Posts Tagged ‘fashion’

Skinny Jeans Straddle Decades of Fashion

Wednesday, November 11th, 2009

Skinny Jeans

Contrary to current belief, the skinny jean is far from fad: The tapered, drainpipe, cigarette, or peg leg has played a role in fashion history since the 50s.

James Dean, Marlon Brando, and Elvis wore their jeans straight; The Pink Ladies had them super tight in the 60s; and despite the flamboyant flares of the 70s the drainpipe re-emerged with the initial punk movement. In the 80s the tight leg appeared once again, with oversized jumpers and colourful leg warmers. It even continued into the boot-cut years of the 90s within the rock and roll scene. The Rolling Stones for one, never took them off.

Fast forward to today where, since the early noughties, the jeans have been a fixture on each season’s catwalks. You Tube is full of ‘how-to’ videos to DIY the skinny jean.

So let’s celebrate the skinny jean -  the ultimate in efficient leg coverage. What item could be more relevant in these post-bling times? Vote the skinny jean onto the Timeless 50 today.

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How Flats Got a Leg Up on High Heels

Friday, October 30th, 2009

Ballet Flats

Flats have fought a battle with heels, their arch nemesis, for centuries. They just about weathered the two-inch boost given to Catherine de Medici on her wedding day, which gave a boost to heels for some time after. They came back into style when Marie Antoinette sported heels on the way to the guillotine in perhaps the greatest public relations disaster in footwear history. It was the inimitable Audrey Hepburn, though, in the 1957 movie Funny Face, who ensured that ballet flats would become a staple of every girl’s wardrobe, and qualify in the process for inclusion in the Timeless 50.

Comfort is one reason they will stay there: tottering around on heels all day is not exactly a fun proposition.

But they can also look great with skinny jeans, leggings or a short skirt, whether you are talking the classic lines of dance-shoe specialist Bloch, the elegant originality of London Sole, or the daring of Christian Louboutin.

Flats will always have their defenders, including it would seem the UK’s Trades Unions Congress which was recently to be found debating a ban on high heels for the damage they cause to the suffering feet of Britain’s women.  Ballet flats, it would seem are not only timeless but the healthier option. Vote now for ballet flat’s inclusion in the Timeless 50.

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Yves Saint Laurent’s Touche Eclat Hides Those Late Nights

Monday, October 26th, 2009
YSL's light touch stands the test of time

YSL's light touch stands the test of time

A saviour for party animals and new mothers alike, Yves Saint Laurent’s Touche Eclat concealer is considered the best at hiding the evidence of a late night. Using light-reflecting pigments to ‘brighten’ the face, its creamy formula has won legions of fans. A simple click pushes the cream out on to a brush, making it quick and easy to apply.

Not the best for actually covering dark rings, the success of this ‘magic wand’ lies more in distracting from them. Applied not just under the eyes, but to all shadowy spots on the face – eye hollows, jowl creases and under the chin – it banishes signs of fatigue. According to YSL, it is ‘eight hours of sleep in a pen’.  The recent inclusion of a men’s version is evidence of the subtle yet effective results.

Touche Eclat was launched in 1992. By this point, YSL was struggling as its leader battled ill health and addiction. Although the illustrious couture house closed in 2002, the concealer, now firmly established as a make-up bag must-have, lives on under YSL’s parent company, Prada.

Vote the concealer onto the Timeless 50 over on the main Timeless 50 site.

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Lancome’s Tubes Pay Lip Service

Monday, October 26th, 2009
Lancome pays lip service

Lancome pays lip service

A make-up bag staple, Lancome’s Juicy Tubes are flavoured lip glosses in subtle colours. Next year sees their 10th anniversary and the range is being added to all the time.

There are colours and effects to satisfy every whim, from ‘jelly’ shades to sorbet colours in a fragranced, gel texture. And there is every flavour from lychee to mint. Ultra glossy, they are a hit because, in a word, they last. ‘It’s smooth and truly ultra-shiny without that unfortunate ‘pork chop’ affect. And, very impressively, it lasted through a meal,’ writes one beauty blogger.

And the tube-tip applicator means no sticky fingers. Now there’s even a World Tour collection of ‘iconic’ Juicy Tubes. Inspired by New York, Paris, Tokyo and Rio, the limited-edition tubes were each decorated with a chic dress by British fashion designer Christopher Kane. But perhaps best of all is that Lancome has now produced an all-natural version. Created with naturally derived oils and shea butter emollient, even the packaging is 100% recyclable.

Vote Lancome’s Tubes to your Timeless 50.

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Looking Sharp in the Pencil Skirt

Thursday, October 15th, 2009
From Mad Men to Victoria Beckham, this timeless classic has the look.

From Mad Men to Victoria Beckham, this timeless classic has the look.

The pencil skirt’s figure-hugging shape is as timeless as sexy itself, tapering in at the knees, accentuating a woman’s curves and encouraging her to totter (usually on top of a pair of stilettos). If the name wasn’t self-explanatory enough (long and slim), its early alias, the ‘hobble skirt’, should put a clear image in even the least fashion-aware man’s head. Just think of all those secretaries in Mad Men.

The Observer’s Mick Hunter called the black pencil skirt,”the acceptable face of below-the-waist glamour… with its overtones of French Resistance and Beatnik cool.”

In fact it was post-WWII that Christian Dior turned a fabric shortage into a style statement with his knee-length ‘H-line’ skirt. It exploded in popularity in the 50s and has hardly changed since. Modern style icons from Dita von Teese to Victoria Beckham are fans, while Amy Winehouse injects a bit of edge in the way that only she can.

Considered to be equally flattering whatever a woman’s size, the pencil skirt also looks great in a variety of materials and is especially warm in winter due to the thighs being in constant contact. It screams ‘sophistication’ better than any other skirt – but does it make your Timeless 50? Visit www.timeless50.com and cast your vote.

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