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Event Alert: Zarii Designs Holiday Mixer
13 Tuesday Dec 2011
How to: Jumpsuits in the Office
16 Wednesday Nov 2011
Greetings my lovely readers!
Jumpsuits are one piece garments, which cover your torso and your legs. They really trace their origins to a utilitarian garment to be worn by mechanics, parachuters and sky divers. The style was immensely popular in the 70s and 80s when the hippy era kicked in and anything conventional was a taboo. In the past, jumpsuits as a trend has been sometimes hot and sometimes not, however, with the coming few seasons, they have been touted to be a big fashion item. While quite a lot of us may feel that only the very lucky few blessed with flawless figures can really afford to wear jumpsuits, you will be surprised at the variety of jumpsuits that are available to choose from. (via GlamCheck) In my never boring search to find something to wear to work this morning I kept thinking “how can I style this jumpsuit for the office?” My 9 to 5 isn’t really “blue-collar” so to speak but I had some reservations about walking into a corporate meeting wearing a one-piece. So to the internet I went to gain some insight…
From my research it’s all about (1) choosing the right fit for your body type (2) the look feel and color of the fabric and (3) accessorizing correctly. Feel free to review some of the pointers below to help you with styling your jumpsuit for the office.
How to choose a jumpsuit based on your body type?
If you thought, jumpsuits were only for the perfect size 0 figure, think again. Jumpsuits could be for almost all women – yes, including the curvier ones, however, you need to find the right kind of suit style, depending upon your body type. Experts suggest that if you have any doubts in your mind about wearing a jumpsuit, visualize yourself as wearing a top and a long pant, this will give you a good insight about what looks right on you. If you prefer a loose fitted trouser and a top, go for a jump suit that is loose and makes you feel comfortable, if you are okay with showing off your figure, you could opt for a tight fitted jumpsuit as well. Ordinarily, if you are a first timer, you could go with the thumb rule of not too loose and neither too fitted.
Styles of jumpsuits
The first step is obviously to know how to choose a jumpsuit and be comfortable in the same. Hopefully, with the tips given in the above paragraph, that should have been well taken care of.
The next thing to consider is what is appropriate to wear to the event that you plan to attend. For example, while you could wear an off shoulder gold sequined jumpsuit to a red carpet event, you would not dare to wear a similar thing to the office. Similarly, you could sport a short denim jumpsuit to a casual day out with friends, but you may not consider wearing the same while going to the pub. You get the picture?
Formal Conservative
The occasion is conservative and formal so any length shorter than ankle is a sure shot fashion disaster. The pants should usually be well fitted and not too loose and flowy as these could be considered a tad too dressy. Avoid cuffed at the leg styles too as these may be a bit too fashionable. Also, you should go in for tailored look of jumpsuits – these are smart, sophisticated and usually with a well-defined shoulder line and preferably with short or long sleeves. If you want to go a little bold, you could go in for sleeveless style and for the bolder – even an off shoulder style. However, to keep others attention more on your work, it would be prudent to team the off shoulder style with a well fitted blazer, a cardigan or a stole.
Colors and fabrics:
Stick to basic solid colors – navy, cream, whites and blacks as most of the places you will be wearing these to, will have a dress and a color code. Avoid jazzy and metallic colors like plague. You definitely do not want to stand out like a Christmas tree in the office board room. Do choose fabrics which do not crinkle easily and can take the structured look well – light weight sateens, twills etc. look great and can carry off the structured, tailored detail quite well.
Accessorize right:
Basics are the key word here. Stick to neutral colors. You could use a tan narrow leather belt on most formal jumpsuits. Hand bags could be large and roomy, however again preferably of muted tones. Footwear need to be comfortable, and you could opt for boots, high heels and even flats. Jewelery could be a small gold chain kissing your neck, or a string of pearls, but nothing even remotely closer to what we discussed under formal – chic.
Designer Spotlight: Nha Khanh
02 Wednesday Nov 2011
Posted in designer, Designer Spotlight, fashion, style
In my never ending style travels I came across this timeless designer and couldn’t pass up the opportunity to share with my readers in my weekly Designer Spotlight. Enjoy…
Nha Khanh’s designs focus on modern glamour, inspired by art, architecture and most importantly, nature. The designs are ethereal; meticulously constructed, and host an ease about them that allows for an effortless sensibility. The company offers seasonal “advanced contemporary” ready-to-wear; a custom Atelier collection, which hosts one of a kind and custom pieces, and a bridal line.
The Nha Khanh mission is to empower a woman with inner-strength through her clothing with a focus on “elegance with a modern edge”. “Nha”, in Vietnamese, is a feminine word implying ‘light’, whereas “Khanh” is a masculine word, meaning celebration. The fusion of the words creates a balance of unison between what is feminine and what is masculine. The collection joins”lightness” and “softness” of silhouette and fabrication, with the celebration of construction and classic bodies. This is the fundamental philosophy and creative driving force behind the Nha Khanh Label.
Khanh Nguyen, the Creative Director and Designer of the Nha Khanh collection, has been surrounded by fashion and art throughout her life. Born to Vietnamese, artisan parents, and raised in Dallas, Texas, Khanh has always been exposed to what is beautiful and refined. At the age of five, she began to mimic what she saw around her by sketching and designing garments in her personal journal, and constructing dresses for her doll. Fashion always came easily to her, and has always been her passion.
Khanh’s natural talent for Arts has shined throughout her scholastic years. She attended the University of North Texas and obtained a Bachelor degree in Fine Arts in Fashion Design. During her education, Khanh received many awards, but her most notable recognition was the “Top Achievement Award at the Dallas Career Day Design Competition”, allowing her the opportunity to embark on an internship in Paris, France. She was trained intensively with the world’s leading fashion house and practiced the haute couture sewing techniques of Nina Ricci, draping methods of Madame Gres, millinery skills of Jean Paul Gaultier, and emulated the techniques of handbag and accessories design by Anne Valerie Hash. After being surrounded by many creative talents and learning through hands-on experiences, Khanh strives to push the envelope with her innovative and creative designs.
Upon her return to Dallas, Khanh immediately set her sights on making her childhood dream a reality– and started her own fashion firm, Nha Khanh. The company was officially established in January 2010. Design and production of the line are all based in Dallas, Texas, while the sales, marketing and public relations of the collection are based in New York City. The company takes pride in exceptionally well-made garments, which are manufactured exclusively in the United States. For more information please email Nha Khanh at info@nhakhanh.com
Bio via the Nha Khanh website.
