Winter coats – choosing the perfect fit
The winter collections are hitting stores now, and now is the time to invest in statement winter coat. We’ve put together an easy to follow guide to help you find the perfect coat to team with your longline tunics, shirts and skirts that will flatter your shape no matter what your size.
Petite
If you’re petite, then floor length coats can swamp your shape if you choose a coat that’s too long or too straight. Make sure your coat falls above the ankle, and look for coats that are well structured across the upper torso and that tuck in at the waist to give you shape.
Tailoring is key when choosing winter coats and if you’re petite you should look for vertical seam detailing that will help to lengthen your shape and give the appearance of added height.
Tall
Full length coats were made for you, and teaming a full length coat with our longline tunics and skirts will lengthen your figure even more, and create a really dramatic, flowing feminine look.
The key military trend looks great in a full length cut as the structured tailoring that goes hand in hand with the military look helps you to fit into a commanding long length style without it looking bulky and shapeless. Cinch in with a belt to create a waist too.
Look out for faux fur collars, high collars and statement necklines that all look great on a taller figure.
Curvy
If you’re lucky enough to have an hour glass shape, you want to show it off in your winter coat, not hide it. The key here is to look for coats that cinch in at the waist. Belted coats are great for this, or look out for single breasted coats that button with just one or two buttons so nip in your shape at the waist.
A-line cuts like the 60’s swing coat and the princess coat are key trends for this winter and they’re wonderful for a curvy shape. These styles are fitted neatly across the chest but swing out from the underarm to create a dramatic but feminine shape that skims over lumps and bumps perfectly.
Where to shop
A lot of the key winter coat trends this season are vintage-inspired - from the peacoat to the military look, the princess coat to the camel coat. If you’re looking for classic vintage glamour, then you can’t do better than getting the real thing. Look to second hand markets and vintage boutiques online and on the high street for unique vintage items.
If you’re shopping on a budget then you’ll find plenty of excellent options on the high street. Try affordable shops like New Look whose new winter coats range covers all of the season’s key trends and in a range of sizes too.
How to wear the new season maxi
Losve knows that you love longline tunics, shirts and skirts, so the fact that the long length maxi dress is a big trend for this coming season will come as welcome news. Here we take a look at the latest maxi shapes and how you can find the perfect maxi fit for your figure.
If you have a petite figure, then choosing a maxi becomes trickier as it’s all too easy to look swamped by material. The key is to choose a maxi that’s the right length for you. Avoid dresses that skim the floor as these will only serve to make you look shorter – instead look for maxi lengths that fall just to the ankle.
Whatever your shape, you should look for maxi cuts that are fitted to the body. This is easier with the latest maxi dresses, which are far sleeker fitting than the floaty maxi dresses we saw in summer. Look for maxis that are fitted to the waist, or are belted, or add your own belt to cinch in the waist creating a feminine silhouette.
If you’re curvy, then avoid thin-strapped maxis as these will make your upper torso and arms look bigger. Instead, look for halter styles, thick straps, or wrap over maxis that will you’re your upper body and flatter your bust too.
The easiest way to slim your shape in a maxi is to look for one in a solid colour. There are plenty available in the stores in this season’s key khakis, muted greys and olive greens at the moment. Bold colours and prints look great on a curvier frame, as these help to accentuate your curves.
Shopping for maxi dresses is easy this season, as you’ll find them all over the high street. For more free-flowing classic maxis, look to vintage and second hand stores for unique styles. If you’re looking for the latest maxi styles, like body con maxis and city maxi cuts, then look to high street stores like New Look where you’ll find affordable maxi dresses and a great range of cropped jackets that are perfect for accentuating your waist in a maxi too.
Scarves
The cold weather is here and it is time to wrap up in one of the key accessories for this season - the scarf. Scarves have been a fashionable for centuries and are a must-have accessory in our wardrobe.
Dolce & Gabanna had scarves as part of their Country Life collection for autumn/winter 08, adding a touch of elegance to the outfits.
Scarves come in different styles, sizes and colours and are very versatile. There are small scarves like handkerchiefs to bigger pashmina wraps. They can be rectangular, square or triangular and made of different fabrics like silk, cashmere and cotton.
The beauty of scarves is that they can add a splash of colour and effortless elegance to an outfit.
Here there are some suggestions on how to wear a scarf:
- Shawls can be worn as a wrap to style a dress or a short sleeve top, around the neck in cold days, as a head scarf and even as a sarong for going to the beach or swimming pool.
-Squared scarves can also be worn around the neck, as head wear (on those bad hair days they can be a life saver), over the shoulders as well as a bandana.
- Rectangular scarves can be used as a belt, front tie, as head wear and around the neck.
- Silk or satin scarves in rich colours & patterns are ideal to spice up any outfit.
- Plain scarves work best if you are wearing patterns or different colours in your outfit.
Here is an elegant selection from the LOSVE Square Scarves
Paisley Pattern
Paisley pattern is a hot trend for Autumn/Winter 08 and it is an essential piece for the boho folk look.
Originally from Persia, the Scottish town of Paisley became the major site for manufacturing the print. When the Beatles went to India in the late 60’s paisley really took off - John Lennon even had his Rolls Royce painted with paisley prints.
The Paisley print can be seen in ties, shawls and bandanas. The boho trend gave a revival to Paisley and both Gucci and Dolce & Gabanna backed the trend for Autumn/Winter 2008.
D&G
- Gucci
Make sure you don’t want to miss the trend and there are plenty of options including those from LOSVE.
Paisley Tops
Paisley Tops
Miss Selfridge Pasiley Smock LOSVE Paisley Tunic Oasis Paisley Tunic Warehouse paisley Tunic
Paisley Dresses & Skirts
Paisley Skirts
Wallis Paisley Dress LOSVE Green Paisley Skirt Principles Teal Paisley Dress LOSVE Brown Paisley Skirt
Paisley Accessories
Paisley Accessories
LOSVE Silk Paisley Scarf Monsoon Paisley Bag Jasper Conran Paisley Wash Bag
The White House sees Red!
Continuing with the Michelle Obama series, we look at the Obama’s first visit to the White House, Michelle wore a 50’s style red dress by Chicago designer Maria Pinto - one of her favourite designers. She also wore a red patent court shoes and minimal accessories.
- Obamas White House Visit
Michelle was probably making a subtle statement with a strong red colour - she was not about to fade into the shadow of her president elect husband. I also think red is a colour that really suits her and she has shown again her elegance and sense of style.
Michelle’s style has been compared to former first lady Jacqueline Kennedy and her fashion style is attracting a lot of fans!
Here is a simple alternative to Michelle’s outfit
LOSVE Red Tunic Dress Barrats Red Patent Courts
That Dress! - Michelle Obama
The 4th of November was a historical day as Barack Obama became the first black American president and for the victory speech, Michelle Obama wore a black and red scoop neck dress by Narciso Rodrigez, a piece from his Spring 2009 collection. The dress featured a splash of red on the bust with a criss-crossed corset across the waist, paired with a black cardigan.
Victory Speech
Like many, I thought the dress did not flatter Michelle. She has a great figure but the combination of the cardigan with the design of the dress was disastrous. The red splash made her hips look huge and busts small, plus the length of the sleeve made her shoulders look wide and the upper part of the arms chunky. A black dress in a simple design and gold accessories would have been a better choice for Michelle.
USAToday ran a poll about the dress and 65% of readers said: “This fashionista had an off day”.
At a more sombre venue, Cindy McCain wore a yellow silk suit from Oscar de la Renta Spring 2009 Collection. The 60’s style design suited her although the jacket looked slightly big.
Cindy McCain
