As you may have already noticed, black is the “in” colour this season. It’s a somewhat somber colour for us all despite its smart, slimming and sophisticated qualities. Now that it’s back in all its gangster glory, it’s important to understand that it’s not easy to wear black from head to toe successfully. The key is to add interest and dimension to your all-black-ensemble. This will prevent you from looking flat, dull and sickly. By adding the design details of this season’s gothic glamour and ‘80’s urban punk chic moods – you’ll be able to create your head to toe black outfit correctly.

For interest and dimension:

• Add black patent accessories
• Add an item in an iridescent black fabric
• Add sheer patterned black hose
• Add accessories (shoes, bags, belts and jewelry) with plenty of metallic hardware
• Add a subtle pinstripe
• Select jackets/coats with shiny metallic buttons
• Select items with texture – like fake fur trims, jacquards, brocade, lacey ruffles, feathers, and stain ribbon

If you don’t look good in black, refrain from wearing it from head to toe. Wear your black items with red and grey instead.  And even if you look good in it, beware of the black rut – it’s always refreshing to see some colour.

Can you wear skinny jeans if you have curvy hips and thighs? Yes you can. It’s a question of selecting the correct silhouette of skinny and matching it up with the right top and shoes. Skinny jeans are not created equally. Apart from the difference in wash and lycra content – rise measurements, inseam lengths and leg openings can also differ. If you follow the guidelines below – you’ll get that longer-and-leaner line that you are hoping for:

The correct skinny:

• Choose a skinny with a straighter leg and bypass those that have 5 inch leg openings.
• Choose one in a darker wash and with a medium rise.
• Make sure that there is enough length to your skinnies so that they “scrunch” at the bottom. This helps balance out your curvy hip and thigh area.

The correct top:

• Tunic lengths will work best (anywhere between mid thigh and just above the knee).
• Choose tunic lengths with sleeve volume – they offer a visual balance to narrow jeans.
• If you wear a shorter top – make sure that your top is ruched at the sides and ends just above your crotch point. Add a shorter layer over this longer length top to add interest.
• Make sure that your tops are tailored at your shoulders and torso – belted styles will also work well.

The correct shoe:

• A shoe or boot with a chunky high heel or wedge will look best. Tucking skinnies into boots will also help create a balance. 
• Ballet flats are also an option – but adding a bit of height will always create a leaner look.

Curvier ladies who are sick of their boot cuts and flares will certainly be able to pull off wearing skinny jeans with style if they follow the rules. Watch out boyish racy rectangles!

Skinnies and tunics from Nordstrom that will work for curvy ladies.

Le Château is a Canadian-based chain store that has begun to branch out to the US. It offers global and runway-inspired clothing, shoes and accessories for ladies and men at the best possible prices. They proudly manufacture and produce the majority of their merchandise in Canada! Their ladies sizes run from a size 00 to 16, and their quality is impressive.

With stores having opened in east coast states NY and NJ – this trendy and affordable chain store is certainly giving ultra–hip, Swedish chain store giant H&M a run for it’s money. While H&M has the edge with its second-to-none advertising campaign full of high profile celebrities – Le Château is streets ahead when it comes to customer service and merchandise accessibility. Shopping at H&M can be overwhelming and there is seldom someone to help you out with sizes or exchanges. The shopping experience at Le Chateau, on the other hand, is much more organized. The staff is helpful and shelves remain neat and tidy.

If service is important when you’re after those inexpensive playful pieces for your wardrobe – you might just bypass H&M and head straight to Le Château instead!

Nothing frames your face quite like your eyebrows. Whether they are thin or bushy, looking after them is an extremely important part of “perfect polish“.

The perfectly shaped eyebrow is always about accentuating your natural arch.

• For thin brows – use eye shadow to add fullness and a pencil to add shape. A pencil will extend the length of your eyebrow and draw a stronger arch. Powdered eye shadow will fill in the areas where hair is sparse.
• For bushy eyebrows – if your brows are very thick or the hair points outwards; brushing them upwards first and then trimming the hair with eyebrow scissors is a good idea. Once you’ve done this – you can shape and shade as necessary.
• For blonde brows – dye your eyebrows a few shades darker then the colour of your hair. You won’t believe what a difference this can make. Shape and groom your brows after you’ve dyed them.
• Use gel – eyebrow gel or wax will keep your eyebrows in place for most of the day. The product lasts forever and is available at most cosmetic counters.  

If you can’t manage shaping, dying and tweezing your brows on your own – have them done professionally until you feel confident enough yourself. Eyebrow kits complete with powder, pencil and gel are also available and a good investment. Steal the time for your brows – your entire face looks alive when your eyebrows are properly groomed.