Busting Diva's Blog

Wearing Vintage Clothing

2010-09-22T16:23:00.000+01:00

Vintage clothing, by it's very definition, is by no means new. But the concept of vintage fashion is fast gathering momentum and settling nicely into it's guilded place on the high street and internet. So what is it that we love so much about vintage clothes? What are the reasons behind the worldwide vintage epidemic?

1) Celebrity Culture

Whether we like to admit it or not, we are living in a world where celebrities are king, with more influence and status than most royals! Be it actors, singers, models or TV personalities, our screens and the magazines we read are filled with our icon's latest look. In the past few years our favourite celebrities have been turning to vintage clothes more and more and boy oh boy have we been following suit... Whether it's vintage dresses, vintage knitwear, vintage jackets, vintage shoes, vintage skirts, vintage tops or vintage accessories, if we see it in the glossies then we will do our best to find something similar. It's also made vintage clothing more accessible, more mainstream and more acceptable than it ever has been before.

2) Individuality

You know the feeling. You've spent weeks preparing for the party of the year. Carefully and lovingly choosing what to wear, how to style your hair, what make up and scent to wear... The night finally arrives and feeling a million dollars you arrive - only to find your worst nightmare. Another girl is wearing exactly the same dress as you! It's a horrible feeling and one we all dread, but a perfectly realistic side effect of 'fast fashion' on the high street. So how can you assure you will be the only girl in THAT outfit - vintage clothing of course! When you buy a piece of vintage clothing you are buying an item that has one very important factor - individuality. Sure you can buy pieces that follow key trends but it's highly unlikely that any other girl will have the same vintage item as you. Your vintage clothing can come from any corner of the globe and from any era of time so it's bound to be super special.

3) Global Awareness

From the way we power our homes to the way in which our rubbish is collected, we have all become much more environmentally aware in recent years. We've managed to adapt to splitting our rubbish into different boxes and invested in energy saving light bulbs. We've even stopped leaving our TV's on standby when we go to bed! But being greener doesn't end there... vintage clothing is a fantastic way to recycle. Imagine how much quality vintage clothing is out there, thousands and thousands of pieces just waiting for new homes. You can even sell your own collection on - whether it's your too-short sixties minis or your dodgy eighties batwings, vintage clothing companies love to hear from you. We can all do our bit to help each other and the planet!

4) Money Matters

You know the old saying - look after the pennies and the pounds look after themselves! If you're financially savvy then you are probably buying vintage already. To buy good quality fashion on the high street can cost enough, but designer labels can really break the bank. Buying vintage clothing is an excellent way to get the look you want at the fraction of the normal price. Not only that, but you actually making an investment. Like a fine wine or piece of antique furniture, as your vintage clothing grows older it increases in value.

So there we have it - save money, look super stylish AND individual, keep the planet happy and follow as many trends as your heart desires - it may sound too good to be true but vintage clothes really can offer the perfect fashion and lifestyle solution. So the only question is - if you're not buying vintage clothing already - why not?!

Let Busting Diva's dressmakers make you a unique bespoke vintage style garment which fits you perfectly with our vintage dressmaking service. Or be completely individually dressed - we can also give a vintage twist to a modern garment.

We have a collection of genuine vintage dressmaking patterns for you to choose from, or we can make a vintage style garment from your ideas and designs.

Spring/Summer 2010 Trends

2010-03-21T21:42:00.013Z

The Divas have put together our guide of what to look out for during the coming season, though as always if you need further information in regards to how to wear these trends, speak with your personal stylist.

A reaction to the economic situation perhaps, however in general we’re seeing people choosing to buy luxury, quality, long wearing garments, preferring iconic pieces that can be kept longer term.

Some of the key spring/summer 2010 trends include:

Colours

White and nude White is almost always a trend for summer but this year we’re looking at 'super white'. Choose garments in white or cream chiffon to really make the most of the trend. Also look for demure nudes to really be on trend for spring/summer this year.

Ice cream pastels For those of you who can wear pastels, look for “ice cream” colours. Last season it was all about block colouring, but this season choose subtleties of different tones, so go for nude with a soft peach, or pale icy grey with light blue.

Valiant yellow Feeling brave? Yellow’s the colour for you this season. Mix bright rich yellows with a softer pastel yellow to really hit the trend.

Checks and stripes Insert colour into your wardrobe this season with checks, stripes or pinstripes; choosing something more unusual will be really on trend. As always be careful which way the stripes run and where you place them on your body.

Bold ethnic and tribal prints From fierce animal prints to khaki safari suits, the tribal look is going to be hitting the high street this season. Choose khaki shorts, long or short, to really make the most of the trend.

Styles

Genie pants Loose trousers that taper to the ankles, perfect if you want to hide winter weight whilst still being on trend. Great for those with slender calves.

Inside out Find inspiration from Lady Gaga and wear your underwear as day wear, or on top of your garments. A corset or bustier over a tank or tee is a more conservative place to start with this trend, or simply go sheer.

Jumpsuits and dungarees Jumpsuits are the must have for this season. Either long or short sleeved and legged, team them up with statement jewellery to really be noticed.

Ruffles, draping and knots Think ancient Greece when dressing this trend. Flowing over any shortcomings, choose drapes which will accentuate your best features.

Shorts and shorter skirts A perfect time to get your legs out with summer’s sun giving our legs a little glow, there will be a length which will suit you best so choose carefully from micro, short, and mini lengths.

Trench coats Time to bring out your classic trench coat again this summer. If buying new, pick one in one of the key summer neutral colours to get the most wear from it.

Fabrics

Denim on denim The trend of wearing denim with denim leaning back to the 70s and early 80s. Be sure to choose denim which suits your colouring and shape to ensure they can be worn beyond this season. Add some fab chunky jewellery to break it up a little.

Organza and chiffon Light, see-through dresses and blouses, either in a print or plain fabric, are are perfect for turning up the heat this summer. Perfect for that summer party.

Sparkle Be it lamé or just a little glitz, fabrics in a sparkly fabric are on trend this summer. Be careful where you place the glitz on your body to ensure you’re making the most of your assets. Try to be chic rather than blingy!

Accessories

Chunky and statement necklaces Continuing the trend from winter, watch out for statement or chunky necklaces. Whether layers of beads, mixes of chains, large charms, choose something that really expresses your personality.

Belts Skinny or wide, grab a belt this summer to really show off your best assets. Over a dress, blouse or trousers, draw attention to your most slender area with a coloured or leather belt.

Shoes

Statement shoes Whether low or high, choose shoes that really wow this season. Make them tell your story by adding colour, a little sparkle, ruffles or knots.

Lower heels We can all let a sigh of relief pass our lips that lower heels are back again this season! Whether kitten heels or completely flat, this season you can let your heels down.

Clogs The shoe to wear for summer, a clog will really hit the spot. Team them up with a jumpsuit or genie pants and some chunky jewellery to really be on trend.

Not sure how to do trends on your own and ensure you're a stylista rather than a fashion victim? Our personal stylists will guide you through, get in touch to make an appointment.

Autumn/Winter 2009-10 Trends

2009-10-30T08:41:00.006Z

The Divas have been avidly watching the catwalks and of course streetwear to help you make the most of trends for the autumn/winter 2009-10 season. See below for our key trends to bring your wardrobe up to date, though if you're unsure how to go it alone, speak with one of our personal shoppers who'll guide you through each trend to find your style:

Colours

Block colours This season try using blocks of the same colour for a slimming look. Look for monochromatic palettes particularly during the day. Black and charcoal grey will bring drama to your look.

Violet Team up regal tones of purple, violet, and grape with black and charcoal accents. Choose berry hues in satins and velvets for lush evening ensembles.

Teal Use opulent teals to break up navy, grey and black shades. For the daytime, team up with taupes or mushrooms. For the evening, choose silks, velvets and lamé to glam it up.

Styles

Shaped Look for sharp, angular lines in a monochrome of colours. Choose well cut garments which hug your curves. Add a big, waisted belt for added definition.

Draped To accentuate or create a feminine form, go for elegant draped garments. In the evening, to create a romantic feel, go for silks, lamé and glitter draped into your female curves.

Eighties Glitter, lamé and shoulder pads are back for an 80s flashback. Look for stylish peplums, tulip skirts and one-shouldered styles to really make the most of this trend. Off-the-shoulder sweaters and leggings will nail the trend.

Bold shoulders Whether you prefer dramatic and big or soft and billowing, big shoulders are the trend of the season. Mirroring the power dressing of the 80s, look for exaggerated shoulders on blouses, dresses and jackets.

Fabrics

Tweed A good old favourite, the tweed has been updated this season in shades of black, grey and white. Tailored dresses or skirt suits for the daytime business look will make the most of this trend.

Leather Leather has gone feminine this season creating a grown up, elegant look. Choose elegant skirts or dresses in a soft smooth leather. Add leather detailing such as pins or trims to garments from last season to bring them bang up to date.

Velvet Forget the frumpy velvets you used to wear in the 80s! This season's velvet is sleek, glossy and fresh. Jewel colours such as sapphire, ruby, emerald, teal and grape will rock this trend. Best seen in the evening, choose velvet for your cocktail dress or dinner jacket.

Sequins A little sparkle in the form of sequins is a big trend this season, make the most of your best features by wearing sequins around that area. Be careful how you wear it though, it can either look really elegant or really tacky!

Accessories

Handbags Whether you prefer big or small, this season's handbags are handheld. Choose quilted or studded bags to really make the most of this trend. Snake or crocodile skins will make for a tactile luxurious feel.

Hosiery Legs are the statement makers this season in vibrant colours, checks, stripes and swirls. For a glam evening look choose sparkles, lace or bling.

Jewellery Jewellery went couture this season, from layers of pearls, to super chunky rings, to long strands of mixed chains dropping to a charm or trinket. Choose oversized to really nail the trend.

Shoes

Over-the-knee boots Whether you prefer baggy and loose, or the sprayed on look, over-the-knee boots are key for this season - though keep your hemlines longer or wear with shorts to avoid a Julia Roberts Pretty Woman look!

Couture shoes Statement shoes are all the craze this season with jewels, frills, and knots. You can choose a flat heel for this trend, the shoes will do the talking! Or go for strappy stilettos or Edwardian style lace up boots.

Ankle boots Choose heeled ankle boots with wedges or stilettos to really make the most of this trend this season. Try wearing them with a mini skirt and some fab tights to really rock the trend!

What Did I Wear... To A Wedding

2009-06-01T15:18:00.010+01:00

One of my dear friends was getting married and like everyone who attends a wedding, I had the dilemma of what to wear. I decided fairly early on that I was going to have a dress custom made for me, mainly because I wanted to wear something quite different from what I already had in my wardrobe. But also because I wanted something a little different from usual wedding attire.

So I went and searched out some gorgeous fabric, gave a brief to a dressmaker, she came back a week or so later with a toile to try, then several weeks later returned with a gorgeous bespoke dress, complete with custom made corsage.

The design I chose for my dress was based on a 1950s Dior dress, fitted, figure hugging, knee-length with little puff sleeves and a skinny belt. I also wore a feather fascinator in my hair, 3" silver peeptoe shoes and a small silver clutch bag.

When choosing my outfit I considered the type of wedding it was (ie church or registry office), the time of year the wedding was being held to ensure I was appropriately dress for the weather, what time the wedding was to ensure I'd be warm enough should it go late, my relationship with the wedding party and how I wanted to feel on the day. I also wanted to be sure it was a garment I could wear over again rather than a one off.

I really felt fabulous and whilst I would never want to outshine the bride, she was extremely complimentary about my dress (might I add she looked gorgeous herself!). I felt really fab wearing it and the dress is something I'll be able to wear time and again as it's a classic style.

What Did I Wear... Meeting A New Client

2009-02-03T18:26:00.009Z

Obviously working in fashion as a personal stylist I get plenty of opportunity to wear funky clothes and am not restricted to suits, I think this is the case even more so when meeting new clients.

It was a little on the chilly side so I wanted to make sure I wouldn't catch a chill as we were going to be walking around outside a little, so I chose a thick wool pencil skirt. I bought it when we were working at London Fashion Weekend doing personal shopping trips for our client Phillips, couldn't resist this skirt with the cheeky zip up the front! It is just below knee length, black and very well fitted. I wear it with the zip done up and can do because of the pleat in the back (I had to have one of our dressmakers make it more wearable it by extending the pleat, so glad I did, now I can't get enough of the skirt!).

I wore it with patterned tights and my purple ankle boots - as you can probably tell these are a favourite of mine! I added an aubergine cardigan buttoned up with a black camisole underneath.

In terms of accessories I wore purple beads, purple earrings and the famous black velvet handbag which I had made for me (the client loved it too!), accessorised with a black and white spotted scarf and very bling brooch covered in diamontes. On top I wore my new purple cashmere jacket (check for pictures of jacket and handbag in our dressmaking portfolio), black leather gloves and black scarf.

The outfit looked smart whilst still being just a little edgy. Perfect!

What Did I Wear... On A First Date

2009-02-02T16:35:00.001Z

When dressing for dates I very much take into consideration my mood, where we're meeting, and the type of guy I'm meeting.

I'm petite in height and have fairly slender legs, and as I was feeling playful and knew we were going to be indoors for most of the night, decided tonight was the night for a mini skirt! I'll admit that for some years I didn't wear mini skirts that often, I think it was to do with moving to the UK, just seemed too cold when compared to the Australian weather. However for some reason a few years back I had to wear one, and realised I could carry them off and wear them with tights for warmth, so since then I've been altering and re-hemming any skirts I wasn't wearing into minis and have started wearing them again!

So with the mini skirt - which was a cute, black skirt with two pleats down the front so just a little school girlish - I added opaque black tights and my purple ankle boots. Thankfully whilst they have 3" heels they're incredibly comfortable as well.

I recently designed a jacket which I had one of our dressmakers make up for me, it's gorgeous (see it on our website in the dressmaking portfolio pages)! It has an amazing collar, hard to describe but kind of puffed. It's a short jacket, again in deep purple cashmere, and belts at the waist. The sleeves are cute too, I had her put a button at the elbow so I can turn them up to make them three-quarter length, which I can unbutton should it get cold to turn the sleeves into full length.

Underneath I wore a deep purple sweater which is made from fine wool so is warm but well fitted. I added to this purple beads wrapped twice around, and long dangly earrings. I added to that a black crocheted scarf, tres cute!

Oh and my handbag, OMG! I usually carry small handbags being small myself but I was going crazy because my knitting needles won't fit in them. I saw some black velvet bags which had ribbons, brooches and badges on them which gave me inspiration, so searched high and low for a month for a black velvet bag I could use but to no avail. So I had one made. It's very fun and I put my brooches and feathers and ribbons and scarves on it to make it unique and of course it therefore goes with any outfit because I change the bag's accessories to match my outfit!

I had a great night, felt fun, cute and I think it had the desired effect with my date too ;)

Recession Dressing

2008-10-07T10:37:00.006+01:00

I don't know about you, but I dread turning the news on these days for fear of worsening news about the state of the financial world. So how does one continue to dress well and be in fashion whilst our finances are in turmoil? Don't fear, here's our guide to how to be fashionable on a small budget...

Make The Right Choices

Don't waste money on bad choices. Know what suits you, what you need in your wardrobe to complete outfits and what you can wear to look fashionable and up to date. If you, like many of our clients, don't innately know this, spend some time educating yourself (start with our guide to trends to watch out for in Autumn/Winter 2008-9...). Either by reading up on style and fashion, or making a long term investment in a personal styling session with an expert stylist. She will inform you how to make the right decisions when making new purchases and updating your wardrobe, giving valuable information which can be used now and into the future.

Re-Style, Re-Fashion

Go through your wardrobe and examine each item, consider whether it could be updated with a little clever sewing. Does it need shortening or straightening? New buttons or ribbon? Or some fab embellishments to bring it bang up to date? If you don't have the skill yourself to make the changes, employ a skilled dressmaker to do so on your behalf. Whilst you're at it don't forget to repair those broken stitches and fallen hems! Oh and if your blacks are looking dull dark grey, considering dying them back to black, dyes are simple to use and very effective - though be careful to choose the right dye for your fabric type and wear rubber gloves - dyed hands are definitely not in this season!

Accessorise

Often one item will make all the difference to an outfit. For instance a pair of patterned tights (try some gorgeous black lace tights for Autumn/Winter 2008-9), or a pretty scarf (consider one in tartan for this season) can bring last season's outfits directly into this season. Or add a belt over a wool cardigan to make your old woollies strut their stuff again. Try adding long colourful gloves to a three quarter length jacket or top. And don't forget jewellery, this season it's wonderfully oversized and chunky... If you aren't sure how to accessorise for yourself, why not try a two hour personal shopping trip to gain all the insider knowledge you'll need?

Swap!

Often our friends have clothes we envy and vice versa, so why not organise a clothes swapping party? Get all your friends and all their friends to bring along the clothes they don't wear, can no longer fit or don't know why they bought and go for a rummage! Add a few bottles of wine (or if you're feeling daring, champagne!) and enjoy a fab girl's night in together.

These ideas should help keep your clothing budget to a minimum whilst still making you feel stylish and look fashionable. If any of you have any thoughts or ideas on this, send them over, us Divas are always on the look out for ways to maximise our own wardrobes!

Autumn/Winter 2008-9 Trends

2008-10-03T11:43:00.005+01:00

The Divas have been out and about and just attended London Fashion Week to find out what we'll be wearing for Spring/Summer 2009. But let's not get ahead of ourselves, we've still got the winter to get through. We have also just done our own fashion show in conjunction with Harvey Nichols, and these are a few of the fashion, beauty and hair trends that we represented...

Fashion Trends For Autumn/Winter 2008-9

Folk A great weekend look, achieved by adding paisley, fringing, fake fur, embroidery, and pompoms to your outfits, in as much or as little quantity as you feel suits you.

Heritage Military is a big trend again. Customise your clothes with braiding, brass buttons, or insignia. Wear a frilled blouse to soften the look and team with long leather boots, and voila, a chic wearable outfit.

Tartan If you're feeling adventurous then mix and match your checks but make sure you keep the tones the same. Or for the subtle approach try a tartan trim, shoes, bag or scarf with a plain outfit.

Sheer To wear sheer in the real world, use it to layer. For instance a sheer long sleeved blouse underneath a toning sleeveless sweater, or waistcoat, makes it wearable for daywear and can be instantly transformed into evening wear.

Tunics Over Trousers This is an easy way to wear the mini dresses and tunics that are around in abundance this winter. Pair them with cigarette pants or slim fit jeans for a modern elegant look.

Footwear Great news for feet! Flat Shoes are back - acceptable for both day, and night time, choose from mannish brogues a la Katharine Hepburn, or jewelled ballet flats for night. Knee high or over the knee boots are great with tunics and minis, and perfect in between seasons when it's not quite time to head full on into winter and you want to squeeze a final wear or two out of your summer dresses.

Statement Accessories Chunky costume jewellery can transform your outfit and take it to another realm. Seek out quirky vintage pieces and pile it on! Oversized pearls, gothic jet beads, art deco necklaces - the high street are doing some great copies of the brilliant Marni pieces. Cuffs and armfuls of bangles are a welcome return into our wardrobes this winter.

Black Despite the fact that here at Busting Diva, we feel black doesn't suit many people and always encourage people to wear colours, this season black is the new black! Wear it in lace or to give a slightly gothic feel to your outfits - think maxi lengths and high necks, ruffles and chiffon layers.

Tomato Red Red has been missing for the last few seasons, but now it's back with a vengeance. Head to toe for the brave, or a flash here and there. For instance, red tights with a dark coloured dress will add instant pzazz!

Contact us to arrange an appointment with a personal stylist to find out how to incorporate this season's trends into your wardrobe without spending a fortune!

Beauty Trends For Autumn/Winter 2008-9

Goth Play with contrast of dark and pale, heavy black cosmetics on eyes and dark lips, with pale skin. Make sure this look is groomed and glamorous.

Smoky Eyes, Peachy Cheeks Smoky eyes and apricot cheeks - this winter stroke some peachy blusher on and smoke up those eyes with charcoal shades.

Pop Art Try out some vibrant eye colours for a brand new look. Keep it simple and clean, with one bold shade.

Brows Heavy brows are back to frame your face. Use Brooke Shields and Madonna circa 1985 for your brow inspiration this winter.

Lightly Stained Lips Burgundy is the colour for lips this autumn/winter. If your lips are full enough you can do the dark berry stains, but if they're on the skinny side, then opt for a lighter, more translucent shade.

Hair Trends For Autumn/Winter 2008-9

Plaiting A simple way to update your hair. But take note, an inverted plait or wrap is much more sophisticated than wearing it like you did when you were 12, with two plaits at the sides of your face!

Fringing An instant and easy way to get a new style for Autumn/Winter - get a fringe cut.

Chignon Simple chic chignons or a little mussed up, depending on your personal style.

Big Hair Big hair is officially back for a new season. Get those rollers out girls!

Bowl Cut The "Purdey" cut is once again fashionable and chic. Make sure your hair is super glossy and groomed for this look.

Sexy In The City

2008-05-23T13:22:00.001+01:00

Sex and the City comes to London! Yes the girls are back and I for one can't wait - mainly to see what their outfits consist of this year, whilst of course gleaning valuable info on how to deal with members of the opposite sex.

Patricia Field so cleverly gave them each a personality and their very own recognisable style... Charlotte, classic and prim in the best possible way, perfect for this seasons lady like look... Samantha, slightly brash and colourful, but still oh so classy and sexy... Miranda, subtle and slightly boyish, whilst maintaining a chic look for work, and casual look at the weekends... And Carrie, feminine and quirky and a little bit mad!

The reason the show's clothes worked is that they didn't just look like they'd been dressed by a stylist without any regard - they're truly inspirational to women in their 40s as to how to dress.

At Busting Diva we can help you to draw out your inner Carrie, Charlotte, Samantha or Miranda, for a unique style that is all your own. We will show you how to achieve your own individual look and encourage you to bring out your style personality. Have a look at our personal styling services.

Author: Sarah Gilfillan

Dressing for Events

2008-04-23T12:13:00.001+01:00

It's that time of year, when all the events are happening: Glyndebourne, Epsom Derby, Ascot, gala evenings, etc. All very exciting but possibly ruined by the panic about the age old question: "What will I wear?"

It's all very well looking at the dress codes provided, and it narrows things down a bit with their strict rules, but it doesn't help you in finding something - especially something that a) suits you b) you like c) will be suitable for whatever the great British Summer throws at you and d) last but not least, adheres to the set dress codes! It's enough to make you want to cancel your ticket... and this was meant to be fun!

Well, now it can be, because Busting Diva are galloping up on their white horses to be your knightesses in shining armour! They will whisk you off around the shops and find that outfit, come what may!! This year you'll have extra incentive on Ladies Day at the Epsom Derby, as one lucky and stylish race goer will win a brand new jeep! Come on girls, let us give you a helping hand with shopping for all your events this year, including dressing for weddings too. Have a look at our personal shopping services.

Author: Sarah Gilfillan

The Sartorialist

2008-04-14T13:25:00.011+01:00

Here at Busting Diva, we're loving the web blog of The Sartorialist. If you haven't seen it, it's a photographer's blog with a series of pictures of well dressed people on it, not models, just everyday people in the street. Updated every day by Scott Schuman, we love the fact that this isn't just about fashion, but style, which of course is what we're all about too.

I personally love to sit on the tube and imagine the people around me, having their own red carpet moment and being transformed into glittering, groomed and glossy versions of themselves! It certainly fires the imagination and whiles away the delays!

At Busting Diva, our team of stylists help people to find their own style everyday. As you may have yourself if you've ever bought something that looked great on a friend/colleague/in the advert, only to get it home and wonder what on earth you were thinking; there's no point trying to adopt someone else's style. It just doesn't work, you need to find your own style, and this will be based on a number of things including your colouring, body shape, features, personality and lifestyle. We can help you draw out your own personal best style with a Fashion Styling Session, or Personal Shopping Trip.

So, come shopping with us and you won't go home with a pile of things that you'll never wear, and who knows, next time Scott Schuman's in London, maybe you'll get snapped and become a "Sartorialist" star!

Fashion Police : Amy Winehouse

2008-01-18T14:10:00.008Z

We certainly agree that sprucing up one's image can give a new lease on life however the new hairdo Amy Winehouse is sporting forced me to make comment!

From a stylist's point of view, Amy Winehouse would always have been considered a 'challenge' - clearly she was attempting to make a style statement with the beehive hairdo and dark eyeliner however these never did suit her features and in fact drew attention in a negative way.

However the new blonde hairdo is a lot worse. We were stunned and horrified to find out she actually had a hairdresser create this style and do the colour for her. The colour makes her skin look sallow and blotchy and to pull this look off she should take care with her foundation and find a complementary blusher to help add colour back to her face. The beehive style never did suit her oblong face shape however we gave a certain allowance for the fact that it was clearly a statement. This new style also adds height to the top whereas Amy's face is very long so in order to balance this out, needs a fringe and volume at the sides.

Her so-called 'signature eyeliner'... look honey, just ditch it! It's no longer interesting, in fact just makes her look like she got dressed in the dark... talking about getting dressed... well, let's leave her clothes for another time...

Hey Amy! If you want some real style advice, give us a call, we'd be happy to pop by for a Fashion Styling session, or to give you a Make-Up Lesson...

Fashion Weekends

2007-08-17T15:47:00.002+01:00

London Fashion Week followed by London Fashion Weekend has been an institute in London for some years now. However for the first time ever, Manchester is now following suit with Manchester Fashion Weekend.

It is taking place from October 4 to 7 at Urbis, one of Manchester's most stylist venues, and is tipped to be the North's ultimate style, beauty and fashion event.

As with London Fashion Weekend (which occurs from September 26 to 30 at the Natural History Museum), this exclusive shopping experience is the fashion insider's secret that will keep clued up fashionistas in their designer gear season after season.

At both London and Manchester Fashion Weekends, sponsored by Philips, Busting Diva personal shoppers will be on hand to give you the ultimate personal shopping experience - for free! Just pop along to the Philips Style Lab at either event and book yourself in.

So if you're looking for memorable style, beauty and fashion advice direct from the experts, not to mention exclusive looks from cutting-edge designers designers at reduced prices, don't miss either Fashion Weekend!

Big Day... Big Dress... Big Flop!

2007-08-14T08:07:00.009+01:00

Was watching a reality program late last night called something like "Big Day" where a couple planning to get married hand over the organisation of their wedding to their friends and family who then have five days to arrange everything for the wedding.

Obviously as a reality show without some drama it just isn't going to be interesting but really, they should have known better when it came to the wedding dress!! They found a lovely dress in a bridal shop which they knew the bride would love worth £1000. However instead of just buying it and moving on to help out with the rest of the organisation of the wedding they decided they would purchase a high street dress worth £65 and customise it themselves. Now they have a bridal stylist who advises them throughout the process and quite frankly, she was just not thinking when it came to this idea. Anyone who knows anything about brides and their dress, and dressmaking (a good stylist should know about all three) would have seen this disaster unfolding. The bridesmaids spent five days sewing diamontes onto the dress and whilst I'm sure they did the best they knew how, this is the reason wedding dresses average at £1000; there is an immense skill and so much time involved in creating them!

I will say if anyone could have carried off a £65 dress, it would have been this bride as she had a fantastic figure, but of course when it came to trying on the dress just before the wedding, the bride didn't like it and they ended up rushing off to the bridal shop to buy the original dress they had found with 25 minutes to spare.

Don't get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with customising your own wedding dress, but at least start with a good base style made from good fabric, or get advice and help from a professional. Otherwise a £65 dress is always going to look like a £65 dress.

Style Can Be Learned

2007-08-03T15:51:00.002+01:00

A few months back I received a message from my sister who lives in Australia saying that she'd run into an old school friend of ours and he'd asked her to apologise on his behalf for the way he treated me in high school - oh and the reason he treated me that way was because he liked me! I was somewhat flabbergasted after over 15 years (now I'm showing my age!) of not having seen or heard from this fellow. I suppose I'd chosen not to remember what had happened though it did affect me profoundly. In fact I fancied him too which made the whole situation fairly baffling. We'd known each other since a very young age so I was pretty shocked - and yes hurt - to find when my family relocated so we were attending the same school that he started a teasing campaign towards me. Being one of the more popular "cool" guys in the school it didn't take long for the other kids to follow suit - he'd known me from before so how would they know differently? In hindsight it makes sense and I don't hold any grudges against this guy, in fact as I said, I actually liked him as well.

Anyway I guess the question is, what does all this have to do with style?

As a result of this one person and his gang of friends treating me fairly cruelly I definitely lost a whole heap of self confidence - all this at a very confusing time of life - and really, who didn't struggle in some way at age 16? I might also say that I was always a little different looking to the other beach beauties (my mother very kindly said I was 'exotic' looking, I'm not so sure about that but I was certainly lacking the blond hair, blue eyes and long legs that many of my friends had!). I guess I equated these two factors to not being very attractive. And when boys did try to 'chat me up' I immediately assumed it was because they were trying to get to know my sister through me! Okay that wasn't actually the case but it's funny how we convince ourselves of things to try to explain what is going on.

It took me a good eight or ten years to turn that misconception around. Part of this turnaround came from having an extremely supportive and loving family, part of it probably came from just growing up, but the rest came as I educated myself about style. I'll not pretend this process happened overnight, real change rarely does seem to happen that quickly, but over the past seven or eight years the various lessons I've learnt have been absolutely invaluable. From simple things like what colours actually suit me physically, to more complex matters such as what colours to wear to boost my confidence in preparation for a particularly stressful situation. It's not rocket science but there are scientific, psychological and theoretical aspects to it which I believe everyone can be trained to use. And like anything, the more practise you get using these rules or theories, the better you get - I know I'm still learning.

However this is why I believe, no, I know style can be learned via methods such as having a style consultation or going on a personal shopping trip, and by doing so can improve how you feel about yourself. I know and believe it because I've been there.

Oh, and I'm really quite grateful to my old school crush for his teenage boy teasing - look where it got me in the end.

It's Not Only Size That Matters

2007-07-17T18:59:00.001+01:00

One of the personal shoppers who works for Busting Diva mentioned she'd clipped an article from a newspaper which flowed in a similar vein to this eZine - but in regards to age. It was written by Elfi Pallis in The Guardian on February 3, 2007 called 'Progress is Skin Deep'.

I was shocked to read that Hillary Clinton has been under scrutiny by the American press as they're concerned whether she looks young enough to run for president. Apparently MSNBC radio host Michael Savage lived up to his name by appealing to listeners not to get "that hag, that harridan elected". Pallis also says that a contributor to the news website Topix.net added: "I find it hard to believe that the American people would want a disgusting old hag like her for a president. This is America!! Chicks are supposed to be HOT!!" There are other crass comments which I'm not so keen to repeat here but it does seem that Hillary's age receives as much debate as her policies.

Beyond the argument in regards to the 'hotness of American chicks', I have to admit I often wince at female politicians - but it's not because of their wrinkles rather the way they're dressed and groomed. Hillary Clinton is only 59 this year, a year younger than George W Bush. I personally think she looks great for her age and whenever I see her she is well groomed, but really is that the issue?? They're choosing a new president, not a supermodel, isn't what really matters that she is able to help the biggest driving force in the world's politics progress in a positive way?

My bolshie granny who is going on 77 years young often comments how she's ignored or treated poorly because of the colour of her hair. Now she's not backward in coming forward but I do wonder how other less self-assured elderly ladies manage. And what a shame they have to manage. All that life experience being ignored because of a few wrinkles and grey hair - something which exists even if you plastic surgery and dye it all away. It may not be there on the surface, but like wisdom, it lies within.

I know what we do as stylists seems to be about what's on the outside, but somewhat unexpectedly I've found myself dealing with how people feel in the inside, their ideas and image of themselves which is often unfounded, untrue and very sad - and this ends up being reflected on their outside. Yes it's a shame that our bodies deteriorate and no, I'm not against plastic surgery, but what a shame that the media seems to think our age - and a woman's age in particular - is something that can be commented on in such a harsh way. It's not like we have a choice.

Young Are Hung Up On Their Bodies

2007-07-12T09:31:00.002+01:00

A commentary on this BBC Newspoll by Danièle Hromek, MD of Busting Diva

I have a particular fixation for morning news presenters and their often shoddy presentation. In fact I regularly find the daily onslaught an assault on my eyes! Considering they should all have some sort of access to celebrity stylists I personally think this is unacceptable!

However I was rather saddened to hear the report on the news this morning which stated that according to a BBC Newspoll "some 51% of young women would have surgery to improve their looks and a third of those who are a size 12 think they are overweight." Apparently more than half had "loads" they would change about their body and 10% even hate their bodies. This is despite the fact that most of those responding when asked to choose which body they preferred between superthin, thin and curvy, they chose the curvier physique.

My goodness, how very sad for those youth (of which I am supposedly still one!) to feel that way about themselves. I wish I could speak with each one of them and help them see their own beauty. It seems we concentrate so much on what is wrong with us instead of enjoying what is right. When I style my clients, I make a point of discussing their better points and how to make the most of these, whilst reducing the noticability of the less favourable ones.

There is a case for the media to start representing so-called 'normal' females in a more positive light. To think that size 12 is overweight is a distorted view of the actuality; the average woman in the UK is size 16. I also think that young women need better role models to look up to. As I mentioned in an earlier article The State of the Nation, the quality of role models at the moment is appalling.

As for fashion and it's role in this issue, the real reason fashion designers use size 0 models is because they don't have to design the garments as well! I work with fashion designers and they admit it is trickier to make clothing for curvier figures, however this doesn't mean they are overweight and that fashion designers should be able to get away with using this excuse, in fact it is a pathetic excuse! Surely it's time for a challenge?! Now I'm not against size 0 ladies so long as they're healthy, but let's get some balance into the equation - please!

Worst Dressed Celebrities

2007-02-20T22:43:00.004Z

I'm aware that some of the names on this list are somewhat contraversial; they appear on other worst AND best dressed lists - how can that be?! I think these celebs deserve a commentary of their own however here is the list for your perusal.

Please note this list is not only from my own meanderings through style, but also the result of a survey from which the same names came up time and again. This list consists of UK celebs only, however I fear a worldwide list is demanding to be written!

WORST DRESSED CELEBRITY LIST 2007

Presenters
BBC Breakfast presenters and reporters
GMTV presenters and reporters
Russell Brand
Jonathan Ross
Gillian McKeith

Royals
HRH the Duchess of Cornwall, formerly Camilla Parker Bowles

Politicians
Ruth Kelly
Ann Widdecombe
Gordon Brown
John Prescott
David Cameron

Celebrities
Jodie Marsh
Pete Doherty
Jade Goody
Victoria Beckham
Jane Goldman (wife of Jonathan Ross)
Jordan
Peter Andre
Lily Allen
Kelly Osbourne
Amy Winehouse
Simon Cowell
David Gest
Jamie Oliver
Heather Mills McCartney

As I mentioned in a previous blog, The State of the Nation, it is appalling that celebrities are poorly dressed - ever! They have absolutely no excuse, there is no doubt they can afford celebrity stylists, so what is going amiss??

I look forward to your comments, thoughts and additions!

Author: Daniele Hromek