Notascuratoriales.com – The guide to all things of fashion

Fall and winter may have brought out long peacoats and trenches before, but not this year. One of the most sought-after pieces for the upcoming season will be the shrunken jacket, in a variety of styles. The difference between these new, tinier versions of your traditional autumn and winter favorites is their length; cuts are the same as traditional coats, but they hit slightly above the waist and often tie or button under the chest. The beauty of these new pieces is that they provide coverage in colder months without sacrificing sexiness or femininity.

The perfect jacket is one of the most important elements of your wardrobe, and with so many shapes and fabrics available this fall, it would be a crime to choose just one. The ever-present denim jacket is back with a new vengeance. Instead of the washes of last season or bulkiness of years before, this season’s denim jacket is soft, body-conscious and far more feminine than the traditional denim jacket. Corduroy and leather are back again, cropped and ready to be worn over anything from your favorite dress to distressed jeans.

A new take on an old favorite is safe, but take advantage on the amazing new fabrics and styles the end of the year has to offer. Brocade is big this season and some of the most sought-after new jackets are made of the rich, detailed design. Many of these brocaded, boudoir-style jackets are trimmed in rich velvet or lace piping and can be paired with tweed trousers of you favorite jeans. Many of these new jackets are cut at the hip but some are reaching even higher—cropped just below the chest (H & M). Made in rich, new fabrics like tweed and velvet, these jackets have mixed a traditionally matronly fabric with a cut and cling that makes it youthful and sexy. Even faux fur and metallic finishes are adorning the newest trend (Allen B. by Allen Schwartz).

Getting short isn’t the only new addition to a cold weather favorite. Sleeves are getting revamped this season, retro-style. Traditional coat fabrics like houndstooth are being used in a new way. Bell sleeves (think bellbottom sleeves, cut below the elbow) mix cropped length with a traditional fabric and throwback to 70s style (Banana Republic). You’ll also see a mini version of the military jacket this season; a cropped, girlie take on the long, heavy style, adorned with brass buttons and zippers (Bebe).
Read more…

Don’t let shopping for that special evening dress intimidate you! With a little help, you can start early and find the perfect dress for evening out. Here’s how:

Decide on the formality. Is it cocktail or evening attire? Cocktail and evening attire is dressier – think little black dress. Long dresses are reserved for formal black-tie affairs.

The most important feature of your new dress is it’s style and color. Not every dress works for all body types. Dress to flatter your figure. If you aren’t sure what is your best asset, ask a friend or salesperson.

Once you know the type of dress, now choose a style. Instead of going trendy, select a dress that reflects classic, timeless elegance. Here are some styles to choose from.

Halter Dresses are one of the sexiest formal looks around. Several version exist including a tie-behind-the-neck look. Straps vary in size, width and fabrics. A halter dress draws attention to the upper half of the body including the face, shoulders and bust line. This is great to draw unwanted attention away from the hips and legs. Skip the necklace and opt for earrings when wearing a halter dress.

Cocktail dresses are the most versatile for special occasions. Most opt for the little black dress which is the most popular look for a cocktail. Today, jewel-tones, bright and rich fabrics do well for a short evening dress. Most cocktail dresses can be easily accessorized with pearls, diamond, gold and silver. If you want to hide wide hips, opt for a dress that is strapless or has cap sleeves.
Read more…

Fridays at the office are considered business casual day. What does that exactly mean? Business is business and casual is casual so how do you combined the two styles? Friday is a dress down day so you know that business casual does not mean a suit but it does mean that you have look nice and neat but can be a little bit casual at the same time.

Let’s examine what Business Casual isn’t. Save the following items for your weekend or at-home wardrobe: zip-front hooded sweatshirts, team jackets, jean jackets, T-shirts with slogans, midriff-baring tops, tank tops, well-worn jeans, spandex pants, stirrup pants, overalls, biking shorts, sweat pants, mini skirts, see-through tops, halter tops, flip-flops, sneakers and sandals. Never forget that the first word in business casual is “business” and casual does not mean a day at the beach.

Business casual must always include high-quality pieces, hose or socks, appropriate underwear, footwear in good repair, coordinated accessories, clean, styled hair and makeup for women. With that in mind, let’s take a look at the type of footwear is considered business casual to finish off your outfit.

Slingbacks, women’s shoes with a cutout heel and a strap spanning the back of the ankle, defy simple categorization as they once did. Years ago, slingbacks were appropriate only during the summer months, and they were considered a casual shoe. Certainly, no self-respecting woman south of the Mason-Dixon Line would be caught dead in a slingback before Memorial Day or after Labor Day. Now, with a growing selection of women’s slingbacks, you can find a pair for every season and every occasion-from stay-at-home clothes to wedding attire. What determines the slingback’s suitability is the design of the shoe, the material, the embellishments, and whether it contributes to the overall desired look with the outfit?

You need to look at the entire spectrum of occasions, and offer suggestions for pairing slingbacks with outfits for each occasion. If you feel the shoes complement your outfit and you feel comfortable wearing them, let your personal sense of style guide you. People judge others by first impressions, and watches, handbags and shoes play an important role in first impressions. Cut corners elsewhere, but never with your shoes. Regardless of the style you wear, ensure that your shoe are in A-1 condition, with perfect sol. Casual shoes should be kept in the same tip-top, shined-up and scuff-free shape as their dressier counterparts. Do not wear 4 inch heels with a pair of dress pants and sweater. Those types of shoes look better with a dress suit or pant suit.
Read more…

As the Baby Boomers in this country come of age, it certainly seems that 50 is the new 30! The typical thoughts and images of 50 year olds are certainly banished when these active individuals strive to live a fulfilling and exciting life. Most individuals who are apart of the Baby Boomer generation are reaching the age of retirement, and they have alternative goals and methods for their lifestyle. Additionally, most women in their 50s have keen fashion sense and style, always dressing their best in a variety of situations. If you find yourself in your 50s and unsure what items to wear for any function, look no further! These simple tips will allow you to dress for success for any situation.

1.) Tips on selecting clothes that show your personal flair

When it comes to finding items that should be in your wardrobe, look to find pieces that express your individual interest and personality. Consider shopping at unique shops or boutiques to find those one of a kind items that will certainly win you a great many compliments. Whether you choose to invest in a great jacket, sweater, dress, sweater, skirt, or anything else, you should work to adapt this unique item into a variety of outfits.
Read more…