All articles tagged 'madame'

Really… how hairy are you?! Take this quiz & find out your optimal hair removal method!

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.

Cute Coats (& How To Wear Them)

So, you’ve read How To Buy A Winter Coat. Now you just need to decide what you want! Here are some of my top picks & a few tips on how to wear them.

Fafi For MAC Cosmetics -- Reviews

On Monday, I received a FedEx package that made me yelp with excitement. It was a box from a PR company in New York. It said “MAC Cosmetics” on the outside. I thought, “Pffft, it couldn’t be. I bet someone wrote that just to get my attention!” But when I ripped it open in the elevator & looked inside, my heart started pounding. My hands trembled. I think I perspired a little bit. I ran down the corridor at full speed & started hollering excitedly at my boyfriend. Yes, I am a true MAC addict — these are the signs. It can get ugly!

Neogoth

So, what’s neogoth about, anyway? First of all, it has nothing to do with The Matrix — perish the thought! Nor does it have anything to do with bright, neon colours. ‘Neo’ is meant here to mean recent or new. Combine that with ‘goth’ & you get a fresh, modern version of the goth aesthetic. & not a moment too soon!

My Lelo Lily

While the Lily might look like a pansy, it’s anything but. With vibrations ranging from a subtle fizz to a tumultuous tickle, it’s sure to thrill even the most exacting vixen.

Geek Chic

Start reclaiming things that you used to get shoved in your locker for wearing!

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!

Top 5 Fictional Female Style Icons

Television & movies are overrun with underdressed & badly-styled characters. But what about when the major studios get it right? This is my little homage to who I think are the 5 most stylish female characters.

Athletic Aesthetics

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

Fashion & Style Predictions: 2008

The colour of royalty, homosexuality & Prince is making a comeback in a major way. It’s been blasted all over the catwalks, from Lanvin to Comme des Garcon & all the way to Pucci, in every hue imaginable: violent violet, lascivious lavender, punchy plum & apoplectic amethyst.

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.”

How To Perform A Striptease!

‘Tis the season to be jolly… & why not be jolly while you take your clothes off?!

Fabulous New Year's Eve Outfits

I would be totally keen to wear one of these on New Year’s Eve.

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?”

Gala's Christmas Gift Guide!

My guide to fun Christmas gift-giving.

Romancing Yourself

I was inspired to write this piece by a fantastic girl called Kylie who emailed me the other day, saying that she had never had a boyfriend & was pretty happy that way. Recently, however, in a conversation with a friend, she declared that she was no longer single — that she was dating herself!

Preparatory Style

When it comes to restyling the traditional prep look, your imagination & courageous spirit are your best assets. Well, that & your Visa!

Gossip Girl Style

Gossip Girl is, without a doubt, the most stylish show on television. Don’t believe me?

Nippies Giveaway!

A giveaway of nippley proportions!

Sexual Abuse

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

The Power Of Eyebrows

It’s truly incredible the way a pair of well-shaped eyebrows can completely transform your face, as seen here!

Winter Style 2007

Things I would definitely be wearing if I was in, say, New York. (Swoon.)

Corset Remix

The other day, a friend & I were discussing our old gothic predilections. It turned out we were both harbouring corsets in our closets, but since we both felt like we had moved past our old style, didn’t really know what to do with them. Corsets, especially the good ones, tend to be really expensive & some of them are gorgeous pieces of work. Too precious to throw out or give away, but too ‘goth’ to wear. However, the more I thought about it, the more I realised there was a middle ground.

Happy Birthday Betty Dodson!

Some ways to celebrate the birth of this brilliant sex educator.

American Apparel For Summer 07

In celebration of the fact that American Apparel recently opened their Australian outlet (YAY!), here are some of their pieces that I am dying to own this summer…

Summer Is Coming!

Three outfits I would love to wear this summer.

O Magazine & Ellen Barkin

What exactly is she trying to say here? That women over 50 should cover up & shuffle down the street as if invisible? That once you hit your 50th birthday, your time in the spotlight is over? Time to eat at the early-bird special, grab your Zimmer frame & don orthopaedic shoes?

Nu Rave

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

Frilly Knickers

My lingerie commandments & an assortment of cute knickers!

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.”

Irregular Choice Shoes I Love & The Imaginary People Who Wear Them

Beautiful shoes by Irregular Choice & a whole slew of people I imagined wearing them.

Long Distance Love

Having a long-distance lover can be one of the most exciting things ever, or it can be one of the most heart-rending experiences of your life… & sometimes both at the same time…

How To Have A Great Picnic

Humans tend to be the best sort of guest, though if you’re having a particularly trying week, you might prefer to picnic with pets, stuffed animals or a handsome-looking gherkin…

Gala's Guide To Tennis Chic

Start spending time at a country club. Remember to wear pearls & get blitzed on gin & tonics like the rest of them…

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!”

The Essential Guide To Dressing For Your Shape

This is a very short piece — the sort of thing you can print out, highlight the parts which apply to you & then chuck it in your bag for whenever you go shopping & get stuck.

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.)

Things I Learned From Watching Miss Universe 2007

Some people enter a room & even before they introduce themselves, you know you’re in for a sleigh-ride to Boredomville. In Miss Universe, you could tell the girls who had a little something going on upstairs — their eyes sparkled, they smiled mischievously, they walked with a purpose — & that made them far more attractive.

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?”

T-Shirt Mania!

Great t-shirts for every possible occasion.

james&august Giveaway!

Also known as, “Yay! Free things!”

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)?”

How To Buy A Good Pair Of Shoes

Tips for buying a pair of shoes that won’t cripple you after an hour’s wear!

American Apparel Reviews

A review of American Apparel’s “Sheer Jersey Chemise” & “California Fleece Pants”.

How To Adopt A New Skincare Routine

How to pull the old switcheroo on your skin without disaster!

Top 5 Ways To Define Your Own Personal Style

A five-step process to help you cultivate an aesthetic.

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?”

Eyelash Extensions!

The end result AMAZED me. Pascaline uses thick black lashes which create a very obvious, but still subtle, effect. I was so thrilled when I looked in the mirror, my lashes were long & thick & gorgeous.

Burlesque Chic

For anyone who wants to incorporate a little old-world glamour into their daily dressing, here are some ways to do it…

iCiNG's Definition Of Chic

Yesterday, Kristen suggested that we all — as a community! — compile a list of what we think is chic. In her words, a “positive, fun, happy” list. I think it’s a brilliant idea, so here it is! I think a chic person…

Modern Manners

A call for a return to manners, civility & poise! I believe that the days of being petulant & stroppy must end! I am bored by girls who chew gum with their mouth open, frustrated by those who drag their feet while they walk, disappointed by boys who eat with their elbows on the table.

Marriage -- The Final Frontier

If you were going to ask someone to marry you, how would you do it? If you already have, or someone has asked you, how did it happen? What are your thoughts on marriage in general?

Paparazzi Photos

But what about those times when you’re at an event & a photographer approaches you, asking to take your photograph for x magazine? It is a time of panic for many of us.

Destructive Relationships

There is really no way to improve a relationship that is bad for you. People rarely change, regardless of how much we want them to.

Miss Sixty Fall 2007

Okay, I know I don’t normally publish runway photos, but this collection — Miss Sixty Fall 2007 — is incredibly cool &, in my opinion, very wearable.

The Most Amazing Dress In The World

It’s hideous/amazing! I loooooove it! You’d be the biggest cupcake in all the land!

In Bed With Your Parents

Regardless of what you thought about the kind of relationship your parents had, you will subconsciously search to replicate it — or, if you’ve made a conscious decision that you don’t want to be like that, you’ll be looking for the complete opposite.

Possible Style Icons

I’m not 100% sure on either of these girls yet, but I think they have definite potential.

International Dress-Up Day #002 Pictures!

Fred makes a fabulous Dr John H. Watson (& tells a story to boot) while smokeandwine looks way too awesome as Garth from Wayne’s World.

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).

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!”

Avoiding Creeps

Nobody likes to be yelled at in the street, whistled at, or otherwise ogled. I know that a lot of women are nervous to leave the house wearing a short skirt, high heels, a low-cut top or anything that could be perceived as “slutty”. It really angers me that people aren’t able to dress however they like because of other people’s stunted social prowess.

Quality and Conformity

With credit card debt at an all-time high, it’s not the most difficult jump to make. People aren’t being valued more highly these days — it is just getting easier & easier to spend beyond your means. It is basic conformity: you see other people doing something & you want to do it too.

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!”

What Does Your Clothing Say About You?

Have you ever thought about what message your clothing is projecting & what it says about you? What story do you think your outfit today told the world?

Novelty T-Shirts

Please, if you own one of these t-shirts, or your beloved has one hanging in the wardrobe — do your city a favour & dispose of it.

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.”

Style Report: Melbourne 02/07

If under the age of 20, a big, black, back-combed nest with a huge combover fringe is de rigeur…

Cleaning Out Your Wardrobe

I can’t tell you how much better I feel to have done a clean-out. I’m a Virgo, & organisation totally thrills me, but I doubt the joy of the exercise is only felt by 1/12th of the population.

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?”

International Dress-Up Day This Saturday!

Just thought I would remind you that the first INTERNATIONAL DRESS-UP DAY is THIS SATURDAY! I’m going to dress like a love casualty.

Last Minute Valentine's Day Idea

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?”.

Bindi Revival

The more thought I give it, the more I am convinced that a bindi is the ultimate fashion accessory. They’re small, cheap & come in about a million different varieties.

Melissa

New shoes.

Valentine's Day Treats

Okay. I know Valentine’s Day is a major sore point with a lot of people. Capitalist holiday, blah blah blah, yeah I know. I used to be part of the anti-Valentine’s brigade myself. I have since realised that being against anything is a huge waste of energy which I do my very best not to participate in.

Signature Scents

Coco Chanel said that you should wear perfume wherever you want to be kissed, & when Marilyn Monroe was asked what she wore to bed, she replied “two drops of Chanel No.5”. Of course, both statements were excellent P.R. for Chanel’s perfumes. I, personally, have never understood the appeal of Chanel No. 5. It’s lacking something.

These, however, are perfect — which is why I own them…

Daily Outfit -- 31st January 2007

I’m going for a Parisian theme recently. I think it’s because of the black manicure — I feel that the only people who really carry this off effectively are either the French, goths or emo kids (& I would prefer to feel French).

How To Dress Up A School Uniform

How, indeed? School uniforms are ugly, unflattering & a violation of rights. I wore a uniform for my entire school-going career, so please believe me when I say that I feel your pain.

Makeup Basics Part Two -- Makeup Application

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

Fashion Report: Summer/Autumn 2007

Stop the presses! My personal fashion report leading through to the middle of the year. I call this the “cyborg coquette”, combining the best elements of the 40’s, 60’s & the future.

Super Street Style or Why These People Look So Damn Good

Some of my favourite recent looks from Flickr & Hel-Looks. Daily outfits with a twist, yessir.

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.

How Wearing Make-Up Affects Your Career

Normally I wouldn’t make a post out of a single link, but this flabbergasted me so much I had to.

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.

Winter Lust

Here is my small tribute to the chilly weather some of you are experiencing… or are supposed to be experiencing. Isn’t global warming a blast?!

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?

Carousel -- Week Ending 19th January 2007

Highlights for the week ending 19th January 2007.

Daily Outfit -- 18th January 2007

This is my I’m-a-slacker-&-I’m-not-planning-on-leaving-the-house-today outfit. Though I might go out & get some coffee soon.

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.

Marie Antoinette Style

The clothing was as amazing as the colour-scheme & the cakes were incredible. Anyway, I really liked the styling, so thought I would give you a quick guide on how to doll yourself up like Marie Antoinette.

Akif Hakan Celebi

I discovered Akif Hakan Celebi’s photography via the Foto Decadent community the other day. A lot of his work is fashion photography, & he has a great eye for textures, colours & shapes.

Creepy doll shoes

Obscenely creepy, but awesome, which is quite a good combination in my opinion.

More Past Outfits

I thought I’d write up some more of my outfits — what worked, what didn’t, & how I’d change it if I was going to wear it again.

The New Eyebrow

As you know, I am not the greatest trend follower, but I am delighted to report that the strong eyebrow is “in”! I have always been a fan of this look (as my own eyebrows will testify) & I’m very happy that I will be seeing more of it on the street.

Daily Outfit -- 13th January 2007

This is a strange outfit for me. I felt like a stylish digital spy or something.

Daily Outfit -- 12th January 2007

This is my Tank-Girl-who-reads-fashion-magazines ensemble. Ha!

Carousel -- Week Ending 12th January 2007

Highlights for the week ending 12th January 2007.

Frisky-Wear For Fashion Enthusiasts

Who says leather, PVC & latex should be relegated to the bedroom? Whilst normally the domain of hairy men in thongs or goth culture (are the two things really that different?), there are definitely some great things, especially in the accessory department, that can be incorporated into your wardrobe for some unusual flair.

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?

Daily Outfit -- 6th January 2007

I’ve been wearing this for a few days now actually. It’s been around 100 degrees fahrenheit & this is so comfortable it’s difficult to wear anything else.

Carousel -- Week Ending 5th January 2007

Highlights for the week ending 5th January 2007.

Popularity

Last week I received an email from somebody asking me how I got to know so many people.

Tall With A Long Torso?

I often find myself flipping through fashion magazines that point out ideas for shapes, etc. & what is best to wear… But they NEVER EVER have anything about long torsoed tall women.

Style and Fashion Resolutions -- 2007

Along with the normal New Year’s Resolutions, this year I thought I should come up with some style & fashion resolutions too.

Flattering Photographs

If you would like to look good in a photograph, whether it’s for an online dating site, a new Livejournal icon or to give your parents for Christmas, here are my tips.

The Benefits of Daily Outfit photos, part two

Have you started photographing your clothing yet? I hope so.

Some Past Outfits

Yesterday I posted about the benefits of taking daily outfit photos. I’ve been looking through my old ones, & thought I would sum a few up.

Daily Outfit -- 26th December 2006 and The Benefits of Daily Outfit photos

I first started posting daily outfit photos in October 2005 (seems like a very, very long time ago) after seeing other people’s efforts online. Initially I took & posted the photographs for the hell of it, but then I realised there was actual value in recording what I was wearing on a regular basis.

Gala Darling