Strapless - Do We or Don't We?

Ladies,

Let's talk about strapless dresses. We need to. Summer is here in force and so are weddings, summer parties, barbecues and holidays - all of which seem to bring out the strapless queen in us.

However - beware.

Most women look simply dreadful in strapless dresses - and don't seem to realise it. Why? Well, let me tell you.....................
1. A full bosom does not work in a strapless dress. It's asking for trouble when it comes to a public, unplanned nudity moment and can be distracting (to say the least), when walking. And you can forget running for a bus.
2. The whole 'yank the dress back up' look is just dreadful. This means it's not fitted enough to stay put and shatters any illusion of being ladylike and is utterly conflicts with the whole 'ladylike' look we're going for.
3. Short necks; broad or very sloping shoulders and batwing arms all don't work with strapless - equally a very bony, scrawny top half doesn't look good. Wear a pashmina or bolero cardigan for coverage.
4. Unless your skin is flawless - absolutely smooth and clear - no spots, bumps, wrinkles, sunburn or flakiness - then just.......don't.
5. And beyond a certain age - exposing all that flesh just isn't great. (And I say that as a woman who is enjoying middle youth - not middle age).

So who does it work for? Ladies with long necks, slim shoulders, small chests and toned arms are most likely to look stunning. So by my reckoning that's about 4 of us.

Tying Yourself Up In Knots

Ladies,

My blog this week is about ties..........and don't think it doesn't relate to you. I wear a tie - and mighty fine it looks with a white shirt and pair of black trousers.

But if ties aren't your thing; this could be useful for the men in your life.

Let me just say one thing - JUST HOW MANY MEN DON'T KNOW HOW TO TIE A TIE!!!???

I am SO sick of seeing men walking around with ties that are CLEARLY tied incorrectly. What is up with that? This is a life skill - and you've just GOT to help them to get it right.
The rules - once and for all are as follows:

1. The tie should end at the tip of the belt on the waistband. Absolutely no higher and no lower.
2. The knot should fit snug to the top of the neck button - and not look as if the two have fallen out.
3. Ties with button down shirts do not look good - ever.
4. The knot of the tie should be in keeping with the size and scale of your face. So, if you have small features, you need a small knot; and vice-versa. Otherwise it will look out of proportion, unbalanced and just not right.
5. If you have more length than width in your face; then you should have a wider spread collar to balance your features. The opposite is also true - if you have more width than length, then you need a long point collar and a knot that is in scale with your face.

The tie is a signature piece for a man (or woman!) It's a chance to express your personality; presence and brand. It should enhance and support you, never distract or confuse.

That's all for now. Nothing like tying up some details..........