Minimalist Chic

Calvin Klein - spring summer 09 - pictures from http://www.style.com/


Minimalism has been around quite a bit this autumn and winter and for spring summer 09, it is set to be a huge trend again. This is very much in contrast to the bright and bold block colours and prints seen at many of the spring summer 09 catwalk shows. The minimalist look combines clean lines and lack of decoration with nude, pale and neutral colour for a trend with a very calming feel.

The relaxed and minimalist look is trademark of the Calvin Klein label. For spring summer 09, Francisco Costa presented a range of minimalist white outfits with a folded and paper like appearance. Last seasons moulded and shaped theme was also very apparent with skirts standing out from the body and stiff, loose shaped tops.

A more wearable version of this look can be achieved with a simple shift dress in a neutral colour. Remember not to accessorise, except perhaps some very simple shoes and a bag in a complimentary neutral colour. Hair and make up should also be kept minimal with long hair tied back in a low pony tail or sleek but under styled short hair.

I love this Ines Suede Handbag. It will definitely look great with any minimalist outfit (or any other outfit)

Online Designer Bargains

The post christmas and January sales are a perfect time to re-invent yourself through fashion and update your wardrode. It also makes financial sense to buy up the outfits you will need for upcoming special occasions like weddings, christenings, black tie dinners, cruises and other special occasions.

For these special occasions it is always a good idea to plan your outfit down to the correct underwear needed well in advance. This saves you time and money as last minute rush shopping can lead to panic buying and diasterous purchase decisions.

Since every girl should have a black evening number in her wardrode. Here are some handy black evening dresses at bargain prices online from House of Fraser.



This Anoushka G Louisa short jersey dress with intricate beaded detailis available online from House of Fraser at £55 down from £125

Assesorize with this Onyx, Lava Stone and Prith Bracelet from Munique Fashions

This Long Plait Back Dress from JS Collections is available at House of Fraser at £105 reduced from £150.

This long Halter Evening dress is now available for £22.50 down from £150. This full length halter neck evening dress comes in a stunning bold print and is fitted to the body with a slight flare at the hem.



Wrap up warm for your night out in this Alpaca Wool Shawl from thesymphony-life
Handcratfed in Peru, this exquisite cloak is woven from a luxurious alpaca wool blend, unparalleled in softness and warmth. Elegant and versatile, it is a must-have for your winter wardrobe. Available in black or tan.

20% Discount at Munique

Munique is offering a 20% discount across the entire boutique until January 12.

Buy now and choose from our wide range of handcrafted jewellery gifts including semi precious stones jewellery, copper jewellery, recycled and eco jewellery, stone/clay jewellery and leather jewellery. Compliment your unusual jewellery choice with a handmade Alpaca Wool Wrap or a suede handbag to get others talking.

Visit our website at http://www.thesymphony-life.com and remember to use discount code 3009 at the checkout.
Offer ends January 12, 2009.

Etsy Find - Mantra Pants by Zelaya

More online bargains ..... these manta pants by Zelaya are handmade out of 100% raw cotton and comes in its natural color. It has drawstring on front and a classic cut. Available in XS, S, M, or L upon request.Usually costs US$80, but on discount for this holiday season at US$68

Zelaya is dedicated to creating a line of clothes, handbags, and accessories that embraces fair trade values and transcends ephemeral trends through traditional and classic design with a contemporary sensibility. Their items are meant to last for generations and embody the innate intelligence and beauty of nature, tradition, and simplicity. Their philosophy and design aesthetic is inspired by El Salvador their home.

Complete this look with Munique's Rose Sandals in Metallic Leather



Accessorize with this Modern Man Bracelet in Copper and Brass by Anderson for that final touch of style.

Rounded Lines Spring Summer 09

Spring summer 09 looks set to be all about rounded lines, from slightly curved shoulder lines to the more exaggerated and dramatic incorporation of circles and semi circles into the shape of the clothes. This is a development on this seasons full and rounded shapes that were seen in the tulip style skirts and rounded shoulders.

The huge disc shaped shoulders at Dolce and Gabbana made an interesting retro like silhouette with the elegant straight skirt and luxurious fabric.

Christopher Kane used the scales of prehistoric creatures as inspiration for his bright and eye catching outfit with amazing circle covered sleeves.

Again at Chloe, circles were used to create an interesting line along the shoulders and arms. This time the circles were a lot smaller giving a more delicate look.
pictures from http://www.style.com/
You can use this trend as an inspiration to create your own look using rounded lines. Look for prints made of geometric circles and large spots, jewellery in circle or semi circle shapes, accessories with rounded shapes and clothes with rounded shoulder or skirt shapes.

This oval shaped leather handbag from Munique Fashions is a great way to work next spring and summers trend for rounded shapes. It is a bold and unusual shape that allows you to do this look in your own unique way.

How To Look Thinner

Over Christmas, I have munched on an obscene amount of chocolate, mince pies and other nibbles and snacks, washed down with mulled wine, champagne and lots more. So it is not really surprising, on January 1st, when I put on my skinny jeans, they were a bit tight around the waist.

Of course, I am sure that once I have got into the swing of my new year exercise and healthy eating plan, they will fit just fine again. Over the next few weeks, I am employing some emergency tactics to disguise the Christmas spread that I have acquired over the last few weeks.

This seasons trend for black is ideal for the new year. There is no denying that black and dark colours are definitely slimming. A black outfit can be dressed up with coloured accessories for a really eye catching outfit.

Another great way of slimming down the torso is to wear a long necklace or scarf which creates the illusion of a longer and more svelte body. This Jasper and long leather, passionate heart necklace from Munique Fashions is a great way to streamline the body.

A scoop neck top with three quarter length sleeves also seems to have a very slimming effect and balances out the middle of my body.

I have long hair and tying it up in a high pony tail has an instant slimming effect. I like to use jewellery to decorate the ponytail for a really glamourous look. This spatial necklace from Munique Fashions will look great.

If all else fails, I always find pin stripes do the trick. Vertical and diagonal stripes can take off pounds (but remember horizontals are a definite no no). I love this Chilli Pepper striped shirt from Littlewoods.

Finally, high heels and boot cut trousers will balance out the wider bit in the middle and add height making you look slimmer.

The number one thing to avoid, if you are experiencing a little bit of Christmas spread, is clothing that is too tight. Unfortnately my skinny jeans will have to go back in the cupboard for a week or two.

New Year Fashion Resolutions

Swarovski Cluster
It’s that time of year to reflect on our past as we watch our future loom in front of us. Since this is a fashion blog, open your wardrobe and take a look at the clothing, jewellery and accessories you have acquired over the last year and ask yourself what does my clothes say about me?

You know the old adage “a picture paints a thousand words”. What you wear says a lot about your style and confidence. As I have said before, when you look good you feel good even if other aspects of your life are not perfect. While it is lovely to look good to impress, the only person you should be doing it for is you.

Clothes by their very nature are ephemeral meaning “existing for a very short time”. Fashion trends change and seasons change but clothes and fashion accessories can be an investment. They must be trendy for the moment but classic enough to outlast the moment and be worn time and time again – like stripes and polka dots, corduroy jackets, argyle sweaters to name a few. Why do you think there is a market for vintage clothing? The key is good design, quality fabric and well made pieces.

If one of your resolutions is to become thrifty this year, then thrift when it comes to buying clothes and fashion accessories should mean quality and not quantity. Look at your wardrobe as asset building, adding a piece at a time until you have a substantial investment that you can enjoy wearing for a long time and even sell on as vintage.

Start by buying yourself one piece of amazing jewellery. Like this fabulous sterling silver ring with 50 sparkling Swarovski crystals arbitrarily connected so no two rings are the same. Makes a lovely jingle jangle noise. A great piece that will help you create an original look.