Ruffles everywhere!!!

 

I really love Ruffles on everything: skirts, blouses, shoes, purses, dresses, undies, etc. They are just super feminine mainly due to the added frills and volume. I am all about added volume and illusions. Ruffles create added volume that distracts the eye from your body's unflattering volume. Lets just say it hides that little extra weight in a really pretty way.

Ruffles also allude to luxury due to the added fabric in the design. Ruffles have been around for forever, well since the 1400s when they appeared as little details on women's and men's chemises. They then grew and grew to be more and more elaborate to show status. Ruffles now don't denote a status in society but they are on trend.

I love wearing ruffles near my face to create a frame that enhances my jawline. I have an oval face so I like to wear more v necks and scoop necks that mirror my chin. My favorite shirt with ruffles is bright red and the shirt is a perfect body pleaser!!! The color radiates onto my cheeks while hiding my problem areas, and at the same time it looks so girly.

I think that in the work place a ruffled blouse is the perfect way to bring a womanly touch into the corporate world. When everyone else is wearing black suits and white button downs it is your time to shine with a suit and stone grey ruffled shirt peeking out from under your jacket.

Fun fact, for those of you who are looking to learn some fashion trivia, there is a difference between a flounce and a ruffle. To create a ruffle collar is created using gathers and there is extra bulk at the neckline. A Flounce is creating by cutting a circle with some of the grain being on the bias which create the volume but this can be sewn flat with less bulk. These last three are flounces... can you see the difference?

Sheer you go!!!

Sheer clothing was all over this week and I really like that. I can think of nothing sexier than a little mystery and a little bit of skin being revealed in a unconventional way. Anyone can wear a mini skirt and show their entire leg but it takes class to wear a sheer longer skirt. Sheers to me say you are covered but not really. I love my sheer blouse pull out when I am feeling a little flirty.

I think sheer clothing can be incorporated into every setting without being trashy or overly immodest. For work try a trouser with a sheer blouse tucked in over a cami with a great blazer. The layers are so lovely and feminine while being modest enough to distract from the words you are saying. Lets face it, a woman can dress like a woman and still fit into a "man's world" you just have to use your brain a little.

For evening I love sheer panels in clothing. Think little black dress with a low v-neck and revealing back. Instead of the obvious open neck try a sheer panel and wear and open low cut back to show off all the work you are doing on you figure. Just make sure if you are wearing head to toe of a single color to keep your accessories simple to make the sheer your focal point.

An extra little feminine touch that I am loving is the sheer, light as air ruffles that scream delicate. I am so glad I get to wear such fabulous sheers and they are super hot this season. By the way I rather love any shade of sheer not just the dark forms. Sheers just make every feature mysterious and a little sexy and they can be a great cover up. I just love sheer sleeves!!!

All I can say is that Givenchy, Cynthia Rowley and everyone else I like your class!!!