TWITTER SCARF GIVEAWAY

I added the new Twitter Widget on the blog today - so I felt like giving something away!

Follow @PoshShopping on Twitter, ReTweet and WIN!

Either click on the new Twitter widget,

or click on this link :  www.twitter.com/PoshShopping to start following.

These are pics of the scarf you could win, you can choose between red, blue, white or black.

Ends at 5pm on Sunday 03 June 2012.

All items for sale here : http://www.poshshopping.co.za/Shop+Online

DRESSING FOR YOUR SHAPE : PEAR

If your body type is pear-shaped (also known as the triangle), then you have the following characteristics: 

• your bust line is narrower than your hips
• your waist is defined
• you have narrow shoulders
• your thighs are full
• you may also have a rounded bottom

  

If this sounds like you, read on for some style tips to balance out your look, by creating the appearance of a wider upper body, and bringing the eye upwards.

Rihanna, JLO and Beyonce are all pear shaped beauties

You should be wearing bold accessories or prints on your upper body, to draw attention upwards, away from your hips. Try large, colourful necklaces, or tops and dresses with beading or ruffle detail at the bust area, bright bulky scarfs also work well. Shoulder pads (an 80's trend brought back by Lady Gaga) are great for your shape, see the photo's below for some stunning dresses with shoulder detail added.

 Go for medium to high necklines, and clothing that emphasises your waist. Keep your dresses and skirts straight or almost straight, such as pencil skirts. Wear low rise pants/jeans to avoid gaping at the waist, and stick to either bootleg or straight leg pants. Generally stick to darker colours at the bottom and lighter, brighter colours at the top. You can get away with wearing dark all over, such as a black dress - just remember to create interest on the top part to get people looking up at your pretty face.

Chunky colourful scarfs add bulk on top.
Available for sale www.poshshopping.co.za

Large statement necklaces bring attention up

Avoid baggy clothing, or anything that will adds bulk to your hip area eg. pockets, ruffles or pleats. Don't wear items with designs or detailing around your hip line, and stay away from tapered pants or skirts as well as pants with a too wide leg. When wearing high heeled shoes, don't go for a thick chunky heel, rather choose a tapered heel.

If you'd like to book either a wardrobe style consultation or a shopping experience, please contact info@poshshopping.co.za or call 082 666 8211 for more information. You can also visit the website www.poshshopping.co.za to get a better idea of all the services available.

The next article in this range is the Upside-Down Pear Shape (or Inverted Triangle).

The link will be sent on www.facebook.com/PoshShopping and www.twitter.com/PoshShopping

SUNDAY MARKETS & MORE SHOPPING TOUR

The Village Walk at Ushaka Marine World, Wilson's Wharf and The Stables Lifestyle Market

- Add China City, Springfield Park as an optional extra

Morning / Half day tour : 08h00 - 14h00, duration 6 hours

You will be collected from your hotel/residence in Durban and taken on a private guided tour of the below mentioned markets - accompanied by a personal shopper, who will assist with all of your purchases and guide you through your day of shopping. You will be taken back to your hotel/residence after the shopping tour is over.
Includes a special Thank You gift.

The first stop of the day is The Village Walk at Ushaka Marine World. At this unique outside mall by the sea, you'll find curio shops, ethnic clothing, jewellery, gift stores and much much more. There are also plenty of restaurants and coffee shops, so you can grab a snack for your shopping day ahead.

The next stop is Wilson's Wharf, situated between the Sugar Terminals and Durban's yacht mole. They have curios, clothing, books, gifts, leather goods, makeup and a lot more. This is a perfect opportunity to take a few stunning photo's of the Durban harbour, and the yachts that are docked nearby. There is also a sushi and oyster bar here, as well as other dining options, if you'd like to sample some of Durban's fresh seafood.

Then it's onto The Stables Lifestyle Market, an interesting shopping experience in the old horse stables. Each stable has been transformed into a small shop, where you can buy many items from clothing, books, pet accessories, shoes, gifts, home decor, arts and crafts to a wide range of delicious food and snacks.

Please note: This Durban Market & More tour is only available on Sunday mornings - Booking in advance is strongly advised.

This is a private shopping tour for 1 to 3 people, and is priced per person - depending on number of people.

• 1 x person only : R750 total
• Second person, add another : R350
• Third person, add another : R250

OPTIONAL EXTRA : Add on China City in Springfield Park for an additional cost of R150 per person. Adding this onto your shopping tour will give you the chance to shop for too many different items to mention. China City has the largest selection at the lowest prices, you will be truly amazed. This Shopping Tour will then end at approx. 4pm if this is added, making it a full day experience.

No children under the age of 10 years old. Male passengers (by request) only if travelling with a female companion.

Once this shopping tour is purchased online, and you receive your tour gift voucher - you will need to use your voucher to book your tour date within 3 months from date of issue. If this is not done, the voucher will not expire until 3 years after the date of issue, but you will be liable to pay additional costs for petrol or any other increases that have occurred during that time. Booking a confirmed tour date as early as possible is advised, to avoid disappointment of your requested date not being available, as only 1 tour is scheduled per week.

To make enquiries/bookings on any of the Posh Shopping Tours, please email info@poshshopping.co.za or call on 082 666 8211

I look forward to taking you shopping in Durban!

DRESSING FOR YOUR SHAPE : HOURGLASS

So many women are not sure about what suits their shape the best, and it's easy to understand why. Every time you open a magazine, turn on the tv or browse through a clothing catalogue - you see women that are the 'perfect' size 28 or 30. Come on media! We are real women, and we eat! And we also love chocolate and cup cakes.

I'm going to try to help you with deciding which styles to buy for your shape, which will flatter you the most. To do this, you first need to determine which shape you are. In each part of my 'Dressing For Your Shape' articles, I will focus on one shape at a time - I will discuss the characteristics of that body shape, the best way to dress that shape, as well as give examples in photo's. I hope you enjoy them, and they give you some ideas for your next shopping trip.

The first on the list is 'The Hourglass'

This body type is what most woman (and most men) consider to be ideal. You belong to this body type if your shape is curvy and balanced. Your hips and shoulders are about the same width and you have a defined waist.

Celebrity examples of 'The Hourglass' figure are below:

Kim Kardashian

Eva Mendes

When dressing, your aim is to emphasise your curves and your defined waist, without adding on any bulk. Wear fitted and tailored clothing, but not too skin-tight though, be careful of this balance - it can turn beautiful and sexy into cheap very quickly. Stick to low, or medium-to-low necklines (this draws attention to your neck and face, and lengthens your neck) and dresses with defined waistlines. Straight pencil skirts without extra detailing like pockets and ruffles (always worn with high heeled shoes), straight leg or boot leg pants are best, and clothing in soft flowing fabrics.

Any of these dress styles will suit the Hourglass shape perfectly!

An alternative dress style if you don't want
a dress that is too form fitting. Add a
darker coloured belt to define your waist.

A pencil skirt with wide belt is a good choice.

Avoid stiff, bulky fabrics and to many ruffles, especially if you have a large bust ,as this will make you look even bigger. Don't go for baggy styles or high necklines (unless you have a small bust) and stay away from skirts with pleats, pockets or frills.

Show off your womanly shape with pride, and don't listen to the media when it seems to only encourage being super skinny as the best - you are beautiful and you should be proud of it!


Dressing For Your Shape : Part 2 - Pear Shape, coming soon!

SATURDAY MARKET SHOPPING TOUR

Shongweni Farmers & Craft Market in Assagay & Essenwood Craft Market in Durban
- The I Heart Market is an optonal extra on the first Saturday of each month

Morning / Half day tour : 07h00 - 13h00, duration 6 hours

You will be collected from your hotel/residence in Durban and taken on a private guided tour of the below mentioned markets - accompanied by a personal shopper, who will assist with all of your purchases and guide you through your day of shopping. You will be taken back to your hotel/residence after the shopping tour is over. Includes a special Thank You gift.

We get on the road nice and early, and head up to Shongweni / Assagay (approx. 40km inland from central Durban).

There we visit the Shongweni Farmers & Craft Market.

This market has become well known for its diverse products which range from a large variety of organic foods and fresh produce to all the exciting products found at traditional craft markets. Everyone can enjoy a host of delicious breakfast options with their favourite hot or cold beverage. This is the perfect early start to your weekend and is sure to delight family, friends, and guests. For those people living a healthy life style be sure to bring a basket and fill it with all the magnificent farm fresh fruit and vegetables. For variety why not try some new cheese, wine and even beer made from fruit.

  

After our shopping there, we come back to Durban and visit the famous Essenwood Craft Market in Musgrave.

What makes this market extra special is that it is set under a glorious canopy of luscious evergreen trees, which keeps the day cool and makes for a very pleasant meander through the aisles of stalls arrayed with beautiful, unique and interesting products. The traders here produce merchandise of the highest quality and are an invaluable source for African curios, arts & crafts, unique designs of hand crafted jewellery and other items of interest to the keen eye, up-to-date crafting trends and fashion clothing, just to mention a few. Delicious food and puddings are also available.

Please note: This Durban Market tour is only available on Saturday mornings - Booking in advance is strongly advised.

This is a private shopping tour for 1 to 3 people, and is priced per person - depending on number of people.

• 1 x person only : R750 total
• Second person, add another : R350
• Third person, add another : R250

OPTIONAL EXTRA :

If you book the first Saturday of the month, you can also include the I Heart Market at an additional cost of R150 per person - this is strongly recommended, as many Durbanites consider the I Heart Market to be their favourite. The tour will then start at 06h30 and will end at 14h00.

This market is situated next to the iconic Moses Mabhida Staduim, and only happens once a month on the first Saturday. Their stalls range from those specialising in accessories, ceremics, clothing, decor and jewellery to others selling pet accessories, stationary, toys, vintage items and tasty snacks.

No children under the age of 10 years old. Male passengers (by request) only if travelling with a female companion.

Once this shopping tour is purchased online, and you receive your tour gift voucher - you will need to use your voucher to book your tour date within 3 months from date of issue. If this is not done, the voucher will not expire until 3 years after the date of issue, but you will be liable to pay additional costs for petrol or any other increases that have occurred during that time. Booking a confirmed tour date as early as possible is advised, to avoid disappointment of your requested date not being available, as only 1 tour is scheduled per week.

I look forward to taking you market shopping in Durban!

You can book this tour at http://www.poshshopping.co.za/Shopping+Tours

Or you can email info@poshshopping.co.za for further information.

WARDROBE PLANNING GUIDE : PART 3

Fashion trend tips :

If you want to use your handbag to add a pop of colour or interest, get coloured handbags either on sale or at lower priced stores - handbag colour trends can change quite quickly, and you don't want to be stuck with a bright yellow or pink designer handbag next season if the new trend is more natural - same goes for shoes.

Hot colours for blazer jackets this season are peach, blue and red - these are all great and can be worn again next year only if these colours suit you and your personality. Consider this before splashing out on one in a trending colour.

Leopard & animal print is big at the moment, and always comes in and out of fashion very few seasons. The secret here is only wear one leopard printed item at a time, and be very careful if you want to wear a leopard printed dress, as this could go horribly wrong - you want to look sexy & classy, not slutty. 

Rather follow the season's trends by adding a few accessories to your classic pieces - this is a cheaper way to always look up to date with the latest trends.

For this winter try out scarfs, statement necklaces, hats, clutch purses or gloves to look more trendy.

Tricks to keep in mind :

Think in three's! A three piece outfit (pants, top & jacket/cardigan) can be mixed and matched with another three piece outfit to make 12 different outfits! A dress can only ever be one outfit.

When you are trying clothes on, ask yourself if you already have at least three other items to wear it with - if not, you'll need to buy at least another three items to get enough wear out of the clothing for it to be worth it - so, best you put it back on the rack (unless you have an unlimited budget).

Always buy in your size, don't ever be temped to buy a sale item in a slightly different size just because it is a bargain.

Evaluate your lifestyle and ask yourself :

Where will you wear the item?
How many times will I wear the item in one year?

Work out the 'cost per wear' to determine the item's value.

 

 

~ This is the 3rd article - Please also read Wardrobe Planning : Part 1 & 2 ~

WARDROBE PLANNING GUIDE : PART 2

Now that you have cleaned out the clutter from your wardrobe, and planned your basic items that are needed - there are other items that you also need to get. These items are worn with your classic pieces to add function and personality to your outfits.

Additional items in plain neutral colours:
Another pair of pants and a skirt, three casual t-shirts and two pairs of shorts (the length of the shorts will depend on your height and your body shape eg. 3/4 length is best for taller ladies and just above the knee is best for shorter ladies). Belts in black and brown, a good sweater and maybe another cardigan.
A pair of comfortable boots in either black or brown. Buy the best quality that you can afford, as boots normally get worn in cold, wet weather and you want them to last.

Invest in good fitting underwear in a colour close to your own skin tone. Consider going for a professional bra fitting (many good department stores offer this as a free service). A bra that can be worn in various different ways to match the style of your top/dress is a good buy, as well as various types of panties. Is visible panty line or showing your bra strap is a 'no-no' for any lady.
Classic accessories such as diamond or cubic zirconium earrings or a pearl necklace are good investments as you will wear these items many times, both day and night. If your budget stops you from buying the real thing - get other accessories in beige, black and metals - these go with almost everything.

Other more colourful items that you'll also need:
A plain coloured dress and skirt (try blue, green, purple, red - whichever colour looks best on you) and then also a dress and skirt in a print that doesn't clash with the rest of your wardrobe. Two or three coloured shirts to wear with your suits and/or black pants. Try to choose shirts that you can wear both to the office and out in the evening.



Then two or three casual t-shirts/tank tops in either colours or prints (to be worn with shorts and jeans over the weekend). A more colourful or printed cardigan or blazer. A belt, another pair of shoes and pants (maybe leggings or skinny jeans) all in complimenting colours to your wardrobe.

You can obviously buy yourself more than what I have suggested, but if you have a limited budget - this is a good start. You will be able to mix together many different items to make numerous outfits.

Also keep this in mind : the more you buy and put into your wardrobe, the more confusing it becomes when you are trying to find something to wear. Keep it simple, and stick to colours that work together - you can then have the minimum and be able to create the maximum!





If you are feeling overwhelmed, or would like some honest advise while you go shopping, email info@poshshopping.co.za to book a shopping experience & style consultation.

Wardrobe Planning Part 3 will be published next week...
Dealing with how to add the latest trends to your wardrobe, and some extra tricks!

SHOPPING ONLINE : NEW ITEMS

Warm slipper booties @ R125 a pair

Wrap around skirts @ R175 each

 Knee-high comfy bed socks @ R65 for all 3 pairs

Place orders on the website : www.poshshopping.co.za