Why do men's and women's shirts button on different sides?

Don't say we never tackle the big issues here...

From what I can work out - buttoning left over right - the men's wear way - is supposedly easiest for right-handed people.

In medieval times, women were dressed by maids so women's wear was made with buttons on the opposite side.

Another explanation is that men had to keep their right hand tucked into their coats so as to be ready for cold-weather swordplay, whereas women always breastfed with the left breast (hey, that's what it says here) and protected their babies by covering them with the right side of the dress or coat.

It is coming...

In my short blogging career I've never yet had the need to mobile blog. Nothing has been urgent enough that I have thought I must drop everything to post immediately. Until now...

While I was waiting for my coffee this morning I had a quick flick through Wish. They reported on the trends coming through from Milan Fashion Week. A trend none other than coloured jeans... Green jeans in fact...

Those who attended my Styling Workshops at The High Tea Party will know that I harped on and on about injecting some interest in men's fashion (and making an effort to move away from the blue denim 'uniform' for men's casual wear). More specifically, I championed coloured denim and promised that you would see more coloured denim coming through next season. I know some Workshopers were doubtful and dubious - but I stand by my promise, it is coming...

Mr Porter - Net-a-Porter for the boys

Online retail megastar Net-a-Porter have just announced plans to add a menswear site to their empire.

Discount sister site The Outnet launched last year and has been a huge success - and I dare say Mr Porter will follow with the same rave reviews. Men in Australia don't have the same easy access to high-end designer labels that their female counterparts do. At the moment, Aussie men have to resort to paying over-inflated prices at boutiques or run-of-the-mill stock (and picked over sizes) at bigger department stores. It will be great for men to finally have their pick of the cream of the crop.

Mr Porter is expected to go live in January 2011. Brands that have already agreed to be involved include Burberry, Ralph Lauren, Lanvin, YSL, Margiela, Balmain, Dunhill, and Margaret Howell.

I love this look!

This is a fantastic spring look on Katie Holmes - definitely one I will be trying to re-create for our spring.

Visit the link below (one of my fave blogs!) to have a look and let me know what you think.

Coco's Tea Party

Maybe I will need to add a plaid shirt to my spring capsule wardrobe?

Thank you!

Thank you everyone for dropping by the LS Stylist workshop at The High Tea Party. It was wonderful to meet readers in person (and put a face to the email address!)– I hope you went away inspired and ready to create your new Spring Capsule Wardrobe.

If you need a little help with getting your wardrobe ready for spring, I have a special package available at the moment - the Mini-Styling Session for $195. This package involves a one-hour, personal wardrobe review where we will go through your wardrobe together and sort the pieces to keep and perhaps identify some signature pieces that you need to add. This will be followed by a one-hour, one-on-one shopping session. You can find all the contact details you need to know at www.lsstylist.com.au.

I'm not sure what I think about this?

[frockwriter]: sass & bide get their motors running with Range Rover

I like Sass and Bide (like, not love), I like the Range Rover Sport (like, not love) but I don't think I like the combination?

Final Images - Stamford Plaza Shoot

Creating a Capsule Wardrobe - Step One

A capsule wardrobe is so important for so many reasons. Running your wardrobe as a 'capsule' lets you keep a handle on your most favourite and most worn pieces (and replace them when needed), it lets you budget for the season ahead and also lets you define your personal style.

I'll be doing a series of posts on creating a capsule wardrobe - let us see where it takes us.

First you need to choose your 'signature pieces'. These are pieces

• you wear all the time
• are on high rotation
• that are (or need to be!) high quality
• made of a great fabric or a great colour

These are pieces you love and really say something about your 'signature style'.

You should have at least 8 pieces and up to about 24 our depending on how extensive your want your capsule wardrobe. A small capsule wardrobe (packed for a trip for example) will have about 8 to 10 pieces. A capsule wardrobe for a defined period (weight loss or pregnancy for example) will have closer to 15 or 18 pieces. A full capsule wardrobe will usually have between 20 and 24 pieces.

Over time (and over the year) your capsule wardrobe will change slightly. Your favourite jeans may stay in the mix for each season every year. Your black flats will probably hang around while your black boots may be replaced by black gladiators as the weather warms up. For the moment I think we should focus forwards and aim to create a 'Spring Capsule Wardrobe'.

This is what I'll be helping you create at my styling workshops at The High Tea Party. It may seem a little early as we have just hit the cold patch. But this gives you a chance to incorporate some of the winter pieces you are currently wearing into your Spring Capsule Wardrobe and test the boundaries whilst slowing bringing in lighter pieces for spring and summer that will be here before you know it. This also gives you a chance to start researching 'your look' for the coming warmer months.

A good start might be looking at some Spring Capsule Wardrobes from the 'Spring Capsule Wardrobe Challenge'. A couple of fellow bloggers participated earlier this year - they are Europe and UK based so they were about 6 months early for us but we might be able to continue on where they left off.

Stay tuned...

Brisbane Styling Workshops - 5 & 6 June 2010

I've posted a couple of times about my involvement in The High Tea Party. But until now I haven't let you in on exactly what I will be doing at the event.

Over the two day event, held at the Stamford Plaza, I'll be presenting a number of styling workshops. These workshops will focus on creating a versatile and individual Spring Capsule Wardrobe.

...

Okay I've typed and deleted a couple of times now trying to find the right words to express the importance of a capsule wardrobe. I can't find them so I'm going to try a different angle...

Let's start with 'What is a Capsule Wardrobe?'

A 'capsule wardrobe' is a thought-out and planned collection of clothes where all items easily work together and are versatile for a number of occasions. It is not a cookie-cutter, stock standard, set number of basics. A capsule is made up of your 'signature pieces' worn to suit your lifestyle. It is best built by investing in high-end, quality items.

I'll follow on from here with a series of posts to explain the importance of a capsule wardrobe and why you shouldn't run your wardrobe any other way.

[frockwriter]: World's spot of bother in Woollahra

[frockwriter]: World's spot of bother in Woollahra

I've linked to this post for my lovely Kate - lovely Kate spends more time down this end of Oxford St than at her real job. I'm not going to put words in her mouth but I'm betting she will be outraged too.

Shoot - Sunday 16 May 2009

Just a couple of initial images - can you believe these shots haven't seen photoshop yet! I'll update again once Shaelah Ariotti (the photographer) has had her way with the images. That way you get to see the whole process - start to finish....

While you were sleeping...

I was at the Stamford putting together a shoot for The High Tea Party. I shouldn't say 'I' - I should say 'we' because I was working with a fantastic team. More photos to come...

Stylist: Lauren Sewell

Styling Assistant: Abbie Sewell

Photographer: Shaelah Ariotti

Hair and Makeup: Tracie Weaver (Arc Creative)

Models: Lauren Phillips and Samantha Cannon (Vivien's)

Wardrobe: Ruby and Frankie, James St

Bea Szenfeld

I would walk over my own mother (and grandmother) for the pink 'wrap'. Calling it a wrap does not even go close to giving it the recognition it deserves and the recognition Bea Szenfeld deserves...

I came across Bea's work while researching a shoot for this Sunday (more details to come...) - I'd really like to see more of it (particularly around my shoulders!). Shame is I can't see more of it because Bea's 'new webpage is coming soon'. It couldn't come soon enough!

To give you a little teaser and a bit more of an idea about how Bea works, I found this little quote- 'a piece of clothing designed by Bea Szenfeld should be beautiful on the inside as well as on the outside, since she believes one of the most effective methods of communication is through fashion'.

Coco's Tea Party

Coco's Tea Party

Coco is another blogger I log on to most mornings. Yesterday she did a wonderful post on Jessica Alba's shoot for Tatler. Since then I haven't been able to get the pastel colours out of my mind so I wanted to share it with you all.

You have permission to check up on me...

Well now it's out there, I have to do it. It was a silly post really, I wrote it before I thought about it. Chantelle made me do it.

Here's what happened....

I logged in this morning, as I do every morning, and had a bit of a cruise around my favourite blogs. First stop, Fat Mum Slim. If you regularly read Chantelle's blog you'll know she seems wonderfully efficient already (if you don't regularly read Chantelle's blog you should start...) but this weekend Chantelle is putting a day aside to tick everything off her To Do List. Now I've been saying / bragging all week that I will spend this weekend ticking everything off my To Do List. Then I went and put it in writing on Fat Mum Slim. So I have to do it. And I am giving you all permission to check up on me on Tuesday.

Religion of Fashion: Religion of Fashion Tea Party Tickets on Sale at Young Designers Markets!

Religion of Fashion: Religion of Fashion Tea Party Tickets on Sale at Young Designers Markets!

Just wanted to make doubly sure everyone knows about the Fashion Tea Party coming up - hosted by Religion of Fashion and featuring a great friend, Jacqueline Buck - it will be a really fantastic day.

Romeo and Juliet

I’m very excited to be heading to Queensland Ballet’s highly acclaimed Romeo and Juliet tonight – so excited in fact, I’ve dedicated today’s post to the doomed lovers.

For this shoot, ballet dancer Roberto Bolle was invited by Vogue magazine (USA) to star alongside model Coco Rocha in a fashionable version of Romeo & Juliet. Juliet - aka Coco - parades in an array of show-stopping couture dresses, among which, one signed by Christian Lacroix (ball scene) and a stunning Alexander McQueen red silk tulle gown used for the tragic end scene.

Eco-Fashion

As each new season is released (by the fashion powers, not Mother Nature) I find my interest in eco-fashion growing.

It started with vintage pieces and bamboo jeans, and then recycled metal and gem stones, and then I was introduced to Re Collection – and my view of eco-fashion changed.

Eco-fashion does not mean only cotton and hemp. It doesn’t meet neutral colours. It just means better for the environment.

Re Collection made from all recycled materials and is available at my all-time-fave http://www.shopbop.com/ – and here are some pics to change your views too.

One for the girls...

LS Stylist can now very proudly announce our partnership with The High Tea Party. A great day out (or two) in June for an even greater cause.

The High Tea Party is an all day event that includes a decadent high tea sitting, complimentary pamper stations, tastings, workshops, parades, and boutique market stall shopping plus a gorgeous gift bag for each guest.

Tickets are only $95 - so I suggest getting in and booking a spot quick smart!

Stay tuned to find out what exciting activites LS Stylist will be up to on the day...

Find out more info at http://www.thehighteaparty.com.au/

Inspiration from Virtual Fashion Connection

LS Stylist was lucky enough to attend the wonderful Virtual Fashion Connection event last week. The Secrets of Online Success forum last Thursday night was particularly good. You would have seen me with my itsy bitsy notebook scribbling down lots of notes about new Twitter and Facebook features and the soon-to-be-bigger-than-both-Facebook-and-Twitter-combined FourSquare.

So keep an eye out for the new Lauren's Wardrobe facebook page and LS Stylist twitter-er coming to a computer screen or smart phone near you...

Thanks to the Team at VFC for a wonderful night xxx

The $10 000 (or more) question...

It is a topic that has been pondered over many, many lazy Sundays watching SATC...
How much do those shoes cost? How does Carrie afford it on a writer's wage?
Well now I know the answer to the first question - and my credit card is evidence that I am still struggling with the second....
Came across this article on US Weekly this morning. Very, very interesting reading...
http://www.usmagazine.com/stylebeauty/photos/sex-and-the-city-wardrobe-200999

Style File - Oh Lisa Ho

Okay here it comes – prepare for a big sweeping generalisation. The Australian fashion community loves Lisa Ho. I absolutely love Lisa Ho. So who better to feature in our very first Style File.

What piece do you feel is missing from your wardrobe at the moment?
A cutaway tuxedo jacket. Dress it up with a cocktail dress or dress it down with a T-shirt and jeans. It's perfect, having sharp shoulders and a slim silhouette.

What is your most extravagant fashion purchase?
A Fendi beaded tote at Fendi in New York City. There were only 12 of these bags produced. I've used it constantly and now I have archived it. I guess one day I'll pass it on to my daughter.

Which current trend do you love the most? Which do you despise?
Love a military coat with skinny pants and a luxurious cashmere wrap.
Despise muffin tops spilling over jeans that are too small. Be honest with yourself when you're in front of the mirror.

I do most of my shopping…Cosmopolitan Shoes for their killer heels. My Boudoir in Surry Hills, Sydney, has a great selection of vintage fashion and accessories. The other one would be Selfridges London - simply for the large range on offer that is constantly refreshed.

A big thank you to Lara Zamiatin at www.brisbanetimes.com.au for sharing Lisa Ho's style secrets.

Suggestions for a Style File you would like to open? Send ‘em through…

How to wear boyfriend jeans...

I’ve loved the look of boyfriend jeans for a while now and a couple of weeks ago I found the perfect pair online. I am really keen to buy them but I worry that I am only 165 cm – am I too short to wear this style?

Boyfriend jeans can be a really flattering (and comfy!) style - you just have to know how to wear them. Boyfriend jeans are meant to be worn loose and low on the hip and should be cuffed / rolled just above the ankle.

To give shorter legs a bit of length wear your jeans with platform wedges or booties and a fitted top. Also try a boat neck, stripe 3 / 4 sleeve bodysuit or a plain white singlet to balance out the wider cut of the jeans. If wedges or heels are impractical for you (or you just loathe them), you can definitely wear flats but consider teaming your jeans with a slim, long line cardigan to give your silhouette a little length.

If you are vertically blessed, you can get away with a lot more. An oversized crisp white button down cinched in at the waist, worn with a cute pair of ballet flats is a great option for autumn.

How can guys do layers (and not look too preppy)?

What a timely question – what with the beginning of autumn and all…

The Brisbane autumn is perfect for layering – and if you choose a couple of great pieces now they will carry you the whole way through the Brisbane winter (I use the term ‘winter’ loosely).

V-neck / Henley Long Sleeved Tee
Remember thinner layers come first – that is, the closer to your skin, the thinner the material. Buy very good quality basic tees – the best you can afford. This ensures they wash and wear well, and go the distance.

V-Neck Knit
I’m not talking about your grandfather's cardigan and definitely not your father’s jumper. It's a different kind of knit that has a slimmer, more modern cut that you can wear at the office or casually. It's thin enough to wear over a dress shirt and underneath a jacket. It can also be worn over a basic tee with a pair of jeans.

Blazer
A statement blazer is definitely a must-have item. For a dressier option, choose a wool or wool and cashmere combination with two or three buttons. Don't go wild with colour; go for neutral tones that can easily be worn with jeans and dressier trousers.

To ensure you don’t look too ‘preppy’ follow a couple of rules –

DO NOT layer by swinging a jumper around your shoulders
DO NOT work a navy, red and beige combo (same goes for navy, white and beige and green, red and beige)
Actually, avoid beige all together

To step it up a little try

A knit scarf – only with a blazer / jacket though. Do not let me see you wearing a scarf with a tee or button down.
A blazer with metal hardwear or a leather jacket
Bright socks with an otherwise monochromatic outfit

Go on... show a bit of arm...

Is it okay to wear a short- sleeved shirt with buttons in a corporate environment?

Short answer is no.

Long answer is no with a but.

A short-sleeve button down is just too casual for many of the traditional corporate settings – I’m talking property, accounting, law etc. It just doesn’t suit your surroundings and won’t do your image any favours. If you do want to branch out from the traditional a little – I would suggest a slim profile pant. I’m not talking a curve-hugging skinny stovepipe, I’m more thinking Tom Ford.

And here is the but…. if you don’t work in a ‘traditional’ office environment - instead you work in a creative industry, design, fashion or media – I’m all for the short-sleeves – they look great with a skinny tie and skinny jeans. In fact, a boring-old long-sleeve button down might even look out of place.

Looking into this topic a little more I found this article that I think gives a few good tips (a bit old but still valid)

Office Wear for Men – Business Casual Gone Mad

Hanging Out Around the Watercooler in Style!

Oct 11, 2008 Nicholas Morine

Depending on what type of office environment you work in, several different approaches to what you might choose to wear can present themselves accordingly. Increasingly, a great number of workplaces are making the switch back to a more formal attitude towards dress code – but that does not mean that business casual, or casual for that matter – is off the table entirely!

For the Formal Gentleman

If you are a high powered CEO, work in the financial industry, or in any number of other business sectors – chances are that you are working in a suit most of the time. There is a bit less flexibility when it comes to breaking the mould in this category, but it primarily stems from a basic understanding of what trends are really breaking through on the fashion horizon.

The first step is to play with colour in your primary garments. Buy a light gray, chalk-striped, peak lapel suit – don't be afraid to pair it with a lilac, pink, or bright yellow dress shirt and a power tie. Dress like you mean it, business that is – and success will follow. Slovenly appearances in the business world are a sure sign of unprofessionalism, a serious detractor from one's credibility.

The second step is to really step it up with accessories. Purchase contrast collared, french cuffed shirts – and pair them with cufflinks that really suit your personal flair and style. Your footwear should be expensive, well-made, and comfortable. Footwear is often the most underlooked expenditure in a businessman's wardrobe – always buy high quality, name brand footwear and never accept substitutes. Good shoes look amazing even after a few years if cared for properly and will promote better posture while improving your overall image.

For the formal gentleman, accepting a wider and more vibrant colour palette, purchasing accessories, as well as understanding and taking an interest in individual designers and design houses will pay the greatest benefits. For reading material, the superb Harry magazine (of Harry Rosen menswear outlets) is a surefire choice.

Read more at Suite101:

Office Wear for Men – Business Casual Gone Mad: Hanging Out Around the Watercooler in Style! http://mensfashion.suite101.com/article.cfm/office_wear_for_men_business_casual_gone_mad#ixzz0fqD2Durh

How do I wear harem pants?

Question:

How should I wear ‘harem pants’?

Answer:

One word – casual.

For summer (which will last a fair bit longer in Brisbane) - I like harem pants worn casually and dressed down, with a sandal or ballet flat. Wear them with a fitted singlet or T on top. Keep them cropped just above the ankle. If you’re a bit brave and want to ramp it up a bit – wear them with a cropped T. They are also a great alternative to a summer dress for a casual night out – in this situation, maybe pair them with a chunky wedge.

In winter (although I am not sure this will ever arrive) go for a great bootie, long-sleeve layered top and a tailored jacket.

Whatever you do, defining the waist is the key.

Check out my online store Lauren's Wardrobe at http://shop.ebay.com.au/laurens_wardrobe/m.html for some great Morrison harem pants.

Leather Leggings - to shine or not to shine?

Question:

I’m looking at a few “leather leggings” options online at the moment – which I’m loving… I think I’m leaning towards the non-shiny option. What do you think?

Answer:

Hmmm take into consideration the shoes you are going to team them with -
If you are planning to wear them with patent shoes - I'd recommend matte.
If you are planning on wearing with suede or matte leather - I'd go shiny to provide some contrast.

Thoughts?

The new 'nude'

What is the new 'nude'? What is it called? What does it look like? It's been a fascination of mine for the past two weeks. As the runway's appetite grows for this new colour so does my quest to find the perfect name.

It's not beige .... According to Wikipedia 'beige' is a very pale yellowish-cream colour.

It's not ecru, french beige, mode beige or cosmic latte. It's not camel or donkey.

It might be Desert Sand.... To Crayola, Desert Sand is a deep shade of beige with a pink base.

My favourite is 'Chinchilly'... Essie, the UK nail varnish queen who coined the term, says Chinchilly is a cool beige shade inspired by a chinchilla's coat.

So that leaves me still pondering what to call this new 'nude'. And wanting a chinchilla....

Walk of Style Shame

The walk of style shame refers to a horrifying phenomenon that commonly occurs about 4 pm on the first Tuesday each November. It’s the march of the penguins, with boobs. Subjects are easily identified by their ‘stiletto bracelets’, disheveled hair and smudged makeup.

Thus the first Style Commandment - sometimes you must suffer for fashion. Heels belong on the feet, not slung over the shoulder at the end of the day, no matter how sore your trotters are. If you know you're going to get a bit tipsy or footsore, pack a pair of ballet flats in your handbag – FlexiFlats are our pick.

Find them at -

http://www.flexiflats.com.au/shoes.html - and for less than the cost of a French Martini, you’ve got no excuse…

Mmmmm gelato....

So we've known for a while that 'gelato' is in. The good news is it looks like it is here to stay as the weather cools down. I'm thinking a slouchy hoodie with a mini or a cut-off sweatshirt with harems.