Francesca Filippelli

Rumors Has It

Nowadays, there is so much information available for you to intake that its almost overwhelming sometimes. Understand though, not everything you hear is the truth, especially when it comes to fashion/beauty tips. I mean, some of the things you come across will blow your mind away; below are a list of do’s and don'ts that I’ll separate between what’s true and what’s not.

MYTH #1: LASER HAIR REMOVAL DOES NOT WORK FOR LIGHT HAIR
I wish I knew the individual that came up with that. This is NOT true. The closest truth to that statement is that laser hair removal does work better for darker hair, but lighter hair works just as good.

MYTH #2: PETITE GIRLS CAN’T PULL OF LINGERIE
I have a feeling this one is made up by men who enjoy bigger-chested girls. The variety and quantity in lingerie is huge nowadays. They are so many designs out there that work well for everyone. Ladies don’t pay attention to these kind of things; invest in a nice uplifting water bra and you will be set.

MYTH #3: YOU CAN’T PULL OFF ALL COLORS
I used to think this way a few years ago until I began to experiment with the SHADES of colours. “I can’t pull off that colour” shouldn’t be sentence a woman uses. Even if the brightest blue might not match your complexion, one slightly darker might just do the job.


MYTH #4: RUBBING LEMON ON YOUR TEETH WILL GIVE YOU PEARLY WHITES
This doesn’t work, I am sorry for all those who have been trying it for a while now. Lemon doesn’t really work on your teeth since the citric acid in lemons wears away enamel. Here is a real trick; instead brush your teeth with water and baking soda and you’ll get the whites you want!

MYTH #5: CROSSING YOUR LEGS WILL GIVE YOU SPIDER VEINS
Ohh Boy!! No it won’t. Spider Veins, I am sorry to announce but, will follow you through genes, If your grandmother has them and your mother has them, bad news for you - 99% of chance is that you will too.

MYTH #6: ORGANIC PRODUCTS ARE WEAK
Organic beauty products are the best you can get! They won’t clog your pores and they protect your skin from all the harmful pollutants out there. Plus, you don’t get all the chemicals so organic beauty products is really the way to go.

MYTH #7: CHLORINE TURNS YOUR HAIR GREEN
I used to be so terrified of this - especially as a blonde - but this is also not true. This rule only applies to copper, not chlorine. If the pool is not properly maintained it can develop copper residue which could turn your hair green, again especially since the pigment is so light, its more likely to happen to blondes.

MYTH #8: FAKE NAILS WILL DESTROY YOUR REAL NAILS
I fairly nice nails- but there is something about fake nails that looks a little bit better than normal. First week and a half the nails look flawless but shortly after removing them my real nail was completely destroyed. This is true to a certain extend. Again, I removed the nails MYSELF. Picking and peeling them off. Get them removed by professionals and problems won’t arise.

MYTH #9: YOU NEED FREQUENT HAIRCUTS IF YOU WANT YOUR HAIR TO GROW LONGER
I feel like we are constantly being fed lies and I don’t know why. Although getting a haircut is extremely helpful to the HEALTH of our hair, it does not guarantee growth. It will definitely look better without those split ends but i’m sure your can agree to this. Yes you; the one who has been getting haircuts monthly but your hair hasn’t passed your shoulders - oh wait thats me too...... two years ago.

MYTH #10: BREAKOUTS ARE CAUSED BY OILY SKIN
Although oily skin can be the cause of your breakout, that is not always the cause. In most cases, breakouts happen because the skin is so sensitive that you might be using the wrong products, therefore causing more pimples. So many things can be the cause, educate yourself, go to a professional, invest money in your self and find the root of the problem.

Hope this helps you save some time and money the next time your making a decision in relation to bettering your image.

Until next time,
Ciao!!

Look Thinner!!

Certainly, there is many people out there that start off with better bodies than the rest of us. This can be for many reasons; eating habits, exercise, and the list goes on. However, even the fittest bodies deal with figure challenges - lets face it, everyone wants what they can't have and this definitely relates to physical appearance. Anywayssss... turning to fashion and putting together outfits that hide flaws and play up your best assets - Now thats caring about yourself. Fashion is always here to help!! I love it! Now the list below has helped a few friends of mine - pay close attention, these tricks will help you dress up to 10 pounds thinner.

Lets start with the butt; thats usually a problem with women. - Your bottom and hips will always look thinner when you are dressed in a solid color and it doesn't even have to be black it can be a beautiful incandescent hot pink if you like but solids tend to slim where other patterns don't. Now a lot of us don't go around wearing patterned pants but a lot of us wear patterned dresses and skirts - so do your best to avoid it if midway is your issue.

De-emphasize your waist - If you are trying to de-emphasize your waist and or your middle then avoid crop jackets because they break up your natural lines rather than help you create long, lean lines and curves.
   
Big hips - go for some flat front pants, which are always a winner. Don't be afraid to go for a black pencil skirt with black hose. You will be amazed how fast your hips disappear; its like magic.

Lets work our way up to smaller bust, in fact, this problem may drop your confidence level. In fact, if you are small busted then try for some wrap shirts, which will give you the illusion of a bigger bust and smaller waist. Its always good to take attention away from your waste if you're not a big fan of it.   

Big Bust - avoid lighter colors on top for they will over-emphasize your bust size and go for a geometric-shaped top with a slim pant and you will have a more balanced look.
   
Trying to play up your waist - try a slightly raised waist that tends to make the torso look narrower and a flared skirt which also makes the waist look narrower.

Try these pointers - share your experience with me - I hope they help!!
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Wardrobe Basics

I'll keep today’s blog short and simple. I would just like to go over some of the basics that every woman should have in their closet. This blog will work for two kinds of people; you recently started to involve yourself in the fashion world and or you just decided to refresh your entire closet and start new. Now here are a few ideas to help you get started. All of the following items are a must have in your closet at all times.

Two Pairs of Dark Slacks - either black or navy blue. Go with a slim cut in a wool crepe or a seasonless cotton. One pair of dark slacks for the evening with a fuller cut. These can be a fabric that drapes either a light wool or jersey mix.
Two Pairs of Jeans - one hemmed for heels and the other hemmed for flats. Jeans that are hemmed for heels you should see just the toe box.
Three Skirts - a pencil skirt, a A-line skirt which incidentally looks good on all body types and a skirt in a neutral fabric so you can mix and match with other items like tweed, wool or boucle.
Shirts - A white button front shirt and a few t-shirts.
Three Sweaters - The Fabric should be a lightweight, merino or cashmere.

• One should be black and match your black trousers.
• The second one should be more neutral like off-white, camel or taupe.
• The third sweater should just simple be a sweater that you love and feel great in. Nothing too dressy - one you can wear to the office and with jeans.

Two Jackets

• A tailored jacket that matches your black pants.
• A sporty leather jacket

Three coats    

• A classic trench coat or raincoat with a zip -out wool liner for multiple seasons.
• A knee-length transition coat that works for day and night.
• A winter coat in a wool or cashmere blend or if you live in a warmer climate try tropical wool.

Dress    

• A little black dress

Three Bags    

• A classic leather style with clean lines that works for everything.
• A catch all fun tote bag
• A envelope shaped, bracelet style for the evening.

Shoes (5 pairs)    

• A pair of black pumps 2.5-3.5 inch heel in a the current style.
• A evening shoe with a close toe in a black satin.
• A pair of tall black boots
• Bad-weather boots
• A pair of sneakers or tennis shoes.

Winter Weather... Incoming!!!

Andddddd winter is on the way. I am sure not many of you are happy about that. To start, its incredibly cold and it is so hard to find outfits that will not only look great but that will also keep you warm. In fact, this may seem extremely impossible when its negative degrees out and all you want to do is wrap yourself in layers of blankets. But don’t give up, when it comes to fashion there is always a solution. If you are really looking to achieve the perfect cold weather style... start reading!

1. To start be sure to invest your money in winter clothes you know you will be able to use for next winter as well. Use your money to purchase a fashionable winter jacket. Make sure to buy one that fits your body shape well, and one that looks better on you than the mannequin. Stick to a neutral colour, not one too loud and bright; neutral will keep you always looking classy. Black, gray and brown are the best choice - can’t go wrong. I personally wouldn’t purchase a white coat, there isn’t much contrast against the snow and plus, be sure to invest effort into keeping the coat spotless.

2. I am a hat fan - during all of the seasons I think there is always an appropriate hat that follows. Ideally, you should purchase a neutral-toned hat that complements your coat. Men should avoid wearing hats that instantly bring to mind images of bums; instead, you should pick classy, winter versions of your favorite hats. Try a nice newsboy or an insulated fedora.

3. Now, who can forget to add a scarf. Especially during those hard windy days a scarf is more than looking fashionable, its there to protect. Not only are they fairly inexpensive, they can be purchased in a variety of fabrics, colors, and styles. With a scarf, you can show your personality and keep your body heat in your jacket. Scarves will make you look put together, and many can even be worn inside.

4. One thing I cannot get out of the house without during the winter is a pair of gloves. Purchase gloves!! If you are looking to be stylish stay away from dry, chapped frozen hands, which is what will result of you without gloves. Obviously, wearing mittens or extremely thick gloves would be warmer, but thin, streamlined gloves are more chic. Your gloves should either match your hat or scarf, or fit the color scheme of your outerwear in some way.

5. Wear layers. Laying beneath your coat will help you keep away from those knitted sweaters that although extremely warm, completely out of style. Too many, big bulky coats are also uncomfortable. Begin to layer your summer clothes; begin to think of alternatives.

6. Also, wear boots; high heeled or not, do not wear flip flops or flats. Lets keep your toes attached for a few more years ;).

7. One last suggestion - wear tights and thermal leggings whenever you wear skirt. Do not step outside bare-legged, ladies should consider wearing tights or leggings beneath their skirt or dress. Not only does it look more climate-appropriate in formal situations, your legs will remain softer since they won't be as exposed to the elements.

If you have any more suggestions feel free to share. I would like to know some of your secrets for the winter. Follow me on twitter @topchoicemag we will share your ways to keep warm with others as well. We all need help during these Canadian winters.

Until next time! Ciaoo.

Prints Are Followed By Rules! Obey Them!

With new seasons come new styles and fashions - this summer is all about prints! Yes! Prints! From dresses and skirts to purses and bags. There is so much to choose that one single person might be filled with too many decisions on what to buy. Try it. Visit any mall near you - print is everywhere - now, which print should you pick up, and when you do finally decide on something, how do you wear them properly? Yes! Prints are followed by rules - rules you must obey - scroll down and read all about it!

ONE PRINT AT A TIME-
Wear one print at a time. Prints stand out a lot, so it’s best to keep the rest of your look simple. If you decide to go for a printed tee, keep your bottoms to one color… preferably a color that is already in the print.

START WITH ACCESSORIES-
Start with accessories and work your way up! A good place to start experimenting with prints is with bags and shoes. An animal print shoe is a sure way to make your whole outfit stand out.

ANIMAL PRINTS-
When wearing animal prints, it’s always best to stick to black for the rest of the outfit. So if you’re wearing an animal print dress, stick to black shoes and a black bag.

KEEP IT CLASSY-
This should come as no surprise, but please don’t wear more than one print at once. Don’t combine an animal print top with a tribal print skirt – it will look trashy rather than classy. So just pick one print and leave the rest simple.

FITTED PRINTS-
Opt for fitted prints! Fabrics that are closer to the body, especially in print, look a lot more put together rather than larger, billowy prints which could actually make you larger than you are.

BIG PRINTS AND LITTLE PRINTS-
Big prints make you look bigger and if you’ve already got a fuller figure, I advise you to stay away from there! Instead, opt for smaller prints which will be much more forgiving!

I hope this helps!

Join me next Tuesday on Top Wear!

Until next time! Ciao:)

The Spring Switch

Nothing beats the feeling of slipping into your first pair of open-toed shoes of the season, or wearing a T-shirt without having to layer up. The first signs of spring are finally here and we couldn’t be more eager to embrace these beautiful warmer day coming ahead with some new styles mixed with some old favourites. Transitional dressing is more than just packing up your winter clothes; it involves some thinking, so you will leave your house looking relaxed and comfortable. So, I thought i would come up with some tips that will help you with spring dressing.

1. Use a colorful scarf for warmth and looks—You might be itching to wear your Breton stripes and a light denim jacket, but you'll still need that extra bit of protection. A jaunty scarf adds a crucial pop of color but also keeps your neck toasty.

2. Keep your old standbys by your side—Switch in tights in varying degrees of heft with your stand-by trench + cutoffs + shirt combo, and you'll have an outfit you can wear 9 months out of the year. Ditch the wool stockings for tights in a lighter, sheerer fabric for an updated springtime look.

3. Opt for a sexy leotard to show some skin—Sheer panels help you flash your assets without freezing them off. Keep it ladylike (and cozy) with a nubby cardigan, and add boyish pants to balance it out.

4. A calf-length skirt is the right length—Throw on knee socks or a pair of smart stockings, and a fuller-length skirt should be warm enough for you to go skimpier on top. Bring out those cropped jackets and little sweaters!

5. Dig out those neutrals and wear them all at once—Beiges and soft colors might have seemed impractical in the winter (you remember how quickly a white pair of pants get ruined in the slush), but they make a heavy outfit seem lighter. For chillier days, pile on the neutrals to combat the cold.

Hope this helps you prepare.

Join me next Tuesday on Top Wear!

Until next time! Ciao:)

Cocktail Attire

If you are involved in a company where imagine is important, than why not look your best. In most cases, many businesses attend and host events celebrating their success and accomplishments. Now, with that being said, you must have the perfect outfit.

When it comes to these networking events, it is almost harder to dress for them compared to a normal day at work. What you wear to these events had a huge impact on how people perceive you. As I mention in my previous blogs, it is extremely important to make the right impression.

What’s funny is that these events are almost trickier to dress for than a normal day at the office, because what you wear has a big impact on how people perceive you. As always, it’s really important to make a good impression!

So here are a few things you need to keep in mind when shopping for Cocktail Dresses.
Have a clear understanding of your body type and shape. Things that come into play here are your height, your shape and your age. Some dresses that look great on magazine covers will not necessarily look good on you. So never buy cocktail dresses unless you have tried them on and are 100% satisfied with the fit, the length and the cut.

Evolve with the fashion. Ruffled dresses and boring A-line dresses with no accent work are no longer trendy. Unless you can pair them up with trendy accessories and carry off the look, it is best you update your wardrobe with one or two cocktail dresses every season. And don’t always choose black – experiment with colors too.

Cocktail dresses that are cinched at the waist and flare out in to a full skirt look great on every woman. Choose a neckline that draws attention to your bust and shoulders if these are your strongest parts of your body. If not, cowl necks and layered necks will work perfectly to draw attention away from these areas. Find out which of your features are the best and then choose a dress that accentuates them.

Shopping for cocktail dresses online is another good idea. But then, you need a clear understanding of your measurements to buy the right dress. And NO, looking at the waist band of your jeans doesn’t mean you know your size! Visit a tailor to measure yourself out, so you know exactly what dimensions you have to order the perfect dress. Also check the material of the dress carefully when ordering online as the fabric plays an important role in the fit of the dress. And in the fit of the weather!

Back to Office Fashion

When Spring rolls around you cant help your self but to dress up with bright colours, eye catching prints, sheer fabrics - I mean you are now celebrating the winter coming to an end why not wear loud and exciting materials. In fact, I bet this winter might of caused some boredom in your wardrobe, so it is more than normal to update and spice things up a bit. The question is, how do you maintain style, colour and life in your clothing while still wearing appropriate office attire? With the new season approaching there a few tips available for work attire.

Office fashion tips #1: Polka dots
Polka dots have grown up this year. The playful pattern took a more sophisticated turn on several While polka dots might not be something that you would imagine your doctor or accountant coming to greet you in for an appointment, they can be work appropriate. To make the print more office-friendly, lean on the side of sophistication and keep your overall look sleek. Wear your dots in a more conservative cut, such as a classic high-necked top. Pair it with a navy slim skirt and a skinny belt and it stays fresh but retains just enough of a conservative vibe.

Office fashion tips #2: Baroque flourishes
While a dress or blouse covered in this pattern might be too distracting for the office, you can still make the trend work by scaling back. Dilute the strength of the pattern by mixing it with some solids and another texture. Try a scarf-style halter like Jay Godfrey’s Gallo top under a short tweed jacket and wear it with a solid slim trouser, or to add a focal point to a sleek suit or dress. You can also use this pattern trend in your accessories with a trio of Baroque-textured bangles.

Office fashion tips #3: The draped pencil skirt
Pencil skirts have long been a workplace must, but this spring brings a new way to wear the office staple – with pleats and in some cases, a drop-waist. I suggest something like a Magaschoni draped pencil skirt in a refreshing coconut chiffon hue. Hit a second trend of the season: neon, by pairing the skirt with a fitted top such as the cashmere pleat-neck sweater, available in hot orange or citron.

Office fashion tips #4: Tangerine
Before you indulge in all things orange, ensure your look is work-appropriate, in a more conservative office, wearing it head to toe might be a bit distracting. So instead of going overboard, try wearing the bold hue in a single piece, such as an A-line crepe skirt paired with a crisp button-down collar shirt, he advises. Adding pops of tangerine (on bags, shoes and even blazers) can be a sophisticated and polished, yet fresh addition to your wardrobe.

Office fashion tips #5: Shine on
From dresses and skirts to shoes and handbags, metallic are back this spring, but is the trend office-worthy? Shiny fabrics typically give a feeling of athletic or evening attire, and therefore do not send the right message when you wear them on the day you ask for a promotion. The key is to incorporate metallic in more subdued way. Adding accessories (belts, ballet flats, bags) with some sheen is a simple but office-ready way to work the trend. The best way to embrace the shiny trend is with a handbag in a business-like shape. It is a great way to update what is very often utilitarian. Not only does it stay businesslike, but it is also much more fun to carry.

Hope this helps for the Spring coming up!

Join me next Wednesday on Top Wear!

Until next time! Ciao:)

A Slimmer Look For You

A huge problem within our society today revolves around the ideal body perfection so many us try to achieve. Both men and women struggle everyday to attain this model size 2 look alike in their own mirrors they forget to treat their body right. There is nothing wrong with wanting to look slimmer, in fact, that sort of approach boosts up ones’ confidence; nevertheless, if you want to look better don’t alternate your body, but better yet, alternate your clothing. The way you dress can make a huge difference.

Here are a few tips on the easiest and most effective ways to dress slimmer.

1. Define your waist.
If the mid part of your body is the problem try your best to define it as much as possible. Don’t ever, and I mean never, lean towards oversize tops - they WILL give the illusion that you are bigger than what you really are. If you want more variety than belted blouses or empire waists, look for structured button-up shirts and form fitting dresses, the stylists advises. remember, its not always about following the trends or hiding you flaws. It is about recognizing your flaws and complementing.

2. Add height.
One trick I learned when I was young to look slimmer is height. Invest in heels. They create a good posture and go along way in helping you look better. In fact, the heels have the power to change the posture and shape of your body. A problem may be that your to use to heels - that’s fine - start with small wedges and progress as time goes by. Practise makes perfect.

3. Avoid low waistlines.
Try to shop for higher rise and straight cut pants to prevent your hips from appearing too wide. Again, if your waist is the problem, always aim for something that has a higher waist line, it wont create any bulges and it definitely helps the image of the butt. Ohh... one more.. avoid skinny jeans - they tend to emphasize the difference in size between the top and bottom part of your leg. You want to buy higher-rise jean in order to keep everything in!

4. Lengthen your neck.
May sound weird a bit but its true. Lengthen your neck. Stay away from higher neck lines and lean towards styles that create a more streamlined appearance. Try to shop for V-necks, they tend to be the most flattering necklines. Now some problems may arise from the size cleavage you may have, if so search for a camisole underneath the v-neck in order to prevent your bust from overwhelming your figure.

5. Keep Skirts knee- length.
If you are sitting there wondering if it is too short... it probably is. Actually - let me rephrase that - if you think its too short or too long you are probably right on both opinions. Very long or very short don’t work on most body types, so always purchase a skirt at your knee-length. They are not only more flattering but definitely more professional.

6. Add Shapewear.
Its funny but very true - what matters the most is under rather than on top. Always work from the inside out and concentrate most of your focus on what you plan to wear under your clothes. The biggest benefit of shapewear is that it holds everything in and gives you a streamlines shape. At this point clothes will fit you much better because you have reduces some of the unwanted extras. If you focus on wearing bras and undergarments that work to flatten your body shape you are guaranteed tops and bottoms to fit perfectly and create a smoother and more attractive figure.

I really hope these tips help - Don’t just read them - act on them!
Join me next Wednesday on Top Wear!
Until next time. Ciao:)
 

Winter Shopping!

Though you might be tempted to pack on layers of bulky clothing this winter, don't. You can stay warm and look chic without bulking up.

1. Wear thermal underwear.
Don't pack on thick sweaters and heavy coats. Instead, insulate your body with thin, warm layers that don't add much bulk. Start with form-fitting thermal underwear. It should be relatively tight (but not binding) and made from a moisture-wicking fabric. A big plus of thermal underwear is that it helps hide bulges and back fat, creating a slimmer look. If you don't like thermal underwear, start with shapewear instead. Wear a quality push-up bra and a body shaper that smooths and flattens your stomach while slimming your hips and thighs. The right shapewear can take off pounds in seconds.

2. Invest in cashmere
One quality cashmere sweater will keep you twice as warm as two or three cheap cotton ones. Cashmere is luxurious and warm without being bulky. Cashmere cardigans, turtlenecks and pullover sweaters are worth the investment. Look for cashmere on sale at the end of summer and throughout fall as stores make room for their new winter inventories.

3. Wear clothes that fit.
An oversized coat and baggy pants might seem like a good idea, but big clothes make you look bigger than you are. Instead, buy a coat that fits well. When shopping for a coat, wear the type of clothes that you normally wear this time of year. The coat needs to fit over your sweaters without binding. You should be able to bend over, raise your arms and move all around without pulling or creating bulges that will make you look heavier.

4. Go dark.
All your winter clothes don't have to be black, but they should be dark for you to look your slimmest. Charcoal grey, deep plum, chocolate brown and dark cranberry are all fantastic color choices for wintertime. To perk up your look, add brightly colored scarves, hats, jewelry and other accessories; they can take a dull, dark winter outfit from drab to fab.

5. Slim your legs.
When wearing a dress or skirt, put on dark wool stockings underneath for a slimming effect. Instead of flats, wear boots or shoes with a heel to elongate the look of your legs, making them appear slimmer. Avoid shoes with ankle straps, which can make your ankles look thicker. When it comes to pants, wear lined trousers to the office to stay warm. On the weekend, slim bootcut or slighly flared jeans create a thinner silhouette.

6. Emphasize your assets.
If you are heavy in the hips and thighs, you'll want to emphasize your neck, collarbone and bustline. Choose sweaters with unique necklines and interesting buttons. Funnel and cowlneck sweaters are fantastic because they draw the eyes upward, taking the emphasis away from problem areas. If you are thick waisted, avoid boatneck tops or cropped sweaters, which create a "boxy" look. If you are heavy on top and have thin legs, wear a dark sweater with a patterned skirt or pants.

Join me next Wednesday on Top Wear!

Until next time. Ciao:)