Friday 5 October 2012

KITENGE DESIGNS ( AFRICAN PRINT DESIGNS)



Kitenge or chitenge is an African garment similar to sarong, often worn by women wrapped around the chest or waist, over the head as a headscarf, or as a baby sling.
Kitenges are similar to kangas and kikoy, but are of a thicker cloth, and have an edging only on a long side. Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Sudan are some of the African countries where kitenge is worn.[citation needed] In Malawi, Namibia and Zambia, kitenge is known as Chitenge. They are also sometimes worn by men around the waist in hot weather. In some countries like Malawi, Chitenges are never worn by men.
Kitenges (plural vitenge in Swahili; zitenge in Tonga) serve as an inexpensive, informal piece of clothing that is often decorated with a huge variety of colors, patterns and even political slogans.
The printing on the cloth is done by a traditional batik technique. Many of the designs have a meaning. A large variety of religious and political designs is found as well as traditional tribal patterns. The cloth is used as material for dresses as well.



Thursday 4 October 2012

bigGirl Stylista: The Peplum

bigGirl Stylista: The Peplum:  
T he Peplum The secret of a successful peplum is in the cut and fit, and the balance between shoulder, hip and waist to achieve that all-important hourglass silhouette.”
a peplum can make you look like
schnitzel-proportioned peplum can make your waist look smaller and become the focal point of this modern look. Peplums come in all kinds of silhouettes. There are various shapes and sizes, like frilly and ruffled or stiff and architectural. Some peplums are so small they’re barely noticeable, while others are the only thing that anyone will notice. And, in theory, there is a peplum style that will look great on you, by camouflaging your fat tush or balancing out your top-heaviness. The trick is to find the right type of peplum that flares out in just the right spot (where you’re the skinniest) and ends at just the right spot (so you’re not drawing attention to your least favorite area).


  • If you have an hourglass-shaped body, peplums can exaggerate your, already ideal, proportions.
  • If you have a top-heavy or inverted-triangle body, adding bulk to your lower half will balance out your upper half and make you look like you have a waist, while hiding your tummy.
  • If you have a big-bootied, pear-shaped body, the right peplum will camouflage your hips and butt.  

Monday 17 September 2012

A Ladies Wardrobe Essentials......Must Haves



A Ladies Wardrobe Essentials......Must Haves

Sun Glasses

Every woman needs at least one pair of great sunglasses, and great sunglasses does not equal expensive sunglasses.
Sunglasses protect your eyes from glare and from sun damage. A large pair is good because they will also protect the skin around your eyes from the elements. Sunglasses are far more chic than squinting, and they pull an outfit together. Somehow that bit of mystery does really add to one's appeal! I have written more about finding flattering sunglasses.


The LIttle Black Dress


This    is a classic, simple cut that would be appropriate for any season, in an easy-care, versatile fabric. One would look for a dress in crepe, silk, acetate, matte jersey, gabardine or something similar in weight .

This dress will last you for years and years of special occasions..It will be never be a fashion no,no.... right for any and all occasions so if you don't have yourself one of this you better rush to the stores and get one .And you don't have to worry they come in different styles so yo can have what you prefer.


A Pair of Black Heels.. .



These shoes should be able to take you from the boardroom to the ballroom. Leather, basic soft leather is the most versatile, and the easiest to maintain season to season. A simple heel  and at least 4 inch and a half of heel will be stylish for years to come.  forgo adornments; they only age a shoe, and make it more memorable and less versatile.




A Trendy Fitting Blazer.
 
Nothing pulls basics together and makes an outfit better than a blazer.
When it's fun, funky, and "trendy," it takes basics to the next level and adds your personality to your wardrobe.
Make sure this blazer  fits well - even if you are tall if you have a short waist you may want to look at petites. Consider a tailor for a true custom fit. Unlined blazers are more forgiving to curvy shapes, adding less bulk and adding a bit of give. The blazer should button  comfortably across your body and not bind in any place. When you go to try it on, try it with a shell the weight you plan on wearing with it in the future.

Fitting Jeans
Every closet must have at least one pair of great fitting jeans.
I mean a pair of FLATTERING jeans. Jeans can be stylish, comfortable and flattering. It may take several attempts, but when you find the right jeans, both you and your butt will know. A lower rise is more
flattering to the belly. Having the waistband start just below the belly button will flatten the tummy and lengthen the torso. This will also make the jeans bind less when you sit. The leg should be slim, but not tight. A slight bootcut leg opening is the most universally flattering. It lengthens the leg, looks great with sneakers or boots or heels, and it's look won't be going out of style for several years. The color should be a bit darker than stonewashed. . A slightly vintage look is always flattering, and will be less likely to show wear as you wash and wear these jeans month after month. Darker means slimmer, and more stylish. Toss your faded jeans, your high waisted jeans, your tapered jeans.

Trench coat
 
A classic trench coat can be worn as an all-weather coat and a dress (make sure the buttons of the coat extend to at least three inches above your knee). Look for coats with a removable lining to increase usage.

You need a trench coat that will work for every other occasion in your life
A single breasted style is classic and far more flattering on curvy and petite figures. Look for simple styles - no epaulets, embellishments, decorative pockets. There should never be pockets at the chest (makes the style more casual and is not flattering to curvy shapes), the buttons should be the same color as the coat. the collar should be very simple - traditional 
As for color, you have options. Black is always a wise choice as that it can dress up or down, doesn't show dirt, and is timeless. Ivory is a beautiful option - it also dresses up and down, is a fresh change from all the black and can look quite elegant. Colors can work depending on your sense of style.
To add a bit of personality to this basic, use accessories.

 The Perfect t-shirts

Purchase three cotton/spandex shirts in the following colors: black, white, and another, brighter color (that suits you well). These shirts help stretch your closet and are perfect for layering as well as wearing alone. The Perfect Fit stretch t-shirts are the best.These t-shirts come in different shades and colors and if you are into shade well you can have your pick also.
 



. The perfect ballet pump



Ballet pumps are an essential to every woman's summer wardrobe, More popular than ever, ballet pump shoes are everywhere and there is an amazing array of styles on the market. Choosing between all of these styles can be fun.take it upon yourself  to get the most stylish, modern and beautiful ballet pumps.

Black Suit.

Purchase at least one basic two to three button black jacket with either matching black skirt or black pants.
A suit  is right for work, or even for a cocktail party.
This suit shouldn't look like scuba wear, a bathing suit or a rain jacket. No more than 5% stretch. Look at the fabric of men's suits. It's a fabric that is smooth, doesn't wrinkle easily, looks good . You want an equivalent.














Khakis/Chinos/Brown Pants





A weekend staple, chino-style pants add diversity to your outfits.gives you a slimming effect and comfortable and are easy to work with.








Accessories 
Out of everything lets not forget  to accessories. this can be done by using simple accessorize like scarfs or big bold neck pieces or bangles and bracelets also belts to complete your look for the day.
also don't wear too much accessories otherwise you will end up looking over weight/heavy. 








The Shoulder Handbag 


Shoulder handbags are the perfect addition to any woman's wardrobe because they are trendy, functional and versatile. shoulder handbags are available in a multitude of designs, styles, colors and sizes.Wearing them is also a great way to express your personal style and taste. When it comes to shopping for shoulder bags, it's important to look for pieces that reflect your taste and fit your lifestyle.
Conveniently carrying your bag over the shoulder makes it easy to go to work and run your errands without wondering where you can place your purse.

 yours truly....
bigGirl Stylista