Washout! Models go underwater for fashion shoot

Forget the catwalks and red carpets. At a recent show in Sydney, Australian models held their noses, and took runway fashion where it's never gone before -- to the bottom of a water tank.

With no catwalk in sight, nine sharply dressed models climbed up a ladder and plunged into a large tank of water in Australia's first public underwater fashion shoot, delighting tourists and passers-by in Sydney's picturesque Circular Quay.

Cosmopolitan magazine and Neutrogena skincare company sponsored the show. Why? "For fun," an organizer said.

"I felt sorry for the hair and makeup artists because they spent so long doing my hair and makeup and as soon as I got in it just washed away, but it's all fun", said Jaynie Seal, a television weather presenter who was part of the show, sponsored by women's magazine Cosmopolitan and skincare label Neutrogena.

Braving cool spring temperatures, Seal and another TV presenter, Jason Dundas, waved at the cameras underwater and tried to look glamorous.

Later, Dundas stood shivering in a dripping wet suit as a team of photographers took pictures of the event.

"It's fairly hard to look glamorous under water. We had to get specialist make up that doesn't run, said the official event photographer Daniel Smith.

"The hair and the hands can go everywhere, the success rate is less, so you just take more pictures."

The tank which measured nearly 10m long and a few meters wide was heated to 23 degrees to try and keep the models warm.

Australian celebrity Nikki Phillips poses for photographers.

Jamie Wright posing.

Model Jamie Wright laughs as she emerges from a water tank after taking part in an underwater photo shoot for Cosmopolitan magazine in Sydney

Shannon Ponton (L) Jamie Wright (2nd-L) Jaynie Seal (C-obscured) Kristian Schmid (2nd-R) and Tom Bunting (R) pose during an underwater photo shoot

Model Jamie Wright (R) receives a kiss from her boyfriend and TV personality Shannan Ponton (L)

But the trend is still on trial.. I mean it was good fun stuff for a change.. but who really wants to watch THIS ??

Anyway...

there is plenty more to come. They might plan for fashion shows inside an active volcano, in a lion’s den and in a giant shredding machine. Better make sure your cable bill is all paid up!

Celebrity Fashion Disasters

Ever wonder how beautiful people with professional stylists and clothes by any designer they want still seem to flub it up so badly? I do too!

My last poll [How much does celebrity fashion influence your own fashion style?] prompted me for this particular post. I was amused looking at the results that showed people might just wear something without thinking what serious damage it could do!!

Not all celebrities are “IN” In fashion Industry.. Not all have taste in fashion...Some just wear those because they have access to the world's best designer clothing products (for free,) and a team of makeup artist and stylish (for free) but does doesn't mean Hollywood Celebrities are infallible when in comes to their fashion taste..Here's some Hollywood Celebs having fashion disasters..


Hey eva! Are you Okay? We understand if you may be expressing your wild side, but a leopard maxi dress with billowy sleeves is just too much of a good thing for you.

Nope, your eyes do not deceive you (although they may well be bleeding if you've been looking at this picture for any length at all). That's Scarlett Johansson, and yes, that's a boiler suit she's wearing, and ohmygod, there are no words.

"Moon boots" I believe they're called. Well, whatever - the fact is that you're not on the moon, Paris, and you're not even in Aspen or Val d'Isere, or some other ski resport where these would be even just a tad more acceptable. No, Paris, you're in LA, and this? This is not on young lady.

She's a project: a lovely young girl, perfect raw material, who just so happens to dress exactly like my mother did in the 80s. (Actually, scratch that: my mother is way more stylish than Katie Holmes. I mean, what, does she have that freaky premature ageing disease or something? No? Then why is she permanently dressed like someone's maiden aunt, in frumpy, shapeless clothes that do absolutely nothing for her? WHY? )

The thing that sucks about this picture the most? She was out with Victoria Beckham and J.Lo at the time. GOD...

Oh, holy hell, Beyonce, I think I just threw up in my mouth a little bit...What makes it worse? It's the pose, Beyonce, the pose. Why did you do it to yourself?

Oh Jodie, Jodie, you make our job too easy here... Oh, and for the readers who perhaps aren't familiar with Jodie Marsh, I just want to point out that Jodie is not black. She's white. That be fake tan...

Behold the under-cleavage - the cleavage that comes when your bikini top is a couple of sizes too small, and the reason why you should always make sure you jump around the changing room a few times and wave your hands in the air (like ya just don't care, folks!) when you're trying on a new swimsuit. If you fail to follow these steps, why, you could end up looking like Heather Locklear - or, more specifically, like Heather Locklear's boobs, which, as you can see, are a two-pater - one part below the bikini, one part above. Don't try it at home, kids...

Well, I guess it's a good job Mandy Moore is out shopping in this photo because, man, does she need some new clothes..

This is Shanessa Reilly, would be Big Brother housemate, care worker and, er, pole dancer. Clearly the pole dancing part of her personality was the dominant part on Friday night, when she chose to enter the BB house wearing this little pink dress - with "little" being the operative word. Either that or there were no mirrors wherever she was getting ready for the show.










In this picture, Keira looks like someone stuck a woman's head on a little boy's body. It's actually pretty disturbing, in an "I can't stop looking at it" kind of way. And I think it's time to sack the stylist, Keira...

THIS is the woman fashion editors all over the land would have us believe is a "real" woman with a "quirky sense of style".

Now, I know it was Halloween and all, but most of us still try to wear something that's just a little bit flattering - or that at the very least isn't split from neck to crotch, and teamed with some dodgy pink animal print and fishnets. Not Britney, though. No.

I'd like to think Julia Roberts was paid to wear this outfit - and particularly these shoes - to whatever awards event this was. I know it's hard to imagine who, in their right mind, would pay her to wear it (and, more importantly, WHY), but it's even harder to imagine her looking in the mirror that night and thinking, "Yup, this is one hawt red carpet look, lookin' good!"

Then again, there's just a chance that Julia here thinks she's so gorgeous she can get away with wearing ANYTHING - even a frumpy old house dress from the 30s and these cloddhopper shoes.

Oh Lord, is that whole "neon" thing still going on? We've been trying hard to pretend it wasn't happening!!

The GLOW Purse!

Did you know that the average European woman spends around 14.3 hours in a year to look for objects in her bag?

I think I'm one of them! Out of habit and necessity I tend to carry a lot in my Big Bag and am often lost when it comes to finding things on time.. like looking for change, or particular item of makeup or a particular phone number I just happened to scribble and put in the sac.

Imagine our bags were glowing once we opened them and we can find everything right away!

Imagine no more, as it is now a reality. Merry Kawamura Ganjavian is a Spanish Design Collective of three young designers based in Madrid, Spain, who have developed lots of exciting projects during their many travels around the world.

One of their most interesting is the “Glow Purse,” which is an illuminated handbag. The technology is based on micro-LEDs (LUMENs) that are integrated in the inner lining of the bag and help it glow when opened. This lightning mechanism can be switched on manually and is easily rechargeable in your house with a base or operated with a small exchangeable battery.







Absolutely cute, stylish and ultra-practical, this bag is the latest trend among the celebs and a must have for all you style divas..

Dressing your body type

In my last post I talked about the 6 Primary Body Types & Clothing Tips. Now that we all know what category we belong to, without further ado, lets find clothes for our own unique shape.

All female body types have their own unique attributes, and with style and clothing, knowing how to dress for your body type will let you have fun with your wardrobe so that you can flatter your body shape and bring out your best features.

• For Round or Apple body shape
  

Show off your legs! Wear an A-line skirt to add emphasis to your waistline.

Do not wear tops that feature a lot of busy detail, like ruffles, rouching or other embellishments.

Anything that clings to your stomach is a no-no; therefore, shirts with a lot of Lycra are out!

With tops, choose turtlenecks, boatnecks, or shirts with collars. Knits and woven stretch fabrics are best for your body type

The best jeans for your body type are ones with front and back pockets. These will help disguise a rounder middle area while defining your curves. But avoid pants with pleats, and choose a flatter front instead

Try to avoid tops with puffy sleeves, or overly baggy clothing. Slim skirts and tight clothes should also be avoided, since they will only emphasize a slimmer lower body half and create the illusion of imbalance.

Great accessories contribute to a stylish look, helping to pull it all together.

• For Inverted triangle body shape
  

Your main style aim should be to create the illusion of the perfect hourglass body shape by balancing your lower body to your upper body and to draw attention away from your upper body.

Do wear...

Flowing fabrics
Set-in sleeves
Three-quarter length sleeves
A good fitting, well adjusted bra
Tops and dresses that flow through the waist
A-line skirts
Flared pants

Don't wear...

Styles that emphasize your shoulders
High necklines
Big collars
Tapered skirts and pants

• For Hour glass body shape
  
  

If you have an Hourglass shape, you are in luck. This body shape is the most compatible with most of the latest fashion trends. You pretty much look great in all styles. However, you do have to be careful of some fashion choices. Because you are equally proportional on both the top and bottom of your body, it is important that you do not choose clothing that hides your well-defined waistline. Boxy, tailored jackets can be worn, however, they should hit at the waist. Longer, boxy tops can make an hourglass figure look wider. Instead, accentuate your waist with wide belts and garments that cinch in at the waist. As a fuller figured woman, try to stay away from very busy prints and very tight garments. You also don't want to over-layer your clothing; too many layers will make you look bulky. Overall, though, as long as you clothing choices still show that fabulous hourglass figure, you can be sure that you will be strutting down the street looking your best.

• For the Pear shape
  

Dressing pear shaped women involves balancing a slender neck, narrow shoulders, and a small bust with a shapely waist, generous hips, and full thighs. Your best assets are your waistline, delicate upper body, shoulders and arms, so try to accentuate these features when dressing for your body type.

Look for strapless or sleeveless dresses to play up the arms and shoulders. Or look for empire waistlines and dresses that begin to flare at the hips

Choose flowing fabrics, especially when it comes to pants, and remember that straight skirts are ideal for your body shape

Wear semi-fitted tops with square or cowl necklines to broaden narrow shoulders

Avoid tops that are too loose or too tight and make you seem out of proportion. When looking for a blazer or jacket, make sure the bottom does not meet the widest part of your hips. Lastly, avoid straight dresses that tend to tighten at the hips; this will only accentuate them.

• For the Straight body
  
  

The straight body type features an upper and lower body half that are equal in width. If you gained a few pounds, they would most likely be equally distributed throughout the body, instead of going straight to your curves.

Choose tops with necklines that fall below the collarbone to elongate the upper body and neck

Look for a longer suit jacket that will help lengthen the torso

Skirts and pants with details can broaden the lower half of the body, while shirts with pockets on the bustline will emphasize the area

Try to avoid belts or pleated fabrics at the waistline. These can make the area look thick instead of narrowing the waist.

• For the Diamond shaped body
  

The greatest Diamond Figure’s assets are: Proportionate face, neck, and bust, Balanced thighs, Shapely legs and Great arms

To flatter a diamond body shape, you should wear clothing that will take the eye off the waist and make the shoulder area appear wider - shoulder pads, for example, and horizontal necklines.

*Do wear...

Ear-rings, necklaces and other focal points designed to draw an observer's eyes up towards your shoulders and face
Shoulder pads to emphasize your shoulders. This may sound very 80s advice, but they really do work. However, they should not be be visible
Semi-fitted and loose fitting clothes
Good fitting, well adjusted bras
Support underwear
Tops and bottoms in the same colors
Low necklines
Un-tucked tops
Tops and dresses that flow through the waistline
Straight flat-fronted pants in soft, flowing fabric
Straight and slightly flared skirts

*Don't wear...

Clingy fabrics
Fitted clothes
Fabric with large patterns
High necklines
Large lapels
Belts
Tucked-in tops
Pleats
Narrow or tapered skirts
Narrow or tapered pants

# BONUS TIPS

• High collars shortens necks.
• Tight tops with short sleeves and breast pocket is detracting from your figure. Shoes with straps shortens your legs. The torso can be shortened or narrowed with seam lines, belts, bows, and collars.
• A short necklace can shorten your neck.
• A scarf or belt that hangs down toward the legs will make the legs appear longer. Knitted texture, lace, floras, prints, and plaids can assist in creating an illusion. T
• hicker vertical lines in plaids lengthens and slims.
• Wear a larger print where you want people to look and smaller print where you do not want them to look.
• An all over print can camouflage figure problems, but prints here and there can create a fuller you.
• Prints around the neck and over the shoulder can make your shoulders appear wider. Just wear prints near the parts of your figure's assets, because they are usually more eye catching than a solid color.
• When buying pants be sure they fit well. Defects are emphasized in a pair of pants that may go unnoticed in a skirt.

How to dress for your body type

One of the biggest problems women face is that they do not know how to properly dress for their body types. There is always something that we, as women, do not like about our bodies, but if you know how to correctly address your “trouble” areas, then your confidence will increase and your inner beauty and personality will come shining through.

There are six different body types: round, inverted triangle, hourglass, pear, diamond, and straight. While many in fashion industry today have replaced the six different categories with two terms, “bottom-” or “top” heavy, as a woman I think it is important to know how to solve all problems, as everything is interchangeable.

So let me first start out by explaining the terms “bottom-” and “top-” heavy. If you are bottom-heavy, it simply means that your hips are wider than your shoulders and that your thighs are round (this is also known as the pear shape).

If you are top-heavy then you have larger breasts, with narrower hips, and slimmer legs (this is also known as the round shape). There are many different ways to address these problems, but by knowing which one of the six body types you are, you can employ a few visual tricks to hide what you do not like, put together outfits that complement your shape best and learn how to develop your wardrobe.

This is exactly what every woman needs as they put away their winter clothes and re-evaluate their wardrobe for spring and summer!

Aren't sure what your body type is? Try Teresa's body type quiz.

In my next post I'll be talking about Dresses that flatter your body types and What NOT to wear. Don't miss it!

Some tips for buying clothes.

Buy clothes not as a reason for necessity, but as an expression of wanting to display artistry. With this in mind you will be able to spend wisely, avoid buying anything and everything, and also make a desirable impression.

Buy clothes that are a little loose rather than a little too tight. Too tight an outfit makes you look heavier.

Note: E ven the most carefully chosen clothing won't do a thing to make you feel or look good unless it fits you properly.

Resist the temptation to buy a dream clothes just because you're able to fit into it if the size is smaller than you normally wear. It will make you look and feel uncomfortable.

Don't buy a jacket even if it is perfectly tailored if the sleeves are too long. The sleeve should be just long enough to cover the top of the wristbone. Unless you want the look of a baggy, prefer a fitted jacket. It looks better in any occassion. Check the sleeve length carefully in a full-length mirror.

When you're not sure of what to buy for the evening, remember that there is a difference between daytime and evening clothing.

Daytime clothes are more casual and sporty while evening are more formal, dressy and delicate. Black is the basic color for evening and lighter shades are the basic colors for daytime.

Remember that artificial lights tend to wash out cosmetic colors so wear a little more to compensate less lighting.

Wear make-up everytime you wear black to ensure proper look. Red and hot pink for lips and cheeks are the basic tones for the evening. For the eyes, dark tones are better for many occassions at night.


Clothing can help you determine where you are most ashamed of in your appearance. Clothing can also help you show that portion of your body you wish to emphasize. These makes clothing a personal choice and it is your responsibility to know exactly what to buy. It's easy enough just to buy clothes, but be aware that merchandisers know "sales talks" as well. It's ups to you to judge if it's something you need for any particular reason.

BONUS TIP

How often have you bought some clothing item, and gotten home only to find that the seam is torn, or there's a snag in the fabric? Then you have to go back to the store to either exchange or return it, or even worse, if it can't be returned, then you have to pay to get it fixed...IF it's possible to fix.

So get into the habit of checking your clothing item carefully once you have selected it for purchase. Hold it up and look for makeup (esp. around the neck), dirt (especially near the floor), other stains, snags, or other marks on all sides. It is best to do this while you are trying it on, if possible (but don't forget to check the back). Then take a close look at the stitching...the seams, the hems, buttons, any decorative stitching/beading.

This is especially important for things like formal dresses where most sales are final (due to the sad practice of some girls trying to return dresses after they have worn them). If you find a problem, then try to find the same item without damage. If you can't find one and REALLY want the item anyway, try to determine if you think the item can be washed or fixed, but still point out the damage and ask for a discount.

In the end, even if you're mesmerized with something you see and like, and can't think straight, and your old self is getting the better of you, and you forget everything you have just learned- worry not. Just ask yourself these 6 simple questions and they'll get you right on track :


1. Does the clothes you are buying do what it should? (Does it work well with your broad shoulder?)
2. Is the style up-to-date?
3. Does it complement the rest of your wardrobe? (ie. separates or accessories)?
4. Does it complement your skin tone and hair color?
5. Is it a quality outfit?

6. Is it worth your money?

Bag Trends for 2008

Why Big Bags Are IN ?

A big bag is a dramatic way to make a style statement and is instantly slimming at the same time. What more could a woman possibly want!

This season, handbag designers are pushing larger bags in all shapes and sizes, from satchels, messenger and totes to vintage-style doctor bags.

The Pros

* Big bags have the effect of making most women look slimmer. Unless you are extremely petite, oversized bags make their owner look delicate in comparison.

* The big bag is practical rather than precious.

* For women with young children all those pockets and compartments provide great storage for items they can’t leave home without!

* For lugging around a vast array of electronic gadgetry in addition to cosmetics, books and other paraphernalia, the big bag enables women to carry one single item.

* Oversize bags are perfect for traveling

The Cons

* It seems the bigger the bag, the bigger the price tag.

* Big bags may mean big backache. The larger the space inside, the more inclined women are to fill it. Carrying around three or four kilos daily undoubtedly takes its toll on your health.

Note

Be sensible when buying a bag. No matter how much space you have, try not to be tempted to load it more than you actually need.

How to Wear Your Bag

* Grace and poise is likely to go out the window. It’s hard to look demure when sporting a bag that is almost half your size, not to mention the weight equivalent of three house bricks. This is all very well for celebrity icons with a stretch limo at their beck and call, but for most women it’s a question of getting from A to B without dislocating a shoulder.

* Carrying it by the handles, over the shoulder or in the crook of the arm are three possible options. The healthiest way is to actually spread the weight of the bag diagonally across the shoulders and chest.

* "Balancing the equivalent of a small suitcase in the crook of your arm is the least advisable", according to the Daily Mail’s Claire Colman. This puts more strain on the body as it is further away from the center of gravity. Combined with tottering down the street in a pair of this year’s trendy rainbow-colored, four-inch stiletto statement shoes, this is a sure way to wage war on your back!