Fashion News

Louise reviews day one of Fashion Week.

Cybele at New Zealand Fashion Week

Coop is a young label under the Trelise Cooper stable, the show featured bow prints, floral and metallics. Colours were clear and bold, COOP is a label to watch. Lucia

What did we ever do before accessory stores? Jewellery has the power to change garments so they follow any trend you choose, from demure to tribal. Necklaces can boost your best features – if you have light eyes make them pop by wearing a bold necklace in a similar colour to your eyes, or try […]

Walk the fashionable line with these fresh and fun outfits.

Browse our gallery of this week's Star Style. Who do you think wore 'Frock of the Week'?

This dainty fabric is good for far more than just wedding wear – here’s how to do it.

Browse our gallery of celebrities wearing yellow dresses - a fashion trend for spring/summer 2012.

Fashion is always evolving – some ideas are new, but many take aspects from the past and reinvent them.

This winter, fashion’s all about the swinging 1960s – think Twiggy and Mary Quant.

Winter shopping can leave you in a bit of a tangle – with so much to chose from, it’s important to get the garment that works for you.

I discovered a passion for town and country style while I was in England. I was fascinated by the incredibly elegant women who would wander through Hyde Park wearing designer jeans while clutching a designer handbag in one hand and a dog lead in the other. Town and country style looked to have come out […]

These are our top pics for the basic items every curvy woman must own. Stylish, timeless and utterly fabulous, take a look!

This season’s must-have trends are block colours, coloured denim, velvet, black and white monochrome, and bold prints. Combine these with the basic foundations of fuller-figure dressing so you have endless options for mixing and matching your shirts, tunics, dresses and jackets to suit any occasion. It’s important to know your body shape so that you […]

Go big, bold and bright in this season’s colourful accessories that will give you the wow factor

It’s a jungle out there! Tackle the streets and the workplace in this season’s safari-inspired prints and colours. It’s all about mixing your prints with bold block colours, such as red and tangerine, with natural earth tones such as camel and khaki.

Ladies, it’s time to shine in muted metallic fabrics in gold, silver and bronze.

A wardrobe essential throughout the decades, the black dress takes women seamlessly from the office to the dance floor with a quick change of shoes and accessories to suit the occasion.

Take care when choosing the pieces that go underneath your clothes - they say a lot about the type of woman you are

There's nothing Kiwis love more in summer than get together with friends and family for a barbecue. Here's our guide to looking fabulous at any gathering.

I have recently moved house and it got me thinking about some practical step-by-step ideas that may help others. For the first time, I have decided to treat myself to a large 4m-long wardrobe, with plenty of shelves and hanging space. I’ve always had a small wardrobe, so I would layer three or four garments […]

I love getting letters from readers - it's a great way for me to find out what you want to see on our fashion pages. Fuller-figure fashion is regularly requested and it seems most enjoy fashion tips that

Getting married is a wonderfully exciting time. It’s one of the biggest days of your life and you will cherish the memories of your big day forever. oany couples pay for their own weddings, so you need to remind yourself what’s important and why you are getting married. It’s about being with your family and […]

Christmas is a time to celebrate your efforts over the year. We all look forward to the end of the year, so that we can relax and do things we normally can’t find time for. But before all that, it’s time to party! Staff Christmas parties are always a hot topic. You’ve worked hard all […]

Christmas gift shopping can be tricky. We all want to get something perfect for our loved ones, but often it’s easier said than done. My poor husband Gaz is terrified of getting me gifts, but I always appreciate the thought. Here are some of his gift buying tips for the fashionista in your life: Always […]

Shine like a jewel in glamorous gem tones this summer – ruby, emerald, sapphire and amethyst. These sultry hues create a dramatic look that will maximise the effect of tailoring and details such as ruffles, pleats and draping. Ruby red will look amazing with most hair colours, but you need to be aware of your […]

The thought of getting into a swimsuit can be terrifying for many of us and purchasing one can be even worse. Recently my husband and I went to sunny Vanuatu on our honeymoon. I’ve always been a bikini girl, but after being in a nasty car accident late last year I’m left with major scars […]

Stripes are a timeless classic and can be easily adapted to suit any style with striking results. This summer, the look to go for is "weekend relaxed cool" with a preppy feel. oany of us have a fear of

oost of us can remember our first pair of heels and that feeling of being grown-up. I was obsessed with fashion from a young age. My mum and I had a monumental battle of wills when it came to my first pair of platform wedges. But we came to an agreement that, at age four, […]

Retro’s back, baby. All the major brands have got you covered this season when it comes to 1970s-inspired fashion. Florals, crochet, big brimmed hats, wide-leg high-waisted pants and statement shoes are what made the 1970s era iconic. The fashion also had a strong ethnic influence. Accessories from that era tended to be statement pieces incorporating […]

Safari-inspired fashion is a favourite of mine.If you saw our fashion week special a few issues ago, you may have noticed my animal print jumpsuit. The safari look is versatile, functional and also effortless.

Prints are hotter than ever this season and anything goes - the bolder, the better. Print garments are playful and relaxed, taking you from summer beach looks through to slick sophistication. With the

one of the most common statements I hear from Kiwi women is, “I’m too old to wear fashionable clothing.” They say they would like to look more current, but feel unsure of how to translate trends to work for them. These lovely ladies shrug their shoulders and settle for second best, but feeling self-assured and […]

As we all know, Kiwi women have a love of black clothing – and who could blame us? Black garments have so much going for them. They’re functional, they go with everything, they’re easy to look after and they’re timeless and slimming. I think most of us would admit that when you come across a […]

At New Zealand Fashion Week, I chose people to chat to who stood out from the crowd and looked self-assured in their style. Each of these lovely individuals took the time to give us a little insight into who they are and what fashion means to them. Having great fashion sense is about developing your own style - one that makes you feel good.

PEAR SHAPEPears have fuller rears, thighs and hips and smaller shoulders and torsos. To balance a curvy lower half, look for clothes that draw the eye away from these areas. What to wear Bootleg pants widen below the knee and end with a slight flare so they’ll make your hips look smaller Eye-catching, fitted tops […]

Accessories give the finishing touches to an outfit. It's the perfect way to update your look without having to spend lots of money on new garments. Handbags, shoes and sunglasses should be refreshed at

Colour blocking is one of the key trends for spring-summer. Mixing colours in a contrasting or complementary manor is popular on the runways at the moment. For the full effect of this trend it’s best to do it from head to toe, accentuating the look with bright shoes, scarves and bags. Colour blocking this season […]

Although in many workplaces employees are expected to wear dressy clothing, you don't need to stick to stuffy suits. Get a great work look that you feel comfortable in and which expresses something about your personality. Simple garments that you can mix and match will give you so many more options to wear, and these garments can be dressed up and down simply by changing your shoes and accessories. Long gone are the days where you have different clothing for different occasions - you should get good wear from everything in your wardrobe and be able to wear each item in at least three combinations. When purchasing a new garment, take time to think about what you already have in your wardrobe and how this new piece fits into the mix. If the answer is, "Maybe I already have something that does the same job," or "I really don't have anything else that will work with it," walk away and save yourself some money.

Floor-sweeping floaty skirts, soft, draping tops and long cardigans are the trends to be seen in this spring and summer. over the cooler months, start with a fitted warm base layer and build your soft layers over the top to give the body a slick, elegant look. opt for fine chiffon and silk dresses, skirts […]

once worn by blue-collar working men, denim is now used in a range of garments from skirts, dresses, jackets and shirts, but most universally loved are jeans. As the female figure tends to vary in shape so much – from curvy or petite, tall or short – denim clothing manufacturers are kept busy creating selections […]

The health and fitness industry is bigger than it’s ever been. Science has proven time and time again that there are no short cuts or wonder pills that can make you fit and healthy – the only solution is to eat well and exercise regularly. If you live by this, it will become a way […]

The international runways are on fire with this season’s smoking hot red trend. Red makes a visual statement without you having to do anything at all and nothing says confidence, power and passion quite like it. I loved wearing red in the 1990s – especially with black for a sharp, striking look – but now […]

Fashion starts with your undergarments. When shopping for lingerie, you need to focus on the cut and the shape. Firstly, with bras, do you want to minimise or maximise your bust? Bras with padding or firming fabrics can help. Secondly, how high-cut is the cup? If you have a full bust, a low-cut bra can only be worn with tops and dresses with low necklines. When choosing briefs, look at how high they sit on the legs. If you're petite, you can wear low-cut briefs, but avoid them if you have curves as they will push into your skin. Curvy figures are better suited to French knickers that are higher in the front with coverage at the sides. When dressing up, try a sculpting bodysuit - you'll be amazed at the results.

Anoraks are one of fashion's most versatile garments. Not only do they look great, but they're versatile and functional. Generally made from nylon, polyester or acetate to keep rain out and dry quickly, these wonder garments come lined and unlined. of course, the lined version will keep you warmer, but I love the light weight of an unlined anorak that I can layer knitwear underneath for warmth, then roll up into a tiny parcel and throw into my handbag. I'm always out and about collecting clothes for photoshoots and an umbrella is not practical for me as I need my hands free to carry bags - this makes my anorak an essential over the winter months.

What a great programme New Zealand’s Next Top Model was this week. Learning to walk on a runway is much harder than it looks. Unlike the models of the 1990s – think Linda Evangelista – I was terrible on a runway. I used to be a dancer, which helped in some ways when I did […]

If you want to keep your finger on the pulse of winter fashion, you should wear fur or lace – or better still, fur and lace together. Fur is a look that women have been wearing for decades, and now you can get the look and feel of real fur without the guilty conscience. You’ll […]

Coco Chanel was the first designer to incorporate masculine styling into women's fashion. Coco would re-tailor men's suits to fit her. Not only was this the beginning of a global trend that would stay with us, but it also gave women freedom to move and do things that their long dresses and skirts hindered them from doing. oasculine tailoring is flattering, creating definition to a woman's shape.

Stand out in the crowd with winter's opulent maroons, greens and blues mixed with a hint of 1970's camel, grey and mustard tones. Camels and greys should be accessorised with rich hues, and natural-colored fur trims will add to the "wow" factor. The final touches are the shoes and bag - stay clear of black and go for greys and browns.

Make your wardrobe work for you with some key black garments that you can mix and match to give you the perfect look at work, for casual daytime wear, and in the evening. Classic style and elegance starts with the basics. You then build your look with colour and texture on top. Try layering to give you more looks. Follow the three-layer rule to give your look the x-factor. This consists of wearing a bright top with a shirt or blouse slightly open over it, then layer a jacket, cardi or long coat over the top.

Leather is a timeless look that gives an air of luxury, yet is easy to wear with just about anything. Leather works day or night, giving a girlie dress a sexy edge and a pair of jeans a rock 'n' roll feel. Leather jackets can be an investment and you do get what you pay for - cheaper leather tends to be harder and can toughen and crack over time. Good-quality leather gets better with age - it will be a luxury purchase you won't regret. My advice is to spend as much as you can on a classic style.

Brighten up an otherwise dreary winter wardrobe by adding colour, texture and style with print fabrics. International runways have been showcasing "global" fashion for a couple of seasons now, taking inspiration from a wide range of cultures and mixing them all together. often these trends can be hard to identify with due to body shape or age, but by following some simple tips you can work the global trend into your look and lifestyle.

True 1950s glamour came about from the post-war boom and saw fashion break the mould. Women moved away from rigid styes and embraced their curves in clean, well-tailored silhouettes. The two iconic shapes of the 1950s are the tailored top or fitted cardi with a full skirt, or the fitted pencil skirt or dress. Six decades on, women are still embracing their curves in the style of the 1950s.

“Teresa Hodges always loved clothes,” says her mother, Janet. “When she was young I used to help her sew her school ball gowns. We never had patterns. She knew what she wanted, and between us we’d work out how to produce it. She was very artistic.” After leaving school, Teresa worked in fashion retail in […]

Easter weekend is the perfect opportunity to clean out your wardrobe and get prepared for the cooler weather. Getting started can be hard and the task can seem a little daunting, but think how good you will feel when it's all done!

Aren't those bright, beachy newspaper ads touting sun, sea and sand utterly enticing? If you're booked for an island break, you may be wondering what to pack. In summer the shops are full of gorgeous goodies, but what happens if it's mid-autumn or even winter? Here are some mid-season styles to fill your suitcase.

Just about anything goes when it comes to this season's trends in footwear - military, masculine brogues, chunky wedges and clogs, feminine heels with bows and peep-toe ankle boots. To top it off, studs, buckles and fur details are must-haves.

The new season's looks are hitting the stores, so be in quick to make sure you don't miss out on what's hot. Autumn knits are lightweight and easy to layer so you can be creative with colour and texture.

There are a lot of colourful garments around at the moment, so why not take advantage of this cheerful trend and brighten up your look? Here we have some tips on how to wear colour day and night.

Long associated with fun and glamour, the feline look is top of the pops this winter. Leopard prints are turning up on everything from shoes to umbrellas, and keeping seasonally on-trend can be inexpensive. on the other side of the spectrum, florals are back, which is great news for those of us who love feeling pretty! Here we have some useful tips on how to wear both.

With autumn fast approaching, we take a look at one of the most prominent fashion trends to hit the runway.

Black pants are a staple item and they're versatile enough to wear in almost any situation. When you get them right you can keep them for years, but sometimes it's difficult to get the right cut for your body. We've found the perfect pants for every shape.

oany of us have little things about our bodies we'd prefer to keep hidden, but it can be hard to find clothes that cover them up while still flattering the bits we love. This week, I answer your questions about how to dress stylishly to your shape.

With summer still in full swing, it is tempting to relax your work attire and adopt a more casual wardrobe. However, there is a fine line between appropriate and inappropriate work attire, with items like jandals firmly off the list. Here is our guide on summer office style. Take the cue from management as to […]

A good bra is the foundation of a good outfit, and an essential item for everyday comfort. Yet 8 out of 10 women wear bras that don’t fit, leading to ill posture, back problems and muscle tension. Here we have a complete guide on finding the perfect bra. The right size A well fitting bra […]

Pastels often look the best in summer, in feminine pieces and flirty fabrics For this seasons shades, think fruit –  strawberry, melon, lemon, and blueberry are all versatile colours to try. The key is balance – pastels head to toe look overwhelmingly sweet. Pair a pastel top with a tougher bottom like the new loose, […]

High summer is here, so now is the time to cool off poolside in pretty resort wear. Cover your bikini or swimsuit with floaty, bold print dresses. Keeping cool and looking super glam is easy!

one of the easiest and most comfortable trends to try this summer is 'feminine' sporty. Here we have some great tips on how to wear this look, from the gym to the cafe.

Packing to go on holiday isn't as easy as it sounds. While you don't want to travel with a suitcase full of clothes you won't wear, you never know what your trip might bring so you need to make sure you have all your bases covered. To simplify packing this summer, I've put together a simple check list made up of just 10 clothing items, three pairs of shoes and a few multi-tasking accessories. Now all you need to do is relax and enjoy your holiday in style.

This summer's fashion is all about the sundress. You just can't beat the style and comfort of a feminine frock that's perfect for any occasion. Try bold brights or pretty floral prints in long, short, fitting or flowing shapes - the options are endless!

Summer sales - we have the complete guide on what to look for, and what to avoid.

The weather is heating up so it's time to head to the water to cool down and have some fun. This summer, feel good in swimwear that truly flatters your shape. Whether you're trying to create shape or minimise curves, there are lots of options out there in a range of fabulous colours.

The Christmas party season is here and it's time to treat yourself for all the hard work you have done this year. Turn heads at your knees-up with a dress that flatters your figure and makes you feel great!

Keep cool this summer in this season’s hottest footwear trends. Wedges, ballet flats, clogs and sandals are now available in a huge selection of colours and prices. Fashion starts from the ground up, so find a style that works for you. Wedges Get the height of a high heel with a wedge heel, which gives […]

Undergarments are a big part of your overall look. Wearing an ill-fitting bra can make you look saggy or bigger than you are, and underwear that cuts in gives you unsightly lumps and bumps. The right lingerie can give boyish slim figures a boost or to flatter feminine curves.

The white shirt is a must-have item in any woman's wardrobe. No matter what your age, size or style, this timeless classic will take you anywhere. Here are some tips on how to wear this piece to work, as nightwear and right through the weekend.

Feminine and flirty, Fifties fashion is making a comeback. Perfect for a sophisticated evening out, or a Sunday high-tea.

It can be hard staying up-to-date when fashion trends move so fast, so here are eight key looks for the season that you can't go wrong with. Some are classics that never date, while others you may recognise as blasts from the past. I recommend clearing out your wardrobe to see if you have any items that can be dusted off and reworked to fit in with the seasons hot looks.

Play up your gorgeous figure with long flattering layers

With summer around the corner, here are some handy hints to keep you looking great through the season.

Day or night, summer or winter, leggings are a girl's best friend

A warm winter coat is a wardrobe essential. Invest in a classic style or opt for a fashion-forward look with texture and a fun trim. A coat always looks elegant worn over simple layers. Neutral hues are really versatile, but why not try a bold colour this time? Trench coats are a great alternative to […]

Don’t let the cold weather keep you indoors. A woollen coat is a winter wardrobe staple and will keep you toasty wherever you go. Either try a classic colour and style to go with all your outfits, or one that makes a bold fashion statement. Investing in a good coat, will keep you cosy and looking good. What winter coat is right […]

The grey skies of autumn are here but you can colour your world with the new season’s rich hues of pink, violet, crimson and blue. Try embracing this trend wholeheartedly with beautiful, bold dresses, tops and cardigans or just add a splash of colour to your look with a bright accessory. Ruby Tuesday Red is […]

**Question: ** Later this year we are embarking on a 3 month driving/camping holiday around Europe.  I need ideas for wardrobe basics which will take me from walking around cities to day hikes in the mountains, swimming and eating out, and it all needs to fit in one suitcase. Answer: A light-weight water-proof jacket will […]

Normal daily tasks can be difficult and frustrating when you are undergoing treatment for breast cancer. But a little wardrobe planning can alleviate added stress and help you to feel as comfortable and confident as possible. Choose a small collection of mix-and-match pieces that will see you through your treatment period with ease. If you’d like to mix things up a little, you can accessorise with hats, […]

With the advent of digital cameras it’s much easier to take photographs we’re pleased with. But it’s often out of our hands. And with friends frequently posting snapshots on Facebook, you’ll want to look your best every time you’re in front of the lens. Here’s how: **Practise **Look at some of your best and worst […]

Very few of us have the perfect shape but it’s possible to create optical illusions by choosing the right garments. To appear taller, choose dark, block colours or soft vertical lines (pin stripes). A suit in a matching colour will make you appear taller. As will high heels of course! PantsWear trousers that are long […]

If you’re anything like most Kiwi women, your winter wardrobe is full of black! Nothing wrong with that – black makes for a great base. But sometimes just a splash of colour is all we need to lift our look, improve our mood and add flair to an outfit. Colours are also a great way […]

Prints and patterns can add a level of interest to your outfit but you have to know what you’re doing in order to avoid them dominating your look. The key is to balance a busy print with a neutral fabric or to wear prints that work with your body shape. If you’re bottom heavy, a […]

How often to you come home from a shopping trip feeling guilty or empty-handed? With a few rules in mind it’s possible to avoid the pitfalls and become a successful shopper. 1. PrioritiseYou’re best to start with the basics – tank tops, t-shirts, jeans – before moving onto more desirable items. Make a note of […]

1. **Feminine fabrics **Silk blouses, sheer singlets, ruffled party dresses. Imagine the kinds of fabric you simply wouldn’t find in your man’s wardrobe and you’re onto something. Be sure to check the washing tags when shopping as some silks require dry-cleaning only. 2. **Westie influences **Well, sort of. oversized, crocheted tops, leather tassles, studs, zips, […]

If the invitation doesn’t give much of a clue as to the most appropriate attire, consider who invited you – are they quirky, conservative? Next, consider the season and the venue – in a private home in stormy winter or on the beach in balmy summer? Afternoon or night time? Before you leave the house, […]

What do Scarlett Johannsson, Dita Von Teese, Katy Perry and Kiwi actress Emily Barclay have in common (apart from stunning good looks?) The ability to carry off red-hot, vintage Hollywood without looking contrived. If you’re brave enough to give it a go, it’s important to start with the right attitude – it’s flirty, feminine and […]

**Harem pants **Who would’ve thought the genie would inspire the most dramatic new style of trousers since skinny jeans?The good news is, by pairing harem pants with the right tops, there’s no need to sing U Can’t Touch This as you get dressed in the morning. The key is to think of the pants as […]

oinimise a large tummy by choosing slimming, tunic-style tops. Don’t be afraid to create definition in this area by cinching a long, floaty top or dress with a belt. Avoid fabrics that cling tightly to the body as they’ll accentuate lumps and bumps. Wide-legged pants also help to create a flattering silhouette. Flatter a small […]

We should all learn to accept and be proud of our bodies but here are some tips to help you to make the most of what you do have, and to improve on what you don’t. oinimise broad shoulders by drawing the eye away from the shoulder area. Good options include monochrome jackets with narrow […]

Freezing temperatures and over-zealous indoor heating makes layering an essential skill in winter. Layering is also a great way to show flair. Start with a cotton T-shirt, dress shirt or skivvy, then add heavier items such as a jumper, blazer or jacket. only layer with items you’d wear on their own (in other words, ditch […]

Sometimes a little goes a long way. Wear long boots like Jane Birkin. The British-born French star knew how chic tall boots could be. Go for tight, thigh-high boots with a slight heel, preferably in black. Start with beautiful lingerie like Dita Von Teese. The burlesque dancer always puts on something sexy, lacy and girly, […]

The best way to save money when shopping for clothing is to go second-hand – but that doesn’t have to mean second-rate. Companies such as Saveoart now offer shoppers a vast selection in huge warehouse-style buildings all over the country. Don’t forget your local charity shop either. Recycling your wardrobe is even more fun at […]