MN vogue vol 17

[QueenCadbury]

Following on from vol 16

C'mon lurkers, come and join us and talk fashion/style bringing lots of links please...

Negroni Radley just need to get rid of their frumpy image and the dog, and the flower cut out stuff........they infact have some very nice designs in the new stuff and the quality and price is good for an every day bag.

QueenC, I got my gap jeans in a smaller size than usual, so they're stupidly tight for an hour and then they're fine.

Well... not at the moment, as they're too small.

Morning. I've long adored radley bags (and must confess that the dog doesn't really bother me as I just usually tuck it in the bag) but the colours are so bland. I wish they'd introduce some more vibrant colours.

I've been thinking about the skirt/ brogue thing and I think the only way I can wear skirts is with knee high boots but that just feels so dated. My legs are just too short to be cut off with ankle boots and I look like Kelly brook

anni I wish I'd gone down a size too as they annoy me so much I can't see me wearing them much more.

Your outfit sounded very chic Novice.
McNally that Temperley top is divine.

Negroni If you want a good bag then keep a close eye on the sales (and the eagle eyed on here will alert you) because you won't need to spend even £500 to get a £1000 bag if you wait for a sale. I rarely bother to buy full price because with bags, I am not bothered about having a new style right now. Also there are plenty of mid range stores selling excellent bags that are just as good quality and actually 'those in the know' prefer to buy those. Fashion editors may tote their named bags when they know they will be photographed, but IRL (work etc) they often prefer more discreet labels that work hard for the money. I have a relative who works for Margaret Howell and another who works for an agency that does PR for big brands and they both say this. Celine is always a big love of fashion people though.

I love the new Laura Bailey for Radley bags Negroni. They are classics. I would consider getting one. Also look at Coach, Longchamp and the Bridge which is a bit of an 'insider' brand with its Italian leather classic bags.

I like this

and this

this is one of the new Elizabeth & James bags coming soon to the UK. Less pricey than theRow which is ridiculous!

Longchamp

Longchamp

I like the Coach Madison Twist Phoebe on this page in the Vermillion and the Marigold non plaited version. The Spectre Staff in blue is lovely too. Find them here

Hopefully I love Tube skirts and lusted after the Prada/Marc Jacobs versions but couldn't spend that much on a skirt I guess even though cost per wear would have justified it. Beyonce is wearing my skirt! I liked the Zara one that was style papped a lot too.It had a lovely thick looking rolled waistband as I hate it when the elastic rolls over and twists. Even 'quality' brands can do this.

I am a Brogue-er. I still covet those grey ones with a neon pink sole and welt pinned originally by somebody from this board. There are more delicate Brogues about that are less 'stick in a rowing boat' in the way they make your feet look.

Today I have eye tests, dentist and lunch with DD. I must remember not to eat garlic before the dentist! I will have to brush my teeth in the toilet there or something. I desperately need new glasses as developing presbyopia on top of severe myopia and finding it increasingly hard to read. I so want to go back to contacts after wearing them since I was 16 but after developing bi lateral corneal ulceration from a new pair 18 months ago, I am frightened to try. It left my corneas badly scarred and with a reduced tear film so not looking hopeful.

Today I am wearing khaki palm print inverted pleat A line skirt from Debenhams, a yellow vest top from James Perse (ancient), cream Saltwater cardigan and my navy &OtherStories sandals here. Looks better than it sounds!

Good discussion on cosmetics. I do not wear much, just lipstick and a bit of eyeliner. I like creams and skin balms though but the only colour correction ones I have ever used are this Agnes B skin brightener and a purple toned Agnes B one for sallowness. I adore Steam Cream as a moisturiser, have used Clarins Beauty Flash Balm and couldn't for the life of me see what the fuss was about and also have an old Chanel cream blush stick wrested back from DD that I need to replace. The new Estee Lauder cheek blush sticks look lovely. QueenC have you looked for this powder that all the beauty blogs are raving about?

Mig I love the cross body saddle bag by Longchamps...love it! Your outfit today sound lovely.
QueenC that is one of the many reasons I hate jeans buying.....some give and some don't , yesterday I wore a khaki pair that haven't given at all,though I was goingbtompass out in Paul Smith!!

Dry totally about Radley frump factor. I had a wallet of theirs about 10 years ago, lovely soft leather and I even liked the small blue dog on it. However, since DM has started toting about their bags with flowers and dogs hanging off them, I have seen them as more frumpy! Recently noticed that a twenty something at one of my clients uses a couple of their bags for work and I really like lots of their styles!

So I'm looking online for tips on how to dress a long torso, short legged body especially in relation to skirts/ankle boots. Not one bloody website seems to agree on what to wear . Not sure if the photo I posted of Kelly brook was the best one to highlight stumpy legs as now you probably all think I'm as voluptuous as her which I'm not .

mig every day you sound lovely and glamourous.

Kate Moss has those proportions, ok so she's a model too. But it sounds like you're closer to her than Kelly Brook? She talks about having long body and shorter legs.

Radley should change enough to fit the classic brief left by Mulberry when it got too expensive. And do neat and chic without the frump. There you go Radley, for free .

Marsha I read that that's what they're going to do since Mulberry went sooo expensive.
QueenC I struggle with the ankle boot and skirt/dress look too as I have short legs. I keep the look for winter only with opaque tights and the right boot ( I guess I'm talking more of a shoe boot) which elongates my legs I think

loving all the bag chat. I have mentioned before am in the market for one, either black or dark grey (anthracite ideally). bit slouchy, bit rock chick. studs optional.

due to an unexpected client payment (that i'd almost written off!) it looks like i'll have up to £400 to spend which means I could potentially get a second hand balenciaga OR something else (although not seen anything I like as much as the bals) new. I still don't know which way to go.

so anyway. bag links all fab! i don't need a tan/brown bag but love all those longchamp options mig and I agree that you always sound so chic

queenc i have a short body so no help to you on that one.

marsha love it! radley should totes hire you

Hehe Foxy, Dry read it already, I didn't but glad they're on board already .

Woohoo on bag fund. Ok will muse in the sunshine.

Thank you Queen. The new skirt length is made for you. The higher waisted long skirts will not give clues as to where your torso ends and legs start. Look for longer skirts with maybe slouchy side pockets. Wear them with a belt around the top of your waist with a darker colour on top and the skirt brighter. Dior did some great examples of this in Raf Simon's first collection with the blowsy floral skirts and dark T's.

I would go for cigarette leg pants that are longer coming down to the ankle, not cropped. No flares or bootcuts. Straight leg also good. Wear them with similar coloured boots and shoes and keep them higher waisted and flat fronted. Look at how Kylie Minogue/Danni Minogue dress. They are tiny but have shorter leg/longer body. If you like tea dress/forties style sdresses, they are made for you as they look wonderful on rangy longer torso's. Very elegant.

Yes Kate Moss is long bodied. She has bandy legs too but somehow manages to pull it all off although just lately I think she is looking a tad ropey. She can look so cool so it is weird. Maybe marriage has made her more comfortable?

Radley are trying to move away from the dog. Their new ranges in muted colours are less gimmicky. They need to listen to you Marsha as that is a great idea. There is now a gap in the UK market that Coach is trying to fill. I'm surprised Alice Temperley hasn't re positioned her leather goods range to fill the gap rather than do John Lewis.

Foxy I have an old Balenciaga Lariat. It sounds like a bag you would like so here is a photo all for you. They doi have them on Ebay but also check out some of the second hand dealers too.

Ooh Marsha maybe we could work together as image consultants or whatever for Radley. I'd happily accept bags as payment

Today I'm channelling [[http://pinterest.com/pin/443815738248531522/ Gwinnie] infact, looking in the mirror, it's hard to tell us apart! Chris is downstairs making me a bacon but tie as we speak, Apple and Pear are quietly making their own macrobiotic breakfast too!

Ok, I'm wearing a red fitted blazer with jeans.

Gwinnie

Hi everyone :)

I hope you don't mind me joining! I wondered if you'd mind offering me some advice. From Monday, I need to look senior and stylish for a new job. I've worked from home for years, and live in a bright orange hoodie, jeans and hair however-it-dries. I have hope they I can look better though!

I'm very pale and have shoulder length blonde hair with layers. Should I learn to blowdry it? Do I need to wash it every morning? It takes a Long time to dry!

I'm having my eyebrows threaded on Friday and I'll dig out some nude make up. I've got cigarette pants and a blouse to wear.

Any other tips?! I'm 23, it that makes a difference.

lol good one Dry

Bet you look fab, you too Mig.

Hi Caja your outfit sounds pretty spot on to me. Not sure on hair, how do you feel about it when you let it dry naturally? I don't blow dry mine but it's still ok as fine and a lot of it.

And another arf at Pear.

Hi Caja I have a lot of hair, it takes at least 20 mins to dry. I just get up earlier . But it all depends on how it is when it dries naturally? If I don't have time to wash and dry I just run straighteners through it to tame it.

Dry Nice look. This is my favourite Gwynnie outfit here when she was with child. I love purple and ochre yellow together.

Hi there Caja and cogratulations on the new job. I do not wash my hair everyday or I would never get out of the door as takes so long to dry. I think some advice on styling products may help you, there are plenty that will keep layers in place and help you style it differently. Getting a stylist to show you how to blow dry is a good skill to have though and you can find lessons online too. Pinterest has videos if you type in what you want. Nude make up is lovely and I am pretty minimal with make up but never underestimate the power of a good lipstick especially when the skies are grey! Maybe get yourself to a counter during your lunch break and play around with colours and products. Also with work wear i think grooming and how you smell are important in offices/close work environs. No coffee breath, make sure underwear isn't visible (unless you work in more dress alternative places), have polished shoes, clean nails not too jazzy and no clothing that might make others uncomfortable (too much cleavage).

I love cigarette pants (my favourite) and I often wear different belts, scarves, to ring the changes. Shirts whether pretty or more minimal styles look fresh and can work for after work socialising too with maybe an added scarf, a brighter lipstick and perfume. Regarding perfume, I love the smell of it but heavy evening scents in an office can be a bit much. Choose a day time scent. A cigarette pant in grey/navy/black/brown/burgundy etc with a geometric, spot, floral or stripe print worn with a cardigan or blazer in a tonal or contrasting shade looks very sharp.

Dry I love that look!

Thanks so much for all the advice! Mignonette, special thanks for writing all that out!

My nails are plain anyway, because I've never got the hang of painting them. I may try a subtle French manicure or something if everybody else has fancy nails. I'm client-facing, so I need to make an effort!

My cigarette pants are gray with a black stripe. That sounds odd, but it looks nice! I've got a few blouses to get me to pay-day, and then I'll buy some more things (hopefully with help from here!) I have a bright pink Jaeger dress, too.

Hair-wise, I don't mind it how it dries, but it doesn't look it's best then. It lacks volume because it's heavy. Is there a product that could help me? I've got a few volumising sprays (like VO5) but I have no idea how to use them. Nice hair gives me confidence, so I'd like to get it right.

Sounds lovely Caja and that Jaeger dress will look good as they are beautifully cut and I like the sound of the pants. They are such a sharp cut, the Cigarette and suit about eight million styles of shoe too.

Serums and smoothing sprays would likely work. I'm not much of a hair person and usually use an old hair glass serum (if I can be bothered) or good old John Freida. I would advise learning to blow dry and seeking advice on good hair dryers/tongs from either hairstylists or other Mners. I have very heavy hair with a pronounced wave at three points- ear, jaw and shoulder. I have a problem with coarseness of hair and have never really conquered it.

Maybe start a new thread on S+B if nobody here can help? there must be loads of hair dressers on MN.

Mig thanks for all those bag links, Now DD1 safely at holiday activity, I can peruse at leisure (so long as DD2 stays asleep, that is).

Queen I agree Radley veers too much to the spice, terracotta, mustard, moss colours. What is wrong with red, navy, orange, yellow, tan??

V interested in all the brogue chat. I have always assumed that they would look all wrong on me (5" 2, shapely legs, ie I have calves!). I don't know if I am getting tempted because they have just been around so long. I was in NY in August 09 and the shops there were full of them and am beginning to wonder if after 4 solid years of presuming they won't work on me, I am being worn down! Not sure what I would wear them with, though as tend to wear both knee level skirts and skinny jeans with ankle boots.

I do like these though Jeeves

Caja love the cigarette pant look too. Where do you all buy yours from?

marsha dont share your tips for free ,but i must say i like their new line sans the annoying dog! the mini crossbody is nice.

caja your outfit sounds great,im addicted to my hair dryer ,and use bumble and bumble styling lotion or thickening spray,i have thick wavey hair,and it dries nicely but takes so long to dry naturally,i find serums very oily ,so i avoid them.