All articles tagged 'advice'

“I was just wondering if you would by any chance consider writing an article about people copying you/how you would deal with that? I have a friend who’s recently started copying my music tastes, saying my favourite movies are her favourite movies and the way I speak (stupid little things like saying ‘spiffy’ a lot which I do), and the way I dress to some extent. I know I should just ignore it but it’s really irritating me that she’s basically appropriating my identity. I don’t really know what to do, and I’d feel terribly awkward confronting her about it. Maybe you could please give me some advice?”

Raw Coaching With Karen Knowler

An MP3 of my raw coaching call with Karen Knowler — which totally blew my socks off!

Taking The High Road

“So I made the mistake of falling for my best friend. Which usually can be quite the beautiful thing but in this case, we drove each other mad to the point where I was slamming doors in his face and he was screaming out my window à la Streetcar Named Desire. And then some.”

Problem Skin

“My skin has really been getting me down lately – I’m 15 and it was perfect before getting spots a few years ago. Now, it’s a disaster. I’ve got enlarged pores, under-skin spots (that never surface and don’t hurt), an un-even skin tone and very minor acne marks/scars. How can I get my perfect skin back? Has it been ruined? I use M·A·C Studio Fix, but on my problem skin it just looks caked on and obvious so I don’t wear it too often… I cleanse, tone and moisturise with Simple products and exfoliate once a week. My diet isn’t bad at all either – I eat quite a lot of fruit and veg and hardly any sugar but I still break out. One thing I can think of is I do smoke… Could this cause such a problem with my skin? If so – I’m quitting starting today!”

Themed Outfits For Intellectuals

I recently had a girl write to me, saying that she was sick of wearing jeans to university every day, & could I please come up with some potential outfits for her to wear? When she added, “Maybe they could be themed according to what people were studying”, a light-bulb went off in my head & I thought, YES! Yes! I WILL do that for you! It’s too great a concept not to.

How To Make Friends

How do you make (& keep) friends?

What To Wear To A Job Interview

“I was turned down for a job yesterday, to my face the woman said “I would not possibly think of hiring you, you do not have the correct presentation for my office, you should really invest in a suit if you want to make it into the corporate world”. I wore a white shirt and black pants, I did not wear the suit jacket solely because I caught the train and it was 30 degrees. My Mum thought I looked good (that’s not very reliable though) and I loved the shoes and earrings I wore so I even did a daily outfit photo but then I was shot down by this woman.”

The New New Romantics

Audrey helps boys plan dates.

iCiNG Podcast Featuring Simon!

Simon (my boyfriend) & I made a podcast in response to a nonpareil’s question.

Coming Out To Homophobes

“I’m bisexual, have had past secret relationships with females and I haven’t told anyone except my boyfriend, who I know is one of the most open minded people out there. Do you know how I could tell my parents, friends and other people I know? My parents make fun of gay/bi/lesbian people. My friends stopped hanging out with one of our close friends because she told them she is a lesbian and another one because she is bi. How could you just stop hanging out with one of your friends after they told you probably one of their most in depth secrets? Also, my school isn’t exactly the most friendly towards the openly gay people or even those who “look” gay. So can you help me figure a way to come ermm – halfway out of the closet – with these people without making them spaz out and shun me?”

How To Make A T-Shirt More Interesting

What do you like to wear with your favourite t-shirt? How do you make it look stylish?

A Passionless Marriage

What can you do when your husband doesn’t do it for you any more?

Argyle S.O.S.!

What to wear with argyle? I have lots of ideas!

EFT Tips & Tricks

I have had quite a few questions about EFT recently so I thought I’d address a bunch of them in one go.

Rock The Prom!

For most people, the prom is still a little way off — & yet at the moment, it’s the hottest issue in my inbox! Girls around the globe are fuh-reakin’ out, lost in a sea of dresses, stumped by what to wear & how to look different, original & cute without spending a fortune or imitating someone else.

The Ultimate Crush Decoder Ring!

I get emails all the time from people who are in the grips of a major crush. The kind of crush that lives up to its name — the sort that squeezes your insides, makes you hyperventilate & always makes you feel like you’re not being very impressive at all. I realised I hadn’t written an article on how to stop a crush from becoming a crash, or how to salvage the wreckage if it does, & with Valentine’s Day coming up, it seemed appropriate! So, here it is — your crush decoder!

Dealing With Suicide

How to cope when you lose someone close.

Stylish Wedding Attire For Men

“Help! I’ve been invited to a wedding and I have no idea what to wear!”

Jobs (& Hints) For Creative Souls

“Suggestions for job hunting, or really any way to make money that isn’t completely depressing to the creative heart would be so great!”

How To Be A Writer

“My dream and the only thing I’ve ever really been in interested in is being a writer. Many many people have tried to discourage me from doing this, but it’s my passion! I was wondering if you had any advice?”

Athletic Aesthetics

Prospective outfits for a fitness instructor who needs to go from classes to clients!

Rumours

“I’m having trouble with some stories that I’ve heard about myself that aren’t true. I was just wondering if you could perhaps give some advice on handling having a rumour being spread about you with poise? Because I am dreading school.”

Putting On The Ritz

How to dress up, for men!

Cheating & Trust

“Can you ever go back after he has cheated on you?”

Fetish Wear

“I was wondering if you would write an article on fetish dressing. I always find fetish dressing comes off looking extremely tacky and “goth” looking which of course is not the way I want to look. I’d like to be able to incorporate items such as platform “hooker heels”, bondage corsets, pvc, etc. into a more neutral or even girly wardrobe.”

Christmas Cheer!

“It’s Christmas time as you know. Usually one of my favourite times, but this year, I’m not excited. Nothing is exciting me. I find it terribly upsetting but nothing is triggering those wonderful memories. All I can think about is the bad from last year, the things I don’t want to do this season. Needless to say sugarplums are not dancing in my head. I’ve drunk eggnog, hot cocoa, eaten candy canes… Still I find myself rather Grinch-ish. Are there any thoughts or ideas you could give me to brighten my cheer?”

Tomboy Boot Camp

“I was a tomboy as a child, then as a teenager I had an ubercasual, slightly androgynous style (jeans/tees/trainers). But now I’m rapidly approaching 20 and desperate to look and feel feminine and sophisticated. I tried to throw myself in at the deep end by buying a couple of pretty skirts, but I feel overdressed and awkward so I’ve never actually worn them outside my flat. How can I ease myself gradually into this girly stuff (without feeling like a drag queen)? And how can I look feminine and still be casual for uni?”

Eye Make-Up Questions!

“Currently, I use a black pencil eyeliner on my bottom lash, and use mascara. I’d like to create a smoky effect but I don’t want to buy heaps. Is there some sort of special brush I can use to smudge it in?”

My Boyfriend Doesn't Want Me To Get Tattoos!

“I desperately want to get a large tattoo on each of my arms, not quite as big as yours. The designs are beautiful, made up of things that are really important in my life, like symbols of my family, freedom and creativity. The only trouble is that my boyfriend utterly despises tattoos and has said himself he would find me less attractive if I had them done. He’s never ever said anything like that before and I don’t know what to do. Did people try to talk you out of getting inked?”

Totalitarian Daddy

“After reading your article on negative people, I have realized how many negative people I actually have in my life. So, as part of striving to be my own person and expunge myself from these beings, it’s come to my attention that the main negative people that are in my life are my parents, or more specifically, my father. As I’m still 18 and living at home, are there any suggestions you have as to how to deal with his mind-numbing totalitarian ruling and break out from the impact he is having on my life?”

Life After School

“I was wondering, for us younger readers, how is life after high school? Is college easier, harder, less, or more work? What about after that? Do your goals change? What about your personality? Are you able to go through a “self-discovery” period or do you just get thrown into life right away? As a young adult, what are your thoughts about all this? How was high school different for you?”

Unrequited Love

Unrequited love takes a lot of forms. Maybe you’re secretly in love with your best friend but don’t know how to tell them — & loathe having to grin & bear it while they tell you about their latest crush.

I Love My Boyfriend, But...

Stop expecting your lover to be someone they’re not. They are who they are. No one will ever change just because you want them to.

Motivation

“I have a question regarding motivation. You work from home with no one to appease except your fans. How do you find the motivation to continue writing daily? I am student and although I love my field of study, I sometimes think it would be easy to just watch television all day! I want to have the motivation that you obviously have. Please help if you can!”

Help A Nonpareil Contest!

Answer a tricky question & win!

Workplace Friendships

“I currently work at a University office, and just started a month ago. There are three girls here around my age, who are friends. I would like to start conversations with them, and I can tell they are nice because we all greet each other daily. I don’t know what to say, but I do see them surfing the same clothing websites I visit, so that could be a topic starter. Any advice?”

Living Together

“I was wondering if you have any advice on moving in with your boyfriend/partner. It seems like a massive step and I’m a bit unsure, we have only been dating for 1 and a half years.”

Decorating A Room

I think bedrooms say a lot about their owner. If you don’t believe me, think about your own room (or even cast a glance around it). Is it dark & messy? Do you ever make your bed? Do you keep the blinds open at all times?

Dressing For Music Festivals

“With music festival season almost upon us I was wondering if you had any ideas/advice about what to wear to Big Day Out type events? Almost everyone seems wears shorts and t-shirts and it’s so boring!”

Is My Boyfriend Cheating On Me?

“I am wondering if you can give some advice. I’ve been dating this guy for about 2 and a half months. Everything is great but he claims that every Saturday night he goes to his family’s house and stays until Sunday evening. I want to give him the benefit of the doubt but his family does live 60 miles away. Could he possibly be with someone else there in his home town?”

Changing Your Name

“A while ago I decided to go by my middle name instead of my first name just because I like it a lot better and I think it fits. Now I know that Gala Darling is probably not your birth name ;) and I was wondering how you managed to go through with the name change. I’m moving to France in a few weeks and of course I am going to introduce myself to everyone with my middle name but back home it probably won’t be as easy. I’m really shy so I don’t know if I can just tell everyone “Oh, by the way, that’s not my name anymore!” How did you do it? & does your family call you Gala? I don’t think my family could ever get used to it!!”

How To Make Your CV Impressive

Exactly what it says! Here are my tips on doing up your CV.

A Doctor's Dilemma

“I am writing because I’d like to make a change in my life. I currently work full time to put myself through night school. I’m going to be a physician… in many, many, many years. I feel like my life is surrounded by things for the future and nothing for ‘now’. I work at a doctor’s office (which I enjoy), but I was thinking about doing something that may not be totally conducive for my future but would give me a sense of control that I desperately need. I want to (are you ready?) go to esthetician school. It will take about six months and leave me 5K-8K in debt. I think I’ll be able to work and still attend night school once I’ve graduated. I just want something in my life that I feel is mine, NOW, fully. I’m always working for tomorrow & I’ve forgotten to live for today. I’ve become very reclusive and have developed severe anxiety. I need something. I’m taking fiddle lessons, but I feel like I need more. I’m only 23 and I feel like I’ve wasted so much of my life. That’s crazy right? I mean, I’m young and can make my life anything…right? No rules? No specific paths I need to follow? I dunno.”

Dressing With The Essence Of Fairytales

“I was wondering if you could help me out. I really want to redefine my style so that I can dress ‘with the essence of fairytales’, but I don’t really know where to start. I sort of have a vague idea, but if you have any suggestions that would be great.”

Sexual Abuse

A girl wrote in asking how to deal with her sexual abuse, & I offered some suggestions.

Camping In Style

Recently, a very sweet girl told me she was on her way to a school camp & didn’t know what to wear. She said that while her mother always tells her to take practical clothes, she often felt shown-up by the other girls, who were immaculately groomed — even after canoeing! Ahh, the joy of school. But it did prompt me to think that surely there was a way to camp in style. It can’t be all mosquito spray & burned marshmallows, can it?

How Can I Make My Travelling Dreams A Reality?

“For the past year I’ve had my heart set on going to the UK and travelling for a few months, and I was meant to be saving up all year, but so far I haven’t got one cent to my name, it’s so depressing! I want this to happen so bad, and yet I feel like it is so unattainable, how can I realise my dream?”

Going Crazy

Focus on the good things in your life. Write a list every morning of the things for which you are grateful. Even if it is just that you have a roof over your head, that the sky is blue, that your partner loves you.

Virginity

Should a girl give her boyfriend her virginity for his birthday?

How To Be Confident

Being ‘different’ is always harder than being ‘normal’ & fitting in, towing the line. There is always more effort involved. Any schmuck can wear jeans & comb their hair & be a lemming. It takes someone with guts & a bit of a twist to do something different.

Will My Boyfriend Cheat On Me?

“I have issues with my boyfriend’s history. He has had sex with nine other girls and hooked up with countless others… and while he has so far been faithful to me, I’m afraid that his past behavior will eventually take over. Is that legitimate? He says it hurts him when I say that, but I can’t help stop thinking about his tendencies and his flirtatious personality.”

Being The New Kid

“I’m 15 and I’ve lived in the same small rural town since 1st grade! My family’s moving a few hours away to be by my grandpa (he’s sick) and I’m going to be plopped into the middle of a big (to me haha) city high school that’s twice the size of my old one… I’m kind of nervous as I’ve never been a “new kid” before. So how do I make friends and deal with the first few days when I don’t know anyone and am sitting alone at the lunch table? I’m not sure how to deal with leaving all my friends behind.”

My Best Friend Is In Love & Ignores Me!

What to do when your friend is bitten by the love bug & disappears…

How To Start A Blog

Of all the questions I receive, number one MUST be “how do I start a blog?”. The other day I replied to four such emails, only to have another one come in overnight!

Nu Rave

How to dress “nu rave” without looking like a complete goober… !

Maintaining Your Individuality In A Relationship

How to remain your own person when you’re living with your lover.

How To Find A Boyfriend

“Well, my problem is that I’m still very young. I’m only fifteen, but there is only one thing on my mind — getting a boyfriend. It seems silly when I write it out, but everybody around me has so much experience in the boy department but I feel left out. I’ve never had a “real” boyfriend, only one or two little flings in middle school. I really just want somebody with whom I can share good times, and I’m just seeking some male attention. I don’t know what seems to be wrong me with me, but I can never get a guy! Do you have any suggestions?”

Carpe Diem!

How to really seize the moment!

Summer Fun In Your Backyard

“Hello, I have a little backyard that I’m just dying to make into the perfect place for picnics and parties during the summer, but I’m not quite sure what I want it to look like! I’m looking for small backyard inspiration, any suggestions would be wonderful! Furniture, lights, decor, etc etc.”

My Eye Makeup Makes Me Look Like A Clown!

“Recently, some of my relatives gave me an AMAZING make-up kit. It has great color selections, especially in the eye make-up department. At the young age of 13, I want to keep my make-up relatively subdued, but whenever I put on anything other than a sheer beige color, I can’t help but feel like a clown! You often wear bright, crazy eye make-up, and I was hoping that you had some tips for wearing them with confidence.”

I Don't Know What To Do With My Life!

“I just ended my four-month contract with a company that paid well and had good prospects just because it really bored me to death and now I feel like I should’ve tried harder to make things work.”

The Fashionable Jew

“I have to abide by some rather strict religious rules with regard to dress – not just at school, everywhere. (The rules: no pants, nothing tight or revealing, shirts up to the collar bone and past the elbows, absolutely no exposed midriff, skirts past the knee, no visible underwear, nothing transparent or too sexy in general.) I was wondering if you could help me get out of my rut, or if I should just resort to wearing a burka.”

Dealing With Online Nastiness

“I remember when someone wrote a nasty comment about you, and you handled it so well! Could you dish out some advice on how to handle online nastiness… like outright rudeness, public bitching and people who seem to have nothing better to do with their time than insult you and make you angry? I’ve been dealing with a fair bit of this lately and would LOVE it if you wrote an article about it!”

Vegas, Baby, Vegas!

“Hi Gala,

Ever been to Las Vegas? I have just been told by my work that they’re going to be sending me there for a conference in September (lucky me!). I figure I’ll take a couple of days of annual leave to take a look around and shop (as I’d have to pay for my own accommodation/food for those couple of days and the short notice doesn’t leave much saving time, I won’t be able to make it longer). Any tips on must-dos, best places to shop (particularly those with most bang for your buck) and on good, relatively cheap, places to stay?”

A Basic Shoe Collection

“I’m currently in the process of trying to expand my shoe collection (on a budget) – but since I can’t afford my every whim (just-graduating-ex-university-student) I’m looking for a a well-rounded shoe collection. Sneakers, heels, flats, boots, sandals, etc… & I was curious to know what you think the ‘basic’ shoes are to have in your closet, before you start fleshing each type out? I know trends change but I mean those timeless basic shoes a girl can fall back on when her partner’s grandma drops by unexpectedly to take them out to dinner… (happened last night, I swear!)”

Non-Monotonous Summer Dressing

“This is inspired by your post on winter dressing… and your post on T-shirts seems to have anticipated my question, so hopefully you will feel up to tackling my problem, or at least giving me a few links in the right direction. Unlike you lucky people who are moving into winter (my favorite season – seriously!) I am living in Tokyo and things are getting hot and humid very fast. Apart from simply wearing less, do you have any suggestions for dressing for summer? Somehow I am hoping that I can layer things, even though it will probably just make me unbearably hot. I just feel that having a top – say a t-shirt – and a bottom – say a pair of cotton trousers – gets monotonous. Advice? Yoroshiku ne!”

Increasing Your Thrifting Luck

iCiNG geniuses share their hints for getting the most out of the thrift-shopping experience.

Gala's Kissing Boot-Camp

I’m quite small so I like to crawl into people’s laps & sit opposite them. This way they are TRAPPED & can’t escape until my lips are satisfied! I am sneaky like that.

"Business Casual"

If you don’t want to fake it — & I don’t blame you — dress like yourself, but imagine your mother is there while you’re choosing your outfit. Run her voice through your head. “Those shoes are completely impractical!” “I think that skirt is a bit short.” “Oh, you just CANNOT wear that.” (If your mother is awesome, like mine, pretend one of the women on Coronation Street is your ma instead.)

How To Be Genuine With People You Dislike

This may involve saying something like, “I don’t know that that’s necessary” or simply, “let’s not kid ourselves, I would rather eat a razorblade sandwich than continue this façade any longer!”

Making Short Hair More Interesting

“I had my hair cut short for the first time a few months ago, and I love it. Not having to worry about bad hair days is marvellous. But I’m getting bored with it looking the same all the time! Since you’ve got short hair, too, I wondered if you’ve got any tips for making it look more interesting?”

Disguising A Chubby Body Part!

“One quick question that might prompt another article for us guys who read you. Have you any tips on disguising or hiding a big tummy? I have more weight than I really need, but it is mostly concentrated on my belly – how can I make sure I look my best (while I try to lose some weight at the same time)?”

41 Years Old & An XXXL -- What Should I Wear?

“If 40 is the new 30, and I’m a 41 yo 3XL girl, what should I be wearing?”

What To Do With Candles In Glass Jars?

“What do you do with the pretty glass holders the candles come in, once the candles are spent? Do you throw them away, or save them? Since the design on the glass was half the appeal, it seems like it would be a waste to throw it away. Do you think it would be tacky to save it?”

Small Questions

I tackle thick ankles, long-lasting lipstick & how to make freckles look even.

How To Rock A Wig

“Oh my gosh, will you please write an article on how to wear a wig! I’ve tried cheap ones on at novelty shops before, but they just look like a Halloween costume on me. But your looks just wonderful, like I actually thought you dyed your hair for a minute. It doesn’t have to look completely natural, but I would love to know how you pulled that off without making it look like it was just a silly costume. Also, what did you do with your hair underneath it?”

Homesickness

“As one who travels and lives far from home, I thought you might have some advice about my situation. I am about to go away to a college which is a 9 to 10 hour drive from home. Although I am not the type to be homesick, I find that I’m uneasy about the concept of only coming home for major holidays. Obviously, you are used to living quite far from home, and I was wondering if you had any thoughts on the whole thing.”

A Very Short Guide To Shopping in Wellington

“Ms Darling, Next weekend I am off to Wellington for the first time ever. As well as joining you for afternoon tea, I plan on celebrating my trip with a pair of far-too-expensive jeans (and possibly a fantastic new coat). I know nothing about the stores in Wellington however. What are some shops you would recommend for a girl after her designer-fix?”

Super-dry Skin

“This may sound strange, but I love your skin! It’s really hard to pull off fair skin unless it’s absolutely flawless like yours, which sucks for us pale chicks. I have about the same skintone as you, but I have two major problems…”

Styling Without Ironing

“Hi Gala, I was wondering whether you could include some tips on professional styling when attempting to avoid clothes that need ironing. I don’t hate ironing, but am intrinsically lazy and simply never get around to it. Thus, a lot of my work clothes are either waiting to be ironed or don’t require ironing but are really humdrum and lead to the fashion doldrums. Help please!”

Gala's Guide To Melbourne

Melbourne can be a difficult city for visitors. While the main streets are obvious to everyone, they’re not where the really interesting things are. Melbourne requires a bit of effort — think of it as a treasure hunt. Go into weird alleyways, peer into arcades, allow yourself time to wander through & really experience the place.

I'm So Jealous!

“I really think you should do an article on dealing with jealousy. I just got hit really badly
today with jealousy since my friend got accepted to this school and I got rejected from mine, even though the ones I applied to are way harder to get into. I just feel like it is unfair since she has not-so-great grades and doesn’t try, while I put my all into everything I do and have straight A’s. It’s hard to explain. But the green-eyed-monster affects us all sometimes…”

Primp My Ride

“I have an article idea for you me dear. Pimp my ride Gala-stylezzz! Please? The Toyota Corona I got for my 30th is sooooooo lame and has no sass compared to my old Peugeot that gave up. Help me make my ease-ey pease-ey Japanese-ey car cool?”

Concealer Recommendations

“I need a new concealer. I don’t particularly want to spend heeeps of money on it but I want it to be a good one and to last a while (ie not a tube skinnier than my pinkie finger!). I like to use the creamier ones (as opposed to a concealer stick) I find these blend a lot easier. Do you have any suggestions?”

How To Deal With The End Of A Relationship

People deal with the end of relationships in various ways. Some people go the healthy route (lots of therapy, good food, exercise & meditation, for example) & some go the unhealthy way (say, lots of alcohol, sex with anyone who pays them a compliment, drugs to create artificial joy & an annoying facial tic).

Negative People

The supremely negative are obvious — they have a puckered-up mouth from years of scowling, they whine a lot, they complain, they are blind to anything good happening in the world, & they want to take you down with them. However, sometimes negative people are hard to spot, until you step back from the situation. They talk smack about everyone, including you, under the pretense of “being your friend” & “honesty”. “I’m only saying this because I care about you!” they protest, after sticking a carving knife in your back.

How To Wear A Scarf

“I bought a couple of scarves the other day and would love to know the best way to wear them! It sounds like a silly question as I know how to tie a scarf, but yours look fab and so effortless. One I bought is long, slim and silkish, black with skinny red double striped border. The other is a square (to be folded into a triangle) and cotton with a grey tiger print and tiger face on one corner – red trim. They would both give quite a different look. Any advice would be great!”

How To Settle Into A City (Part Two: Domestic)

This is part two of How To Settle Into A City. While it’s all very well & good to have a raging social life (or to get preoccupied trying to create one), this will mean very little if your home life is hell.

How To Settle Into A City (Part One: Social)

“I am moving to Auckland at the end of this year (with my boyfriend) so that I can attend university up there. How does one make friends? I’ve heard all the ‘take a class/join a club’ suggestions which I’m not suggesting aren’t valid, but I’ve taken many classes and haven’t really become great friends with any of the other attendees. I don’t want to come on too strong and seem desperate. Also I’m quite shy. Waaaah… Gala, how do I make friends in a foreign environment?!?!”

How To Rock A Beehive

“Hello, lovely! First off, thanks for being awesome! Love love love the site! Secondly, I have a question. Do you know of a tutorial or something on how to do your hair like a 60’s beehive? I don’t know if mine is long enough yet but I have decided to let it grow for the moment & I am DYING to do it in a beehive! I know you have short hair, but you are the only person I could think to ask something like this. Thanks!”

How Do I Choose An Eyeshadow Which Suits Me?

“My mother is not one of those women who wears a lot of make-up. The most she’ll ever wear is foundation and powder. Unfortunately for me, that means she can’t give me tips or tricks on choosing or applying make-up. How do you choose an eyeshadow and once you’ve found one, how do you go about wearing it? Sounds silly, but I’m desperate for help.”

Buying Gifts For Teenage Girls

“I am off to a young cousin’s birthday festivity this weekend with no clue of what to get her for her 14th birthday. She is an aspiring and adorable trendsetter, with stacks of Vogue and dress sketches around her young room. However, in the ever competitive world of high school it can be difficult to make a mark with your own fashion. What could I buy her that she would appreciate, adore and wear? I would like her to step away from the name brands and explore the endless world of personal fashion… but at such a young age how can I help?”

How To Pack A Suitcase

“More specifically, how do you decide ahead of time what to bring with you on a trip? I decide so spur of the moment that I often end up over-packing. How do you pack when you are unsure of occasions you might hit or moods you might be in?”

Engineer's Boots

“Where can I buy the best men’s engineers boots (sometimes known as biker boots, but I want round toe, non-harness straps: single strap only, flat-ish vibram soles). I would ideally like to know who is the old school company who make these… I want great design and manufacturers integrity, with mail-order-ability from the colonies.”

Learning How To Dress Up

“I’m completely sick of dressing down and jeans and such. I want to start wearing skirts and dresses and dress pants. I’d like to stick to black and red and white if possible. Any suggestions on where to start with completely re-vamping my wardrobe?”

How To Buy A Winter Coat

How To Wear Layers Without Looking Like A Crazy Bag Lady

This article is in response to the lovely S.‘s question, which was phrased something like, “how do I wear layers without looking mental?”.

Questions Answered With The Power Of Science!

Unfortunately, this is a problem where I was absolutely stumped for an answer. Haircare is a source of great confusion to me, but at the same time, I wanted to find you an answer!

Five Fashion Crimes & How To Avoid Them

I read a “letter to the editor” yesterday from some crotchetty old man saying that he was sick of being berated for wearing crocs & that they were the only thing comfortable enough for him to walk in. That’s fine if you’re ANCIENT but if you’re NOT then get some REAL SHOES!

Accessorising For Men

“I’ve got a boyfriend who’s not altogether a bad dresser – what he wears is what the majority of boys in my (very warm) country dress in: big tees/polo tees paired with jeans or berms, with Nike dunks, Adidas superstars or flip-flops. But I’d love to see him dress up just a little bit more, with a bit of accessorising maybe. What would you suggest? And how would you suggest integrating these items into his daily wardrobe?”

How To Beat Problem Skin Into Submission

“I was wondering if you had any advice or product recommendations for those of us with “problem” skin. I still get acne at the age of 27, and though I have been searching for years, I can’t seem to find anything to control it.”

Makeup Basics Part Two -- Makeup Application

This is part two of my three-part series on makeup basics.

Delicious Cocktails

This article was suggested to me by the inimitable Mary Bee, who I met in San Francisco (after many missed encounters at Burning Man) & then proceeded to sit with her in the sun & drink pomegranate cocktails.

How To Walk In High Heels

Wandering around the city on my lunch break today, I noticed that many girls seemed to be having quite a bit of difficulty walking in their high heels. Have you considered writing an article on how to walk in high heels gracefully &/or with the least amount of pain?

How To Age Gracefully

I recently had an email from a woman who is nearing 60 years old. She is in incredible shape (I should know, I saw the photos) & has great style but is caught in the trap of getting older & being unsure what to do about it.

Dressing For A Wedding

I just want to gloat about my stylish readers for a second. This is all very shrouded in secrecy — they didn’t want me to give out any details about them.

Shorts For Men

It’s summer and I want to wear shorts, but only feel stylish in pants. Is there any way around this dilemma?

Trends For 2007 and How To Avoid Looking Like A Fashion Victim

Of course with the dawn of a new year, there is a lot of babble about what’s going to be “in” this year. The thing is, even if you loathe trends & fashion dictates in general, you’re still going to see this stuff in stores. It may even replace the things you’re used to buying, meaning you are forced to incorporate this “trendy stuff” into your wardrobe. I thought I would write a piece on things you’re likely to see, & how to work them in without looking tragic.

Choosing Sunglasses That Suit You

Buying sunglasses can be a thrill or a trial. The most important part of buying sunglasses is knowing your face shape . Different frames suit different faces.

What Goes and What Clashes?

What clashes? What colours don’t go together? What can’t you wear with what? Stripes and polka dots? Stripes and more stripes? Mixing patterns?

Makeup Basics Part One -- Skincare

Being a guy I don’t usually wear makeup, but on occasion when going out I’ll throw some mascara on and maybe some nail polish. I like to be exuberant at times and was thinking of getting some eye shadow too. But in honesty I know next to nothing about the basics of makeup. Can you enlighten me?

How To Choose A Flattering Haircut

I recently received an email from my friend who is getting her hair cut tomorrow afternoon & wanted to know how to choose a good haircut.

How To Disguise A Stomach

The one problem I seem to have fashion wise is pies. I have eaten a few too many and now have a pie shaped tummy.

Casual Suit Jackets

I see alot of hipsters wearing suit jackets without the rest of the suit. Is this just wrong? Or are there certain conditions in which this can be pulled off?

The Definition Of Real Style (Or: How I Learned To Stop Worrying and Love iCiNG)

“Etiquette are for those without manners, in the same way as fashion is for those without style.” — Coco Chanel

Style Essentials and The Balancing Act

Here’s a very “hypothetical” question for you. How would you start
over if some tragedy befell your wardrobe and you were left with
formal gowns, lingerie, an old pair of jeans that stopped looking good
at least a year ago and a skirt that you’ve loved almost to death?

Gala Darling