How to: Choosing the Perfect Earrings For You

I’m a really lazy girl. As much as I love looking (and sometimes actually owning) the sparkly jewellery on display in shopping malls, I hardly ever change up my default jewellery-wear. This is especially true when it comes to my earrings – simply because I have always made excuses to myself, saying that my ear studs are pretty enough to go with just about anything.

Deep, deep down, I know that isn’t the complete truth.

Sure, ear studs go with every thing, but they hardly contribute to making an outfit really pop. Observe the difference:

Probably not the best example I should have given. But you understand what I mean, yes? Earrings do make a difference.

Now comes the important part – choosing ones that suit you.

Did you know that earrings can actually enhance the shape of your face? Well, now you do.

1.    Oval faces

Oh you lucky, lucky souls. You are truly blessed. You can basically carry off any kind of earring, ‘cos your face is that versatile. But if you’re really looking to enhancing those naturally elegant features, try oval-shaped dangling earrings. Tear-drop earring work too! They’ll create a sense of symmetry and balance on you, making you look more stunning than you already are!

2.   Round Faces

Picture via indianfashion.guru

People born with round faces are generally associated with joy and youthfulness. In fact, most round-faced folks actually look younger than they really are! While I personally find them extremely adorable, round faces have a tendency to come off as “puffy”. So, to minimise the puffiness, try putting on dangling earrings – preferably teardrop or pieces with long, angular designs. Avoid dangling circular earrings.

3.   Heart Shaped Faces

Picture via indianfashion.guru

Now, if you’re born with a heart-shaped face (like me), you probably have a nicely defined chin and amazing cheekbones. You’re also supposedly a rare find. Personally, I think heart shaped faces have a very dainty and delicate sort of thing going on there. To really enhance those gorgeous features, slip on a pair of dangle, teardrop or chandelier earrings. Diamond shaped ones would add an interesting contrast to your features!

4.   Square Faces

Picture via indianfashion.guru

If the width of your forehead, cheeks and jawline are equal and your features are sharp and angular, chances are that you were born with a square face. And you should consider yourself lucky. Loads of famous people in the past and present are blessed with this ultra photogenic feature. Plus, square faces tend to age well. Look for elongated, dangling or hooped earrings to soften and balance out your features. To add a bit of drama to your look, choose oversized hoops that brush the jaw line or extend below the jaw line. Avoid wearing very wide earrings.  

5.   Rectangular Face

Picture via www.wixonjewelers.com

Picture via www.insideoutstyleblog.com

Rectangular faces (sometimes known as “oblong”) pretty much have the same features as square faces do, only more elongated. I find women with rectangular faces particularly elegant and distinguished. To bring out the best features of your face, don a pair of pearl earrings to minimise the length. Clustered pearl earrings that dangle far below the earlobe would look especially gorgeous on you. Remember, long dangle earrings tend to minimize the length of very narrow faces. But look for pieces with elongated curves. This will accentuate the cheekbones and add softness to your face.

5 Types of Skirts Every Girl Should Have in Her Wardrobe

I’m not really the kind of girl who enjoys wearing skirts. If you know me well enough, you’d probably see me sporting a pair of shorts and a comfy t-shirt most of the time. However, I do love dressing up once in a while. And while I love the convenience of slipping on a dress, I find that it’s actually pretty fun to play with skirts and mix everything up a little.

As we all know, fashion is something that has evolved a lot over the years. Once upon a time, wearing anything above the heel would be unthinkable for a lady. These days, you can pretty much get away with any kind of hemline – as long as it fits the occasion. But there are a few types of skirts that remain an absolute godsend to a lot of girls.

1. The Basic Skater Skirt

Let me put it this way, if you ever get the chance to go through a girl’s closet, chances are you’ll probably find at least one of these in there. The skater skirt is actually one of the most essential items a girl should have in her closet. I could go on and on about the number of styles you can create with it – it’s that versatile.

2. The A-line Midi Skirt

Although the Midi trend only just made a comeback, it’s actually really useful for those of us who need to put on something a little more prim and proper in the office – without having to end up looking like a boring high school librarian.

Sure, it’s a little bit on the conservative side at first glance, but with a bit of ingenuity, you can actually style up the midi skirt in an exciting variety of ways!

3. The Pencil Skirt

Should you ever need to go to a formal meeting, this skirt would be your lifesaver. Of course, pencil skirts don’t necessarily equal boring. All you really need is a bit of creativity.

And if you style it right, you can even turn it into a casual day-to-day outfit, or something more party-appropriate!

4. The Slit Skirt

When it comes to fancy dinners or formal occasions, a large majority of us generally pull out our prettiest dresses and work the room. However, a slit skirt adds a bit more depth to your ensemble. If styled properly, the slit skirt can actually pass off as a really cool twist to your formal wear. And let’s face it, nothing teases the crowd better than that small sliver of leg every now and then.

Of course, slit skirts aren’t just made for formal occasions. Sometimes, you can even make them street chic-worthy.

5. The Mini Pencil Skirt

Like the Basic Skater Skirt, the mini pencil skirt is actually a bit of a staple wardrobe item. Not only do they go with just about anything, they add a touch of sexy to your outfit – even more so than the skater skirt, which pretty much leans towards the girly girl thing.

Sure, they’re pretty much like the long pencil skirt, but they’re less work-appropriate, more casual and party-worthy. Trust me, you’ll need this for your days off.

Bonus:
The Skort

Okay. This is a bit of a cheat, but skorts are a blessing. It’s like having both the mobility and comfort of shorts, while retaining the feminine look with great ease. They’re actually one of my favourite go-to fashion pieces at the moment!

8 Tricks to Hide the Tummy Bulge

So, Chinese New Year is right around the corner. And we all know what that means.

No. It's not all about the angpau-s. Or losing money after gambling with your cousin and your cousin's cousin's second cousin twice removed.

One of the major woes I've found in most women I know whenever it comes to CNY, is that bloody tummy bulge you always get after eating too many CNY cookies, or whatever your relatives stuff you with after exclaiming "YOU'RE SO SKINNY! EAT MORE!"

Then you go home and have a good look in the mirror and shriek at your husband/boyfriend/brother/sister/close relative/mother/father/whoever is near you saying "OH GOD I LOOK SO FAT!"

While I don't have a magical wand that I can wave to make the fats go away, neither do I know of any miracle weight loss programs, I do have a few tricks for you to hide the bulge... Besides sucking it in.

1. Empire Waist Tops

stylehive.com

This is one of the easiest ways to hide that tiny belly. Empire waist anything fits neatly at your bust, then drapes softly all the way down without clinging to your body. Perfect for hiding the bulge after being stuffed with one cookie too many!

While we're on the subject of tops, a V-neck or open neck top/dress creates the perfect distraction from the midsection, directing the eye towards the face. They also help create the illusion of being taller and slimmer. Steer clear of tight-fitting and/or cropped tops. You are trying to hide the belly. Not show it off to the rest of the world.

2. A-Line Skirts

elbowsandkneesblog.com

Here's another sure-fire way to flatten your stomach in an instant. An A-line skirt, long or short, flows easily over your midsection, giving the illusion of a flat stomach. Plus, they're wonderfully versatile. I'd suggest you get one with an elastic waistband if you're planning to pig out on the day itself.

3. Wrap dresses

lookbook.nu/look/2604241-Wrapped-Up

THANK YOU Diane Von Furstenberg for putting the wrap dress back on the fashion map back in 1973. Up to this day, these dresses have remained immensely popular (check, Kate Middleton's engagement dress). If there's any dress that will flatter your round stomach, it's this one. 

Pick a dress that touches or reaches slightly above your knee. For petite girls, a shorter skirt will make your legs look longer.

4. Vertical patterns and stripes

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Vertical stripes, or clothes with vertical patterns tend to give a long and leaner look. Plus, a busier pattern gives the illusion of a flatter stomach.

Here's a tip: the narrower the stripes are, the thinner you'll look. Avoid patterns that are too big or too loud. Smaller patterns help "shrink" your body a whole lot more. Try not to wear anything in a diagonal pattern. These clothes will make you look shorter, wider and place a bigger emphasis on your little belly. 

5. Ruched Clothes

catwalkqueen.tv

Clothes that are ruched have gathered areas of material that makes you look more "pulled in". I would also recommend tops or dresses made out of flowy and soft material. Scalloped hemlines are a huge help too.

6. Peplums

ricketyrack.com

Peplums. These things seem to be getting quite prominent in the fashion scene in Malaysia. And while I'm still pretty much on the fence about them, I have to admit that they do conceal unwanted areas very well, while giving your figure a nicer silhouette.

7. Fitted blazers

lookbook.nu

The general reaction that most women have once they start to show a bit of weight is to reach for their baggiest, most oversized clothes in order to conceal it all. Now, why would you want to hide your beautiful womanly curves? Flaunt it, sister! In fact, clothes that are too big on you, tend to make you look bigger than you really are.

So pick something that fits. Like a good fitted blazer. Perfect for the office, or just too look a bit more dressed up. Find one that nips right at the waist, and choose a fabric with a bit of a stretch so that it enhances your curves while hiding the belly. They'll never know the difference. 

8. Good lingerie. 

tpflblog.blogspot.com

Did you know that a good pair of lingerie is actually more useful than a good outfit? Other than to make you feel more confident on the inside, and seduce your man in bed, these things can help shape and sculpt your body to near perfection. Believe it or not, a good pair of underwear can give you more cleavage, more curves, and even hide your tummy.

Here's where shapewear comes in. This is an amazing way to disguise your extra flab and create a gorgeous silhouette. You'll look a whole size smaller. With these babies, you'll be able to run around in your tightest mini dresses and not worry about anything spilling out. Just make sure you get the right size. You'll want to feel comfortable. 

So, there you go. 8 tricks to hide the tummy bulge. I really hope this helps. But ladies, please remember, no matter what you wear, it's more important to feel confident on the inside. You're beautiful no matter what they tell you.

Till next time.

xoxo, darlings!