and i want to look just as good as the skinny girls in skirts
Dothan City Schools
School Uniform Dress Code Effective 2009-2010
The Dothan City Board of Education voted and approved, at its November 17, 2008 meeting, a mandatory uniform dress code for all K-12 students. All elementary, middle, and high school students in the Dothan City School System shall implement, within the guidelines below, the school uniform policy beginning with the 2009-2010 school year.
TOPS FOR MALES AND FEMALES
Solid white, navy blue, and/or, red or black (DHS cluster), maroon or gold (NHS cluster), button front oxford, polo, turtleneck, blouse-type shirts with sleeves (long sleeves or short sleeves)

Bacterial vaginitis will affect most of us at some time during our adult lives. Very often, conventional medication, such as antibiotics, can prove to be a big disappointment with most of us who take them finding out that we have repeat attacks within a few short weeks.

Indeed, many will suffer on and off for a number of years and it is only when they try natural bacterial vaginitis treatment that they find freedom from this unpleasant condition.

To get you started, there are a few simple strategies which will get you on the road to recovery.

For symptomatic relief of the foul vaginal odor which is a “trademark” sign of BV, try to avoid overwashing. Although it is tempting to wash repeatedly throughout the day, you should avoid this at all costs as you will be depleting the vagina’s natural protective lubricants which help to maintain health. Also, avoid using perfumed products. Your strategy should be to wash twice daily, using an unperfumed soap. In the meantime, try wearing thin panty pads and changing them regularly over the course of the day as these will absorb some of the odor and discharge. If your discharge is particularly bad, you could very gently wipe the external discharge away using an unperfumed baby wipe, but be careful not to rub too much!

Also, avoid wearing synthetic panties as these can create the perfect conditions for bacterial vaginitis of heat and moisture. Stick to cotton and save the others for occasional wear. In the same vein, avoid tight trousers and pantyhose.

To get relief from the itching and burning, cooling down the vaginal area is a must. Try wrapping an ice pack in a damp flannel or alternatively, place a damp flannel in the freezer for a while. Either of these placed on the vagina will help to soothe the area, stopping the itching.

Other natural bacterial vaginitis treatment strategies include using natural ingredients which can be found around the home.

* Live, probiotic yogurt can help to replenish depleted supplies in the vagina. Try eating a small pot a day or alternatively, soak a tampon in the yogurt and insert it for a couple of hours.

* Tea tree oil is also an effective treatment. Its natural antibacterial proprties can help to kill off harmful bacteria. It can be used in pessary form (available from health food stores) or add 10-12 drops to a bath.

* Cider vinegar also proves helpful for some women. Add a couple of cups to your bath and this can help to rebalance the pH levels in the vagina.

Prompt action is always a good idea if you have BV as although not dangerous in the early stages, if left untreated bacterial vaginosis can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease and even infertility.

If you would like to read further comprehensive information about BV and see 3 guaranteed strategies which will show you how to cure BV naturally and for good, please visit my website to see Natural Bacterial Vaginitis Treatment

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Jeans are pants made from denim. Mainly designed for work, they became popular among teenagers starting in the 1950s. Historic brands include Levi’s and Wrangler. Today, jeans are a very popular form of casual dress around the world and come in many styles and colors, with the “blue jeans” particularly identified with the American culture, especially the American Old West. Americans spent more than $14 billion on jeans in 2004.

<a rel=”nofollow” onclick=”javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview(‘/outgoing/article_exit_link’);” href=”http://www.himfr.com/buy-lacoste/polo_shirts/”>lacoste/polo shirts</a>Jeans fabric was made in Chieri, a town near Turin (Italy), in the 1600s. It was sold through the harbour of Genoa, which was the capital of an independent republic, and a naval power. The first were made for the Genoese Navy because it required all-purpose pants for its sailors that could be worn wet or dry, and whose legs could easily be rolled up to wear while swabbing the deck. These jeans would be laundered by dragging them in large mesh nets behind the ship, and the sea water would bleach them white. According to many people the jeans name comes from bleu de G?nes, i.e., blue of Genoa. The raw material originally came from the city of N?mes (France) Serge de N?mes i.e. denim.

A German-Jewish dry goods merchant Levi Strauss was selling blue jeans under the “Levi’s” name to the mining communities of California in the 1850s. One of Strauss’s customers was Jacob Davis, a tailor who frequently purchased bolts of cloth from the Levi Strauss & Co wholesale house. After one of Davis’s customers kept purchasing cloth to reinforce torn pants, he had an idea to use copper rivets to reinforce the points of strain, such as on the pocket corners and at the top of the button fly. Davis did not have the required money to purchase a patent, so he wrote to Strauss suggesting that they both go into business together. After Strauss accepted Davis’s offer, the two men received U.S. Patent 139,121 , for an “Improvement in Fastening Pocket-Openings,” on May 20, 1873.

In 1885 jeans could be purchased for $1.50. Today, some jeans cost $200 to $500 with limited-edition and collectibles costing up to $2000.

Initially, blue jeans were simply sturdy trousers worn by workers, especially in the factories during World War II. During this period, men’s jeans had the zipper down the front, whereas women’s jeans had the zipper down the right side. By the 1960s, both men’s and women’s jeans had the zipper down the front. In the United States during the 1950s, wearing of blue jeans by teenagers and young adults became symbolic of mild protest against conformity. This was considered by some older adults as disruptive; for example, some movie theaters and restaurants refused to admit patrons who wore blue jeans. During the 1960s the wearing of blue jeans became more acceptable and by the 1970s had become general fashion in the United States, at least for informal wear. Notably, in the mid-1950s the denim and textiles industry was revolutionized by the introduction of the stone-washing technique by GWG (Great Western Garment Co.). Entrepreneur, importer, and noted eccentric Donald Freeland of Edmonton, Alberta pioneered the method, which helped to bring denim to a larger and more versatile market. Denim suddenly became an attractive product for all age groups and Freeland became one of the most important innovators in the history of denim and denim products. It should be noted, also, that Freeland contributed to a variety of other denim textile developments throughout his career with Great Western Garments (GWG)[1] Acceptance of jeans continued through the 1980s and 1990s to the point where jeans are now a wardrobe staple, with the average North American owning seven pairs[3].

As imported American products, jeans were somewhat expensive, especially in the case of the Soviet Union which restricted hard currency imports. In Spain they are known as vaqueros or “cowboys,” in Danish cowboybukser meaning “cowboy pants” and in Chinese niuzaiku , literally, “cowboy pants” (trousers), indicating their association with the American West, cowboy culture, and outdoors work. Similarly, the Hungarian name for jeans is “farmernadrg”, meaning “farmer-trousers”.

Jeans can be worn very loose in a manner that completely conceals the shape of the wearer’s lower body, or they can be snugly fitting and accentuate the body. Historic photographs indicate that in the decades before they became a staple of fashion, jeans generally fit quite loosely, much like a pair of bib overalls without the bib. Indeed, until 1960, Levi Strauss denominated its flagship product “waist overalls” rather than “jeans”.

Recycled blue jean is becoming a popular insulation material (sometimes called Cotton Batt insulation) used in the construction of houses. Due to its low relative synthetic chemical composition and because it is made of recycled materials, it is gaining prominence in green building circles. Like conventional insulation, it moderates heat transfer and reduces sound transfer between floors or rooms. Blue Jean insulation has an R-Value of 13 to 19 (for 3.5 and 5.5 inch batts, respectively) making it a preferable insulator to typical fiberglass batts even without taking into account the environmental considerations.

Without the jeans? I am just wondering, if us wives have to get all hot in leather, lace and thongs….where is our visual fun?

With the New Year on the horizon it’s time to redefine our wardrobe. Keep your closet beyond 2009 with these cutting edge trends.

A gradual recovery in the economy brings silver linings around the clouds of recession. As the businesses see recuperation, so does fashion. 2010 will be a year of tradition. Experts predict a strong silhouette and sophisticated glamour. Classical silhouettes, and subdued colors will pop up in the store racks, and ramp shows. Key looks for the coming year will reflect the current economic situation.

Hottest Looks for the coming season:

Female Dandy:

Dandy elements will venture back further with a bit of the 19th century, to enter as a main fashion for the year to come. A fashion trend with its roots from Great Britain, dandy trend evokes aristocracy and associated wealth. Bow blouses, cropped slim-cut jackets, high-waisted jodhpurs, ruffles, brooches, fob chains, waistcoats and tailored vests will enter the fashion segment. The overall look and feel of the female dandy will take its inspiration from history, and will be seen in catwalks. With a appropriate mixture of sharp tailoring and stereotype clothes, they accentuate and flatter the fashionist womans hourglass figure.

‘See through’ Clothing:

Spring trends for the year will be more revealing. See through fashion clothing will give a cool and sexy look. Sheen and see through clothing will be a mixture of soft, feminine and a hardcore kitten look. Considered by fashion gurus as one of the hottest looks, sheer fabrics are the preferred choice of many celebrities. Used creatively in multitude ways, such as tight pieces, layers, and delicate feminine draping, these fabrics will be seen in many runway collections.

One-shouldered Dresses and Tops:

Ladies can put their best shoulder forward! Asymmetric shoulder lines have made a return since 2009, and are predicted to make its presence in international ramp shows. Showing one shoulder can be interesting, and can be worn in several ways. A one-shoulder dress with an asymmetrical form fitting top and draped skirt will be a hot style. This outfit is conservatively sexy, and makes a bold fashion statement without looking tacky. It accentuates the shoulders, well tones arms, nice shoulders, neck, and collarbones. A single shouldered top goes well with denims and gowns.

Leather Clothing:

Trends in leather will extend far beyond jackets into other types of clothing. Leather shorts, dresses, leggings and many more will be in vogue. A black Paule Ka leather dress with a revealing neckline, and matching leather bandeu will make a breathtaking appearance in a party.

Capes and Cloaks:

Full capes, long clocks, and mini caplets will make a come back as a major fashion staple. During the fall, capes will take various, and much sophisticated forms to become a major trend. This sleeveless outerwear open at the front with slits for arms will be a definite trend for colder seasons. Big fashion houses will come up with their own revivals. Taking their inspiration from the loose cocoon styles of the 20s, capes with a classic elegance from Valentino, and DNKY will be seen on the runways.

Over the Knee Boots:

This will be a must have item for the fall season. Elegant suedes and dark futuristic wound and bound leathers will be in fad. This is one hot trend for women. A genuine leather boots in a classic black or brown color will go with outfits of any color. Grey, maroon and other cream or neutral shades will also do. A thigh high black suede skinny leg boots is one of the hottest key looks for the inner ‘cat woman’ girl.

With a keen eye, focused approach, and a wardrobe spanning enough room to accommodate new couture, every fashion-focused woman can have the savviest dresses along with supplementing fashion accessories

I’m thinking of getting a pair of leather half chaps or tall boots and I heard that they really hurt your legs when you wear them at first. Any tips on how to make them more comfortable?

Variety Colors

You know that ugg boots traditionally follow a neutral color palette, but nowadays, more and more bright colors are made of ugg. When you walk in a ugg sale  store, you will noticed that they are so bright, there are sand, chestnut, black, chocolate, pink, red…

Especially for this spring season, most girls like bright colors. Don’t be afraid to make a statement by choosing a fun pair of colored UGGs. Most of our Women’s boots are also offered in pink or red. For example, the UGG Classic Short Boots 5825 Tomato Red. Dare to be stylish, and add some color to your UGGs! They make you more fashionable. And these boots are very comfortable.

If you prefer a neutral-colored pair of UGGs but still want to make a bold color statement, pair your UGGs with a colored jean or pant. A tailored red pant, for example, looks great against the neutral tones of our Authentic UGG boots and is sure to attract attention.

Shorty

The spring makes our  Classic Short UGG Boots at the peak, because girls all like wearing this kind of boots with their mini skirt which makes them look sweaty.

You might also consider a wide-legged, woolen trouser worn over one of our shorter style UGG boots, topped with a fitted sweater. Depending on your line of work, these looks might even work for the office, perfect for a casual Friday.

Besides the ugg classic short boots, the Ultra Short UGG Boots  is another short boots which are as popular as the classic shorts. These two styles of short boots will be especially flattering with clothes that have a slightly more formal or feminine fit.

Trend-Ways to Wear Your Uggs (I)

As with any new fashion trend to come down the pipe, there are some people who just seem to pull it off immediately and there are others who need some time before they are able to get the look right.  Others, well let’s face it, seem to be beyond all hope.  It’s fairly easy to stay out of this last category, and unless you are completely inept, there is no reason to fear ever ending up in the “can’t get right” category.  So the droopy pants with tight legs have come back around in the fashionista collective consciousness, and you might be wondering how to wear harem pants.  Harem pants are a bit complicated as fashion trends go, so here are some good tips to help you look absolutely stunning whenever wearing your hip “new” pants.

Keep It Proportional

Harem pants obviously draw the eyes to the lower body, and with harem pants this is a good thing, however proud you are to have your lower half on display.  The beauty of harem pants is in the way they tend to drape over the hips and thighs while hugging close to the knees and shins.  With a regular pair of jeans or pants, this idea would simply look like you are wearing baggy pants, but harem pants are deliberate in their wide look, lending accentuation to one’s natural curves or a subtle camouflage if need be.

So with this in mind, always be sure to keep things in proportion whenever possible.  The idea of proportionality as it applies to harem pants is that the pants themselves no matter how they are cut are going to be on the baggy, wide side of the equation.  When you are wearing something loose fitting on one half of your body, the general idea is to wear something a little more form fitting on the other half.  This is to avoid looking as if you are simply wearing clothing that is much larger than the size that actually fits you.  For instance, if you are wearing harem pants and have an ample chest, avoid shoulder pads or clothes that add bulk to your upper body and instead wear a fitted blazer or form fitting blouse to maintain the natural flow of your body.

Get the Cut that Fits

Every body type is different, and not all fabrics are appropriate for every situation.  When looking at harem pants for the first time, your initial reaction might be to think that they only look right on the runway models or others with a thin frame.  You would definitely be incorrect in this assumption.  In order to wear harem pants in a way that looks good for your particular body type, pick pants that are cut to go with what looks best on you.  Additionally, be sure the fabric of your harem pants is appropriate for the situation.

For instance, if harem pants are your look for an evening out, select a more elegant fabric such as silk or another more delicate fabric.  These types of fabrics allow for a cut that will drape more gracefully than cotton for instance, which is a good material for when you’re out on everyday activities.  Not every body shape is suitable for the more distinct low crotch that is heavily accentuated on some styles of harem pants.  A good idea is to stick with harem pants that sit well across the hips and the crotch area folds nicely rather than hangs like a bag between the legs.  You might also want to think about going with a high waist, which will narrow your waist and add to the billowy effect.

Accessorize Wisely

If you’re going with big, billowy harem pants or even the slimmer knee-length type, a big floppy bag is best to round out the look.  This is assuming you are going with a top that hugs your figure.  If you are going loose on top, it’s best to stick with an elegant clutch so that all the bagginess doesn’t get you mistaken as an actual bag-lady.

The best shoes to wear with harem pants are most definitely heels.  There are most definitely exceptions to this rule, but for the most part try to stick with big strapy heels.  Most times if you go with flat heel shoes, you’re going to loose the elegance that is the focus of most harem pants.  Also, strapy heels accentuate the exotic look of harem pants and slim the leg, adding to the overall elegant appeal.

As far as necks and wrists, remember that harem pants are meant to be sensuous and fluid, so choose earrings, necklaces and bracelets that follow this theme.  Big chunky necklaces or chandelier earrings draw attention away from the lower body and will offset the proportions set by sticking to a body hugging top or blouse.  Go with long, narrow earrings and bracelets and necklaces composed of thin, long pieces.

I just bought a pair of leather Grand Prix half chaps online but I am wondering how much the half chaps stretch out to.

I got a size 14 calf. I am about a 14 1/4 or something like that, and I am wondering how much they will stretch out because I do not want baggy half chaps!
About how many inches will the calf stretch out?

frumpy to funky’s London based Personal Stylist, Karen Grace, comments on a few of the catwalk shows at London Fashion Week Autumn/Winter 2010

PROPHETIK “Southern Shores” catwalk show.Designer JEFF GARNER

Showing at Vauxhall Fashion Scout 19Feb10

Tennessee based Prophetik kicked off the LFW catwalk shows at Vauxhall Fashion Scout, Freemason’s Hall, Covent Garden.  And what a kick off!!!

At the beginning we are lulled in to thinking of a carefree southern country theme when violinist Anna Cwad starts playing toe tapping music, with ex-Paramore Jason Bynum joining her on guitar. Then the band Man Raze shatters this illusion with their fusion of punk and pop rock. Not surprising as their drummer is ex-Sex Pistols Paul Cook and their vocals/lead guitar is ex-Def Leppard Phil Collen. And let’s not forget their bass guitarist Simon Laffy from Brit glam rock act band Girl.

With Man Raze raising the tempo, the show began for ethical designer Jeff Garner’s  A/W10 collection titled “Southern Shores”. His inspiration came from the American Civil War and sees hope and romance alongside strife and uncertainty.

Main colour palette in true Civil War colours were blues, greys with a touch of red.

The menswear saw layering and serious looking ¾ length coats, waistcoats, vintage buttons, riding boots and peace silk neckties.

For the women, the designs ranged from jodhpurs, ripped leggings, military jackets and capes to full on Little House on the Prairie style dresses. In-between were mini dresses and long flowing dresses both teamed with flat heeled riding boots.

At the end of the show, the music mellowed as Jeff Garner appeared looking the part of the Southern gent taking a stroll with his Southern belle in her striking long red velvet bustier dress.

Garner’s collection is proof that no fashion look has to be harmed in the making of ethical clothing.

Prophetik is a sustainable men’s and womenswear label using environmentally friendly materials such as organic cottons, hemp, flax, Greenspun (recycled bottles) and organic pigment dyes. One of their signature dresses “the Elle” is made from silk and organic cotton that elephants have painted in collaboration with the AEACP (Asian Elephant Art Conservation Project), which helps to raise funds for an elephant sanctuary in Thailand.”

ORLA KIELY presentation -TUESDAYS CHILD AUTUMN/WINTER 2010

presenting at the Portico Rooms, Somerset House 19Feb10

The stage for Orla Kiely’s presentation was 2 impressive make shift rooms decorated in the 60’s style with brown and beige designed Orla Kiely wallpaper in the living room and dark & light blue in the bedroom. The furniture was 60’s vintage and a modern retro looking TV showed the collection on screen. Models sat or stood in above the knee dresses and skirts teamed with shoes and mid calf navy socks.

Patterns for the wallpaper and dresses were inspired by Ivon Hutchins’s abstract art and the photography of Erwin Olaf, and captured the essence of falling autumn leaves.

Main colour palette was autumnal – creams instead of whites, various shades of browns, burnt oranges and navy. The obligatory grey and black could be seen on some pieces.

Fabrics used were mohair and silk crepe teamed with traditional checked wool and wool jacquard,

The models wore their hair in a serious bun and makeup was kept simple, providing a good contrast to the cute collars and fun update of the 60’s retro style.

LAKOBUKIA “Emotions” catwalk show

Showing at Fashion Mavericks, the Strand Palace Hotel 20Feb10

With her A/W10 collection titled “Emotions” Lako Bukia wanted to show both positive kind and dark bad emotions through fabric, shape and colour.

The main colour palette is black for the darker side and white for the lighter side of emotions. A few cream pieces appear to show that not everything is black and white.

Fabrics used are light soft flowing chiffon, a stiffer cotton silk and wool.

Geometric shapes are seen on collars, and by way of diagonal zips. The zips are also used as a bridge to join together the stiffer fabrics with the softer fabrics. Some pieces are obvious with the contrast between the hard and soft fabrics. On others the contrast can only be seen once the zip has been undone and then only revealing the hidden soft silk fabric underneath.  Zips on shoulders and sides allow the wearer the flexibility of changing her silhouette – whenever the mood takes her.

Lako’s shoes look striking in black or white soft leather with triangular heels. She explains the triangle is a more gothic shape and gives a harder emotional contrast to the softness of the leather.

Not surprisingly her favourite piece is the long flowing chiffon pleated dress in white which is teamed with a little sharp cotton silk back to front cape. The cape has a high collar with long geometric lapels which represent the bad emotion. Once the cape is removed, the dress is free of restrictions and can float on just the good emotions.

Lako Bukia, beginning fashion designer, was born on October 4, 1987 in the city of Tbilisi, capital of Georgia. After graduating from School No.58 in Tbilisi, she was immediately offered a place at the A. Kutateladze Tbilisi State Academy of Art, where she did her BA in Fashion Design and Textiles.

SADO “Geometric Glamour” catwalk show.Designer CARLOTTA GHERZI

Showing at Vauxhall Fashion Scout 20 Feb 10

The young designer for the Sado label is Russian born Carlotta Gherzi (of Italian parents) who brings a modern elegant edge to the label.

The latest collection had great styles which could be worn by real women and not just catwalk models. The main colour palette was black with blue and pillar box red.

Silks dominated the tops, dresses and even leggings which brought out the vividness of both the blue and red.

“Geometrical glamour” is the title of this autumn/winter 2010 collection – this was shown in the silk leggings, tops and dresses which were all pleated in horizontal tiers giving texture and depth.

Black knits wear glamorous with glitter woven in to produce wide sparkly horizontal bands

Silver and red brocade made an appearance for the evening dresses. Particularly loved the strapless silver brocade maxi dress.

SADO’s signature is stylish and classical – this season’s collection did not disappoint.

DOII PARIS “Walk in the Forest” catwalk show

Showing at Vauxhall Fashion Scout 21Feb10

This was Korean designer Doii Lee’s first catwalk show in London and it didn’t let her down.

The collection titled “Walk in the Forest” was inspired by her favourite Russian fairytale “Baba Yaga” In this fairytale a wicked stepmother sends her lovely step daughter in to the forest to visit her aunt,Baba Yaga, the witch.

In Doii’s walk in the forest story, she passes through an intoxicating rose maze. Copper haired models wore layered chiffon dresses and glittering sequined dresses – all in the designer’s exclusive illustrated print of large pinkish red roses. Red patent high heeled shoes with patterned fabric tied around the ankles in large bows matched the vividness of the designs. White faux fur trims and linings added softness to some of the stiffer sequined fabrics.  The first outfit on the catwalk immediately caught our attention – long straight chiffon dress with a kick flare hem, draped with a long trailing shawl covered in the sequined rose pattern and lined with white faux fur.

“A dove guides her along the right path” – the digital prints now were of flying white doves on orange/peach light chiffon or heavily sequined fabric. The short belted double breasted coat covered in sequins on large bold doves looked spectacular with its contrasting print of blues and creams on the lapels. The dove print on the long and short chiffon dresses were more stoned down due to their smaller scale.

“A garden full of glorious sunny memories” Main colour palette was cream with a touch of blue, green and pink. The print of potted plants was hazy as if faded by the sun. Here we saw a loose fitting sequined egg-shaped coat with a sexy kick at the bottom and cuff.  The contrasting print on the collar of polka dots added to the glamour.

The story and walk becomes darker, she is in turmoil –mid greys or rich browns are added to the mix. The print is busier and again vivid. The patent shoes colour changes from carefree red to serious black, but still with the patterned fabric tied around the ankle. Here we saw a plain short mid grey double breasted wool coat contrasting perfectly with its brightly patterned lapels, tie belt, cuff bands and buttons.

“Her heart sank”- black and grey dominate and the designer’s prints are of lace and netting. Black lace features on the sequined evening dresses, black fur on the coats. Another gorgeous coat (you can see a pattern emerging here – I’m loving the coats!) this time in black with a touch of white and grey. Egg-shaped, black fur collar and that sexy kick at the bottom and cuff. Slouchy black and grey zipped fur leg warmers over the black patent shoes made a luxurious touch. The silver grey lace print teamed with billowing black lace bishop sleeves made a simple egg shaped mini dress a knock out cocktail dress. And the elbow length black lace puffed sleeves and tiered lace high yoke and hem of another silver grey print mini dress gave an Edwardian vintage look.

“But she knew she was a protected one” – the colours here were pale gold and black. Here we saw a sequined gold and black patterned trench coat with plain light grey lapels, tie belt and pockets. A short sequined gold and black patterned dress was given the 20’s vintage look with a drop waist and a wide band of scalloped gold lace around the hem.

“My skeleton friend is always with me” – again black and grey dominated for the new print of lace skulls.  Here we saw a luxurious knee-length fur wrap coat with silver grey fur wraps and a touch of sequined skull prints; and a plain mid grey mini wrap wool coat adorned with the sequined skull print on the pockets, cuffs, belt and partial front with contrasting polka dot collar and trimming.

“Then the goat queen of the forest is on her side” – honey blonde models came out wearing prints of the goat queen in creams, white, soft browns with a touch of light blue. A padded egg-shaped coat, plain but for the print and teamed with silver grey fur leg warmers. Other outfits lined or trimmed with white faux fur gave a Cossack appearance.

“Divine roses blossom along the dark path of the forest “- Proving anything can look glamorous, a duffle style coat was given the luxury make over with a sequined print of roses along the path of the  green forest, lining and trims of light grey faux fur and with the hem longer at the back.

Chiffon dresses were long and short, some with a few of the signature sequins, some decorated with small hanging hearts down the back and some with their hems longer at the back. All were colourful and patterned.

Dresses in heavier fabrics were completely embellished in sequins making Doii’s print designs even more dazzling.

My favourites were the coats: all statement pieces proving you don’t have to wait to take your coat off before making an entrance.

Doii states that the lady who wears Doii Paris becomes a diva. The last model came out in a black sequined coat and large hat with fringes so long they reached her shoulders.  Not representing the end of the story but in true diva style, this piece wanted to take centre stage.

CLEMENTS RIBEIRO presentation

HAUTE BOHEMIAN AUTUMN/WINTER 2010

Presenting at the Portico Room, Somerset House 21Feb10

The style may be bohemian for the husband and wife design duo’s (Suzanne Clements & Inacio Ribeiro) latest collection, but this is bohemian with decadent glamour. They chose to look back to the 70’s around the time when Yves Saint Laurent created his Russian collection

The footwear was to die for – all embellished with sequin patterns. My favourites were the long boots in soft leather slightly slouchy and gathered at the top.

Sequins also adorned dresses, trousers and cardigans along with crystals.

The collection was divided in to definite sections:

A more masculine tailored section – main colour palette charcoal grey, black and dark plum.

Oversized knits were embellished but in a monochrome tone to create understated classical glamour.

The feminine section showed silk dresses, skirts and tops in paisley and marble effect swirl prints.

One dress and trousers in pale gilded jacquard and cardigans embellished with sequin patterns or bejewelled motifs.  The colours were more muted in shades of greens, gold, mustard, light browns and taupe.

The more opulent section showed the heavier brocade for jackets, skirts and coats trimmed with sequins. Main colour palette was black and midnight blue. Nice touch with the leather gloves trimmed with sequins.

This collection shows opulent luxury does not have to be just restricted to eveningwear.

FUTURE CLASSICS presentation. Designer JULIE WILKINS

CUT & PASTE AUTUMN/WINTER 2010

Presenting at the Portico Room, Somerset House 21Feb10

Although advertised as a presentation, designer Julie Wilkins presentation of her label’s Future Classics A/W 10 collection was more like a mini catwalk show.  The benches were set out so the models could walk down in between them – so everyone had a front row view!

The inspiration for this collection was:  ”Cut and paste; the written word and renaissance craft (wo)manship.”

Main colour palette was neutrals and black (what else for classics) with a splash of pinks and oranges to brighten the collection.

Lots of long knits with draped hoods, trousers and leggings. Especially loved the denim print leggings. Plainer leggings in black or grey were given a more interesting look with a row of buttons sewn down the front.

Fur covered just the sleeves and hats giving a more playful look.

Long black satin fingerless gloves reaching above the elbow looked great with the layered chiffon LBDs.

This collection is for the woman who likes soft tailoring and knitwear but wants a little design twist to her classical look.

For help on personal shopping in London and image consultancy visit frumpy to funky’s website www.frumpytofunky.com or email Karen on contact@frumpytofunky.com