Style Harmony

Most popular buy (by Riccino)

I’m so glad the 5-inch heels are making its way out of the fashion scene and the wooden platforms have returned! Phew…comfort and safety at last! Perhaps some of you are still unwilling to hang up your killer heels. Afterall, heels give your bum a lift and make you walk with style. With his 30 plus years of experience in designing shoes for women, Gino (MD and Principal Designer of Riccino) is the go-to person if you want great looking, quality and comfortable shoes. Hence, it’s no surprise that Riccino has been the sponsor for the heels worn by contestants of Ms Singapore-Universe pageant including this year’s finalists. His shoe creations are unique to his signature elegant and classic style. You could tell that he has spent much time and effort into designing every detail and structure of each shoe. I asked Gino for his expert tips on choosing the right shoes. Here’s what he says:

1. Wear shoes with at least a half-inch heel. Flat shoes may cause foot problems in the future e.g. bunion.
2. Avoid wearing heels that are 3.5 inches and above to the office. Firstly, it will surely make your feet ache after a whole day in them and secondly, these shoes are meant for the runways and parties!
3. Invest in shoes that are made with inner leather lining. This works for our hot and humid climate as the leather lining will actually keep your feet cool. The leather will also stretch accordingly to mould your feet thus creating greater comfort.
4. Alternate wearing your covered up shoes as this will allow your shoes to breathe and stay dry. Dampness from sweat or moisture will cause the leather to further stretch, thus losing the shape of the shoe.

For more information on Riccino, visit its website at http://www,riccino.com.sg.

Ms Singapore-Universe 2011 contestants wearing Riccino 5-inch heels

Melissa in same Ms Singapore-Universe shoes, courtesy of Riccino for her photoshoot!

Tags: heels, Ms Singapore-Universe 2011, shoes

Dramatic & sultry eye makeup trend

According to Harper’s Bazaar, the dramatic smokey eye look is still hot on the New York fashion runway. The smokey effect is achieved by applying dark eyeshadow (black is best!) close to the upper lash line and outer corners of the eye, blending it half-way in. Use a lighter shade on the lid, inner corner and the brow bone. For a more sultry look, draw a thicker line on the lower lash with black kohl pencil and for a glam effect, apply glitter shadow on top of the lined lower lid. Of course, it won’t be complete without long dramatic false lashes! Keep the rest of the face clean and neutral. For lipstick, stick to nudes. See my makeup (below) for my glamour shot today; all thanks to my wonderful friend and makeup expert, Amy Chow! 

Tags: dramatic, eye makeup, smokey, trend

Tags: floral, graphics, prints

Tags: bow tie, chic, Glee, polka dot, preppy, quirky

Life is an endless struggle full of frustrations and challenges, but eventually you find a hair stylist you like.  ~Author Unknown

I am sure most of you can connect with the above quote. A good hairstylist is like a best friend; caring, loyal, reliable, trustworthy and sympathetic. How many of us have had bad hair experiences and yet, sometimes we still stay on with the same salon perhaps because we do not know of any other trusted hairstylists or we thought that was how the hair should be done. I have clients who have been to several salons, paid lots for the service and yet their hair looked like it went under a lawn mower! My solution to them? Go see Alison Kerlin! I first had my hair cut by Alison in 2007 and I’ve been going to her ever since. Alison is a highly trained hair designer and she makes you feel like you have known her for years instantly. She is honest in telling you what works and what doesn’t. Alison will be attentive to your needs, concerns and aspirations and she will always recommend the best hairstyle for your face shape, features and personality. So everyone walks out looking uniquely them. Just like your clothes, your hair has to reflect who you are and enhance your best facial features. You can have the latest hair trend but Alison will modify it to suit your face so that you can carry it off in your own way confidently. If you searching for a hairstylist that you will like, try Alison Kerlin at Riverside Point, #02-07 (nearest MRT: Clarke Quay).

Melissa and Alison Kerlin (Left)

Some haircare tips from Alison:

1) Shampoo your hair twice (even if you are washing it daily) to ensure your scalp and hair are thoroughly clean. Squeeze a 20 cent size shampoo onto your palm, rub your palms together and apply the shampoo on your forehead, nape and both sides of your scalp.

2) Rinse off for 10 minutes. Apply same amount of conditioner as shampoo and spread it all over hair (except the roots). Comb it through and leave it on for 5 minutes or as per instruction on the bottle.

3) Rinse off for about 10-15 minutes (longer duration for long hair) to ensure all the residue is gone.

4) If you use hair products daily, then shampoo hair with a clarifying shampoo once a week.

Do the above steps and you will see a great difference in your hair condition.

Do you have any bad or good hair experiences to share?

Tags: alison kerlin, hair, harstylist

I read that the cash registers are busy ringing away during this Great Singapore Sale. Retail sales have gone up; people are happily shopping for stuff. Note that I say “stuff” because more often than not, your great bargains are going to end up in the “stuff” category i.e I don’t know what possessed me to by this awful dress, I have not worn this skirt I got at 50% off during last year’s sale, I don’t know how to match this top, so I haven’t worn it yet etc…Sounds familiar? Don’t feel guilty, it’s normal shopper behaviour syndrome! But before you rush out to grab another discounted “stuff”, check “yes” or “no” on the following:

• Have you weed out your wardrobe to see what are the missing pieces you need to complete your wardrobe for now?
• Do you have a clear idea what suits you and your shape or are you just buying for the sake of fashion and discounts?
• Are you going back to the same store to get the same stuff every time you go shopping?
• Are you buying quantity or quality?
• Can your new purchases go with the other clothes in your wardrobe?

Hiring a personal shopper will take the above load off you. An expert shopper will be able to advise you on value-for-money buys, what suits your shape and skintone, what styles will spark your personality and help you to put together a complete look from head to toe. Here are some expert shopping tips from me:

• Invest in basic pieces and suits from well established brands e.g. Calvin Klein, Ted Baker, Armani and departmental stalls like Robinsons.
• Add 2 or 3 latest trends to update your current wardrobe e.g. flare pants, long skirts or pleated dress.
• Spend on a good leather bag that will take you from Mondays to Fridays.
• Buy 2 pairs of high quality leather shoes; a mid heel and flats.
• Opt for a gorgeous evening dress in a colour other than black!

For information on our personalised shopping services, please visit us at http://www.image-harmony.com/personalised-shopping.html. We are currently having a promotion for our shopping service. Click on the flyer above.

Tags: expert shopping tips, personal shopper, shopping

(L-R; Halle, Hillary & Kim)

Tags: horizontal, nautica, stripes, summer trend

The CMT Music Awards held in Nashville this Wednesday saw the gathering of some of the biggest stars in country music. Compared to their counterparts from the pop music scene, country singers are usually more conservative and less dramatic in their fashion sense. Nonetheless, one would expect country’s super stars to dress a few notches up for the red carpet event. I was shocked by what some of them wore! Shania Twain, Nicole Kidman and Crystal Bowersox were just one of the many who got it wrong at the awards show.

Shania looked great for her age and she is a beautiful lady. The lace bodice dress she wore made her look matronly. The upper part of the dress was just not flattering. And the black strappy shoes were just too plain and made her feet looked chunky. I would prefer the dress to be a strapless style and the heels, minus the criss-cross straps.

Shania

Nicole

Nicole Kidman could wear anything and still look gorgeous. But apparently not so! The dress looked great on top but the bottom sheer layering just looked odd. Remove the sheer bottom piece and she would have an edgy dress! It would go better with the blue strappy heels that way.

Crystal

Crystal Bowersox has such a pretty face but the long purple gown really looked awful on her in every sense! The gown was too long and made her look really short. It didn’t fit her well; you can see the folds on her midriff and this added weight to her already full figure. The hairstyle looked dated. The deep purple also made her looked washed out.

Tell us who do you think is the worst dressed among the three.

Tags: CMT Music Awards

Carey Mulligan

Sometimes, even the celebrity A-listers can get their styles horribly wrong. I am sure they have the best stylists in town to dress them up but perhaps, not all the time. Case in point, actress Carey Mulligan who is young, petite and pixie looking. But she stepped out recently looking like a frumpy old looking maiden. The summery looking blue floral dress was too long; it would look better if it was slightly above her knees. And if she had worn it off the shoulder, it would have been more appealing. The black clutch looked a bit severe and stiff for a sweet feminine dress. Her suede booties looked more suitable for winter than summer and it shortened her legs. I really don’t like her hair; it was unkempt, flat (no body) and looked very much in need of a trim! She certainly didn’t look like a Hollywood actress. If I were to style her, this is what I would put on her (see bottom picture). The dress I chose was the closest I could find to what she was wearing. A clutch in aquamarine or any bright colours would instantly update the style and make you look more youthful. The gothic style green cutout platforms add some edginess to the sweet floral dress so that you do not end up looking too matchy matchy. The hairstyle I selected for her (not the colour, though) would frame her face beautifully and hide her very wide forehead. The wispy bangs and sides creates an alluring look.

The take-away here is to keep the rest of your look simple when you are wearing a flowery print dress and choose a funky pair of shoes in any one of the colours found on the dress to look modern and chic. Look at the other photos of stars and royalty who got the floral dress look right.

Big floral prints are more modern looking

Perfect for Summer Tea Party by melissa151065 featuring a floral cotton dress

Princesses Eugenie & Beatrice - super stylish!

Tags: floral dress, makeover, summer style

Summer Style by melissa151065 featuring flower rings

As Spring makes way for the sky blue and restful summer season, the bright cheery colours of Spring start to fade as flower blooms fall. The trees begin to bear fruits at this time, sprouting summer greens under the cool blue sky. The colours of the summer season are soft, muted and quiet. Whites, blues, greens, browns and grays dominate the summer colour palette. For those of you who are not into flowers and ruffles, you can still wear summer styles and look chic. A sky blue denim shirt tucked into a long white skirt with a skinny belt can look understated, yet stylish. Pair a crisp cotton floral blouse with a solid colour A-line skirt for work. Pretty floral dresses or shorts with metallic sandals would be the perfect get-up for going to the movies or brunch. Floppy hats and long strap purses are the key accessories this summer. Check out some of the Hollywood celebrities’ summer get-ups and be inspired!

Which is your favourite fashion season, Spring or Summer and why?

Michelle WIlliams - love her cute woven bag!

Drew Barrymore - A great summer evening look

Naomi Watts- White is always chic

Tags: denim, floral, summer colours, summer style