Q) I'm looking for the a party dress to wear to my sister birthday party. I don’t have alot of money to spend and also want to be able to wear it again to other events. I have a small waist and want something to show this off. Can you help suggest something?
A) This dress is from one of my favourite high street stores "Next", and its only £40.00. The waist band detail is ideal as it will show off small waist. You'll also be able to wear this seasonally in the evenings as the splashes of colour make it vibrant and exciting. I would suggest picking a colour from the print and accessorising around this chosen colour. For example; I love the hint of red in the print, so why not try wearing red shoes and black tights. Another alternative would be to pick out the purple within the print and work around this. Try wearing purple tights and shoes and complete the look with turquoise earrings.
Q) Where can I find a vintage looking sequin jacket. All the ones I have seen on the high street have a tailored look and I want something more 80s. Please help Stylizer Ronke!
A) I’ve recently came across a new and exciting online fashion site called Bunnyhug.com. This amazing jacket by Maurie & Eve Gold/ Black Sequin Bomber Jacket is everything you need to ensure you arrive at all your parties in true style. Wear it with a denim shirt and black leggings for a true Hoxton girl look. Now for the best news ; its only £80.00
Q) Its Mother's day soon and want to get my mum a necklace to wear. She loves flowers but all the flower necklaces I have seen are too old looking. Where can I find a fashionable style flower necklace?
A) This season flowers on both clothes and accessories are a hot off the catwalk trend. I’ve spotted this fantastic necklace in Next for only £18.00. Its a neutral colour which means she’ll be able to with a large array of things in her wardrobe. From a simple V neck jumper, white blouse or denim dress, its a true understated, fun, young and funky necklace to purchase any mum for mothers day.
Fashion stylist Arieta Mujay answers your style and fashion questions
Q) I just gained a few pounds after giving birth, the problem is I have never been that stylish, I don't know where to start.
A) The body goes through significant changes when pregnant and indeed after giving birth. Most people revert back to their former body sizes while others struggle to contend with the extra body weight they have gained...
As with everything comfort should be key. To hold in the belly, I advice you invest in a pair of spanx or a girdle. This helps with body definition, this gives a basis for style. Investing in an empire lined little black dress gives instant confidence as the colour is slimming and the dress shoots out under the bust to disguise any weight gain. Stay away from figure forming clothes as these will expose you wobbly bits. A nice pair of harem pants and a vest would also look amazing as this would show off post pregnancy glow while u look stylish. Leggings and an oversized tshirt would help disguise any newly developed complexes as you'd be looking both sassy and chic.
Q) How do I wear a play suit without looking tacky?
A) Playsuits are suited to people with smaller body frames. If you are bigger than a size 14 stay well clear. Play suits look fabulous dressed up or dressed down but over accesorizing would make this supposed to be simple outfit extremely tacky
Q) I'm looking to invest in a designer bag. The problem is there are so many choices out there, which would you recommend?
A) In a sea full of fishes of various varieties, I would be aiming to net a SHARK! By this I mean, if money is not option, I would stay away from the obvious e.g. LV, Gucci and chanel and invest in Marc Jacobs, Balenciaga, Zanotti, Luella, Vivienne Westwood or Miu Miu. All these designers make to die for bags! Personally, I am partical to a bit of Marc.
Q) I get a bit confused when I hear celebrities wearing vintage pieces to events. They look stunning but what exactly is vintage? And where can I get a vintage piece
A) The term vintage gets bounded about uneccesarily. 2nd hand isn't always vintage.... Essentially, 'vintage' is just another name for second-hand clothing, but clothes from big eras in fashion like the 1920's, 40's, 70's e.t.c. The antique flapper dresses from the 1920s and original Ozzie Clarke, Halston e.t.c from the 70's are vintage finds. As well as any coutour pieces from Chanel and big fashion houses from that era. Portobello road market in London is amazing for one off exclusive vintage pieces as well as Rokit in camden town. There is also a big flea market in Accra, Ghana. A lot of fashionistas I know swear by this flea market. Also rummaging through charity shops and jumble sales..
Q) What are this season's trend and how can I channel it into my wardrobe?
A) There are various trends this season but the 80's throw back is the most significant. A pair of leggings, treggings, stonewashed jeans, oversized denim shirts, bright oversized tops and a boyfriend blazer are the staples for this trend!
Q) These days, most formal clothing comes in some sought of stripe pattern or the other..... Any particular rule on combining stripes (shirts and trousers) or you just do not match them at all?
A) Stripes are one of the most popular choices when picking out work shirts or indeed any sort of formal wear. There are no particular rules but if you are a big girl, stay away from horizontal stripes as this will create the illusion of one being bigger than they really are. Stripes can also be mixed and mashed as seen on most of major catwalks this season this is however best suited to casual and party wear. Team strippy shirts with block coloured blazer [Grey, fuschia ,red or black] or flip it with a strippy blazer and a block coloured shirt for an effortlessly work chic look. As its for work, no jewellery is needed per say but you could get a way with a discreet necklace. As for the bottom half of the body, a nice pair of block coloured tailored trousers (hareem pants,peg legs, cropped e.t.c) or a skirt would suffice.
Buy this Dress Here
Buy this Dress Here
Q) I would like to wear a backless dress, what do I do for support?
A) A backless bra! Depending on the type of dress though and how well gifted you are. La Senza do some really nice ones and go up to DD cup. Wondebra also have some nice comfortable ones with siclone inserts www.wonderbra.com.
If all fails double sided tape is a favorite of Beyonce and JLO.
Q) How do I follow this season's trends without breaking the bank?
A) There are so many cost effective ways you can follow catwalk trends without over spending. Going to high streets stores such as Top Shop, Dorthory Perkins or H&M is a good start. They have lovely clothes inspired by catwalk trends.
Going to vintage/charity stores is another way, if your not fussy about wearing second hand clothes and have a good eye for things then this is for you. Oxfam on Kings Road is a wonderful place to find designer goodies.
Lastly, theres a new trend clothes swap. There are clothes swap around the city and you take your old clothes, shoes and assessories and swap them with someone else. Lindsay Lohan is a big fan of this, visit www.visaswap.com
Q) I really like wearing high heels but they hurt a lot. What can I do?
A) Oww goody. I consider myself a bit of a shoe expert! The key to wearing heels for long is, good posture and practice nothing more nothing less. For high high heels some 'Dr Scholls comfort insoles' will help.
Q) Where can I find an afro bohemian dress?
A) For african inspired dresses, I'd recommend Nkwo Collection, who does lovely print dresses in soft flowy fabrics which is perfect for summer. For a daytime look, this dress by Nkwo will help you achieve the afro-bohemian look.
How to get it?
Order on the website www.nkwo.co.uk
Q) I would like to wear African print dresses without looking to Afrocentric?
A) The key is to accessorize. Team a nice maxi Ankara print dress with a nice waist belt and some killer heels.The simpler you keep it, the better. As African fabric already has a lot of detail in the prints!
Topshop do some really nice belts this season! www.topshop.co.uk
Q) I like to stay trendy? how is it possible to always know what is in and what it out?
A) The best way to stay on trend is to read fashion magazines! They have all the information you need to know. Magazines such as Glamour, Vogue, Elle, InStyle cater to fashion foward women.
Q) I have a spring wedding coming up,and i dont know what to wear?
A) Ha, I get so many people asking this very question. For a wedding u want t feel sexy yet demure. there is so much to chose from out there. A simple cut dress such as this one from asos ( View ).
It can be teamed up with a blazer or a cardigan for the actual wedding and for the reception you can take the blazer or cardy off to give another look. This DVF pinky dress ( View ) is comfy yet trendy, with neon pink being very big colour this season. If all fails a trouser suit never goes amis!
Q) What are the best online stores to find bargains?
A)
Most high street and high fashion stores now have online stores. The best ones, which i are tries and tested (with the best return policies are):
www.asos.com
www.net-a-porter.com
www.oli.co.uk
www.additionsdirect.co.uk
www.forever21.com
www.zappos.com
Q) I am going for a black tie event soon, I need to find an evening gown that's elegant and sophisticated?
A)
On of my favourite stores to shop for evening gowns is BCBG Max Azria. They do lovely dresses with silks, chiffon and taffeta and are not too stiff on the pocket. This yellow beauty will definitely turn heads.
If yellow is not your colour you can play it safe with this simple black number and be sure to accessorise to give it some va va voom!
This yellow beauty will definitely turn heads
Q) How do I wear a mini skirt without looking trashy?
A) Counter the mini size of the mini with volume. A long top or a blouse with fuller sleeves are both good choices. As this season's look is about covering more skin, slip on a pair of opaque tights and riding boots. Be sure not to wear a mini skirt with a tight top, fishnet stocking and stilettos, that is a definite NO NO!
Q) Is it appropriate to wear a classy black dress to a wedding?
A) Its not but if you can avoid it, do try as black is a dreary colour for a wedding. But you can accessorise your outfit with colourful, bold jewellery to brighten the outfit. It would be inappropriate to wear WHITE to a wedding especially without the bride's permission as its meant to be only for the bride.
Q) Hello there, Its my birthday soon and I'm looking for a fabulous dress and a pair of killer heels to wow everyone at my birthday party. I am a UK size 10 and I'm 5'6. Any advice?
A) Okay, not to worry, I'll give you three looks you can chose from:
Look 1) This futuristic dress from Lipsy would be perfect teamed up with these killer heels from Kurt Geiger.
Look 2) This Glitter dress from French Connection and these platforms from faith will guarantee that you are the belle of the ball.
Look 3) I've added a maxi dress option by BCBG Max Azria
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