A New Nude: Nubian Skin

An issue that a few of my friends have mentioned, which runner up Bianca Miller on ‘The Apprentice’ (2014) tried to combat, is that finding nude underwear for a range of darker skin tones is extremely problematic to find. Up until a few months ago nude underwear solely meant nude/cream shade for Caucasian skin tones or black underwear for those with a darker complexion, whether olive skinned or darker skinned; these two options is limiting for our multicultural society, as the nude underwear options were not a realistic representation of their true skin colour, thus proving the limits that our multicultural society face.

However, ASOS sell a new nude underwear range called ‘Nubian Skin’, which includes underwear for all skin tones (finally!). Not too long ago my best friend asked me to go underwear shopping with her, but for nude undies. She is of African descent and was left with the option of purchasing a cream set of “nude” underwear, white underwear, or black underwear. There was no nude underwear to match her natural complexion.  Of course, neither colours are truly nude for her. Yes, nude underwear will not always match your skin tone, but the idea is that it comes pretty close to being a match – and for the majority of people, it was not. I am Caucasian and so I became aware of the struggles that other ethnic women face when underwear shopping.  I stumbled upon Nubian Skin range on ASOS and HALLELUJAH….There is a solution to the nude undies struggle!

The Nubian Skin lingerie and hosiery range is suitable for all skin tones and comes in a variety of styles, from lace bikini sets, to seamless style briefs, bras and thongs.  The skin range is a young and fun but also practical brand that has been lacking in the lingerie department.

So if you’re struggling to find natural skin tone undies check out Nubian Skin!

M x

Suck it in Cinders: Cinched in Waistlines

Kim Kardashian and her corset bonanza, which was a ploy to gain a super small waistline the Victorian way, is a trend, which is now becoming a spiraling phenomenon, even amongst the new ‘Cinderella’ film starring Lily James, with her incy weency waistline in her renowned ballgown has become the hot topic of conversation.

Trends, such as crop tops and high waisted bottoms have seen a surge of females exposing their midriff, however now the tide is turning and instead of flashing the flesh, the trend is now veering towards a more sophisticated way to flaunt our feminine shape and give the illusion of a slender waistline by wearing items which emphasise the waist and accentuate your curves whilst still cinching you in.  This can be achieved by shirts, tops, blazers, gilets, dresses, cardigans and other layering items that have a belt or tie up around the waist, or even the simple accessory of a waist belt, which allows you to draw attention to your waist, emphasise your waist to give the appearance of being thinner around the middle, without the need to completely expose everything.  Now, this is a trend that is more appealing; for those who feel they do not have a waist- a belt or an item of clothing with a tie up detail around the waist will succeed in defining an hourglass shape, for those who would rather not reveal their waistline so explicitly as past trends have permitted, can draw attention to their petite frame also.

No, this new hot trend does not mean we need to suck in out tummies all day, and only drink water all day in fear of expanding and bursting out of our corsets, and nor do we have to revert to wearing control pants, nor corsets.  But a simple accessorising is perfectly adequate.  We do not mean a return to skinny super tight waist belts, as they are equally as uncomfortable after a long day sitting down in the office, but a tie up roped belt or a leather belt that is tied up in a knot (not in a buckle) allows you to get the best of both and obtain a comfortable cinched in waistline to enhance your femininity.

TIP: Do not tie up the belt extremely tight, a loose knot or simple tie up (see below) that casually sits above your hips and draws in at your waist is the ideal way to style your wardrobe this season.

See below the style to achieve…

So, the must-have wardrobe staples to achieve this…

* AllSaints Brown Leather Belt (of medium width, and yes! A man’s belt is perfect, it can achieve the androgynous look)

* Isa Arfen Black Embellished Gilet Waistcoat

* Topshop Wrap Front Jumpsuit

*  Zara tie up Waist Trousers

* ASOS Suede Jumpsuit

M x

@BovingdonMaisie

The Accessory To Clutch On To This New Year

Although we have seen the back of the Christmas Parties, the most over-rated and stressful night of the year now approaches (I sound so cynical and negative), and there is one essential accessory you need to bag (pun intended) – the box Perspex clutch.

I am THAT girl that all security in clubs must despise; when they check my OVERSIZED clutch bag (the best and most resourceful accessory a girl can have) it is overflowing with everything I think I will need; from a spare pair of flats, to maybe a pair of tights, an umbrella, make up, perfume, chewing gum, phone, oyster card, keys, money, credit cards… the list goes on. Even my everyday handbag manages to double up as a fashionable ten kilogram gym weight; it is safe to say that I am not blessed with the gift of packing lightly. However, the new must-have accessory is sure to make me change my ways.

The box Perspex clutches are petite, solid bags that are NOT to be used as a portable storage space, but are solely for the bare necessities (if that, maybe just your phone and credit card due to the sheer size of them). The Perspex material means that our beloved clutch bags are forced to downsize and WILL NOT STRETCH; if it cannot close as it is too small, do not try to make it. The design of the box clutch does not permit the clutch bag to open fully; the box bags have a restricted opening in comparison to a softer fabric clutch bag. The solid material means that such clutches are fragile, delicate and to be handled with care, unlike the leather oversized clutch bags that you can manage to squeeze everything into. The Perspex material enables the clutches to always look chic and sophisticated due to the patent, shiny quality of the material.

Perspex box clutches range in designs, from simple black patent box clutches with a feminine touch added such as Lulu Guinness’ Chloe Clutch Bag, to ASOS embellished and fringed bejewelled accessory. To more quirky box clutches like ASOS soap box design, which resembles Anya Hindmarch’s signature ‘Frosties’ cereal bag and soap box designs.

(ASOS)

(New Look)  

(Lulu Guinness)

There is no other way to go into the New Year than with a new statement accessory to enliven any ensemble; a New Year, a new you, a new bag – why on earth not?

By Maisie Bovingdon
@BovingdonMaisie

Suede Savvy!

This season is all about the multitude of textures- from fluffy knitwear to smooth leather, and my ultimate favourite this season…SUEDE! From the Mulberry Oxblood suede clutch, to ASOS suede pencil skirt and plum suede and leather buckled ankle boots, I am head to toe, completely and utterly obsessed with suede.

 

Suede material adds a warm more comfy essence to a piece and makes it more interesting; suddenly a pencil skirt is not just a pencil skirt but it becomes a textured pencil skirt- a suede pencil skirt.  Alongside the additional interest for the experimental texture is also more care and sophistication, more danger and risk, which adds multiple dimensions when wearing suede fabric, transforming from just a skirt, or bag, or boots, to now possessing the risk and ‘WOW’ factor.  The most testing risk is whether you can maintain the pristine condition of the suede as the second you spill something on it it will get ruined, and the test if you can pull it off as it is not a giving fabric.

Suede is almost like a baby- it needs your undivided care and attention, and if you don’t look after it it will be crying out suede murder as once it is ruined or marked it cannot be undone. Can you handle the risk?

M x

A New PERSPEX-tive

In flicking through numerous fashion magazines and even doing some online window shopping it has been made CLEAR what the new must-have accessory is…the perspex clutch.

This controversial design of a Perspex clutch has given one a new perspective on fashion.  Usually it is a secret as to what a women carries around with her and what her night out essentials are…well now you will know and be able to literally see for yourself.

The clear clutch bags are completetly overruling ASOS with their plain clear cases, to even more sassy perspex clutches with a glitter insert to add a bit of glitz and glam to the outfit.

Most importantly I think this new innovative trend is practical, for all of us forgetful or OCD girls (like myself) who have to check, check and check AGAIN whether you have everything in your bag, now you will be able to check easily.  The days of heart stopping, heat flushing panic that floods over us when we think we have forgotten that all important lippy are over!

M x