Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Red & Black Week! Join In!!!

A lovely blogger I follow is organizing a Blogging Event.

Black & Red Week is on from June 5-10th courtesy of 

Sophistique Noir Blog Event

I'm probably as far from goth as is possible, 
but I bet this event will be FUN! 

Beside that, the Sophistique Noir blog is great for OOTD and this is one talented, fun and supportive blogger.

The rules are simple, click over to read more.
Have a look and join in on the fun....I'm going to!  






_______________________________ Why not look your best every day?

Sunday, May 29, 2011

Dress of the Week: Holly Fulton

The Dressology HQ Dress of the Week 
is a darling from my new love...Holly Fulton.


Holly Fulton at Far Fetch, aproximately $850US


Holly Fulton is an artist in the truest sense of the word.

Using modern techniques to interpret 
and recreate the look of traditional handwork into 
contemporary design, her masterpieces of 
fashion transport us to another era while somehow keeping
it fresh and now

The structure, detail and pattern of this fuilly-lined 
silk shift dress with Art Deco-inspired "Tropicana" print 
drops us straight into a bygone era of smoke-filled jazz clubs. 


Is it any wonder I'm in love with Holly?



____________________________ Why not look your best every day?

Thursday, May 26, 2011

The Missoni Mission

What is it about Missoni?


The family-operated international fashion house has been in the industry 
since the 1950s, yet Missoni has an unconventional vibe 
different to fashion houses such as 
Christian Dior or Givenchy with similar long histories.  

Perhaps Missoni’s independent spirit is enforced by the strong familial ties 
that have enabled the company to push the boundaries 
and not be gobbled up by conglomerates.



Founding couple Ottavio and Rosita Missoni began the line with sportswear, 
expanding and evolving the label over the years.
In the late 1960s Missoni caught the attention of Vogue editors, thus 
garnering international appeal.


Missoni Founders Ottavio & Rosita
 Angela & Daughter Margherita Missoni. Photo by Stefano Guindani


It was in the late 1960s that Missoni revived the popularity of knitwear with its 
iconic multi-colored waves and zigzag designs.
Photo: Missoni Archive


Much like Missoni’s bold patterns, 
the family is unafraid of uncharted areas
delving into footwear, fragrance, and homewares over the years 
as well as becoming hoteliers.
Missoni hotels can be found in Edinburgh and Kuwait 
with Oman, Turkey and Brazil in the works for 2013-14 openings.
Missoni Hotel Kuwait
Angela Missoni


Missoni remains family-owned, with Ottavio’s daughter Angela currently acting as Creative Director having taken over from her mother in 1996. 

Although there are plenty of next-generation Missoni's available to continue the reign, speculation points to Angela's daughter and It-Girl Margherita stepping into the role next. 



It Girl Margherita
Margherita Missoni


Working to keep Missoni in the spotlight in a modern yet endlessly 
traditional manner, the Missoni house is set to partner with Target US for Fall 2011. 
The collaboration will include mens, womens, childrens and home decor.
Yesterday Twitter was ablaze with the announcement of a Missoni-for-Target bike.
Designer wheels for only $399.99US. Nice!

Missoni meets Target Angela Missoni. Photo: Elizabeth Lippmann, Vogue

The multi-hued stripes and waves that characterize Missoni remain present 
in today's collections, yet the family infuses the brand with a fresh 
and fiercely independent spirit indicative of the family's passion 
throughout the generations.

Missoni FW09

Missoni FW10
Missoni, Milan Fashion Week 2011

"Our philosophy since we went into business has been that a piece of clothing 
should be like a work of art," said Rosita Missoni in an interview 
with the New York Post in May 1978. 
"It should not be bought for a special occasion or because it's in fashion, 
but because a woman likes and feels that she could wear it forever."



The following Missoni styles and many others are currently available at Polyvore.












_______________________________ Why not look your best every day?

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Latest Additions to Online Shopping Directory

 I love discovering and sharing shopping treasures, especially those of the online boutique type!

 Check out the latest additions to the 
Dressology Online Shopping Directory.
I cannot wait to try them all. 

















More coming soon. Help me build the largest ever online shopping directory, please send recommendations to style@dressology.com.au

_____________________________ Why not look your best every day?

Fashion Icons meet Eco Fashion Humour

I just saw this post on a fantastic blog I follow called 
Coco Celine and HAD to share it.

I'm in must-have mode with these amazing T-shirts 
from A Question Of featuring caricatures of fashion icons 
Anna Wintour and Karl Lagerfeld as eco yuppie warriors...

Photo: Coco Celine

Made under fair trade conditions from certified organic cotton, how do you NOT buy these right now?  
They are only 48 Euros with free worldwide shipping.

Fashion and humour merged...is there anything better?


_______________________________ Why not look your best every day?

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

The Go-To Bra of All Time from Lipo in a Box

Who doesn't love getting packages in the mail?
When I  saw the box at my front door my heart leapt! Is that so wrong?


I sliced it open assuming it was the balance of my Asos shopping frenzy. 
But alas, it was a box of the bras I'd ordered.

Disappointed? Absolutely. Until I unwrapped the little darlings.

Anyone out there with breasts—especially big-uns—knows 
the importance of a good bra. 
They are foundation items and can, in fact, make or break a great outfit. 


Photo: Lipo in a Box Website



Known for their Spanx-like shapewear, I ordered a bodysuit 
from Lipo in a Box  a few years ago on a friend's recommendation. 
I'm not a big user of shapewear, but this brand does the job really well.

On a whim, I added a bra to the order. 


That bra was the best investment I ever made—beautiful and tough. In fact, it only recently retired into the at-home-cleaning-not-seeing-anyone section of my drawer.
"Rachel" Go2Bra, Lipo in a Box, $36US
I’ve spent thousands on bras over the years—Wacoal, Playtex, La Perla—I've tried 
them all and there is no comparison. Since discovering this brand about 
three years ago, I now order regularly. 
Fantastic support, absolute quality, comfortable, pretty and a wide selection.
Sizes run from B to DDD cup, with band sizes 32 to 44.


Convertible, strapless, matching undies and extras such as "perkies" and 
"smart cups" are available. The founder of the business, Connie Elder, has also 
written a couple books that I hope to review at some point.


"Nicole" Go2Bra, Lipo in a Box, $36US


Ordering bras online can be a bit tricky, but Lipo in a Box provides excellent sizing guidelines and a fair return/exchange policy.  


The website is well-organized, simple to navigate and the photos are excellent.
If I have one complaint, it is that at checkout, the thumbnail doesn’t show the proper color selection so I find myself repeatedly double-checking the order.


There is free US shipping for orders over $100 and flat rate of $20 for overseas.
 I received my international shipment in a week (well...8 days..but whose counting?)


I am in no way affiliated with this company, I just love a good bra. : D





______________________________ Why not look your best every day?

Sunday, May 22, 2011

Dress of the Week: Lily Pulitzer

Go Ahead, I dare you to put this dress on and NOT smile...


Shauna sateen tunic by Lily Pulitzer at Bloomingdales, about $225US

The poppy print is so cheerful and the retro 
A-line silhouette is flirty and feminine. All cotton with three-quarter sleeves and a flattering boatneck neckline.
One of those that can be dressed up 
or down for any occasion.

Imagine with leggings and sky-high platforms or strappy summer sandals. Feeling rebellious? A great pair of cowboy boots, oversized bag & vest. 

For such a statement dress, yet easy to make yours and stamp with your personal, unique sense of style.

_______________________________ Why not look your best every day?

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Dressology Slangology: Fashion Jargon Basics

Although slang typically starts off specific to an industry or group of people, there are times when jargon makes it into common parlance. 
The fashion media has given the general public a number of 
well-known and often-used phrases specific to the trade that have become part
of our everyday vocabulary.

Check out some of those that have stood the test of time:


Fashion Victim
 Perhaps an all-time favourite, "Fashion Victim" is a term that has been in use 
for about 10 years. It is reported to have first been said in 2001 by 
John Fairchild (Publisher of Women's Wear Daily 1960-1996) after spotting 
a group of ridiculously overdressed ladies at lunch. 

Photo: www.fashion-victims.org
Jackie O
 We can thank the media again for originating "Jackie O"  
which became the common moniker for former First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis sometime after her marriage to Greek shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis in 1968.


Geek Chic
A term for the unique duds donned by computer nerds and IT junkies recently 
glamourized by Justin Timberlake and the film The Social Network 
as well as TV series The Big Bang Theory. 


Although heavy black-rimmed glasses are 
a key element...there are other ways to embrace the geek 
including T-shirts with slogans and short sleeve shirts with ties.


Photo: The Big Bang Theory

The Delebrity
I first heard this term a few months ago, and since then I have seen it pop up here and there.

I wonder is anyone else out there is familiar with it?


 "Delebrity" is defined as a celebrity who wants to be a designer—and designers 
who want to be celebrities. 



This word is increasingly on-trend with the likes of Victoria Beckham, the Olsen twins 
and countless other celebs braving the fashion world.

There is some confusion in that the word is also used to describe the less popular
 or pseudo-celebrity set possibly bolstered by 
TV show Kathy Griffin My Life on the D List (as in Delebrity...)


The Beautiful People
Hand-in-hand with "Fashion Victim," this expression has a 40+ year history, 
although the origins for the phrase are up for debate. 


Reportedly, Vogue first coined the term in 1962 to describe the circle of friends around President John F. Kennedy and First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy. It was two years later 
that a Vogue editorial titled, "What The Beautiful People are Doing to Keep Fit" 
pushed the phrase further into the public eye. 


However, Women's Wear Daily claim they said it first—and who am I 
to argue with 100+ years of fashion reporting?


Photo: People Magazine


Being one of The Beautiful People remains a goal for many celebs, socialites and the like. 

I say, put an effort into yourself, be kind, don a smile—and really—you are 
one of The Beautiful People.



_________________________________ Why not look your best every day?

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

BookVu: I Love Your Style

I Love Your Style
How to Define and Refine Your Personal Style
by Amanda Brooks
Harper Collins, 2009


“Finding your personal style is really about discovering yourself.”



It’s quotes like this that make me appreciate this book. 
Author Amanda Brooks goes on to say 
there is “lots of room for experimentation along the way.” 
Oh how I love experimenting. There’s nothing like getting it right.
And if you can’t laugh at photos of yourself when you’ve gotten it terribly, terribly wrong—than what’s the point?

Currently Fashion Director for Barneys, Brooks has worked 
in the fashion industry in diverse roles for years. And as the book interestingly notes,
her unique family history played a large part in her choosing this path.

Amanda Brooks, Photo: Barneys

This book is well-written and chock-full of information to help 
readers better define personal style with simple, straightforward advice such as:

“Six Ways to Find Your Style"
1. Make Tear Sheets
2. Write Down Your Style history
3. Try a Lot of Looks
4. Constantly Ask Yourself Questions
5. Find Your Style Icons 
6. Make an Effort

Easy enough, right? And because it is written simply and cleverly—even if you are 
confident with your unique style—the advice will help to sharpen even the 
smartest fashionista's look.

Perhaps the most fascinating collection in the book is Brook's review of 
style icons through the decades from Diana Ross and Victoria Beckham to the 
more unlikely Amelia Earhart, Joan Baez and Frida Kahlo.

Victoria Beckham in Marc Jacobs 2009



Artist Frida Kahlo

Agyness Deyn, 2009

There is a fantastic examination of diverse styles including classic, bohemian, 
minimalist and “indefinable” styles including eclectic and street. 
The final section shows readers how to shop for basics, designer clothes and vintage.

This book is a hugely helpful and a unique read in a sea of fashion and styling guides.

It is fun to read, has amazing photos and is inspirational.
  I will keep this one in my library and happily recommend it to others 
especially those who are serious about style. It is a clever, no-pressure book that encourages individuality and a celebration of your unique self. 

It makes readers want to discover and present the next hot style icon...YOU!



______________________________ Why not look your best every day?