Monday, November 29, 2010

Dress Your Age!

Dressing your age may sound simple,  but in reality its a big problem many people suffer from, especially in Jakarta's socialite society. It seems they took the quote "Age is just a number" a little too literally. When I look at some of the mothers in Jakarta.. i just want to scream at them and say EMBRACE YOUR  DAMN AGE!
Beautiful women in their 40's would wear tight mini flirty frock. Women in their 50's wearing tight white tank top with skinny jeans. It really isn't a pretty sight! Being confident is one thing but this isn't confidence.. It's stupidity. Embrace your age
And if you're still young and reading this, thinking it doesn't apply to you. you're wrong. LOOK AROUND, teenagers and girls in their 20's are now dressing more mature and older than they are, hoping and wanting to be taken more seriously. It's a strange strange world we live in. Older women wants to look younger. Younger girls wants to look older. In case you were wondering, yes, I do it too. When i was 15, people thought i was 21-26 *blush*

There's one thing people often forget. Attractiveness is not only from what you wear, how good your hair and make up is, its embracing who and what you are. You can look fabulous at every age! With all the trends that comes and goes, its hard to keep up with it especially styling it appropriately with our age. Here are a few tips from 'Harper's Bazaar Great Style Book' that I find helpful~ (All Tips copied from Harper Bazaar Great Style: Best Ways to Update Your Look)


TWENTYSOMETHING
No Boundaries: Play with colors and explore your style~ Mix and match, wear heels and high hemlines! Being young, you will still get away with a lot (when it comes to fashion ONLY of course). So pick something fun, feminine, colorful, sparkly, and flirty. 

1.) Pick a fun frock. Ultra-feminine, lighthearted, colorful, and flirty are the qualities to look for in a dress, whether it's for night or day. Don't be afraid to maintain a level of polish. If your dress is revealing on top, make sure the hemline is a little longer. If it's short, the silhouette should be more restrained


2.) Try a top with personality. It could have loads of ruffles, highlight your decolletage in a strapless cut, or even be a washed-out rocker-tee--- as long as it's interesting. We all know that youtful set loves jeans, which go with every sort of shirt and blouse, so let your top set the tone for your look.


3.) When it comes to skirts, think sweet or sexy. Twentysomething can pull off charming pouf, pleated and bubble-hemmed skirts. If you have the body for it, go for minis, tight or full. Either way, your top should be toned down when your skirt is special.


4.) Experiment with jackets and coat. Wear a tailored blazer over a floaty frock, a sleek leather bomber with a breezy, floral blouse, or a girly, princess cut coat with atop skinny jeans and a tank.


5.) Basic begone. At least one piece in your outfit should have lots of personality. The key is to mix it up. Be unpredictable and pair up unlikely mates. Don't forget to have a ball with accessories and add quirky accents.


6.) Be an evening star. Forget simple shifts. Stand out from the pack of black with something sweet and playful. Or try a tux, but swap the trousers for superslim pants or jeans. Have fun. Save serious looks for later years.


 Emma Watson Photoshoot for Marie Claire.  A perfect example of fun, feminine and flirty. I L-O-V-E the way they accessorize the outfit!!!

Taylor Swift. Always adore her red carpet look. Cocktail and evening dress for twentysomething! Sparkly, sweet, feminine and flirty! 


I know I say the word LOVE a lot. But I really do LOVE her in both dresses.  A perfect example of mixing feminine and masculine (photo on the left)
Of course, keep in mind, you're never fully dressed without a SMILE~

Example of TwentySomething: 
Emma Watson (1990), Vanessa Hudgens (1990), Taylor Swift (1989), Jessica Lowndes (1988), Leighton Meester (1986),  Anne Hathaway (1982), Jessica Alba (1981), Sienna Miller (1981)    

THIRTYSOMETHING
Time to add sophistication to your playful style! Move beyond the superslinky and girly stuff

1.) Go for a dress in a new silhouette.  Whether it's below the knee or well above, revealing, roomy, or in between, pick a shape that's interesting and unique. Try contrasting shades, metallics, and pops of brights.  The idea is to look cool and confident.  

2.) Your shirt should have an edge. It can be a crisp button-up, a silk blouse, or a simple tee, but it should have a fresh twist. Neat ruffles, a prim scarf tie, or a bit of ruching can turn a basic into something bold.

3.) Seek out skirts with style. Though it's a feminine signature, a skirt doesn't have to be mumsy. Look for pieces that are either sharp and severe or soft and subtle. A sculpted pencil shape with a high waist is seriously sophisticated but not stuffy, while a swingy, short skirt adds attitude.

4.) Top off your look with something striking. Your coat or jacket is an integral part of your wardrobe, so pick a piece that makes a statement. A trim, architectural jacket can be just as dramatic as a bold animal-print coats.

5.) Try classics with a twist. Basics like jeans, white shirts, and jackets should line your closet, and they all should be amped up with spunk. Do denim in dark, skinny silhouettes, try a jacket in stark white or textured fabrics. Mix in a white shirt with cascades of ruffles.


6.) Go for elegance with edge. Piece in a toned-down palette-black and neutrals-are chic for evening and more interesting when infuse with intricate details. Look for jeweled trim, soft pleats and frills, and a touch of ruching to perk up traditional cuts. Metallics are the perfect complements (I PERSONALLY CHOOSE GOLD)


I LOVE KATE HUDSON!!! SHE ROCKS!!!
Love her red carpet look. Adore her white long dress look with the vaa-vaa-voom low cut back! 
She looks so gorgeous on the cover of bazaar magazine~!! 
Her casual look. The photograph on the right is a perfect example of a striking jacket!

Mario Cotillard Casual and sophisticated look and stunning rocking style

Example of ThirtySomething: Jennifer Love Hewitt (1979),  Kate Hudson (1979), Mario Cotillard (1975), Angelina Jolie (1975), Kate Winslet (1975) Penelope Cruz (1974),


FOURTYSOMETHING
It's important to look smart and conservative, but that doesn't have to mean buttoned up

1.) Find a refined frock.  You want a mature but not matronly look. More covered-up cuts that fall at the knee or just below are appropriate, but there are plenty of pieces that still have sex appeal. A formfitting shape, cinched-in waist or strategic cutouts will do the trick.

2.) Opt for a subdued yet modern top. It's a no-brainer. A stark shirt is uberversatile and universally flattering. Something more complex, however, like a frothy, frilled piece, can be an outfit maker. But choose wisely; when going for something with detail, pick a solid, sophisticated shade. 

3.) Stick to fine and feminine skirts. Demonstrate more restraint when it comes to showing leg--- but not necessarily with your skirt style. A full, pleated cut looks sweet and womanly, while a below-the-knee pencil is a sleek standard. Also, fancy details on a skirt give your look an interesting, high-quality air.

4.) Consider a well-constructed jacket cut. Whether it's to be worn with jeans or a dress, your blazer or coat should have structure. Shapes that emphasizes the hourglass look stylized and sophisticated. A roomier, boxier cut will easily go over any outfit.

5.) Lovely details makes the look.  Enrich your everyday ensembles with sweet but sophisticated frills like sequin trimming, luxe jacquard fabrics, and feminine, voluminous shapes. When going with embellishment, keep a piece or two basic to balance it out.

6.) Femininity is at the forefront. Frocks with volume, bits of tulle, and even bows are ideal ladylike options. It's best to stick with classic evening colors like black or navy with such charming pieces. 

Nicole Kidman looking absolutely stunning in her 40's. Yet again. LOVE.

Perfect examples of feminine and sophisticated. J'adore!

Example of FourtySomething: 
Jennifer Aniston (1969), Nicole Kidman(1967), Halle Berry (1966), Linda Evangelista (1965), Sheryl Crow (1962), Sharon stone (1962), Sandra Bullock(1964)

Hope this helps~! Hearts to everyone~ and of course hearts to Harper Bazaar~~ I can't live without it~!