Confidently Single

Spring/Summer 2010 Color Palette

Spring/Summer 2010 Key Looks

Hot Pants and Boy Shorts

If ever there was a time to hit the gym, it’s this Spring. Hemlines have crept up to shorter than short; in fact reaching the negative. Hot pants, boy shorts, and tap pants are all variations on this shorter-than-short style, which in many cases reveal more than just one’s legs.

Knee High Socks

Knee high socks – as well as over-the-knee and thigh high socks – are back as a trend, and the options on how to wear them are many. From the sporty to the sparkly, to layerings of socks over tights; a great pair of socks can add volumes to an outfit.

Future Warrior

The military and tribal trends collide to become this fierce fashion trend. Ancient civilisations come to life in leather tunics, metal plating, and war paint. Unequivocally fearless and with room for endless creativity, the main criteria for the modern warrior is confidence.

High Dress Splits

How to pull off the ultimate in sexy without reaching for the micro-mini? Add a long dress with a high split to your Spring wardrobe. From Versace’s knock-out gowns to Lanvin’s elegantly draping numbers, we look at numerous ways to rock a high dress split.

Sporty Clothing

Sportswear takes on a whole new level of cool when it hits trend status in 2010. Football inspirations turn tomboy chic to sexy yet effortless looks; while Bond girl scuba inspired clothing is the pinnacle of sporty bombshell. Dance and 20s inspired tennis looks also feature in our comprehensive look at sporty clothing in 2010.

Sci-Fi and Futurism

The dawn of a new decade brings forward-projecting thoughts which reflect in many a designer’s work in 2010. From the dark depths of dystopia to the possibilities of evolution, sci-fi finds its way into fashion in various forms, as do re-interpretations of traditional futurist concepts.

Jumpsuits

Every so often, one-piece styles of clothing have a revival. What started with bodysuits and leotards is now becoming a fully-fledged trend towards jumpsuits, playsuits, and rompers. As a unique style for Spring 2010, they won’t be for everyone, but they will offer more options than you’d think.

Patterned and Printed Pants

No longer must we stick to boring block colours on our lower half, for all varieties of printed pants have made their way onto the Spring runways. Whether floral, striped, abstract, bold or subdued… patterns on pants are giving us new bold wardrobe options for the warmer months.

See-through and Sheer Fabrics

In Spring and Summer fashion tends to get a little more revealing; we blame it on the heat, and one’s desire to show off. So in 2009 this trend will keep you cool yet sexy. 2009/2010’s sheer pieces are a mixture of the soft and feminine, to the opposite extremes of the hardcore sex-kitten.

Boyfriend Blazers

Continuing to be a wardrobe staple for Spring/Summer 2010, the “boyfriend” blazer is a simple way to look chic whether on a fresh Spring day or mild a Summer’s night. A slightly oversized jacket or blazer, sleeves rolled up, is the pinnacle of relaxed cool.

Fashion Review by: Daniel P Dykes

Check Out:

http://www.fashionising.com/

Roberto Cavalli Lingerie & Swimwear Fashion Show

Friday November 27, 2009
Arrive early. Doors open at 10pm

BUY your tickets in advance at Fregata Nightclub or call 416-707-1943 for more information

DJ Peter ” The Greek” spinning house, dance, Top 40

Free parking

1900 Dundas Street East, Mississauga

There is a seating chart for ticket purchases. So buy your tickets in advance to get the best seats for the runway show.

VIP tickets: front row with complimentary martinis $50
Back seats: $20
Standing/general admission: $10

http://www.fregata.com/

2009/2010 Clothing: Key Looks

The colours below are part of this fall’s colour palette. You will see these colours among the trends outlined.

Over-the-Knee Boots

Over-the-knee boots are the must-have item for Fall 2010; but those daring enough will find the tops of their boots creeping up even higher with thigh-high boots also making it mainstream. From elegant suedes to darkly futuristic wound-and-bound leathers, the options are many and various.

Capes and Cloaks

It’s been quite some time since the cape has been a major fashion staple. In Autumn (Fall) / Winter 2010 the cape, in it’s various forms, will make it to major trend status as many big names of the fashion design world create their own unique revivals.

Leather Clothing

Perhaps you’re wondering what’s so new about leather, given the leather jacket has been such a wardrobe staple for the past few years? Well, the leather trend is extending far beyond just jackets and into pretty much every other type of clothing. You name it, we’ll be wearing in leather in 2009-2010. Leather shorts, leather dresses, leather leggings…

The Female Dandy

Dandy elements re-enter women’s fashion for the coming cold seasons. Think Beau Brummell-esque looks; bow blouses, ruffles, jodhpurs, tailored waistcoats, brooches and fobs. Menswear is feminised for sexy yet masculine looks, and Regency styling is key.

Chunky Knits

Texture plays a big part in Winter clothing in 2009/2010, with the chunkiest of chunky knits keeping us both warm and fabulous. Chunky doesn’t have to equal dowdy though – open-weave details are a must-have showing a peep of skin.

Sheer Clothing

In Spring/ Summer fashion tends to get a little more revealing; we blame it on the heat, and one’s desire to show off. So in 2010 this fashion trend will keep you cool, yet sexy. 2010’s sheer pieces are a mixture of the soft and feminine, to the opposite extremes of the hardcore sex-kitten.

One Shouldered Dresses and Tops

From single-shouldered dresses to tops and bikinis, asymmetric shoulder-lines have made a huge return in 2009. Showing off one-shoulder in a dress can be subtly sexy and interesting on the eye, and the possibilities for how to wear it are numerous.

Military Look

A close cousin of the bohemian luxe trend, the military jacket strikes back in 2009 as a winter wardrobe staple. Whether feminised, rocked up or worn with sexy androgyny, it’s a winner.

Torn Denim

Just when you thought they would never return… ripped jeans are back. Starting in 2008 with a horde of sexed-up editorial shoots and celebrity sightings, those torn denim shorts and shredded jeans are hitting the streets.

To read about more 2010 fashion  tips and trends, check in with  our expert fashionista, Aneta Sofranova at  http://anetasofronova.com/

Entertaining isn’t always a walk through the park but being a good host or hostess requires giving off the impression that it is just that. There is no point in complaining to your guests how much time you spent in the kitchen preparing everything. Carrying yourself in an effortless manner will make your guests feel at home and will allow them to be relaxed and enjoy themselves.

A party does require planning. If you want it to be a good party, you can’t just invite people and hope everything will work out. If you plan on inviting 20 or more guests, it’s not a bad idea to hire or designate someone to be the bartender so you don’t have to be one all night.

If you are not hosting a dinner party, you should still have some appetizers on hand. The average person will also consume about five drinks in the course of the evening. Make sure you factor in the number of guests you will have so that you have enough food and alcohol to last throughout the night.

Before your guests arrive, make sure you clean your home thoroughly. Do not forget to clean the toilette! If the bathroom that will be used by your guests is not spotless, you will get a reputation for being a slob. Other helpful tips: place a scented candle, supply a hand towel, provide hand soap in a pump (people don’t like sharing a bar of soap) and of course, extra toilette paper.

The key to any successful party is playing the right music. Upbeat music is your best bet and add in songs that are age appropriate depending on your guests. No need to blast the stereo. Keep the music loud enough so that your guests are still able to converse. Lighting is also something to consider. Opt out of the harsh lighting and light some candles or dim the lights a bit to set the perfect ambiance.

As the host/hostess, do not expect to have the time for meaningful conversation with your guests. Your job is to work the room and make sure that everyone is having a good time. You are to circulate and partake in some conversation, not start a debate. Keep your conversation starters simple and engaging so you may continue to your role of providing food, drink and music. You are also the key to social networking. Introduce people who do not know each other and try to find a common bond for them to start a conversation.

Now that your party has come to an end, there are some final points you still need to look after. There will always be stragglers that just don’t want to go home. If you want to give them a hint that the party is over, start cleaning up, hide the booze and blow out the candles.  Most importantly, it is your responsibility to make sure your guests get home safely and by that mean, if you know one of your guests is drunk, never let them drive home. Make arrangements to find a willing designated driver, call a cab or just have them stay over the night if all else fails.

I am sure your guests will have a great time and will eagerly wait to attend your next bash.

Many people picture old ladies sitting at a tea party when it comes to etiquette and manners. In today’s world we tend to approach these things quite casually and become impersonal. Being classy and confident is about knowing how to behave in any situation. There is nothing old fashioned about that. I would like to address some common scenarios that you may stumble across and how to overcome them without falling over.

Dining Out

When eating at home, there aren’t any rules, so to speak but remember that certain faux pas are frowned upon when eating at a restaurant.

1.     Remove your napkin as soon as you have been seated and place it on your lap, preferably folded in half. The napkin should stay there throughout the entire meal. Should you need to excuse yourself from the table, place the napkin on your chair.

2.     Breaking bread. Don’t help yourself to the bread basket without offering some to your dinner companions first.

3.     Appetizers. If you are going to dip food into a shared bowl, do not dip anything that has already touched you mouth. Also known as “double dipping”.

4.     Don’t start eating until everyone at your table has been served, no matter how hungry you may be!

5.     Wine. Hold your wine glass by the stem. When you hold it the glass by its bowl you warm the wine (and get fingerprints all over).

6.     Soup. Go in the side of your bowl and spoon away from you. To get the last bit, tilt the bowl away from you. Do not raise the bowl to your mouth to sip what’s left.

7.     Spaghetti. This one can get messy. Use your fork to spin bite size amounts (you can even use two forks to do this).

8.     Asparagus. You can get away with this food by using your fingers (unless it is covered in sauce).

9.     If you have bones, olive pits, shells etc. to discard, use the dish available to you or the outer edge of your dinner plate. Do not place anything on the tablecloth.

10.  Bless you! If you have to sneeze, quickly turn your head away from the table. Do not blow your nose at the table. Excuse yourself and take care of it in the rest room.

11.  The finale. To signal to your server that you are finished with your meal, place the fork and knife parallel to each other on the right hand side of your plate.

These are some basics when it comes to dining etiquette. Even if being prim and proper is not your cup of tea, at least make the effort when going out on a date. I am certain your date will be impressed by your good manners.