Teeloni's - Taking the stress off shopping

Christmas is past, and soon Valentines Day will be on us.  Another season of giving and receiving beckons, but have you ever really wondered: what is it about love and the ancient art of gift giving?

The Encarta dictionary defines a gift as something that is bestowed to give pleasure or show gratitude. But you and I know there is much more to giving than the desire to give pleasure, or even to show gratitude.

A gift is the spontaneous reaction of a heart filled with love. Like a cloud full of moisture that must offer rain, a love-filled heart is a burden difficult to bear. Often, the act of giving- regardless of what is given- liberates the heart; and the pleasure which the gift brings is not the exclusive preserve of the receiver alone, because a  gift elevates the receiver and the giver onto the same experience. The gift in a flash of illumination makes the giver and receiver aware of the common bond they share: love, and sometimes of its magnitude,degree or  significance maybe.

As the sun effortlessly disperses its golden rays, so does a heart filled with love dispenses its treasures through acts of charity.

So as the days gradually steal on you, take time out to reflect on the love you bear. Chances are that, you will be moved- for that is what love does, it moves us- to give something to that special person you love.

What will the gift do? Oh, it will levitate the receiver, elevate hearts, reassure, heal wounds, reaffirm vows, encourage, inspire, dazzle, awe, stir, enthuse, motivate,…

Euripedis the Greek philosopher summed it up perfectly in his statement that gifts persuade even the gods.

And in closing, let us remember the words of Pierre Corneille (1606 – 1684) who said: ‘The manner of giving is sometimes worth more than the gift itself’

For, that is exactly why we do what we do at Teeloni’s. We ensure that your sentiments are conveyed in the most romantic ways imaginable. In technical terms, let us just say that we help translate the signals of your heart, and then transmit to the subjects of your affections in the most beautiful, and innovative ways.

I came across an article in a magazine a couple of months ago about a woman who has given herself the challenge of wearing the same little black dress every day for 365 days! In attempt to promote sustainable fashion as well as help raise money for schools in India. You can read all about this:

www.theuniformproject.com

I found this really inspiring because I can’t even wear the same outfit twice in a row let alone everyday for a whole year! However, the truly mesmerising thing about this is the way she changes the dress every day to make it look completely different …all with the power of accessories – Hats, scarves, camisoles, vests, leggings, belts, shoes, jewellery etc.

It just goes to prove that you don’t need to spend lots of money on lots of clothes. Instead just style out what you’ve already got with different accessories each time.

Although accessories are vital in creating a unique and stylish look, it’s so easy to get it wrong as well. Years of practice has made me stick to a few rules that work for me. Such as:

Colour scheme: Sticking to one colour scheme is generally a good idea. However, the accessories don’t have to be the exact shade of each other (…to be honest; I prefer them not to be!) Plus it’s a nightmare trying to find several things in one shade!

A fashion rule my mum taught me was “if wearing a multicoloured dress or top, pick ONE colour out of the dress and match your accessories to that colour as opposed to going over the top with several colours”

A statement piece: Occasionally I’ll pick one key piece and work everything else around it. Like a statement necklace or cocktail ring or scarf. This creates a single point of visual attention and helps to prevent accessory overkill since everything else is kept fairly subtle and is working to complement the statement piece.

Note: It’s better to wear your accessories as opposed to your accessories wearing you! ?

Be comfortable: In as much as I’m a ‘fashionista’ there are some things I just won’t do or wear , It’s always a good idea to know what you like and what you don’t! What suits your personality and what doesn’t! What’s practical for your lifestyle and what isn’t!

For example I’m not a bag person at all. For me, it’s just somewhere to put all the stuff I’ll need whilst I’m out and about (E.g. Mobile phone, keys, make up (a must have!), flats to change into when my feet start aching from walking about in skyscrapers all day! and my purse.) Therefore I don’t give it any thought at all. As long as it’s presentable and doesn’t clash with my outfit, I’m good to go!

I’m passionate about all sorts of accessories from belts to brooches to rings. However, At the moment I’m totally crazy about Hair accessories like bands, slides and clips. My favourites being this Flower Clip from Accessorize (very pretty indeed! ?) and this Black beaded bow headband from Miss Selfridge.

Remember Ladies, it is called Accessorising not ‘Excessorising’ so less is more!

Have fun!

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Thanks to Coco Chanel, who pioneered this concept in the 1920’s, The ‘LBD’ is considered a must have in every woman’s wardrobe. I’ve often wondered why she went with black, why not the little blue dress? …Or the little red dress …Or the little white dress …Or the little pink dress, or … (I could go on and on but I’m sure you get the idea!)

Yes, I agree that black can be versatile and Yes, the LBD has its uses – you know, the odd funeral, or that black and white/red themed party (that we’ve all been to at least once in our lifetime) or when having a fat day…yep, we’ve all been there!  And it does conceal all multitudes of dress stains (not including the ever embarrassing deodorant mark!)

But let’s face it without the right accessories; the LBD can also be unbelievably DREARY!!

So many adjectives are used alongside this iconic piece in fashion: Class, Sophistication, Femininity etc.

But let me tell you, I actually know someone who wears little black dresses all the time and believe me sophisticated femininity is the last thing I think of when I look at that. What I actually think is – “BORING”!!

Don’t get me wrong, I’ve got nothing against black, really, I don’t! But C’mon Ladies, we need to embrace a bit of colour! (You may have already guessed that I am the self appointed ambassador of COLOUR!)

Seriously, there are lots of fabulous dresses out there just begging to be worn and they aren’t all black! And these vibrant dresses can be worn wherever you want – work, party, church, lunch, dinner etc. There really is no law against it, you know!

However, if you feel like black is the way to go then I’d say at least opt for a black dress with a classic silhouette that will see you through the years. One that can be toned down for work time or glammed up for party time with gorgeous accessories!

On the other hand, if black isn’t for you, check out these babies from Karen Millen!!

Shakespeare said that “…the apparel oft proclaims a man” If that is true then the LBD is no friend of mine!
Colour me up baby!

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So as promised….I am back!

Having discussed thick ankles and calves a few weeks ago, I promised to write about what shoes to wear and not to wear for the ladies out there without thick ankles and calves. Well, as I am one, I think this should be fairly easy. I have to say I have got fairly thin legs and ankles and with a shoe size 6/39- I find I can get away with most types of shoes.

Oh…the look of envy on my friends faces when we go shoe shopping- every shoe I try on fits like a glove! And of course as you can imagine- that has made being a shoeaholic very easy *wink wink*

So let’s get straight to the point. With skinny legs you can generally pull off any type of shoe, but which ones should you avoid?
Large chunky shoes or shoes with bulky heels make thin legs and small ankles look smaller and out of balance because the largeness of the shoes overpower the leg.

h shoes is the thick wedge heels. Whilst wedges add definition and shape to thick/heavy ankles, making them look thinner; a thick wedge heel like the ones below will make really skinny ankles appear thinner.

I am not to wear wedges!? I hear you ask me. Its one of the most comfortable ways to wear heels, you add. I agree with you – so if you have to wear them, try wedges without chunky thick heels like these ones – you can get away with them slightly. Sure I can hear you sigh in relief. Phew!

One to suc

It’s not news that stilettos have a way of making us look elegant, or should I say – attractive and classy. However, if you have thin legs and ankles, you should avoid extra thin stiletto heels! Avoid thin teetering heels as they look like they are going to snap under the weight of your body.

Okay, so I cannot wear heels? No, that’s not what I mean – you sure can wear heels but not those thin ones. I mean, shoes have more attitude than any other accessory and not only does it affect the way you look but how you feel and move! So heels that allow you move with grace and ease are a better way to go….check out these out which include the patent shoes which are sooo in right now….

Talking about comfortable heels, I have a confession! I fell in love with this pair I bought last weekend…and guess what? I loved them so much I bought them in two different colours….lol

So let’s talk about what to wear. As I said earlier on, you can get away with most styles – but some work even better.

Flats/ Ballet Pumps. They are the shoes I can’t live without. One word – Comfort! They sure are always a good choice.

Whilst talking about flats and comfortable shoes, ladies with thin legs can pull off long gladiator sandals….

Finally, if you have got thin ankles, then shoes with ankle straps are great! Because they create visual width, they are an ideal solution. Just make sure you go for thicker ankles straps as it enhances the thickness of your legs.

So now you know! Get shopping for the right pairs….
To my fellow ladies out there with thin legs and ankles, here is to you shopping and getting all the amazing styles of shoes out there for you.

On another note, as I write this blog this early Friday morning – there is an announcement on BBC1 news about a possible ban on women wearing stilettos to the work place especially with employers who insist female employees wear heels to work. Michelle Dewberry, an Apprentice winner from a few years ago argues she will not be found dead without heels in the work place as it affects her confidence. Hahaha….interesting debate.

Anyway, till we catch up again keep your head up whatever shoe you are wearing- flats or heels!!!

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Fellas – To colour or not to colour, that is the question?

I walked into a Men’s shoe store the other day and glanced at their collection of numerous black and brown and black and brown and black and brown and black and …zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz!

I thought to myself “is that it?! How Depressing!!!”

Is it any wonder then that most men tend to own only two pairs of shoes, one black and one …I’ll let you guess the other one.

I haven’t got anything against black or brown but come on, aren’t you bored to tears of it by now?!
If you are, then listen up Fellas: there is a world of other gorgeous colours out there for you to choose from. It all depends on how daring you are!

If you’re the more risk averse type, how about starting off with something understated like a nice pair of navy blues or even something like this purple pointy shoes from Topman?

Or if you’re feeling rather brave, how about these hot pink from Office, the orange loafers from Kurt Geiger or the orange brogues from Paul Smith . Having said that, it takes a certain kind of ‘Je ne sais quoi’ to pull these off! Still, nothing ventured, nothing gained! So live a little and start exploring what works best for you.

Still not convinced about adding a bit colour to your shoe collection? Well, here’s a scientific fact for you: Wearing colour releases some kind of chemical in your brain that makes you stay happy all day long. (… hmm, actually I think I might have made that one up!)

On a more serious note, Men’s fashion, along with every thing else in this fast paced world we live in, is evolving and trends that would have been unheard of a few years ago are slowly making their way into the shops and into men’s wardrobes … the summer scarves, Man bags etc.

So isn’t it time you embraced a bit of colour? After all, you wouldn’t want to get left behind now, would you?

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