by Shai Thompson –
June’s Style Tip: One of the hottest looks in purses, handbags and totes this season is the straw bag. Vintage bags are my favourite as the offer a flirty expression without saying a word and just like you, they’re unique. This look emerged in the ’50s as women needed a casual bag to carry all their cosmetics and accessories. I love the picnic basket look: adorned with flowers, fruit and fabric like a gingham scarf.
Q: What is the difference between formal and cocktail attire?
This really breaks down to the hemline. Cocktail is shorter and formal is a full-length dress. I hear people always saying: “yes but it’s Victoria, no one will be dressed up.” What I respond with is “yes, but you could be the one person that is dressed to the nines! Why would you want to blend in? Why would you not want to stand out? Why would you settle for ‘good’ when you could go for ‘great?'”
Q: When I travel, how can I keep my clothes from getting so wrinkled?
First of all, when buying pay attention to the fabrics and pick those that are packable, like jersey knits and stretch muti-seasonal wool. I’ll also call the hotel I’m staying in and request a steamer to be put in my room to freshen up my packables. If they don’t have a steamer where you’re staying, ask for the closest dry cleaners that will do a one-hour turnaround. Then just ask the dry cleaners to steam your clothes. Easy!
Q: I have a large chest and can’t find a shirt that fits without gaping. What do I do?
I hear you sister! I like any top that has a side zipper made of a stretch fabric. This way, there is no visibility to your undergarments and it gives a polished look. Pullover tops that are light in weight like silk are also great, but go for a v-neck. Always fit the largest part of your body, then have your tailor take in where needed to show your shape.
Q: How true are the colours when shopping online? I need to match shoes to a dress for a wedding.
It has been my personal experience that the colour of an item has been fairly true to the tone shown on the website. Tone is what you really want to pay attention to. For example: there are many colours of red in the spectrum, blue red, orange red etc. When trying to match a shoe with a dress there will be a skin tone break from your legs, so getting the colour exactly the same will most likely not happen. However, it will look great and most people won’t see the variance.
Q: I really love my haircut but I’m not good at styling it every day. Suggestions?
I love going to a salon for a blow and style session. You get your hair washed, deep conditioned, blown out and styled for a reasonable fee. It is a luxury experience and your hair will love you. Volume, shine and silky hair always look beautiful. Tell the stylist you’d like to learn how to repeat the same style.
