Thursday, November 29, 2012

Swimsuits to suit your body shape



Yes it is that time again - swimsuit shopping!  The thought of bearing the body after being hidden over winter can send shudders down your spine. To help, we have put together some tips and tricks on what swimsuits suit what body shapes.  Follow our tips below to have you beach ready!

Hourglass



You will look great in most swimsuits.  We love an hourglass in a vintage inspirted swimsuit that celebrates your curves. The key is to keep your proportions balanced.  The one we have chosen is $145 at Prue Trollope for a bit of fun. Look for:

  • Tops with straps that sit mid-way across the shoulder.
  • Match patterns and colours of your top and bottom.
  • Balanced ruffles, padding and embellishments can enhance your curves.
  • Bottoms that cut straight across your hips. 
  • Strapless tops look great too if your bust size is not too big.
  • Halternecks or cupped styles, and anything that brings in the waist to play to your hourglass shape.


Triangle



The nautical look illustrates sophistication at sea. Wear a mix of red, blue and white to follow the sailor trend. Stripes are a popular summer bikini trend that you can use to your advantage by adding volume at the top half. We have chosen (below) a Seafolly one piece for $159.95. Horizontal stripes around the bust can create the illusion of your top half seeming broader and balancing your lower half.  Look for bottoms that will minimise your lower half and tops that add volume to your bust.  Things to look for:

  • Wide-set straps
  • Moderate to full coverage bottoms
  • Lightcoloured tops that are ruffled, embellished, patterned or padded.
  • Dark bottoms or waist bands
  • Scoop or high-cut legs/



Inverted triangle



When choosing a swimsuit for an inverted triangle, remember the objective is to balance your body and break-up your broad shoulders a little. We have selected a khaki Seafolly tankini for just $179.99.  Things to look for:


  • Use ruffles to your advantage by conversely adding them to the bottom to balance your hips with your bust. 
  • Avoid string bikinis if they don’t offer any support; instead stick to structured styles and simple halternecks.
  • Patterned or light coloured bottoms paired with solid tops.
  • Bottoms that cut straight across your hips.
  • One-piece suits with side cut-outs are also great.


Rectangle



For a rectangle body shape, it is all about creating the illusion of curves.  We chose this stunning Zimmerman mesh panelled one piece at $395.  Other styles to look for:

  • Wide-set straps
  • Moderate to full coverage bottoms
  • Light coloured tops that are ruffled, embellished or patterned
  • Light coloured bottoms or waistbands with ruffles or embellishments
  • Waistbands that are cut straight across from hip to hip


Round


Look for swimsuits that will define your waist and add curves to your figure to make you seem less round.  We have chosen a Miracle Suit that has curves in just the right places for $269. This summer, indulge in the extraordinary prints inspired by India. Things to look for:

  • Tankinis and one piece suits with hourglass prints
  • Skirted skirts with light coloured busts
  • Straps that sits mid shoulder
  • Suits with wrap or crisscross details
  • Bottoms with hip details such as ties.

Diamond


We have selected a Baku one-piece that has tummy control for $159.95.  Your body shape is all about creating the focus on your bust and de-emphasizing your tummy and hips.  Things to look for: 
  • Ruffles, padding or embellishments at the bust
  • Straps that sit mid-shoulder or strapless suits to broaden your shoulders
  • A-line skirts that skim your body without adding volume
  • Suits that are light/patterned at the bust and dark at the waist and hips
If you are still not sure what to do, or just need a trained pair of eyes to help you look your best on the beach this summer, please feel free to book in for a CHIC Style Session - call 0416 644337 or email us.









Tuesday, August 21, 2012

CHIC launches Surry Hills Design Experience


Discover the eclectic mix of Surry Hills



Surry Hills has become a unique area for the speciality boutiques. This is the creative hub where design, fashion, and style all come together in one spot.  The café vibe, the independently owned stores, with an interesting mix of gifts, homewares and of course, fashion, you simply can’t find elsewhere. CHIC has researched extensively the area for months and hand-picked the best of the best to create a wonderful three hour experience where you can uncover all there is to know.  If you have discovered Paddington with us, Surry Hills is a wonderful new adventure for you. This experience is for guys and gals as the fashion stores selected are unisex as well as covering homewares and design.

This experience is ultimately about all things style.


This suburb has so much to offer that we have three choices of experiences to choose from:
  • The Fashionista (a fashion-only experience)
  • Life & Home (a combination of homewares, design and fashion)
  • Manly Men (straight-forward fashion for men)
These tours are on foot so you can fully embrace the vibe and are offered throughout the week and Saturdays, or a Chauffeured experience can be arranged if you prefer to give you greater reach of places to visit.


If you have a particular love for vintage let us know when you book and we can also incorporate that into your special day out.

Only $150 per person, 2 person minimum, includes style notes, three hours of stylist-led shopping, Café voucher, plus a gift bag too!








BOOK NOW - CALL 0416 644 337 or EMAIL mail@chicinthecity.com.au
The experience doesn’t stop here Vintage experiences, Chauffeur experiences and Personal Styling also available. Visit www.chicinthecity.com to find out more.

Sunday, February 12, 2012

Beyond Roses - CHIC Valentines Offers



Looking for something a little unique this Valentines for your loved one.  A memory that will last.  Well, look no further.   Not only are we offering special Valentines packages but we have gorgeous gift vouchers too. You can nominate any value over $95 and they can put that toward an experience of their choice. Just click here if you want to arrange a gift voucher or simply call us on 0416 644337.

Love for Shopping & High Tea
It’s a day of luxury for your loved one.  Starting with your own personal style consultation over a stunning high tea at the gorgeous new Victoria Tea Salon in Westfield Sydney!  They will then have their stylist guide her on a two hour shopping excursion. Be treated for the day.  You can choose to share the day with your besty or just have some ‘me time’ for only $495 for one and $595 for two people.  Includes high tea, a glass of Moet and your own personal stylist.  Offer available for a limited time only.  To book or arrange a Valentines gift voucher for this experience, click here.

Couture High Tea with a Stylist
Simply want to have special outing and learn something new.  Why not choose CHIC’s Couture High Tea with a stylist at the gorgeous Victoria Tea Salon at Westfield Sydney.  Want to know what really works for your body shape? Which colours make you shine? Enjoy invaluable advice, yummy food and ‘me time’. Choose to bring a friend or just have exclusive attention for one.  2 hours at $250, includes stylist consultation and high tea.  To book or arrange a Valentines gift voucher for this experience, click here.

Something for him – The James Bond Package
Want to get something a little different for the man in your life. At CHIC, we understand how men like to shop plus the nuances of men’s body shapes so can guide them as to what works for them showing them some of the best men’s fashion secret stores in Sydney.  Start his day over coffee with a stylist consultation where he learns what works for him.  We will then hit the shops with his own stylist showing him the latest looks that work for him. Finish his time getting groomed so he is ready for his loved one.

For only $550, he will be sure to be ‘James Bond like’ at the end of this experience! Included is a personal style consultation, two hours of shopping, plus some grooming either hand or foot maintenance to get him ship shape for you.   To book or arrange a Valentines gift voucher for this experience, click here.

Options can be added such as the Gentleman’s tidy-up or a relaxing massage for extra pampering at an exclusive male grooming salon.

Call now to arrange - 0416 644 337 or email us at mail@chicinthecity.com.au.  Happy Valentines from the team at CHIC in the City!


The Art of Seduction

Fashion has always given potent power to the seductress, rendering men weak and women strong.  The seductress is one who creates mystery and elusiveness through the use if symbols and appearances, tricks and of course her appearance.


In every era, there have always been certain women skilled at the game of love, for example, the 1920s New York flapper or the 1950s blonde bombshell. Iconic names such as Marilyn Monroe, Madonna, Ava Gardner, Audrey Hepburn, Jean Harlow, and Jane Russell are just a few iconic seductresses of their time.  Study them to learn the art. The red lips, the dress, the way they lie on their bed or listen to what someone is saying, the way they laugh or appear interested are all forms of seduction that these goddesses truly mastered.

A seductress in the 18th century, was a woman who was accomplished, well versed in arts and politics as much as the game of love, objects were displayed carefully in her apartment that hinted to these accomplishments.  However, it was the boudoir where her seductive nature shone.  Here she made sure the conversation was sparkling and her manner alluring, witty and cultured in a space specifically devoted to luxury, feminity and pleasure.  Veiling her body in seductive lingerie, a woman would put herself in an interesting bargaining position.

By the late 19th century, a women could be the initiator of seduction, even of a man thought otherwise, by subtly displaying her wares through her appearance in a manner very different from the gentleman in her life.  The same seems to apply today where the art of titillation, flirtation and tease are needed in a society where there is an abundance of naked bodies, particularly the female kind.  As Jan Birks states, “With so much exposure to sex these days (its everywhere you look) most folk are craving mystique and seduction more than ever”.

Interestingly, a woman’s boudoir/sanctuary is having a comeback as a luxurious haven for all things feminine.  A special place to be feminine and girly.  We believe we all deserve our own special boudoir!

The clothes of seduction remain the same today as the 18th century boudoir: the lingerie of the belle époque, the bra, stockings, and suspenders of the 1950s all remain the stalwarts of the modern night of passion.  The fabrics of seduction have been silks that were sufficiently transparent, lace with devine trimmings in soft pastels, and flimsy materials in delicate, dainty colours. Other items of seduction over the eras have been corsets, pearls, feathers, gloves, furs, robe de chamber (dressing gown), and false eyelashes to create an illusion.


Dressing Seductively
There is fine line between dressing seductively versus looking sexy or tarty.  The height of a split on a dress or the length of dress, the amount of bossom to expose are common areas where women go wrong.  Finding dressing prompts to will people to take notice of you and that you feel sexy in, regardless of what others think.  Remember the art of reveal – you do not need to show it all.  Ankles, shoulders, wrists are also seen as female parts of the body that excite. The way you dress may call attention to certain features on your body or certain attributes of your personality, perhaps your flair for style, color, comfort, or fun. You may be subtle with a hint of sexy. You don't have to dress in a way that says, “Take me to bed this instant!” unless, of course, that's what you want.
To get people to notice certain features on your body, you may wear a piece of jewellery or an article of clothing that accentuates that part. You may choose soft fabrics that beg to be touched, or you may dress in a way to tease (a split on a skirt, stockings, a low back dress).
But seduction goes beyond what you wear, it is also about how you behave:

Eye Contact
Making eye contact with someone is often the first way you express sexual interest. Letting someone catch you looking at him with interest can be very seductive. Maintaining eye contact is uncomfortable for some people, but it is a skill that can be developed. Calm and clear eye contact can express confidence, interest, and availability.
Paradoxically, shyness too can be seductive. In fact, sometimes coyly looking away is very alluring. It may express that you are extremely attracted and just need some help feeling safe enough to show it. Whether you project confidence or coyness, smiling will help you be more seductive. The classic fluttering of the eye lashes still works!
Flirtatious Talk
Usually, flirting involves some type of playful or suggestive conversation. Everybody develops her own style, but in general, flirtatious conversation is light, fun, upbeat, and sexy. With flirtatious talk, you may try to convey how desirable you are in clever ways. Or you may play hard to get. Conversely, you may focus your attention on the person you are flirting with, offering him obvious compliments or flattery. Getting him/her to talk about themselves and holding back on your life story, creates a sense of mystery. 
Essential
The trick to flirtatious talk is making sure that whomever you are flirting with is on board with you, not getting offended, and has room to respond. If you are the only one flirting, you might be making a fool of yourself or just being a nuisance. Be sensitive to your audience, but by all means, have fun!

Body Language
Whether you are aware of it or not, your body language could give off signals that you are sexually interested in someone. If you become aware of what kind of body language expresses sexual interest, you can use it to help you flirt and build up the heat within yourself and/or between you and another person. Awareness of your body language can also keep you from sending the wrong message to someone you are not interested in.
You can also use your body language to draw attention to parts of your body that you think are sexy. You can play with your hair, brushing it back with your fingers or tucking it behind your ear. You can cross and uncross your legs slowly, or do things to call attention to your mouth or neck, like bite or lick your lips or rub or touch your neck. You can stretch your arms up in the air and draw attention to your underarms. You can nonchalantly open an article of clothing and expose some bare skin. Whether or not you deliberately use body language to flirt, it can be interesting to try to notice if you also use it unconsciously at times.
These are just some of the ways to become the seducer.  Have fun, play a little, and most of all remember at the heart of seduction is illusion and mystery.