Dream it, Wish it, Do it!

How to Find Inspiration Everywhere


Dress inspiration is everywhere, if you’re willing to catch onto it, and even women who are different from you in practically every way we can still inspire your own unique style. Even in stores, visual merchandising you don’t own can spark outfit ideas. Even women with far more or less money than you can inform your looks. Even decor, nature, and graphic design can drum up ideas for color and texture pairings. Inspiration is everywhere. Really.

I have compiled a inspiration lookbook for Winter! It is nice to create one for yourself the next time you go shopping.


Snowy Days

The photo above is of someone I found on weheartit.com let’s give her a name, let’s call her Vanessa. Vanessa is wearing a awesome outfit with some contrast neutral colors and fun proportions. I have different shapes, sizes, budgets, proportions, and shopping resources, but when I look at this photo of her, it inspires me. It makes me want to wear a striped top with pops of colour and a creamy printed scarf. It makes me want to try a fitted long sleeve blouse over a maxi with the accessory details. It makes me want to do a waisted maxi skirt, layered with popping accessories. And yes, it makes me want to visit the snow, but that’s not the point! The point is that, despite all of our differences, this image of Vanessa’s from back whenever has sparked my imagination and alerted me to think of ways I can interpret her look for myself.


Harry who?

This photo almost has a harry potter feel. She is wearing a old school outfit with some unusual colors and fabulous printed stocking. This model and I have different shapes, sizes, budgets, proportions, and shopping resources, but when I look at this photo of her, it inspires me. It makes me want to wear burgundy, light grey, chambray and black together. It makes me want to try colors other than my replacement reds, pinks, and purples. It makes me want to do an oversized swing coat, an oversized cotton jersey with a chambray shirt, mini circle skirt and printed polka dot stocking. And yes, it makes me want to purchase those SPECIFIC printed stockings, but that’s not the point! The point is despite all of our differences, this image shows the latest fashion that has sparked my imagination and alerted me to think of ways I can interpret her look for myself.


Designer inspired

This is a page from YAYOI KUSAMA FOR LOUIS VUITTON catalogue showing a polka dot look. I don’t own any items from Louis Vuitton and i feel like their merchandise is a bit overpriced. But this look appeals to my personal aesthetic. The woman in this spread has different shapes, sizes, budgets, proportions, and shopping resources than I do, but when I look at these images, they inspire me. Even though I have absolutely no intention of buying any of the items showcased. This page makes me want to swap out those black plain heels for polka dot ones, and pair them with more polka dot! The point is despite the fact that I don’t own these specific items, these images have sparked my imagination and alerted me to think of ways I can interpret these looks for myself.


My other inspirations for winter:

Whats your inspiration for winter? 


If you need help finding your flair email me at: formula4fashion@gmail.com

Ladies and Gents How to tie Scarves!

Ladies and Gents How to tie Scarves!

In every outfit, the little touches and your attention to detail could mean the difference between a great look and the perfect look.

Today I am going to take you into the finer details of how to finish your winter look.

Tips on how to tie a scarf
Some of you may already be thinking “well, this is obvious”.
Pay attention to the finer details, you can take your outfits and personal style to the next level.
With this in mind, it’s time to learn how to tie a scarf correctly and expand your options when it comes to finishing off your outfits. Today I will provide you with a breakdown of some specific type of scarves currently available on the market, and then show you different ways you can tie your scarves.

Types of Scarves
1) Standard Scarves: Refer to most of the scarves that men and women typically use every day. They are made of wool, silk or cotton, rectangular in shape and generally 150 – 160 cm long and 40 – 50 cm wide.

2) Square Scarves: Originate from traditional Arab headdress, which is called a Keffiyeh. In the Arab world, it is worn by Arab men as protection from sun exposure. Square scarves became popular in the West after the wartime as many people desired the individuality they provide

3) Pashmina Scarves:  Pashmina is a type of fine cashmere wool, usually found in Nepal, Pakistan or Northern India. Pashmina scarves are generally longer when compared to other types of scarves (usually about 170 cm). They are also soft and light weight.

4) Snoods: A snood is a tube shaped scarf with no loose ends. There is no specific tie for snoods, all you have to do is wrap them around your neck.

5) Aviator Scarves: Made of wool or silk, aviator scarves were worn by pilots years ago

6) Chunky Winter Scarves: A chunky scarf come oversized and in thicker knits. They are often much longer and wider than your typical winter scarf. They can be wrapped multiple times around your neck and shoulders in order to create a real statement, and will quite obviously keep you very warm. Due to the knit, there is a lot of fabric choice, textures and construction techniques available.

How To: Tie a Scarf
So now we are going to detail exactly how you can tie a scarf. Obviously some techniques are specifically suited to individual types of scarf, but hopefully you will find a new tying technique to add to your collection. You never know, it could start to become a trademark of your personal style.

1. The Ascot Knot
Take one side of the scarf under and over the other, pulling them together downwards. Wear with an open jacket or high collar jacket for a smart look.

2. The Twice Around Ascot 
Let the scarf fall on the back of your neck with equal length on both sides. Double this up.

3. The Parisian Knot
Fold the scarf exactly in half and place the folded scarf around the back of your neck with the loop created on one side of the shoulder.

4. The Fake Knot
Place the scarf around your neck, and make a tie in one side. Slip the other end of the scarf through that knot to create a casual take on the traditional neck tie.

5. The Tie Behind (Tie It at the Back)
 This is specifically for square scarves or desert scarves. This is quite a simple tie that you could use to tuck a lightweight silk scarf into your shirt (neckerchief effect) for a shot of individuality in your smart-casual outfits.
Fold the scarf along its diagonal line.
Make a simple knot behind your neck and adjust the front to suit.

There are no hard or fast rules – so experiment and have fun with it! Have fun!!!

Formula4Boots!

Its freaking chilly in South Africa it time to show off those BOOTS!!!

When thinking about what are the best shapes of boots and heels, consider your shape and what will balance it.

Check out these tips:

• Cone heels and wedge heels can work on many shapes as they have some sturdiness. 

• Completely flat shoes work best on those with average to longer legs, where Kitten heels are more flattering on women with proportionally smaller feet.

• Knee high boots are universally flattering (if you can find one that fits your calf – don’t forget boots can be taken in, or even stretched a little, if you have calves outside the manufacturing standards. Knee high boots make your legs look longer and slimmer, which is why they are so great, but if you have shorter legs, avoid those with lots of buckles, straps or other horizontal details as this will shorten their apparent length.

• Mid-calf or motor -cycle length boots are good for those with very slim calves; they cut you across the calf and visually widen the size of your legs.

• Ankle length boots can be worn by anyone under pants, but if you want to wear them with skirts/dresses, they need to fit closely at the ankle, and your skirt/dress needs to end above the knee.

• The more you want to elongate your leg, choose longer, good-fitting boot with little detail and a heel.  Match your hosiery to your boot colour to further elongate. If you have long legs you can add more detail to your boots and you don’t have to match hosiery.

• Shapely leg - If you want to create the illusion of a more shapely leg then ankle boots are for you.  Chunky heels are better for those with the feminine curvy hip, thigh, curvier calves and ankles.

• Smaller calves - If you have small calves, fitted styles and elastic boots are going to compliment your figure. Stiletto heels with their long slim skinny shape are best for slimmer body shapes and those with slim calves and ankles.

Another big fashion trend this season is designer gumboots in all different colours and prints. Not only are they practical but they look funky and you can wear them even when it's not raining.

So why all the fuss about body type? It turns out that the overall shape of your body makes a huge difference when it comes to picking out boots. For example, if you already have short legs, you probably don't want a boot that'll make them appear even shorter ... unless you're going for that oompa loompa look?

Please correspond your body shape with the below, to get the best boot style for you!

Pear or Plus-sized

If you're a pear shape or plus-sized, you want a slimming full-length boot. Since women who carry more weight on their bottom half tend to have thicker legs, the right height when searching for a boot is crucial. Avoid calf-length boots; instead look for a boot that ends just below the knee. Unlike a calf-length boot that cuts your leg in half (and can make you look stumpy), a knee length boot makes your legs look longer -- especially if the boot comes in one solid block of color.

To give your legs more shape, try looking for a long pull-on boot that is also tight around the ankle

Apple

If you have an apple body shape, which means broad shoulders and big boobs, the ideal boot for you is a wedge. Wedges visually act as an anchor -- especially for apples with slimmer legs." It's important to anchor your feet with a chunky shoe since your slim legs have a way of making your feet disappear. Not only does a wedge add interest to your feet, it also helps balance out your body. For example, a wedge imitates the weight on the top of your body, and helps even you out.

Tall and Slim

If you're tall and thin, the ideal boot for your body shape is a flat riding boot. Since you don't need the height, you can skip heels or platforms -- unless you'd like to be even taller. Bonus: A flat boot is probably the most comfy out of all the boot options. And if you're looking for something a little fashion forward, try an over-the-knee boot. With your long legs, you can definitely pull it off.

Hourglass

If you have an hourglass figure, you want to look for a boot with some sturdiness. Cone heel will help ground the foot, balancing out your sexy curves. Pair a cone heel with a platform for extra lift.

A rounded toe imitates the curves on an hourglass body. It's also a reference to the '50s when the ideal figure was an hourglass shape.

Rectangular and Boyish

If your body shape is rectangular and/or boyish in build, try a stiletto-heeled boot. Stiletto helps feminize a typically boyish (non- curvy) body and looks amazing on girls with thin calves and ankles. Another way to girl-ify a rectangular body is by choosing a boot with embellishments. Try ones with buckles, straps, fur lining, or interesting cutouts.

Short and petite

If your body shape is short and petite, meaning you're on the shorter side, you'll want a boot that elongates your leg. High-heel or platform boots give you some extra height. Adding height is especially important when you're wearing a dress or skirt that hits below the knee, since the hemline will shorten your legs even more. Also, try looking for a pointed toe, which will also help make your legs look longer.

Try on as many pairs as you can, to find that perfect boot!!!