Riches to Rags

Helter Skelter

richrags — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 07:52:35 +0000

With the oversized sunglasses trend lasting many a summer season in the mainstream, there’s bound to be more than a few retro lovers looking for a new influence. Thankfully there are some options from more inventive designer brands available.

These Helter Skelter Sunglasses by Karen Walker are an ideal choice, retaining an unmistakeable sixties look in a decidedly different way. The smaller, rounded frames have an almost beatnik style, with a tortoiseshell design on the frames to retain that classic appeal.

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Chanel’s Autumn/Winter 2010/2011 sneak peak!

richrags — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 07:43:47 +0000

This season, Karl Lagerfeld has opted for a more grungy approach to Chanel’s new line. Chanel’s elegant designs have been shot against the backdrop of the gritty streets of New York’s Soho and the Lower East side. Stay tuned for more photos.

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Should NZ ban super-skinny models from the catwalk?

richrags — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 07:34:26 +0000

After Aussie’s announcement that super-skinny models will be banned from the catwalk as part of a new code of conduct, naturally the pressure is on for New Zealand to follow in its footsteps.

New Zealand’s Minister of Youth Affairs Paula Bennett has said she will look into the issue of stick-thin models having a negative effect on young people.

Personally, I like Paula Bennett. She has a no-bullshit approach and she’s realistic. She gets things done and doesn’t worry about trampling over people to get things done. So I hope she takes this issue and follows Aussie.

Skinny models are sickening. Who really wants to see those gaunt faces and ribs showing through skin? I have made posts about it before. There’s been a lot of controversy around the world about this issue, and has been especially highlighted at fashion weeks. I fully support curvy models. We need to get real women with hips and bums and boobs on those catwalks.

What’s your opinion? Leave a comment to have your say.

Aussie bans super-skinny models

richrags — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 07:20:37 +0000

From the New Zealand Herald:

Australia has moved to ban ultra-skinny models from catwalks and magazines under a new code of conduct announced yesterday. Read more

Love, lust and Coco Chanel

richrags — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 07:16:21 +0000

New film Coco and Igor delves into the relationship between Coco Chanel and Igor Stravinsky; two of the worlds most influential figures.

Based on Chris Greenhalgh’s novel of the same name, Coco & Igor Stravinsky examines a love affair between the world’s most influential fashion designer Coco Chanel and Russian composer Igor Stravinsky.

The novel pursues the rumours that were awash in 1920 that this golden couple were having an affair. They were so close, how could they not have been?

No evidence has appeared to say that they did but this elegant film, starring Anna Mouglalis, is the story of what may have happened between them in the exciting and challenging arts world of Paris in the early 20th century.

Although I have not yet seen the film, I’ve heard good things and I hope it will mirror Coco Chanel’s elegance and genius as did Coco Avant Chanel.

Click here to view the trailer

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Fun with Naory

richrags — Tue, 25 May 2010 02:47:51 +0000

So I was watching Fashion TV this morning, and there was a thing about lingerie photo shoots. Photographer Bruce Smith was photographing models wearing Naory lingerie for their new advertising campaign. I was struck by the liveliness of the shots he produced. Most lingerie ad campaigns are the same – dim lights, seductive etc. But this particular one was different. There was so much colour and fun involved in the shoots – it was very cheeky but glamorous at the same time. And the lights weren’t so dim!

So click here to take a look at these fantastic photos!

Give your boobs a good home

richrags — Mon, 24 May 2010 05:02:10 +0000

So you just bought a new outfit and something just doesn’t look right. Or you’ve had a baby and you weren’t as big-breasted before as you are now. Or maybe things are just starting to feel a little bit uncomfortable. If this is the case, you are one of the 80% of women who aren’t wearing the correct bra size and you should probably get fitted.

But what is a bra fitting exactly? If you’ve never been for one before, your head is probably harbouring worrying myths about having to expose all or getting felt up by a sales assistant.

Well, girls, it is time to put these myths to rest.

First of all, why should we get fitted? Well, the breasts are like elastic that doesn’t bounce back. If you’re wearing a bra that is too loose, your breasts will move too much, the skin will stretch, and they won’t go back. On the other side of the scale, if you’re wearing a bra that is too tight, you can damage the fragile tissue in your breasts, and also make the prettiest of outfits look out of proportion.

And here’s another fun fact: did you know that if you don’t wear a bra while you run, your breasts bounce about 8cm?! Even if you do exercise wearing a bra, always wear a sports bra, as most normal bras are not made for strenuous activity.

So, what does a bra fitting involve? First, you approach a sales person and ask for a fitting – remember, they do this every day, so don’t be embarrassed to ask. If they are a qualified fitter, they will take you into the changing room (if they’re not, they will refer you to someone in the store who is). Then they will measure you around your back under your bust, and then around the biggest part of your bust. But, rest assured, you don’t have to expose all for this – you can keep your bra on, or even a light top to get the measurement because the measurement is not usually accurate anyway, it’s just a guide.

Then, they will either find a selection of bra’s they think would suit your shape and size, or let you choose what you want and get you to try them on until the fit is right.

You will be amazed at the difference when you’re wearing the right sized bra. Even if you’re one size off, wearing the right size can change the way you feel about yourself, boost your confidence, and even take some strain off you back if you’re big busted.

So please, take care of your most precious assets and give them a good home.

Grease is the word

richrags — Thu, 13 May 2010 05:33:08 +0000

Last night, I planned on blogging all night. Then I looked at the TV guide, and Grease was on. There goes my night. One of my favourite movies, the 1978 classic had some surprisingly great styles that I hadn’t noticed before, not having seen it in a few years. Also surprising was the fact that many of these styles have either been back in fashion or are currently back in fashion. Note the sweet dresses (the hemlines are of course shorter these days, but you get the picture), the polka dots, the sunglasses, and the high waists.

The hair, however, is a different story. Which I think is a shame, because they had some gorgeous feminine styles back then that could do with a come-back. The knife straight, multi-coloured, bleached heads of the 21st Century just don’t compare.

It was also great to relive John Travolta’s heyday (even though I wasn’t alive back in 1978, but I would totally have gone gaga over Danny Zuko if I was a 70s teenager – although I could go without the greasy hair) – kind of weird to see him in such roles as Edna in Hairspray these days… hmmm…

So here’s a blast from the past!

Shh… Secret Squirrel

richrags — Thu, 13 May 2010 05:01:27 +0000

There’s no denying it, Secret Squirrel’s new collection is enough to make any fashionable girl excited for those cold winter months ahead. The Australian clothing line now has boutique stores all over Australia and New Zealand, and continues to get better with each new collection.

This year’s winter collection “The White Album” features the ever-popular high-waisted skirts, sequins, stripe, tights and more scrumptious fabrics and designs.

I’m especially a fan of this delightful mix of pure and glam. Who would have thought a sequined jacket would go so well with a demure white dress?

Click here to take a look at Secret Squirrel

Fashion Calendar 2010

richrags — Thu, 13 May 2010 04:44:42 +0000

I have posted a fashion calendar on Riches to Rags, with the dates of all the fashion weeks I could find and other random events from around the world to keep you up to date with what’s going on! Enjoy:)

Click here for calendar