OK, we know, you are thinking shorts for Autumn? Yes, shorts can actually be worn all year long. Shorts are great. They are practical, they won’t cause embarrassment when you bend down and they won’t restrict your movement or blow up in the wind like skirts can. They can have useful pockets too. So, why is it that when it comes to buying shorts we struggle? How many times have you gone out to buy shorts and returned home empty- handed? 

Shorts are probably one of the most difficult pieces of clothing to choose because in order for them to cover all the bases – be comfortable, fit well and look good – you have to get the style, cut and colour absolutely right.

This Autumn season shorts are there and not just for transition. For many women, our hips, tum and bottom are the areas we find most difficult to dress and shorts focus on all those places. So, to help you get the best shorts for your shape and to look your best this Autumn 2013 see our tips below:

The main things to look out for are: fabric, cut, length, detail.

Fabric: As a general rule, fuller figures should choose softer fabrics that will fit nicely over their curves. Slimmer figures can take the stiffer fabrics

Cut: In terms of cut, you will find both tailored and casual styles. Very tailored, structured cuts will look best on slimmer, rectangle or neat hourglass figures. Soft tailored shorts are probably the most flattering for most people. Enormous baggy shorts will make you look bigger so the choice is yours! 

Length: Short shorts are fine for most people on the beach, but beyond the seaside, they should be left to those in their teens and early twenties.  Bermudas are smart but you need to consider the length of your legs to decide what length of short to go for. Mid-thigh is probably the most popular. If you have short legs, make sure you either a tonal shoe or an open-toed sandal to elongate your legs in your shorts. Adding a jacket will make shorter shorts look stylish. 

Detail: If you are lacking curves then detail on your top and/or bottom will add volume and give the illusion of more shape. Pockets, buttons, zips, embellishment or pattern on your shorts is good for you.  If you are a triangle shape (fuller on the hips) avoid details on your shorts as it will emphasize your hips.

Denim: Curvy bodies need to choose soft denim in a darker shade. Lighter denim will attract the eye more and you won’t want this area to be the focus of your outfit. Denim shorts often have pockets, buttons, zips or stud detail; so again, think about how much you can get away with. Denim shorts never really go out of style and can even be worn with tights in the cooler months. 

Colourful: You don’t have to opt for safe black, navy or beige – have fun with your shorts! Firstly, you must choose a colour that looks great on you. You will need to take care with colour, if you have a fuller figure, go for a simple style with no detail at a flattering length and in a darker shade from your colour palette. Lighter colours will draw attention to that area but wearing a looser top will balance it out. 

High waisted; High waisted shorts can be tricky to wear and are better on figures with medium to long legs. They can, however, give a streamline look to the body if you go for a style with no detail on it.

Final word: Not sure what type of shorts suit you? Give us a shout and come in for a Style Consultation! Whether it’s for casual, work or an evening out shorts are great and that’s just the long and short of it all. 

Happy 2013!

It's a whole New Year which means...? New Year resolutions of course! Amongst the many popular goals such as losing weight, getting fit with a new exercise regime, spending more quality time with family and friends, or landing that job promotion, what about spending more time for YOU?

Women are known to put their loved ones ahead of themselves and taking care of everybody else, while neglecting their own needs. 2013 should be the year where you spend quality time for yourself, and carve out time within your busy schedule to pamper and indulge yourself once in awhile. You CAN achieve the balance between your needs, and the needs of your loved ones! 

Savvy Style is here to help! We offer ways to help you feel more beautiful, attractive and confident, ready to take on life and all its challenges. Our goal is to empower women to become the best version of themselves. Starting from? Looking your very best through the most up to date advice on style, makeup and colour! 

Here are some tips on how to do so, as well as a peek at the upcoming trends of 2013. 

Style: Fashion trends will come and go, but great style can last a lifetime if you can master the basics of how to dress for your body type, including the fabrics and cuts which enhance your assets and conceal your flaws. It is also crucial as a working woman to know how to dress to demand respect from your colleagues and boss. Let Savvy Style help you out by coming in to see us for a Style Consultation! You will be amazed at how much time and money you will save simply by learning what works or doesn't work on your body and for your lifestyle! Tip: Prepare yourself before the season starts by knowing the trends.  

Colour: The IT colour of the upcoming season is Emerald Green, as well as pastel shades of the macaroon, so keep that in mind when shopping or putting together your outfits. It is important to identify your colouring and to understand the colours which enhance your facial features, and those which make you look dull or washed out. Too confusing? Savvy Style can assist you in identifying these colours based on Alfred Munsell's system of the colour wheel. Come in and see us for your personalised Colour Consult! 

Makeup: Every woman needs the perfect shade of foundation that matches her skin tone precisely, and the perfect texture and tone of concealer to hide those blemishes. Your skin tone may vary from season to season so it's important to have at least 2 shades for the wintery and summery months Tip:.Knowing the colours that make your eyes pop or the shades of blush and lipstick that complement your skin tone is also vital. 

Book a Makeup Consultation with Savvy Style and we will teach you practical ways to put on your best face for various occasions in less time! 

We all need a confidence boost in our lives. Gaining better self esteem starts from feeling good about yourself, which means feeling that you are valuable and worthy. Remember, you are unique with your very own special talents and abilities, so celebrate your individuality by creating your own signature style. 

Savvy Style wishes you all the best in accomplishing your goals and resolutions this 2013. 

Make 2013 your year to shine!

Winter’s here and it’s time to bundle up and stay warm. But the cold shouldn’t prevent you from looking stylish or fashionable! In fact, winter is a great season to play up your accessories to remain cosy. Just take a look at some of our must have items in helping you stay snug and chic at the same time.

Boots: From thigh highs to ankle boots, keep your feet and legs warm with your favourite style of boots. There are so many styles to choose from this season so have fun and experiment! From python skinned, flirty lace ups to classic equestrian, pick and choose according to the occasion and dress code. 

Bear in mind that different outfits call for different types of boots. For example, pencil and A-line skirts for work go well with knee high boots, whilst jeans and trousers for casual settings go better with ankle boots or booties. For walking around on the city streets, it is good to invest in a pair of sturdy, thicker heels or wedges for your boots to ensure comfort and balance. Save the pointy toed stiletto boots for those special occasions! 

Gloves: Look classy and elegant while keeping your hands warm with some satin or velvet gloves. They’re so easy to wear and can look very chic and classy when worn together with a coat. 

Hat: Your winters may drop not to temperatures where a hat is a necessity to keep your head warm, but for the sake of fashion a winter hat can always add a little style and edge to your outfit. Choose between a wool packer hat, a 1920’s inspired bowler hat (think Downton Abbey Season 3) or a floppy felt hat, depending on the occasion and setting. 

Scarf: The perfect winter accessory. Choose a bold colour to add a punch to an otherwise dark or neutral outfit, or choose some fun animal print or floral patterns. Pashmina and cashmere scarves are both soft and warm-a great choice for the weather. Try Colour Me Beautiful's very own range of colourful Pashminas! Scarves can complete an outfit, and they can be worn in so many different ways you’ll never be bored. Simply call us at 2522 2592 to order yours today! 

Bag: Winter is a great time to carry a large, statement bag in one of this season’s hottest colours-ruby red, purple, forest green or cobalt blue.

Not sure how to look your best this winter? Don’t worry! 

Simply give us a call at 2522 2592 or email us and we’ll be more than happy to help you sort out your wardrobe this season according to your personality, lifestyle and budget. 

It’s Christmas time! Time for a whirlwind of parties, presents, socializing and food. If you haven’t already done so, it’s time to start the hunt for that perfect party dress (or two!) for the season.  With so many styles to choose from, how do you pick the right one? Here’s a run-down of the party dress trends of Autumn/Winter 2012, as well as trends in hair, makeup and accessories. Plenty to choose from so don’t be shy and think out of the box! Go for something a little more daring. After all, Christmas and New Year parties are all about looking your most glamorous and va va voom. Have a great holiday season!

Styles/Cuts-Fashion always takes a bow to the distant past, reviving seemingly pre-historic trends yet adding a modern twist to things. Choose something vintage, ranging from 1920’s flapper styled dress, swinging 60’s shift dress to the classic 50’s A-line circle skirt. Holiday parties are an excuse to look as glittery as a Christmas tree without being caught by the fashion police. Have fun with sequins, metallics and winter floral prints.

Accessories: Number one must have accessory of the season? Downton Abbey inspired elbow high velvet gloves! Add this classic Edwardian touch to your party outfit. As for jewellery  go for a statement diamente chandelier necklace (especially if you are wearing a strapless style), or big, sparkly chandelier earrings. Carry a good sized clutch in a funky jewel tone or animal print. Just make sure its big enough to store all your essentials!

Shoes: Wear some pointy cap toe pumps, shimmery or retro T-strapped heels. Choose ones with a lower heel so you’ll last the whole night! Alternatively, wear some bejeweled or shimmery flats, or, carry them in your purse when the balls of your feet start to ache. 

Hair: Big is in! Try a 60’s bouffant updo, or go for big, volumous waves.

Festive Makeup: Go bold with metallic eyeshadows and/or dark berry red lips!

How to stay warm-Wear a stylish pea or trench coat in one of this season’s hottest colours over your party dress. Try a faux fur coat to look extra luxe.

P.s. We have official moved! Our new and improved studios will now be located at 5B Glenealy Mansion, 7 Glenealy, Central, Hong Kong. Watch this space!

Come and see us if you need a little help dressing up for this holiday season. We would love to help!

Click here to see our list of styling consultation services.

Simply give us a call at 2522 2592 or send an email to [email protected]

All of us have fallen in love with TV’s latest craze-the vintage elegance of British upper class glamour of Downton Abbey. Whether it is the quintessentially Jane Austen empire waisted chiffon dresses, or the beautiful intricate lace detailing, it is without a question that this Emmy Award and Golden Globe winning show has sparked a huge wave of influence in the fashion world, making it a topic we must explore and discuss here at Savvy Style.

Just as Mad Men made a huge splash within the fashion empire a few seasons back, with designers emulating the show’s retro American 50’s wear, reworking it in their collections, Downton Abbey caused a resurgence of the use of lush, luxurious fabrics, and vintage, flapper inspired accessories.

But don’t worry, ladies, you don’t need to look like you just stepped out of the post-Edwardian era. Here are some practical ways you adopt the Crawley sisters look into your wardrobe.

Lace
Work in a little lace to your work ensemble by purchasing a neutral coloured lace pencil skirt. Just make sure nothing is see-through and that it is long enough to make it work appropriate! For dinners and drinks out, however, be a little daring and wear a lace top with a camisole underneath. Or even go for a fitted, lace dress in a dark navy or black. One of Savvy Style’s favourites? Gorgeous long delicate lace sleeves. 

Beading & Embroidery
Introduce some beautiful embroidery and beading into your autumn wardrobe by keeping an eye out for blouses and cardigans with such delicate designs. Pair it with something understated to keep everything in balance. Purchase a flapper inspired dress with sequins and intricate weaving for the evenings and special occasions.

Brocade 
This is the must have fabric for the season. Wear it as a blazer (there are lots of lovely brocade blazers popping up in stores this fall) or as a pencil skirt for work. When the weather gets a little cooler later on in the year, you can even wear it as a full length statement coat.

Chiffon & Mesh 
A fabric not usually worn on an everyday basis, introduce some chiffon dresses to your evening wear. Look for classic styles and cuts with a little vintage edge. Soft, flowy and feminine, this is a material that should be carefully taken care of. Try some empire waisted styles a la the Crawley sisters. Always remember to feel comfortable in what you are wearing.

Velvet
Wear a velvet camisole under your work blazer during the day, and a slinky velvet dress for your nights out. Or even try this season's velvet fitted jackets, like this one from the newest J. Crew line here at Hong Kong's very own Lane Crawford. 

Accessories
When winter starts to roll around, why not try out some elbow high gloves? Inspired by the Crawley sisters, try satin or velvet for those special occasions, or even go bolder and try out some leather gloves (if Hong Kong gets cold enough) Another Downton Abbey-esque accessory? Vintage 1920’s women’s bowler hats for the colder months. If all of this is a little too much for you, then dip your toe in the shallow end and purchase some gorgeous pearl and diamante hair berets or broaches. Delicate, chandelier necklaces are also right on trend. 

It is a well known fact that everybody loves Kate Middleton. Her timeless style is one which is adored the world over by women of all ages. Working women, stay at home mums, college gals-they all aspire to emulate her choice of fashion, making her a certified Fashion Icon and a favourite of Savvy Style’s. From classic shifts to elegant frocks, this princess knows exactly how to dress perfectly for every occasion. Always elegant, never under-dressed or over-dressed, Kate knows the shapes and cuts which flatter her body best. Let’s face it though-not all of us have sky high gams like Kate. So how do we incorporate a bit of Kate into our wardrobes? 

• Stick to classic cuts-Kate wears a lot of A-line skirts which are great for concealing larger hips or thighs, creating a slimmer silhouette. A classic shift dress is also a favourite of Kate’s and looks good on all shapes and sizes.

• Tailor it-Kate likes to maintain a sleek, tailored shape to her clothes. Copy her look by choosing structured, fitted separates to mix and match. Invest in a good fitting blazer which gives you a waist, and a fit-and-flare skirt to give you curves in all the right places.

• Heels-create the illusion of height with a pair of classic timeless pumps

Transition into Autumn!

Not only does Kate dress beautifully, but she also knows how to re-wear items in her wardrobe and transition them into a different season. As the warmer, humid months come to an end, take a look at how Kate transitions from summer to autumn effortlessly.

Wear your lightweight summer dresses into fall by simply adding a tight fitting dark blazer over. Add some sheer black tights to keep your legs warm inside the cold Hong Kong air conditioned offices, or for a night out during the cooler months. Trade your strappy, summery sandals and wedges in for a pair of deep coloured suede flats or pumps. 

Add a lightweight cardigan or a pastel coloured blazer over your floaty summer dress. Or go for a glamorous brocade coat (hottest fabric of the season!) over your shift dress for work or to Sunday brunch over the weekend.

Key separates-add a light blazer over a summer tank top and a lightweight pencil skirt to work.

Wear a classic belted trench coat over your summer dress or office ensemble. Go classic and choose cream s Kate has, or choose one in one of fall’s most popular colours eg. Teal or cobalt blue. Here, Kate has chosen a pretty, feminine fit-and-flare cut to her trench, a common cut of the season.  Copy her style or go for a classic A-line cut. Add a pair of black opaque tights when the weather gets colder.

Add a velvet coat over your office dress ensemble, or over a cocktail dress for a night out. In addition to being one of the hottest fabrics of this season, velvet is warm enough to keep you from getting too chilly outside, yet light enough for autumnal weather. Pair your outfit with a pair of purple suede heels like Kate has, as it is one of the hottest colours for fall!

Would you like to know more about how to transition your summer wardrobe into fall? Savvy Style is here to help! Discover your best styles, fabrics, cuts which suit your shape, lifestyle and personality. Click here to find out more about our Style Consultations!

Confused about which autumn colours look good on you? Not to worry. Come and take a look at our Colour Analysis packages we offer to help you access your best colours.

Interested in a head to toe consultation on your most flattering colours, styles and makeup? And how to incorporate this season's trends into your wardrobe, cosmetics and accessories? Click to find out about our Total Makeover package!