Five Fashion tips by Goldie

from People in the Limelight by celebregion

I am glad that I have been given this opportunity to share some of my own personal fashion tips in looking good and feeling great.

Before I continue, let me just state that appearance while not being everything, is 99% of almost everything. Most people judge others, including YOU, by what they’re wearing and how they look in it, before they even say a word...They’re looked at, scrutinized, assessed and either discarded if found wanting, or embraced otherwise... The better they look, the more desirable they appear. But please let us not be deceived, wearing the latest fashion trends doesn’t make you fashion forward or embraced by larger society; especially in a society these days where “Genericism” seems to be the order of the day. Everybody is just lost in the crowd because they are all doing the same thing. Let me give an instance; I just got back from UK, where it’s freezing at this time of the year; so obviously to go about, unless you want to die of hypothermia, you wear a coat and layers of clothing if necessary. So as I stroll down the major roads, in either a yellow, cream, or wine coat, all I see around me is black... Everybody is dressed in black coats. I am the only source of colour in an otherwise “dark gloomy existence” Now, I could go back home cringing at my “apparent difference” and come out the next day in black to “blend in” or I could embrace my “difference” and bring my own special brand of warmth to winter. Which do you think I did? **winks**

Dressing to suit your body type: 

Just because you saw it on fashion TV and it looked great on that model, doesn’t mean it’s going to look good on you.... HELLO!!! Most models are a size zero!!! And the last time you were a size zero was what..? When you were 5..?!! Please...! Seriously now, we need to know to dress to suit our body shapes. Some of us have broader shoulders, wider hips, slightly rounder tummies, shorter legs, etc... I mean like....only 2% of the whole world population have what is considered the “perfect body” which is moderately tall, with a balanced vertical body, an hour glass figure and an oval shaped face... The rest of us, including “yours truly”, wear the right clothes to achieve this illusion of perfection. Clothes are meant to hide your flaws not put them all out there for the world to see. Therefore if people can tell you have fat arms or a big tummy with your clothes on, then you’re not dressing right for your body type. If you’re unsure of what sort of clothes suit your body type, go online (cheaper) or look around for a body consultant. (Expensive).

Wearing the right colours: 

We are black; Yes!!! But our skin tones are not the same. Just because your best friend looks good in neon green or hot pink doesn’t mean you should go and buy clothes in the same colours. Experiment with different colours and stick with palettes that look good on you regardless of what’s “in vogue”. Don’t waste money on clothes that will make you look too pale, too dark or sickly... Some colours have this effect; for example, there are some shades of green that make me look “Orange”... not a pretty sight, trust me. If you’re unsure about what colours look best on you, try a colour analysis in any reputable make up studio. Which brings me to my next fashion tip...?

Wearing the right make-up: 

Wearing the right make up isn’t just about getting the right colours suitable for your skin tone; like I stated earlier, it’s also about getting it right either in synchrony with your attire, or time of the day. There is appropriate make up for day or night; location or event; time or place....

Your make up should be lighter for day time, heavier for evening, and sheer for sports or other strenuous activities. You wear different clothes for different activities, so your make up also should change in the same vein.

Get rid of chinks in your armour: 

I’m sure you’re wondering what I mean. Well a “chink” is a dent or anything that otherwise mars the illusion of perfection we all secretly yearn to put up to the world. For example, you’re wearing this beautiful pink top and just as you raise your hand to wave to a male colleague you’ve had a huge crush on since like forever, the huge damp wetness underneath your arm becomes visible to all around. Or another instance, you’re in a party and you meet this; really cool guy and both of you start up a conversation. Next thing he says “you look like have very nice hands” with that, he holds your palm in his hand only for both of you to squirm uncomfortably at the sight of rough, chipped nails desperately in need of a manicure, polish or both. (Right...I just heard a pin drop in the silence that follows)

In order to avoid embarrassing instances such as these, you’ll need to ensure that you are in tip-top shape. No shoes with scuffed heels or soles, use the right deodorants that will ensure the under arm damp stays off, (if you’re not sure, wear black) Keep your nails clean and evenly trimmed. (Overly long nail extensions are just trashy.) Under-wear is meant to be “underneath your clothes” not showing through them. (So for them girls whose bra colours can be seen through their tops, or those whose G-string pants can be seen above their jeans..? Please stop. It reeks of skank!) Look at yourself critically in the mirror before you step out. Your gut always tells you if something is wrong. If you’re not comfortable, take it off. It’s not by force.

Accessorizing: There is only one tip for this... LESS IS MORE......!!!

 I’m signing out now, but before I take my leave, I’d like to emphasise on the fact that it is wrong to want to look or dress like anyone else... You can be inspired by what others put on, but that should only help you to further understand who you are, in relation with your personality; your body type, and your Job/activities... Confidence is the ultimate accessory and whether you like it or not; you cannot be confident if you don’t feel good in what you’re putting on.

Susan "Goldie" Harvey is a writer,fashionista and performing artiste signed to kennis music