What to wear to the office Christmas party

1. Make sure you read the information provided about where and when the office christmas party will take place. Note key things such as time of day, location and what events are planned.

2. Use the company-provided details to help you determine what type of clothes to wear. For example, if there is dancing or a lot of standing, select comfortable shoes. 

3. Will you be going to the office party straight from work? Will you have time to pop home and get changed? 

When the office party is during the workday - choose an outfit which can be worn at work, but is a little dressier.

If you are at work and going straight to the office party - change your jewellery to something a bit more dressier than office appropriate and pop on some sensational heels - you'll be ready to go.

After work hour parties - you can now get dressed to impressed. Bright dresses with frills and ruffles are a brilliant way to join in the Christmas spirit. If you are wanting something a little more understated and elegant - go for a maxi-dress - team this up with some comfortable flat shoes.

Accessorise your outfit - Add some gorgeous jewellery- bling bling

Don't dress too sexy. It may be suitable for a night out on the town but not appropriate to display in front of the senior partners.

Ensure you dress appropriately for your age - Don't dress to young

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Mink Photography

Mink photography is leading makeover and portrait studio based in Takapuna and owned by Sarah Breslin and Lester de Vere, which provides a unique and personal approach to your makeover photo shoot experience, that celebrates not only you but whats important in your world.

Together with Angela we would love to give you the opportunity to experience what it is to be minked with a one hour pampering makeover with our leading makeup artist, who using MAC and Smashbox products will create an individual look for you - sharing her insider beauty  secrets and tips.

Following this you are then guided through a professional studio shoot with our award winning photographer LESTER de VERE who works his magic and produces sensational images for you.

You also receive a free 10" x 7" portrait of your choice to keep as the perfect memento of your experience.   This is a gorgeous time for you, spent in our Takapuna based studio which is 10mins from downtown Auckland, you can combine the day by including family or loved ones in the shoot, and then have lunch or dinner out to celebrate your new look.

www.minkphotography.co.nz

Ball Season Guide

Dresses by Gilly Melhop

How to pick the perfect ball dress

With your school ball just around the corner, figuring out how to pick the perfect ball dress is a big decision to make. After all, you want to look fabulous for the big event of your school year. When attending such a special occasion, you'll want to find the perfect dress.

Traditionally, girls wear long ball dresses that are ankle length. These days that trend has started to fade and a short dress is now accepted as a stylish choice. This type of dress can look just as elegant and classy as a longer dress.

When looking for your dress, keep in mind not everyone can wear the same type of dress. Each girl is shaped differently, so it's important to find a ball dress that fits your own unique shape.

Dressing for your body shape:

A fuller figure should look for an empire line. This will give you a long lean silhouette.
The pear shape looks great in most dresses. Consider a strapless dresses that clinches at the waistline.
The triangle shape should look for a longer bodice and full skirts to camouflage the hip area.
An inverted triangle should look for halternecks with a skirt that accentuates her slip hipline.
Thin girls with no curves should consider a bubble hem or A-line dress. Look for detail on top, which will give the illusion of more.

Click here to find out your body shape

The right bra

Choosing the right bra is very important and can really make a difference in how your ball dress will fit. If you are small busted you may be able to get away with not wearing a bra if your dress is not sheer or light in colour.
If you are wearing a strapless or spaghetti strap dress, then opt for a strapless or bandeau bra. Double-sided adhesive tape can keep your bra and your dress in place.
When wearing a backless dress try a stick-on bra.
A halter style dress will require a halter bra. Look for a bra with adjustable straps that will extend around your neck, leaving your shoulders bare.

The perfect hair

Mods Hair Paris are truly unique and will create the perfect hair for your special occasion. My hair is looked after by Mods Hair Paris and I know that you will love them looking after you too. I have so much faith in them as a salon and a business. As we all know it's hard to find a hair salon you trust and you can count on every time you get your hair done. I hope you get to experience the Mods service - Its amazing. Click here to see more on Mods Hair Paris.

Preferred Hair Salon - Mods Hair Salon

Ball tips for guys

Formal dress for guys isn't nearly as complicated as it is for girls. So guys its your turn to make some effort. Before you even consider your tuxedo options check with your date about the colour and material of her dress and if she has any preferences on your tux style (you will be surprised at the fashion advice your lady friend has to give you!).  A waist coat always looks good doesn't it? Get your hair trimmed a week before the dance. Lightly splash on your favourite cologne. Accessories add polish so consider: cufflinks, your watch and your shoes - make sure they are clean and have no scuff marks.

Most importantly have a great night out and look after your date.

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Autumn & Winter Fashion

Autumn & Winter Fashion

For chic autumn and winter style Angela explains the key seasonal trends which will keep you fashionable and warm.

Rock Chick

Leather is the fabric for autumn and winter and the trend is extending far beyond jackets. We'll be seeing leather shorts, dresses, leggings and much more. If leather is a little rock 'n' roll for your personal taste choose other gorgeous fabrics - faux fur, suede, wool, tweed, velvet, satin and denim. 

Chunky Knits

Chunky and textured looks are the key to knitwear this winter -  cardigans, turtlenecks or sweaters. For a snug outfit, try a long cable-knit 'cardigan coat' teamed with bright tights and ankle boots. Knits are hot in charcoal grey, bold colours or classic black. Team with a belt to ensure there's no loss of shape and keep the emphasis on your curves.

Elegantly Waisted

Waist definition is something New Zealand women are becoming more aware of. Knee-length skirts with flattering, soft and feminine blouses are a great look when paired with a broad or narrow belt. A big belt makes a bold statement, while a narrow belt will create a delicately defined waistline. Even if you don't have a well-defined waist, a belt will create the illusion of an hour glass shape.

Boots

Over-the-knee boots are a must-have item and those daring enough will find the tops of their boots creeping up even higher.

Prints

Expect to see lots of dramatic, feminine prints and accessories. Wear them in small doses rather than all over to balance the look.

Dresses

Team beautiful dresses with hoisery, boots and a gorgeous belt is one of my favourite looks.

Coats

A coat is one of the most expensive items of clothing you will ever purchase and should be considered an investment piece. Purchase the best quality you can afford in fit, cloth and cut.

Analyse your lifestyle and how you travel. Do you drive a car or travel a lot? If so, then a 3/4 or 7/8 length coat will make it easy for you to get in and out of vehicles. If you work in an office you will need a businesslike coat. If you have a casual lifestyle or live in the country, a duffel may be more appropriate. Full length capes are only useful if you have an extensive and formal night life.

Consider what you will wear under the coat. Make sure that you have chosen a style with enough room for your clothes and that still allows you to move freely.

Consider your age and health, not only for the suitability of the style, but also the fabric. A mature woman in heavy wool fabrics will be quickly exhausted by the weight of the fabric. Topcoats are generally lighter than overcoats and are designed to be worn in the warmer months. Some coats have detachable linings that make them perfect all year round.

Decide on your best neutral colour. Black and navy are very versatile colours and will go from day to evening, while beige, cream and taupe are best worn in the daytime. Add a scarf around the neck of your coat for extra pizazz.

Know you figure requirements. Some styles and fabrics add bulk to your silhouette and may make you appear shorter or heavier. A straight coat is more slimming than a barrel coat or a wrap in a thick fabric.

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Fashion for the Races

Get ready for the races!!

Fashion is a integral part of New Zealand Cup and Show Week at Addington and Riccarton Races, with each race day recognised with its own distinct competitions. Men and women are motivated by the opportunity to see and be seen and the fashion industry comes to showcase their amazing creations.

At Addington Raceway the racecourse becomes a veritable catwalk as women don their hats, shoes, dresses and handbags for their moment in the spotlight, with the very best competing in the Lindauer Best Dressed Lady and Sergio's Best Dressed Man competitions.

Riccarton Park has gained a reputation for high fashion with a penchant for drama, with many race-goers and fashionistas whom embrace the opportunity to make a strong statement in the Air New Zealand/Millennium Hotels Fashion in the Fields competition. Ladies Day at Riccarton is where women join together to enjoy a smorgasbord of champagne, fashion and fun.

Its all about beautiful horses and beautiful people at New Zealand Cup and Show Week!!

What is the dress code at the races?

Most people on course will be in race day attire (i.e. suits and dresses) and we do encourage a HIGH STANDARD of dress on Race Day

In the public stand & public lawn areas tidy casual dress is expected.

Fashion and racing are inextricably entwined and there is no more fashionable event than the New Zealand Cup and Show week. Racing attracts the rich and famous, all dressed to the "nines" for a day of elegance, opulence, style and glamour. When dressing for the track think couture not cocktail - this is the day to dress in your finery!

When considering your outfit think fun and frivolous but remember the golden rule - race wear must always be lady like!

Where do I shop?

Follow your heart to Ballantynes (New Zealand Cup and Show Week's Official Fashion Partner) and play out your fashion fantasies. Synonymous with designer fashion, Ballantynes boasts many designer brands including New Zealand's top designers.

Menswear

Sergio's Menswear is the major sponsor for the Best Dressed Man competition at Addington Raceway. Sergio's Menswear boasts the city's most exquisite collection of high fashion menswear, shoes and accessories.  Their cosmopolitan and designer labels will amaze you.

Dress to win

There are four fabulous fashion competitions during New Zealand Cup and Show Week:

Lindauer Best Dressed Lady at Addington Raceway

Sergio's Best Dressed Man at Addington Raceway

Fashion in the Field at Riccarton - Best Dressed Lady

Fashion in the Field at Riccarton -Best Dressed Man

Divine shoes for the races

Sinking into the grass in your stilettos at the races is not a glamorous way to spend the day. Exiting the course and carrying your shoes is another fashion faux pas to be avoided. Be sensible about what shoes you wear at the races. Those in the know often take a second pair of heels and change halfway through the day. I highly recommend it.

One way to protect your shoes on grass areas are heel stoppers.

Hair styles for the races 

If you're planning to wear your hair out and you have the length to pull it off, go for big, bold, loose curls. It will look carefree and sexy.

With the comeback of the pill box hat, we're seeing a return to classic '50s style chignons and French rolls. Position the hat towards the front of the head and place it on a slight angle. A little bit of netting over the eyes adds to the allure.

The final trend is to slick the fringe down sideways across the forehead and tie back into a ponytail. This works particularly well if you're wearing a dramatic hat.

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