Are We Image Obsessed?

  The mirror, it seems, has become our worst enemy rather than our best

   friend. Research indicates that at least 80% of women over 18 are

   unhappy with what they see. The main focus of dissatisfaction is the

   size and shape of their bodies, particularly their hips, waists and

   thighs.

   This has led me to think about this matter and air my views in this

   newsletter.

   It does not help that we cannot watch TV, pass billboards, or read

   magazines and newspapers without seeing slender, beautiful people. So

   much so, that we are subconsciously brainwashed into believing this is

   the norm and that we should look like these people too.

   To make matters worse, the majority of celebrities, females in

   particular, almost always look perfect. Not a hair out of place, not a

   wrinkle to be seen and breasts and bottoms fixed where they should be

   rather than heading south, as they tend to do in the rest of us.

   Does this create a negative or positive impact on us ordinary mortals?

   Are we able to differentiate the star from the individual? Are we

   envious?

   It seems so, when you examine the statistics. According to the American

   Society of Plastic Surgeons’ (ASPS), 2011 Statistical Report, there

   were, 307,000 breast augmentations, 182,000 nose reshapings and 182,000

   liposuctions among other cosmetic procedures.

   In 2010, almost 219,000 plastic surgery procedures were performed on

   13-to-19-year-olds. Teens rely on the knife to correct ill-shaped

   noses, protruding ears, too large or too small breasts, too big or too

   flat butts, and so on. Young Asian women go as far as having plastic

   surgery to westernize their appearance.

   Don’t get me wrong. I have nothing against plastic surgery. Especially

   for adults who take the time to do in-depth research about their

   surgeon’s history and professionalism and the consequences of their

   proposed surgery.

   To what extent is all this related to our actual physical defects

   rather than the perception of our physical defects? We all have

   imperfections. But the issue is that we believe our defects stand out

   and everybody immediately notices them. Not true. The sad thing is that

   we are our harshest critics.

   How much is the media to blame? In my opinion, a lot. It is the media

   that creates and continues to magnify and exploit the celebrity

   syndrome. Thanks to the media, we have become accustomed to extremely

   rigid and uniform standards of beauty.

   These high standards are simply unrealistic and out of our reach. The

   truth of the matter is that the current median ideal of slenderness for

   women is achievable by less than 5% of the female population.

   Most of us cannot afford to have a personal make-up artist, hair and

   fashion stylist, yoga teacher or Pilates instructor. If we could, we

   too would look fabulous every time we walked out the front door.

   So what to do? Make the mirror your friend! Accept your body for what

   it is, zoom in on what is good and make the most of it.

   A Bientôt,

   Michèle

Shop 'Till You Drop (With Caution!)

I know, I know. We all want to stay on point with our budgets in these tough economic times. But, there are some great bargains out there and, if you are careful, you won’t break the bank! Here are my tip offs and of course, as always, a few words of caution!
 
Tip Offs

• If shoes are your weakness, the best deals are at Glory Chen and Joy Chen. If you like avant-garde shoes, hunt carefully as there are some at 50% off.
•  Bottega Veneta’s spring/summer collection is already 50% off as is TUMI’s and they have great travel bags.
•  MaxMara and Giorgio Armani begin their sales the second week of June.
•  Price tags still a bit high for you? Then, head for the department stores for more affordable price points, as many are liquidating their spring/summer 2012 collections to make room for the next season’s trends.

OK. So you’ve been really disciplined and have been waiting for the sales to make the most of your budget, but buyer be AWARE!

  
Shoe by Glory Chen

Words of caution
 
Shop for now.  Shop for items that fit you now and do not buy too-tight jeans thinking you’ll lose a little and it’ll fit!
 
Think like me.  Buy fewer pieces but all high quality. In Europe almost everyone looks good even when they wear the same clothes repeatedly. The reason? Because they are of good quality. I was brought up this way too, so it doesn’t bother me at all to wear the same clothes year after year. However, I do take the opportunity to freshen up my wardrobe during the sale seasons and suggest you do the same.
 
Remember that size does matter. Don’t pay attention to the number on the label, just buy what fits and looks good on you.
 
Don’t rush. Give yourself enough time. Window-shop and ask the sales person to hold the items you like. Then return for a second look AND try them on again.
 
Test. Whether you are shopping for dresses, trousers or T-shirts, comfort is supreme. Take a test drive. Walk around, swing your arms back and forth and make sure the garment falls back into place. I suggest that if you can, sit on a chair in front of a mirror to see what other people see! (I’m thinking mini skirts…!)
 
Trust your inner voice-1. You may come across the ‘It” piece that everyone else has, but if it doesn’t meet your needs just walk on by.
If you have to try too hard to make it work, forget it. You’ll never wear the piece.
 
Cost per wear. Buy high-end items that you will wear more often. The more you wear them, the less expensive they’ll turn out to be.
Don’t buy an item just because it’s on sale! Don’t panic or be afraid to lose a good deal.
 
Trust your inner voice-2. Dare to be a little adventurous. Shake up your wardrobe by adding a few elements that you would not otherwise acquire.
 
Finally, remember to always check the store’s return policy!
 
A bientôt,
 
Michele

Looking Great (Front and Back) in Jeans

Jeans are such a great fall-back position when we’re stuck with what to wear. So I think it is time to remind you of important points to consider before slipping into your favorite pair.

At the top of the list is the most important point to consider: Do not wear what everybody else is wearing unless you have the body type that suits the current trend!

To make it easy for you, here are my pointers for specific body types:
 

1. Long waist: Super low-rise jeans are a no-no as they will hit the mid part of your hips and make your thighs look larger. And your legs will appear shorter! Better to choose a pair of jeans that either fit your waist or fall just below your navel. You can also wear high-waisted jeans as they will make your waist seem shorter and your legs longer. As a matter of fact, I fall under this body type and I find that jeans/pants in 'Petite' fit me better than a regular size. I am 5'7”.
2. Triangle shape: Wear jeans that sit just on your hipbones and select bootcut legs. Avoid tapered jeans, as they will draw unwanted attention to your hips!
3. Round ‘bubble’ derrière: Do not cinch your waist and do not wear jeans with faded areas on this part of your body! Wear low-waisted jeans, as they will make your derrière look more compact.
4. Flat derrière: Avoid high-waisted jeans, as this cut will make your derrière look totally flat. Low cut jeans + flap pockets or just enough detailed pockets will make your bottom look perky.
5. Long Legs: No, I am afraid you cannot wear cropped flared jeans, as you will look as if you grew out of them! Your best bet is to choose jeans with a long inseam, bootcut or straight-legged.
6. Plus sizes: No baggy pants please! They make you look bigger. You need to wear slim-fitting, slightly low-rise jeans that just hit the hipbones. Choose darkish colors, as they will minimize your curves.
7. Buffed full quads + small waist: Look for wide-leg styles. Fit your legs first, and then have the waist altered.
8. All body types: Choose jeans that have at least 2% spandex.

Finally, remember jeans should never touch the floor. There should be a slight break in the front and they should fall a fraction above the ground in the back. This will prevent unsightly frayed cuffs. A frayed hem is a definite NO-NO!

A Bientôt,

Michele
 

The Best Top of the Season -- The Blouse

Surprise! The very ladylike blouse has floated back onto the runways and designers have finally made it super feminine.

This time round, it runs the whole gamut: it is filmy, puffy, floral, colorful, and transparent. It comes in classic plain white cotton and soft or sheer voile. I like it in all these versions and it is once again an essential. And, what’s more, a classic blouse is as versatile as an LBD (Little Black Dress). It can be casual or dressy, flirtatious or sensual.

This season it appears in endless forms, from the classic tailored form that just about hugs the body, to one that billows out. Some blouses are boldly transparent while others have cascades of ruffles.

Never underestimate the importance of tops, be it tees, blouses or sweaters. Since these pieces of clothing are worn close to the face, we should not overlook their impact. Believe it or not, a top can make our complexion glow or make it look dull.

For a chic lightweight style, dare to wear a transparent blouse belted at the waist and accented with a high-waisted skirt to lengthen the legs. To add even more height, wear open toe stilettos.

La femme will wear the blouse tucked in a wide leg pair of jeans­ – to refine her silhouette – with long necklaces gracing her neck.

Topping off with a blouse does not mean you have to be completely covered, especially if you choose a flowing, diaphanous fabric that will play hide and seek with your body. Very flirty and seductive.

To be honest, I want a blouse right now. A lovely green one to wear with a tuxedo suit. Perfect for business!

Be Bold This Spring 2012

Are you ready for spring?
I’ve put together my recommendations for the coming season.

BRIGHT IDEAS, BRIGHT COLORS
Spring colors are so joyful; they immediately make me feel optimistic and happy! This spring is all about mixing a marvelous palette of uplifting colors: pink, yellow, orange, blue, lilac, turquoise, and my favorite color of all, red! But finding shoes to complement this cheerful array of colors will be a challenge. My suggestion: metallic sandals. For me, silver ones are at the top of my “must buy” list.

With such a wide range of colors ­­to choose from­­—yellow, orange and green to the more muted shades of lavender, blue and beige—everyone can find their perfect color. As they say in French, a chacun sa coleur!

ROCK WITH BLOCK COLORS
Dazzle with solid colors used in blocks. Wear vivid orange with bright pink. Or, a blue top with coral pants separated by a brilliant yellow, very narrow belt to accentuate the waist. A statement with a fab finishing touch!

If bright colors are not for you, look for candy couleur, aka soft but add a bold necklace that lifts the look and makes a statement.

PRINTS
Go for geometric prints on pants or tops. My recommendation: contrast a print with a solid pop-up color for either the top or the bottom.

FLEURS (Flowers)
Don’t be shy! If you can get away with them, wear prints from head-to-toe!

STRIPES or SEASIDE CHIC
Dazzle with horizontal stripes for tops, dresses, and jackets.

SHINE
Shimmer in unexpected textures like sequins and metallic fabrics.

RED
Stand out from the crowd! Forget the classic little black dress. This season’s little black dress is red.

BAGS
The envelope please! There are a variety of ‘envelope’ style bags to choose from this season. Great from day to night.

SHOES
For the lucky few, high heels are aplenty. And colorful too. BUT Learn how to walk in them! Practice in front of a mirror!

THIS and THAT
A few details to watch for this spring:

• Hemline just below the knee.
• Skirt-shorts, but choose carefully so you don’t look dowdy!
• On the beach or around the pool, Chanel suggests wearing the classic Chanel jacket over a bathing suit. And why not?
• Ribbon-edged cardigans, cropped jackets, lots of horizontal stripes everywhere, all good for updating your wardrobe!
• Every store has at least one crisped glacier-white suit.
• Jewelry is bold, really bold. Think BIG earrings.

To minimize your trendy investment, pick a colorful accessory and pair it with crisped whites.

Be bold, put a SPRING in your step -- and in your wardrobe.


A bientot,
Michèle