More power to you!

You would have to be living under a rock to not know that power shoulders are BACK!

Heralding from the 80s and most notably Joan Collins, the fashion has hit runways in Paris, Milan, New York and Australia. Balmain is unquestionably running the race. Beyonce is undeniably the biggest victim.

We all knew it would be coming back to haunt us after popping up on screens around the world in Sex in the City (Sam's red dress)...But there is definitely a difference in how to wear it. 

The key is to think 'pop art' not 'dynasty'. The style has changed much like men. Back then it was about who had the biggest. Today its all about who has the prettiest. Buy pieces that focus on the structure of the shoulders. We don't want the 80s look of powerful, bulky rounded shoulders. Think squared wings. 

On another note, the big hair has leached onto the return of power pads. The hair is NOT to be structured. It must be wild and sexy if you want to pull it off. 

Although Ms Collins had it back in the 80s, please don't follow her today!

Props to my sister who found a vintage leather jacket last Spring identical in style to the one Posh recently wore... god celebrities are so behind!

It's called a fad for a reason!

As i was searching through my closet for something fabulous to wear i realised it was time to cull a few things. My wardrobe was spilling with fashion fads. The items most clearly standing out were shoes. Staring at the pile I vowed, "from this day on i will never buy another fad pair of shoes ever again."

So, i made an attempt to rectify the situation (and stifle my guilt). Anything that hadn't been considered wearable for the past 6 months had to go!

Included were a few pieces of drab clothing and pieces bought in moments of pure craziness. More saddly, it included 4 pairs of flats, 4 pairs of heels, 2 pairs of boots and 1 pair of sandals. As i picked up each pair my brow furrowed and i had to ask the question "what was i thinking?"

When did i think it was a good idea to buy fluorescent, patent yellow gladiator heels?

What was going through my mind when i bought those muti-coloured, knee-high, toeless heels. I mean, they were torn between looking like i was going to the gym or working the streets?!

And why, oh why, did i buy that pair of brown booties that hurt my feet? They began throbbing when i looked at my reflection in the shop!

After totalling how much these shoes cost me, a more far depressing thought clouded my mind. I could have bought a magnificent pair of Christian Louboutin Altbotte boots to match that delectable burberry prorsum willow clutch i've been eyeing off on net-a-porter for weeks... Had i not purchased those hiddeous, outrageous, uncomfortable, fad ridden shoes.

So i packed all the faddy fad shoes into a large bag and set off to St. Vinnies. They would do some good somewhere else.

On my way back home i bought the cutest pair black booties.

They're a tad uncomfortable but only cost me $210... oops!

Could've had...

Looking hot is a cinch!

It’s official! I can’t live without waist belts.

A waist belt is the equivalent of a gorgeous hat on a bad hair day. Whenever i throw it on, i feel beautiful. Maybe it’s because it never fails to give me a superb hour glass shape (or even weirder- because i feel like i’m hugged all day) but one thing is for sure, a waist belt is a must.

Today i was feeling quite frumpy after waking up late, having 2 lattes, devouring eggs benedict and leaving my unkempt hair as is. I slipped into my favourite leopard print shift dress and leather tights to make myself feel sexier, but not even that could do it. Finally i reached into my draw of, at least, 20 vintage waist belts. 

Simply feeling the leather and admiring the huge buckle seemed to lift my spirits. As i put it on i felt so good about myself i could purr.

Thank you modern day corset!

Is the bomber for me?

You should note carefully that certain fabrics are timeless but ‘cuts’ aren’t. As you grow, so will your taste in clothes and the key to style is confidence, leaving no room for uncomfortable fashions.

It is safe to say that the current trend of the leather ‘bomber’ jacket is a great example. Bomber jackets have been around for ages. Just think back to the ones worn by Naval aviators in the 1920s.

Through the fashion eras we have seen the shape and cut of the leather jacket transform from belted pea coats in the 40s, to wool lined trenches in the 60s, to the revival of the ‘bomber’ this year.

So what do you do if you want to invest in a leather coat that you wont hate a few months after you’ve paid an arm and a leg for it?
Simple- your jacket should work in with the rest of your wardrobe.

If you have mainly ‘tough’ chic clothes, you wont go wrong with the bomber.
If your wardrobe is full of tailored pieces and elegant dresses i would suggest a slim, fitted leather jacket.
But, make sure it fits across the shoulders squarely and doesn’t tug or stretch across the bust.

…And as we all know, the trench coat will always keep it’s head above the water!