www.womanthismonth.com 5 February 2013 | As a student of fashion designing, I follow most local magazines to understand the styles most appreciated here. I have to say I am a little disappointed with the lack of diversity in the fashion spread. I am a fan of bright colours and funky patterns. Prints are big this season and last. It’s a shame that there is a looming mood of monotony in the pieces showcased. Of course, they are all amazing buys. Yet, I hope that you consider those of us who like to be loud. Lyn, by email. Letters Stay updated STAR LETTER Write Here Write Now 20 | January 2013 www.womanthismonth.com www.womanthismonth.com 21 January 2013 | Fashion Glossy Valentino, Givenchy and Fendi, amongst others, presented one of the hottest trends for AW12; a timeless piece — faux leather! The perennial material comes in many disguises, from classic shapes to clean silhouettes. We picked two different ways to wear it! Girly Biker The faux-leather jacket is an icon for bad boys, bikers and rock’n’roll superstars, but it is also in the wardrobe of the feminine, but contemporary, girl. Think out of the box when putting together a strong and wild faux-leather jacket together with a sheer dress; it is just like being in love, when the opposites attract. The perfect match gives a laid-back elegance to your dress code. If you want to stand out, play with colours to get the look you want. Bottega Veneta Jane Norman Next Aldo Piaget Carolina Herrera Dior Massimo Dutti Black Cat Woman Skinny faux-leather trousers are a must-have piece to keep in your wardrobe. Their versatile nature enables numerous looks. From party nights to a casual get-together, they can be teamed up with the all-time white T-shirt and flats or, if you can handle it, opt for heels and pull it off with a printed top. Together with some accessories and ‘wild hair’, this look will express your independent view of life. Have fun mixing and matching your wardrobe to ensure the look above. Stradivarius Pull&Bear Jimmy Choo Juicy Couture Fendi Accessorize Salsa Nina Ricci Fashion mishap This month’s star letter will win a bag of goodies from Ford’s ‘Warriors in Pink’ collection. So, to receive these fantastic products, send us your views and options on this month’s edition either by email to [email protected], by fax to 17 813-700 or by post to PO Box 20461. The Marriage 2.0 was an interesting read, although I do not completely agree with the “hardheaded woman”. This doesn’t really have anything to do with the concept of marriage disappearing on a downhill road or her questioning customs related to nuptials. It has more to do with the careless titling of the article. It would be a little wise for her to do her research. Anyone staying up-to-date with technology should know that there is no such thing as a version 2.0. It is often a version 3.0 that pops up as the newest edition in the market. Maybe before she thinks about modernizing the age-old practice of matrimony, she should learn to reorganize her own thinking. Also, it is a shame that she has lost faith in wedlock. I myself have been “hitched”, as they say, for 26 years now. Instead of throwing out divorce stats, she should learn to find hope in those marriages that have lasted. Happily married, by email. WRITE IN AND WIN The Back to Basics feature could not have come at a better time. One of my New Year resolutions was to sort out my closet. The 20 essentials made it so much easier to figure what needed to stay and what had to go. An added bonus was the fact that I realized I didn’t have most of the key pieces. Although my credit card took a beating, putting a look together is too easy now, saving time before I head out. My mom had taught me a little trick to feel less guilty about shopping. According to her, every time you buy clothes, the same number of items should leave your closet in the form of a donation. This way, I’ve also crossed out another resolution by giving away to the needy. Maybe others could practise this too. Izzy, by email. 64 | January 2013 www.womanthismonth.com www.womanthismonth.com PB January 2013 | With all the updates and downloads, new versions of old programmes and the latest technology everywhere, I am a little shocked that despite our modern ways and our drive to modernise everything, the age old practice of marriage has not changed. Today, just like centuries ago, partners walk down the aisle in front of witnesses to WoMentality By Hard-headed Woman Thanks to technology, we have updated everything over the past few decades. Yet, marriage which continues to fail at an alarming rate has never had an update. Are we failing thanks to a bad copy of a flawed design? profess their love and commitment to one another. Nevertheless, I read an article recently about the staggering growth of divorces and separations in Europe. Ten years ago the rate was 200 per 1,000 marriages, now the rate with separations and divorces together is closer to 600 per 1,000 within the first ten years of marriage. Why then do we bother? Why do we waste the money? Why do we promise “through sickness and health, through richer or poorer, for better or worse”, when few of us believe them and fewer will honour the words? Is it an ego-driven addiction that we must have pomp and circumstance surrounding our love to show off to our friends the wealth we have and the happiness we dream of? Or is it just a silly addiction like smoking? Facts prove that it’s going to harm us, but we do it anyway. To avoid disorder in society; we must have order, laws and rules; or we would all do as we pleased and seven billion people on earth would just go rampant. However, following a system which is proven to be flawed would seem to me a superfluous act, and as a single woman, a waste of money to an extent and a contrarian act at that. We just aren’t the people we were decades, centuries and millennia ago. Weddings were a great idea when life expectancy was 30. The majority of us don’t believe in the things our parents did. We don’t have the same values. We seek personal freedom and happiness over “doing what’s best for the kids”. None of us really cares for what society thinks, if we are married or divorced. Most of our friends are separated. So who’s to judge? It is a sad reflection of where we are going as people. We want the fairy tale so badly that we follow our heart over what our brain screams at us. We walk down the pretty little aisle, invite all our friends to impress them, speak the same old words of centuries ago, sign away our lives on an irrelevant piece of paper called a marriage license, throw the rice and open gifts like this fairy tale will last forever. Perhaps, what we forget is that these fables end with six final words — and they lived happily ever after. We never truly get to see if they did or not, or for how long forever was. Even the final few words of the story are enchanted after all. We say we “believe” in weddings and “marriage”. All the same, do many of us understand what the white dress refers to and how many of us are as pure as it signifies? A friend of mine is a chef. His business was once busy with just birthday cakes and wedding cakes. Today his range has extended to divorce, separation and annulment cakes. He’s happy with the state of current life. Our misery makes him busier. As a single girl still hoping that the fairy tale exists, I am sadly beginning to feel that it does not. What I am beginning to believe is that someone needs to write a new programme and download it. Marriage 2.0 would be a best seller and hopefully provide some answers for the generation ahead. Otherwise, I fear marriage will simply become a thing of the past, a side-show attraction one can only find in Las Vegas. Perhaps, that’s exactly where it belongs — in a town built on dreams. Dear Marriage 2.0 22 www.womanthismonth.com www.womanthismonth.com | January 2013 20 Tips Running out of trends to rock? Sometimes it is good to stick to the basics. Here is Woman This Month's list of wardrobe essentials that you can wear all year long. 15. Boots. These can make or break an outfit. Choose between flat, over the knee or heeled ankle boots. Better yet, get all! 16. An everyday bag. If you are looking for an item to splurge on, this is it. Make sure it is a classic tote that will go with everything; something leather would be the ideal choice. 17. Black trousers. Every girl needs at least one pair of work trousers suit in her wardrobe. To get the most from this essential, select a fabric that would be suitable for both summer and winter temperatures. 18. Stud earrings. Diamonds are timeless. And what better way to spoil yourself than with a pair of studs. However, if you aren’t willing to max out your credit card, opt for sparkling crystals instead. 19. Cardigan. This cover up goes well over anything; you can wear it over a shift dress and then ditch the extra coverage for a night out in town. Neutral shades are always your best bet when it comes to basics. 20. Striped tee. This piece is the most versatile in your wardrobe. The stripped print is a trend that has been around forever and you can never go wrong with it. Pair it with a blazer for work or with skinny jeans and heels for a weekend look. Back to Basics By Maryam Toorani 1. Little black dress. This is your fashion security blanket. The best thing about an LBD is that you can style it to make it your own. Channelling Audrey Hepburn? Add a set of pearls. If you want a more Anna Dello Russo look, pair your dress with bootees and some chunky jewellery. 2. Black pumps. A woman can never have too many shoes, that is a given. But one thing that will never go out of trend is a pair of black heels; they can take you from day to night flawlessly. 3. Quality jeans. No closet is complete without flattering, hipskimming jeans. Keep two pairs on hand in light and dark tones — just make sure the cut suits your body shape. 4. Feminine blouse. Enhance your office wear with this wardrobe staple. If you want the ‘rocker chic’ look that your favourite celebrities have been sporting, pair a girly blouse with a leather jacket. 5. Blazer. If there is one item that is an absolute must for a working girl, it has to be a chic black or navy blazer. This gives you a pulled together look without too much effort and can be removed when the temperature rises. 6. Tights. The perfect way to transform a summer dress into a winter outfit is to pair it with dark tights. This could also work with shorts and skirts. Accessorise with a scarf and flat ankle boots and you are ready to head out. 7. Sweater. Given that sweater weather is finally upon us, this is the best item of clothing to sport when you are heading out for coffee with the girls. Choose thin knits, in cotton or wool, to layer easily for versatility and comfort. 8. Pencil skirt. This staple is for the sleek and sophisticated woman. Someone who has perfected this look is Victoria Beckham and taking notes from the queen of fashion herself has never hurt anyone’s image. 9. Maxi dress. This long and loungey dress is easy to wear and flattering for all body types. Although it is mostly associated with summer wear, adding a fitted blazer can make it work for winter, too. 10. Lacy lingerie. Yes, this isn’t something you can flaunt around for everyone, but every woman knows that a pretty lingerie set gives you an instant confidence boost for a big night out. 11. Scarf. This important accessory really pulls an outfit together. Invest in a chunky woollen one for winter and a printed chiffon style for spring. 12. Coat. The trick with this outerwear essential is finding a style that suits you, and sticking to it. Trench coats were huge on the runways, as were oversized pieces and the military cut. 13. Bathing suit. Always have a cute swim suit in hand. With the island’s unpredictable weather, you never know when you will be invited to your next pool party! 14. Ballet flats. Just as essential as black heels are a pair of comfy flats; especially for those days when you have a glamorous event to attend but your feet need a break from stilettos. 23 January 2013 | Shopping frenzy
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy Mjk0MTkxMQ==