Telly Trends - Mad Men

What starts a trend? To be honest, many things but it is always driven by media so therefore it stands to reason that really popular TV shows can have a large influence.

Set in the 1960s, Mad Men has won thirteen Emmys and four Golden Globes. But for the Fasionistas, it's beautiful costumes has made us fall in love with the feminine late 1950s, early 60's fashion.

Waists are clinched in (sigh!! hooray) fabrics are pretty and interesting. Jewellery features big, especially in the clothing themselves, puffed sleeves, delicate draping, florals, A-line skirts.

The best thing about these era's were the shapes that came out suit all body types. The 50s inspired bodice, belt and A line skirt looks amazing on a women with curves. The maxi, 60s shift dress looks fabulous on those of us without many curves.

This is also the time to jump in and try some new fabrics. Interesting textures make a wardrobe fun and inspiring. Think everything from brocade, lace - which features very heavily this summer - cashmere wool, velour, velvet (a personal favourite in casual jackets for me!!), satin and leather.

So ladies, embrace these wonderful trends. They flatter our shape, they make us feel feminine, there IS something for everyone, shape, size, age. If you don't, then when the next crazy fashion cycle returns (think puff-ball skirts...) then you will have missed the opportunity to embrace fashion and have some fun.

Trudi www.wardrobeflair.com

Wardrobe Flair Vouchers for Xmas

All those people who have been converted to the Colour, Shape, Fit mantra of Wardrobe Flair are no doubt enjoying the compliments and confidence that comes with feeling really good about how they look.

Whether you are heading out to the supermarket (yes even there....) or out with friends and family. Knowing that when you leave the house you look modern, stylish, colourful and feel totally comfortable is a great feeling. Addictive one might even say...

Those of you that have met us know we are totally passionate about helping both men and women to achieve this goal. Most of our clients have struggled in one way or another with knowing what to buy, what suits, who is telling the truth at the shops and just in general making sure their money is used wisely with each purchase while also feeling overwhelmed by the choices in the shops.

We have seen 'hoardrobes' (still one of my favourite sayings thanks to my client - you know who you are - that gave me it!) and minimalists to the point of me going under the bed just trying to see whether they really do only have 6 pieces of clothing.

This Xmas, think about sharing the love. Family members can pitch together to buy a Wardrobe Flair voucher for someone who has struggled with these issues. Or if you feel this person would embrace the experience, purchase a wardrobe flair voucher of any monetary amount that suits you and either the recipient or their family can make up the difference. They can use this money towards a wardrobe consult, or a shop, maybe even some jewellery or a colour and shape party.

All we need to know if who the voucher is going to, who you would like it to say it is from, we sent you the voucher (which looks lovely printed on a colour printer and laminated) and our bank account details and it is as easy as that. Sorted.

If you have any questions about how to go about buying a voucher, email trudi@wardrobeflair.com.

Stay colourful and spread that love!

Trudi www.wardrobeflair.com

Swimmingly good swimsuits

Most women pull some sort of grimace when you mention a swimsuit. Most have really old pieces that hardly ever see the sun. Is there a good swimsuit to suit your body shape? No matter what size or shape you are? Yes there is!

Lets go through the principles from the very top of the swimsuit. The straps. Keep these proportionate to your body shape. Most important for those with a larger chest or broad shoulders, keep them wider. This cuts through the area and makes it appear smaller.

Second, the neckline. Again, those with a larger bust or wider shoulders need to have a V or round neck swimsuit. While padding is usually reserved for us smaller chested girls, don't not try it on yourselves. Even larger busted women can need help with some support and sometime a helpful hand from lightweight padding can help with this.

Smaller busted girls DO need padding and the shape of your upper costume need to be fuller or rouched to create more of the illusion of more bust. This is usually to balance out any hips in the scenario.

Right, next stop the tummy area. Rouch rouch rouch we say! Its a girl's best friend. Quite a few swimwear options now have side rouching with a sort of cross-over front V neck swimsuit with wider straps. Perfect.

Another option is a plain pair of bottoms (we shall discuss style soon) and a patterned 'tankini" this is a top that is not attached to the bottoms but is a separate piece that covers the tummy. Use pattern wisely, keep it proportionate and it will hide any lumps or bumps you may not want seen.

Lastly, bottoms. I find for those with bigger thighs then the 'boy short' style really reduces them. For those without many curves, this is the time to have a higher cut or more standard 'brief' style bottom.

If this all seems a bit scary, then invest in a great kaftans type over-top. I have seen loads of the around. Nice flimsy material so not so hot, great lower necklines and soft floaty fabric that covers everything. Get one with a bit of bling on the front and I would be really impressed!

I hope this helps you. If you have any questions, then please feel free to use the comment section or email me at trudi@wardrobeflair.com

Trudi www.wardrobeflair.com

Bloomin great boleros

I love bolero cardigans. For many reasons. One being that NZ never quite gets THAT hot, well not in Welly that's for sure. So some warm arms never go amiss. Second I would say 9 out of 10 women (no matter what shape, size or age) HATES their arms, so wants to cover them.


Lastly I love bolero for over dresses because quite often the more dressy the dress, the more detail it has on the front and when you cover it up with a tie or button up cardigan, that detail gets lost.

So the bolero is able to cover arms, provide warmth AND showcase the detail on your dress/top. Lets here it for the bolero!! Lots of places are doing great ones, from Hartley's at Westfield Queensgate, STAX to Shanton. All colours are covered so if you are looking to do one of the above mentioned, head to these stores.

The only other advice I have is don't go too boring with a black or white one. Try and contrast the dress with a fabulous colour that looks stunning. I love berry colours together so for instance on a recent client I teamed a purple berry coloured bolero from Ballentynes with a fuchsia pink dress from Jacqui E. Gorgeous!!!

Trudi www.wardrobeflair.com

Maxi dress must-haves

The Maxi dress is around for yet another summer. But who can wear it? Who will look great and who should avoid it at all costs?

As a dress its easy, versatile, comfortable and pretty. So lots of options on why you should have one. So who will struggle to get away with it?


The answer is those under 5ft 5 or 165cm. When shorter people wear longer dresses and skirts it over-powers their frame. They can end up looking swamped. So those of you who are shorter in statue stick with all those lovely just above the knee tunics that elongate your legs and make you look amazing.

Ladies with curves and with height, you should go for it on the Maxi dress front. The only criteria you are looking for is 1. Make it a great colour for you 2. Get one with a band that sits under the bust to nip you in at your thinnest point. 3. Keep the straps proportionate to your body size. 4. Don't have too much volume over the tummy. Nobody needs the dreaded 'when you are due' question...

Don't save Maxi dresses for evening only, they are casual dresses that are good for wearing in the weekends. They cover your legs (against sun, lazy shavers and any bits you don't like) while keeping you feeling cool, summery and pretty.

Team them with a nice tie cardigan for day wear OR a casual denim jacket, or dress them up with a fabulous necklace and bolero for summer evening wear. They are so versatile.

I look forward to seeing colourful ladies in Maxi dresses this summer!

Trudi www.wardrobeflair.com

Summer skin stresses

Summer is on its way and that usually means we have to show a little more skin than we have for the past 6 months. I have found the biggest stresses for women are arms (wanting to cover any 'bingo' wings) and legs which may have veins or discolorations. It can be a fraught battle between the heat and the comfort each person has of baring bits we don't like others to see.

The arms are quite easy to solve to be honest. Nowadays there are lots of lightweight, 3/4 or short-sleeved cardigans that we can add to our singlets, dresses and tops. I especially like tie cardigans that sit around the rib cage about an inch under the chest. When adding 'arms' to a dress, I like bolero-type cardigans. This way the detail of the front of the dress is not ruined by having a cardigan come across the front.

Legs are a little harder to cover when its hot. So many women want to wear skirts, but feel those pesky veins and broken capillaries are not something they want to show. Firstly know that you are not alone, so many women feel the same. Again it is about whether you decided you can bite the bullet and wear that skirt, knowing that nobody actually is going to notice them in their 3 second scan of you, especially if you have lovely colour on, and are wearing a fabulous outfit with great accessories. Its sensory overload and a couple of veins are not going to get a look-in!

However for many, that is just not an option and other people do have to understand that this feels very valid to you. For you there are a couple of options depending on other circumstances. One is that if you are tall, you can wear a maxi dress this summer. This way you have full, light-weight and pretty coverage of your legs right to the ankle. A great option that will not make you feel 'locked' into always wearing trousers.

Another option is leggings. Cotton leggings are lighter than say jeans and again with a pretty skirt or tunic dress can be a lovely, feminine option for those of you who want full leg coverage.

Most people have lightweight summer trousers but I wanted to remind people that dresses can also be an option.

A great wardrobe has variety that suits you and that you feel fantastic in. So this summer, if you have areas you dislike its all about looking at the styles around and adapting it to suit you.

Good luck and I hope to see lots of lovely dresses around this season! Call us if you need help shopping for them.

Trudi www.wardrobeflair.com

New Jewellery range

So excited to introduce some of the new Wardrobe Flair range. Go to WardrobeFlair.com to see everything. Enjoy!