Love Your Leggings

For some women leggings are never a style option, but sometimes just knowing how to wear leggings makes all the difference between looking chic versus looking like an unfortunate fashion throwback.

If you like the ease of leggings, but want to make sure you always wear them appropriately, consider these tips:

• The simplest way for women to wear leggings is beneath a tunic. Tunics vary in length, so it's important that your tunic is long enough to cover your hips and behind. Your tunic top can be in sweater form or knit jersey material. If you're feeling a bit busty, a belt will work to balance your frame.

• Petite women should take care to make sure your top doesn't fall past your mid-thighs – anything longer will have you looking outsized. More monochromatic choices will help to elongate your frame.
  

• Tall women run the risk of wearing tops too short. Note that your be-legginged bum should not be exposed in any way.
  

• Leggings look best with flats or plain pumps, but ankle booties will give you a bit of attitude.

• Because leggings are so fitted, it's best to steer clear of tight shirts for the best look. These items work better when your overall outfit is balanced, pairing roomy with fitted.

• Dresses that fall at or above the knee can work with leggings. This is one case where a close-fitting dress would look good with leggings, such as a jersey knit dress with a wide belt at the waist.

• Always remember that your leggings are an accessory - not an outfit. Build your preferred outfit first, and add leggings after. Your leggings' color should match something else in your outfit for the most harmonious pairing.
  

Hobo International Hits UrbanMinx

Already world renowned and celebrated for their decadent leather bags, Hobo International certainly isn’t restricted to top notch totes alone. While finding their niche in the world of handcrafted bags, Hobo has grown into a respected and inherently innovative line dealing in equally mouth-watering belts and wallets. Incorporating imaginative utility and modern styling, Hobo International’s beautiful accessories overflow with purposeful details that blur the lines between fashion, function, and fun.

Unlike most accessory brands, Hobo does not cater to a specific audience. For the professional sophisticate, they offer items like the Famous Belt or Distinctive Belt in Black. For the free spirit, the Lauren Clutch in Bluebell or Reliable Belt in Mulberry.

Recently acquired at UrbanMinx is a collection of finely-crafted Hobo International belts and bags made with the supplest of leather and deep attention to detail and design. We’re proud to offer you the first name in accessories, just a click away.

Blushing Beauty

Based in the metropolitan hub of Montreal, lingerie brand Blush set out in 1999 to create beautiful (and beautifully affordable) lingerie that brings elegance and style within reach of every woman.Today the seductive brand offers the irresistible blend of the sultry sensibility they set out to perfect. From corsets to lace camis, Blush has created a line which captures and enhances every woman’s beauty without the sacrifice of comfort.

UrbanMinx carries the latest of the luxurious Blush Lingerie line. Take a peek at the flirtatious Strapless Corset in Champagne or Black, and match with the dainty ruffled Thong to complete the look of absolute sex appeal.

Romance Revived

Romantic ruffles sashayed their way down the catwalk all throughout London Fashion Week’s spring/summer shows. Attendees could be forgiven for thinking they were part of a fairytale story as feminine, floating fabrics passed them by. Most notable were the triple tiered skirts that made an appearance of several of the week’s top designers’ shows.

UrbanMinx is simply loving the structured volume that well placed ruffles can create. They’re great at adding visual volume where you want it. Tiny tiers of ruffles will do wonders to enhance slim hips or a small bust. Whether you wear them outrageously oversized or simply subtle, ruffles will add a flouncy feminine touch to your look.

More's the Better

Volume was the watch word at this year’s spring/summer London Fashion Week line-up. This season layering enters a more sophisticated dimension, mixing patterns on top of patterns. Key players in this runway trend included Charles Anastase with a decidedly romantic use of tulle, ruffles, and sensually soft colours, and fresh-eyed Eley Kishimoto, who brought their singular designs to life with vivid hues and surprisingly cohesive prints.

Not only a wholly functional means to keep the chill, prying fingers of early spring out, layering gives the wearer opportunity to have fun and make a statement with their fashion rather than trying to create interest with a dull, flat plane.

The possibilities are endless, but those in the know relate that the key to successful mastery of this trend is to have a cohesive color throughout each piece so it doesn’t look like you got dressed in the dark.

London in Bloom

Following their success earlier this year, florals have been popping up with the tenacity of snow daisies. For spring/summer London Fashion Week '09, models were transmuted into living bouquets. The season itself was the obvious inspiration for this blossoming trend, with designers displaying vibrant illustrations and blurred hothouse motifs in their delightful fashions.

Flower lovers will swathe themselves in large, graphic floral prints, while those allergic to the impact of oversized patterns can opt for a quieter take on the flowery trend by choosing summery dresses and silky scarves in mid-sized prints.

Fall Trend Alert

We've patiently been waiting for fall to arrive, and now that the air is finally turning crisp we've been rewarded with a most deliciously soft trend for fall: The sweater dress.

We love that there's such a vast variety of styles to choose from right now, and of course we love the sheer versatility of the sweater dress itself. Wear it barelegged in early fall and add tights and layers as the weather cools. You can even wear it as a tunic over your favorite jeans! It's rare that a trend is as versatile as this, so we're riding this one until the weather warms up. Check out Twg’s boho Roll Neck Dress in Cement, Kensie’s elegant Tissue Knit Sweater in Black, or Linq’s mod-style Button Front Dress in Heather Gray to get your own sweater dress ensemble started.

A Perfect Ten

How many times have you looked into your closet and thought, “I have nothing to wear.” If you hear yourself uttering this statement more often than not, you have a dysfunctional closet. It is probably missing several key pieces that allow you to easily transition from one outfit to the next. It’s time to stop the insanity and get a functional closet.

Dress Pants - Although it doesn't say black, this is probably what you want to look for. Black is flattering on all figures and goes with everything. Make sure their made of a lightweight, seasonless material like gabardine or rayon and contains a small amount of lycra to ensure a quality fit. Try the Stretch Herringbone Pant from Billy Blues for a wide-waist style.
White Dress Shirt - This is an important closet staple and can be both trendy (wear underneath your favorite t-shirt) and classic (wear with a business suit). The Ivy Luxe Blouse from Theory is a classic example.
Plain Black Pumps - Make sure your closet has at least one pair of 1- to 2-inch plain black pumps that takes you from the office to dinner. The Skye Pump from Dolce Vita has a sophisticated silhouette.
A Pair of Great Fitting Jeans - Everyone has a pair of jeans, but does everyone have a pair of jeans that make them look great? The wider leg, low-rise jean style has been popular (and still is) but a narrower leg is coming back along with a higher waist, which eliminates the unflattering "muffin top" look. Karmel & Alden's Kate Wide Flare Jean are a flattering dark wash with a decorative back pocket.
Black Dress - This advice has become a cliché only because it is so true. A well-fitting dress of good quality can be worn to nearly any occasion. It should be made of a sturdy but lightweight fabric like a cotton/rayon blend. Try Kensie's Criss Cross Dress.
Three Basic T-shirts - Purchase three cotton/spandex shirts in the following colors: black, white, and another, brighter color (that suits you well). These shirts help stretch your closet and are perfect for layering as well as wearing alone. Velvet, Splendid, and Michael Stars offer a variety of basics in a variety of colors.
Tote Bag - These bags serve double duty as a briefcase during the week and a shopping bag on the weekend. The Juicy Couture Houndstooth Z.J.N. Satchel has room to pack your entire day.
Sneakers - You’ll need one pair of sneakers that can be worn both for workouts and casual activities like shopping. The Klub Nico Linen Trainers have flashy flare.
Trench Coat/All-Weather Coat - A classic trench coat can be worn as an all-weather coat and a dress. Look for coats with a removable lining to increase usage. The Tulle Pleated Trench is a great all-weather style.
Khakis/Brown Pants - A weekend staple, chino-style pants add diversity to your outfits. Try the Billy Blues High Waist Full Leg Pant.

Style is Far From Black and White

Color, color, and more color are in for this summer. There are two major trends - - the nautical look and bold summer brights. Which one is right for you is a matter of personal opinion.
Look to items like Sky’s Nova Top in Purple and Max & Cleo’s Natalie Dress in Atlantic. This season is all about the bold and the beautiful.

Look vibrant in the Nova Top from Sky

Don't despair if you can't wear that daffodil yellow, super hot pink or striking green all over your body. That's okay. Choose neutral clothing options in white, beige, khaki, or camel and then accessorize with one of the hot new shades for summer. Twisted Heart’s Stripe Betty Hoodie in Baltic is a choice way to add a bit of the nautical to your wardrobe. Pair it with a set of candy apple wedges to complete the look.

Sail away in Twisted Heart's Betty Hoodie

More Indispensable than Your Little Black Book…

Christian Dior reveals the secrets of style in this charming handbook that no woman should be without. An indispensable guide that covers everything from what to wear to a wedding and how to tie a scarf to how to walk with grace, The Little Dictionary of Fashion is full of timeless tips. From afternoon frocks and accessories to traveling and tweed, Dior's expertise ensures every girl will know the three fundamentals of fashion: simplicity, grooming, and good taste. Published for the Victoria and Albert Museum's Golden Age of Couture exhibition celebrating the 50th anniversary of Dior's "New Look" and illustrated with delightful photographs and drawings, this handbag-sized classic is the perfect gift for style-conscious women.