CMB HK Article - SCMP Glamour Guru 2011

Hot on the heels

If I wear a peep-toe shoe, do I have to paint my nails? ~ Fancy feet

Eve Roth Lindsay says:

When it comes to feet, there is really only one essential rule: keep them well-maintained and filed. While coloured polish is not completely necessary for wearing peep-toes, a good pedicure and nice-looking nails can go a long way to completing your look and not allowing your feet to let you down. If you do opt for coloured polish, the most desirable tints right now would be dark, vivid and glossy paints. Just be sure the shade you pick does not clash with your outfit and least of all your shoes.

Stop Wobbling

I want to get a pair of ankle boots, but I can’t find any that don’t have ridiculously high heels. Why are the heels so high these days? ~ Walking Tall

Eve Roth Lindsay says:

You’re right; the heel does seem to be getting higher and more impractical. There are definitely some great options that cater for every outfit, though. Zara has a very on-trend range of tan leather ankle boots that, teamed with skinny jeans or leggings, make the perfect casual outfit that will survive the rain. For more understated boots to blend in with trousers or a jacket, try the black leather and suede combination for a fashionable approach to autumn weather. Buckles are also an easy way to add flair to your boots without risking teetering heels. Pick up a copy of People StyleWatch. It has the most amazing collection of boots in every style and price.

What are the latest trends this autumn? And how can I incorporate leopard print in my everyday look without looking to trashy? ~ Exotic touch

Eve Roth Lindsay says:

Prints and patterns are the trend to follow this autumn, so you’re in luck if you’re looking to experiment with leopard print. As with any print pieces, it is crucial not to let them dominate your outfit. Use the print as the accent feature of an outfit in the same way you would a bold or bright colour. Team a leopard print blouse with a blank or brown pencil skirt, or wear that little black dress with a trendy print scarf for evening wear. Mustard and rust-coloured hues are in, so your leopard print-craving will also tick the colour box this season.

Does pulling my hair back make my face shape look thinner? ~ Facelifter

Eve Roth Lindsay says:

If you want to make your face look thinner, there are many hairstyles you can try, but pulling your hair back is not the best one. The most important thing is to see what shape your face is. Are you oval like an egg, round as a ball, square like a cube or heart-shaped? The “ideal” face shape is an oval, where your jaw and chin are small than your cheeks. If you have a round face, you want to create the illusion of an oval face. Wear your hair longer with a centre or side part, and let your hair hang over your cheeks to give the appearance of a slimmer face. Avoid a thick fringe, but if you have a soft fringe, you can actually pull your hair back.

How can I change up my style to look more grown-up without looking like I stepped out of Good Housekeeping? ~ Lady-in-waiting

Eve Roth Lindsay says:

The easiest way to learn how to dress a bit more grown up is to look at the magazines – but make sure you’re looking at the right magazines. Keep away from magazines geared towards older women, and check out In Style, Marie Claire, Elle, Glamour, Vogue and Harpers Bazaar. Also have a look at Hong Kong magazine Jessica to see what’s in stock in Hong Kong. Have a look at the more grown-up stores, such as Club Monaco, to get an idea of what the styles are for the season. Try colour blocking, coloured jeans and lace, but wear only one trend at a time. You’ll be looking a bit more grown up in no time!

I always feel as if I am”over-accessorising”. Is there a rule that if you’re wearing earrings, you can wear a bracelet but skip the necklace, or anything like that? ~ Maximalist

Eve Roth Lindsay says:

Over-accessorizing is a big no-no; but what might be too much for one person might be just right for another. Accessories can make or break an outfit. When it comes to accessories, the rule is to count to five before you head out the door. You need at least five points of interest, but you want to make sure that only one is the highlight of the outfit. So, if you are going to wear a killer necklace, tone down the earrings, bracelet, ring, belt, shoes, scarf and bag. Have a good look in the mirror and make sure the important accessory is the one getting all the attention, and isn’t competing with the others. Then you can accessorize to your heart’s content and not overdo it.

How can I mix prints without looking like an escapee from Cirque Du Soleil? ~ Mixologist

Eve Roth Lindsay says:

I love that image! I know what you mean, though, there is a real art to mixing prints. You probably have lots of prints in your wardrobe already, but the trick is knowing how to combine them. Start off with something simple like stripes, mixing a thick stripe with a thin stripe. Next add a check. If it’s too much try mixing a couple of different checks together instead. Once you’ve managed that, you are ready for something more complicated like two vastly different prints. Go for a soft print and a bright print or a soft print and a bold stripe. Stripes look amazing when mixed with a floral print: try a floral romper with a striped cardigan, for example. Add a patterned bag, shoe or scarf and you’ll be mixing like a pro.

Super sunnies

What shape sunglasses suite a small, round face? The popular oversized variety just doesn’t work on me. ~ In the shade

Eve Roth Lindsay:

You are absolutely right: you don’t want to make a spectacle of yourself with those big shades. A small, round face looks best in sunglasses that blend into and aren’t too obvious. This will make your face look longer, which will also make it look slimmer. Look for a smaller-lensed, rimless pair in a gentle oval or softened rectangle shape. Choose a colour that doesn’t contrast too much with your skin tone – you want to avoid those well-loved black sunglasses at all costs! Tanned skin particularly looks great in nude colours or tortoiseshell-look frames, which also happen to be really hot right now.

How do I develop a unique personal style? ~ Style searcher

Eve Roth Lindsay says:

Everyone has their own personal style and there is a trick to bringing it out. When you think about certain celebrities, they all create their own style by repeating a look they like. To find your style, start off by picking a style icon. Then have a look through the latest fashion magazines. What appeals to you? Young celebs these days aren’t afraid to try different looks, so there will be looks you like and looks you hate. Tear out the ones you like and start a scrap book. Put your style icon in the front of your scrapbook and use it as a guide. Then have a look in your wardrobe to see if you have what you need. If not, go out and get the missing items. If you like someone’s style, then don’t be afraid to copy it. Just look at how many people copy Audrey Hepburn!

Keeping it clean

Every once in a while, I like to show off a little skin, as I’ve been working out. But where’s the line between sexy and trashy? ~ Toned and proud

Eve Roth Lindsay says:

First of all, congratulations! If you’ve been working hard, you deserve to show off a little. But you’re right, there is definitely a line, and showing too much of your body – unless you’re at the beach – isn’t cool. The difference between sexy and trashy is how much skin you show, and where. Choose one, high or low … not both. If a top is somewhat low-cut, don’t wear a super short skirt. It’s much sexier to leave a little to the imagination. Don’t wear anything too tight – keeping things skin-skimming rather than suffocating keeps you the right side of trashy. Also, keep in mind where you are going and dress for the occasion. What’s sexy at your friend’s 17th birthday party will be trashy at lunch with your grandparents.

Neon is hot this year; can I pull off a head-to-toe neon outfit (i.e. neon top and bottoms) and not look like a clown for a tight ‘n’ bright brash? ~ Bright is right

Eve Roth Lindsay says:

Neon is wild right now, and if you’re going to a costume party, go all out: you really can’t wear neon top to toe and not look like you should be at a fancy dress party! Add some cool highlighter-pen-coloured accessories: a pair of jelly ballet shoes or a jelly bag, Headbands, bags, bangles and earrings in neon will finish off your outfit. If you want to wear neon after the party, break it up with another colour; choose white, rather than black, to keep it fresh and current.

Dark Knees

I don’t wear shorts or skirts because I have dark knees. How do I lighten their colour so they are the same as the rest of my legs? Please suggest some cheap remedies. ~ Kneedy

Eve Roth Lindsay says:

Ooh, this is a tough one to answer, because some people hate it and some love it. I love it when a double is done right. Just keep in mind a few tricks to make it work. Contrast your colours and make either the top or the bottom a darker colour. Since darker colours are slimming, you will probably want to wear your darker colour on the bottom. Also, be careful you don’t look too masculine. Add a feminine touch so you don’t come out looking like a cowboy. Accessories can be lacy, floral or fruity, but avoid denim accessories when doing top-to-toe denim. It just takes a little creativity to get it right. Try a chambray shirt and a pair of jeggings for an easy, comfortable double-denim style.

Simple is

What is the best way to accessorise a tank top and shorts? ~ Basics babes

Eve Roth Lindsay says:

Since tanks and shorts are so simple you can really jazz them up with some fun accessories. You want to make a statement with hats, jewellery, trendy shoes and arm candy in florals and fruit. For example, go with the floral trend and add a corsage. You can put it in your hair, or wear one as a necklace with a ribbon. Carmen Miranda fruity accessories are also very big this season. Try fruity necklaces, banana earrings, plastic bangles or watermelon print bags. Top it all off with a trilby and a pair of geek chic specs.

Back in time

I’m totally in love with 1940s fashion – it’s elegant, classy and timeless. How can I incorporate elements of this decade into my everyday style? ~ Retro queen

Eve Roth Lindsay says:

You’re in luck, because many fashion trends from the 40s are back in style. Do a bit of research so you can see how people dressed. Look at some of the big designers from the time: Madeleine Vionnet, Dior and Chanel. The styles were very flattering for women, with classic hourglass silhouettes that emphasised the waist, shoulders and hips. The two piece skirt suit was very popular, and skirts were a bit A=line rather than pencil shaped. Blazers were nipped in at the waist with shoulder pads to create square shoulders. Zara sells cute 40s-style blazers; add wooden wedges to complete your look. Wear the compulsory bright red lipstick and elegant waves in your hair, and you’ll be good to go.

I’ve warped into a whirl of monochrome. With a wardrobe of blacks, whites and greys, navy seems to be the only possible pop of excitement without leaving my comfort zone. How do I incorporate colour without looking eight years old? ~ Monochromed-out

Eve Roth Lindsay says:

colour is a great way to add something new to your style; but you don’t have to be dressed from head to toe in neon. Try pairing pastel jeans with your neutrals, for example. Colourful accessories can also lend your appearance welcome dashes of colour. A brightly coloured scarf can make your blacks, whites and greys pop. Remember to keep flattering colours near your face: lipstick, necklaces and earrings will not only add colour but make you look – and feel – good.