Smart Lady

Curves are in and a great asset, so if you are lucky enough to have them, flaunt them!  However style secrets are important and should be acknowledged at all times if you wish to create an outfit that is both on trend and in style for your body shape!

Such style tips that will allow you to create a look that screams the above includes keeping the silhouette close but not too tight.  This way you will appear trimmer, trying to hide under baggy clothes will in fact make you appear bigger in size!

Dark and block palettes are great colour options as they will make a fuller figure appear slimmer, enhancing the good bits and hiding the bits you don’t wish to flaunt!  You can of course still appear lean when wearing bright hues.  Just stay away from patterned pieces as these will appear bigger and the whole look will appear a little too complicated.

Tight sleeves are a no no as they will accentuate bigger arms and bulges.  Fabrics and materials should in turn skim the skin.  Bell sleeves are a great option and very chic for the new season!

Dress the look up with key jewellery pieces in the shape of statement necklaces, matching bracelets and chunky earrings.  A pair of great heels is also a must as the height will make you appear slimmer and taller!

When it comes to make up it can be tricky to get the look you want and it tends to be something you learn as you go along, after all it’s not as if they teach you to do it at school! One of the make up classic looks is the dark, sultry, smokey eye. This is a dark and dramatic look that will demand that everyone looks you in the eye. So, how exactly do you get it?

Here’s a quick step-by-step guide to getting the perfect smokey eye for a night out or special occasion.

First of all prepare the eyelid by applying a cream concealer, which will create a smooth base and prevent creasing later on in the night.

The second step is to use a pencil eye liner, a dark smokey grey or black looks good, to line your top lashline. Rather than a solid line for the bottom lashes, use the same pencil to dot between the lower lashes. Use a cotton bud to smudge both lines for a soft, smokey look.

Next, sweep some powdered eyeshadow over your lid. Your best bets are browns, greys and dark greens or purples. Work the colour into the crease of your eyelid and blend upwards and outwards. For a shimmery, long lasting look you can always pat a cream eyeshadow on top of the concealer (in step one).

To finish, dust a neutral coloured eyeshadow in a lighter colour, such as a light gold, over the browbone and coat your lashes with some black mascara.

The smokey eye is a strong look so make sure you don’t overdo it with other areas of your face and keep your lips and cheeks fairly neutral with pretty pastel pinks or clear gloss.

There appears to be a few statement styles that are making a comeback this season, these include seventies style, ladylike leather and folk fashion.  Any one of the above is a must for autumn and winter 2011 and if you are a budding fashionista you may wish to try all three!

Crochet has taken centre stage on the catwalk this year and is a must-have investment piece if you wish to keep ahead in the fashion world!  Team a cute crochet vest with high waisted denim shorts or leggings.

The boho folk look is big and is only set to get bigger as it gets a little colder, however such a style can be worked to suit both spring and summer as well as autumn and winter.

The boho folk look is fun and eclectic and isn’t or the shy and retiring fashionista.  Mix a fur gilet with an embroidered blouse and wool or leather style shorts.  Alternatively layer the look over a print silk maxi dress and add a pair of knee high boots!  This is certainly one style that will turn heads and if you wish to invest in the trend opt to add a few statement pieces to your wardrobe.  These include a cute crochet neck piece, a crochet short dress, a printed maxi style piece, a pair of knee-high leather boot, lace-ups optional, a printed swirl style dress, a statement hat, a patterned poncho and a chunky knit cardigan and voila, you will be the boho queen in no time.

Maxis are a must this season and the best bit, they are set to continue into next season with a few simple tweaks right into the next season.  Wear them in the summer with on trend gladiator chunky sandals and shades, wear them in the winter with biker boots, long sleeved tees worn underneath, chunky knits, cardigans, scarves and hats.

Maxis are not only the perfect festival attire, they are also great for a quick trip to the shops, a leisurely lunch with the girls, a walk in the park, a picnic or the beach.

Many celebs adore this style and wear it as their go-to casual cool look when they are off the red carpet.  However this year has also showcased some extremely embellished maxis that when worn with heels are the perfect party piece.  Try wearing a floor length maxi in either mauve, silver grey or salmon pink with an embellished bust and sheer skirt with uber high heels for the ultimate party look!

This season is just one of the many that has once again showcased such a style.  The only difference being that not only does the maxi dress still appear to be going strong, the maxi skirt is also big!  This is a great alternative to the dress and allows you to team the maxi with a cutesy top or laid back retro style tee!

Spotted on hosts of celebrities and all over the catwalks, jumpsuits have never been hotter. Almost every clothing store on the high street has its own take on the trend. Despite their current popularity, jumpsuits can be a tricky trend to pull off. As daunting as the trend can be, there are styles to suit women of every shape and size. With a few simple tips and tricks, anyone can embrace the jumpsuit!

Wearing a jumpsuit is the perfect way to tap into the current 70s trend. If you’re tall and have a boyish figure, like Gwen Stefani, then you’re incredibly lucky; you can wear a jumpsuit in practically any colour, shape and pattern. To enhance a smaller chest, wear a jumpsuit with a voluminous top or a one-shoulder style.

Shorter women, like Cheryl Cole, often shy away from jumpsuits because they can make them appear smaller. A high-waisted style however will elongate the legs, making them appear taller, leaner and slimmer. Teamed with a pair of killer heels, a jumpsuit can look incredibly elegant on a shorter woman.

Jumpsuits can often fill curvier women with dread but, like Khloe Kardashian knows, they can look fantastic. Curvy girls should wear a jumpsuit that clings to their best bits and skim their worst. Again, designs with a high waist look great, and belted styles help to nip in the waist and create an hourglass figure.

If you’re still unsure about embracing the jumpsuit trend, choose something in a solid colour. A style with wide-legged trousers and a firm fitting top looks just like a maxi dress, so can be a great choice for people trying the trend for the first time. Add a contrasting coloured belt and some statement jewellery, and you’ll look as chic as all the celebrities that have been spotted rocking the jumpsuit trend.

As well as clothes, make-up is another must-have wardrobe essential if you wish to really finish your outfit off.  This season is all about working that subtle summer glow, think a natural sun kissed look with a little highlighting product on the cheekbones.

When it comes to eye shadow, why not break all the boundaries this season and look to a hotter hue!  Don’t be afraid to try a new colour, instead keep the rest of your make-up tame in order to counteract the hot new hue!

Purple is big for summer and comes in an array of shades, it is also a great look for those that wish to really awaken their eyes.  Opt for a smudgy liner and apply to the upper lashes.  The easiest way to apply the liner is to use the flat tip of a make-up applicator brush.  Try Mac’s small angled brush, which is a great tool for creating that perfect sweep of eye shadow.

Felt tip liners are also a good investment that are very easy to use and you don’t have to apply any product to the tip of the pen.  It is both rigid and easy to control, which makes for a hassle free application.

Tinted moisturiser is a good investment if you wish to create a natural effect and are not big on foundations, it gives that perfectly polished look!  Many of the ones on the market today also come complete with SPF ingredients, meaning they will protect your complexion from the sun!  A great holiday product!