Ask Anton: Petite Predicament

Dear Anton,

I have a petite figure and would like to elongate my look. Do you have any tips to remedy my lack of height?

-Heidi

Dear Heidi,The first thing to look at is posture. The stance you’ll want to take is one with your shoulders back, tush tucked, head high, and tummy in. Maintaining good posture will not only give you a taller and slimmer appearance, it also takes a lot of strain from your spine that could cause health problems later on.

If you still want to add a few extra inches to your frame, pop on out to the mall and find a pair of medium height heels in nude or beige, or any colour to match your skin tone. Anything from a stiletto to a boot (reference Irregular Choice’s Button Up Boot in Beige) in this colour will create one long silhouette, thus creating the illusion of a taller you. Not to mention the hue goes with nearly everything.

Another item to try is the classic slim cut pinstripe pant. Wide leg trousers should be avoided, as should any sort baggy clothes. These will only work to make you look even shorter. A pair like the Cocktail Trouser in Brown from Georgie Pant will lengthen the look of your legs and, as a result, your entire silhouette.

I hope this helps,

Anton

Ask Anton: Nautical Style

Dear Anton, I really like the nautical style popping up on the runway and the streets. Can you recommend a few pieces to get me started on this trend? -Melanie

Dear Melanie,
One of the most popular trends from the nautical theme is the horizontal stripes in traditional colors like red, white and navy blue, sometimes even rubber ducky yellow. But rather than the played out wide stripes sailor shirts have, the stripes range from pencil-thin pinstripes to downright chunky pillars of color. Another print of seaside theme is that of the anchor. Twisted Heart has embraced the trend this season with their Stripe Betty Hoodie and Deep Sea Anchor Hoodie in Baltic.
In tops you’ll want to look for a lot of mid-length sleeves with boat neck cuts. Ankh offers a top with a summer-colored Sailor Jerry theme in their Short Sleeve Crest Henley. Blouses with mid waist rope ties to give volume to your silhouette and enhance the naval air of your outfit. Cropped jackets with like Juicy’s Skirted Trench Coat in Jaipur are also something to keep your eyes peeled for.
Bottom halves are getting into the flow of things too. You'll find plenty of pants, shorts and skirts with buttoned up sides or hints of the sailor's 6 buttoned closure pants running throughout the fabric. The brass buttons against the clean white fabric of Lotta Stensson’s Sailor Short in White has just the right look. A lot of these are produced in wide leg and boot cut. And the best part about the sailor style bottom? It flatters all hips no matter the size.
I hope this helps,
Anton

Ask Anton: Hot Colors

Dear Anton, Brights are back, or so everyone seems to be saying, but how many "hot colors" can I wear at once? -Ali

Dear Ali,
Brights are indeed the hot item to have in this season’s wardrobe. Versace, Lanvin, and YSL all had glorious splashes of color on the catwalk; shock yellow, emerald green, cobalt blue and fuchsia seemed the hues of the hour. If you want to invest in some brightly colored bits, accessories are the most obvious and versatile route to take. Bolder is better; bags should be large and slouchy. Juicy offers the Flat Lock Fluffy Bag in Well Coifed in just the right size. Shoes should be lofty and patent. The best way to manage the right look is by limiting it to two colors. By day, a neutral toned outfit will be jazzed up by a big colored slouchy bag and tan shoes, or add tan or natural snakeskin accessories to a bright outfit. More than that and you will look like an 80's throwback. Evening is when lots of color is more acceptable than at any other time. Again, stick to two colors, but this time leave neutrals well alone. A prime example would be mixing our Keyhole Dress in Lemon from Whish, a tonal bag (see the Envelope Clutch in Mustard by BCBG), and add a splash of fuchsia or cobalt in the shoes. Play with contrast - you’ll stand out from the crowd, and for all the right reasons.
I hope this helps,
Anton

Ask Anton: Hot Sunglasses

Dear Anton,

I’m looking for a hot new pair of sunglasses for the summer but I don’t know what kind would work for my face shape. Can you point me in the right direction?

-Lauren

Dear Lauren,

Having a pair of great sunglasses that flatter your face is just as important as having a great pair of shoes or a chic tote. Your sunglass size should be in proportion with the face size. This means that smaller sunglasses are best for smaller faces and vice versa.

With a round face, it’s important to add some balance to your face shape. The best way to do this is by wearing sunglasses which are rectangle-shaped. Sunglass frames which are wide or thick are also known to broaden up your strong features.

If you have a square face, your main goal should be to soften your facial lines. Ultimately, the best way to reduce strong curves is by wearing sunglasses which are oval or round in shape. Many people find thinner frames to work the best with a square face shape, although you can try different levels of thickness to see what works the best for you.

With an oblong face shape, your main goal is to make your face look a bit wider and longer than it normally is. The best way is to wear round or square shaped sunglasses. You also may want to think about wearing sunglasses with frames that are decorated, such as with studs, which are really hot on the market right now.

One of the benefits of having an oval face is the fact that you can pull off just about any type of sunglasses, as long as they are not oval in shape. Both square and wraparound sunglasses are known to be a great choice for anyone who has an oval face shape, but you’re free experiment with whatever pair of sunglasses you want. You can also try out different levels of thickness.

If your face is heart shaped, your main goal should be to soften up your chin. You can do this by putting emphasis on your eyes. Oval shaped sunglasses, sunglasses whose frames are flat on the top, and multi-colored sunglasses are known to work the best with this face shape.

Finding sunglasses to match your face shape is easier than it looks. With a little trial and error, soon you’ll be ready to hit the beach new sun stunners.

I hope this helps,

Anton

Ask Anton: Dashing Date Style

Dear Anton, I’m set to go on my first date with a girl I’ve had my eye on for a while, but I have no idea what I’m supposed to wear. Do you have any tips I could follow?
-Sam

Dear Sam,
To help you get a handle on first-date dressing, I’ve outlined a few of the most common situations and what you should wear in each one. With the knowledge that you look smokin’ hot in your first-date fashion, you can relax a little and focus on letting your personality shine through.
On a first date, many people stick to the traditional lunch or dinner meeting. First impressions set the tone for the rest of the date, so it’s vital that you make a good one. If you’ve made a reservation at an uber-chic restaurant, your outfit will likely involve a slim-fitting suit along with elegant dress shoes. On the other hand, if you show up looking like you’re red-carpet ready when you’re just grabbing a hot dog, it's more than a little inappropriate, and rather than enjoying her meal, she’ll think you’re totally out to lunch.
Another standard first date destination is the movies. If you’re in the habit of dressing sharply, then put some effort into choosing your outfit. On the other hand, guys who tend to favor jeans and sneakers should avoid sprucing up too much. After all, if you wear more tailored clothing when your style is usually more loose and laid-back, you’re setting the standard for how your date will expect you to dress in the future. So unless you’re prepared to get dressed up every time you leave the house, don’t bother.
Essentially, aim to dress in a way that makes you feel comfortable and just be yourself when it comes to fashion at the movies. For a look that’s both hot and easy to wear, try a pair of dark straight-leg jeans, like the Wilhelm Jean from Monarchy, and throw on a graphic printed top, like Kentucky’s Birds Tee. On your feet, either sneakers or sporty-looking loafers are appropriate with this outfit.
Obviously, you know you shouldn’t wear a three-piece suit for a picnic-style date. However, don’t think that you can wear shorts with sneakers or ripped-up jeans and a baseball cap just because you’re spending time outdoors. Instead, focus on coordinated pieces that show her that you didn’t just pull on the clothes from your bedroom floor for this occasion.
Since picnics imply decent weather, try a khaki pant or even a pair of linen pants. Pair them with a light-coloured casual collared shirt, Like Ben Sherman’s Corgi Shirt in Optic White. Finally, brown sandals will complete your relaxed yet elegant ensemble.
Hopefully you’ll have a successful first date. If not, at least you’ll be dressed for it.
I hope this helps,
Anton

Ask Anton: VPL Solved!

Dear Anton,

I have a lot of outfits where a panty line is pretty obvious without the right kind of underwear, but I think thongs are so uncomfortable. Is there a more comfortable way to get rid of those embarrassing lines?

-Aimee

Dear Aimee,

I believe it’s the general consensus that thongs will never be nominated in the comfort hall of fame, but lucky for you, there are glorious alternatives! There is a whole line devoted to the problem of pesky panty lines. Spanx Shapewear offers you the whole package in the form of simple, comfortable garments. Their pieces slim, shape, and conceal for a woman’s ideal silhouette. In my opinion, their best alternative to a thong would be the Hide and Sleek Girl Short in Nude. You’ll get all the support without announcing it to the world. If you want a little more coverage and a tiny tummy tuck, you might want to upgrade to the Mid-Thigh Smoother. Either way, you’re comfortable, in control, and of course, discreet.

Though thongs might have had a bad rep before, don’t give up on them entirely until you’ve tried Hanky Panky’s Low-rise or Original Thongs. Yeah, it’s still a thong, but the fit and fabrics are so butter-soft that you’ll pretty much forget you’re even wearing underwear.

I hope this helps,

Anton

Ask Anton: Cosmetics for Sensitive Skin

Dear Anton,

I’ve got ultra-sensitive skin and everything I’ve tried in both cosmetics and skincare (in every price range) either causes major breakouts or leave me with a gross, oily feeling. Are there any products you can recommend for someone in my situation?

- Jessica

Dear Jessica,

Every person’s skin type is wholly unique, so even top-of-the-line products that the hottest celebs swear by, may not work for you. One of the cardinal rules in taking care of sensitive skin is to keep it clean at all times. Most skin like this will react badly to dirt and dust, so choosing the right cleanser is important. If you’ve got sensitive skin, it’s important that you keep an eye out for these criteria when shopping for products: color-free, fragrance-free and preservative-free. Color, fragrance, and preservatives are irritants to your skin and are most likely the cause of any breakouts or blemishes. Instead, look for products with ingredients like aloe vera, orange oil, almond oil, beeswax. The ingredients are a gentle way for you to cleanse, smooth, and heal your skin. Napoleon Perdis offers a handful of these in their Auto Pilot Dream Cream, which contains free radical-fighting antioxidants and fig extract to help de-stress and restore moisture balance.

If you’re going to apply more make-up than your basic mascara, it’s best to go as natural as possible. Mineral powders are ideal for sensitive skin, and there are a lot of organic choices out there that are very gentle on one’s skin. If you’re partial to using a cream foundation or concealer, double check for the aforementioned irritants and choose a water-based formula that sits lightly on the skin. Heavy, thick make-up will only suffocate your pores, which leads to more breakouts, which leads to more make-up… you get the picture. The best thing you can do for your dainty skin is to let it breathe! The most highly acclaimed mineral make-up at the moment is Bare Minerals, but for a flawless porcelain finish, I would personally recommend NP’s China Doll Foundation and Concealer.

A few other helpful tips you might want to remember are 1. Touch your face as little as possible. Even the lightest little finger graze can inspire zit-causing bacteria to spread like mad, 2. Exfoliate with a gentle pore cleanser once a week to clean out all that nasty grit that’s accumulated deep in your pores, and 3. Don't forget that the health of your skin is related to the health of your diet. Drink at least eight glasses of water a day and eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. This will help the skin cleanse any toxins.

I hope this helps,
Anton

Ask Anton: Eco Chic Style

Dear Anton,

I’m all for “going green” with my wardrobe but most of the organic items I’ve seen look pretty drab. Are there options out there for those who want to be eco-friendly and stylish?

-Yvette

Dear Yvette,

While many women would like to minimize the personal impact we make on the environment, they may be turned off of organic fashion because they think materials are stiff, ugly, and uncomfortable. Some may have the odd environmentally-friendly T-Shirt or organic cotton tote bag, but eco-fashion as a complete wardrobe, has, until now, been a long way off.

It’s now deliciously simple to build your eco-friendly wardrobe without compromising on style and quality. In fact, with green becoming the new black, it has in itself become a trend that many young women wish to take advantage of. Del Forte Jeans are a case in point, where their organic jeans are unbeatably chic. Their Eugenia Straight Leg Jean in Cielo is super cute and comfortable, and will undoubtedly make both you and the planet very happy.

And if you’re proud of your love for the planet, why not go the extra mile and snag a sweet tee from Grow Free? Each top is 100% organic cotton and fabulous. Their Love Green Tree Tank is ideal for Summer, with warm colors against a light, breathable fabric. And it’s entirely affordable!

Going green isn’t just limited to cotton tees and jeans either. Elroy offers an array of dresses, jackets, tops, and bottoms, all of which are made from 100% Organic bamboo. Bamboo, you ask? Isn’t that pretty rough stuff? You might think so, but fabric made from bamboo is probably one of the softest kinds I’ve ever experienced. And Elroy Apparel is far from lacking in style. Made for the sophisticated gal on the town, these classy pieces have a one-of-a-kind runway feel. Their Betula Dress in Black would be at home whether it’s worn on a picnic in the park or to a swanky cocktail party.

Hopefully this handful of examples showed you that for fashion-conscious females, wearing environmentally-friendly fashion no longer means looking hippy or frumpy; it is possible to look stylish and eco-glam instead!

I hope this helps,

Anton

Ask Anton: How Much Does Size Matter?

Dear Anton,

I love the bigger bags that are shown in all of the fashion magazines and on your site but I'm not sure if I can pull it off. I'm fairly short and whenever I try one on I feel like I'm being swallowed up by my handbag. Is it me or am I just being too self-conscious?

-Rachel

Dear Rachel,

Yes, size is important. Petite women often find themselves weighed down by these vast handbags and I would steer toward something more proportional to your size, ideally a handbag no larger than the trunk of your body; you’ll want the bag to fall in between the hip and breast area for optimal fit. Blush-B-Lush’s Filigree Cavalier Bag has got a big bag attitude without the added girth.

An upside to smaller bags is their tendency to have more interesting little details, like the Ribs Tote. Even if an oversized bag has these details, they’re often lost in the overwhelming size. Don't make the mistake of buying a bag just because it's the "In Bag" of the season. Said "In Bag" might look great on your 6' tall girlfriend, but it might be less than flattering on a smaller stature. Just remember to think proportionally - there are so many fun and functional choices in all sizes that I know you'll find your perfect fit.

I hope this helps,

Anton

Ask Anton: Birthday Gift Ideas

Dear Anton,

A good friend’s birthday is coming up soon and I’m at a loss as to what to get her. Do you have any unique gift ideas for a girl that seems to have everything?

Theresa

Dear Theresa,

Gifting can be a touchy thing, but the gifters often make much more of the situation than they have to. So my first advice to you: don’t panic! True, a gift to friend is something that requires reflection and thought, but keep in mind - it is for a friend. The intimate knowledge that stems from a friendship is the essential key to finding the perfect gift.

If you’re still stumped, I have a few suggestions that would tickle any girl’s fancy! Take a look at Juicy Couture’s dazzling little bits of flash – the Heart & J Key Chain and the Scottie Key Chain in Gold are charming in every way, if you’ll pardon the pun. These gorgeous gold-plated goodies will add put a sparkle in her eye, and on her most choice handbags.

And if your lucky friend doesn’t have a favorite bag in the first place, I most certainly recommend that you consider getting her a lovely MayaMoon bag to call her own. The Fling Bag in Yellow is guaranteed to be this season’s hot item. Each MayaMoon bag is handmade leather so butter-soft; you’ll wonder that it doesn’t melt in your hands!

The best part about being the birthday girl is the promise of pampering, so why not indulge her and consider Mor’s irresistible line of bath sundries? From Fig and Olive Body Wash to Pomegranate Bath foam, consider yourself covered (and in such yummy scents, too!). No matter which you might pick, each item will leave you with soft skin that smells and feels absolutely edible.

I hope this helps,

Anton

Ask Anton: Warm Weather Style

Dear Anton,

The weather is beginning to warm up, which generally means less clothing and more skin. Is there a way for a person to still look cute for summer while still being somewhat shy about their body?

Dear Lynn,

There are endless options for gals who opt out on the tini bikini mode during summer. But just because revealing tank tops and shorts who take their name quite too literally aren’t on your agenda for the sultry season, does not mean you’ll be left out in the cold (so to speak). Here are a few ideas to help you stay cool and comfortable in the swelter of summer.

The average pair of shorts usually offers just enough coverage, yet leaves little the imagination. For the lady who would like to add a little mystery to her thighs, I recommend the Bermuda short. Shorts like the Twill Bermuda from Billy Blues, or the Stripe Bermuda from See Thru Soul are perfect examples. Often crafted from airy fabrics that allow your skin to breathe, this style enables comfort and a little more modesty than its bitty counterpart.

If you’d like to show off your shoulders and arms, but you’re not quite comfortable with your tummy, a strapless shirt with ruching in the waist, such as Bordeaux’s Tube Top, will showcase a slender neck, and the ruching in a dark fabric will have a slimming effect on your waist. Bordeaux’s Off the Shoulder Ruched Top possesses the same capabilities with a more relaxed fit, and if you’d like to keep your arms under wraps, the balloon sleeves have got them covered. Another option for those who are sensitive about the appearance of their arms and shoulders can play around with sleeve options. The Drapey Bolero from Kensie is a versatile piece with amazingly cute details.

For a more feminine look, Ella Moss has released a number of dresses that drape so very elegantly across any figure and are designed to flatter rather than flaunt. The Holly Dress is subtle and slimming, while the bright Daisy Dress’ lines flatter your waist and shoulders. If that’s not enough coverage, Splendid offers super-comfortable Cropped Leggings to go with.

I hope this helps,

Anton

Ask Anton: Classic Wedding Attire

Dear Anton,

A friend of mine is getting married and we’ve been asked to dress semi-formal for the occasion. It’s an evening wedding, so a sun dress doesn’t seem appropriate. What’s the best way to go about dressing for the big day?

Dear Alyssa,

Here are your basic wedding attire criteria, no matter what the invitation says: Wear something feminine and appropriate, out of respect for your hosts. Clubwear, overtly sexy clothing (strapless, see-through, etc) does not belong at a wedding. If you have to ask if it's appropriate, it probably isn't.

If you consult most of the die-hard wedding etiquette guides, they’ll tell you that a saucy little cocktail dress is the way to go for your average evening semi-formal. Might I recommend our Cocktail Beaded Dress from BCBG, or our slinky Velvet Trim Dress from Juicy? BCBG offers an exotic twist to this traditional style in their Shoe String Feather Dress and Ruched Met Linen Mini Dress.

But the cocktail dress isn’t for everyone, right? If your look leans more towards feminine chic, a simple dress with elegant details, such as our Bubble Dress from Max & Cleo, could be just the thing. Capture the romance of the evening with a bold print in sultry undertones. Kensie’s Brocade dress is a prime example.

Dressing for an evening semi-formal can be great fun. Feel free to dress the outfit up with a pair of opera-length gloves (but only when you’re sleeveless!). Flashy jewelry is entirely appropriate when your outfit needs a little oomph, and never underestimate the power of a well-chosen handbag.

Hope this helps,

Anton

Ask Anton: Basic Fashion Explained

Dear Anton,

I want to step away from the same old boring basics this season, but I don’t know the first place to start. How can I give my summer wardrobe some personality?

Dear Rhiannon,

Back in the dark ages of fashion a person could only enhance an outfit via separate accessories, but in the fashion forward era we know today, the outfits themselves are working overtime to bring an exciting new element of design. In every high fashion magazine you can now witness tried and true designs, only now bedecked, bejeweled, bedazzling in all their splendor. I’m talking, of course, about gem frenzy. Tank tops, t-shirts, dresses, jeans, shoes - jewel themes are emerging in every venue. And it’s no wonder. Who could argue against such an ingenious and effortless way to accessorize?

I’m not saying in any way that jewelry will be now obsolete, but if you’re looking for something new to up the ante, I recommend Sky’s Allura Top or their Adesina Necklace top, as an alternative to your average halters and tube tops. Miss Me’s Stripe Tank with Sequins will give you the same glamour-puss look in a less formal way. Our Billy Disco Jean from True Religion is a marvelous example of jazzed up denim, and a pair of Big Heart flip flops will see that your tootsies aren’t forgotten.

If the apparel/clothing coalition isn’t your style, there’s nothing wrong with the timelessness of a well placed accessory. A versatile piece like our Bianca Necklace from Alexia Crawford is ideal or even an eye-catching bag can make all the difference. Metallics are definitely haute couture this season.

I hope this helps,

Anton

Ask Anton: Get a Glowing Tan

Dear Anton,

I’ve managed to get that summer-ready tan, but my skin still lacks luster. What can I do to get that healthy glow that’s been so popular on the red carpet?

Bethany

Dear Bethany,

After all that tanning your skin is probably gasping for moisture like a flower in a desert! The first thing I can tell you is something that is most important for healthy skin, whether you tan or not: drink water, and lots of it. Dryness is the enemy to avoid at all costs. Drinking water helps keep the skin moist, firm, and more elastic. Also, it helps to give you that fresh face that celebs crave these days by improving circulation and enhancing your natural glow.

Another good thing to try is to have a salt bath once or twice a week; by pouring a cup of Epsom and sea salts into your next soak in the tub, you’re improving the overall appearance of your skin as the salts soften and exfoliate. Looking good has never been so relaxing!

There are quite a few products on the market that claim to add life to lackluster skin, but I swear by the ModelCo line out of Australia. Their Shimmer Airbrush Illuminiser is perfect for all skin types. It soothes, softens and moisturizes, leaving dry skin feeling rejuvenated. It can be used on its own or over the top of makeup, so you can wear it whether you’re going for glam or au natural. ModelCo also offers their Polished Body Scrub, which firms skin by stimulating circulation, and polishes away dead skin, which is the cause for most of the dullness you’re experiencing.

Your skin can only benefit from moisture, and it’s not just on a week to week basis. Studies show that healthier skin will hold on to a tan for much longer than dry, damaged skin, so keep your skin happy and healthy this summer. Believe me when I say it will return the favor when the winter months come.

Hope this helps,

Anton