with amber buckle, Stella McCartney Patent Pumps
Outfit 3: Bora Aksu silk chiffon blouse, Gucci studded pumps
Outfit 4: Dries Van Noten silk blouse & cognac and leather sandals
Outfit 5: Sass & Bide 'A little Peace' Jagger sequinned 'Mickey Mouse giving a peace sign' tee, Costume National brushed velvet tux jacket, Gucci peep-toe slingbacks

In short, wear them with heels, the right accessories, and confidence...and have fun doing so!

Beautiful draping...Resort 2010

As a self-confessed drape fanatic, I was delighted by 'Queen of Drape' Donna Karan, and French-Moroccan (born & raised in Israel) Yigal Azrouël's Resort 2010 collections. Donna Karan's 'Manhattan Tango' collection had plenty of waisted dresses, full skirts, frills, bold patterns and colours, whilst still retaining some of her trademark draping & soft pastel hues that I absolutely adore. Whereas, Yigal Azrouël's relatively pared down collection showcased gorgeous liquid jersey columns and floaty chiffon tunics...Subdued, elegant & so beautiful...

Donna Karan Resort 2010

www.style.com

Yigal Azrouël Resort 2010

www.style.com

100th Post - Brigadeiro's Shopping Tips

A month or so ago, a lovely reader asked me for some shopping tips, a long email ensued. I recently came across this article by Mary Woodward for The Guardian on her shopping rules, much more articulate than what I had written to Sharon, and which I wholeheartedly agree with, except for Rule #6 (I like Rule #8, will try to learn that one). Here's a distilled version of her 'rules':

1: Don't take anyone with you. Especially not men and friends. They will have no stamina and won't concentrate properly.
B: Unless your friend is me, haha!

2: You do not have to buy anything. Sometimes the most worthwhile thing about fashion shopping is what it reveals to you about what you have at home. You can seriously underestimate the potential of your existing wardrobe. Going round the right shops will wake you up to this.
B: I concur! One shopping trip to Sydney, I came back empty handed, hubby was flabbergasted, but I actually felt good about it, window shopping is great!

3: There are two main types of clothes-buying. One, the everyday, picked-up-in-your-lunch-hour kind, tends to be local and should always be cheap. Never spend more than a tenner on this kind of shopping. As Karl Lagerfeld says, "go either very cheap or very expensive. It's the middle ground that is fashion nowhere."
B: I totally agree, Karl!

4: Know your city. Between shops, go to a park cafe for tea and a scone and watch the ducks. They will restore your sense of what really is beautiful. On the other hand, shopping in unfamiliar environs with severe restraints does not necessarily mean failure.
B: Hooray!

5: Always try things on but be prepared to break your own rules about what is right for you.
B: Totally!

6: Never buy anything to wear by post.

B: Sorry, had to veto this 'rule', as 90% of what I buy to wear is by post.

7: Your most enduring and lastingly flattering things may not come from promising sources.

8: Don't let anyone make you think that shopping is morally undesirable. It's fashion, for heaven's sake, not landmines or ebola. If you have earned your money and are not letting dependent children or animals go cold and hungry then spend it on clothes if you choose to. You are not a less worthy woman for buying good clothes occasionally.
B: Must remember this one...

9: Talk to shop staff. These people aren't mute slaves who know only about hangers.
B: Although I don't usually believe them when they say something looks good on me..

10: Finally, no copouts or compromises. If you do not, there and then in front of that mirror, love whatever it is as much as you loved your favourite things when you were little, then put it back on the hanger, thank the staff and leave. Remind yourself, "Style is saying no" (Diana Vreeland, I think). Short of a third world war, those shops will be there next time with even more beautiful things. It's life, not life and death. If it's not perfect for you at that moment, simply do without.

B: Love that: "Style is saying NO"!

In addition to the above, here are some of my shopping 'tips' (Sharon, I've added a few more from when I wrote to you). I'm not professing them to be groundbreaking, or 'pearls of wisdom', just a few things I have learned or some I am trying to learn:

1. Buy winter stuff in summer and vice-versa (as they are usually on sale then). I also look at online stores sales in the Northern Hemisphere for the same reason.

2. I avoid buying things full-priced, I would rather buy something very good very reduced, than something ordinary (I hope that makes sense). Also, I prefer saving up for one good piece than buy several less expensive pieces that don't mean as much to me. Because I have a shopping budget I have to adhere to, I have to think very carefully before making a purchase.

3. Conversely, do not buy clothes just because they are on sale. With all of the unused sale items you buy, you could buy an amazing piece that you wear all of the time. I usually ask myself: would I still want to buy this if it was not reduced?

More often than not, if I like something at full price, I try to patiently wait for it to be (hopefully) reduced, has worked both online, and in stores. Of course, there are exceptions, for those pieces you really love and can afford, and simply cannot risk selling out, they may not be there when you return.

4. When you find something that really flatters you (at a good price, preferably), buy it in a few colours (eg. the SABA knits I recently bought), that way you do not wear out that one favourite piece too quickly, and you never know when you will find something that flattering again.

5. Do not be afraid to try on one (or more) sizes bigger (or smaller) than your usual size when your size is unavailable or does not suit you. When I was a size AUS 8 (US 4) I bought some items in a size XL or 14 and it didn't matter (I don't always do this, due to vanity sizing, but especially in sales time, I do...)

6. Think outside your 'comfort zone'. Go for some styles, colours, textures, cuts and patterns that you would not normally wear – try them on, you may be surprised (or at least may let you hone in on what definitely does not suit you). A piece of clothing on the rack/hanger can look completely different once on the body.

7. Conversely, do not be a slave to fashion trends, buy what suits you. For me, I do not care how 'in' or 'out' something is, it is whether I like it or not before I saw it in a magazine or on a celebrity.

8. Leads to: Do not be afraid of colour! Black and 'neutrals' are great, but a few colourful pieces in your wardrobe/outfit will breathe some fresh air into your look (if you're so inclined).

I often hear people say: "I wish I could 'pull-off' colour', but pretty much everyone can 'pull-off' almost every colour! Don't rule out a colour because it hasn't suited you, there are several shades to a colour (even white & black), and chances are, if you persist, you'll find the right shade for you. For example, I never thought I would be able to wear yellow, being Asian & having yellow-toned skin, but I found it is all about finding the right yellow.

9. Accessories are great for adding colour to an outfit, or for changing a look entirely. I rely on my shoes/bags/scarves/jewellery for a pop of colour most of the time, although, admittedly in the last few years I have been injecting colourful clothes as well...But a brightly coloured shoe/bag can add so much to an outfit!

10. Belts! Very important for accentuating an 'hourglass' shape (not too wide though), I like changing over belts on a jacket/coat to 'personalize' an outfit.

11. Good basics are worth investing on. I don't mind spending more on coats (they're my favourite piece of clothing), as I find them good 'investments' that can instantly make an outfit, especially trench coats.

12. When adding a new piece/item to your wardrobe, try to think of at least 3 other items already in your wardrobe that you can wear it with. This is a recent one for me, but applies to not only clothes, but accessories (shoes/belt/scarf/etc.).

13. Think Quality vs Quantity.

14. Read the labels. Quality is the most important thing for me along with design. I prefer natural fibres (silk, cashmere, merino wool, cotton, even viscose, which is made of cellulose)

15. Browse other sections (I am only starting do so)...menswear & children wear, especially for accessories (eg. I found a vintage YSL knit tie in a Salvation Army store, which I love & use as a belt)

16. No matter how much you love the style, color, etc., if it does not flatter you, do not buy it.

17. When shopping, dress comfortably, with an easy hairstyle. That way you don't have to worry about "messing up" your hair when you try on different pieces.

18. When buying in a store or online, be aware of their return/exchange policy, and keep receipts & tags on until you wear the item out, if possible. Just in case.

19. When shopping for an occasion, bring everything you know you'll be wearing with you. If you're searching for shoes to go with your dress for an event, bring the dress with you (or vice versa). I even do this if shopping for an undergarment, you want to make sure it looks right with whatever you're wearing over it.

20. When shopping online at a new site, look at the accessories/shoes first, you can usually tell the quality from this section.

21. Subscribe to the newsletters of you favorite online shops - not only do you sometimes get free shipping or discount codes, you often receive updates on new stock arrivals.

Ok, I've surely bored you for long enough, I could probably keep going...

But I'll hand it over to you, any shopping tips you would like to add?

Blissful Byron...wishing I had some Thakoon Resort 2010

So I am back from my beautiful extended long weekend at Byron Bay - where it's perenially warm. Even though it's Winter Down Under, in Byron, it was a beautiful sunny week with low 20's temp, allowing hubby & I to soak some sun rays & unwind...Our 'busy itinerary' consisted of:

waking up - eating - lying on the beach - eating - lying on the beach - eating - sleeping

Hard life, but someone's got to do it, right?

I'm usually behind with absorbing fashion shows as they unfold, but a quick perusal of the Resort 2010 collections has led me to clearly identify my favourite so far. Thakoon Panichgul's beautifully relaxed collection included drapeing, gathering, pleating and beautiful plissé in gorgeous prints & soft sun-drenched colours...

I would love to have any of these in my suitcase next time I go on a beachside getaway...

www.style.com

PS. In danger of sounding like a broken record, thank you SO SO much everyone for your sweet words & votes! I was stumped to return and find out I won Nini's competition! You are all amazing!

Akira Isogawa Resort '09 silk embroidered dress

http://www.akira.com.au/

Click on close-ups to enlarge pics

The dresses above all have the same design, but look so different in differing fabrics.
Unfortunately I was in a bit of a hurry and with bad lighting, my pictures don't do this dress justice. The 'gold' is more 'gold', and there is beautiful intricate pleating deatil on the bust of the dress - as seen on the runway dresses (particularly the floral print versions), and peeking on the bottom corner of my last close-up picture.


Akira Isogawa Resort silk embroidered dress
Zambesi silk jersey draped 'sweater'
Chloe gold bow stiletto heels

Chloe Fall 2004

http://www.style.com/

Love the delicate design of these Chloe shoes, but for the same reason, I find them incredibly hard to walk in, so have only worn them once! I loved how the delicate platinum/gold matched the fine gold embroidery on the dress. After I took this photo, I sadly gave up on wearing them with this dress, and changed to my YSL Dada semi-wedges (aka my wedding shoes) instead:

YSL wedding shoes (top)

Tonight I fly off to Byron Bay for an 'extended long weekend getaway'.

Five blissful days of relaxation by the seaside, can't wait!

Wish you all a fabulous weekend!

Any plans for your weekend?

Merci beaucoup mon ami!

Thank you so so much to everyone who wrote sweet comments here & on Nini's blog, and voted for me in her Finding Inspiration in the World of Fashion competition.

I am so grateful for your sweet words & support!

If you haven't voted, and would like to, you can still do so (until June 6th). You just have to select #4 (if you're so inclined...), and click on 'vote'. Follow this link HERE.

Rick Owens silk draped dress with sheer panel detail (yesterday's purchase, am so excited!):

(www.style.com)

I would also love to thank Tina of Luphia Loves... and Shlomit Ofir: a few weeks ago, I was the lucky winner of Tina's amazing weekly giveaway draws. As such, I got to pick any pair of earrings from Shlomit Ofir's Etsy store, which was no easy feat, as she has so many beautiful earrings to pick from (and I see there have been a few additions from when I picked mine)! This young designer from Tel Aviv, has a beautiful collection of jewellery available in her store, and I'm now incredibly tempted by quite a few necklaces...

My pick were these beautiful 'golden shimmer wire wrapped drop earrings'. I had almost forgotten about it, until today, when I received a slip in my mailbox saying I had missed a package. The Israeli stamps on the package had me even more excited. Inside, beautifully packaged, were my new beautiful earrings:

Shlomit Ofir's Etsy Store

I am usually very selective when it comes to earrings, and don't often wear gold-toned jewellery, but I couldn't resist this elegant, geometric & simple design...They are two wire wrapped gold plated drops with a shimmering finish, hanging from gold plated anti-allergic ear wire. A small Nepherite stone bead, in a very light shade of mint green, hangs in the middle of each. Beautiful!

Can't wait to wear these!