Happy Halloween!!!

Sick Days

What do you wear on a sick day? I ask because most people I know put on their velour sweat pants & a tee, but I've seen a few people wear footed pajamas. And, I have actually seen some people glam themselves up more than usual, so as to hide how sick they are.

Halloween

What are you dreesing up as for Halloween?

My 7 year old son will be Spiderman.
My 5 year old daughter will be an angel.
My 4 year old son will be a Ninja Turtle.

I will post a photo later.

Body image

Here at Got A Flare For Fashion, it's believed that body image goes hand in hand with fashion. If a person doesn't have a positive body image, they aren't feeling their best, and not dressing their best, and all out not being all they can. We believe all of us women are beautiful. Easier said than done, but we should all embrace ourselves, and love ourselves for who we are.

We live in a world today, where even the youngest fashion lover is kept from feeling she is attractive, and if someone does love themselves, they are ridiculed for doing so. Come on, ladies! This isn't right! I know first hand what it's like not to feel like I am as beautiful as I wish to be, but we have to be in this together.

I've watched women tease one another over something petty, and the one being teased walks away feeling down on herself. This has to stop. But let's face it, it is a cruel world we live in. So what's a lady to do?

When we look in the mirror, we've got to stop pointing out our own "flaws" because in reality, we are the only one who sees ourselves that way. We've got to stop being our own worst critics. And when someone tells you something bad about yourself, or tries to point out a flaw, ignore them. Again, easier said than done, but really, if someone feels so inclined to do so, chances are, they're jealous and just trying to make themselves feel better by putting you down.

The Internet is a far more cruel world than "real life" because people say things they'd never actually say in person. So if someone puts you down, commenting on a photo of you or something, brush it off. They're just a scum bag!

You have to love who you are, and at best TEACH yourself to love what you see in the mirror, if you don't already. Don't be ashamed to love who you are. Be you, and be kind to others.

Halloween

Hello there! This Halloween most of us with children will be getting Halloween costumes for the children, and many people will be buying costumes for themselves.

What costumes do you like, for children and for those who are kids at heart?

Lovely Fall

Top: buckle.com
Pants: wetseal.com
Boots: eluxury.com
Earrings claires.com
Jacket: warehouse.co.uk
Handbag: raffaello-network.com
Necklaces: barneys.com
Bracelet: monsoon.co.uk
Ring: twistonline.com

Asking you!

Sometimes, even here at "Got A Flare For Fashion" people like to know what others enjoy and are wearing right now.

To you, what is the best fashion accessory? Also, what is the top 3 beauty products that you can't live without?

Purple Haze Smokey Eye

I for one, love purple. I love it so much, that I needed to share this with all of you. It's gorgeous!




1. Apply the Shielding Hydro Tint (a pearl sized amount) with the Blending Wedges to even out skin tone and moisturize the skin.
2. Apply the Mineral Concealer under the eyes with the Eye Shadow Brush to conceal dark circles.
3. Next apply the Mineral Foundation with the Total Face Brush to the face for a smooth and flawless finish that allows skin to breathe. This is especially good for the warm summer months.
4. To recreate this purple smokey eye use Brightening Eye Color in Silver Lining. Cover the entire eyelid with the color in the top left of the quad. Next, apply the color in the bottom left of the quad to the crease of the eyelid. Finally, line the eyes with the darkest purple. Use the darkest purple to define the eye further by placing the shadow in the outside corner of the lower lash line.
5. The next step is to use the Brightening Eye Liner in Black and line the lower eyelid.
6. To complete this look apply the Super Glossy Lip Shine SPF 15 in Goddess to the lips.

You can get this look for $17

Baby Doll Dresses - Dresses For Real Women Part SEVEN (final)

This is our last week for Dresses For Real Women postings for now. I will post more come spring.

A baby doll is a shorter version of an empire line (see previous post), and is in a similar style to a short nightgown or negligee. It is often trimmed with lace, bows, ruffles and ribbons, according to Iamfashion.com’s “Baby Doll or Empire Waist?”
This dress typically has a sweetheart or straight neckline. A scoop neck will counterbalance sleeves and is flattering for bigger-busted women. Most think that due to the short-length, skyscraper legs are a prerequisite to carry off this style well, and for those lacking in this department then it is possible to lengthen the leg with high heels and platform shoes ... HOWEVER, I believe all leg lengths can look darling in this type pf dress. The shorter legs just add more of a cute factor, which I myself, don't mind at all.

This is adorable.

Audrey Dress

Item#: 153155 Price: Original: $39.50 Now: $19.99

Now I am not able to post too many examples at the momet, but if you go to any of your favorite online stores and search for "babydoll dress , or baby doll dress" you are sure to find one you like.

Tea Dresses AKA Tea Length - Dresses For Real Women Part SIX

Traditionally worn by ladies who took afternoon tea, the classic floral print tea dress suits almost any figure, but it can be a modern solid color as well. Calf-length and floaty, it can hide numerous lumps and bumps.

Click these photos to be taken where these dresses are sold.

Empire Line - Dresses For Real Women Part FIVE

The Empire Line dress, a very flattering dress for almost any figure as the waistline is raised above the natural waist, which also may fall right below the bust. Good for shorter, petite figures and those with big tums as the empire dress creates the illusion of length and skims the body, camouflaging wide hips or a thick waist.
The baby doll and the empire-line dress are not mutually exclusive, but the empire had a more feminine/mature bust and can also be full-length.The high waist is usually complemented with a deep V-neckline, rather than the more babyish round-neck.







$16.50 at WetSeal

Flirty little empire-waist dress $60 at Victoria's Secret

Anna Sui $213

Elegant Hot Pink Empire A line Dress CD1052Price: $154.99 at camdendrive.com

Nordstrom $128

LOVE THIS $28

Elegant Empire Line Satin Halter Prom / Evening Dress (HSX216) $56.98 at lightinthebox.com

Spring 2009 Trend Alert!

Another interruption from the Dresses for Real Women posts, for this very cool Spring 2009 trend alert!



Ruffles

Models fluttered with ultra-feminine flair at Nanette Leopore, Carolina Herrera and Erin Fetherston. The cascading ruffles on Ralph Lauren's Stella top have a similar feel.

Pictured: Ralph Lauren's Stella top.

Was: $69.50 Now: $39.99.











Cigarette Pants
Skinny is still in for spring. At Malandrino, Rag & Bone and Derek Lam the pants were cropped. Shape fx's guarantee a slender frame and can be worn now tucked into boots and later with a stiletto.

Pictured: Shape fx® Skinny Pants
silhouette slims hips, visually elongates legs
high-content Lycra® knit for ultimate control. Skinny-cut pull-on cigarette pants give legs a long, lean look. Wide yoke; 30" inseam (27 1⁄2" Petite, 32 1/2" Tall). Superior stretch knit in rayon/nylon with high-count Lycra® for ultimate control.

Was: $64 Now: $49.




Sheer
Transparent layers floated down the runway at Vera Wang, Charlotte Ronson and Jill Stuart. The built-in slip of Calvin Klein's Illusion bodice dress simplifies wearing see-through.

Pictured:
Calvin Klein Illusion Bodice Dress
Allover pin tucks adorn a sheer, silk chiffon overlay with an attached slip for coverage. A pretty satin ribbon shapes the waist.
Was: $178.00 Now: $88.90









Stripes
They were shiny at Marc Jacobs, bold at DKNY and patriotic at Michael Kors. Classic black and white stripes, like these on L.A.M.B.'s tank, will carry you from season to season!

Pictured:
L.A.M.B. Mod Stripe Tank
Striped cotton tank is styled with a shoulder-baring racer back and slim, fitted shape. Very sexy, yes?!

Was:$105 Now:$41.90.










Hippie Chic
Many designers, like Milly, Dennis Basso and Miss Sixty, took inspiration from the '60s and '70s. Diane Von Furstenberg even called her show "Rock Goddess." Anna Sui's 50% off tunic would have easily blended into the collections; $400 $200.

Pictured: Anna Sui
Silk chiffon tunic dress (we here at Got a Flare for Fashion LOVE tunic dresses)

Available exclusively at NET-A-PORTER.COM. A signature floral print piece from Anna Sui - pair with metallic gladiator sandals for instant get-away chic. Shown here with Marc by Marc Jacobs shoes, a Miu Miu bag and Citrine by the Stones bangles. 100% silk. Flare for Fashion is loving this. Tons.

Was $400 Now $200




Cutouts
Some serious skin was on display at Hervé Léger, Alexander Wang and Narciso Rodriguez. The neckline on Rachel Pally's Chloe dress makes the trend more wearable for less-daring types. Plus, it comes in one of spring's hottest colors: blue!

Pictured: Rachel Pally's Chloe dress

Rachel Pally's signature jersey fabrics prove that sexy forms need not come at the cost of luxurious comfort. Wear it one day as a dress; the next, as a top with your favorite jeans. Each signature piece goes every which way but loose. Not sure what to think of this one, here, but hey, it's a trend alert! Trends are trends, like 'em or leave 'em.

Reg. $231.00 Sale: $116.00




Rompers
Thought short jumpsuits were a fad? Not according to Miss Sixty, Lacoste and Proenza Schouler. Nightcap Clothing delivers similar one-piece playfulness in comfy cotton; $172 $86.

Pictured:
Nightcap Clothing Ruffle Romper
This mix of comfort and funk is perfect for a gal on the go-go-go.Ribbed jersey romper with ruffle trim at crossover V neck. 3" banding and 3-button closure at waist. Rounded pockets at hip and layer detail at bottom hem. Unfinished edges at ruffle trim and hem. Sleeveless. Semi-sheer at bodice. I would put a cami under this one!

Original Price: $172.00 - Navajo, Black: $120.40 Sale - Sky: $86.00 Sale





Asymmetrical
Keep lifting those weights, because the one-shouldered dress isn't going anywhere. Norma Kamali's Goddess dress has the same breezy feel as the jersey frocks floating down the runways at Naeem Khan and BCBG; $425 $254.90.

Pictured:
Norma Kamali 'Goddess' One Shoulder Dress
A floaty overlay tops a form-fitting, matching base layer visible only via a full-length slit on one side. Ruching details the one-shoulder style, which can be cinched with a coordinating sash. This look can be quite fun, if you ask me.

Was: $425.00 Now: $254.90

Smock dresses - Dresses For Real Women Part FOUR

For the last five seasons the fashion world has had a love affair with the smock dress, whether because of their comfort and versatility, or simply the fact that women can cover the majority of their figure flaws in one fell swoop.

This figure-friendly smock style will cover all manner or lumps and bumps. Once the domain of pregnant women, if you don’t want to look as if you are expecting then go for a light, fluid fabric that doesn’t add bulk to your shape.
Balance out this short dress with platform shoes and chunky heels. Older women can still get away with this style if they team it with leggings or jeans. Avoid frilly, voluminous puffy and leg-of-mutton type sleeves if you are more mature, to lessen the "baby doll" effect.

Juniors' Mossimo Supply Co. Flutter-Sleeve Smocked Dress - AT TARGET $19.99

Mossimo® Black: Smocked Top Dress - Brown/ White/ Aqua - AT TARGET $19.59 (clearance)

Temperley London
Sabina smock dress
Was $795 Now $532.65

Fendi
Double layered smock dress
Was $2,410 Now $1,807.50

But don't only use my examples here as your only reference. My time is limited today, but I assure you there are several great styles available for you in a smock. Long sleeves, short sleeves, long length, knee length, anything!

How to Wear a Smock Dress

This beautiful dress style will always make you more volumniuois, but the secret is in the cut and what you wear it with. Choose a fluid fabric and wear it at the right length for a classy and not brassy effect. For volume control, team it with some great accessories, and choose a plain color – not prints.

Wearing a Smock Dress at Forty-Something

If you're in your twenties, you don’t have to worry about pumping up the volume. You can get away with anything: the shortest lengths, the most girlie of floral prints and the puffiest of sleeves.
But for our beautiful older gals,in order to look good in a smock, keep the length just above (or on the knee); anything lower is frumpy. Don’t avoid smock dresses simply because you don't have the legs to wear them. The beauty of the smock is that it can be worn over pants, leggings or jeans.
Invest in a light-fluid fabric which will hang well and will not add extra bulk to your shape. Avoid details like bows, ruffles and volumnous, puffy sleeves. Go for a darker, single-block colors, which you can accessorize to the hilt with this season’s fashionably chunky necklaces or wide belts. For inspiration, think Anne Hathaway in The Devil Wears Prada.
Add a great bag or shoes for your own signature style, but avoid spiky or low-heels. Wedges are best, to give some bulk.

Three Reasons Why Women Have a Soft Spot for Smocks

1. Comfort
Given the choice of loose and concealing or clingy and revealing, the majority of women with a few too many figure flaws will go for the volumnous smock.
This is an opportunity for pregnant women the world over to actually feel fashionable and right-on-trend.
Comfortable and cool, the smock dress wins hands-down when it comes to an easy-to-wear, throw-it-on dress.

2.Versatility
For a more girlie look, wear a smock dress over bare legs, opaques or ribbed-tights. Chunky heels are essential to give it balance, either in the form of wedges or platforms, or this year’s fashion-forward ankle boots.
Wear it as a tunic over a pair of leggings or narrow-legged jeans or pants.
For eveningwear, choose a just-above or on-the-knee metallic smock, or one that is embellished with gemstones around the neck or hemline.
For cooler days, wear it over a sweater or T-shirt.

3. Body Camouflage
A smock covers the tummy and skims the hips and so hides a multitude of sins.
Pear-shaped women can work the look well, as they have a slim torso but a bigger butt, which is hidden beneath the volume.
Choose a style which is fitted below the bustline if you have a large bust. This means the volume falls from under the bust, rather than the neckline and gives less of an impression of a maternity dress.

Rules For Wearing a Smock Dress

To reduce the volume, cinch in the waist with a wide belt.
Balance is the key. Very short styles need voluminous sleeves. Older women should go for a long-length and less bulk around the sleeves.
Unless you are in your twenties, then avoid girlie prints. Go for a plain color or metallic, which is more flattering.
Wear it with chunky high heels, to balance out the volume, or cute and feminine ballet flats or this season’s gladiator sandals. High heels are a must if layering with pants or jeans.
If you want to be really fashion-forward, then team a smock with ankle-boots.

How to Fall in Love With The Smock Dress

If you are still not convinced that a smock dress is for you, then browse net-a-porter.com, which has a wide range of styles and cuts. Don’t be afraid to experiment, as when you find a flattering cut for you, it is a safe bet that with the comfort, camouflage and versatility of a smock dress, it will fast become one of your favorite outfits.