The problem is, unlike many of our fore-mothers, women make up a larger percentage of the workforce than ever before. And it’s easy for us to get caught in what we might call the “work clothes rut.” True, women in uniform is nothing new, but even 1940s Sears catalogues encouraged women to spice up their wartime coveralls and to stay fresh. Again, we need to remember to make these steps not for others, but for ourselves.

Targeting individual pieces like these Haider Ackermann pants can allow you to build new exciting outfits from easy-to-wear pieces.

True, a weekend in PJs, lingerie, or nothing at all, can be fantastic and indulgent. But after a tough work-week, it’s important to have things to look forward to. For me, those two magical days off include wearing the most fabulous thing I can toss together from my closet’s contents. I look forward to the days when I can wear absolutely anything I want. The best part? Having your wardrobe dictated 5 days a week means shopping for clothes that can only be worn 2 days a week becomes surprisingly economical–all a girl really needs to do is stick to a few basics.

Any disciple of the capsule wardrobe can tell you that picking up a few classic pieces can go a long way. I’m not saying you should be dressed to the nines to do your weekly grocery shopping on Saturday morning, but remember that clothes really can still be exciting, and inspiration can be found anywhere.

Do you dare to wear this much white? This embellished jacket from Balmain would also look great with a pair of dark jeans and heels with a simple top.

One of my favorite easy to wear chic pieces is the colorful pair of silky harem pants seen in Haider Ackermann Spring 2012. Sure, these pants have actually been around for a while, but they can always be worn with saucy high heels for a night out, or ballet flats for the afore-mentioned grocery store. I’m also infatuated with the rock-star chic tailored jackets in the Balmain line this season. Match an embellished jacket with a pair of dark jeans and some heels for a dinner, a concert, or even bowling. Try something daring for a day of shopping–go completely mod à la Vena Cava Spring/Summer 2012. Dare yourself to wear something you’d never wear, or re-awaken your sleeping style spirit. Don’t forget to have fun just because you’re stuck with a uniform or dress code for the rest of the week.

Try out a completely different look, like this mod-inspired outfit by Vena Cava.

But don’t listen to me. Do it for yourself. You might feel a little uncomfortable breaking out of the rut at first, but when you really work an outfit, everyone else will just be wishing they had your confidence.

Have any tips to break out of a fashion work rut?

Comment here below, e-mail me, or share it with us on our Twitter (@nowthatslingeri) and Facebook page!

Carla-Jean

Photo Credits and Sources

Sears Catalogues during the Second World War in the United States:
JoAnne Olian, Everyday Fashions of the Forties as Pictured in Sears Catalogues (New York: Dover Publications, 1992).

Balmain Spring/Summer 2012:
http://www.style.com/fashionshows/complete/S2012RTW-BALMAIN

Haider Ackermann Spring/Summer 2012:
http://www.style.com/slideshows/2011/fashionshows/S2012RTW/HACKERMAN/RUNWAY/00170m.jpg

Vena Cava Spring/Summer 2012: (also featured image)
http://www.style.com/slideshows/2011/fashionshows/S2012RTW/VCAVA/RUNWAY/009m.jpg

Vena Cava Spring/Summer 2012 one-piece: (also featured image)
http://www.style.com/slideshows/2011/fashionshows/S2012RTW/VCAVA/RUNWAY/001f.jpg 

I’ve brought together an exclusive sneak preview of a few of the styles coming to Now That’s Lingerie.com starting January, including some of my favourite pieces, and highlighted a few major trends to watch for.  Get ready to zing into Spring!

Triumph 

Since 1886 when this company started in a barn as a classic corsetry manufacturer, Triumph continues to supply women everywhere with quality intimates for our wardrobes.  Be it seductive pieces at their finest, or ultra-high-performance undergarments, Triumph offers comfort and above all, quality.

This Spring/Summer 2012, Triumph whisks us away to magical Europe, and we simply can’t get enough of these feminine indulgences, especially all the beautiful laces and florals this collection has to offer!

The pastel palette is always en vogue for this season and on the other end of the color spectrum, sorbet-bright colours make a cheerful comeback as well.  Have you seen how charming they can be with carousels and ice cream parlors?  Check out Louis Vuitton’s 2012 Spring/Summer RTW collection!  To herald this colourful return from the muted neutrals of winter fashions, here are some breezy, feminine styles that Triumph has to offer.  Oh, and don’t forget to send us a postcard from your European holiday!

Want a demurely sophisticated look? This Petites All Over Lace push-up bra (shown here in raspberry pink) is perfect for discovering the Joie de Vivre of Paris!

Curvy ladies alert!  Triumph’s Valisere II collection allows women the freedom to celebrate their curves confidently in luxurious comfort and sophisticated styles! And for those of you curvy ladies who like feminine things,  Valisere II is only too happy to oblige with their Femme Desire collection.

Blush

This season, Blush promises flirtatious, and they definitely deliver. I love the subtle femininity of Blush’s lacy, sheer and silky soft slips and sets – you will notice that lace features predominantly in their new collection –just the way we adore it.  Easy, grown-up glamour with a nod to more sophisticated retro cuts, you’ll find it hard to refrain from playfully winking at yourself in the mirror.

Perhaps my favourite out of their collection, this Sweet Vintage slip is the perfect antidote to the last of your winter blues.  This silky slip is too good to be kept a secret… it wouldn’t hurt to have a little bit of the gorgeous lace embroidered detailing peeking out of your dress!

Another favorite is the Idylle matching push-up bra and thong… it has the flirtiest of the spring trends –lace and exquisite floral detailing– combined into one set.  Love!

Montelle

Another top ten trend for Spring 2012 is matte satin.  Lanvin for instance, showcased beautiful pieces made of the material.  This translates into lingerie styles rather well, because it is such a ‘touch-me’ fabric, with its interesting texture and sheen.  I’m definitely in love with this set by Montelle, Bedside Manner!

With the perfect mix of classic and trendy, feminine and a little naughty, there is much to look forward to with the arrival of balmier weather!

Are you excited for the new collections of intimates for this coming Spring?  Be the first to know by subscribing to the free Now That’s Lingerie newsletter!

Comment here below, connect with us over Twitter (@nowthatslingeri), and on our Facebook page!

Cathie
cathie@nowthatslingerie.com

Image Sources & References

Images provided by Now That’s Lingerie.com, courtesy of Blush Lingerie, Montelle Intimates and Triumph International.

One of the most pronounced uses of colour in this spring’s runways is the use of over-matching: head-to-toe cerulean at Haider Ackermann, yellow and orange at Nanette Lepore. At the same time, this matching of warm and cold tones almost seemed to clash. Blue on turquoise made an appearance at Luca Luca and the aforementioned Haider Ackermann.

Another innovation was simply the variety of rich materials with which these colours were used. Haider Ackermann showed his use of bright colours with rich silks and draped sheers while also incorporating the bold patterns of Spring 2012. Badgley Mischka produced a magnificent collection of brightly coloured garments–reds, oranges, turquoises, blues and pinks.

From Left: Luca Luca Spring/Summer 2012, Haider Ackermann Spring/Summer 2012, Badgley Mischka Spring/Summer 2012, Nanette Lepore Spring/Summer 2012. All images courtesy of Style.Com

Finally, aside from the brilliant pairing of unlikely colours, designers chose to simply bring out entire rainbow’s worth of hues in single collections. Alberta Ferretti showed green, orange, mustard, fuchsia and turquoise in back-to-back exits. Nanette Lepore’s chosen palette was a neon fiesta of flowing garments that also included more subdued coral, purple and blue tones, topped off with brightly coloured makeup. Lepore explained the explosion of colour we’ve seen for spring, stating “[w]e approach color from a new place each season…Everyone in this industry feeds off each other, and the fabric retailers have lately been pushing amazing, sturdy fabrics in these bright colors.”

In the end, the colours used in this spring’s collections compose a veritable laundry list, and the sky is  the limit. Whether it be swooshing skirts of neon or sophisticated rust-toned silk, it must be remembered that colour is nothing new, we just need to see it with brand new eyes, and need to be willing to learn what we’re able to get away with.

Have a question about fashion?

Comment here below, e-mail me, or share it with us on our Twitter (@nowthatslingeri) and Facebook page!

Carla-Jean

carla@nowthatslingerie.com 

Photo Credits and Sources

Luca Luca Spring/Summer 2012
http://www.style.com/slideshows/2011/fashionshows/S2012RTW/LUCALUCA/
Runway/00090m.jpg

Haider Ackermann Spring/Summer 2012:
http://www.style.com/slideshows/2011/fashionshows/S2012RTW/HACKERMAN/
RUNWAY/00180m.jpg

Badgley Miscka Spring/Summer 2012:
http://www.style.com/slideshows/2011/fashionshows/S2012RTW/BMISCHKA/
RUNWAY/00020m.jpg

Nanette Lepore Spring/Summer 2012:
http://www.style.com/slideshows/2011/fashionshows/S2012RTW/NLEPORE
/RUNWAY/00040m.jpg

Nanette Lepore quote, Brittany Adams,
Style.Com review for Nanette Lepore Spring/Summer 2012,
http://www.style.com/fashionshows/review/S2012RTW-NLEPORE.

Featured Image:

Nanette Lepore Turquoise top and pink skirt:

Badgley Miscka turquoise dress (cited above)

Luca Luca Blue top and green pants (cited above)

Winter doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice style! There are a few things to consider when choosing a winter coat: choose something slimming and bright, warm fabric and something that’s easy to wash. Many of us forsake fashion for comfort, which during these chilly winter months it may seem like your only option. Au contraire! Here are some Winter style tips from some classy celebs & inspired by the runway.

Cool in Cashmere

Light Brown Cashmere Coat by Burberry

This cashmere piece is a warm yet stylish coat (I have the perfect boots to match!) from Burberry Prorsum’s 2012 Winter Collection. This line features many bright-colored coats and longer lengths.

In the Trenches

Jennifer Aniston in Army Green Trench Coat

Big & bulky is out, warm & stylish is in! The classic trench coat is always in style, whether it’s short, or knee, calf or full length.  The knee length is the most common type among all trench coats, since it is easy to wear with different types of pants, leggings and skirts, and it is suitable for shorter women too.  Jennifer Aniston looks classy in an army green trench coat (above) and so can you!

Faux Fur

Vanessa Hudgens Faux Fur Hooded Coat

 A hot trend in coats for the last few seasons seems to be faux-fur hoods; they will keep your ears warm and protect you from the wind, but also look stylish and sophisticated.  Take a peek at Vanessa Hudgens (above) to see how chic you can look in this coat style – even in the absence of snow!

Hollywood Superstar Halle Berry in Dolce & Gabbana belted mohair coat

What winter coat style do you like the most?

Tell us by commenting below, on Twitter (@nowthatslingeri), on our Facebook page, or e-mail me. Julie julie@nowthatslingerie.com

Image sources & references
http://www.topons.com/winter-coats-celebrity-style-army-green-stand-collar-women-cashmere-coat.html http://www.wintercoatsjackets.com/burberry-prorsum-fall-winter-2011-2012/ http://www.zimbio.com/Trench+Coats+Review/articles/m3dbRDQ5Tov/Winter+2012+Trench+Coats+Women http://women-coats.com/moncler-down-jacket-women-cluny-blue-p-163.html http://famewatcher.com/dolce-gabbana-womens-coat-halle-berry-fashion-style.html

Felt Fedora

Fedoras

This is the most widespread of the hat movement this season. I’ve seen literally men, women and children sporting fedoras, and with their ability to dress up any outfit, you’re sure to look put-together and stylish. Fedoras work well with pea coats, trench coats, and other structured jackets, and are a nice touch with a business-casual outfit or dress.  They obviously match well with vintage pieces, but they still look great with even the most modern looks.

Wide Brimmed Hats

Wide-Brimmed Hats on the Runway

Also called Amish hats, these are also in style for men and women. One nice aspect of these hats is that they can accentuate cheekbones depending on where the brim falls on the face. Look for styles where the brim dips just past or level to your eyes (any wider and it’ll flop around too much). This type of hat looks great with more causal outfits, particularly those in the 70s style and Western style we’ve been talking a lot about this fall.

Pillbox Hats

The on-going obsession with the 60s, brought on by the popularity of the TV show Mad Men, manifests itself in the popularity of pillbox hats. They don’t look great on

Pillbox Hat

everybody, but if you can find one that works with your head and shape face, they will really make a statement! Again, retro style clothing make pillbox hats work – anything too modern might be too much of a clash. And, since pillbox hats are associated with style icons like Jackie O, dressier outfits and jackets are a necessity with these hats.

Bowler Hats

Bowler Hat

For the most adventurous, there are bowler hats, sported by the top models of the runway. Again, these are not everyone’s cup of tea, but if you can make it work, it will definitely draw attention! Bowler hats are fairly versatile, able to be paired with causal clothes and some dressier outfits, though more appropriate for parties than work.

What other hats have you been wearing this season? Let us know by commenting below, or tell us on Twitter and our Facebook page!

Rachel
rachelg@nowthatslingerie.com

Photo Credits & Sources:

Featured Image:

Mischa Barton (right):
http://vinchishop.blogspot.com/

Pillbox hat (left):
http://vendors.offbeatbride.com/listing/unveiled-bridal-designs 

Fedora:
http://g-lvl3.nordstromimage.com/imagegallery/store/product/Mini/1/_6567781.jpg

Wide Brim Hat:
http://www.jpost.com/HttpHandlers/ShowImage.ashx?ID=160706

Pillbox hat:
http://s6.thisnext.com/media/250×250/bebe-Veiled-Pillbox-Hat_6B5CDCB8.jpg

Bowler hat:
http://static.becomegorgeous.com/img/arts/2010/Oct/22/3018/bowler_hat1.jpg

 There are countless instances in which younger generations (including myself) find it excruciatingly difficult to find a garment with a professional aesthetic for a job interview or for our careers. Most business attire concludes to make us look a generation older than we actually are. Honestly, I wouldn’t mind looking a couple years past my age, but I want to feel youthful at the same time. Riccardo Tisci has indeed done a fine job to create a variety of blazers that have some crisp twists to the silhouette than a traditional blazer would give. Here are some points that I extracted from these Spring 2012 Givenchy blazers to elaborate more:

1. In all these looks, the lowered points on the extended lapels create a more relaxed feel than the conventional lapels with the points at chest level. For traditional blazers, this conveys a stiff etiquette we might unintentionally give off when worn. With looks #1 and #2, the style of the boyfriend blazer also provides more space around our arms, elbows and shoulders to be much more mobile. I can’t stand it when I lift my arms and everything else I’m wearing just lifts too – and what about the often-awkward outward folding around the lapels where you’re forced to constantly pull down your blazer every so often? Trust me, these blazers will help you and I forget about those infuriating moments!
2. The egg shell hue of this blazer – instead of a pure white seen in other Spring 2012 collections – gives a softer and easier look for the eyes. It lessens the formality of the garment for a casual but still professional day at work.
   
3. Looks #3 and #4, which have that unique structure to the blazer, are perfect for fashionistas at work who want to do a little risk taking. Especially with Look #3, which has a double-lined ribbing detail right at the hips and a tail in the back. To me, this gives a powerful but subtle statement for a woman who wants to flaunt some independence and style!

Overall, these blazers are great for a younger or updated classic look for the professional woman who wants to differentiate herself from the formal blazer and just generally be a chic fashionista working it at the office!

Here are a couple of pieces I found that are great for styling with these blazers! Check out NTL’s camisoles and tops in the clothing section to see what you can do to spice up your Spring 2012 wardrobe (and Fall 2011 too of course)!

Questions? Email Lisa N. at lisan@nowthatslingerie.com, comment here below, or follow our updates on Facebook or Twitter!

References and sources:

Givenchy Spring 2012 Collection photos:http://www.style.com/fashionshows/complete/S2012RTW-GIVENCHY

Arianne Christelle silk tunic top: http://www.nowthatslingerie.com/en/details.php?id=5666-christelle-silk-tunic-arianne-lingerie

Arianne Teri camisole: http://www.nowthatslingerie.com/en/details.php?id=5498-teri-camisole-with-lace-front-applique-arianne-lingerie

If just the thought of wearing orange is still a little frightening to you, start with something small, like trying an orange pair of shoes, a bag or maybe a little orange jewelry to spice up your look.  As the seasons change and the bright colors turn to more muted tones, we often find ourselves clinging to those last few bright and colorful summer clothes.  Lucky for us, this fall brings a bright color into the mix.  We know it is said that orange and black are considered Halloween colors, but orange is not just for your Jack-O-Latern anymore.

Orange, which can classified as this fall’s juicest color is not as hard to wear as you may have originally thought. While orange is definitely a color that is fun and show-stopping, if you wear too much of it you may come across as a traffic pylon rather than a trendspotting woman. If you are going to venture over to the orange side, stick to only one item of orange for every outfit.

Now, you may think orange is a hard color to pull off, but you will be surprised to know that orange is a very flattering color since it instantly adds a natural glow to your skin tone.  It is just a matter of finding the right tone of orange for you.

For fall, we are seeing a range of vibrant tangerines, neon oranges and amped-up corals. When you are wearing a statement color like orange, make sure the color does not overtake you – be confident and make sure your personality shines right through the orange brightness.  (Like any style you try to pull off, confidence is the most important part of your outfit, so wear it well!)

Once you warm up to it, you will be making orange your statement color in no time.  But before you run off to grab yourself some orange pieces, let me leave you with a key piece of advice: wear orange with anything but black, otherwise you may run the risk of looking like a mascot for the Halloween season…

Ask me about fashion, and connect with us on Twitter (@nowthatslingeri) and Facebook!

Erin

erin@nowthatslingerie.com

Featured image: http://www.trendfashions.net/dressed-in-holiday-in-fashion-for-fall-2011-orange
Photo Credit: http://www.omiru.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/09/orange_fashionweektrend_090708.jpg

Red Flame Jacket, Loewe - Photo by Peter Stigter

There are many shades of red: blood red, blush, brick, burgundy, carmine, China red, cinnabar, crimson, fire engine red, flame, Indian red, maroon, ruby, russet, rust, scarlet, tomato, Venetian red, vermilion & more. Red is the color of conflicting emotions from passionate love to violence and warfare. Red is Cupid and the Devil. It’s the hottest of the warm colors.

Studies even show that seeing red can have a physical effect, increasing the rate of respiration and raising blood pressure. It’s also the color of power – just think of business people in a power red tie – and it’s always a hot color for celebrities to wear on the ‘red’ carpet.

In some cultures, red denotes purity, joy, and celebration. Red is the color of happiness and prosperity in China and may be used to attract good luck. It is a passionate color that can signal a love that transcends time, so if you have a certain someone, catch their eye by wearing red.

So for this fall sport RED and feel fashionable, powerful and sexy!

Connect with us via email, Twitter & Facebook!
Julie
julie@nowthatslingerie.com

Image sources & references:

http://www.fashionmagazine.com/blogs/fashion/2011/08/09/fall-2011-trend-report-83-of-the-best-bets-in-coats-dresses-shoes-bags-and-more/

http://www.weirdasianews.com/2008/10/13/red-chinas-color-fire-celebration/

http://www.zimbio.com/pictures/AguZLiGpBwg/Heart+Truth+Red+Dress+Fall+2011+Fashion+Show/4CSU23JFPLi/Dita+Von+Teese 

http://www.zimbio.com/pictures/AguZLiGpBwg/Heart+Truth+Red+Dress+Fall+2011+Fashion+Show/AxxiXT0JlJ4/Camila+Alves

We have seen collaborations like Missoni and Target and Jimmy Choo and H&M, which as been a personal favorite so far. But what about the latest collaboration between Versace and H&M? It’s set to hit stores in November; the collection will include pieces for both men and women as well as a few home accessories.

Donnatella Versace and some of her pieces for H&M

If you’re like us you will probably be one of the first shoppers in line because (let’s be honest) not very many of us have the funds to buy a Versace piece, but with this H&M collaboration we can now own a piece of one of the most important brands in fashion.

The collection will be glamorous and flamboyant – everything Versace stands for. The exclusive collection will be complete with leather, prints, color and exuberance in exclusive materials at fantastic prices.

For this collaboration, Versace has gone back in time to reinvent some classic Versace designs. The women’s collection will be dominated by dresses featuring studded leather, silk and colorful prints and accessories including high heels and costume jewelry.  The men’s collection will focus on sharp tailoring, including the perfect tuxedo, as well as belts and jewelry for men. Aside for the clothing this exclusive collection will also include home accessories like pillows and bedspreads.

In addition to this exclusive fall collection, Versace has also designed a pre-spring collection for H&M, which will be exclusively available in countries with H&M on-line sales from January 19^th.

So when exactly does Versace hit H&M stores? November 19^th! (Dates may vary due to location – check your local H&M stores.)  Book the day off work, cancel all your appointments because we can pretty much guarantee if you’re not in line the morning of November 19^th you probably wont get your hands on anything Versace.

If you get the chance to grab a few pieces from the collection, email me I would love to see what you got!

Erin

erin@nowthatslingerie.com

Photo Credit: http://fabulush.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/VersaceforHM_2_lowres.jpg

Featured image taken from: http://fashionpaparazzis.com/2011/06/21/versace-for-hm-fall-2011/ 

Magazines, newspapers and the internet thrive on spectacle and the moment they see a celebrity wearing something risqué it could potentially turn into the news story for an entire day. It’s a known fact that media power has a huge impact on celebrities’ careers so by doing or wearing something quite shocking they can get headline coverage and draw public (and studio) attention to themselves.

Dolce & Gabbana Spring 2010 collection

It’s interesting to see that rather than exposing lots of flesh (which is usual for celebrities)) the newest trend is to go transparent with lace or sheer mesh worn over opaque boyshorts or “granny panties”. You can see how this trend has slowly emerged from Dolce & Gabbana’s gorgeous spring 2010 collection, they are perfect “scene stealers” and it would be pretty difficult to avoid attention wearing any of these outfits!

Madonna has probably had the biggest influence on the “lingerie as outerwear” trend (click to read Lingerie as Outerwear) throughout the years. She recently attended the Vanity Fair awards wearing a very cheeky sheer lace, split outfit and flashing her very pert little bottom in a pair of big black granny panties. She was accompanied by her demurely (thankfully!) dressed teenage daughter.  Lady GaGa similarly can be seen wearing see-through tight black lace and solid (though scanty) underwear. Nicole Kidman is not adverse to showing her undies under sheer fabrics and Kate Winslet prefers dresses with sheer cut-out panels and the apparent absence of underwear altogether! Rosie Huntington Whiteley turned up at the Moscow premiere of Transformers 3 wearing a long transparent skirt and big black knickers.

Madonna; Michelle Rodriguez; Lady GaGa; Nicole Kidman;Emma Watson; Kate Winslet; Rosie Huntington Whitely

So if you’re in the mood for some “panty-revealing” in a celebrity fashion, here are a few good solid panty styles which will give you just enough coverage and yet are trendy and sexy.

Triumph’s 532 Lace Sensation High Waist control Brief has that “Dolce & Gabbana retro look” and yet it also controls your waist and tummy to give you a very hourglass shape, perfect under either flowing transparent skirts or tight, figure-revealing dresses.

Naturana’s 0013 Pure Elements Panty Girdle also has the built in tummy control and comes to the waist just like the celebrity panties in the photos. It’s fully opaque yet made from an incredibly soft and stretchy fabric so it makes a great liner under your sheers.

For more of a boyleg look the 19608163 Tactel Microfiber Hipster by Change of Scandinavia is the perfect shape to fashionably reveal, and yet it feels secure with it’s low cut elasticated legs and straight across hipster shape.

Whether you’re feeling bold or not, these are all perfect panty choices for any outfit, sheer or not, so have fun shopping for your panties!

Teresa

teresa@nowthatslingerie.com

Dolce & Gabbana images from www.style.com: Dolce & Gabbana Spring 2010 RTW Fashion Show Pictures on Style.com

Lady GaGa image: Lady Gaga Spotted Today Wearing A See-Through Dress – Photos | Celeb Dirty Laundry

Madonna image: Madonna Pictures – 2011 Vanity Fair Oscar Party Hosted By Graydon Carter – Arrivals – Zimbio

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley image: [Photos] Rosie Huntington-Whiteley On “Transformers : Dark Side Of The Moon” Moscow Premiere | RoseFashion & News | Trends & Style | Collections | Pictures | Artist | Online

Nicole Kidman image: Why Do Celebrities Wear See Through Clothes On Red Carpet – STARWOODZ

Kate Winslet image: Celebrities’ See-Through Fashion Trend 2011

Emma Watson image: Emma Watson’s See Through Dress – Celebridoodle