Diagonal lines on a garment create a visually interesting and flattering effect on the body. They have a magical way of either straightening curves OR creating curves, which depending on your needs can balance out proportions. They are typically created by diagonal stripes or asymmetrical hemlines, and some garments incorporate both. 

Diagonal Stripes 

The diagonal stripes in these dresses, tunics and skirt play the best tricks on your eyes. They temper the volume of the white tunic by drawing the eye back to the centre of the outfit, thereby emphasizing the vertical (1). The diagonal lines on the sleeved midi dress draw the eye back to the waistline, thereby accentuating a defined waist (2). The wide set stripes break up the expanse of solid fabric in the black sheath making the model look curvier than she is (3). The diagonal lines on the handkerchief hem skirt give it some structure by breaking up the expanse of the solid colour (4). They also add a bit of shape to the wide and flowing volume on the lower leg.

Asymmetrical Hemlines

Asymmetrical hemlines are your friend because they create diagonal lines without any pattern on the garment. The asymmetrical hemlines in the first three tops create a fab sense of structure because the diagonal lines flatten the curve on the thigh and showcases more of the leg line from the hips up. Conversely, if you’re narrow on the hip, the diagonal lines of the hems would add some curve and volume. A straight hem on those long tops would look top heavy and would have shortened the leg line. 

This final top is an interesting use of different diagonal lines working together. The asymmetrical hemline creates a little more structure on the hip. The side ruching of the wrap front creates diagonal lines in the form of pleats that draw the eye towards the waistline, making it look narrower and more defined.

A new outfit from Amber McNaught of Forever Amber, whom we introduced to YLF in July 2014.

A bold Modern Classic outfit that is extra fun because Amber has matched her bag to the rest of the look. The structured satchel also echoes the crisp lines of the dressy trousers. Their bright red colour paired with the navy and white striped long-sleeved tee gives the look a fresh nautical feel. The wide boatneck showcases Amber’s shoulders, while the fitted silhouette works well with the tailored fit of the cropped pants. Streamlined and elegant. Gold metallic snake-embossed espadrille wedge sandals — they complement Amber’s red locks — and a big gold watch add a touch of sunny luxury.

Fabbers from around the globe gathered to meet Fabbers in London last week, and had a ball. Diane, one of the British locals from Birmingham, very kindly made our breakfast and lunch arrangements of which our elegant fashion lunch was definitely a highlight of the day. 

Greg and I travelled through from New Malden by train that morning, and although we were on time, most of the group was already at the Richoux Picadilly. There was UK Sue and Ruth who travelled from Guilford and Epsom. Diane and Inge who travelled from Birmingham and Antwerp. Isabelle who took the Eurostar from Paris that morning, and Jaime who flew in from Tel Aviv the day before. We were soon joined by Liz who took the ferry from Amsterdam and Mander who came a much shorter distance from within London. WOW. With us coming from Seattle, this was truly an international group. 

After a rush hour train ride and brisk 30 minute stroll to Picadilly, I was immediately struck by how cool, calm and collected the group was when I first greeted them. Not to mention well put together and fashionable. The wonderfully soothing effect of the ladies was most welcome, and it set the tone for a lovely day. 

We spent the day walking the busy streets of London looking at everything from pricey cutting-edge designer wear to affordable chain store stuff. In true YLF gathering fashion, the banter and excitement did not stop. I asked birthday girl Jaime whether there was anything in particular that she wanted to do. Her request was to find a fun shade of lipstick, so off we went to the Laura Mercier counter to get some Stickgloss.

Getting to know each other better was the order of the day and we chatted more than we shopped. That said, I found a wonderful cocoon shaped tomato red shirtdress at COS and Inge bought a funky orange and navy necklace. Diane got some great olive fabric at a cloth store, and UK Sue found a pretty scarf at Whistles. We finished off the day celebrating Jaime’s birthday at a French brasserie in Covent Garden. We could scarcely believe that we spent almost 12 hours together. Time flies when you’re having fun.

Greg joined us for breakfast and then went off on his own to meet up with some childhood friends. Later he also went by the National Portrait Gallery, where he saw this sculpture of Sir Tim Berners-Lee, inventor of the World Wide Web. Without the web, a site like YLF wouldn’t exist and this gathering in London would never have happened. Thank you Sir Tim.

After dinner we all went our separate ways. On the way back to Waterloo Station Greg and I crossed the Hungerford Bridge at just the right time to get a wonderful view of the Thames and just a small part of the glorious London skyline.

For the gathering I wore outfit 12 in the series on my travel capsule for a 4 week trip.

The top lipstick shades across the world, an Audrey Hepburn exhibition in London, Alexander Wang bringing back his greatest hits, and other fashion news that caught our attention this week.

• To celebrate the brand’s tenth anniversary, Alexander Wang is bringing back his greatest hits, and you can vote for your favourite.
• The first Yves Saint Laurent exhibition in the UK will be staged at the Bowes Museum in County Durham next month.
• A survey commissioned by Heathrow Airport reveals the top lipstick shade bought in cities across the world. According to the results New Yorkers love bright red, Londoners go for caramel nude, and Parisians often pick dusky rose.
• The National Portrait Gallery in London is organizing an Audrey Hepburn exhibition consisting of 75 images. The majority of the prints on show have never before been exhibited in the UK.
• For its annual suit drive, Men’s Wearhouse has teamed up with 180 local charities. You can help someone ace a job interview by donating professional clothing until July 31.

Fun Fashion Fact

Did you know that Marie-Louise Carven, who passed away at age 105 earlier this month and was noted for her designs for petite women, also had a knack for coming up with clever promotional campaigns. In 1954, for example, in memory of the liberation of Paris, she had hundreds of sample bottles of her signature Ma Griffe perfume dropped over the city on little striped parachutes.