Started your New Year diet yet? I haven't. I mean, technically, it's still new year and technically, we're still on holidays … aren't we? The whole of January is a holiday, isn't it? Oh, don't burst my bubble, I'm running with this! The work year doesn't actually begin until the traffic comes back, am I right?
So to deal with the extra Christmas padding that has taken up a long term residence, I thought I'd share styling tips to help us look slimmer until we start eating healthily … At some point. In the not-too-distant-but-can't-yet-be-confirmed future.
1. The half-tuck
This is nothing more than an optical illusion but gee, it works. Tuck one part of the front of your t-shirt/shirt into jeans, casually, as though it's an afterthought. Something to do with just the centre of your jeans showing creates a flattering depth perception that makes you look slimmer. Job done.
2. A high-waisted wide swing skirt
Worn with a cropped sweater or a top tucked in, a long skirt like this creates an hourglass shape that gives all the right curves.
3. Wear a blazer
Pop on a blazer that comes to the hip to streamline your look and draw the eye vertically. Oh the power of a magic fashion trick!
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4. Beef up your shoulders
Wearing an oversized jacket on the top half of your body, then teaming it with skinny jeans will make legs look teeny weeny.
5. A knee-length pencil skirt
Swap your mini for a longer skirt that hugs legs to the knee or just above. Make it casual by pairing with a tee and trainers, or team with heels to really elongate the leg. Bonus points if it's in a print which miraculously helps hide lumps and bumps.
Macgraw printed pencil skirt, $265
6. A tailored t-shirt
When Jennifer Aniston told the world last year that she got her t-shirts tailored to fit better, I thought it was a case of too much money + too much time = mad. But having bought a tailored t-shirt this summer, in a slightly stiff fabric, I can see where she's coming from. It won't sink into belly rolls and sits nicely just on the outside of your body, creating a slim silhouette.
7. The quasi-flat shoe
A hidden inch on a pair of "flats" or a shoe that's almost flat but not quite makes a huge difference. So whether it's a platform espadrille or a bang on trend, low block heel, this year you can welcome comfort while revelling in extra height to lengthen legs.
8. Monochrome
Wearing the same colour top and bottom makes the eye think you're like one, long delicious piece of goodness.
9. Swap wedges for a skinny heel.
On the wrong outfit, wedge shoes can make legs look dumpy. Wear them with minis and maxis, but nothing in between. With all other lengths, a skinny heel will slim out the body.
10. Wear light-coloured shoes
I'm not talking the boring "Kate Middleton nude" heel, but a light-coloured neutral like snakeskin, gold or interesting nude (rather than blah-beige) will lengthen and therefore slim out your legs.
11. Wear a loose sweater as a top
A loose-ish, lightweight sweater balances out skinny jeans or a skirt. Sweaters are the new tops, didncha know? Especially because you can double dip Tim Tams into your afternoon cuppa and nobody will notice when you develop a bloated paunch for your 4pm meeting. It's the little things.
FASHION NEWS
Old is the new black
It's been a week of firsts for fashion, with 80-year-old author Joan Didion fronting the new Celine campaign and 71-year-old Joni Mitchell announced as the new face of Saint Laurent, wearing the label's folk tunic and wide-brimmed hat in their ad. Both are strong women, great role models and have been at the top of their respective fields. A definite move away from teenage models, wouldn't you say? And now, 57-year-old Ines De La Fressange, the French-born former model, has launched a collaboration with high-street store, Uniqlo, for the third time (so the first two must have been wildly successful). "I learned from the world of high fashion that you can express elegance without owning many items," says Ines, "This collection is very easy to wear, match, and is layered to fit all women around the world. Fashion is one of life's joys. Let's enjoy it together! These are the kinds of clothes I've longed for myself, and I couldn't wait to wear them!" From only $39.90, it seems we'll all be able to have a little piece of her fashion to ourselves.
BONDS taps Aussie supermodel
Elyse Taylor is back on board as a BONDS girl, having last been with the brand five years ago. Based in New York, the blonde, blue-eyed, all-Australian model has nabbed big campaigns like Victoria's Secret, but spent last year busy getting married and having a baby, nine-month-old Lila. "I feel like I'm part of the [BONDS] family now," Taylor said. "It's such an honour to be a part of such an amazing brand." Taylor joins rising Hollywood star Jai Courtney to represent BONDS in their extension into clothing like chambray shirts and knits.
FASHION SALES
We Are Kindred sale
If you love all things floaty and floral and are a sucker for a great print, you'll go gaga for We Are Kindred. The up and coming Aussie label is now on sale with up to 50 per cent off their beautiful dresses, jumpsuits, jackets and skirts. Head to www.wearekindred.com.au to nab a special piece at an excellent price.
Rachel Gilbert sale
Rachel Gilbert is holding their annual summer sale with up to 40% off the designer dresses, skirts and tops. With everything from pretty lace dresses to sequin frocks with slashed prices, this sale is both instore and online at www.rachelgilbert.com
Shop by Heart sale
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Shop labels like Honey & Beau, Very Very, Sass, Pink Ruby and Pepe jeans at up to 40 per cent off online at Shopbyheart.com.au for clothes that will see you right through to the new season. Sale ends Sunday January 18.
FASHION GOSS
Ellen DeGeneres gave the world a teaser of her brand new, yet-to-be-released clothing line at the People's Choice Awards, by wearing it on the night. Her off-white jacket and pants which she teamed with a Saint Laurent shirt and Adidas trainers, had apparently just been made and were hot off the production line. The label will be called ED and is coming out in May.
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