Sunday, 7 September 2008

Yogasanas - To Strengthen Your Legs

1: Tadasan
2: Vrukshasan
3: Uthith Trikonasan
4: Parivrutta Trikonasan
5: Uthith Paarshwakonasan
6: Parivrutta Paarshwakonasan
7: Veerbhadrasaan
8: Aardhachandrasaan
9: Paarshwotanaasaan
10: Prasarit Padottanasan
11: Utkatasan
12: Natrajasaan
13: Padangushtasaan
14: Paadhastasaan
15: Uttanasan
16: Shwanasaan

Friday, 22 August 2008

Tops, Tops, Tops...

1: Bandeau Tops: Band-shaped covering specifically the breasts.
2: Blazer: Generally a long-sleeved sports or formal jacket with lapels.
3: Bolero Jacket: A Jacket that is loose and Waist Length and open at the front.
4: Corset Top/Boned Bodice: Usually strapless bodice with laces or snap closures that is extremely form fitting.
5: Cowl Neck: A piece of material attached to a garment at the neckline, usually used as a hood or draped loosely at the front neckline or back.
6: Crew Neck: A round neckline that sits close to the base of the neck encircled by a ribbed banding.
7: Cropped Top/Jacket: A top or jacket where the hem is cut above the waist.
8: Dolman Sleeve: A sleeve designed without a socket for the shoulder-creating a deep armhole extending from the waist to the wrist. A.k.a. batwing sleeve.
9: Double Breasted: Normally a jacket where one-half of the front lays over the other, and usually has a double row of buttons and a single row of buttonholes.
10: Double-Tee Top: One t-shirt over the other, giving the effect of layers.
11: Draped Bodice: Extra pieces of material laid over the bustline.
12: Empire Waist: A Waistline that begins below the bust.
13: Halter Top: A sleeveless shirt that meets on the top of the neckline creating a high choke or wrap neck and is normally backless.
14: Jewel Neck: A round and high neckline that rests at the base of the neck.
15: Keyhole Neck: A round or tear shaped cutout that meets at the front or back neckline.
16: Mandarin Collar: An Asian inspired collar that is short and stand-up.
17: Notched Collar: A two-piece collar that can be worn open.
18: Off the Shoulder Neck: A neckline that displays uncovered shoulders, above the top of the bustline.
19: Peasant Top: A romantic style top that often has a low neckline, ruffles, and is made from free flowing materials.
20: Scoop Neck/Round Neck: A U-shaped/round neckline.
21: Shawl Collar: A one-piece collar that is turned down to form a continuous line from the back of the neck to the front.
22: Shrug: A small, waist-length (sometimes shorter) jacket.
23: Split Neck: A round neckline that forms a small “v” in the center.
24: Square Neck: An open-yoke neckline shaped to form a half-square.
25: Sweetheart Neck: An open-yoke neckline shaped to form the top half of a heart.
26: Tankini: A two piece bathing suit in which the top portion resembles a tank top.
27: Trapeze Top: A tank top with flare bottom.
28: Tunic Style: A simple slip on garment usually knee-length or longer worn as an under or outer garment.
29: Unitards: A one-piece, tightly fitted garment for the torso, legs and feet, and arms.
30: V-neck/V-back: An open yoke forming a “V” shape midway down the bodice.
31: Wrap Top/Surplice Top: A garment created by cross-wrapping fabrics, sometimes in the front or back and associated with a high/low neckline.

Wednesday, 20 August 2008

Skirting Around !

There are so many different types of skirts that it’s sometimes hard to keep track of them. They are so varied and that’s good news, since you can probably find a type of skirt for any occasion (except maybe some sports). But there’s a simple list of the essentials to keep them straight and to know in which situations a certain type of skirt could work best for you.
1: Full Skirt: These skirts are named this way for a reason. Their fullness is gathered into the waistband of the skirt. Wear these with a fitted top for the best look.
2: Straight Skirt: Straight skirts hang from your hips and are fitted from the waist to the hips. These also look the best with a fitted top and can be worn in formal and casual situations.
3: Circle Skirt: Here, the skirt is cut into different sections in order to make a circle. This is so that the skirt hangs smoothly and in a wave-like shape.
4: Pleated Skirt: Pleated skirts are popular and not just for the schoolgirl. They can be any length, but what makes them unique is that they have a fullness that’s reduced in order to fit the waist through the use of the pleats. The most popular is the schoolgirl pleated skirt, but they can also be longer and made with a lighter material for a great summery look.
5: A-line Skirt: This type of skirt flares out very slightly, to resemble the shape of a capital letter A. These skirts can be worn in any situation depending on the texture and fabric.
6: Culottes: Culottes are shorts that are so wide they look like a skirt. Although this style seems to have gone out of style in the 90s, culottes can still be worn if they just look like a regular skirt.
7: Tulip Skirt: Tulip skirts are exactly that — they make an upside-down tulip shape. Meaning, they hug your waist and hips and then gradually flare out. These skirts are summery when worn in a lighter material and bright colour, but also work in solid, darker colours for a modern twist on traditional office wear.
8: Ballerina Skirt: This kind of skirt is a full skirt that ends just above your ankles. This, of course, was very popular throughout the 50s. Try this style in an unassuming solid colour for the best look.
9: Bubble Skirt: This great skirt is puffy. What makes it stand out is that the hem is the same width (more or less) as the waist, giving the illusion of a bubble. Look for bubble skirts in bright colours and different fabrics, like satin. Pair it with a simple, solid top.
10: Broomstick Skirt: Broomstick skirts are usually full and reach the ankle. Their shape takes on the look of a broom, without the handle, of course! In order to pull this off, keep in mind that this length needs to be balanced out with something a little bit lighter, like a simple white t-shirt or tank top. Don’t wear anything too loud on top with this one.
11: Pencil Skirt: Pencil skirts are one of the most popular skirts around. They are usually high-waisted and fitted around the hips. Most are cut to just below the knees or to mid-calf. This is the classic business skirt with the slit at the back. Tuck a collared shirt into a pencil skirt and you’re set to rule the corporate world.
12: Kilt: A true kilt skirt wraps around the waist with aprons that overlap in front, and it’s pleated around the back. Wear these with a more casual or solid-coloured top. This skirt is more outgoing, so it’s not necessary to have a loud top.
13: Mini-skirt: Mini-skirts are very short skirts! They usually start from a few inches above the knee to an inch or two just below…well, you know! Wear these with care. If it’s a very short skirt, then have a more covered-up top to balance it out.
Skirts can be surprisingly versatile. Don’t think they can only be worn in the warm weather months. Leggings can be worn in the cooler temperatures to keep your legs warm, and longer skirts can also cover up more when you need it. Leg warmers are also a good option, along with knee-high socks.